Wow what an amazing place! The history and wonders of China have always held a fascination for me. A country rich in culture, amazing history, big smiles and warm people. I am so grateful for the experience. We read and hear about such places as the Great Wall, Tian'anmen Square and the Terracotta Warriors for example, though I have to say the pictures do it no justice and definitely a place that has to be seen to be believed. It is a must for all to put on their top 5 places to visit in this world, to awe and see the magic of China.
My journey began in Beijing, starting with walking through Tian'anmen Square, I knew it was huge though seeing it was unbelievable, it covers 100acres and is the largest public square in the world. Then onto the Forbidden City and its Imperial Palace. It is certainly like entering a time warp, with every step you were trying to imagine the lifestyle that was led here. It's vastness has be seen to be believed with some great viewing of original rooms once home to some of China's great emperor's. The second day took us to the Great Wall of China. It is surely a marvel and it once stretched 6,437kms. Very Steep in sections and trying on legs but definitely a must to do. The sights of the wall the higher you go is an exhilarating experience. In the days following we took a stroll through the Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs - lovely gardens and impressive hand-carved stone statues. A ride on the Richshaw through Beijing's Hutongs, which is the city's ancient alleys. We had tea in a local family's courtyard and viewed their rooms to see they lived. Was so much fun and also a highlight
A short flight to Xi'an. Xi'an today is an archaeological treasure and home to the First Emperor's Tomb and famous Terracotta Warriors. Only discovered in 1974 and buried over 2000 years ago. China would not be complete without a visit here. It is breathtaking when you enter the first pit and are standing in front of the warriors. Each individual and unique and made to replicate the Emperor's army. With over 4 pits now been turned into museums for viewing. The actual tomb itself yet to be opened due to fear of poisoning from the many mercury pills stored in the tomb once taken by the Emperor. The whole experience is remarkable and something you will never forget. We then travelled onto the Dayan Pagoda which was built in 652AD.
The Tang Dynasty Show with dinner was a colourful classical performance to highlight life in China during the ruling of the Tang Dynasty. It was definitely stunning and worthwhile to attend. I visited the night markets in Xi'an and enjoyed local dumplings at a local restaurant. The markets and wonderful array of smells and sights and a great way to meet the locals. A ride back to the hotel in a tuk tuk was definitely an experience with the crazy traffic.
Another short flight to Chongqing which was China's capitol during World War II, a brief city tour then out to visit the Local Panda Zoo. Which afterwards we boarded the MV Victoria Anna for a 3 night Yangtze River Cruise. The Three Gorges were so picturesque. The relocation project of the people living there it is amazing to try and understand how the river is now 175m higher. We boarded smaller boats to get into the gorges and hear from local guides the history and can see the caves and hidden coffins. At the end of the cruise we headed through the Locks to reach the Damn, this takes 3 1/2 hours and a remarkable experience
We flew into Shanghai after the cruise and this is a city of where east meets west. A stroll on the Bund on the river which you can cross from underneath. Yu Yuan Gardens and Markets. Then the main shopping area along Nanjing Road. East Nanjing having all the top end shopping and West Nanjing offering alot of markets and loads of bargains. The Shanghai Museum has amazing artifacts to be seen as well. it was certainly my favourite city in China.
So for you amazing China Experience contact me today - I guarantee China is a place where you can find everything from history, culture, shopping and offers so much that I am going back..