From terracota warriors and mighty city walls to holy land of Chinese revolution - welcome to Shaanxi province!


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Asia » China » Shaanxi » Xi'an
May 27th 2013
Published: July 4th 2013
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There it was, my solo adventure in China was coming to an end as I was about to join the Dragoman truck the next day. First had to pick up my visa and get to Xi’an though... Didn’t really have a lot of time in the morning to do that as my train to Xi’an was leaving at 12.50. I booked it before I even went to Emei Shan but already at that time my choice of trains was very limited – didn’t... Read Full Entry



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5th July 2013

So you are overlanding with Dragoman...
I've read the blogs of others who have done it this way...along the Silk Road, around Africa, and South America. I must say that it seems to be the way to go when the route is difficult with many uncertainties...you have a guide to get you out of trouble and companions with whom to share the adventure and the cooking. When I check prices, they seem OK, but nothing about how much the kitty is, which as you say can really add to the price. I like a bit more certainty on that. So your blogs about your travels with them will help as I decide whether it is a good way to travel. My most likely overland will be from Nairobi to Cape Town. You mentioned Beijing as your final stop which isn't that far...overnight on a train. What tour are you taking?
9th July 2013

I did Xi'an to Beijing with Dragoman on one of their trucks. The original plan was to do Kathmandu to Beijing via Tibet and northern parts of China with them, but there were some issues with Tibetan permits in March and the trip was cancelled. I thought then I might still give Dragoman a go and looked at different China options, but was left with Xi'an to Beijing option only for the dates I was interested in. Like you say Dragoman might be good on less travelled (or more difficult) routes, besides wild camping sounds like it could be fun as well. It wasn't the best option for this leg though... There was no wild camping, only way too overpriced hotels and since I started feeling comfortable travelling on my own in China after a few days there, the trip with Dragoman just turned out to be quite a big expense. Sometimes it took longer getting to our next destination with the truck than it would with local transport as well - getting lost and stuff like that. I did meet some nice people on the truck though but that would be the only good thing about the trip. So if I had to choose Dragoman again it would have to be in Africa only. Hope this helps. Thanks again for reading Bob! Kind regards :)

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