Suggestions for my journey across China: cultural and historical focuse

Suggestions for my journey across China: cultural and historical focuse
May 12, 2005 01:33
108TRAVELLER108 Points: Join Date: May 12, 2005 Status: offline	Hello all. Chinese history and philosophy have been my greatest passions for the last several years. However now that I am finally presented with the opportunity to travel in China I am somewhat at a loss over where I should visit in my 3 and a half weeks there. I am already planning to visit Beijing, Xian, Wudang, Shaolin, Omei and Huangshan mountains because of their importance to Chinese history and culture. However I would really like to go to places somewhat less touristic with many of the same qualities: (beautifull old Confucian/Daoist/ Buddhist temples for example, old noble houses and cultural significance). I am willing to travel around much of China and do anything which is technically feasible in three or so weeks. Do any of you have any experiance travelling with the same values and interests in mind. If so I would very much appreciate it if you could you share with me some of the less well known jems which I am sure China has to offer.

May 12, 2005 01:33

108TRAVELLER108
Points:
Join Date: May 12, 2005
Status: offline

Hello all. Chinese history and philosophy have
been my greatest passions for the last several
years. However now that I am finally presented
with the opportunity to travel in China I am
somewhat at a loss over where I should visit in
my 3 and a half weeks there. I am already
planning to visit Beijing, Xian, Wudang, Shaolin,
Omei and Huangshan mountains because of their
importance to Chinese history and culture.
However I would really like to go to places
somewhat less touristic with many of the same
qualities: (beautifull old Confucian/Daoist/
Buddhist temples for example, old noble houses
and cultural significance). I am willing to
travel around much of China and do anything which
is technically feasible in three or so weeks. Do
any of you have any experiance travelling with
the same values and interests in mind. If so I
would very much appreciate it if you could you
share with me some of the less well known jems
which I am sure China has to offer.

May 12, 2005 09:41

DEE0228
Points:
Join Date: Sep 14, 2004
Status: Offline

Hi,108!
Your user name is interesting!
It seems that you are so interested in Chinese culture and history , so I'd like to suggest you some worth-seeing places for your reference. China is so large that it's impossible to go many places within such a short time. you may consult the info from travel websites first and then pick out the places you want to go.
Here comes the list:
Beijing- Forbidden City, Great Wall,Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Yonghe Lamasery, Ming Tombs
Datong, Shanxi Province, near Beijing- Yungang Caves, Hanging Monastery
Luoyang, Henan Province- Shaolin Temple, White Horse Temple, Longmen Grottoes
Xi'an, Shaanxi Province- Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses,Big Goose Pagoda (Dayanta),City Wall, Forest of Stone Steles Museum, Shaanxi Provincial History Museum ,Famen Temple, Qianling Tomb,Mt. Huashan
Sichuan province-Jiuzhai valley and Huanglong, Mt.Emei, Leshan Giant Buddha
Chonqging- Dazu Rock Carvings
Hubei Province- Mt.Wudang
Anhui Province- Mt.Huangshan

Surely there are many other excellent sites, such as Confucius Temple in Qufu, Shandong province; Lijiang old town in Yunnan province, Yangtze river cruise, etc.

Btw, when will you come to China? will you travel alone or with a group of people?

May 12, 2005 23:15

108TRAVELLER108
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Join Date: May 12, 2005
Status: Offline

Thank you. Yes, as you have observed, I am indeed
fascinated with Chinese culture and history. My
interest stems from an interest in buddhism which
lead me to practice Shaolin Gong Fu which inturn
lead me to China and its philosophies. I will be
travelling to China in July (there are supposedly
fewer tourists than in august) with a member of
my family. Thank you so much for sending that
list as it reconfirmed allot of places I had
originially heard of and also introduced some new
ones .Do you have any idea which of the places
you mentioned are less touristed? Also if anyone
else knows of less frequented places, do tell.

May 13, 2005 10:10	#3
DUNC Points: Join Date: Jan 2, 2005 Status: Offline	G'day, Just a quick thought, Qufu,home/birthplace of Confucious and Mount. Taishan near Tai'an, one of the major sacred mountains. Both Shandong. A good side trip from Beijing. Have a great trip. D

May 13, 2005 17:40

DEE0228
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Join Date: Sep 14, 2004
Status: Offline

Almost all the historical sites and scenic spots in China have been opened to tourists. not only for showing the culture and history, but also for storing money at the same time... so, to find a less touristed attraction is really a hard thing:(
I also want suggest you to go to the Four Buddhist Holy Mountains:
Mt. Jiuhua in Anhui Province
Mt. Putuo in Zhejiang Province
Mt. Emei in Sichuan Province
Mt. Wutai in Shanxi Province

Jul 15, 2009 03:25

GUEST41245

I've lived in Xi'an for the last 7 months as an English teacher.

If you visit Xi'an, the most memorable places you can visit as well as do cool activities, IMHO, are as follows: the City Wall (bike 'round), Famen Temple (walk to the amazing structure designed by a Taiwan artist (when you approach, IMHO, it almost feels like what it must have felt like being in ancient China), the Warriors (looks and feels just like all the PICS you've seen), Qinling Mausoleum (just a really cool looking place), Qing Qing Park (spelling) and, of course, Mt. Huashan (be prepared).

Also, have the traditional snack of Xi'an; Yum Pur (spelling). If you get a good dish then it's refreshing because it should be cold.

There's more, but these are really the highlights. Drum and Bell Tower area is crowded and for shopping really. Big and Little Pagodas pretty cool; do in a day or same day. The little one is less touristy though.

You'll love Xi'an, but don't rush it or you won't get the feel. And, don't spend your time 'round the towers or the pagodas - go 'outwards'!

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