CHINA REFLECTION
Similar to India I knew China was going to be a unique experience. No matter where I decided on going I was guaranteed diversity and some of the best history on the planet!
My first stop was Shanghai and if I’m honest it was only to stop by an old flat mate I knew from my time in Glasgow. What I didn’t expect though was to watch my first Gaelic match in China. For those of you that don’t know, Gaelic is an Irish sport!!
SUZHOU
Shanghai is as western as China gets so in terms of authentic Chinese experiences you really need to get out of the city so it was a regret not seeing more of Suzhou while visiting Steve! Shanghai has the usual observatory to explore along with a charming riverside promenade, but I was saving my days for Beijing and Xi’an
China Reflection
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XI’AN
Xi-An was my first authentic Chinese experience and it was no more apparent than when I realised how few locals spoke English.
The highlight of Xi-An and for some the highlight of China is the Terracotta Warriors. This was incredible and again it blew any expectations I had about Xi-An as at that time I was only visiting on a recommendation from my dad.
I couldn’t leave Xi-An without another visit to the night market, another must for this city!
China Reflection
BEIJING
Arriving into Beijing and brushing off a few scams I immediately booked my transport to the Great Wall of China. Usually with such an engineering feat it really takes you to see it with your own eyes before you can fully understand the scale.
I immediately found that it was just not possible. The wall stretches 21,000km and unless you are going to view it from space you will find it almost impossible to fully grasp the scale it is but none the less it was still extraordinary.
As if the Great Wall of China wasn’t enough there is also the gems such as the Forbidden City, the Hutongs and the Summer Palace, three places you could spend a few days exploring!
RATINGS….
- PEOPLE – 7/10
- BACKPACKING – 8/10
- WEATHER – 8/10
- THINGS TO DO – 9/10
- HISTORY – 9/10
- AUTHENTICITY – 8/10
- FOOD – 6/10
- VALUE – 8/10
China Reflection
SUMMED UP….
- HIGHLIGHT – Terracotta Warriors and The Great Wall
- LOWLIGHT – Scams
- MVP – The strange guy in Shanghai and my Xi-An roomie Salome
- VISIT AGAIN – Can’t wait!
- RATING – 9/10
FINAL THOUGHTS
What better compliment can you give than to say you can’t wait to return?!
NEXT UP
On to Seoul to check out the DMZ!! Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
141/229
This post is part of The Oil Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
To watch the video of my trip, head to my highlights on my Instagram.
