China-A new life

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January 3rd 2016

Published: January 3rd 2016

Antarctic is done for the time being. Someday I may try to go back to that type of life and travels. But now a new adventure awaits me. It took two years and a forest of paperwork, but now I have a job working as support staff at the American Consulate in Guangzhou, China. Ive been in country for seven weeks now on the start of a two year contract. Every weekend I explore the sights, sounds, cultu... Read Full Entry

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Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Mt. Huashan

Looking back up the mountain toward west peak - what a sight to behold.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Mt. Huashan

The mid station is also bored into the side of a mountain. As the cable car passes thru the tunnel, it slows to a pace that one can exit if they so desire, and hike the rest of the way down.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Huayin City

Standing in front of the train station looking back at Mt. Huashan Prices For Hiking and cable cars are: Standard Price: 180RMB Cable Car One Way: 80RMB Cable Car Return: 150RMB Plank Walk In The Sky: 30RMB for harness rental Chess Pavillon: 30RMB for harness rental

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Xian City Wall

In addition to being the only complete city wall in China, it is one of the oldest intact military fortifications in the world.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Xian City Wall

Built under the orders of the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty (Xi’an was the ancient capital city of China), the current wall was constructed atop an older wall dating from 618 AD to 907 AD.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Xian City Wall

The wall has since been restored several times and features a moat, ramparts, and impressively large city gates.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Xian City Wall

The Xi’an City Wall is 3.7 km (8.5 miles) long and 12 to 14 meters (40 to 46 feet) wide at the top.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Xian City Wall

The entrance to the city wall is simple as there are several entry points, which are marked on tourist maps of the city.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Xian City Wall

At my time of visit, entry to the city wall cost 54 CNY / $8.00 USD and this fee funds preservation work on the city wall. Entrance to the Xi’an City Wall is from 8 am until 10 pm daily.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Xian City Wall

To see the entire wall and its surroundings, I highly suggest you rent a bike. Single and tandem bikes can be rented from a stall by the South Gate entry point or several other locations along the wall.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Xian City Wall

At my time of visit, rental for a double bike cost 90 RMB (13..00 USD) and a single bike cost 35 RMB ($6.00 USD) for 2 hours with a 300 RMB ($45.00 USD) deposit that you get back when you return the bike.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Xian City Wall

Cycling the Xi’an City Wall at a reasonably slow pace allows you to see so much of Xi’an. Keep your eyes open for the impressive South Gate (if you don’t enter from this gate), the nearby Bell Tower, and the three other gate towers (North, East, and West Gates).

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Xian City Wall

Along the top of the wall their are bathrooms / water closets available if one needs to relieve themselves. There are also vendors selling water and ice creme. At the mid point of my bicycle ride I had 2 orange drinks, 1 water and 2 ice creams to cool and refresh myself.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Xian City Wall

There are several other towers, which are approximately 394 ft/120 m apart from each other, so there is plenty to look at while biking the gate.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Xian City Wall

From the wall, you’ll also get a bird’s eye view of the City Wall Park and the deep moat and some older parts of Xian city.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Xian City Wall

The wall that you’re on is over 600 years old, but you’ll be able to see shiny skyscrapers among ancient pagodas across the city. The Bell Tower can be seen just down the street.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Xian

The Bell Tower, is a stately traditional building, that marks the geographical center of the ancient capital of Xian. From this important landmark extend East, South, West and North Streets, connecting the tower to the East, South, West and North Gates of the City Wall of the Ming Dynasty.

Beijing - Xian, China May 2017 - Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Situated in Da Ci'en (Great Kindness and Grace) Temple, about four kilometers from the urban center, Big Wild Goose Pagoda is one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017 - Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

Take metro line 3 and get off at Shiqiao station or line 4 and get off at Shiqi station. Then transfer to the exclusive bus line “Shiqiao – Lotus Hill” to get there. Open - 08:00 to 18:30 daily. 54RMB entry fee.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017- Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

Lotus Hill, one of the famous hills of the Pearl River Delta, is located in the eastern outskirt of Panyu City, 20km from Guangzhou and 60 sea miles from Hong Kong.

Exploring Guangzhou - Fall 2017- Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan)

Yanyan was my guide and transportation coordinator for the day.

3rd January 2016

Di & Joe V.
non-member comment

Looks beautiful.... Happy to hear that you are enjoying it there. :) Happy New Year!! Di & Joe

18th August 2016

Derek Davey
non-member comment

Silly Submariner
I hope that you are doing very well in Guangzhou and you have fully acclimated. Enjoy yourself there. Extremely hot in Lewis County this summer and very humid. We have had a "drought" and tornado this summer. The corn still grows. Take care. Derek

24th August 2016

Audrey J Mills
non-member comment

AWESOME!!
So great to hear from you and about your amazing adventures! I'm now a subscriber to your blog so keep it up!

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