Plan ahead and satisfy your China wanderlust
Print Edition
ANYONE who has traveled around China is well aware that its reputation as a hotbed for industrial manufacturing rife with thriving metropolises is a bit one sided. China’s landscapes, cuisines and architecture are as varied and culturally rich as its cities are populous and, well, rich.
Yet the daily grind of life in a mega-city can sometimes make it difficult to see the forest for the trees. If your immediate surroundings have got you down on China, it’s high time you took a trip out of Shanghai to provide some much needed balance to your impression of the middle kingdom.
Before jet setting across the globe, make sure you’ve had a good look around your own backyard. Breathtaking mountains, water towns and historical gems are all within striking distance of Shanghai. Rediscovering China’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage is as easy as shooting off to Zhangjiajie, Hangzhou or Beijing for the weekend. It’s also the perfect way to rejuvenate without spending an arm and a leg.
For a drastic change of setting, check out the Wulingyuan Scenic Area in Zhangjiajie. With its otherworldly scenery, Avatar-esque rock formations, swirling clouds and jagged peaks, nothing could feel further from city life. Take in the breathtaking view from the world's highest outdoor elevator and marvel at the enormity and color of Huanglong Cave.
For a more relaxed option (or for those with an aversion to heights), Hangzhou makes for the perfect weekend getaway. Hangzhou is clean, tranquil and beguiling. Cycling or taking a relaxing stroll around the romantic West Lake is an ideal way to recalibrate without straying too far from Shanghai.
You’ll hear time and time again that no China experience would be complete without a trip to the Great Wall. All too often however, pilgrimages to this “must-see” destination are made with all the enthusiasm of an office worker ticking an item off a to-do list. Sometimes, avoiding the deflating, anticlimactic feeling that comes with unmet expectations is simply a matter of good planning.
To get the most out of your trip to the Great Wall (and to avoid the throngs of tourists as much as possible), visit the less visited Mutianyu section. As one of the best preserved sections of the wall, this is a great place from which to enjoy unparalleled views of the beautiful surroundings.
A little foresight and the right attitude can bring your dream destinations closer to reality, or turn the places you’ve never heard of into the trip of a lifetime. For more inspiration on where to stay or go, visit Ctrip’s Things To Do webpage (english.ctrip.com/ttd). To find out more about how to save 8 percent with Visa: Follow CtripInternational on WeChat; send us a message that’s says SHDaily 8% off. That’s it! We’ll reply with further details about this amazing promotion.
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