- Yushu (Qinghai): Khampa areas within the Tibet "Autonomous Regions" are closed to the individual traveler, but here these fiercely proud Tibetan warriors trade in a traditional market town beneath a stern gray-and-red monastery.
- Yanbian (Jilin): A lush, achingly pretty hilly region perched on China's border with North Korea, parts of which have only recently been opened to tourism, Yanbian is home to the largest population of ethnic Koreans outside the peninsula itself. Independent-minded travelers have the opportunity to explore one of the few truly bicultural societies in China.
- Pingyao (Shanxi): Chinese tourists have discovered Pingyao, but the number of Western tourists is still relatively low at what is one of the best-preserved Ming and Qing towns in China. An intact Ming city wall surrounds clusters of elegant high-walled courtyard residences, some of which are also guesthouses.
- Bama (Guangxi): Difficult to reach as yet, but this is what the countryside around Guilin wants to be when it grows up. There are limited facilities, but caves and peaks that will amaze even the most experienced travelers.
- Yi Xian (Anhui): Often visited en route to or from Huang Shan, this UNESCO World Heritage county is famous for its Ming and Qing dynasty memorial arches and residential houses. Structures with ornate brick, stone, and wood carvings are like a peek into an architectural past that is quickly being destroyed in China's booming cities.
China Travel Experiences
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Stupas & Sword Fights
The downside to our tickets was that they were hard seats for a 22 hour journey, which was nice. We swapped trains in Xining&nb... Continue reading »
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Ni Hao
Sorry for the delay in updating the blog. The internet connection at our hostel in Beijing wasn't the greatest.Our first day in Bei... Continue reading »
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Backpack to Yunnan 云南
YunnanI've heard this name many times; I've heard many people tell me is a beautiful place but no one has really expressed it out how bea... Continue reading »
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Skipping stones doesn't require a language
Our last day in Tibet we got out of Lhasa for an excursion to Yamdruk Lake. Our guide Lobsang and our Chinese driver who spoke no Engli... Continue reading »
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Top of the World
Tibet has been spectacular. After meeting with Pati in Katmandu, we booked a 4 day overland trip by jeep through the Himalaya Mountains.... Continue reading »
