Classic China
From The Great Wall of China undulating across the North of the country to the 2000 year old Army of Terracotta Warriors, there are many "must see attractions" in this vast and amazing country. My personal highlights would include: my day trip to the city of Suzhou, my early morning walk round the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, the magical scenery of Guilin and the people of China.
Known as the city of gardens, Suzhou has a slower pace than Shanghai and is only an hour away by train. It boasts over 200 traditional Chinese gardens & offers a fascinating insight into China's Silk industry.
The Temple of Heaven, the symbol of modern day Beijing, is a perfect example of Ming Dynasty architecture and its design focuses hugely on the fascinating use of symbolism. It is here that the emperor would come to pray for a good harvest. The Temple is set in a large park and the ritual morning activities of the locals are a delight to watch. I would highly recommend an early morning visit - from tai chi to aerobics, from singing to fan dances, from mahjong to calligraphy with giant brushes, the list is endless.
Guilin's magical scenery was just what I needed after the fast pace of China's cities: verdant limestone peaks, meandering rivers and herds of water buffalo. I have never known a nation of people who are so influenced by symbols, beliefs and superstitions - from lucky numbers and colours to feng shui - it is all taken very seriously. There is a reason and story behind everything which normally involves a dragon or the number nine. I was even shown a building, built with a hole in the middle so as not to trap the dragon who reputedly lived on the hillside behind it!
China is quite simply unique, a fascinating land which is storming into the 21st century. With the Olympics in Beijing only 2 years away make sure it's on your list of countries to visit.
For more information on China, please click through here.
Known as the city of gardens, Suzhou has a slower pace than Shanghai and is only an hour away by train. It boasts over 200 traditional Chinese gardens & offers a fascinating insight into China's Silk industry.
The Temple of Heaven, the symbol of modern day Beijing, is a perfect example of Ming Dynasty architecture and its design focuses hugely on the fascinating use of symbolism. It is here that the emperor would come to pray for a good harvest. The Temple is set in a large park and the ritual morning activities of the locals are a delight to watch. I would highly recommend an early morning visit - from tai chi to aerobics, from singing to fan dances, from mahjong to calligraphy with giant brushes, the list is endless.
Guilin's magical scenery was just what I needed after the fast pace of China's cities: verdant limestone peaks, meandering rivers and herds of water buffalo. I have never known a nation of people who are so influenced by symbols, beliefs and superstitions - from lucky numbers and colours to feng shui - it is all taken very seriously. There is a reason and story behind everything which normally involves a dragon or the number nine. I was even shown a building, built with a hole in the middle so as not to trap the dragon who reputedly lived on the hillside behind it!
China is quite simply unique, a fascinating land which is storming into the 21st century. With the Olympics in Beijing only 2 years away make sure it's on your list of countries to visit.
For more information on China, please click through here.
