So to China again - the world's most populated country!! Now, when you think of World Heritage Sites in China you must mean The Great Wall, The Forbidden Palace, The Terracotta Warriors, etc...?? No, sorry, not today and not for this travelling Northern Irishman. China was the first Asian country I ever visited and my flirting love affair with it's land of endless possibilities continues...so here I bring you 3 very unknown and unusual UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China which I have visited recently.
1. Fujian Tulou, FUJIAN Province, CHINA: Nestled deep in the forgotten green countryside of the Fujian Province, lies a magical world of special ancient Chinese buildings known as the Fujian Tulou. Known as "Earthen Buildings" these structures housed entire clans, kept out the enemies and made their Chinese dwellers self efficient. I visited loads of them and wrote about 10 posts about them, such was their impact on the travelling Northern Irishman. I detailed a lot about them on other posts. []
Short Guide - Head to the city of Yongdong first and from there organise a tour out to the buildings. A local company will run buses or you can also hire a driver if you need. The chance to see these buildings if you're in Fujian should not be missed. You can also bargain with the price of the tour with your driver.
2. Danxiashan Mountains, Guangdong Province, CHINA: Hidden shyly in the north of Guangdong Province, this range of mountains, hills and odd rock formations lets your mind wander into a real unknown part of China, at least for the non-Chinese amongst us. It's not a guided tour or anything like the buildings in Fujian, this is very much a Do It Yourself style hiking and climbing opportunity. The views at sunset are amazing, as is the tough ascent for sunrise the following morning.
Quick Guide - Get to the city of Shaoguan and find the main bus station (which is also next to Shaoguan train station (the older one). From there get a bus out to a mountain resort by the name of Jin Jiang village, also known as Yao Tang village. From there get an entrance pass and walk through the various hikes and climbs at your own pace. BUT don't miss sunset and sunrise. It's amazing. Oh and Penis rock: The Climb to Penis Rock!
3. Dialou at Kaiping in Guangdong Province, China: On the outskirts of the bustling city of Kaiping, sits hundreds of upright special buildings known as Dialou. These are amazing to look at, climb and relax while you enjoy the countryside around you. What's more surprising is that they are not even that well known or busy, despite clearly being an excellent tourist attraction. []
Quick Guide - Get to the city of Kaiping and stay in the Milan Hotel. It's a great central hotel within a 2 minute walk from the bus station (YES a real 2 minute walk - I really travel remember!). From there ask at reception about doing the tour out to the amazing Diaolou. There are leaflets in reception.
So there you have it - 3 fascinating World Heritage Sites to see in China! Love the travel lifestyle!
1. Fujian Tulou, FUJIAN Province, CHINA: Nestled deep in the forgotten green countryside of the Fujian Province, lies a magical world of special ancient Chinese buildings known as the Fujian Tulou. Known as "Earthen Buildings" these structures housed entire clans, kept out the enemies and made their Chinese dwellers self efficient. I visited loads of them and wrote about 10 posts about them, such was their impact on the travelling Northern Irishman. I detailed a lot about them on other posts. []
Short Guide - Head to the city of Yongdong first and from there organise a tour out to the buildings. A local company will run buses or you can also hire a driver if you need. The chance to see these buildings if you're in Fujian should not be missed. You can also bargain with the price of the tour with your driver.
2. Danxiashan Mountains, Guangdong Province, CHINA: Hidden shyly in the north of Guangdong Province, this range of mountains, hills and odd rock formations lets your mind wander into a real unknown part of China, at least for the non-Chinese amongst us. It's not a guided tour or anything like the buildings in Fujian, this is very much a Do It Yourself style hiking and climbing opportunity. The views at sunset are amazing, as is the tough ascent for sunrise the following morning.
Quick Guide - Get to the city of Shaoguan and find the main bus station (which is also next to Shaoguan train station (the older one). From there get a bus out to a mountain resort by the name of Jin Jiang village, also known as Yao Tang village. From there get an entrance pass and walk through the various hikes and climbs at your own pace. BUT don't miss sunset and sunrise. It's amazing. Oh and Penis rock: The Climb to Penis Rock!
3. Dialou at Kaiping in Guangdong Province, China: On the outskirts of the bustling city of Kaiping, sits hundreds of upright special buildings known as Dialou. These are amazing to look at, climb and relax while you enjoy the countryside around you. What's more surprising is that they are not even that well known or busy, despite clearly being an excellent tourist attraction. []
Quick Guide - Get to the city of Kaiping and stay in the Milan Hotel. It's a great central hotel within a 2 minute walk from the bus station (YES a real 2 minute walk - I really travel remember!). From there ask at reception about doing the tour out to the amazing Diaolou. There are leaflets in reception.
So there you have it - 3 fascinating World Heritage Sites to see in China! Love the travel lifestyle!
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