MANALI + TERRY | Newlyweds Backpack Round The World » China

M & T’s Top 11 of 2011 | Great Wall of China

Manali — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 03:21:57 +0000

Of all the adventurous things we conquered, the 10 Kilometers that Manali and I hiked from Jinshanling to Simatai is definitely one of the most memorable! Be sure you avoid the tourist trap that all foreigners are led to which is the restored section of the wall, completely restored and leveled out with plenty of hawker stands selling trinkets.

We took the cable car ride up to the starting point, but you can also hike up which will add to your total journey. Also, when you embark on the hike, ensure you take plenty of water, although there is plenty to purchase along the way from hawkers, and even cold beer! Hiking shoes or at least tennis shoes are highly recommended. Whatever you do, no flip-flops! The Jinshanling side is the most original, having escaped so far extensive restoration efforts, proving it that much more interesting. As you approach the Simatai end, widespread restoration has taken place, making the trek a bit easier, some say similar to climbing in Northumberland.

We paid 260 RMB per person, which included transportation from our hostel to Jinshanling and back to our hostel from Simatai. The bus trip was 3 hours each way, with a short 10 minute break in the middle. This proved to be a great value after we looked around a bit. Lunch was also included, but you are advised to pack a sack lunch if you’re not a big fan of traditional Chinese. Not included is the additional 95 RMB per person of Great Wall entrance fees and bridge crossing, so make sure you bring that along with you during your trip or you may be sleeping the night on the crossing!

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M & T’s Top 11 of 2011 | Guilin, China
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M & T’s Top 11 of 2011 | Things To Do In Shanghai

Manali — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:33:11 +0000

1. Shanghai Museum: First of all it’s free which is always nice. The museum also provides great insight into Chinese culture and history. It is conveniently located near People’s Square, Nanjing Road and Renmin Park.

2. Walk Nanjing Road (especially east of People’s Square): Nanjing Road is the tourist haven, and this pedestrian street caters to that face like no other place we saw in Shanghai. Lots of opportunities for shopping, and people watching. Once the construction for Expo 2010 is completed you can walk eastward all the way down the river and The Bund.

3. Take In A View of The Bund & SWFC Observatory: The Shanghai skyline is relatively well known, and the view is spectacular from the world’s highest observatory. The SWFC (Shanghai World Financial Center) also houses the world’s highest hotel.

For other accomodation recommendations, visit Scottish Cottages for awesome deals!

4. Visit Food Streets like Wujiang Road: You want find scorpions on sticks, but there is a good variety if you are adventerous and don’t mind a little trial by fire. Food from most places seem safe to eat, but be wary. Hopefully streets like these will continue to be around in some form, but apparently gentrification is taking its toll.

5. Yu Gardens and Bazaar: One of the best places (Yu Gardens) we found for a little room to stretch our arms and bask in relatively quiet surroundings after walking the streets of Shanghai for a week. Will cost you 40 RMB per person, but interesting and expansive gardens. The surrounding bazaar offers tons of shopping, and is another big tourist haven, evidenced by the many tour buses collected down the street.

6. The Bund Observation Tunnel: We did not have a chance to do this, but seemed like an interesting experience. 20 RMB one way or 30 RMB roundtrip, the tunnel should offer excellent views of The Bund and waterfront. Wait until Expo 2010 or after as the endless construction barricades should be down by that time.

7. Explore French Concession Area: Never found this name used locally, but guidebooks referred to it constantly. Collection of western oriented bars, restaurants and hotels. The area is also home to most foreign embassies, and the difference in architecture of the area is quite obvious.

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M & T’s Top 11 of 2011 | Guilin, China

Terry — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:00:26 +0000

Tales of picturesque mountains nurturing a winding and beautiful river led us to Guilin, China and nearby Yangshuo. We arrived into Guilin International Airport just as the sun set, leaving the 45 minute ride into the Guilin city limits dark and illuminated sparingly by lamps along the roadside. Despite our dim transit, a full moon illuminated the surrounding peaks just enough to define striking silhouettes, entirely surrounding the road into the city as if welcoming us to our home for the immediate future. As had occurred so many times before, only laying eyes on pictures of some future destination through a magazine or website, we rested easy knowing we had arrived safely and as intended.

Our first order of business was to arrange some sort of trip down the Li River. Several tour operators we inquired with, including those at the hostel, were charging between 200 and 400 RMB. The more expensive included the lengthy 4 hour cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. After a bit of research, we found the most picturesque portion of the Li River lay between Yangdi and Xingping, a smaller portion of river between Guiling and Yangshuo. We decided we would try to hire a bamboo raft to take us through this portion, and understood we could take a bus from Guilin to Yangdi and then a bus from Xingping onto Yangshuo. We inquired about the details from our Hostel, Guilin Wada, who were more then helpful and dreamt about last minute spa breaks on our way there.

In short, we took the bus from Guilin to Yangdi (10RMB/person) which dropped us off westward down the road from the pier. Taking an additional bus from the Yangdi township to the pier eastward (3 RMB/person), we arrived much to the delight of a group of hawkers and bamboo rafters. We had already arranged in Yangdi township bus stop (really just a corner of a road T intersection) to pay 120 RMB, for the whole raft, so 60 RMB/person to take us from Yangdi to Xingping. We did this rather hurridly, mostly in my frantic excitement. We likely could have haggled for less, but I felt a little bad for the old chap, as I felt this was a very good deal already.

Our boat ride down the river went as expected lasting about 2 hours. There was a little bit of confusion as we arrived into Xingping, since he wouldn’t drop us off on the east side of the river, where the township was located. There apparently is some local tax support in effect, as we had to pay 1 RMB each to board a small vessel to cross the 30 meters of river. Simply said, don’t freak out if your rafter drops you on the east side, simply wait at the large concrete landing for the next “ferry” across.

Upon our arrival in Xingping, we perused a bit, then hopped aboard the bus to Yangshuo. There is one road in Xingping, just keep walking until you see all the buses. If you are not into walking all about and making mistakes, perform charades every two blocks to make sure you are going the right direction. Bus fare was 5.50 RMB per person from Xingping to Yangshuo, putting us right into town prior to sunset.

Yangshuo is certainly a backpacker town of sorts. The town contained the most western oriented food we had seen since our arrival in China, much to our delight. Having accomplished what we set out too for the day, we were satisfied and content. We walked around town a bit, bought a beer to keep us company, and hopped back on a bus for Guilin, costing 15 RMB per person, and taking about 2 hours. We slept sound that night, knowing we did it ourselves, saved some money and everything went off without a hitch. This actually suprised the hostel girl who had helped us confirm details. She noted, “usually I tell people, but they always come back saying something went horribly wrong”. I’m glad we were able to surprise her that day!

Oh, so we also took a half day or so and took the bus out to the Reed Flute Caves. I really don’t even want to recommend this little tourist site, because it is way overpriced, and they rush you through like cattle. Everything is also lit up in sections, so if you don’t walk to pace, you find yourself staring at pitch black rocks, which you can imagine are even more majestic than when lit. Another little interesting factoid about China…when you complain folks have an almost automatic response to simply stare at you and act dumbfounded. And I’m not talking about being rude or belligerent at all in your complaint either, but this seems to be the case quite consistently. Anyway, if you want to be ushered through this trap, highly recommended, otherwise, not really worth the horrid 90 RMB/person. Half of it was that we did nearly the whole Li River trip for just about the same money, and it was so phenomenal, and was somewhat truly authentic.

P.S. If you are in for an even more exciting experience, there are portions of the river where one can hike. Not in the cards for us this time, but seems like a lot of fun!

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M & T’s Top 11 of 2011 | Great Wall of China
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M & T’s Top 11 of 2011 | Things To Do In Shanghai
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M & T’s Top 11 of 2011 | Things To Do In Beijing

Terry — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:18:39 +0000

1. The Great Wall: Certainly the most memorable experience of our trip to date. There are many options available ranging in time, money and convenience. We recommend the Jinshangling to Simatai leg, a 10 km trek that is moderate in difficulty and takes between 2 – 4 hours. Bus ride each way is 3 hours from Beijing, and our trip costs us 260 RMB per person, plus an additional 95 RMB per person for entrance fees. If you are short for time or don’t fancy a sweaty hike, most tourists opt for the Badaling portion, which is approximately 45 minutes outside of Beijing.

Manali conquering The Great Wall. Isn

2. Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Built from 1406 to 1420, and covering 7,800,000 square feet the Forbidden City is a monumental Beijing attraction. The complex also houses the Palace Museum, putting history into context, as the Forbidden City was home to the Emperor and his household for almost five centuries. As you enter from the south side, make sure you cross the center most bridge, or you may enter the adjacent park. Entry to the Forbidden City complex itself is free, but it is 90 RMB per person for the Palace Museum.

View from south side entrance of the Forbidden City in Beijing.

3. Tiananmen Square: South of the Forbidden City, the large gathering place is a permanent fixture during public parades, and holds historical significance tied to China’s continued political and social progress. Ironically, Tiananmen means “Gate of Heavenly Peace” and although it is little more than a concrete square, one can appreciate its history.

4. Rent Bicycles: Beijing is extremely flat, providing easy cycling throughout the metropolis. No helmets are offered as part of a rental, or any that we came across in the budget category, so be cautious. The traffic could be described as mayhem, and don’t assume a cross walk or green crossing signal gives you any rights if you are not a motorist. Beijing has a decent subway/metro system, but stops are still quite distant, and biking is ideal for seeing attractions while being kind to your feet. Expect to pay about 20 RMB for 24 hours, and a deposit of around 200 RMB for each bike.

5. Acrobatic Show: I’m not sure whether China’s uncanny skills in Olympic Gymnastics is fueled by a spectacular acrobatics profession, or the other way around, but you are left enjoying the fruits either way. Performances are frequent and widely available. The performance we attended lasted an hour and a half, and cost us 160 RMB per person. Acts included umbrella juggling, contortionists and about 20 gals riding around on a single bike!

6. Silk Street Market: THE place to visit for nearly every female tourista in Beijing, and I imagine many a men as well. The renowned home to 48 counterfeit brands, as the building exterior prominently boasts, is a dream for bargain hunters and brand hounds alike. A rule of thumb, take the initial offering price and divide by 10 to get an idea of where you should end up for a deal. Retail sleuths will notice however, it is one big shopping orgy aimed at lightening your wallet, and nearly all stalls, which are redundant in their assortment answer to some higher retail big daddy. You’ll know what I mean when you see it, but still try to play one stall on the price of another to determine your true price.

Manali trying on some jeans in the makeshift changing room, which happened to be a sheet pulled across a corner of the stall.

7. Olympic Park: Acres and acres of clear open space with two notable attractions, the Water Cube and the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium). Although Manali was particularly keen to peruse the Water Cube, we failed to tour their interiors, as rehearsals for National Day events were in full swing and venues were consequently closed to the public. Pull out 90 RMB per person for each venue if you plan on visiting.

Manali striking a pose in front of The Bird

8. Food Street (Wangfujang): We’ve all seen or heard of scorpions on a stick, at the ready for your pre-dinner snack. Bugs and lizards of all sorts are also on the menu, and although they may be living for the purpose of your satisfactory inspection, fear not, they are doused in hot oil and served up cooked for your culinary pleasure.

A variety of snacks offered along Wangfujing Road in Beijing to hungry shoppers to quell their grumbling stomachs until dinner.

9. Summer Palace: Placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1998, the Summer Palace is described as a “masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value”.

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10. Mao’s Mausoleum: The final resting place of Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China from 1945 until his death in 1976. The mausoleum was constructed immediately following his death. Although Mao wished to be cremated, he was embalmed. For several hours each day, you can be ushered through a viewing room to see his body lay in rest.

11. Beijing Zoo: The Beijing Zoo mainly exhibits wild and rare animals of China. The Giant Pandas are one of the most popular exhibits, but other popular exhibits include the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey, Manchurian tigers, white-lipped deer, yaks from Tibet, enormous sea turtles, polar bears from the North Pole, kangaroo from Australia, and zebras from Africa.

12. Shiatsu Foot Massage: For 60 glorious minutes and 28 RMB ($4.10) per person, Manali and I were treated to our second foot massage in as many weeks. Located on the same corner as our Hostel, the ladies at this joint treated us right, and even gave us a bit of a shoulder and neck massage too, to which we were in dire need. Those that prefer therapeutic massages, or light in pressure, may want to avoid Chinese masseuses. If you find it painful, don’t grimace or whine too much, or they may get the impression they are working the right spot and dig in further.

I couldn

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M & T’s Top 11 of 2011 | Great Wall of China
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Hong Kong | China :: Out & About In Hong Kong

Terry — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:31:47 +0000

As with all places one visits, comes the question, “Could I live here?” Manali and I have asked ourselves this question over and over, but we finally and excitedly said “YES!” to Hong Kong. Have you been to New York? Or perhaps Beijing? Hong Kong is sort of a mix between the two. Driven by strong brand conscious consumers, a vibrant business community with international reach and lots of culture, Hong Kong is truly an amazing mix of new and old. Like New York there is also some underlying intangible energy that runs through you when you are in this city.

Western influence in the city is evident everywhere you look. An interesting note is the cultural difference in Hong Kong versus mainland China. Folks in Hong Kong seem to have a more progressive mentality, and in fact seem to shun any association with China itself. One from Hong Kong is certainly not Chinese, as this might offend. They are from Hong Kong and you should know. Perhaps it has something to do with their more refined lifestyle.

If you are coming to Asia, please do a favor and put Hong Kong on your itinerary.

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Hong Kong | China: Symphony Of Lights

Terry — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:00:01 +0000

An absolute must see and do when you come to Hong Kong, is for sure the “Symphony of Lights”. We happened to go for two nights, as we enjoyed it so thoroughly the first time. Once the sun has tucked itself in quite proper, and the hour reaches 8 o’clock, a cacophony of sounds and light come alive amid the skyscrapers across Victoria Harbor on Hong Kong Island. The best viewing spot is along the Avenue of Stars, a waterfront promenade on the Kowloon side, providing a spectacular view.

Click for larger view.

The harbor herself obliges nicely with stunning reflective visuals, and an incessant stream of tugs, freighters and fish boats lucky enough to be in the vicinity.

Click for larger view.

Hong Kong itself is a lively and energizing city, to come here alone is fortune, and to be blessed is to gaze at this skyline in the dark evening sky.

Click for larger view.

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Hong Kong | China: Tai O Fishing Village

Terry — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:00:20 +0000

Earlier in the day we visited the Tian Tan Buddha, and couldn’t leave the area without a glimpse of Tai O Fishing Village. There is nothing completely interesting about this place aside from its somewhat unique location and architecture. The little village is located right on the water, with mountains looming closely behind to create an interesting backdrop. Most of the homes themselves are built directly over the water on stilts. Some still use traditional wood stilts but we noticed some steel and concrete as well.

Not entirely remarkable, but if you are in the area to see the Buddha, take the bus for pittance in fare to Tai O and take a walk around.

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Hong Kong | China: Victoria Peak

Terry — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:00:50 +0000

Tonight we rode to the top of Victoria Peak. The Peak, as locals know it, offers some of the most stunning views of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and Victoria Harbor. Like many things in China, even in Hong Kong, the tourist hoards are ever present, so there was a lot of patience involved.

The Peak Tram is the ideal, and most popular tourist selection to get to the top of Victoria Peak. You can also ride the bus, which is also a little bit of an adventure as you wind through narrow roads, overlooking steep fall offs below.

Timing our trip to get to the viewing area, The Sky Terrace, just before dusk worked perfectly. A couple of photos were snapped off just before the sun descended beyond the horizon, and we watched patiently for the lights of city to glow below.

Click for larger view.

Entranced by the glowing city seemingly at our feet, I consciously attempted to burn the image in my mind forever, only wishing I live in Hong Kong for awhile, so I could come back another night.

Click for larger view.

Website: http://www.thepeak.com.hk/en/home.asp

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Hong Kong | China: Tian Tan Buddha

Terry — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:38:07 +0000

Today, we sought out a little spirituality. We don’t do it enough, but in whatever form it may come, taking time to reflect, particularly in extraordinary spiritual places provides a wonderfully cathartic experience.

We are staying in the famed Chunking Mansions in Kowloon, immediately opposite of Hong Kong Island, which is pretty much the heart of the city. A brief walk to the convenient metro stop located right outside of our guest house put us on the way eastward to Tung Chung.

The Tian Tan Buddha was until 2007, the largest outdoor seated Buddha in the world. The pictures may not provide the appropriate justice, but the Buddha really is GIANT. It is perched on top of a hill, and a lotus throne, but the statue itself is 110 feet tall, and an incredible 250 tons.

From the Tung Chung metro stop, you have the option to take a really picturesque cable car ride lasting about 30 minutes to the perch. The view inside of the cable car can get pretty incredible, and as you ride from peak to peak up to the Buddha perch, the distance between your car and the ground seems endless.

Unfortunately, pollution from mainland China extends right into Hong Kong, providing an unwanted haze to your view.

The Buddha statue is so big, you first get a glimpse with more than 5 minutes left of your cable car ride. Some have said on a clear day you can see it from Macau, which is incredibly far away.

Getting to the summit, where the Buddha is seated requires a little step work, 268 of them to be specific. Memories of The Great Wall, flashed into our minds, and this seemed wonderful in comparison.

With our spiritual tanks full, and our souls energized to once again go forth into the world, we took off on the bus for Tai O Fishing Village.

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Hong Kong | China: Hong Kong Currency Is Art!

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If there were a contest for the coolest currency in the world, and perhaps the one you would most likely keep just to look at later, it would definitely be Hong Kong’s. Isn’t it neat? Another interesting note is that the private banks also issue money here, hence the logos. We LOVE our Hong Kong money!

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