China unplugged
China was a #bucketlist destination for me. I had no real preconceived ideas or expectations, except that I wanted to WALK on the Great Wall of China, SEE the Chinese Acrobats perform and VISIT the Terracotta Army.
My biggest challenge (on every level) was sending away my passport for a visa. I don’t like having my passport away from me for more than 10 hours or 10 metres away from my person ... needless to say it was a harrowing 5 days I can tell you.
Travelling with China Southern Airlines was a first for me and it was fine. Unless you’re travelling business class there is nothing more, nothing less to report when it comes to long haul flights. The aircraft’s we travelled with (throughout China) were clean and tidy, the staff polite, helpful and friendly and the amenities ok. My only feedback for those that enjoy a glass of wine… you will witness the tiniest glass you’ve ever seen, which may require a few refills to finally hit the spot.
Upon arrival into China we toured through the bustling city of Beijing where we visited Tiananmen Square, ate authentic Peking Duck, visited the Chinese Herbal Institute (and may have taken out a second mortgage) and then hopped aboard the bullet train bound for Wuxi. Wuxi treated us to the grounds of the Grand Buddha in LingShang, fresh tea from the Dragon Well Tea – Tea Plantation and the beautiful pleasure of watching a Tai Chi Master practice in the grounds of the spectacular Lake Taihu. By night we cruised the Huangpu River and were dazzled by the charm of Shanghai and by day we cruised along ancient canals of Suzhou. In Xi’An we viewed the Terracotta Warriors (I honestly had no idea how big the pits were) and rode a bicycle around the Xi’an Wall (one of my travel highlights – I have to admit). Our final days in China were spent in Guangzhou where we visited the Panda’s, Tigers and other critters at the Chimelong Safari Park and enjoyed the vibes of the local food, people and culture of Guangzhou, where in the evenings locals are literally dancing in the streets.
What I can say about China is… that it was far more than I expected, the people were kind, the culture effervescent, the history/politics; controversial, yet thought provoking, the food exciting and the beer cheap. Oh, and don’t be surprised if the locals are spotted either filming you, photographing you or asking for a selfie with you.
For a size 10-12 women, with a size 8 (39 EUR) shoe (and everything above) we are OUT of LUCK on the shopping front unless you don’t mind shopping in the gent’s department and even then… there’s not a lot of hope. On the other hand, if you’re after luxury items such as leather handbags, bags, wallets, luggage, technology, and skincare you’re in luck. Just be sure to talk to your concierge and other locals to find out where the best places to shop are.
Due to the language barrier I would definitely recommend a group tour or guided bespoke itinerary.
TRAVELLED: June (monsoon season) | DURATION: 13 Days
My MUST do list
- Eat authentic Peking Duck in Peking.
- Get a ‘private’ tour to the Great Wall of China (to see the ‘original’ wall)
- If you are interested in Chinese Medicine a visit the Chinese Herbal Institute is a must.
- Visit the Grand Buddha in LingShan.
- Visit the Terracotta Warriors.
- If you LOVE tea purchase some of the Emperors tea at the Tea Plantation.
- Take in the city lights of Shanghai on an evening River Cruise.
- Hire bicycles and ride around the ancient Xi’An Wall (allow 2-3 hours).
- Catch a Chinese Acrobatic Show – they are amazing.
- Eat at local restaurants in Guangzhou (but beware as there are some random ingredients out there).
- Visit the Chimelong Safari Park and visit the pandas (you can catch the train from Guangzhou).
My Chinese travel TIPS
- When travelling in monsoon season pack ‘wet weather’ gear: shoes that dry quickly, a wet weather jacket and waterproof backpack/bag.
- As they say don’t forget your insect repellent (or sunscreen).
- Always, always, always keep tissues and hand sanitizer in your bag as MOST bathroom facilities (outside of your hotel or even perhaps in your hotel – depending on budget) are ‘squat toilets’ or ‘eastern-style toilets’ and don’t have facilities that some may prefer.
- If you take the bullet train – upgrade to 1st class, it’s a little less crowded and they have food/beverage service (I'd still take a snack though).
- For those that enjoy a beverage or two you can purchase alcohol from the convenience stores and it’s cheaper… a lot cheaper.
- Cash. Businesses throughout China prefer ‘cash’ – especially in small regional areas and city outskirts.