Tucked into the mountains just beyond bustling Lijiang city is Shuhe Ancient Town – notable as the start of the mountain horse paths carrying tea out from Yunnan to the world. For a moment, I thought I was in Banff in my Canadian home of Alberta, until the traffic on the road reminded me I was in very remote China. Like Xizhou and it’s bigger … Continue reading Shuhe on the Tea Horse Road
I suppose most villages in China – if they have survived wars, earthquakes and the relentless passage of time – could be considered Ancient Towns. Some have achieved status as World Heritage sites – Lijiang and Pingyao – or as AAAAA Tourist Attractions – Zhouzhuang and Dali. But some are just there… like Xizhou Village, on the edge of famous Dali Ancient Town and on … Continue reading Xizhou Village on the Edge
Wuzhen is a water town located on the Grand Canal near Hangzhou. It has a really great PR campaign and I had been saving its Facebook posts for over a year – compelling images and dreamy ideals. When I finally had a chance to visit, I was so disappointed. It did not live up to my expectations, but maybe the hype had been just too … Continue reading Wuzhen Water Town Before
Ancient Qiboa Zhen – Seven Treasures Town seems hidden inside ultra-modern Shanghai. I’ve seen a lot of the city of Shanghai, but not this little gem. Like other ancient towns, it is a square centered over a canal, with iconic bridges and weeping willows, striking doors and specialty shops. A long and busy shopping street runs down the middle. Near the end, I find a … Continue reading Charming Qibao Hidden in Shanghai
Central to the mega-city of Xi’an is a mammoth and ancient city wall. There is so much to explore, one way to set a program in the city is the delineate between what is inside and outside the great wall of Xi’an. Outside the wall – on the outskirts of the city – is the stunning Terracotta Warrior exhibit that is almost synonymous with Xi’an … Continue reading Xi’an Inside and Outside the Wall
I was there when she was crowned – #1 Omani Camel Beauty for 2018. Actually, I don’t know exactly what she was called BUT I know her owners and trainers and all their families were VERY proud. Off in the deserts of Oman – in many places actually – camel festivals are held to promote cultural tradition and camel husbandry. They are very prestigious affairs … Continue reading Camel Beauty Queen Crowned in Oman
They are actually mis-named, according to my Xi’an guide who was fastidious about English. “It was a poor translation! It should be Wild Swan Pagodas” he said, and I agree. Goose is not nearly as elegant a word as swan, and this temple complex in Xi’an is certainly elegant, and more! Both the Big and the Small Wild Goose Pavilions are in the center of … Continue reading The Wonders of the Wild Goose Pagodas
I admit it: I am addicted to train travel in China. Come with me on this short journey. Hangzhou to Hefei Continue reading High Speed – Hangzhou to Hefei
Shopping, snacking and feasting… Xi’an is a Foodie Dream! Continue reading Xi’an is for Foodies
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