Global Traveller 7th Edition | Page 17

Why I Love Abby Issac TRAVEL CONSULTANT - CLEVEDON China I love China as it’s a real wonder of the world. The oriental feeling of truly being abroad with little signs of western culture makes me feel like I’ve indeed travelled afar. The contrasts of east meets west is awe inspiring. I relish the silent beauty from the peak of the vast Great Wall, the scale of an army of 8000+ huge terracotta warriors and the picturesque tranquillity experienced on the Yangtze River, the friendly locals working the rice paddies; the cormorant fishermen of Guilin conflicting with Shanghai’s enormous Colonial style buildings. China just feels like so many holidays in one! Interesting Fact Put together, all of China’s railways lines could loop around the Earth twice! The mortar used to bind the Great Wall’s stones was made with sticky rice! At any time of the year there are places in China that enjoy ideal weather for travel, but almost nowhere is weather-perfect all year round. Generally speaking spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, although not in all provinces, and in many parts of China spring and autumn are no more than a few weeks long. Top Tip Bring your own tissue and hand gel, as you will rarely find a public toilet supplied with them. Recommendation Choose a tour with the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall as this will take you away from the crowds. For something different hire a tandem bike and cycle the Xian City Wall for an exhilarating experience and fantastic view.