First impressions

Although only a 13 hour flight, a lack of sleep and a long day meant we arrived in Beijing feeling less than refreshed. Despite our exhaustion, we managed to squeeze in a few hours of exploration,Read more
Although only a 13 hour flight, a lack of sleep and a long day meant we arrived in Beijing feeling less than refreshed. Despite our exhaustion, we managed to squeeze in a few hours of exploration,Read more
With only 4 full days in Beijing and trying to recover lost sleep, we decided to limit our sightseeing to the "essentials". Beijing's Forbidden City or Palace Museum as it is known, forms the veryRead more
Next on the to-do list was Tian Tan or the Temple of Heaven. This highly symbolic complex of buildings served as the place where the Emperor, as the Son of Heaven, could intercede with the gods. OnRead more
No visit to Beijing would be complete without a visit to Tian'an Men Square. For me, the abiding association will be with the student protests and the subsequent massacre of 1989. Somewhat ironicallyRead more
We arrived in Xi'an by bullet train - reaching speeds of just over 300km/hr meant the trip took a mere 5 hours. A bustling metropolis of 10 million, high rise apartments dominate the skyline outsideRead more
Aside from it being the official "start" of the Silk Road, Xi'an is perhaps best known as the access point for the fabulous Terracotta Army. Discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well, an army ofRead more
Danxia National Geopark is a relatively recent addition to the tourist trail in this part of China. Apparently known to the locals for years, the area was promoted through a Chinese action film in theRead more
Jiayuguan City is the access point for the great fort of Jiayuguan. Our hotel was located opposite a lovely park, featuring wonderful sculptures and beautiful gardens. The Chinese certainly know howRead more
Traveler
nice one Richard