Tang Dynasty Hotel Xian

I loved this description of taking tea in the Xiang Fu Liu Tea Bar in the Tang Dynasty Art Hotel where we stayed ( all to briefly) when visiting Xian.

"In the noisy city, a place is found to hide from the chaos of urban life in which we can relieve our soul.....that is Xiang Fu LiuRu tea house. In here you can go back to Tang dynasty with fragrance of tea and leisurely ancient rhythm in a settled spirit. Inviting two or three bosom friend in the Liu Tea house having a long and deeply talk, maybe you can taste the profound Chinese national historical accumulation from a cup of tea, perhaps you can also chew the variety of national amorous feeling as well as the spirit of forgiveness and the creative mind with the pace of time.
In this mysterious and peaceful yard there is sincere and candid smiling, there is melodious and touching music and what is more to be the most importance ones there is intoxicating tea's fragrance tea rhythm which can add you some satisfactions, poetic flavours and fascination. Because the tea that comes to us from the myth makes us feel as if we do be in the myth! Because of the tea, the masterpiece made by human and nature the communicative gate from our soul to nature then is opened. Therefore it is said. 'You know China provided you know tea!' "

This graceful hotel is highly recommended as one of three unique boutique hotels we stayed in whilst touring China. It is located east of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian where in ancient China the chancellors would welcome the emperor to stay. The Tang Dynasty Hotel is a museum style hotel characteristic of a glorious culture and the profoundness of ancient Buddhism. The decor is authentic Chinese and the delightful bedrooms whilst possessing western comforts nonetheless still create a tranquil atmosphere even down to authentic touches like a selection of Chinese books of prose.

Bedroom wing overlooking courtyard

Central courtyard

Take tea in the courtyard

Chengdu: Panda Breeding Centre

Entrance gates

The Panda Breeding Centre is about 30 minutes from the sprawling metropolis of Chengdu. The centre is well equipped to cope with the hordes of visitors and the best time to visit is in the earlier part of the morning when the Pandas are out enjoying their breakfast. When the weather warms up the animals retreat to the air conditioned confines of their quarters.

There is a well constructed network of walkways taking you through bamboo plantations in a natural setting. The various enclosures accommodate animals of varying ages and every opportunity is provided to view these interesting creatures in as natural a habitat as possible. The facility is exceptionally well kept and managed and the lovely lake with black swans and ducks provides an opportunity to relax in the tranquil surroundings. The on site restaurant serves a high standard of dishes catering for all tastes, the local dishes in this area are very spicy so make sure you discuss your requirements with the wait staff before ordering particularly if you have an aversion to food that seemingly blows your head off!

Red Panda

Longji Rice Terraces: Longsheng County

A liitle over an hours drive from Guilin and you're in Longshen County, famous for its 'Dragon Back' rice fields. These terraced rice fields draping across the sloping mountainside are home to two minority groups the Zhuang and Yao who have lived and farmed here for over 600 years. The traditional wooden farm houses are neatly enclosed in the fields lnked by bridges and footpaths. Wandering around the small communities gives you an insight into the tradtional life of these colourful and friendly people. Some of the farmhouses have been converted into small guest houses and others operate small informal restuarants serving delicious home cooked meals using fresh local ingredients.

Free mountain spring water

Fresh passion fruit for sale

Cleaning the days catch

Traditional dress. 

Farm fresh

Long haired Red Yao Woman. Their hair is never cut.

Local craft by the Yao

Old house with traditional furnishings

Guilin: Li River

Rafting in style!

Lijiang River Cruise

This 83km river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo takes in some spectacular scenery of towering peaks and elegant hills all beautifully reflected in the clear mirror like waters of the river. Your cruise vessel will not be alone on the waters as there are several vessels that will ply the waters in convoy passing each other from time to time with loud horns echoing against the surrounding mountains. Most of the vessels have seen better days but nonetheless are comfortable enough with indoor dining room style seating but with plenty of outdoor deck space for the unlimited photo opportunities along the way; browsing water buffalo, local fishermen and small villages. The four hour cruise includes a Chinese buffet lunch; the quality of the food is not the greatest but is adequate.
Yangshuo is an old village, now a small town, with cobbled streets and a large variety of shops and stalls catering for tourists. Many visitors stop over here to enjoy other attractions on offer in the town. We decided to return to Guilin by road and stop off on the way for a side excursion on the river. The local farmers have initiated a unique attraction. They have constructed bamboo rafts and equipped them with 2 deck chairs and an umbrella. The farmer stands on the back of the raft (Gondola style) and poles the raft along the river. The surprise comes at the small sets of rapids created by a series of manmade weirs over the river. The oarsman deftly manoeuvres the raft over the rapids whilst shouting something in Chinese which means ‘lift your feet’ as he negotiates the craft over the rapids which then comes down with a splash, temporarily flooding the raft and your shoes if you’re not quick enough lifting your feet off the deck. In true Chinese entrepreneurial spirit a photographer takes photos of the action and your craft is then guided to a floating platform which has a bank of manned computers ready to print out your photos before you continue on your cruise downstream and then back again.   

Our great guide: Angela

Washing up on board

Rafts

Yangshuo

Yangshuo