Monthly Archives: October 2016
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_2024-1038x576.jpg "Tian'anmen Gate")
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_2687-1038x576.jpg "Yulong River")
Highlights of China
In October 2016, it was time to explore a region of which I did not know much about before: China. I spent three weeks there, exploring some of the most well-known sights of this country.
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161026_161533.jpg "Hong Kong Harbour")
Hikeable Hong Kong
Hongkong is a true cultural melting pot: With its skyscrapers, it resembles an American city, and the doubledecker busses remind me of London. At the same time, the Chinese-Asian influence is very well noticable – and in the hinterland there are some great hiking opportunities. Continue reading Hikeable Hong Kong
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_2790-1038x576.jpg "Longji Rice Terraces")
Rice terraces as high as skyscrapers
Today, we hiked the Longji rice terraces. I expected a rather leisurely stroll through the rice fields, with some undulations – but that was maybe too naïve. Instead, we had to climb some more stairs. Continue reading Rice terraces as high as skyscrapers
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_2725-1038x576.jpg "Li River")
The surreal mountains of Yangshuo
The karst hills of Yanshuo are indeed extraordinary – I have never seen anything like it. The numerous hills are dotting the landscape, in seemingly endless rows, one after the other. We have explored this region by bike and on some short hikes. Continue reading The surreal mountains of Yangshuo
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_2584-1038x576.jpg "Terrakotta Warriors")
The First Emperor’s Army
Today, we visited the Terracotta Army – a must-see on any trip through China. Continue reading The First Emperor’s Army
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161019_135640-1038x576.jpg "Plank Road in the Sky")
The (allegedly) most dangerous hike in the world
Today, a cycling tour on the Xi’an city wall was actually on our itinerary. However, one member of our group proposed to go hiking at Hua Shan instead. This proposal was greeted with some enthusiasm, and so seven people (of our group of nine) ended up spending their day on the mountain instead of the city. I was one of these seven. Continue reading The (allegedly) most dangerous hike in the world
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_2407-1038x576.jpg "Shaolin Temple")
The Skilful Shaolin Monks and the Magnificent Song Shan
We spent the last one-and-a-half days at the Shaolin Temple, learning a bit about its history (and Kung Fu), as well as enjoying the beautiful Song Shan mountain. Continue reading The Skilful Shaolin Monks and the Magnificent Song Shan
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_2376-1038x576.jpg "Fengxian Cave")
The Buddhas of the Longmen Caves
Today, we visited the Longmen Caves. Out of the walls of these caves (and the surrounding cliffs), more than one hundred thousand (!) Buddha statues have been carved in the time of the Northern Wei dynasty (some 1,300 to 1,500 years ago).
Update from October 31, 2016
Additional pictures are available.![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_2238-1038x576.jpg "The Great Wall at Mutianyu")
Great Steps (and Ladders) on the Great Wall
In the past one-and-a-half days, we explored the Great Wall of China – from the perfectly renovated section near Mutianyu to the nearly broken-down part at Jiankou.
Update from October 31, 2016
Additional pictures are available.Continue reading Great Steps (and Ladders) on the Great Wall