A Closer Look: China

Zhongguo, which translates to "The Middle Kingdom", is what the Chinese call China. China is called the middle kingdom dues to its self perception as the cultural and and geographical center of the world. Some may think that this sounds hubris, but this reasoning may not be entirely misplaced. This blog will enlighten anyone contemplating traveling to China.

China, a land of dramatic contrasts, seamlessly blends ancient traditions with futuristic cities, offering a tapestry of experiences that beckon travelers from all corners of the globe. Whether it's the serenity of mist-shrouded mountains, the vibrant bustle of megacities, or the warmth of its people, China presents a symphony of experiences that resonate with the soul of every explorer.

The Great Wall of China

China, an extraordinary ancient civilization with over five thousand years of history, is bursting with countless historical relics and architectural wonders.

The country is brimming with historical landmarks from the iconic Great Wall, a testament to ancient engineering brilliance, to the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, showcasing the Qin Dynasty's artistry. Marvel at imperial palaces like Beijing's Forbidden City, epitomizing historical architecture, and explore spiritual sites like the Temple of Heaven, which reveal China's deep religious devotion. Additionally, the unique vernacular architecture such as Fujian Tulou and Guangxi's stilted houses highlight the incredible diversity of Chinese cultural expressions.

Every brick and speck of dust narrates a captivating story of antiquity, whisking visitors through time to experience the essence of history. These historical landmarks not only deliver awe-inspiring experiences for travelers but also proudly celebrate the rich cultural Heritage of China, making them must-visit destinations for any explorer!

The food of China is delicious and it varies depending on which part of the country you are in. China is vast, incredibly vast. This is crucial to remember because the cuisine in the steaming hot south differs from that in the frozen north. China officially boasts 8 cuisines rooted in specific regions, each with its own regional variations.

Night Festival Lanterns

Cantonese cuisine often features black beans and sweet and sour dishes. These are almost unheard of in the north, where you instead encounter hearty, warming noodle dishes.

The quality of food you experience in China is unmatched. Travelers are always genuinely impressed by how clear the flavors were, even in the smallest, backstreet restaurants. Plus, the food is often quite affordable, and dining in small restaurants will help keep your travel costs in China low.

Some of the best restaurants in China have included: Di San Xian (found in North East China), peppers in black bean sauce (Cantonese, in and around the Guangzhou area), fat spicy noodles soup and hot pot (in Chengdu and other parts of Sichuan). It is also possible to eat vegan in China.

Dim Sum Meal

China is home to some of the world’s largest metropolises. Beijing boasts a population of 21 million, Shanghai has 24 million, and Guangzhou hosts 20 million. Additionally, the mid-sized cities each offer their unique attractions.

These large populations ensure that each city provides immense value, entertainment, and dining options for both locals and visitors. On less cultural days, we've enjoyed visiting game arcades and playing pool, which is surprisingly popular in China.

China excels in many areas, and its parks are among the best. Almost every park in every city we've visited is truly beautiful. Most feature expansive green spaces with tall, lush trees, beautiful fish ponds, and rock garden features. Some parks offer boating lakes (even zorbing) and flower gardens. There are exercise areas where older people and their grandchildren stretch, socialize, play instruments, sing karaoke or Chinese opera, and fly kites.

Like many cities, they also feature intriguing, albeit sometimes propagandistic, museums filled with historical artifacts and exhibits. Some have a traditional layout, while others are interactive and modern.

Finally, visitors deeply appreciate the striking blend of modernity and classic Chinese (often regional) architecture in Chinese cities. You might pass a modern tower block one moment and then encounter an ancient archway or gate the next. Shrines and temples are interwoven into the city's fabric, and the scent of incense always signals when you're near one.

Confucian Temple

China is often perceived as a land of gigantic cities and impressive skylines, with vast empty spaces in between. However, this perception is far from reality. Beyond the vibrant cityscapes of towering buildings, bustling cars and motorbikes, shopping centers, and busy streets, lie majestic mountains, lush forests, and quaint towns and villages that seem untouched by the urban centers just a train ride away.

Each province in China has its own distinct character, with landscapes so diverse that they feel like different countries. Yunnan province is a tropical, green paradise, reminiscent of North Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, while Xinjiang province is a sandy, deserted expanse, with cultures aligned more closely with the Turkic and Muslim traditions of its neighboring countries. The south boasts karst topography and otherworldly mountains, and the diversity continues endlessly.

No matter what kind of scenery you seek in your travels, China offers it in abundance. And if you're in the mood for a change, you're always just a train ride or short flight away from a completely different experience!

Qin Xiaoying

The Beijing Wall and the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an are renowned worldwide. Yet, China's history extends far beyond these landmarks, offering a vast treasure trove of stories and legends.

In Gansu province, we not only rode down the sand dunes and watched the sunset but also explored the Mogao Caves. Since the inception of the Silk Road, these caves have been a testament to the region's strong Buddhist faith.

In Turpan, Xinjiang province, we discovered JiaoHe, an ancient desert city built over 2000 years ago. Near Chengdu, the LeShan Buddha stands as one of the world's largest Buddhas, carved into the rock and overlooking the confluence of three rivers.

These are merely glimpses of China's renowned attractions. The country is brimming with such treasures, and one or two trips are simply not enough. We've had a taste, and we're determined to return and explore even more whenever possible!

Terracotta Army Statues

It's often said that Chinese people can appear rude, unfriendly, and cold. If your interactions are limited to busy public transport, this might seem true. However, our experiences have been entirely different.

We've consistently been met with immense kindness and enthusiasm, as locals are thrilled to welcome foreigners. We speak a bit of the language, which greatly encourages interaction (many are amazed if you can even say ‘hello’!), but even without language skills, we've found locals almost always eager to treat you like a personal guest.

In big cities, you'll frequently be waved at, engaged in conversation, and asked for photos. While this can be tiring, especially after a long day, it stems from genuine excitement about your visit. These encounters are delightful, and when we've had the chance to engage more deeply, we've been treated exceptionally well!

In a small village we visited, we were invited to different homes for every meal by locals eager to host us. On another occasion, a man insisted on a mini photo-shoot with us and then offered to take us out for a meal as a gesture of thanks.

Many travelers feel like regulars at a restaurant after just a couple of weeks, with staff quickly learning your ‘usual’ order and happily sitting down for a chat and sharing photos with you.