Discovering the Dragon's Lair: An Unforgettable China Adventure

Rating: 4.5/5 China, a land of ancient history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, has long been a destination on my bucket list. Recently, I embarked on a 10-day journey to explore this fascinating country, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations in every way. In this review, I'll share my experiences, highlight the must-visit attractions, and provide a breakdown of expenses to help you plan your own China adventure. Day 1-2: Beijing Our journey began in Beijing, the capital city. We visited the iconic Great Wall of China, a testament to the country's rich history. The Mutianyu section, located about 45 miles northeast of Beijing, offered breathtaking views and was less crowded than the more popular Badaling section. Expenses: - Flights from New York to Beijing: $800 - Accommodation (3-star hotel): $30 per night - Great Wall of China entrance fee: $10 - Food: $10-15 per meal Day 3-4: Xi'an From Beijing, we took a high-speed train to Xi'an, famous for its Terracotta Warriors. The archaeological site was awe-inspiring, with over 8,000 life-sized soldiers standing guard. We also explored the ancient city walls and Muslim Quarter. Expenses: - Train tickets: $100 - Accommodation (3-star hotel): $25 per night - Terracotta Warriors entrance fee: $20 - Food: $10-15 per meal Day 5-6: Guilin Next, we flew to Guilin, renowned for its stunning karst landscape. A scenic boat ride along the Li River revealed towering limestone peaks and picturesque villages. We also explored the Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill. Expenses: - Flights from Xi'an to Guilin: $150 - Accommodation (4-star hotel): $40 per night - Li River boat ride: $30 - Reed Flute Cave entrance fee: $10 - Food: $15-20 per meal Day 7-8: Shanghai Our final destination was Shanghai, a cosmopolitan city with a blend of traditional and modern architecture. We visited the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, explored the French Concession, and strolled along the Bund. Expenses: - Train tickets: $100 - Accommodation (4-star hotel): $50 per night - Oriental Pearl Tower entrance fee: $20 - Food: $15-25 per meal Day 9-10: Return to Beijing We returned to Beijing for our departure flight, reflecting on an incredible journey. #asiatrip #travel