China Travel Blog

Last week, AsiaTravel staff member, Annika traveled to Guizhou for the first time. She writes here about what she discovered there.

The one overarching thought that remained with me throughout our Leisure team survey trip in Guizhou was how unexpectedly similar different parts of the world are.

Despite being familiar with our products in the area, I wasn’t sure what awaited me before embarking on our 5-day trip. The destination was rather unknown and the method of travel – private guide and driver – was one I had never experienced before.

And so, in the early hours of a January morning, I embarked on a journey into the unknown.

An unknown that turned out to be remarkably familiar.

A land where one can hike for hours through agrarian landscapes in complete silence and not encounter a soul.

A remote land where docile animals freely roam the countryside and vegetables are left hanging on the sides of houses to dry.

A place where people are connected to the meat they consume instead of first encountering it in sterile packaging.

A place where people preserve their own language and way of life.

 

I had been in such a place before, several years previously. Only this was the Faroe Islands, not Guizhou. Despite being worlds apart, the similarities struck me. In the areas surrounding the remote minority villages of Guizhou, goats and cows wander through the calm, bucolic landscapes. Inside the villages, villagers hang corn and radishes outside their houses to dry and eat locally-grown food and meat. In the Faroe Islands, I encountered countless sheep, Icelandic horses, cows, and geese in areas bereft of people. Locals hang whale meat from their roofs to dry and dry whole sheep in sheds. We drove through mountain tunnel after mountain tunnel in Guizhou. The first time I arrived in the Faroe Islands, sheep were sheltering from the rain in the numerous mountain tunnels.

The differences can be said to be equally striking. The gap in development between the two is, of course, huge, as is the difference in culture and language. Guizhou is populated by several minority groups (we encountered the Miao and Dong minorities), all with their own traditional clothing, ways of life, and language. The foliage and landscape are different. The bowls of blood being sold in the local market root you firmly in China and yet the giant pig’s head leads you to recall how they eat sheep’s head in the Faroe Islands.

The unexpected similarities and differences are what the discovery of travel is all about.

Traveling with a local guide allowed us a level of access and understanding we would not have gained traveling independently. Without a guide in Guizhou, I would never have been welcomed to share a meal (and copious amounts of homemade rice wine) in a Miao villager’s home.

 

This was Guizhou. Where I made an unexpected discovery.

We knew that this week’s APEC conference would bring leaders from the world over to Beijing to discuss important policy issues, but we didn’t expect an announcement that would directly affect AsiaTravel!

Last night, just before the official start of APEC, President Obama announced a reciprocal agreement with China to grant 10 year travel and business visas.

Others had made the connection that this was big news for AsiaTravel – and for our outbound travel department, Beshan – and sure enough, at 7am this morning, our CEO and founder, Mei Zhang received a call from NPR’s Morning Edition asking for her take on the new policy.

 

These new visas, effective tomorrow, mean that Chinese travelers will have an easier time visiting the US. They also mean that, for our US clients, after you come and fall in love with China for the first time, you’ll be able to return time and again to explore all the layers of this fascinating country – all without the hassle of reapplying for a new visa.

Those in the US tuning into NPR on your way to work, listen in for Mei at 6am Eastern Time. And if you miss it, just head on over to the Morning Edition site for the segment.

 

 

Experiencing the authentic culture of the China’s ethnic minority groups is a trip highlight while in the Guizhou countryside. If you plan to visit during the Miao Festivals, you are in for a real treat; a trip around mid-November will land you in the middle of the celebrations. During this time, you will see women in black tunics patterned with bright reds and blues and shimmering silver headdresses rested atop their brows. They will laugh, smile, and dance, and even offer you a sip of their powerful rice wine.

 

The Miao New Year is celebrated from November 3^rd to the 7^th. At this time of the year, the whole village is gathered as one big family, visiting each other and joining feasts of tofu, pork sausages, and wine. Also, its common that young couples get married around this time of the year. These unions are celebrated with 9 days of singing and dancing. Compared to the New Year’s Eve celebration at Time Square, the Miao New Year is less crowded but the enthusiasm and cheering is none less than the New Yorkers’ countdown.

At the end of November another grand celebration takes place in Guizhou, the Grand Dong Minority Singing Festival in Congjiang. Dong minority resides in this remote yet diverse area along with other hidden minorities. Kam Grand Choirs from the Dong minority is very intriguing; its said that for years they passed down their culture without a written language, using singing to communicate. The Dong locals consider singing as a daily routine such as dining, and they cherish it as a passage of knowledge.

 

If you’ve already seen China’s cities or are simply looking for a trip that is on the road less traveled, Guizhou is the perfect answer. AsiaTravel’s rustic journey through Guizhou and Guangxi, recognized as one of National Geographic Traveler’s “Tours of a Lifetime,” will make you feel like you strolled into an old Chinese watercolor. This active trip keeps you moving with dancing and singing while you enjoy the hospitality of various cultures that simply can’t be depicted in documentaries. When your trip is over, you won’t feel like you are exiting a foreign museum, but as if you are leaving a foreign world.

Have we caught your interest? Schedule your next China journey around one of Guizhou’s festivals:

• The Dong Choral Festival, a time of song and celebration, will take place at the end of November.
• The beginning of May is when to visit to experience the The Sister’s Festival matchmaking ceremonies.
• The Lusheng Festival, with performances of the traditional bamboo pipe instrument, is in mid-November.
• The celebration of the Miao New Year happens in early November.

 

Come celebrate!

 

Editor: Kayla Paramore

 

A newly opened restaurant in Xi’an, called Da Qin Xiao Ai (大秦小爱), is already rumored to be one of the top restaurants in the city. Intricately decorated in the ancient Qin dynasty style, the restaurant gives diners an impression of how the Emperor Qin Shi Huang might have enjoyed his meals. With a great location just 15 minutes from the Terracotta Warriors, this restaurant is an excellent choice for travelers. Our recommendations? The Gourd-shaped chicken, the Chinese Yam and Glutinous Rice Wrapped in Dates, and a Beefsteak!

Chinese name: 大秦小爱
Operating hours: 11:00-21:00
Average cost: CNY128-288 per person, set meal.
Location: No.9, Feng Huang Da Dao, Lintong district, Xi’an.

The Xi’an City Wall.Photo Credit:Mariusz Kluzniak via flikr
The first Silk Road Film Festival kicked off this week in Xi’an, promoting cultural exchange among countries along the traditional Silk Road route. More than one hundred films will be screened over the course of the week-long festival, with 41 Chinese and foreign films already chosen for the final competition. The festival will also play heavily on the Silk Road theme, showing documentary-style footage from various countries along the Silk Road, and sporting traditional Tang dynasty decor and clothing.

A group of students hiking in the Abujee mountains

Adventure offers an opportunity for personal growth at any age. When we create a trip, we want it to be a meaningful journey. Here at AsiaTravel, we strive to see people learn and grow from their experiences with us. Recently, we led a brave group of international high school students and teachers on an educational adventure in Yunnan province. Our guides shared the highlights, cultural exchanges and WOW moments of their moving education trip.

Community service at a Tibetan family farm

Informed that one afternoon of community service at a local family farm would help complete a few days worth of hard work, the students and teachers weren’t hesitant to roll up their sleeves and help out the Tibetan family. They jumped right in and with a few instructions, chopped down barley with sharp sickles, secured their big bundles with barley ties, and put the golden barley on an old tractor to be hulled away
 to the barn.

Most Tibetans speak in Tibetan languages, so our local AsiaTravel guides usually translate, but on this occasion, the quick-witted students took communication into their own hands. They worked side-by-side with the local Tibetan family while using universal hand motions and facial expressions to communicate. They used arm motions to signal strength, smiles to exchanging gratitude and appreciation, and big waves of goodbyes and thank yous. After seeing the huge loads of barley they harvested, the students, teachers, and guides directly saw the true value of their work at the family farm. The students’ feelings of accomplished glowed on their young, tired faces.

Students working hard in the barley field

Spending an evening at a Tibetan home gave the students another opportunity for a shared cultural experience. After a tasty Tibetan meal, the family preformed a lively traditional dance, and then asked the high school students to join. After dancing around the room with the locals, the students decided it was time the switch things up and teach the kind family some Western dance moves.

The energetic students choose one of the most iconic 1990s dance hits, the Macarena. A student played the song from their iPhone as they taught the family the catchy dance. The Tibetan women and children had a blast! Seeing the huge smiles on the family’s faces, sharing laughs and exchanging dances, taught the high school students that while it’s great to go and experience new culture, it’s also rewarding to share yours along the way.

Sharing dances at a Tibetan family home

Along their adventure in the Tibetan plateau, the high school students were taking trip notes of their exciting learning experiences for a paper they would create after the Yunnan trip. One student had another idea for the project; instead of writing a conventional paper, he would capture the magic of Yunnan with a video compilation. He video recorded the community service, the strenuous hikes in the Abujee mountains, the tour of a local school and villages, and every smile and struggle in between.

On their last night camping,sitting around a bright,warm fire in the Abujee mountains, the student volunteered his video for viewing. Projected onto the ceiling of the tent, the students, teachers, and guides watched their life-altering journey together. Mixed emotions overcame the group as they watched their trekking voyage unfold in front of them.

Wildlife visiting the campsite

Outside the tent, local Tibetans who were assisting the trip, caught a view of the video as well; this was the first time some of them saw themselves on video. They were in awe at the technology and thoroughly enjoyed seeing themselves, some even wondering, ‘Do I really look like that?!’
After viewing the touching video, one of the teachers told a AsiaTravel guide that she loved being a teacher because she can guide students to learn, but it’s breathtaking seeing students take their learning into their own hands. On this expedition, the students stepped out of the classroom to learn about Tibetan people and experience the culture hands on, changing themselves and the Tibetans they befriended along the way.

Students’ campsite

If you would like to Experience China Differently have a look at more of our student journeys, or contact us directly: education@wildchina.com.

Four decades ago, local farmers in Shaanxi province were hard at work digging a well when they came across one of the world’s grandest archeological discoveries. Four chambers were eventually unearthed, filled with over 6,000 soldiers, horses and chariots arranged in military formation. Now travelers from around the world come to see these treasures and hear stories of the ruthless Qin Shi Huang Emperor who unified China and had a fondness for burying things, both statues and dissidents.

In celebration of the discovery a new exhibit has opened in Xi’an displaying special never-before-seen pieces including clay fragments that still retain some of their original color. The exhibition will continue until March 2015.

Explore the best of Tibet with our short guide to the region. Below are our choices for the most awe-inspiring sights, unique cultural escapes, and some AsiaTravel extras for the traveler seeking to journey even deeper.

Photo by: Christian Oritz via Flickr

Glacial lakes, soaring mountain peaks, and rolling grasslands make up the Tibetan Plateau, an area that is roughly 4,500m above sea level, earning it the nickname name: “The Roof of the World.” Not only are some of the earth’s most dramatic landscapes found here, but it was under these white, snowy peaks that Lama Buddhism grew and intertwined is spiritual threads into the every aspect of life in Tibet. Down the halls of ancient monasteries, you will catch the fragrant scent of incense. Step outside and you will hear the spinning prayer wheels, as monks from young to old vigorously debate religious philosophy in a courtyard nearby.

The Must-See Sights

This is one of Asia’s most geographically and culturally rich destinations; here are the sites you cannot miss on a trip to Tibet:

1. Potala Palace

The Potala Palace is probably one of the first things that come to mind when you think of Tibet. But just what makes the palace such a draw to travelers? It is the ancient seat of the Tibetan government and the past residence of the Dalai Lama. A climb up will lead you to more than 1000 rooms filled with shrines and statues as well as precious works of art displaying Tibetan history and the life of the Dalai Lama. Descend down to the plains of Lhasa below to view the equally impressive view looking back and snap your own photos of this ancient marvel.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

2. Sera Monastery

Twenty-eight acres of temple courtyards and monks’ dormitories, the Sera Monastery is one of the world’s most prestigious Buddhist universities. Enter here and lose yourself among the 125 ancient and unique pillars of Coqen Hall and admire the unparalleled frescos of Me Zhacang. In the afternoon, head to one of the courtyards and witness monks animatedly debate Buddhist philosophy as they advance their studies.

Why travel with AsiaTravel?

Our Tibetan guides are passionate about their local culture and religion. Lean in and let your guide explain the themes of these intellectual debates – the contents might just surprise you. Get started designing your trip to Tibet.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

 

3. Yamdrok Tso Lake

When the Dalai Lama passes away this is where senior lamas come in search of signs for his reincarnated soul. Yamdrok Tso Lake is one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes and local Tibetans often make pilgrimages to its shores. Whatever the reason for the journey, travelers will admire the turquoise waters as they glitter in sunlight and the lake slowly winds its way through the dry, grey slopes of the mountains rising gently above.

Photo by Göran Höglund via Flickr

Why travel with AsiaTravel?

Enjoy a picnic prepared for you next to these deep blue waters as white clouds float over the mountains in the pastel sky above. Begin your journey to Lhasa.

4. Jokhang Temple

The oldest and most sacred Buddhist site in Tibet, Jokhang Temple is a sight to see not only for its beautiful construction but also for the large groups of pilgrims who go daily for worship. Surrounded by a blend of 7^th century Nepalese and Indian architecture, worshipers recite mantras, kindle the continuously lit chömay (butter lamps), and honor deities. The temple is also home to Tibet’s most scared relic: the Jowo Rinpoche, or Jowo Shakyamuni, a scripture written by Buddha at age twelve. The roof awards you with stunning views of Potala Palace against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains. If interested, you can rise early to join the pilgrims in the traditional kora (prayer circuit).

Photo by Kuan Sun via Flickr

 

5. Local Life: Barkhor Market and Prayer Wheels

Take take a small jaunt off the path of popular sites and step into the lively Bakhor market to a get a glimpse of daily life in Tibet. Located amidst the narrow lanes of Lhasa’s old neighborhood, Barkhor Street bustles with local vendors and shoppers chatting and bargaining. Browse the multicolored handicraft stalls where brightly colored beads hang alongside painstakingly crafted silver trinkets. Here too you can watch watch pilgrims circling the Jokhang Monastery prayer circuit. Follow the Barkhor pilgrimage route yourself to see locals spinning prayer wheels, and getting some good exercise as they chat and catch up with fellow devotees.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

 

More time in Tibet?

• Observe the traditional woodblock printing methods that monks use to copy scripture. Try your hand at this important art and bring your own piece of Tibetan scripture home.
• Visit a Lhasa NGO that specializes in empowering Tibetan artists, keeping local ancient art traditions alive, and selling the artwork of local masters.
• Stop by an old Tibetan pharmacy and learn about ancient medicine traditions based on Buddha’s teachings that have been evolving for nearly 2,500 years. An expert in Tibetan medicine will meet with you and describe all the fascinating aspects of this unique medical philosophy that focuses on the mind, body, and spirit.
• Want an even more in-depth Tibet experience? Embark on our award-winning multi-week expedition across Tibet.

Once a modest fishing village, today Shanghai is a metropolis. Glamor and grace reminiscent of the 1920’s still dance together through art deco neighborhoods while the glass towers of Pudong soar ever skyward. Shanghai is a symbolic balance of East and West, old and new, that constantly captivates curious outsiders.

For those wanting to delve deeper into Shanghai than the tried-and-tested tourist itinerary, here is a list of 5 alternative ‘must-sees’ whilst you are in the city.

Learn Shanghai’s street stories in the Longtangs

If you have not been to the longtangs, you have not seen Shanghai. Loosely equivalent to the Beijing hutongs, a longtang is a narrow lane lined with traditional shikumen residences. Architecture aficionados will marvel at these beautiful two or three-storey terrace houses which feature a unique architectural style that blends Western and Chinese elements. Step right into Longtang local life as you duck under fresh laundry hanging off bamboo poles perched precariously across the lane. Listen to the click-clacking of tiles as elderly men play mahjong and see kids sweating it out at street soccer.

Most of Shanghai’s longtangs have either been demolished or reconstructed, including the much commercialized areas of Tianzi Fang and Xintiandi. For an authentic street-level experience, head for Cité Bourgogne (Bugao Lu), Siming Cun or Meilan Fang.

Visit the Jewish Quarter

Shanghai’s Jewish past is a part of the city’s history that many contemporary residents are unaware of. Sephardic Jews first started moving to Shanghai from Bombay and Baghdad in the 19th century and more followed in the early 1900’s.

During the Japanese occupation in 1941, Jewish people in Shanghai were forced to relocate to a ghetto of approximately one square mile in the Hongkou District. Today, the area is preserved as a historic Jewish Quarter. Take a stroll and visit the nearby Ohel Moishe Synagogue. Restored and re-opened in 2008, the synagogue now houses the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum.

Find out more on an expert-led tour during our Shanghai Highlife tour.

Dine at a century-old restaurant

Shanghai boasts of many food and dining establishments that have well stood the test of time, some dating back to the Qing Dynasty. One such example is the Dexingguan Restaurant, which first opened its doors in a small shack off Shiliu Pu in 1884. The restaurant is often credited as the birthplace of benbang cai – a traditional family style Shanghainese cuisine and Dexingguan’s claim to fame is the Black Sea Cucumber in Shrimp Roe Sauce, a dish which is still served at its premises today.

See The Bund at dawn

Many of us have strolled along the riverside promenade at night, taken postcard-worthy photographs of the colonial-era buildings, or even been on the Pearl River cruise. But have you been there in the early hours of the morning, when the city is just starting to wake? Drop by between 6-7am to see locals performing their daily morning exercises, or join in for tai chi or sword fighting class. This experience is sure to add another layer to the usual Bund visit.

This is certainly not an exhaustive list, and can be extended to include much more that highlight Shanghai’s extraordinary position as a bustling, modern city with a traditional core. Few cities are able to match the history, mystique and glamor that Shanghai has to offer. Contact one of our travel designers today and create the perfect Shanghai trip for you.