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Category: China

10 Hidden Spots in China!
Are you one of these travellers who are curious about exploring hidden places that not every tourist knows about? Awesome! Agness and Cez of eTramping, fellow travel bloggers, will introduce you to their top ten hidden adventures across their favourite travel destination – the Land of Dragons.
10: Dixia Cheng- The Underground City of Beijing
Located a few blocks away from Tiananmen Square in the middle of Beijing, the entrance to this underground world allows you to enter the lives of Chinese in the 1970’s and the fears that they held of the risk of nuclear attack. It is both fascinating and sad to see the work these locals went to in order to provide a place to live that spans 33 square miles and includes restaurants, a skating rink, classrooms, and more.
9: Hanging Temple of Hengshan
About 60 kilometers Southwest of Datong, in the Shanxi province, you will find this death-defying edifice built into the side of a cliff. These 40 rooms connected by twisting passageways were apparently built during the Wei Dynasty, and the site is uniquely dedicated to three religions: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.
8: Red Seabeach
This unique landscape nestled into the fascinating area of Tibet is a beautiful marshland that is covered in red plants. Although it seems a bit out of this world, the incredible scenery creates a lovely home for many endangered birds. This delicate ecosystem is a beautiful site to see.
More: A Week in Weird and Wonderful Wuzhou!
7: Guoliang Tunnel
Located in the Hunan District, just north of Changsha, this incredible tunnel was dug by hand in the 1970’s by thirteen villagers from Guoliang. Apparently they decided that the desperately needed road to their incredibly remote village would not be provided by the government. This terrifying and incredible feat of engineering (which was done without any actual engineers) has given this tiny village a place on the map.
6: Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
Covering over a million acres among the slopes of the Ailao Mountains and downward to the river in the Yunnan province, these incredibly beautiful rice terraces were built over 1,200 years ago and are still used today. They are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beautiful place to visit.
5: Dragon Escalator
About 85 kilometers north of Beijing lies the beautiful Longqing Gorge, but its most outstanding attraction is the incredible beast that provides you transport. As the longest (and possibly most elaborate) outdoor escalator in the world, entering the mouth of this bright yellow dragon transports you in a most creative way to the top of the largest dam in China. At the top of the dam there are other adventures to be had as well, such as boat rides and bungee jumping.
More: Give Guangzhou Another Chance!
4: The FuShan Tunnels
Looking down on the seaside city of Qingdao, this one-time German settlement creates an incredible Bavarian atmosphere in stark contrast to its surroundings. The tunnels look out over the East China Sea, a labyrinth of ancient passageways dating back to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Today the tunnels are abandoned and little known, but the culture that the Germans left in FuShan is still visible today, including a cathedral and a brewery.
3: The Central Perk, Beijing
For a great nostalgic time, travel back to the 90’s and enjoy this incredible re-creation of the favorite hangout portrayed in the hit TV show ‘Friends’. Located in the Chaoyang District of Beijing, this fantastic coffee house serves a great cup of joe for a good price and plays reruns of the classic show nonstop!
2: Yungang Grottoes
Built around Datong, this incredible network of 45 caves was lined with over 51,000 sculptures and shrines. This amazing construction was done around 400-500 AD, and features intricate Buddhist sculptures and shrines that line the walls and entranceways of the caves.
More: Hilarious Fake Chinese Motorbike Brands!
1: Underwater Great Wall
You thought you knew the best way to see the Great Wall? Think again! Talk to a diving company in nearby Beijing and head to the Panjiakou Reservoir to see the only part of the Wall that is completely submerged in this man-made body of water. The dive is rather difficult, more than 30 meters deep, but you are rewarded with some incredible views of the Wall and a tower.
These beautiful and little-known sites in China are just waiting for you to come and make your own memories so don’t wait, pack your backpack and head to the Land of Dragons!
Agness and Cez are the best friends from Poland who have been exploring China, on and off, since 2011. If you want to find out more about their incredible and wondrous adventures in China, check out eTramping, where they are inviting you to teach, live and travel across the Land of Dragons.
September 4, 2016
The Best Destinations for Tea Lovers
Are you a proper tea aficionado? Can’t get through the day without your daily brew? Check out some of these best destinations for tea lovers and enjoy a terrific holiday along with your passion for tea!
Hangzhou, China
China is famous in general for its tea, with many great destinations right across the large country that are ideal for tea lovers. It is a tall order, therefore, selecting just one place – Hangzhou is well-known for producing one the best green teas in the entire country, hence why it made the cut.
West Lake Dragon Well Tea is a delicious tea, and one that tea lovers are sure to love. As well as being the home place of this tasty tea, Hangzhou also boasts a lively tea house scene – drinking tea is almost a way of life in this city. Every year the drink is celebrated with the Drinking Tea Day – as if you need more excuses!
Darjeeling, India
A famous hill station in West Bengal, Darjeeling produces nearly a quarter of tea in the entire country. It is possible to find tea from Darjeeling that is black, white, green, and oolong.
✈ See more! Exploring the Tea Plantations of Munnar, India ✈
The tea has a slightly flowery taste, making a really light and refreshing brew. Many of the tea estates have a long and distinguished heritage, with lots having been founded during the days of British colonialism. It is one of the best spots in India for touring tea plantations and tasting delicious locally grown teas. It is also very scenic with great views!
✈ See more! Travel Photo of the Day: Tea in Darjeeling ✈
Kandy, Sri Lanka
The island country of Sri Lanka is another nation that is known for its abundant production of great tea. There are several note-worthy places around the country, but Kandy is a major production area. Sri Lanka is one of the top tea producers on the planet. Many estates and plantations date back to the days of British rule. You can take a tour of the estates, which is like taking a step back in time, taste a variety of locally grown teas, and participate in charming and quaint traditional English-style high tea sessions.
Uji, Japan
Green tea is the speciality in Uji and the city is often referred to as the tea capital of the country. Even more novel is that as well as being able to drink tea, you will find numerous products that use tea for flavour – from candies and ice creams t noodles and rice dishes! There are many tea drinking traditions that can be observed and experienced. You can also find the oldest tea shop in Japan in the city.
Beipu, Taiwan
Taiwan is often overlooked when people think of tea, which is a pity because the country produces some very fine teas. A tea known as Oriental Beauty is grown in Beipu, with several different variants. It is also a top place to enjoy the Hakka culture.
Be inspired and make sure you plan a visit to some of these best destinations for tea lovers!
October 8, 2014
A Week in Weird and Wonderful Wuzhou!
Colonial streets of Wuzhou’s old quarter
Heard of Wuzhou? No neither had we.
During our stay in China, after we gave Guangzhou another chance we travelled to Wuzhou, some 7 hours north west of Guangzhou.
I’ll try and paint an accurate picture of Wuzhou. It’s a ‘small town’ by China standards with a population of about 3 million. It used to be a major transport hub during the British colonial rule due to it strategic location between Hong Kong and Guangzhou and its position on the Xi river.
Located in the Guangxi Province, most Chinese people haven’t heard of the place, so why would you?!
We visited Eloise’s brother as he teaches Engrish in main Wuzhou university, so we were staying right on the campus grounds in the thick of the weird action.
Here’s a few fun facts and some things to do Wuzhou!
Wuzhou has some amazing colonial architecture
Eloise admiring the architecture of the old quarter
The European settlers built a grand quarter in the ‘Old Town’ of Wuzhou. It’s pretty impressive and well worth an afternoon of your time. People still live there now in the buildings that survived bombings from the Japanese during war time.
Check out Wuzhou’s Main Square at night
Night-time equals communal exercises in the main square, with dancing, stretching and repetitive movements going down!
With the large majority of ladies turning out in a nice party-red colour, it’s an interesting and weird sight seeing everyone dance at the same time!
Explore the Night Markets
Want to see a few things you’re unlikely to see in Hong Kong? Check out some of Wuzhou’s nightmarkets! People look at your like you’re from out of space and you’ll get your picture taken several million times!
Future pet, or dinner?
People will literally stop in the middle of the road to look at you.
It’s not quite as bad as some of the staring in India, (see Annoying People You’ll Probably Meet When You Travel in Asia ) but it gets a bit irritating after a while when people point and laugh at you!
Really? Another picture?
Eat at Wuzhou’s famous Soya Milk restaurant
Snacks at the ‘Soya Milk’ restaurant
Apparently people come from far and wide to sample the delights of the Soya Milk restaurant. Going by the reaction of several hundred people in there when we walked in, they don’t get that many foreign visitors!
Unknown dessert!
Climb the Dragon Mother Temple mountain!
Me and Nathan at the top of the Dragon Mother Temple. Soaked in sweat.

Head out early and hit the Dragon Mother mountain. See the petite Chinese ladies scramble over rocks and slopes with 6 inch heels on, and see elderly men and woman power past you on the way up the hill as you mop your brow in the insane humidity!
The view is pretty amazing at the top, just bring a towel.
You’re likely to be tricked into becoming a judge/VIP at several public events
VIP judges at a random event!
My advice, don’t agree to go along to any concerts, auditions, or performances unless you’re prepared to be pumped full of Chinese strength Red Bull, then pushed on stage to deliver a congratulatory speech to the winner in front of a hysterical crowd!
We were asked to be special guests at a children’s concert! They even paid us!
No one speaks English!
A very questionable menu!

The only English we saw during our entire time in Wuzhou was this menu at a restaurant near the University! We’re lying. We saw some English in the new Wal-Mart shopping centre. About the skinned frogs on sale…
Your Chinese will improve dramatically!
We’ve been to very few places on our travels that speak zero English, which is good for forcing you to Learn Mandarin! It isn’t actually that hard once you get the tones right… honest!
So if you want a real off the beaten track adventure to a Chinese city that probably won’t feature in the China Lonely Planet for a while, check out Wuzhou!
It’s a days bus journey from Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong – Just make sure you get your destination written down before you hop on the bus or you’ll end up somewhere even stranger!
September 28, 2013
Free (or really cheap) Things to do in Hong Kong
Hong Kong isn’t exactly known as a budget destination. As the financial powerhouse of China, the densely populated tiny group of islands known collectively as Hong Kong is populated by no nonsense business men, ladies who lunch and everything in-between.
Luckily Hong Kong is packed with cheap or free things to do for the budget conscious! Around every corner there’s something jaw droppingly epic – Another gigantic mall, quirky shops, strange alleyways, colonial history, fantastic architecture and plenty of cityscape travel photography opportunities.
Explore those streets!
It’s still one of our favourite places to visit. Hong Kong is an incredibly vibrant city, easy to explore and offers something new every time you step outside to explore what’s on offer. And as an ex-British colony, English is widely spoken. Another plus!
So let’s get started!
Grab an Octopus card
Milo the sausage dog sniffing our Octopus Card!

This is Hong Kong’s prepay travel card you can use everywhere around the city. Load it up with HK dollars and use the buses, trams, the MTR (underground) and even use it to make purchases in shops and vending machines around the city.
Cost: $50 deposit including $20 credit.
Embrace Walking
Wan Chai food markets

Hong Kong is surprisingly small. You don’t need to get the MTR or buses everywhere, use your legs and really see the city. Explore the tiny streets and crazy markets, wander around with a sore neck from looking up at the amazing building for too long!
Cost: Free!
Ride the Hong Kong Tramways
The view from the tram!

The Hong Kong Tramways are the oldest mode of public transport in Hong Kong and runs pretty much the entire length east to west of Hong Kong Island.
✈ See more: Watch our Hong Kong Tram Way Time-lapse video ✈
It’s slower than other forms of transport around the city, but it’s infinitely cooler, and the view is pretty good!
Cost: $2.50 per journey
Climb the Bank of China Building
Views from the Bank of China building

The Bank of China building is one of the most iconic buildings on Hong Kong Island and has an observation deck on the 30th floor. While it isn’t the tallest building, the view is spectacular and you get a good view of Kowloon across the Victoria Harbour. Just remember to take your passport for security clearance.
Cost: Free!
Ride the Star Ferry
The Star Ferry and the view of Hong Kong island

Top of the cheap things to do in Hong Kong pile is to ride on the iconic Star Ferry! Running from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon, the ferry is the perfect vantage point to enjoy the epic skylines on both sides of the water. It gets a bit choppy so bring your sea legs!
Around 5pm is perfect for riding the ferry back to Hong Kong Island as the sun is setting and reflecting off the windows of the surrounding sky scrapers – Plus you’ll beat the commuter rush!
Cost: $2.50 Mon-Fri
Explore the Museums on Wednesdays
The Hong Kong Museum of Art
ALL of the museums in Hong Kong are totally free on Wednesdays, and are some of the best Eloise and I have ever been to. Ever. The Hong Kong History Museum is incredible, with more colonial history and fact than you can throw an opium pipe at. Allow a whole afternoon!
Cost: Free!
Ride the bus to Stanley
Catch the bus from Central to Stanley, a port town south of Hong Kong Island. You can either take the tunnel or go the long way around past the Happy Valley Race Course (more amazing city views)!
Stanley Port
On the bus you’ll see how the other half live as you pass Repulse Bay, home to some of the most expensive real-estate on the planet. Stanley has a market on Sunday and is great for clothes and souvenirs, as well as having some nice sea front bars and shops.
Cost: $6-10 on Oyster Card
Visit the Beach!
South Bay beach!
A beach in Hong Kong? The south island has one or two reasonable beaches, while they’re not up to Thailand spec, if you can put up with coach loads of mainland Chinese tourists, it’s a nice way to spend the afternoon. Check out Repulse Bay or South Bay beaches if you want a dose of city beach action.
Cost: Free!
Check out the ‘Symphony of Lights’ Light Show
The iconic Hong Kong Skyline
Every night at 8pm the buildings on both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon light up for a typically Chinese laser and light show. While it’s a bit crap, fortunately it’s free!
✈ Travel Photo of the Day: The Hong Kong Island Skyline ✈
The view itself is much more awe inspiring than the laser show. Grab an ice cold Tsingtao from the 7-11 at the Star Ferry dock, get there 30 minutes early and sit and wonder what the fuss is all about!
Cost: Free!
Stroll through Statue Square and Victoria Park on Sunday
Indonesian marriage celebrations in Victoria Park
For a contrast to the business vibe and usual hustle and bustle, head to where Hong Kong’s massive domestic worker population gathers in huge numbers every Sunday in various parts of the city.
Hong Kong’s largest minority, the Filipino’s, flock to the Statue Park area in Central. While the Indonesian collective head to Victoria Park. Ladies sing, pray, listen to music, watch videos and generally enjoy their one and only day off to the max.
Cost: Free!
What free or cheap things have you discovered in Hong Kong?
August 21, 2013