China Travel Forum

[Oliver]

Hi Everyone.

Looking at doing a 3-week tour round china, taking in all the highlights....great wall, forbidden city,summer palace,terracotta warriors,ghost city etc. Can anyone recommmend any good uk based operators to organise this through. Kumuka has been suggested.

Are there things that I should ensure that I see whilst on tour ?

thanks peeps

[Luke]

I am not so sure it is "what to see" as much as what to experience to return home and say you understand a little more what is China. You know most of what to see, but what should you do and where to go in order to understand a little more what is life like in China.

I firmly believe in getting out on a bike and interacting with people. Get into the outer edges of the communities and eat some of the common food. So while in Beijing some of the things you listed can be felt by getting on your bike. Ride around Tianenmen and get into the Hutongs (alleys) to see what happens and taste the snacks. Look for crowded restaurants and go in and enjoy the noise. See what others are eating and say you want what looks best. Go to a table and point out the food you like. Chinese guests won't mind your pointing.

While in Xi'an you should be sure to eat the special foods made by Muslim restaurants and out on the streets. I liked the dark brown beef soup for breakfast while the Muslim style breads. The "Yang Rou Po Mo" (a lamb soup) was also a specialty I since have not been able to find anywhere. Get out on a bike and ride around to the Goose Towers and to the Provincial Museum. Stop in at small buildings that look old and interesting. Take photos and ask people what is special.

You have 3 weeks so get out to other towns like Kunming, DaLi, LiJiang, YangShuo or Guilin. Have fun seeing the tourist places, but get off the main tracks and taste what locals are eating.