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The Ultimate Travel Plan: Jingpo Lake
This is undoubtedly one of the highlight attractions when it comes to the North-East of China. Although not having that much of an international reputation it is however revered by the locals as a widely recognised cultural attraction. Jingpo Lake and its surrounding natural attractions are even recognised as an important national and historic interest throughout China, labelled as a Geopark in 2006. Jingpo lake and its surrounding scenic area provide some spectacular examples of lakes, waterfalls and volcanic landforms that are scattered across this region of the world. It not only has a picturesque lake of mythical proportions but also holds the title of Asia’s biggest waterfall. So in…
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The Ultimate Travel Guide: Wudalianchi
For any true traveller, there comes a time to seek a real adventure. Travelling along the well-beaten tracks of Australia’s East Coast and the golden triangle is all well and good for many reasons. However, there comes a time when the craving for something a little different becomes too strong. There comes a certain satisfaction with undergoing a trip with significant challenges, a lack of tourist frameworks and what I like to call hand-holding. To walk the line that few have before, throw yourself into the unknown. This is Wudalianchi. So, why should we consider this place? What makes this obscure town in the far North East of China worth…
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The Ultimate Travel Guide: Harbin
Nicknamed the “Ice City”, the capital of the Northernmost province of Heilongjiang is the central hub of the North-East of China. Nestled in the region formally known as Manchuria, the city has been the result of deep influence from the surrounding cultures which have seeped in for centuries, both welcome and unwelcome alike. Evidence of which can be seen from the noticeable Russian architecture and the darker remnants of former Japanese conquerors in the war museums. Harbin is rare in how it comes into life when the season seemingly turns for the worse and sub-zero temperatures dominate the region for months on end. The people of Harbin have become the…
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The North-East Tour – Mudanjiang
Coming to Mudanjiang wasn’t for the city itself, but rather an attraction far outside it. Following the theme of the North East, this would be yet another natural attraction born out of the fires and flames that brews beneath this region of the world. Historical volcanic activity has developed into an extraordinary display of nature’s unrelenting force. One spectacular demonstration of this power is Jingpo Lake, which happens to be the home of Asia’s biggest waterfall; Diaoshui. The Journey Before getting to the lake, I had to get to Mudanjiang. The scenic area is still over an hour and a half away, however, it’s easiest to get there…
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The North-East Tour – Wudalianchi
For any true traveller, there comes a time when there’s a desire to seek a real adventure. Following the well-beaten track is good for many different reasons. However, there comes a need to find a unique experience, one that’s off-route, into the unknown. With that comes difficulties; such as getting to the destination, the lack of tourism frameworks and all-round complexity to make the trip possible. Even more difficult to make it successful. This was Wudalianchi, my first true independent adventure. Months of research about this place produced very little information. Even China’s own tourism websites completely neglected to mention this town, and its rarely indicated on a map. So…
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The North-East Tour – The Beginning
Its Spring Festival! A national holiday in China; Christmas, Easter and New Years all rolled into one, a monumental celebration. For an entire two weeks the country shuts-down, a hold on the constant workaholic grind. EVERYONE in China heads home for the holidays to be with their families. I have no classes to teach during this time, I have a full 2 weeks of freedom, it would be a shame to waste it. Using my time efficiently I’ve planned a quick tour of the North Eastern end of China. Why North-East China? My reasons for which are simple; 1 – Easy access from Beijing, 2 –…
