China - The Pandas of Chengdu

Having arrived on another overnight train from Xi'an, we pulled into Chengdu station at around 3pm and jumped on the Metro to the centre of the city and our next hostel - Mrs Panda's Hostel - quite appropriate given we were here to see PANDAS!

The hostel location was great, right by the bus station and a 10 minute walk from the metro and really close to the main areas to explore within Chengdu itself.

Panda time

China - the magnificent sights of Xi'an

Xi'an is where China began. It is an ancient city, with huge city walls, numerous tombs and atmospheric streets. Sitting at the end of the Silk road and in the centre of modern China, it is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country, typified by the wonderful sights and smells of the muslim quarter.

Even though this was Chris' third visit, it was probably, outside of Beijing, our favourite city in China, and should be on everyone's agenda... if only to see its most famous sight - the Terrcotta Warriors... but more on that later.

Getting up close and personal with a warrior

China - The Quaint Town of Pingyao

After our second back to back night train in a row we pulled into the ancient town of Pingyao at 06:06am. 

Yawning and bleary-eyed we were met by the driver from our great little courtyard guesthouse, which offered a free pick up from the station (located just outside the north gate of the old city). We checked in and took the opportunity to have a few more hours kip so we'd be ready for touring the sights of Pingyao on foot.

Pingyao

China - Datong and the Yungang Grottos

On our way to Pingyao from Beijing, we decided to make a stop at Datong to go and see the Yungang Grottoes and hopefully the hanging monastery.  Sadly, we discovered the monastery is being repainted, sorry I mean restored, so we could only really go to the grottos. But in any case it we would have been pushing it for time and the monastery is a good couple of hours out of town.

The Yungang Grottos

China - The Great Wall

The great wall - probably at the top of the list for most people when visiting China - and deservedly so. It was up there on Julia's hit list too, and so we actually ended up walking the wall twice! Well...when in China!

A never ending view

China - Exploring the city of Beijing

Beijing is a must see place in China and on anyone's list of must sees around the world. The city is packed with amazing sights, and we felt gave us the chance to see the real China (whatever real China is nowadays). We both really enjoyed Beijing, and given it was Chris' third visit in 10 years, that's saying something.

Beijing

China - Shanghai - The modern China

Shanghai is the modern China... or more to the point, how China wants to be known. With over 24 million people and an endless sprawl of concrete and glass, this is the city that most typifies how China has developed in the last few decades and is the most westernised. So does Shanghai really represent the real China?

Shanghai... welcome to China... or is it?

Japan - Mt Yoshino - a mountain of blossom

Mt Yoshino is known for Sakura - and so as we were in the area (about 2 hours away) and it was peak blooms, we thought it would be a super idea to see it for ourselves.

Surrounded my sakura on Mt Yoshino

Japan - A week in Kyoto

Kyoto is one of those destinations that has so many great sight you need some serious time there so we decided to make sure we gave it the justice it deserved, planning a full week's stay. This was the first time since Australia we had stopped in one place for more than three days, so we were looking forward to staying put and really having the time to get under the skin of the place.

Julia, Julia and Chris under the cherry blossom

Japan - a great day in Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a bit off the normal tourist trail, but we would highly recommend giving this place at least 2 days if you can especially in spring with the sakura as there is a surprising amount to see. There is a spectacular station, geisha and samari districts with old photogenic streets, a Ninja house (recommended by Chris' sister, but a little expensive so we didn't go) and one of the best gardens in Japan.

Kanazawa castle in full bloom

Japan - Sake time

Japan - Takayama

Back to the mountains and old, rural Japan. Takayama is located a couple of hours north of Nagoya by train, but the best bit, is the journey there.

Whatever they are... they are everywhere