In October and November 2019 I spent 6 weeks travelling through China.
Shanghai
Arriving in Shanghai, I spent a few days exploring the typical tourist areas as well as the lesser visited residential and back streets whilst I acclimatised myself to the time zone and culture. I took a train and bus to visit the famous gardens at Sozhou and the water town of Zhouzhuang (aka the Venice of China). I found many weddings in progress here in Shanghai.
Zhangjiajie
The next part of my travels took me on a 30 hour train journey to Zhangjiajie. This train journey was to be one of the big memories of the trip. I was the only westerner on the whole train, sharing my sleeper cabin with 3 old Chinese ladies who found it hilarious that I was in their cabin – once they were certain this stranger was on the right train!
Zhangjiajie is also known as the Avatar Mountain. This is a massive national park with colossal sandstone columns extending many hundreds of meters from the forested valley floor. Also visited the famous “Field in the sky”, Yellow Dragon Caves and Lake Baofeng.
Fenghuang
Next I took the public bus (approx 8 hours) to Fenghuang (aka Pheonix Ancient Town). This is a picturesque old town built on a wide but shallow river. Old stilted houses by the river and old parts of the original town wall still exist. By day the town seems quiet and sleepy, but at night party party party with KTV bars, clubs and numerous restaurants open, plus the old buildings by the river are well lit making for great night shots.
Also visited the Tea Plantations at Guizhou Songtao, and an ethnic minority village of the Miao King.
Yangshou
Next I took another public bus (approx 6 hours) to Guilin and then on to Yangshou. Whilst here I visited Xianggong Hill, Five Finger Mountain, Fuli Bridge, The Southern Great Wall, Xingping plus an evening at the theatre show “Impressions” which is set on water. Also visited the rice terraces at LongJi.
Xian
Next my trip took me to Xian. Famous for the Terracotta Soldiers. Whilst I had seen many photos, they were certainly incredible to see in person. Later I visited the impressive Xian city wall and the Muslim Quarter and Mosque.