China

Longmen Caves and Shaolin Monastery

The Longmen Grottoes Extraordinary, that’s the word to describe the Longmen Grottoes. They overlook the Yi River amidst a magnificent panorama. Stretching over a kilometer, more than 100,000 Buddhas and their disciples are carved into the rock. It’s incredibly impressive; there are statues of all sizes, from the largest and gigantic to the smallest and …

China

Xi’an: the Terracotta Army and the Muslim Quarter

The Terracotta Army Just like the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army was in our top three list of exceptional sites to see during our stay in China. The site is highly touristy and well-organized: the entire army is protected within immense hangars surrounded by shops and restaurants. You can even have your book signed by …

China

Beijing: The Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven No photo can do justice to the beauty and grandeur of the Temple of Heaven. We had seen it in pictures before visiting, but upon arrival, we were dazzled by the magnificence of the place. Located in a vast park, the Temple of Heaven is a complex of pavilions and altars. …

China

Beijing : the Forbidden City

The entrance to the Forbidden City is through Tiananmen Square. You will pass through two gigantic red gates before entering a city that truly lived up to its name, as it was forbidden to commoners like us. The grand effect is quite striking. For centuries, it was the residence of twenty-four emperors until the fall …

China

Beijing : the Summer Palace

Undoubtedly the most beautiful park we visited, with its immense lake and dragon-shaped boat rides. The Summer Palace is a complex of gardens, pavilions, temples, towers, and bridges. You’ll need a full day to see everything and, most importantly, to take your time: look up to admire the painted woodwork in the galleries, take a …

China

A stroll through Beijing

China remains one of our most beautiful trips, the most memorable, the most disorienting, and the one that inspired us to keep exploring the world. We took this trip before the arrival of COVID, and I don’t know what it’s like today in 2022 for discovering this country. We hope to return one day with …