China Archives - Seek Your Trip

January 14, 2014 by author

The Natural Wonders of Urumqi, China

Urumqi is one of those places in China that one should definitely pay a visit to. It is located in the north western section of the country and is home various tourist attractions and destinations. It is a place also rich in history and culture, given the many ethnic groups that made this place their home. Also, it is nearest to the tomb of the terra cotta warriors, which is another plus for those visiting the place.

Urumqi is filled with so many things to see and do, and though most of them reflect the modern lifestyle of the people, the most beautiful tourist attractions would have to be there natural wonders.

There are many places to visit in Urumqi and here are the top three natural scenic and beautiful destinations that you must include in your travel itinerary.

Heavenly Lake

Imagine a lake with crystal clear waters, so clear in fact that it mirrors the majestic snow-capped mountains in its background. That is Heavenly Lake, a very suitable name for something that seems to have been heaven sent. This crescent shaped lake is located in the eastern section of Urumqi. It has calm yet deep waters, the deepest part being almost 400 metres deep. The lake is formed by the melted ice and snow from the Tianshan Mountain (also referred to as Heavenly Mountains). The towering mountains and the crystal waters are more than enough reasons to visit the lake.

Southern Pasture

This is another beautiful spot in Urumwi, China which. The southern pasture is a field of green and lush grass, with rolling hills and mountains dotted with green and robust trees. As the name suggest, this place is the perfect grazing or pasture land for many grazing animals. And if you think that all you will see here is grass and animals, then you’d be wrong. This place abounds with various natural wonders like valleys, waterfalls, and majestic mountains. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to witness the traditional horse-racing events held by the locals. Otherwise, you can rent a horse and go through the whole place on a guided tour. Alternatively, you can simply sit on the grass and enjoy the wonderful view of animals and vegetation and traditional people.

Red Hill

Red Hill is one of those beautiful tourist attractions of Urumqi, China which cannot be easily missed. This hill overlooks a beautiful Urumqi landscape and is relaxing and amazing at the same time. The name is taken from the aubergine rocks of the mountain, which when hit by the sun reflect a bright red colour. This place has been developed for tourism and such you can find modern amenities and entertainment. If you’re not up for that, you can simple hike the dedicated trails until you reach the top, and get to admire the wonderful view of the city of Urumqi.

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Photo by andreelau on Flickr

June 3, 2013 by author

Top 4 Caves in China

While China is most often associated with things like the Great wall, the terracotta warriors and the large cities of Shanghai and Beijing, what many people don’t know is that it is also awash with caves. Not just ordinary caves but awe inspiring caves. This has given rise to China being also known as the Kingdom of the caves. But in saying that, I didn’t know about it immediately until researching for a trip there.

There are so many caves in the various regions of China that it is hard to choose the best. These are just 4 of them, that are really worth seeing. Undoubtedly I have missed many out. Just worth thinking about – tens of millions of people currently live in caves in China

Benxi Cave

The Benxi Cave is the longest known water-saturated cave in the world. The cave features a huge lake measuring over than 1,000 square meters. Around and above the lake are many many stalactites. You are also able to take a boat ride on this lake within the cave. Seriously interesting and not the expected. The Benxi Cave can be found in the province of Liaoning.

The Xueyu Cave

This cave is located in Chongqing, and is famous for its stalactites which are as white as snow. The orginal name Xueyu literally means ‘snowy jade.’ There are said to be healing properties within the cave due its microclimate and the caves exposure to air. It is said that being in the caves can cure many things such as the common cold, asthma and other respiratory ailments.

Huanglong Cave

These are the worlds largest caves and is set in a pristine environment. Huanglong caves can be found in the Hunan province. Huanglong Caves contains two types of caves – the hangdong (those without water) and shuidong (those with water). The mineral deposits inside the cave are multi-colored, giving rise to an amazing spectacle. . The cave is also filled with unusual stalactites and stalagmites. Very eerie but spectacularly beautiful.

Zhijin Caves

The Zhijin Caves conatin caves within caves and is known as the ‘museum of caves’ in China. Not only are the caves awesome but their location. in a typical Chinmese viallge with many streams and waterfalls surrounding them, make it the complete package. Zhijin Caves can be found in the Guizhou province.

The Mogao Caves

These caves are carved into the cliffs above the Dachuan River located 25 km from the center of Dunhuang county in the province of Gansu in China. It comprises of a system of 492 buddhist temple cells and sanctuaries containing some of the finest examples of Buddhist art that goes back to more than 1000 years ago. Due to its religious and cultural influences, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The Mogao caves are also known as the Dunhuang caves or the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas.

So I didn’t know about the caves before, but now I do. I hope you also include these on a trip to China.

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Photo by 39483037@N00 on Flickr

May 20, 2013 by Arlene

Experience the Best of Beijing

Not many people can imagine how beautiful the large country of China is. Given the large expanse of land that this country has, it is no wonder that it is filled with so many beautiful and scenic tourist spots which keeps many travellers coming back. Many of these said destinations are usually scattered all over the country, but in Beijing, one can find all these and more.

Sightseeing in Beijing

Being a country that is rich in culture and wonderful architecture, a tour around the different attractions in Beijing is a definite must. This is a place that many people who want to see and learn about China’s culture should go. One of the most famous attractions in the place is the Huanghacheng section of the Great wall, the only man-made structure which is visible from outer space. What makes this special from the other sections of the Great Wall is the water bodies that surrounds it: a great lake and a crescent-shaped reservoir. During high tides, parts of this section of the Great Wall become submerged in water. There is also the famous Forbidden City, a grand complex where the Emperor houses his concubines. It is composed of about 9,000 beautifully designed rooms and a charming garden at the back. Other must see structures include the Summer Palace with its ancient pavilions and temples, and the Temple of Heaven built around the 1400s and the Lama Temple. In Beijing, photographers and admirers will surely have his or her fill of picturesque structures found nowhere else in the world.

Enjoy Cultural Performances

The Chinese people are also well-known for their theatrical performances, and you can catch them in one of the many theatres in Beijing. One of the most frequented shows by both local and foreign tourists alike is the Golden Mask Dynasty Show which performs at the Happy Valley. This is a huge production of 200 performers clad in beautifully designed costumes, performing in an equally beautiful stage setting. The stage props are noted to be some of the best in the place, and even the world. There is also the Legend of Kung Fu Show, which narrates a simple folk story about Chinese kung fu. If you are a fan of acrobatics, then be sure to check out the Tiandi Theatre Acrobatic Show and the Choayang Theatre Acrobatics show, where some of China’s greatest acrobats and gymnasts perform.

Go on a Food Trip

Not to be missed of course is Beijing’s culinary travel experience. Although there are many classy hotels and restaurants in the place where one can enjoy international cuisines, it is sometimes better to look around and find other places to eat in. For example, the Kai Xiao Zao restaurant is known for its traditional and home-cooked meals like the dry fried cauliflower and the bullfrog hotpot. These are just two of the about 100 cuisines that you can choose from in the restaurant. There is also the tea trip in Beijing, where you are treated to a tour around Maliandao Tea City and get to taste authentic Chinese tea, as the most well-known tea traders in all of China conduct their affairs here.

Beijing is truly a beautiful place, both culturally and naturally. There are many things to do and see in the place, and all these things combine to make a trip to Beijing both enjoyable and educational tour.

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Photo by stuckincustoms on Flickr