We’d only been in the air 2.5 hours and we were touching down in what felt like ‘a world away’ from Xi’an. The sky was clear, the air was warm and thick with humidity …. a blanket of lush palm trees stretched out as far as the eye could see. My heart lifted…possibly the only problem I’d face on this holiday was an unsuspected falling coconut. China and the tropics aren’t two words you would usually put together, right? China’s all about being a contrast of strapping concrete jungles and ramshackle villages, often side by side….the old and the new….the Ferraris and the Tuk Tuks, all cobbled together to make up the world’s biggest and busiest population. Nestled in China’s south west, in Hainan Province, Sanya it seems, is an exception to China’s manic rule. Looking more like Australia’s Gold Coast 40 years ago, our 30 minute drive to the hotel cut a path through the dense palm fronds; I was almost relieved to see a few three-wheelers chugging by, a couple of motorbikes saddled with entire families and some scruffy street food stalls on the corner. It was still China. Albeit - China’s Hawaii. Perched as far north from the equator as Hawaii, Sanya is on the southern tip of Hainan Island, flanked with a 20 kilometre stretch of sandy beaches. Due to its remoteness from the political centres during Imperial China, Sanya was often called ‘Tian Ya Hai Jiao’ (天涯海角) "the end of the sky and ocean" or "the end of the earth.” Consequently, it served as a place of exile for officials who found themselves ‘out of favour’ with the country’s rulers. Just quietly, it didn’t look like a bad corner of the world to be placed in captivity! Warm all year round — the coolest in January with an average of around 21 degrees, and the hottest, a balmy June with an average of 29. These days, Sanya’s singing to a different tune… It played host to the first leg of the 2008 Beijing Olympics torch relay, not to mention the 2015 Miss World pageant! And it’s the training centre of choice for the Chinese Beach Volley Ball team. Long before this though, the Nanshan Temple constructed in 1988 on the site of ancient Tang Dynasty remains to commemorate 2000 years of Buddhism in China was capable of drawing its own visitors — Monks contemplating the universe from the Seawatch Terrace, at the edge of Chinese civilisation. Oh and this...one of the tallest statues in the world! Called the Guan Yin of the South Sea of Sanya, it’s a 108 metre tall Buddhist statue studded in gold, silver and diamonds! Impressive huh? It seems, China has unearthed it’s pearl in the ocean for everyone to see. Today it’s jam-packed with hundreds of hotels, from the cheapest hostel to the six-star variety….it’s the holiday spot for around ten million tourists each year. Currently, most of them are locals…..especially in winter! Many from the north of China (including desperate foreigners like us) and Russians who like to come in their droves to escape the freezing arctic winters. Those numbers are expected to increase to 20 million by 2018, with overseas visitors reaching one million, making Sanya the largest international tourism hub in South China. Thomas Cook has even grabbed a slice of the action, signing a deal to create new travel packages direct from the UK. This influx of tourists has, as you might expect, seen Sanya face a few expected challenges. Lack of infrastructure being one of them, difficulty in reaching the location due to limited flights and airport capacity, traffic and road safety, pollution of the beaches and most importantly a shortage of quality hospitality talent to service 250+ hotels. But that isn’t slowing down the rapid expansion! Giant, sleek high-rises are under construction from every angle, reaching up into sunny skies. We stayed at the Sheraton and whilst we didn’t see too many other foreigners, when it comes to pool hopping, it seems the locals like to keep to themselves, for the most part, anyway. You could be forgiven for thinking we actually had the resort to ourselves! Yep, just us! No doubt looking highly dubious in our ‘boardies’ and bikinis, schlepping from one pool to the next for much of the day or lolling about on the beach, under the softly swaying palm trees, watching the jet skis lay idle, as the sea softly rolls in.... For the record, most Chinese don’t like to be in the sun for too long (sensible if you ask me). The very fact that we ordered lunch by the pool had the pool-boys in a slight frenzy… clearly this is not a regular occurrence. You can take China to the tropics but cocktails by the pool is still a bit of an enigma around these parts. Hence we went BYO. Of course, I’m always on the job, researching for the book — so it was with keen eyes, I witnessed the locals in true ‘holiday mode’. For many Chinese, going away for a holiday is a relatively new concept, especially a 'resort-style' vacation. Generally, locals like to come down to the pool early in the day and then come back again later -- when the sun is starting to subside. Their stints at the pool are usually conducted at lightening speed! Everyone comes at once and it’s chaos. There’s grandma, granddad, mum and dad, babies, kids, friends…everyone having a quick dip…often wearing a giant ‘floatie’ device (many Chinese can’t swim). Unicorns, swans, crocodiles take your pick…there are a myriad of giant floaties up for to hire. After a brief splash and a few happy snaps…no sooner had they arrived, they’d gone again. Just like that. And we were back to floating solo. But don’t be fooled into thinking the resort is empty. Make it to the buffet for breakfast in the morning and the place is heaving. Lunchtime and the Chinese restaurant is bustling. For many locals, the chance to relax in a decadent hotel room on a hot and humid day is no doubt far more appealing, than scorching themselves by the pool like those er, silly foreigners! If you’re feeling more energetic than some….my insider tips tell me - there’s plenty of opportunity for water sports like scuba diving (just make sure the operators are certified) jet skiing, surfing and snorkelling. WuZhiZhao Island is a popular haven for water sports with its crystal clear seas, pristine beaches and coral reefs. DaDongHai is where it all started in Sanya and is home to shopping malls and restaurants, including the recommended American style sports bar ‘Dolphin.’ There's even an opportunity to shop, when lazing around the pool all gets a bit too much! ;-) The Government knows its market well and has backed a tourism conglomerate in setting up the world’s largest duty free shopping centre. Brandishing 72,000 square metres of luxury goods bearing the the latest brand names, all you need to get in on the actions is proof of a plane ticket leaving Hainan. Pick up your goods at the airport when you say Zai Jian! There is an 8,000 yuan (US$1200) per customer spending limit though, I’m told! Tip: During Chinese New Year, it's more than likely, the city will be flooded with tourists and you can expect everything to be extremely expensive, so perhaps not the best time to go! To date, flights operate from most major cities in China, including Hong Kong and Taiwan. There are also seasonal chartered flights to Singapore. So if you want to do very little in the way of…well… anything — you had better jump on the wagon and check out these super flight and holiday deals the guys at Paylesser sent me. They assist travellers like you, by offering a wide range of the latest coupons and offers including hotel discount coupons! (You're welcome!) ;-) Oh and don't forget to try the seafood. Happy Holidays! This is China’s Hawaii! … [Read more...]
The China Dream: A Small Target of $15 Million!
Here in China, forget about Twitter, Facebook and Instagram! They’re all banned! What you have in its place though is We Chat and Weibo. We Chat is a cross between What’s App and Facebook, not to mention a mini wallet! (And just quietly, gives both a run for their money!) Similar to Twitter, translated, 'Weibo' translates as ‘micro-blog’ and is exclusively in Chinese. (Which is a small problem for yours truly, who can’t read a thing!) China has one of the world’s most active social media audience with 600 million people registered on Weibo since it started seven years ago. It’s fair to say, in China, Weibo is the new black! Like it’s western counterpart, Twitter, Weibo has a limit of 140 characters, but Chinese characters! Which of course say a lot more than one letter. Given the internet censorship situation in China, Weibo is controlled by various methods from the ‘powers that be’ and there’s actually a list of blacklisted keywords that will have your posts automatically deleted and/or your account blocked should you breach them! With China now the world’s second largest economy, it’s become a global force to be reckoned with. Given outsiders weren’t really allowed in to China until the 80’s, China and its 1.4 billion people are still an enigma to much of the rest of the world. With netizens having a damn good go at expressing how they’re feeling on Weibo, it's one way to gain an interesting insight into what the people of China are thinking today. So, I thought it might be a good idea to keep you in the loop with what topics are trending on Chinese social media. Think of it as a window into China’s young soul. 8-O My good friend and Chinese local, Chao, is going to keep us updated with regular posts on what’s going down here in the Middle Kingdom. By Chao Huang In China when it comes to Weibo, we’re like moths to a flame! One topic that recently had Weibo in a frenzy was a quote from China’s richest man! His name’s Wang Jianlin and he’s a multi-billionaire who makes 900 million a day. Famous for owning Wanda…. China’s largest real estate developer and a company that is taking over the world in leaps and bounds; if you haven’t heard of them already, you soon will! He’s also the world's largest movie theatre operator and owns 20 per cent of the Spanish football club Atlético Madrid. Last week he went on a celebrity television show and bamboozled viewers around the country when he was asked to give advice on start ups. His answer: “There’s no problem if you want to be on the fortune list, but first you should set an achievable small target, let’s say, for example, you earn 100 million RMB ($15.2 million USD).” Yep you read that right…. 100-million - just a small “achievable” target. Given much of China’s people still live below the poverty line ….it was a slap in the face! Of course, this “friendly advice” together with screen shots of him, instantly went viral on social media. The jokes came thick and fast, one netizen quoting Neil Armstrong, "One small step for Wang, but a giant leap for mankind.” Coincidentally, Jack Ma, the second richest guy in China (Founder and Chairman of e-commerce giant, Alibaba) also sent the internet crazy, saying "The happiest Chinese are the ones that earn only 20,000 to 40,000 Chinese yuan, can afford a little house and car and start a good family!” He went on to say “When (you earn) more than 10 million, the trouble will come; when it’s more than 100 million, the trouble becomes big.” Netizens fired back saying, “I am not afraid of having the trouble, I will start with a “small target” - earn 100 million, and see how much the trouble is!” The average annual salary in China is 5780 RMB a month; Only five per cent of the working class earn more than 8000 RMB a month. You see, that’s how ironic this whole thing is. The gap between the rich and poor is only widening in China. A survey in 2013 found China to be the most unequal society in the world. The top elites often forgot how most people (and I am not even talking about the underdogs or beggars on the street) are striving for money, for being rich, for having “the trouble” of being too rich. In a country that has worked from the ground up, starting all over again from scratch in 1949 (encompassing a time when most people were too poor to eat more than scraps) for the first time ever, China now has a middle class. Albeit a small one. According to Goldman Sachs, less that two per cent of China’s 770 million workers earn enough to pay tax. Both Wang and Ma, are business savvy, hard working, progressive and building mighty business empires through sheer perseverance, but there’s no denying they got lucky! Aged 51 and 61, they both hopped on the speed train after China opened up to the world in 1980 and became heroes. While their cases might be extreme, it’s still the “China Dream” we are all living for after the economy’s reform. The term has became hugely popular under now President Xi. (According to the Communist Party's theoretical journal the Chinese Dream is about Chinese prosperity, collective effort, socialism, and national glory.) When Jack Ma was an English teacher, there was barely a Westerner in China; when he first went to America as a translator on business back in 1995 and discovered the new world of the internet and how people do business on the internet, few people even knew what it was. When he quit his golden job teaching college and loaned money to start up the first e-commerce company in China, people around him said he was a “liar who talks nonsense”. Yet he was on the money. There is no place in the world that has developed as fast as China. Yet while much of the innocent, impoverished and tumultuous country of China was torn up and rebuilt, it has also made way for a different kind of turbulence. So here is what I am talking about: the world's eyes are on China and the rise and rise of the rich Chinese and their taste for luxury goods, including everything from designer labels to over-sized yachts and extravagant parties! But the truth is there are millions of Chinese out there, struggling for a dime to buy food and to find shelter. While statistics show Beijing recently trumped New York as the Billionaire capital of the world, half the population earns around US$2000 a year! Some argue against the amazingly fast paced development, debating if it’s worth the environment being destroyed. Are too many citizens being left behind in China’s wake? Will China slow down to wait for its average citizens to catch up? After all, for the majority living in this country, their small target is definitely not making $15-millon. … [Read more...]
Travelling Solo in China: Is it Safe?
Living in China — Hong Kong and then Xi’an on the mainland — for the past six years, it’s become increasingly obvious, just how safe these cities are. Let's face it, almost every time we turn on the television, we see images of bombed cities in complete disarray, children bloodied and shell-shocked… terror attacks in countries we’ve always felt safe travelling to. Then there are the street muggings, robberies, rapes and murders. The list, sadly, goes on. And because of that, I’ve heard many people say: in today’s climate they are simply too afraid to travel, especially to somewhere like China! I’m not saying the above doesn’t happen in both Hong Kong and potentially the quieter city of Xi’an or greater China for that matter, oh it definitely does! Both these cities boast populations around the 8 or 9 million mark, so there are without doubt a lot of “underground” scandals! But in general, as a place to live with your kids….a place to travel….a place to be a woman on your own, China is remarkably safe and a surprisingly peaceful hub in a world, that is seemingly more and more fraught with danger and fear. So when a friend asked me to write a piece on solo travel for women in China, I thought, "Hell yes! Why not!" because with nearly two-thirds of travellers today being women, I’m sure there are a lot of you, who have thought about it - but put off travelling to an unknown quantity like China. But, let me reassure you! TRAVELLING ALONE IN CHINA IS SAFE! For starters, in both Hong Kong and Xi’an….I have rarely, if ever felt uncomfortable walking around, late at night. Clearly, you need to have your wits about you and avoid dark, uninhabited spots, but in general, both cities, though chalk and cheese - are uniquely sheltered environments. Hong Kong’s bright lights and big city fit into a small and compact area. It’s overcrowded, for sure! But there’s an astonishing 'orderliness' that reigns over the fragrant harbour. I spoke about it briefly in this post A for Effort…a few years ago. Much the same can be said in the more innocent and less savvy Xi'an. As a woman, in many countries, if I was walking towards a group of men, on my own, I could potentially feel a little intimidated - head down, walk quickly. Here - it’s never a glaring problem. 'Glaring' being the operative word. There’s glaring and there’s glaring, right? I rarely find Asian men glaring at me in a sexually suggestive way. Glaring perhaps at the absurdity of this strange white woman strolling the streets, but it’s usually nothing more than an innocent curiosity. That in itself takes the pressure off going anywhere alone in these cities. It gives you a freedom, that I think, many women in other countries may not even realise they’re missing. DRESS CODE Women can freely dress however they choose in China and that applies to travellers too. Most Chinese women though, do dress relatively conservatively, so you’re less likely to garner unnecessary attention if you’re not too revealing! But to be honest you will be the centre of attention no matter what you wear. As a foreigner, many locals - particularly outside the first tier cities - will be curious about the foreign lady (or man for that matter) in town. Put a child into the mix and there's even more attention! The people of China are in general extremely peaceful and friendly, so your best bet is to take it all with a grain of salt. Some may even try to touch you, just say Bu Yao Le! (Boo Yow La! which means “Don’t!”) if you're not comfortable and they'll soon get the message! Otherwise, you’ll experience a tiny taste of what it’s like to have celebrity status being constantly ‘papped!’ Some will even want to practice their English with you. If you’re up for it, don’t be scared. For the most part it’s all harmless chatter. PICKPOCKETS You’ll be pleased to know, given it’s humongous size and population, overall, China has a relatively low murder rate….less than half that of the United States. China has severe criminal penalties (by a wide margin, China executes more criminals annually than any other country). It’s also commonly reported that Chinese courts (rightly or wrongly) have a 99 per cent conviction rate. It's said Chinese criminals understand, committing a crime against a foreigner is bad publicity (or 'loss of face') for the country’s lucrative tourism industry, not to mention the hefty penalties they'll cop. Plus with CCTV in many places, it's easy to be caught out. Big Brother is always watching! As a tourist of course, you can fall victim to petty crime. Take precautions and be careful around tourist hot spots and in crowded places like markets or on public transport. I’ve heard stories about pickpockets carrying large bags and placing them under the tourist’s handbag, cutting the bottom out so the contents fall into theirs. Don’t tempt thieves and carry valuables in full view in these places and try to carry as little cash as possible. *Tip: Most places won't take foreign credit cards, especially outside first tier cities. If you’re at a market and you’ve shown the slightest interest in something i.e. looked sideways or touched it, you might have vendors chasing after you down the street trying to sell it to you! If you’re definitely not interested just ignore them and keep walking! Another popular hang out for thieves is crowded restaurants. You might notice that Chinese never hang their purses or bags on the chair behind them like many of us or plonk them on the floor (like I used to)! The reasons are two fold…one it’s safer and two the floor is usually considered too filthy to place your bag on. When I first arrived in China I was given a rather stern look for placing my bag beside my feet!! (Some tables in cafes actually have hooks under the table for your bag or they’ll bring you an extra chair, yes just for your handbag, ladies!) SCAMS Of course, China is the home of fakes! Almost everything can be copied (and that includes food)! I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but just about all brand-name items for sale in small shops or on the streets probably aren't the real deal! As a foreign tourist, there's every chance you could find yourself paying double what something is worth. Counterfeit money is also a big problem on the mainland, so don’t be alarmed when every cashier checks your cash through a machine to determine it’s validity. It's not just you! ;) *Tip: All the bills except the one yuan note have metal ribbons from top to bottom. These should be visible as a silver line on the front of a shadow when looked at from the back. Also, the flower design near the middle of each note and Chairman Mao’s jacket image are textured. There is a popular scam in China that may see you suddenly faced with someone throwing themselves in front of your car or scooter! (If you happen to be brave enough to drive and have a licence.) Some people will do anything to get money off the "rich" foreigner. If you see someone who is injured or hurt, it will probably go against everything you believe in to ignore them...but be aware, there is no 'good samaritan' law in China and if you should injure them further, you'll be held liable. DOCUMENTS Protect your passport, tickets and visa documents by carrying them on you if you can't leave them in a safe. Keep a photocopy of your passport and other vital documents separately. Note in all hotels and hostels the staff are required by law to keep a copy of your passport while you stay there. (This is about registering you….and the government knowing who’s in town!) ROAD SAFETY In all probability, the most likely causes of harm to you as a tourist could potentially come from the road! I’m talking about car accidents, road mishaps and the like. You’ve no doubt heard me talk about the chaotic manner of the traffic many times on this blog? If you haven’t click on this post for the lowdown. Why do they drive so erratically? A big part of the problem is, they just haven’t been driving for long. In 2000, China had less than 10 million passenger vehicles (a proportion less than that of the United States in 1911). Ten years later, the number of privately owned cars in China ballooned to about 70 million. Rumours tell me there are currently 1000 new cars a day on Xi’an’s roads. It’s utter madness, but for the most part, you’ll be fine. You’ll probably feel like closing your eyes tight… or holding your stomach with all the ducking and weaving, lurching and halting, but given the amount of traffic, things move relatively slowly. You’ll see lots of bingles (Aussie term for small collisions) but hopefully nothing too major. Crossing the road on the other hand needs your attention. Most Chinese just wander out into the road without so much as a glance sideways. Jaywalking laws? Are you kidding! You are probably best not to follow suit. On China’s roads, the unspoken law is generally, whoever’s bigger gets right of way. Keep your wits about you and don’t be fooled into thinking you can cross safely on the little green man! I have watched many Chinese women stick their arm out like superman as they cross a busy intersection… it tends to work - for them! Of course, the good news is, if you’re a foreigner, chances are they’ll spot you a mile away!! Mostly Chinese drivers are experts at avoiding pedestrians. But tread carefully! TRANSPORT Generally, public transport in China is safe. That includes trains in the cities and across the country. There are many different types of tickets you can buy, but you can't beat the Bullet Train for being fast, safe, clean and easy! For a more detailed look at catching trains with in cities, click here. Travelling across China, this is a great article here. Taxis can be harder for foreigners to hail, but if you get one, make sure the metre is running. If Tuk Tuks are available, they are cheap and easy for short journeys. Busses are also doable outside of peak hour. Always, always Avoid Black Cabs! We made this mistake in Beijing outside the famous Summer Palace and the driver did try to rip us off, charging four times the normal price! These are privately-owned cars and look like VIP cabs, usually with a VIP badge, no I.D picture and a fake metre. Be careful when catching taxis from airports; always use the ones at the taxi rank. Get the driver's I.D number and insist he uses the metre. Have the name of your destination written in Chinese characters and always try to grab your bags from the boot before paying. HYGIENE The other culprit you’re more likely to fall victim to is poor hygiene leading to a dodgy tummy. Don’t drink the tap water and don’t use it to clean your teeth…(embarrassingly, the latter a recent discovery for me). *Tip: This includes in 5-star hotels! Beware when buying street food. It might smell delicious and for the record, usually tastes pretty good, but if it’s not from a recommended source, steer clear. Often, if the stall is heaving with customers and looks relatively clean, your odds of avoiding ‘la du zi’ are infinitely better. *Tip: Bring hand sanitiser because many of the bathrooms won’t have soap. This post here goes into more detail about the essentials to pack! Public toilets are common but they are mostly of the 'squat' variety and not always very clean. Be prepared for some stomach-turning sights. Tissues are a necessity. (On the upside, just think of the work out for your thighs, ladies!) ;) There are no compulsory vaccines to have before you travel to China, but it can never hurt to visit your doctor to get the latest information. HEALTHCARE Be mindful that healthcare in China is not as we know it in the western world. While the major first tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou definitely boast higher standard hospitals, the same can’t always be said for 2nd, 3rd and 4th tier cities, which includes China's other 655 cities. Always make sure you travel with international health insurance. Most hospitals will want a deposit or payment up front before any treatment is carried out, no matter how ill you are. This post here goes into more detail about healthcare in China. During the winter months and often either side, pollution levels can be high… if you have asthma or bronchial issues try to avoid these times. Buy a mask and wear it. Download the Pollution Index Levels app so you can check the levels each day. Oh and just in case: For ambulance, ph: 120 Police, ph: 110 Also be aware of any potential rides or attractions you may be tempted to board. In major tourist spots they should be perfectly safe but I tend to rethink a few of the things in the less known cities or villages (like Ferris Wheels and cable cars), purely for the fact the Chinese often don’t build things to last (any more). *Tip: It is also a great idea to download a translation app. Pleco is a very handy dictionary app! And don’t forget to have a good time!! There are many great reasons to visit China….if you’re not convinced, you'd better check out my post here! There’s an old Confucius saying '有朋自远方来不亦乐乎' -- Translated, it means, "Chinese will warmly welcome those friends from afar!" This is China! https://mintmochamusings.com/travelling-china-where-to-go/ … [Read more...]
China’s Culture Club: Flower Power, Fruit Platters and Laughing Gas!
From the outside, it looks like it could quite easily be a quaint British pub. Of course, finding said venue in the middle of China is debatable, but for a few split seconds we kid ourselves, this cute and cosy taverna is just a hop, skip and a jump up the road. It’s definitely the flowers, draping prettily from the wooden cottage-like exterior that has us in denial. Cute little chairs and tables perch on the balcony, and you can imagine sitting there on a balmy summer’s evening (perhaps a little cooler than the current 35). Called Harbour City, about now, dripping with the effects of humidity, we are desperately wishing Xi’an was….in fact a harbour city. Let me not digress though with talk of the incessant heat that’s plagued the city for weeks. Back to the ‘pub’ up the road - clearly, the flowery theme was just a pre-cursor of what was to come! Stepping inside, it's like stepping into another world! At first glance, it looks like a wedding reception in complete over drive. My eyes boggle in awe. Gigantic, fresh floral arrangements hang from the ceiling, decorating candelabras and chandeliers in extraordinary fashion. Scenes from the Great Gatsby swirl through my head, as we’re ushered through the crowds. All eyes on us. The only white people in the venue (and potentially the oldest)! I half expect someone to come swinging down from the roof, aka Nicole Kidman style in Moulin Rouge! Whatever Harbour City is doing, after a month in business it seems they’ve got something right. Looking ever so sophisticated, this “bar” in the middle of Xi’an…a place where you can be forgiven for thinking most locals are more interested in snacking on over-sized bowls of cold noodles in the street on a Friday night…is heaving with people. The waiters hastily kick a staff member from a high bench table, tucked in beside the bar, for us to take our places in this outlandish scene. (Never mind the stools are actually chained to the table, as long as it's not us, I think.) Three (yes three) waiters bring a menu to us… of course the entire thing is in Chinese characters, which isn’t going to do us mere foreigners any favours. It's soon clear no English is spoken, so after looking blankly at the menu, in my best Chinese, I ask if they have ‘bai pu tao jiu’…white wine, to which they nod enthusiastically. Pointing to three options (again in Chinese) it’s a case of ‘eny meeny miny moe!’ Turns out ordering a 'glass' of wine is simply not an option, so a bottle it is! Regular wine is still a bit of an enigma in much of China’s bars….especially white wine. So it comes as no surprise when the bottle that arrives, is indeed red. Poured ever so carefully into a sleek glass decanter, we are dispatched with large wine glasses, two shot glasses of warm water and two cans of Sprite?! Ice is poured into our wine glasses and swished around for a good thirty seconds in what looks to be a rather high tech procedure. (Who doesn't like a good red wine on ice!! 8-O ) Next minute, an old school, silver bell is put in front of us. We assume this is to call someone when we are in need of attention (should they hear us over the loud rumbling of music). I look around at other tables…most are furnished with buckets of beer. There are VIP ‘minimum spend ‘tables boasting glowing buckets of beer stashed under the table and about a dozen Coronas lined up on the table. In China this is seen as a show of great prestige! There are also artistically carved fruit platters decorating many a table! Forget about the cheese platter or peanuts and chips. Another sign of distinction in China appears to be fruit or 'fruits' as they're more commonly known! A lady comes around selling cigarettes and cigars. Even though China authorities have banned indoor smoking, the rules are having little impact on China's 350-million smokers. The band is singing a mix of western and Chinese songs. The first song we hear is a Natalie Imbruglia tune. To hear an Aussie singer’s hit being belted out in the middle of China, is at the very least, freakishly fantastic! I wonder what most of the people in the bar think when they can’t understand the words. Does the song resonate at all? I seem to be the only one having a sly boogie...that is... until one of the many cleaning ladies, quietly pottering around, spies me and gives me a little shimmy with a cheeky laugh. A Lady Gaga song reigns out….no one is dancing though, then two of the band members are up on podiums in the middle of the club cranking out a local Asian song. Everyone gets up, mimicking the dance moves with all the energy they can muster! Some are playing a popular Chinese drinking game at their tables called ‘Liar's dice!’ About now, a waiter pops over and grabs a shot glass, proceeds to pour himself a glass of OUR red wine toasting us, knocking it back like a shot!! Cheers or "Gan bei!" he smiles. And just like that, he swaggers off, while we watch after him, highly amused. There’s a table of guys with balloons. Naturally, at first, we assume they’re blowing up balloons for their celebration… just quietly, I think it’s bit late for the party, but anyway… The thing is they keep sucking the air out of the balloons, so we start to wonder what the point in that might be! There’s also something on the table that looks remarkably like a whipped cream canister. They appear to be endlessly unscrewing and screwing a capsule that resembles a silver bullet and then attaching the balloon to the canister in earnest. Amused and perplexed we watch on as another table of girls, who’ve spent all night taking selfies, barely speaking to each other, start up on the balloons. By now I'll admit we’re completely bamboozled. I realise it’s potentially been awhile since I’ve been to a club, as such, and this is definitely no English country pub, flowers or not.. I try not to stare.......well maybe just a little. A quick Google tells us, this is indeed a craze involving inhaling nitrous oxide, otherwise known as ‘laughing gas’!! Ah ha!! Apparently it makes you feel euphoric and relaxed, for about ten seconds! Mystery solved. A little reluctantly, we emerge at around 1130…early birds I know…and who knows what happens in there as the night goes on, but I spy the champagne starting to flow. It’s 32 degrees….hot and humid…. we walk the five minutes home to the hotel. A three wheeler bike cruises past in the dark, three people are half dressed, bouncing a naked baby in the air, as they scoot past. We giggle…and they giggle back, no doubt finding us an equally odd spectacle! This is China. … [Read more...]
Travelling to China: Where to Go and What to See!
Having chalked up almost two years in China, I often get asked advice on where to go and what to see, so I thought it was high time I put together a 'go to' post, if the Middle Kingdom's on your bucket list. Given the vastness of China, we've seen a mere blip of the world's most populous nation that's home to 661 cities. Nonetheless, we've managed to tick off quite a few, on the journey thus far! If you've got the urge to come and see what all the fuss is about and want the adventure of a lifetime, here are my top recommendations, for first timers, at least. First Stop: Shanghai Given that most airlines fly direct to Shanghai from most cities across the globe, China's biggest and brightest city is probably a good place to start exploring this unique part of the world. This city of 24 million people is buzzing with all the excitement of modern day China. With a skyline that's literally 'out of this world', Shanghai is renowned as the 'Paris of the East!' Bustling with a charismatic fusion of the East and West, the city has a unique blend of the sassy and sophisticated with the culturally quaint essence that is 'old China' running through her veins. Dip your toes in Shanghai and gradually get a feel for life in China, without throwing yourself in the deep end. For a list of what to do and see... click on my post: Shanghai Shenanigans: A Weekend in the Paris of the East Note: There are two international airports - Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport, the latter is closest to the city centre. Two to three days should be enough time to indulge in the city high life... Hangzhou If you've got extra time in your schedule, take a side trip down to the place they call 'China's Paradise on Earth!' Hangzhou is just a 45 minute train ride from the metropolis of Shanghai so it makes an easy day trip. The top must-see...the country's famous West Lake (just steer clear of national holidays)! If you're up for staying overnight, the area is also famous for its Longjin Tea Plantation. For more on what to do in Hangzhou or if you're unsure whether or not to add it to your itinerary, check out my post: China's Paradise on Earth: Hangzhou is it Worth the Visit? If you're up for another day trip from Shanghai and a taste of mini Venice in the East - head to one of the area's classic ancient water towns. I'll be honest with you, we missed these on our first trip but visiting one is still on the bucket list! Beijing If you've made the decision to visit China, it's hard to go past the nation's capital! The great political hub where the past and future collide in a hot pot of cultural ideologies. Home to seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, you can immerse yourself in China's rich history and get a sense of the how the headquarters of the world's second fastest growing economy ticks. Of course, access to one of China's greatest treasures, the Great Wall of China is just a stone's throw from the city (well, a two hour drive). A once in a life time moment -- you can soak up tradition and the mere scale of the great wall itself, which stretches across China. (Just be prepared for heart palpitating chair lifts up and a toboggan ride down that will have you hanging on by the skin of your teeth!) Beijing has a cold winter and very hot summer so choose your times wisely. March to May and September to November are ideal. For more on what to do in China's capital: check out my post: Visit Beijing: The World's Super City in the Making Harbin Time permitting and depending on the time of the year you're visiting (early January to mid February), take a trip up to Harbin to see the famous ice sculpture festival. Not for the faint-hearted, Harbin has without doubt one of the most bitterly cold winters in China, but if you're game -- I have it on good authority that the "Ice City" is pretty dam spectacular! At night these gigantic snow and ice sculptures are bathed in a kaleidoscope of brilliant colour. (Just think -- all of those Frozen fans visiting their own real life Arendelle!) A two hour flight from Beijing, Harbin bears the influences of Eastern Russia, so harbours its own distinct flavour. (Tip: I'm told you don't want to go too late in winter or the sculptures start to melt and get a little dirty.) Xi'an Of course, there's no visiting China without taking a trip to the so-called cultural cradle of civilisation! Pop in to say hi to those world-famous Terracotta Warriors (oh and me)! There's no shortage of things to see in this historical city, from a bike ride around the ancient city wall to the mesmerising and utterly mad Muslim Quarter, the 1300 year old temple we like to call our neighbour, Big Wild Goose Pagoda.... and an opportunity to soak up what I like to call the "real China!" For more - this post has got you covered: 48 Hours in Xi'an: Top 5 Things to Do! Note: Xi'an has two seasons, a cold winter and a hot summer, so if you don't want to get caught in the icy winter pollution or summer furnace, the best times to visit are between March and May and September and November. Xi'an is just under two hours flight from Beijing. Luoyang If you have time for a side trip from Xi'an, I would highly recommend catching the high speed train to Luoyang. It's a one and a half hour trip through the countryside to the city of six million and from here you can visit the mystical Shaolin Temple high up in the Song Shan Mountains -- this is the birthplace of Buddhism and is still an active monastery today, as well as being home to the world's largest Kungfu academy. The world famous Longmen Grottos are a 45 minute drive from Luoyang and here you can get up close and personal with incredible gigantic sculptures carved into the side of cliffs that are still clearly visible centuries later. For more information on visiting these hot spots, check out my post Kungfu But No Panda: Welcome to 3rd Tier China. Tibet Sustaining spectacular landscape, spiritual traditions and a mythical-like culture, the Buddhist region of Tibet is a once in a life time wonder....which also boasts the world's highest peak, Mt Everest. But this is a magical place in which you need time up your sleeve to visit. At around 3000 metres above sea level, Tibet is the highest region on earth so it takes time to acclimatise, which means ideally at least four to five days in the region and even better, stretching the journey there over several days to avoid altitude sickness on arrival. (Note: Altitude sickness doesn't discriminate, so regardless of age, gender or fitness there's generally no rhyme or reason as to who gets hit and who doesn't.... If you suffer from any illnesses, you should definitely check with your doctor first if you do plan to go to Tibet.) Experts say, taking the train to Tibet makes acclimatising easier......but you can easily fly from many cities in China, including Xi'an, Chengdu, Beijing and Shanghai. It is difficult for non-Chinese citizens to travel independently in Tibet with various restrictions on foreign tourists. All foreign travelers are required to join an organized tour operated by authorized travel agencies and Chinese authorities often close Tibet to foreign tourists altogether in March. If you have the desire for adventure, take time to schedule a trip to the place they call the 'roof of the world' into your itinerary. Chengdu If you love cute and furry teddy bears, aka Giant Pandas - Chengdu is the place to see them in China. Just a short one hour flight from Xi'an, Sichuan Province is where you'll find the majority of these furry critters lounging about, just chewin’ on bamboo. It’s predicted just over a thousand live in the wild and the China Conservation and Research Centre in Chengdu is home to around 80 of the provinces most famous residents. Head to Chengdu for an overnight trip. For more check out my post Pandas in Chengdu: Don't Mind if I Do! Yangtze River Yangtze River known as Cháng Jiāng - or longest river is the largest in China and the third largest in the world after the Nile in Africa and the Amazon in South America. It spans over 6000 kilometres and traversing eleven provinces and cities from west to east! Tourists can enjoy the stunning scenery of the Three Gorges while exploring the ancient cultural sites along the river. There are a myriad of different packages, boats and routes to take so you'll need to pick your package carefully... whether you take one that winds from Beijing to Shanghai over 10 days or just a few days between Chongqing and Wuhan, there are many options. I'm yet to tick this off my list but for more information, check out these sites: The Travel China Guide The Yangtze River Cruise Guide Guilin One of the most beautiful and quaint places I've seen in China, Guilin has definitely earned it's nickname ‘Shan shui jia tian xia’ meaning Guilin’s ‘mountain and water scenery is the best under heaven’. Guilin city is the stepping stone to places like Ping An Village where you can see the China of old in all her glory. From Guilin Airport, Ping An is a 2.5 hour drive up into the hills.... spend a night here and soak up the unique and rich culture of this 600 year old village that oozes unrivalled charm amongst a setting of stunning rice terraces. A world away and a breath of fresh air from China's manic side! Catch a ferry up the river to Yangshuo and marvel at the limestone karsts that jut from the sea in their mesmerising shapes and sizes. No wonder they call it a ‘jade ribbon winding among thousands of Karst Hills.’ Yangshuo Village is the perfect place for a fun adventure. Ride bikes along the river path or catch a bamboo raft and glide your way down the river. This post will give you the lowdown! China's Pearl of the Orient: Why Guilin is Compulsory Viewing! Hong Kong It's not part of the mainland, but my advice is after all of that adventure, you need to end your trip on a high note....perhaps amongst Hong Kong's glittering sky scrapers? The 'city that never sleeps' is home to 8000 plus restaurants, not to mention some beautiful beaches and hiking trails. Oh and let's not forget the fabulous shopping! Finish off your amazing trip to the East with a relaxing couple of days in the fragrant harbour. Hong Kong gets very humid, so avoid the blazing summer months from June to August. Travelling to Hong Kong? This page has it all. Oh and if you're still not convinced...check out my post Four Good Reasons You Need to Travel China If you are convinced.... don't forget to read this! Travelling to China: Top Ten Things to Pack! Happy Travelling! This is China. Pssst... feel free to message me with any further questions and I'll try to help. Nicole@mintmochamusings.com … [Read more...]
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