China Adventure
My husband and I just got back from an incredible adventure through China - a trip packed with jaw-dropping scenery, ancient culture, and amazing food. From misty mountains to buzzing city streets, every place had something new and exciting to offer. We were lucky to have a private guide and driver along the way, which meant we could really relax and enjoy it all without stressing about how to get from A to B.
Chengdu: We started in Chengdu, the laid-back capital of Sichuan. It's famous for spicy food and, of course, the giant pandas - though we didn’t get a chance to visit them this time. Still, strolling through peaceful parks, sipping tea with locals, and diving into some seriously fiery mapo tofu and hotpot was the perfect warm-up to our journey.
Kunming & the Stone Forest: Next stop: Kunming, known for its spring-like weather all year. A short drive took us to the otherworldly Stone Forest; a maze of massive limestone formations that made us feel like we were on another planet. We also visited Yuantong Temple, and the beautiful Green Lake Park where young chinese students stopped us to practice their english speaking skills. People were curious and wanted to know more about us and why we were there.
Lijiang & Shuhe: From Kunming, we flew to Lijiang and stayed in the quieter, more charming Shuhe Ancient Town. Think cobbled streets, little canals, and traditional Naxi homes - it felt like walking into a fairytale. One of the highlights was catching the Impression Lijiang show outdoors with the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background. Absolutely unforgettable.
Tiger Leaping Gorge: We hiked along the jaw-dropping Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest canyons on Earth. Walking next to the raging Jinsha River with massive cliffs towering over us was both thrilling and a little scary - not for the faint of heart!
Yangshuo & the Li River: Straight Out of a Painting In Yangshuo, we cruised along the Li River past dramatic karst mountains and peaceful bamboo groves. It’s exactly how classic Chinese landscape paintings look - and even more beautiful in real life. We also explored lively markets and tried “beer fish,” a delicious local specialty. Our travel partners in China arranged a sunset tea experience for us high up on a karst mountain in Yangshuo. The view was breathtaking - one I'll always remember.
The Yangtze River Cruise: We spent three chill days cruising down the Yangtze after boarding in Chongquin, drifting past steep cliffs and through the famous Three Gorges. The engineering of the Three Gorges Dam was mind-blowing, and the side trips to ancient temples and hillside pagodas gave us a peek into the region’s long history.
Huangshan & Ancient Villages: Stepping Back in Time After the river cruise, we headed to the mountains of Huangshan. We reached the top of Yellow Mountain by cable car and after walking and climbing steps for about 1 hour. Spending the night up there was pure magic - we woke up to a sea of clouds and a glowing sunrise. We also explored nearby villages like Hongcun and Xidi, with their white walls, curved rooftops, and still ponds that looked like mirrors. It felt like going back in time.
Ping’an: In Ping’an, we stayed at the peaceful Li An Lodge, perched above the famous Longji Rice Terraces. The views were amazing - endless green waves of rice paddies carved into the mountains. We also had the opportunity to meet a lady from the Yao tribe. These women don't cut their hair until they are 16, and some save it and wear it at their wedding.
Shanghai: Our grand finale was Shanghai - a fast-moving mix of old and new. We walked the Bund, soaking up skyline views, and explored the leafy streets of the French Concession with its trendy cafes and boutiques. One night, we caught the ERA acrobatics show - what an amazing performance. The city’s parks were buzzing with life: tai chi in the mornings, kite-flying and dancing at night. It was a beautiful slice of daily life.
Looking Back China exceeded our expectations. The food alone was unforgettable - dumplings, noodles, sizzling street snacks, you name it. But it was the people who really made it special - warm, welcoming, and always ready to help. Traveling by bullet train was a dream - fast, smooth, and super comfy. And having a private guide meant we had inside knowledge at every stop. Every region had its own flavour, and together they made for a rich, unforgettable journey. We came home with memories to last forever and a desire to return another time.
We travelled for 3 weeks in April when the temperature was in the mid 20’s on average. I highly recommend downloading Alipay and setting up an eSIM (we used Airalo) before you travel. We got the eSIM sorted before leaving, but struggled with setting up Alipay after arriving, so it's best to do it in advance.
If you would like help planning a similar trip to China or to any other destination, please get in touch.
