Booking over the phone with Ctrip I hadn’t sighted the hotel prior to booking but at the time there wasn’t much choice as there was a major conference on in town and accommodation was hard to find. That’s where Ctrip, the China-based travel booking service, saved the day once again.…
I am 100% sure that I would not be getting around China so easily if it wasn’t for the kindness of Chinese people! The flight from LiJiang to Chengdu was delayed and while staring out in the distance of the waiting room hallway a pretty voice beside me pipes up…
Lijiang Airport is pretty simple, after check-in and security check you either walk to the waiting room on the left or right depending on your departure gate number. The waiting rooms have toilets, one shop, and seats although probably not enough. The flight was delayed for over an hour for…
I only managed to see so many wonderful things in LiJiang thanks to two really beautiful people who spared their time and kindness……..and in temple, in the middle of the Black Dragon Pool Park, a Monk declared that my wonderful guides must be my student and my daughter! This Buddhist monk was only…
Shuhe Ancient Town (or city) is located in the city of Lijiang and less than 10 minutes by taxi from the ‘Old Town of Lijiang’ which is at the center of the city. It’s a place where you can easily find yourself forgetting what year you are in, as you walk along…
The Jade Water Village is located where a water spring exists at the base of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and this spring is scared to the local Naxi people. It is also the place where a famous American explorer, author, and botanist, Joseph Rock, lived for many years. Now it…
The Black Dragon Pool is one of the must-visit places in Lijiang. The pool (or pond) is located in the Jade Spring Park in Lijiang, which is often referred to as Heilongtan Park, which is located at the foot of Elephant Hill. The park contains many temples, pavilions, and beautiful ancient architecture, including its bridges…
The Sleepy Inn is located in Shuhe Ancient Town which is a short taxi ride away from the more famous part of Lijiang being the ‘Old Town’. Don’t let this put you off though, as Shuhe Ancient Town feels much more authentic than the Old Town and it’s much more relaxed.…
An intro to Lijiang including a map, and the five things that you must not miss.
I booked this flight through the airline booking service at the Tibet Hotel Chengdu. I booked it at the last minute so I’m quite sure that I paid through the nose for this flight at 790rmb for an economy seat. I think if you booked with elong or ctrip in advance…
Taking center stage on the city of Chengdu’s attraction list is the ‘Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding’. Its the largest and most successful breeding center being home to many pandas both young and old. Pandas are bred at the large park and along with being a popular tourist attraction, it…
Chengdu, unfortunately, doesn’t make it on to many peoples list of places to visit while in China unless they are visiting Tibet or maybe going to see the Giant Buddha. That’s a bit of a shame as it is a really nice city, with friendly people and a somewhat relaxed environment compared…
Chengdu of Sichuan Province won’t leave shoppers empty-handed, as the center of Chengdu offers plenty of options, whether you are shopping for brand name clothing, no name clothing, electronics or local products. The place to start is Chunxi Road which features modern department stores, boutique shops, supermarket and loads of…
After a relaxing massage at Jiafu Fudao, Rebecca took me a great place to enjoy one of Sichuan’s famous dishes, the Hot Pot. While Hot Pots are available in most places across China, apparently the Chengdu Sichuan version is something unique! Extremely unique for me as I’d never had one…
Fortunately for me a had a friend in Chengdu, Rebecca, who just happened to be a manager at the Chengdu branch of Jiafu Fudao. Whats Jiafu Fudao? A very classy place for starters! It’s a spa retreat, my guess catering for executive market, offering a vast array of massage and therapeutic services.…
When I came to Chengdu it really was a blessing to find this place. Let alone being my first time in Chengdu, it was my first time in China too. So I was really keen to find somewhere safe, friendly and hopefully with someone who speaks English to help this…
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province which is located in western China, bordering with Tibet. It’s location actually makes it a great place to get started from, or base yourself in, if you are planning to visit Tibet or the southwest region of China including such places as Leshan…
After a suprisingly good nights sleep at the hotel, that saved me from a night on the streets of Chengdu, I woke to see a beautiful haze, a lovely light grey in color impenertable by the sun, my first morning in China. At first I thought smog, but actually its…
Here are six painfully boring things you could do before traveling overseas for the first time Check the weather and local temperature prior to leaving and take appropriate clothing. Six degrees Celsius is really chilly in a t-shirt and shorts. Check where the airport is, and what the best way might…
I dont think I’ll ever forget the flight from Kuala Lumpur to Chengdu on Air Asia (KUL to CTU flight D72626), only for the reason that it was my first real introduction to what was in front of me. And the fact that, for me at least, I was about…
Arriving in Kuala Lumpur on the 8th of march and the first thing to hit me was the humidity, apparently KL was experiencing some hotter days than usual. So, lucky me, I guess, as I wouldn’t be needing a hotel with a sauna or steam room! Kuala Lumpur appears to…
For me this is my first visit to KL and I have to admit that I really didn’t do much research about the place! So everything to me is new, interesting and sometimes confusing! Oh yeah, when you see the sign saying ‘Keleur’ with an arrow, it’s not Malay for…
Choosing an airline was quite easy as Air Asia was by far the cheapest airline to get into China from Australia. At the time, Air Asia was under a third of the cost of the other airlines going in that direction. As a comparison the flight with Air Asia cost…
For most people booking through travel agents this step will probably be handled by your travel agent but in my case and for many who step out there own journey its one of the things that you’ll have to take care of. Fortunately its not to difficult. At the time…