Through the mists of time.
Trip Start
Nov 27, 2010
1
9
22
Trip End
Feb 12, 2011
Where I stayed
Xingping, Guangxi, China
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Found the YHA cafe first and they directed us to the "This Old Place" YHA proper. Rooms are 100rmb for a twin bed and cheaper for dorms. Almost completely empty except for a couple of Chinese backpackers and a french couple. It's Christmas without a carol to be heard which is actually really cool.
Cruised down to the dock and it's even more spectacular than Yangshuo. Local tout came up and we checked out prices for a river cruise which is definitely on the MUST DO list for China. She offered 100rmb for two up to Yangdi which I knew as the best part of the River Li to do. She wasn't pushy and seemed pretty nice so we organized to meet her the next day. Ate at the YHA Cafe which was pretty damn good at about 85rmb for 3-4 nice dishes, rice and of course LIQ beer.
Woke up the next day and my travel companion was still asleep after talking on his i-phone till 7-8 a.m., hahaha. Left the BP and had a plan of hiking to the old fishing village (1.5 Hours) which is meant to be really nice. Missed the road and ended up just doing a little loop that runs through the base of the mountains and took me back to a block from where I started. To find it just walk up from the bus parking go up one walkway street and just follow it through the amazingly peaceful, relaxing, green pastures at the base of some beautiful mountains. Said hello to all the locals and they always smiled and waved. Walk was about 30 minutes on even terrain so it's perfect for bicycle or a leisurely walk.
Finally woke up Jackal and we found our river lady from the day before. Walked over to the departure area which is about a 20 minute walk and you can get a taxi there if you want. Went to the spot of the landscape on the 20rmb note and took obligatory backpacker photo 2. Jumped onto the boat and our 1.5 - 2 hour trip started.
YHA China
I had 2 experiences with the YHA's in Changsha and Xingping and both have been 10/10. Really friendly staff and travelers, exceptionally clean, free internet and cheap.
The website is at:
http://www.yhachina.com/index.php?hostID=2
You'll always find that at least 1 or more of the staff speak English and the Chinese travelers are always keen to practice their English and surprisingly range from students right up to professionals (met 2 doctors) and businessmen on business trips.
Make sure you don't always hang out with foreign travelers and as per usual just happily sit down with any group and start chatting, it's a great way to meet all kinds of interesting people!
Comments
How delightful, lucky you. Only downside is I can smell those loos from here.
Love you, stay safe
Mumma Su