Come along with me and share the excitement as I explore the world researching freelance articles. These blog posts offer short chunks of travel that you can digest quickly as well as plenty of photos so you get the picture. You'll have some fun, make discoveries, and pick up great ideas and information for your own vacations. Think of me as your canary in the coal mine. For even more travel inspiration, visit my BERKELEY AND BEYOND website at http://www.berkeleyandbeyond.com.
Located away from city center in the business district near local government offices, the luxury 5-star Shangri-La Hotel built in 2009 overlooks the Ou River/Oujiang River. It is a popular business hotel, but there is no night life or restaurants in the area. The staff is especially accommodating and friendly, and many employees speak good English.
view from guest room at Shangri-La Hotel, Wenzhou in Wenzhou, China
guest room at Shangri-La Hotel, Wenzhou in Wenzhou, China
The large lobby bar is furnished with upholstered chairs and couches and has a grand piano in the center as well as high ceilings, a long, drapey crystal chandelier, and floor-to-ceiling wall of windows looking out to a garden.
lobby bar at Shangri-La Hotel, Wenzhou in Wenzhou, China
O Cafe features various specialty food stations and is open all day,
O Cafe at Shangri-La Hotel, Wenzhou in Wenzhou, China
happy noodle maker
while the Shang Palace Restaurant serves an all-you-can-eat dim sum.
Shang Palace Restaurant at Shangri-La Hotel, Wenzhou in Wenzhou, China
Institute Middle of the Mill Shop 71st, 0577-88158888.
Featuring a long line of open-kitchen food stalls, this gigantic, well-lit venue caters to groups. Tian Yi Jiao Restaurant specializes in local snacks and dishes, and the seafood is very good. Entertainment is presented on a central stage, but I thought it was most fun to walk the gauntlet that is the long row of mini kitchens with woks and soup pans. Those cooks are really busy.
interior of Tian Yi Jiao Restaurant in Wenzhou, China
chef and dishes at Tian Yi Jiao Restaurant in Wenzhou, China
fish dish at Tian Yi Jiao Restaurant in Wenzhou, China
fruit plate at Tian Yi Jiao Restaurant in Wenzhou, China
line of chefs taking photos at Tian Yi Jiao Restaurant in Wenzhou, China
everyone wants a photo of the Monkey King at Tian Yi Jiao Restaurant in Wenzhou, China
This forested area is reached via a twisting two-lane mountain road lined with well-maintained trees with white-painted bases. You pass through hills with views of terraced rice fields and small villages, some with crumbling brick buildings and brand new buildings side-by-side. A mild subtropical marine climate means it is always warm and moist with plenty of rainf. The population is 360,000, with 170,000 more living abroad in 70 countries, giving the are the nickname “Hometown of Overseas Chinese.”
Hundreds of waterfalls, lakes, caverns and deep gorges are found in the Tongling Mountain National Forest Park, which opened in 1999. The park has been divided into three parts –Tongling Gorge, Little Yaochi Lake, Tongling Village. Also, Baizhang Waterfall is found here. At 1,158-feet-high, it is China’s highest waterfall and called the most beautiful waterfall in the world. It has three falls, with more than 4,000 steps to climb before reaching the first.
Built in 2013, this still-growing resort complex was inspired by the Swanburg Hotel in Germany. Facilities include a yoga gym, a hot springs complex (the Chinese absolutely love hot springs), and indoor skiing, and it will have more than 400 buildings when completed. The area also offers hiking, an area with monkeys, and a temple. An European-style village opens in 2017 and will accommodate more than 5,000 people.
Swanburg Hotel in Wencheng, China
welcome at Swanburg Hotel in Wencheng, China
The simple, pleasant hotel provides rooms with a restive view of pine trees, plus operable windows that let in the sweet fragrance of the pines as well as the soft sound of a river below. (This peace was broken early one morning by loud firecrackers and lights in the woods. Though I found this scary, it turned out to be the arrival of a boisterous group celebrating a wedding.) Guest rooms have natural wood floors, comfortable beds with white duvets, and a shower with a clear window looking into the bed area and on to the outdoors through the windows beyond. And, surprisingly, Wi-Fi is free.
guest room at Swanburg Hotel in Wencheng, China
view from guest room at Swanburg Hotel in Wencheng, China
Meant to honor my American group, which was a peculiarity in the area, a sign indicating “Foreigners Section” was displayed in the dining room. It reserved for us a particularly comfortable area. Some of my favorite buffet items include kung pao chicken with giant hot peppers, peanuts in vinegar, boiled peanuts, and rice wine served in teeny glasses.
selections from breakfast buffet at Swanburg Hotel in Wencheng, China
dinner buffet at Swanburg Hotel in Wencheng, China
vegetable art at Swanburg Hotel in Wencheng, China
The hot springs are reached by a 10-minute walk. Female and male changing rooms with lockers and showers are provided, and a gift shop sells bathing suits and related items. Approximately 20 pools of various sizes and temperatures are sprinkled over a compact hilly area. Just like in the story of the three bears, some were too hot, some were too cold, and some were just right. Colors and fragrances varied, but there was no explanation in English as to what each spring was best for. When using the hot springs, it is advised to wait one hour after eating, take off all jewelry, and drink plenty of water after.
hot springs complex at Swanburg Hotel in Wencheng, China
swim suits in hot springs gift shop at Swanburg Hotel in Wencheng, China
This day trip in Zhejiang Province is not far from Wenzhou, China. And believe it or not!, you can do this entire itinerary in one day!
Yandang Mountain National Geological Park/Mt. Yandangshan Global Geo Park
The Yandang Mountains coastal range dominates the eastern part of Wenzhou. Known for its natural beauty, the area features many vertical rock faces and pinnacles, mountain slopes with lush forests and bamboo groves, streams with clear water, waterfalls, and caves. Also known as “Wild Goose Pond Mountain,” Yandang Mountain is a UNESCO World Geological Park. It offers a rare combination of both scientific and aesthetic value and is ranked among the top 10 mountains in China, Yangdang was formed 12 million years ago and is one of the most complete Cretaceous rhyolitic ancient volcanic caldera. It is called “the natural museum of volcano.” Visit the beautiful Dalongqiu (“Big Dragon”) Waterfall and the Lingfeng scenic area, which is famous for its steep peaks and various shaped rocks. In the Lingyan scenic area, you can see the “Flying Man” glide and perform acrobatics from one mountain peak to another using a harness. The area also has many temples and shrines that are built inside caves or in the mouths of caves. Visitors climb up 407 steps to reach the 9-level Guanyin Temple, a Buddhist temple built in 265 inside a hillside cave between two rock peaks leaning against each other. The temple follows the natural rock structure, and a shrine is in the highest, most hidden part of the cave.
Shizhiyan Cliff Scenic Spot With jagged Shiwei Rock/Shizhi Hill as the dramatic backdrop, this area of the park offers a relatively easy two-hour hike through varied terrain that includes bamboo forests and a rushing river. Several stepping-stone bridges add some challenge. Half-way through, a short boat ride on a still, scenic section of the river is an option to cut down on climbing. After the ride, benches and some simple snacks are available at a resting spot.”
Shiwei Rock/Shizhi Hill in Shizhiyan Cliff Scenic Spot in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
crossing river in Shizhiyan Cliff Scenic Spot in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
taking photo in Shizhiyan Cliff Scenic Spot in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
hikers in Shizhiyan Cliff Scenic Spot in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
tourist boat crossing river in Shizhiyan Cliff Scenic Spot in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
snack stand in Shizhiyan Cliff Scenic Spot in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
LINGSHANG Renjia village
Fronted by a river, and built into the hills behind, this small 400-year-old Chinese mountain village is home to 47 families. Because of its very fresh air, it is nicknamed “Natural Oxygen Bar.” It is a full-on tourist destination, with restaurants, tea houses, and hotels operating within many of the old buildings, most of which have been renovated.
Lingshang Renjia village in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
suspension bridge in Lingshang Renjia village in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
stairway path in Lingshang Renjia village in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
outdoor kitchen in Lingshang Renjia village in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
villager in Lingshang Renjia village in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
villager in Lingshang Renjia village in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
Restaurants serve local specialties, including roasted baby goat, which is brought to the table whole and which diners don plastic gloves to eat.
restaurant chef in Lingshang Renjia village in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
roasted baby goat at restaurant in Lingshang Renjia village in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
CANGPO Ancient Village
In Yantou Town, Yongjia County. 15yuen.
Situated on the Nanxi River, this ancient village dates to the 1100s and features traditional Chinese architecture. The village’s walls, houses, paths, pavilions, temples, and pools retain their ancient style, and the village maintains its original layout. Cangpo is a single-surname village, settled and developed by a population of which all claim the surname Li. A garden with flowers, two lotus ponds, and ancient cypress trees remain, and a Chess Museum can be visited inside an ancient house. An ancient wedding ceremony performance is included with admission, and a farmhouse dinner is an option. Kunqu Opera of Yongjia County is a living fossil. Southern China’s local classical opera is today performed professionally in only seven mainland Chinese cities, including Hangzhou (Zhejiang Province Kunqu Theatre).
scenic buildings at Cangpo Ancient Village in Yantou Town in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
field workers in Cangpo Ancient Village in Yantou Town in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
scenic fields in Cangpo Ancient Village in Yantou Town in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
Chess Museum in Cangpo Ancient Village in Yantou Town in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
ancient chess set at Chess Museum in Cangpo Ancient Village in Yantou Town in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
villagers in Cangpo Ancient Village in Yantou Town in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
temple art in Cangpo Ancient Village in Yantou Town in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
Kunqu Opera in Cangpo Ancient Village in Yantou Town in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
Lishui Ancient Street
With a 400-year-history, this ancient curved commercial street stretches along a canal and is lined on one side with shops. There is plenty of opportunity to mingle with locals here.
Lishui Ancient Street in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
river cleaner at Lishui Ancient Street in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
game players at Lishui Ancient Street in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
villagers at Lishui Ancient Street in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
villagers at Lishui Ancient Street in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
Nanxi River bamboo rafting
Yongjia Town, Yongjia County.
The Nanxi River is a branch of the Ou River--the largest river in the Wenzhou area--and is famous for its 36 bends and 72 beaches. More than 200 ancient villages dot the river, which also boasts beautiful mountain scenery and river banks lined with beech forests. A quiet ride on the clear water of the Nanxi River aboard a bamboo raft is a must. Sometimes cormorant fishing is demonstrated. The Nanxi River and its Kun Qu (a type of local music) are a UNESCO Non-material Heritage of the world.
bamboo rafting on the Nanxi River in Yongjia Townt in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
Kun Qu player entertains bamboo rafters on the Nanxi River in Yongjia Townt in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
cormorant fishing is demonstrated for bamboo rafters on the Nanxi River in Yongjia Townt in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
bamboo rafting on the Nanxi River in Yongjia Townt in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
bamboo rafting on the Nanxi River in Yongjia Townt in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
