One of the earliest things we did and physically, the most difficult, our stunning two-day Tiger Leaping Gorge hike remains the number one highlight of our time in China.
I did a thorough write up previously, so if you missed it, check it out here.
... AND THE LOWS
While most of my time visiting China was exceedingly positive, there were a few things that routinely stoked my ire.
Smoking... and Spitting
I'm convinced one begets the other. Inside, outside- no matter - count on seeing these two with alarming frequency wherever you are in China.
The Smog
We arrived in Beijing to crystal clear blue skies and a pollution reading of 25, prompting us to joke 'what's all the fuss about' in reference to Beijing's infamous smog. Never fear, two days later, it was back in the hazardous range again.
Pedestrian Blues
Not as bad as Thailand, but still pretty deadly, my advice is to 'keep your head on a swivel' when strolling the pavement in China. Curiously, while the cars, motorbikes and bicycles seem to hurry in their attempt to run you down (even when crossing with the 'green man' light), the people on the sidewalks plod along at a pace akin to the zombie apocalypse.
Lack of Subway Etiquette
It doesn't take a degree in nuclear physics to understand that people exiting a metro train cannot do so if the people entering the metro train shove their way in at the same time, but such trivial matters don't apply when it comes to the 'dog eat dog' mentality of the Chinese underground.
You're rough around the edges, but I still love ya, China.
Thanks for reading!
For more sights around China, check out my photos posted here.
Next time on Gobsmacked: Our Biggest Adventure Yet: Trekking Mongolia