Seventh in the series where we profile what we think are the top ten destinations for the first time visitor to see in China. Destinations are listed in no particular order, however, what do YOU think the top ten should be???
Sixth in the series where we profile what we think are the top ten destinations for the first time visitor to see in China. Destinations are listed in no particular order, however, what do YOU think the top ten should be???
Hong Kong is the last stop in this China trip. A favourite city of mine – at least in relatively small doses – Hong Kong is still different from the rest of China and so a worthy stop on any itinerary. I have many photos of Hong Kong but it is not easy to choose a photo other than the famous skyline at night and so there it is below!
Guangzhou – also known as Canton – is the final Mainland China stop on this trip. Capital of Guangdong province – otherwise known as the “workshop of the world” this city is developing at an astonishing pace from the wealth of all those “Made in China” exports in shops all over the world. Although not yet a Hong Kong, Guangzhou does have some similarities such as the Cantonese Language, colonial architecture and the sheer pace of life in the city. The west side of the city is where the sights of interest to the traveler are. You can still find old streets, markets, tranquil parks and temples here. The eastern side is the new (literally) business district, also impressive if not quite complete. The Pearl River links the two and one of the better things to do in Guangzhou is to take a river cruise at night. This brings the China trip to a close. From here I continued to Hong Kong by boat in order to fly back to the UK.
One of China’s great places to relax after the rigours of travel is Yangshuo, an hours journey by bus from Guilin or a more pleasant 3 to 4 hours by boat along the Li River. most people head to Yangshuo on the river boats which have become big business but still deliver as the best way to view the stunning scenery of this area at a relaxed pace and in comfort. Yangshuo itself is a relatively small town along the Li river that has become traveller’s central with all the creature comforts from decent coffee to full English breakfasts (!) The surrounding countryside can be explored by foot, boat or – best of all – bicycle.
An easy day trip from Guilin are the Longji Rice terraces and the villages of the Yao and Zhuang ethnic minorities at Ping An. Although these have become popular stops for the local Chinese tourist market you can still find unspoiled vistas and glimpses of a fast disappearing lifestyle. The rice terraces are not looking their best in September but are still impressive as is the extraordinary long hair of the Yao people.
From Shanghai I flew to Guilin in Southern China’s Guangxi province. This city is best known for its stunning karst scenery, both directly surrounding the city as well as stretching well into the countryside. As with most Chinese cities, Guilin has expanded significantly in recent years and the best scenery is to be found quite a way outside. In fact the outskirts of Guilin currently resemble something akin to a war zone as new expressways are built right alongside the limestone karst scenery. So my stop in the city was brief. Below is a photo of the old city gate by Ronghu Lake, one of the city’s more pleasant areas.
Hong Cun village is now UNESCO recognized as a superb example of Hui style living. This particular village close to Mount Huangshan was the home of the Wang clan who made their money from the tea trade, one of the sources of this area of China’s past wealth. Although the village has been restored and an entrance fee has been applied there are still many local families resident here. Tourism is now the big business with families turning over part of their often substantial residences to both a souvenir shop and to act as a museum. Although this detracts a bit from the overall experience a couple of hours here as well as the journey to Hong Cun through bamboo laden hills makes it a worthwhile addition to a Mount Huangshan trip.
Mount Huangshan in Central China’s Anhui province is considered one of China’s top attractions – at least when the weather is good. I visited here with my good friend Andy and luckily for us the weather could not have been much better. On our first day and late in that day we had a taste of how quickly the weather can change with an impenetrable mist appearing within minutes. Our second and only full day was glorious though with stunning blue skies and views to match.
People flock to Huangshan to view the sunrise which is well worth getting up for – something I hope these photos show. The first days sunrise (above) was dramatic due to high winds and many trees being coated in ice from the previous afternoon’s mist. The second morning it was much warmer and the air was still, the valleys layered with mist as in the photo below.
Getting around the park on foot is easy with frequent maps to orientate yourself. The most spectacular area was around the North West Canyon. Along some of these trails a good head for heights is advised. From our experience, late autumn / early winter seems to be a very good time to visit this mountain although spring and the Azalea blooms would also be breathtaking.
Hangzhou has long been famous as a centre for the arts, its wealth built on the silk industry. The chief draw is the West Lake, Xi Hu, which most Chinese regard as the world’s most beautiful lake. The lake is surrounded by gardens and paths, temples and tombs making a day or two here well worth the two hour trip by express train from Shanghai.
