Tilbakestill søk
Magnificent China and Highlights of Thailand
  • Brad and Mandy Pearce
Gjeldende
  • Brad and Mandy Pearce

Magnificent China and Highlights of Thailand

Picked up a Wendy Wu tour to China and why do one when you can do two, so added another tour to Thailand. Had a few days to fill in, so explored Hong Kong. Les mer
FølgOversiktOversiktKalenderKalenderBilderBilderDelDelBøtteliste
OversiktKalenderBilder
  • 🇨🇳
    For øyeblikket i
    China
    Brad and Mandy PearceMagnificent China and Highlights of ThailandBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Cruising along the River Li
    Cruising along the River LiWith imagination there are seven (or 9) horses in this rock...apparently!Fishing cormorants - dive down, catch fish but cannot swallow them due to ring around neckWater buffaloSanjie Liu Night ShowTai Chi lessonBrad and the master strike a poseLookout Brad climbed toLookout over Yangshuo..and the viewScenes around YangshuoGuide told us it was largest silk embroidered ball - it's not - it's painted woodPink panther - seems a bit out of placeRural farming

    Yangshuo and Li River

    19.–21. okt., Kina ⛅ 33 °C

    The two day side trip from Guilin was to Yangshuo and we arrived there via the Li River with its spectacular limestone karsts. There were typical rural scenes such as water buffalo and fishing cormorants (now a prohibited practice but maybe not so in these rural locations)

    That evening we were treated to an amazing performance of the Sanjie Liu Night Show with the Li River as a stage and the mountains as a backdrop. The open air show is directed by Zhang Yimou, who created the opening ceremony for the Beijing Olympics. With over 600 performers, it was certainly magical. The photos and videos really don't do it justice.

    The next morning started with a Tai Chi lesson from a local master for those who wanted to participate - got a bit of Brad in action. Brad climbed to a lookout near the hotel to get some pictures over Yangshuo. Then we wandered around a rural village before the best activity of the day - foot reflexology (and full body massage if you wanted to pay a bit extra - many of us did!). Lovely!    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
  • Brad and Mandy PearceMagnificent China and Highlights of ThailandBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Sun and Moon Pagodas
    Sun and Moon PagodasGold Pagodas (also known as the Sun Pagoda)View from top of Sun PagodaChinese girls love dressing up for photo shootsGold and Silver Pagodas at nightBusy market Street in GuilinThe waterfall hotel - supposedly an attraction but nothing too spectacularVisit to a tea plantationTea tasting ceremonyCable car to top of Mount Yao overlooking GuilinBeautiful spot for special posed photos (untouched)Scenery from Mt Yao (enhanced)Room with a viewView of Pagodas from our room

    Guilin

    18.–21. okt., Kina ⛅ 33 °C

    Bullet train again from Chongqing to Guilin, a beautiful city surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts. Very hot and humid, quite surprising as we are halfway through autumn. After checking into the waterfall hotel ( which incidentally had the biggest bed I've ever seen - had to be almost 3m wide), we visited the Sun and Moon Pagodas which are also known as the Gold and Silver Pagodas. We strolled through the busy market Street selling the usual assortment of street food and souvenirs. The speciality here is foods such as icecream, yoghurt and tea flavoured with the local osmanthus flower which is also used in perfumes and soaps. The Waterfall hotel has a performance every night for 10 minutes where thousands of litres of water cascade over one wall of the hotel. There appears to be jets for fountains but they didn't come on, and we were under the impression there were supposed to be a light show but that was also a no show. So basically, all we saw was a building in a heavy rain storm with some music - not that impressive.

    We only had one night here, then had a side trip for 2 nights before returning to Guilin (I'll cover the side journey in a separate footprint). Upon returning, we visited a tea plantation and learnt about the picking and processing of the tea leaf, followed by a tea tasting ceremony. Then it was a trip to Yao Mountain by cable car - about 900m above Guilin - for some fantastic views. Back to the same hotel and this time the view from our room was over the lake and Pagodas - very nice.    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
  • Brad and Mandy PearceMagnificent China and Highlights of ThailandBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Entering Shennong Stream
    Entering Shennong Stream1Hanging coffins- perched high in the cliffPlenty of monkeys aroundHuichuan GateNanyou TeahouseCultural dance in the TeahouseCourtyards and gardens in the Xiaoguanshan Folk Culture Park11Not sure what the story was but the puppets were effective

    Last 2 days of Yangtze River Cruise

    16.–17. okt., Kina ⛅ 23 °C

    The river cruise has been at a more relaxed pace. Each day had one included tour and one optional extra (if you desired). We did not do either of the last 2 days options because the weather wasn't the greatest for visibility, but the other included ones were fine.

    We boarded smaller boats and cruised down the Shennong Stream to view the towering cliffs and some curiosities like the hanging coffins. As there is no written record about them, nobody knows how they got there, who was buried, or why they were not interred in the ground. The coffins are estimated to be 2000 years old and the timber used doesn't rot, so they are still in remarkably good condition. There were also monkeys around too.

    The last full day was a visit to the Xiaoguanshan Folk Culture Park featuring historic homes from the Qin, Zhou, Wang and Lu families as well as the ancient Tianfo Temple and Huichuan Gate that were originally located in a now submerged area of the Thre Gorges Dam. The structure were carefully dismantled and reconstructed to preserve this part of history. It was also here that I managed to fall down a couple of steps and banged up my shin. Fortunately, nothing broken but I'm now sporting some rather colourful purple bruises.

    Practically everywhere we go, they put on short little cultural dances or puppet shows so I have included small video clips of these as well.    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
  • Brad and Mandy PearceMagnificent China and Highlights of ThailandBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Tribe of the three gorges
    Tribe of the three gorgesVery peacefulSampan with fishing netsXiling gorgeHuanglong waterfallRhesus monkeysCrying wedding performanceThe Victoria IsabellaOur cabin - balcony viewAnd to the entranceQuite a few of these large bridges aroundLining up for the Loch at three Gorges damDownstream (right) heading towards ShanghaiEmerging from lochShip lift in frontThree Gorges DamThis is what we actually saw (same photo before editing)

    Yangtze River Cruise - Three gorges dam

    15. oktober, Kina ☁️ 23 °C

    After a bullet train ride from Chengdu, we arrive for our 4 night cruise on the Yangtze River aboard the Victoria Isabella. This is a chance for us to slow down a bit and only do a morning or afternoon tour each day. We only chose one optional tour on the first day (day 2), which was to the tribes of the three Gorges. This was an attractive stroll up the Xiling Gorge with the opportunity to capture idyllic photographs of the scenery, rhesus monkeys, and tribes people fishing etc. (This however was just a setup for the tourists). There was also a rather humorous show called the crying wedding performance. We have discovered that putting our photos through chatGPT can remove the crowds and improve the picture. This was especially important for our afternoon tour of the Three Gorges Dam as I used it to remove the ever present haze.

    Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. Commenced in 1994 and completed in 2009, it is 2335m long and 185m high. The dam raised the river level to 175m above sea level, making a 600km long reservoir and its purpose is for flood control, electricity, navigation and irrigation. To navigate through the lochs in 5 steps, the process takes about 4 hours, with each Loch holding up to 4 large ships. For smaller boats, there is a boat lift which only takes 40 minutes. They are in the process of constructing another loch system to speed up the flow of river traffic. All the photos have been enhanced to remove the haze, except the last one which gives you an idea of what we saw.    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
  • Brad and Mandy PearceMagnificent China and Highlights of ThailandBrad and Mandy Pearce
    The giant panda
    The giant pandaHappily enjoying his brunchJust hanging aroundLooks comfy?Red pandaLovely colour1Mango icecream served in enamel mug for a souvenir1Ear massageChengdu at nightThere were several groups along the river exercising

    Pandas and more

    13. oktober, Kina ☀️ 26 °C

    Chengdu is home to 21 million people and around 200 pandas in the Research and Panda breeding centre. Well there would be, but many of them are off on Panda diplomacy - sent to zoos in different countries as a friendly gesture and to open trade relations.

    This is a very popular tourist destination, and while we arrived early enough to beat the rush, it was still fairly crowded and I couldn't wait to get out of there - lucky Brad is tall enough to see over the heads and take photos. The ones hanging around in the trees are the younger ones (teenagers?). The red pandas are very cute.

    We visited a local tea house for some jasmine tea, and for those who wanted it, could get a neck massage and/or ear massage. I had both - the ear one was a weird sensation.
    We walked through matchmaker corner where usually the parents of their single 25 year old son of daughter, "advertise" their availability. The parents set up a date with people they think are suitable for their child. (No photos permitted as the sheets contain personal information - not that I could read it)

    Finished our time in Chengdu with a stroll along the river to look at the lights. Still plenty of activity with groups dancing, exercising etc. We have found all the cities we have been to are very clean, no graffiti, and we have felt very safe and the people are very friendly.    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
  • Brad and Mandy PearceMagnificent China and Highlights of ThailandBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Changing faces show
    Sichuan dinner - delicious!Changing faces showChanging faces showLong sleeve danceThe long sleeved danceShe also balanced a large pot with her feetShadow puppetShadow puppet display - this one is only shortChanging facesCannot work out how this is done

    Chengdu - Sichuan dinner & changing faces theatre

    12. oktober, Kina ☀️ 25 °C

    Another bullet train journey from Xi'an to Chengdu - home of the Giant Pandas 🐼. No time to visit them today, that is on tomorrow's agenda.

    Chengdu is also in the Sichuan province and known for its spicy food. Enjoyed the authentic Kung Pao Chicken.

    After dinner we had the option of going to the Changing faces show. A mixture of acrobatics, dance, humour, shadow puppet and the changing faces which I have no idea how it was done. Great show - something very different.    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
  • Brad and Mandy PearceMagnificent China and Highlights of ThailandBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Calligraphy lessonIn the Muslim quarterDrying leaves for teaDumplings dinnerThe band was playing "Click go the Shears"Tang Dynasty Dancing show

    Xi'an - The Muslim quarter and Xi'an opera

    11. oktober, Kina 🌧 19 °C

    After an early morning calligraphy lesson where we learnt to write the character for Xi'an, we headed off to the Muslim quarter to explore the Islamic neighbourhood of Xi'an. Unfortunately it was a little wet making the paving very slippery. Anyway, we had a very nice lunch which was a bit different from the usual Chinese fare we have been having.

    After lunch, a beer tasting (not me, as I don't like beer - had a latte instead). Probably because there is no alcohol in the Muslim quarter. Beer is cheap here, about ¥15 (~$3.20).

    For our evening meal we attended the Tang Dynasty Dinner and Dancing Show. The dinner was mainly dumplings in many different colours and flavours - perhaps too many - however, the show was absolutely spectacular. The costumes and lighting effects were a visual feast and with the aid of screens that have a brief interpretation of each act, we had a general idea of the story. I have included a few short videos of the performance    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
  • Brad and Mandy PearceMagnificent China and Highlights of ThailandBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Kneeling archer - this is the only one that survived undamaged
    Built during Ming dynasty (14th century) although foundations were from Tang dynasty (6th century)Replica of Jingyun Bell on Xi'an city wallPart the city wall, 12m high, 12- 14m wide, and almost 14 km aroundHundreds of bikes for hire to ride around the wallAt the terracotta museum1Not a painting - made from single thread stitchworkThis one was exquisiteThe main pit of the terracotta warriorsEach one is differentStill being restored - a long way to goLike a jigsaw puzzles - each one is painstakingly put back togetherPartially restored1These have been restored and will be placed in situ in the pitPit 2 - much smaller. Originally there would have been a chariot, but of course it has rotted awayThis will be left as is, to show the damage that occurredHorse and charioteer (or horse soldier? )Standing archerKneeling archer - this is the only one that survived undamagedGeneral1Dress up time!Bell tower at nightSouth gate of city wall2We wandered the streets in our fancy dress1There was dancing in the streets - some of the group joined inJust some of the atmosphereAlways something happening1I think this is a fairly famous musician (on TikTok)Don't they look wonderful1We had to get a photo with the lady1And also with the man

    Xi'an - The Terracotta Warriors

    10. oktober, Kina ☁️ 26 °C

    A very busy day in Xi'an, with a highlight being a visit to the terracotta warriors. First though, it was an exploration of the city wall - built in the 14th century, although there were origins in the 6th century. There has been restoration works done in the 20th century. It is a great place to walk around or ride bikes as it is flat and is almost 14km around. In the past, it was the Xi'an marathon course - 3 laps - but it became too popular with too many people wanting to participate.

    Next, off to the terracotta museum and workshops where we learned about the making of replica warriors (all for purchase of course), as well as lacquer ware and silk stitch embroidery. These were beautiful.

    Then, to the main event. The terracotta warriors were found quite by chance when some farmers were digging a well in 1974 and found these terracotta pieces with faces etc. Further excavation revealed rows and rows of soldiers buried in compartments. Originally, there was a roof over each section, but after 2000 years, the roof collapsed and all the soldiers were crushed under the weight of the soil. Only one survived - a kneeling archer- probably because he was much smaller than the others. There are estimated to be 8000 figures, though only a portion has been excavated. The largest pit (#1) contains the main battle army with over 3000 figures. There is a great deal more information about this place which I won't go into, but we have been very fortunate as our tour guides had selected the best time of day to go there (around lunch time) and it wasn't very crowded.

    The day wasn't over yet. After dinner, we dressed up in traditional Chinese towns and then wandered the night life and lights of Xi'an . It's a good thing no-one knows us - certainly not some we would do at home and I think we were a bit of the attraction. (They may have been laughing at us). Never mind, we had fun and lots of laughs.    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
  • Brad and Mandy PearceMagnificent China and Highlights of ThailandBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Lakeside trail in Hutong area
    Lakeside trail in Hutong areaHutong areaDozens of rickshawsA pleasant stroll around the lakeThe guys in the boat collected weed from the lake and deposited in one sectionA cat cafe? A bit hard to see, but it was a bit differentStinky tofu - sounds appetising!?!Rabbit warren streetsPark spaces always have people doing things, from flying kites......ribbon twirling. They also do play shuttlekick where they use their feet to kick a large shuttleFrom the train - high rise everywhere

    Last day Beijing and bullet train to Xi'an

    9. oktober, Kina ☀️ 25 °C

    We spent the last morning in Beijing exploring the Hutong area. These are small, privately owned residences established by the Mongol rules in the 13th century. It is a bit of a rabbit warren, but a stroll around the lake was very pleasant. We had lunch with a local family which was a bit of a change.

    After lunch it was the bullet train to Xi'an - around 1000km in 4 1/2 hours. Super smooth and comfortable. Along the way, we were intrigued by hundreds, if not thousands of high rise apartment blocks - many unfinished and I don't think they were even occupied. I think they were built to house the rural population, but they were not keen on the idea, preferring to live in their rustic rural homes. Google tells me it was part of a planned urbanisation project, so instead of urban sprawl like most cities, it is contained in pockets. Maybe, eventually, they will all become inhabited.    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
  • Brad and Mandy PearceMagnificent China and Highlights of ThailandBrad and Mandy Pearce
    The Great Wall
    The Great WallProof that I walked on the wallGate 8, where I stoppedLooking down from near gate 12Gate 11 aheadYou can see sections of the Wall over the other sidePretty steepSection on the opposite sideShip made from jade - cost 85000¥ (approx 18000AUD)Lama temple in the Summer PalaceTower of Buddhist Incense - Summer PalaceMandarin duckSummer PalaceThe long corridor featuring over 14000 decorative scenesJust one of the scenes - usually depicted Chinese history, folklore, mythology and landscapesCloser view of tower of Buddhist IncenseMarble boat - built to represent stability (the boat will never sink, no matter how rough the water)

    The Great Wall and the Summer Palace

    8. oktober, Kina ☀️ 23 °C

    Another busy day with an early start to drive out of the city to visit a section of the Great Wall of China. This was done to beat the traffic and the crowds and also at a cooler part of the day.

    A beautiful day and the area of the Wall we were walking on was Gates 7 - 12. You could choose to do as little or as much as you wanted. I only walked to gate 8 - relatively flat and not many steps. After that, the steps became steep and uneven and in some spots, up to half a metre high. Brad said he would only go to gate 9, but of course, he had to be a hero and clambered up to gate 12. Anyway, the pictures will give you a bit of an idea.

    After lunch, it was off to a jade factory - plenty of jade jewellery available to purchase. They tried to sell me a jade bangle that was originally $850 for $450 - nice, but not that nice.

    Final stop for the day was the Summer Palace which featured a long walkway where all the beams had individual decorative paintings, something like 14000 paintings. The walkway ended at a marble boat... looking a bit faded now but would have been ornate in its hay-day.    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
  • Brad and Mandy PearceMagnificent China and Highlights of ThailandBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Temple of Heaven
    Temple of HeavenLong corridor at the Temple of HeavenMany girls (and some boys) dress up in traditional costume - for Tik Tok likes??Exercise is very important - they tend to pose for the tourists (and if you can do this, why not!)1Tiananmen Square - can hold 1 million peopleGreat Hall of the People ( Parliament - can hold 5000 people)Monument to the People's Heroes - to honour the Martyrs who died during the 19th and 20th CenturyFloral decoration only during their national weekNational museum of ChinaEntrance to the Imperial City and approach to the Forbidden CityHall of Supreme Harmony Courtyard in the Forbidden CityVarious Halls writing the Forbidden City complexHall of preserving harmony - built 1420 - Ming dynasty - used for hosting banquetsEntrance from the outer door to the inner court (or the residential quarters for the emperor)Imperial Gardens of the Forbidden CityWatching pavilion overlooking the Forbidden City1Caisson ceiling featuring dragons inside palace museum gardensPeking Opera featured acrobats...1... singers ....... choreographed martial arts (loved this one)Sword dance in Farewell my ConcubineFantastic costumes - this guy had a powerful operatic voiceThis elaborate costume weighed 18kg and he performed acrobatic moves such as 5 splits in a row2Our spacious hotel room... and the view

    Beijing - a busy day 1

    7. oktober, Kina ☀️ 26 °C

    After leaving Brisbane at midnight, we arrived in Beijing around noon and settled into our accommodation before meeting up with our tour group for dinner. The group of 26 is about half Australian, half from the UK, and a few from NZ.

    Our first full day of touring was a huge day. We visited the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City and the Imperial Gardens. We have been very fortunate with the weather - sunny and quite warm. We are also visiting at the end of their National week and most of the crowds had gone home. The weekend just past, there were reportedly around 300,000 visitors.

    After dinner, we joined an optional tour to the Beijing (Peking) Opera. The costumes and make-up were amazing as was the choreography. The singing however, is often not pleasant to our western ears - somewhat like strangling a cat - however, it was a great experience.

    Very exhausting day and we were in bed by 9pm. Hotel room is very spacious and the view wasn't too bad either.    Les mer

    Se oversettelse
    Reisens start
    6. oktober 2026