We took 2 hours bus ride from Urumqi to Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake). We decided to stay there one night at one of the Kazaks yurts. The entry fee is quite expensive and the place is very touristy, which was a bit disappointing after visiting the isolated Karakul Lake. Despite all that, Tianchi Lake is...
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Category Archives: China
Urumqi: Delicious ‘lachman’ noodles
We took a flight from Kashgar to Xinjiang’s capital– Urumqi. We stayed at Green Tree Hotel, which was cheap as a hostel; we paid 180 yuan for a double room. The room was very clean and bed was big and cozy. There is a free wifi but it’s available only at the hotel’s lobby. Staff...
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Karakul Lake: Stunning Scenery and No Other Tourists! Experience of a Lifetime
We took the bus from Kashgar to Tashkurgan that also stops at Karakul Lake. This road, named the Karakoram Highway, connects China with Pakistan. The views on the road include stunning scenery, almost completely unspoiled. After 6 hours we arrived at Karakul Lake. Immediately a Kyrgyz boy offered us to stay in his family’s yurt...
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Kashgar: Silk Road History and Great Uyghur Food
We decided to visit Xinjiang province even though it means we need to take some flights, we really wanted to visit this interesting area. We took an early morning flight from Beijing to Urumqi, and another flight from Urumqi to Kashgar. We preferred taking flights instead of over 24 hour bus rides in such a...
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Beijing: Too Excited to Sleep After the Long Flight
Second trip to China We arrived at Beijing Downtown Backpackers Youth Hostel. This lovely hostel is located in a charming ‘hutung’. The cost is quite cheap for Beijing- 170 yuan for a double room including breakfast. the staff speak English and free wifi available. The hostel is located 15 minute walk from sub way station...
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First Trip to China Cost Summary
Cost summary per person: International round-trip flight from Israel to Beijing, China (via Kiev, Ukraine): 745$ 6 domestic flights: 1240$ Beijing-Chengdu Chengdu- Jiuzhaigo Jiuzhaigo- Chengdu Chengdu- Lijiang Kunming- Guilin Guilin- Beijing All other expenses (including food, accommodation in double rooms, attractions fees, transportation etc…): 1590$ in 24 days, 66$ average per day. Shopping during the...
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Shopping in Beijing: Best Tips
The Silk Market and the Pearl Market are the most popular places for shopping in Beijing. In the markets you can find high-quality fakes of big-name brands. You can find everything-souvenirs, bags, clothing, jewelries, watches, glasses, electronics, toys, shoes and more. You have to bargain for each and every item. Usually the seller tells you...
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Beijing: Visiting the Great Wall and More Best Activities!
We took an early flight to our last destination for this trip- Beijing. We stayed at Happy Dragon Courtyard Hostel, which was comfortable and in a nice location near the subway, but a bit expensive- we paid 350 yuan per person for a double room. Our rating for Happy Dragon Courtyard Hostel is 8 out...
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Yangshuo: One of The Most Beautiful Landscapes in China
We booked through our hostel a day cruise on the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. This is the best way to appreciate the amazing karst mountains. We paid 130 yuan for transportation to the begging of the cruise, two hours of cruise on the Li River to Xingping, and from there 45 minutes transportation...
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Guilin: Take a Cruise on The Li River
We arrived at Kunming early in the morning and we only had a few hours to kill before our flight to Guilin. We visited Dian Chi Lake, which was nice. At night we arrived at our hostel in Guilin– Backstreet Youth Hostel, the double room was nice and cozy, but no elevator to the double...
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