Top 5 Reasons to Stay at Yangshuo

Peaceful and relaxing hours with the family or friends at the pubs can be enjoyed while at the same time providing various exciting and fun outdoor activities. This is what you can expect from a classic Yangshuo tour. Yangshuo, 65 km southeast Guilin city, has been world famous for its breathtaking scenery of hills and rivers. It is a great laidback base that offers many reasons for your visit and stay.

Yangshuo Biking

1. UNESCO Limestone Karst mountains

The distinctive Karst landscape is formed from the dissolution of layers of soluble bedrock, such as limestone, dolomite and gypsum. Yangshuo and Guilin in South China has the world’s most diverse karst landforms, and been listed as the UNESCO World natural Heritage site on June 23.2014. A four-hour cruise trip down the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo allows travelers to admire the dramatic scenery of typical Karst peak cluster in various shapes.

(Read more about Gulin onhttp://www.easytourchina.com/city-c17-guilin)

2. Refreshing outdoor activities to the peaceful countryside

Explore Yangshuo to the fullest by hiking or cycling to the beautiful countryside for the limestone hills, enchanted villages with well-arranged farms, buffalos, meandering rivers, mud brick houses and peaceful rural life. There are plenty of good trekking routes including Yangdi to Xingping, Moon Hill Trek, Li River trekking, etc. Yangshuo is also a perfect place for rock climbing with over 70,000 unique karst peaks there for climbers of all levels. There is an grand rock climbing festival held in October every year.

3. Laid-back vibe in the West Street

West Street (Xi Jie) is just standing in the town center of Yangshuo, and was built during the Sui Dynasty around 590 AD. Many foreign visitors have found West Street so attractive for its unique blend of different cultures and being teeming with pubs, shops and stands selling various kinds of snacks and souvenirs.

4. Bamboo-rafting on the Yulong River

if you’re longing for a little tranquility and a lazy afternoon in Yangshuo, we recommend you a bamboo-rafting trip on Yu Long River. The river is 43.5km long, 38-61m wide, with limestone peaks and rural villages on both banks.

(Read more about Yulong River on http://www.easytourchina.com/scene-v252-yulong-river)

5. Interesting cultural classes

Trip to Yangshuo, an interesting thing is to participate in many kinds of cultural classes, which promise to bring fun for both adults and children. There are cooking schools to learn how to cook Chinese food in a farmhouse in the countryside village, Tai Ji class to practice Taiji by the riverside, and Martial Arts class to learn the authentic Chinse Kong Fu.

(Read more about Yangshuo on http://www.easytourchina.com/city-c60-yangshuo)

Discover China’s Most Famous Water Towns

A cultural journey to China, the captivating water towns known as Venice of China with exquisite waterways located in China’s Jiangnan area (south of the Yangtze River’s lower reaches) are must-see destinations. Peaceful and relaxing hours at an ancient house or in a small boat gently dropping down the town river can be enjoyed while at the same time providing the authentic water town life of China centuries ago… 

 

1. Wuzhen Water Town (乌镇) 

80 km away from Hangzhou city, the 1200-year-old Wuzhen town locates at the north of Tongxiang City of Zhejiang Province, with the ancient Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal running across. Ranking the first among the most famous water towns in China, Wuzhen is well-known for its imposing ancient building complex and elegant old town layout of ancient docks, waterside pavilions and corridors, stone bridges of all sizes cross the streams winding through the town. 

 

2. Zhouzhuang Water Town (周庄) 

Initially built in 1086 during the North Song Dynasty, today’s Zhouzhuang has been a very popular tourist destination in China. With its profound cultural background, the well-preserved ancient dwellings from Ming and Qing dynasties, and the refreshing watery views, the small town has attracted numerous artists and litterateurs to paint or make here their new home. It is still worth an in-depth visit, regardless of the chaos of the tourist crowd. But try to find out the tranquil and authentic Zhouzhuang yourself in the low season and by visiting the old batik's workshop, and the old wine workshop.   

3. Xitang Water Town (西塘)

Xitang is conveniently located within 100 kilometers from Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou, and offers a peaceful world to flee away from the noisy metropolitan life. Similar to the other water towns, Xitang also has cobbled streets, old buildings, arching bridges, crisscrossed rivers, and rowing boats. Furthermore, it boasts a beautiful waterside street and corridor as long as 1000 meters. In spring, Xitang becomes a stunning Chinese ink wash painting when being veiled with mist and rain.

 

4. Tongli Water Town (同里)

18 km away from downtown Suzhou, Tongli is one of the top 6 water towns in Jiangnan region and surrounded by 5 lakes. The ancient town (with a history of over 1000 years) has been divided into 7 islets by 15 crisscrossed rivers, and linked by 49 century-old stone bridges. Therefore in Tongli, the small boat is the daily means of transport for every family. There are also old temples and typical Suzhou private garden that are worth a visit. 

  

5. Nanxun Water Town (南浔) 

Nanxun is one of the most well-preserved old towns in Jiangnan Region. It is simple, humble, and much lesser known than the other water towns, but famous for its cultural heritage and 5 historical private gardens. A visit to Nanxun, you should not miss the ancient Huizhou architecture, the sophisticated Xiao Lian (little lotus) Garden, the waterfront Bai Jian Lou (100 houses), and the mouth-watering local snacks. 

6. Luzhi Water Town (甪直) 

18 km east of Suzhou city, the 2500-year-old Luzhi town is hailed as one of the top ten famous Chinese historical townships and was awarded a Township Preservation Award by UNESCO in 2014. Visitors are most likely to be impressed its ancient dwellings and streets, a 1300-year-old gingko tree, and 41 time-honored bridges of the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties in various sizes and shapes. So Luzhi is also called Bridge Town. 

  

7. Others 

Zhuajiajiao Water Town (朱家角) – it is the closest water town to Shanghai (50 kilometers apart), and a laid-back base featuring historical buildings, cultural sites, beautiful scenery, and well-appointed modern resorts.  

Gubei Water Town (古北水镇) – it is recommended mostly because of being located at the foot of Simatai Great Wall (the most authentic Great Wall in Beijing) in North China. The renovation of this 1000-year-old town has been beautifully done. Visitors now can combine Great Wall and water town for an innovative Beijing tour. 

8 Travel Tips for Pregnant Woman

The nine-month pregnancy makes many of the active expectant mothers so boring and nervous at home, and they are longing for some relaxing and happy time by planning a vacation, while at the same time providing a good chance of seeing the wide world ahead for the unborn baby. However, traveling while pregnant – whether by plane, train, car or cruise – could be very troublesome and highly risky. To ensure a safe and comfortable travel during pregnancy, here are some helpful pointers and tips for you to keep in mind.

1. Time your trip well

It’s best to schedule your vacation during the second trimester (week 13 – week 28) of pregnancy, which is usually considered to be the most appropriate period for travelling and much safer for a long-distance trip. While travelling during the first trimester (week 1 – week 12) may increase the risk of bleeding or miscarriage. Try not to travel after 36 to 38 weeks of pregnancy.

However, for most pregnant women, it is likely to experience nausea, discomfort and fatigue during the trip.

2. Dress comfortably

Wear the loose cotton clothing and comfortable, supportive shoes, which are good for travelling, especially if you’re expecting lots of walking. Leave alone the nylon undies, tights and tight trousers. In addition, prepare the right size of swimwear and underwear. You won’t want to squeeze your beautiful bump into a costume which is suddenly too small.

3. Carry your medical notes

Always remember to consult with your doctor before you set off, discuss on your travel dos and don’ts. And finally ask him/her to write you a note with your prenatal and medical records.

4. Avoid going to the crowded places

Being in a crowded, noisy place like the railway station, shopping street, or amusement park, the pregnant women could be knocked know accidently, thus increase the potential danger to you or the baby.

5. No high risk activities

High risk activities like climbing, riding, windsurfing, skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, etc are absolutely not allowed while pregnant. But, enjoy your trip to the fullest with brisk walks, yoga, massage, reading by the seaside, low-impact swimming or having an art lesson. If you are in China, try the porcelain lesson.

6. Avoid the long journey

The pregnant women are discouraged to take a long journey for the full nine months, as you may face unsafe food, sleeping loss, more fatigue and bumps on the air or gravel roads. It is best for you to choose a domestic destination, instead of a far-off place.

7. Carry healthy snacks and enough water

Take good care of yourself with plenty of healthy snacks and water bottles in case you get hungry at any time and miss your won diet. Furthermore, pregnant women are dehydrated much faster than others, so make sure you always carry enough water. And also make sure you have known how far apart the rest areas (restrooms) are on your journey.

8. Air tips for pregnant woman

>> Check your airline’s pregnant flyer policy before booking the ticket. — Find International Flights to China

>> According to most airlines, pregnant women before 32 weeks will be treated like normal travelers. And there shouldn’t be any problems for the first two trimesters when flying. The airlines may require a note from your doctor if you are scheduled to deliver within 30 days of takeoff.

>> Book an aisle seat so that you have a little more space and can easily reach the bathroom as needed.

>> Try to walk up and down the aisle frequently on the plane to reduce the risk of a blood clot, or thrombo-embolism.

Discover the Many Flavors of Breakfast in China

It’s hard to beat various kinds of Chinese breakfast as one of the most authentic and vibrant ways to experience the local cuisine.

When travelling in China, instead of seriously having Western buffet at hotel, why not search out for the most usual yet popular and mouth-watering breakfast? Whether you are obsessed with feasting on Chinese dumplings and noodles, sipping a nutrition soup or chewing the yummy big pancakes, the following Chinese breakfast is to whet your appetite.

Guangzhou - stick rice with chicken 

Guangzhou is hailed as the food paradise in China and boasts very special tea dim sum as daily breakfast. Stick rice with chicken covered by lotus leaf is one of them, which looks fairly plain but stands out for excellent taste, light lotus scent and surprising stuffing including barbecued pork, mushroom and salted egg yellow.

Shanghai – steamed pork bun

Many food cultures have been influencing Shanghai’s breakfast. Steamed pork bun originally from Yangzhou city is favored by both Shanghai people and visitors as breakfast and snack. It is big in size and eaten with a straw to sip the fresh pureed soup first. Steamed pork bun always reminds visitors of the unique flavor of Shanghai.

Guilin – Guilin rice noodles 

Guilin is not only famous for its surreal (Karst) landscape, but also the yummy rice noodles – a must for all local people in the morning. This breakfast needs complex skill on making ingredients, fine brine and bone soup, and could be very spicy if you prefers.

Yellow Mountain - fresh soup wonton

A visit to Yellow Mountain or Huangshan city, you should never miss the fresh soup wonton at a vendor’s stall or snack shop for breakfast. The wonton wrapper is hand-made into crystal translucent, while the soup is carefully processed by pork bones.

Beijing – soya bean milk and fried dough stick

Soya bean milk and fried dough sticks is a perfect match and the most usual breakfast for millions of Chinese people in the morning, especially for Beijingers. Other usual breakfast in Beijing include cruller, porridge, pancake, etc.

Tianjin – Fruit pancake 

A very popular kind of breakfast and snack in Tianjin, the fruit pancake has spread to all over China. It is made up of an egg pancake, caraway, cruller and matched with spicy or sweet soybean sauce. Local people call cruller guozi (fruit), thus fruit pancake.

Chongqing – Xiao Mian (Little noodles) 

Xiao Mian noodle is known as the standard breakfast for Chongqing people, featuring rich aroma of pepper. It pay much attention to the dozens of ingredient and seasonings, including fried peanuts, soybean, sesame paste, pepper powder, caraway, garlic, sesame oil and so forth.

Dumplings 

 

Guilin Is to See More Tourists after the Visa-free Transit Policy Jul 15

The popular tourist city of Guilin in Southwest China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has long taken credit for having the most dramatic Karst scenery in the world, and has confirmed to be the ninth city in China (following Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenyang, Dalian and Shenyang) to offer a visa-free transit policy since June, 2014, Therefore, transit passengers with passport of the 51 countries are allowed to stay for up to 72 hours without visa on direct transit via Guilin Liangjiang International Airport.

Guilin is expected to see more international tourists! Check the following list for the most famous scenic spots in Guilin.

Li River

Li River traverses through Guilin from north to south, and connects Guilin and Yangshuo by waterway. A cruise down the river all the way to Yangshuo is one of the highlights of a holiday in China. During this 83-km (52 miles) cruise, visitors are going to pass by beautiful countryside, bamboo groves lining along the riverbank, leisurely water buffalo and numerous extraordinary Karst peaks, which have just been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list on June 23.2014 (as part of South China Karst).

Yangshuo

65 km southeast of downtown Guilin, Yangshuo is world-famous for the picturesque countryside, enchanted villages and spectacular scenery of hills and rivers. It is an idea destination and great laidback base for those looking for fun and leisure, by enjoying cycling, rock climbing, hiking, bamboo rafting in the Yulong River and free time in the bars on the West Street.

Rice Terraces

Many visitors prefer an extension Guilin tour to Longji or Dazhai for the rice terraces. Dragon Backbone’s Rice Terraces is 87 km (55 miles) northwest of Guilin, and offers amazing view of terraced fields. In Dazhai and Longji, travelers can also have an visit to the ethnic minority villages of Yao and Zhuang people to experience the unique culture and custom.

Reed Flute Cave

The Reed Flute Cave is one of spectacular Karst caves in Guilin and a must for all travelers to the city. Inside the cave is a wonder world of stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations of various shapes created by carbonate deposition, and Illuminated by colored lighting.

Yao Mountain

At an elevation of 909m, Mount Yao is the highest mountain in Guilin. It’s highly recommended to take a chairlift journey to the top and a speedy toboggan slide-down. Another major attraction around Yao Mountain is a fantastic tea farm about 2 km away, with hundreds of hectares of tea trees. Make sure to watch a traditional tea ceremony for free!

There’s no better way to experience the sheer splendor of Guilin’s Karst landscape than by biking. Therefore, some of ETC team make a plan to cycle around with the purpose of finding out the great cycling routes in Guilin for our clients and friends, while relaxing and enjoying ourselves at the same time. Last Thursday, we had our first biking tour to Yao Mountain, approximately 10 km northeast of downtown Guilin.

909m above sea level, Yao Mountain is the highest mountain in the city, and a should-not-missed destination for all cyclists in Guilin. Before arriving at the foot the Yao Mountain, we have to bike on a bumpy and rugged road with a continuous line of cars, which was surely not a pleasure at all. But it was worth it, – we were awarded with a great view of the endless undulating mountains of Karst geography, which has just been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list recently.

Yao Mountain is different from most of the other stone hills in Guilin, and covered with fertile soil and luxuriant vegetation. With the well-constructed road, it is an ideal place for moderate hiking and cycling (there are also cars running up and down). However, the 8.5 km winding road’s several hairpin turns and rather large tilt brought a real challenge for we first-timers.

Finally we reached the halfway up the mountain at around 19:00 pm, and enjoyed the beautiful sunset. But it was too late to keep climbing. So we decided to turn back. We hope that next time we can reach the top.

Here we would like to share with our biking tips of descending Yao Mountain. So that you can enjoy the thrill downhill under safety.

1. Get low on the bike to get a low centre of gravity, so that you can be better stabilized.

2. Most of the time, use more rear braking. And it’s good to brake earlier into corners, and less during the turn as the bike goes through leaning angles.

3. Always be concentrated to the hairpin turns, road signs and cars in front.

4. Control the speed, especially when the night falls (we descend at night this time)

Special Things to Wear on Head While Travelling in Chin

Travelling is not all about landscape, history or food, but also the local costumes. If you are an experienced traveler, you must have tried all kinds of local clothes each time when reaching a new destination. Therefore I come up with a good idea of wearing various hats while in China. Most of the hats are from China’s 55 ethnic minority groups, and all will keep kids and grown-ups smiling and eye-catching all along.

Red Army Cap 

 

Red Army Cap, or Star Cap has set off a new trend in China. You can match it with a dark green shoulder bag with the famous slogan of“为人民服务”(Serve the People) written on it.

The Officer’s cap of Qing Dynasty 

This cap can often be seen in China’s zombie movies and Qing Dynasty movies, with a broad brim and tall crown.

Skullcaps in Xinjiang

When visiting Kashgar, Xinjiang province, try the skullcaps – the daily hat for local Uyghur men. You can buy it in the local market, where there are skullcaps for sale everywhere.

Large Bamboo Hat

A large bamboo hat coupled with a coir raincoat was once a common combination for farmers in southern China, and now could still be seen on the fisherman in Yangshuo or Guilin when they conduct the performance of osprey to catch fish.

Various Hats of Mongolians

  

Mongolians’ hat are designed to withstand the impact of natural violation. The snow and wind resistant hood is a nice choice for those visiting China in winter.

Tiger-head Cap

  

Tiger-head cap is for kids, both boys and girls! In Ancient China, a child dressed in tiger-head cap, with tiger-head shoes to ward off evil. Today, there are also tiger-face hat, dog-head hat, lion-head hat, little pig-head hat, etc.

Long-hair Women in Longji

Girls in Huangluo Yao village take pride in their long hair, which can be reaching approximately 1.4 meters on average) The long-hair ladies bring their home “the first long hair village in the world”.

More hats from ethnic Chinese minority