Just one of the many exciting benefits of teaching in China with ChinaTEFLER is that, alongside over a months’ worth of holiday, you’ll have weekends off too! While we advise you not to use all of these up in one go, here are some ideas about how to spend a weekend away travelling around China that will be refreshing if you’ve already seen the city sights of Beijing and Shanghai.
Xi’an, Shaanxi
Xi’an was an ancient capital city for some of the most important dynasties in China. It is home to the awesome terracotta horses, chariots and warriors, which you can see for RMB 120-150. After viewing the terracotta museum, people usually visit the Huaqing Hot Spring, site of the famous romance love story of Emperor Xuanzong (685-762) and his concubine Yang Guifei in the Tang, as well as scenic Chinese gardening. When night falls, go to the major avenues of Xi Dajie, Nan Dajie and Dong Dajie for street evening shopping, or be amazed by the dazzling lights at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square and Nanhu Lake.
Guilin, Guangxi
A stunning natural beauty, Guilin will leave you with unforgettable memories. Take a cruise on the 80km Li River that winds its way from Guilin to Yanshou and appreciate the scenery that was and is the inspiration for many artists. Another day, you could take a bike round the countryside of Yangshuo town, and spend the evening along the West Street, where you can find Western style bars and restaurants. Lastly, Guilin city is a sightseeing tour of its own – visit the Elephant Trunk Hill and the Seven Star Park, which has a cave complex and a zoo with pandas! Guilin is a 72-hour visa free city.
Lijiang, Yunnan
Situated in the southwest of China, Lijiang belongs to a mountainous region, and is therefore perfect for nature lovers. Its ancient city (also known as Dayan Ancient City) is included on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, and began its development 900 years ago. Within it, picturesque streets are settled next small rivers, narrow canals, colourful plants and green trees. Enjoy even more natural landscapes on the Lugu Lake on a “pig chamfer” boat, or take a tour around the Jade Spring Park and be stunned by the large crystal pool, luxuriant trees and the Five-Phoenix Tower.
These are just a few of the many places you could visit in China – there’s so much more on offer, and why not get paid to teach whilst you travel? For more information, go to the home page, and look out for more information next week.