China
In September 2004, at the third attempt, we spent two weeks visiting Beijing, Xian and Shanghai.
Our Shanghai visit coincided with Chinas first Formula One Grand Prix.
We travelled with SAGA (Spending Any Grandchildrens Assets) and flew from London to Beijing.
On the afternoon of our arrival we were offered an optional trip to see the Imperial Summer Palace,
this set the tone for the holiday, we crammed as much into each day as was possible.
The Imperial Summer Palace, Bejing.
A beautiful park in Beijing with a vast lake, artificial hill (built with the spoil from the lake)
and a beautiful summer palace.
The following morning we visited Tianenemen Square and the Forbidden City.
The Imperial Throne - in the Forbidden City.
Rooftops - in the Forbidden City
The following day we were taken to Badaling, the tourist stop on the Great Wall.
Our trip out to the Great Wall was interesting, the main highway out of Beijing to Badaling
was solid with traffic. I never expected to hear the phrase ”tailback on the road to Mongolia”.
When we got to Badaling there is a choice, to turn left and do the easy walk, or turn right and travel the
steeper, but less crowded route.
Neddless to say we turned right, and walked for three watchtowers, a distance of about half a mile,
but it did offer spectacular views over the easy section.
Great Wall of China - Been there, climbed that.
After Beijing we flew down to the city of Xian, to see the Terracotta Warriors.
Again, we were off and running as soon as we had landed, visting the Goose Pagoda and the old
Xian city walls before we even got to our hotel.
The following day we visited the Terracotta Warriors.
Terracotta Warriors - Xian
Val with Warriors - Xian
Bob with Warriors – Xian
The Warriors are such an amazing site, entering the main hall is little short of breathtaking, so please excuse the rare been there done that pictures.
From XIan we flew down to Shanghai, where we were to spend a week.
The Bund – Shanghai
The Bund looks for all the world like Liverpools waterfront. We were told of the Peace Hotel and the various personalities that had stayed there. Sadly we didnt have much time to explore.
Immediately opposite The Bund is the futuristic skyline of the Pudong.
Pudong - Shanghai
The building in the middle of this picture is the 88 story Jin Mao Tower.
The top 36 floors of the tower form the Grand Hyatt hotel, which boasts a 29 story atrium. When we visited it was the talled hotel in the world, but I have no doubt that Dubai will stake a claim to that before very long.
Inside 1930s Cinema – Shanghai
Shanghai Street
Window in Old Shanghai
with John Adams (Tour Manager)
Doorway in Suzhou
Shanghai Street Scene
Shanghai Sunset
Shanghai Housing