This proud World Heritage city is best explored on foot so that no detail can escape because there’s nothing better than getting lost in the hidden alleys of Bruges.

History in a (very tiny) nutshell

Bruges’ rise to prominence began with its strategic location. Prone to occasional saltwater floods in the past, the land developed a unique vegetation ideal for sheep farming. This, in turn, fueled a thriving wool industry, laying the foundation for Bruges’ prosperous textile trade.

Further bolstered by its access to the sea, Bruges’ port flourished as a hub of international commerce. The city even hosted the world’s first trade fair, a testament to its enterprising spirit. Over time, Bruges evolved beyond just trade, becoming a renowned center for cultural development. Famed Flemish Primitive artists, like Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling, flourished here, leaving an enduring artistic legacy.

De Vesten

Encircling the charming city of Bruges is a 7-kilometer green haven known as De Vesten, or the city walls. This scenic route is a treasure trove of beauty, dotted with Bruges’ most captivating landmarks.

As you stroll along De Vesten, picturesque scenes unfold before you. The Minnewater, also known as the Lake of Love, offers a tranquil escape. Ancient city gates stand sentinel, whispering tales of Bruges’ rich past. Windmills, once numbering 30 and crucial for bread production, stand as silent reminders of a bygone era. The rise of steam engines sadly eclipsed their role, leaving only three windmills to grace the landscape today. Parks and the vibrant harbor on the Coupure Canal complete this captivating tapestry.

The inner city

De Markt, a must-see in Bruges. Towering over the square is the iconic Belfry, a 13th-century masterpiece that has stood witness to centuries of history. At a staggering 83 meters tall, the Belfry offers a panoramic reward for those willing to conquer its 366 steps. This of course not without a reward! At the highest point, you enjoy a panoramic view overlooking the city and its surroundings. Maybe spot your next stop?

De Markt offers more than just stunning vistas. The Historium transports you back in time to medieval Bruges, offering a captivating glimpse into the city’s past. Atop the museum lies the Duvelorium, a charming terrace with a view of the market square. Here, you can unwind and savor a refreshing Duvel beer, a perfect way to soak up the atmosphere. (To access the Duvelorium, simply enter through the Historium’s entrance and follow the signs.)

Adjacent to the Historium stands the Provincial Court, a building rich in history. Dating back to the 13th century, it was originally a “Waterhalle,” which loosely translates to a storage warehouse. Over the centuries, it transformed into a monumental housing complex in the 18th century. Unfortunately, a fire ravaged the building in 1878, prompting its conversion into the present-day Provincial Court (Provciaal Hof).

Furthermore, three things will stand out on the market:

It is the departure point of many horse-drawn carriages. From here the coachmen guide curious tourists around the city with a smile.

Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck proudly look out over the market. Two celebrities from the Battle of Flanders.

Numerous restaurants & cafes and their colorful buildings.

Although the Markt appears to be the city’s most significant square, the 14th-century town hall is located on the Burg, the square behind the Markt. From here, Bruges has been governed for more than 600 years. The Burg is therefore the oldest core of the city.

The town hall shares the square with the Mansion of the Brugse Vrije, the former civil registry, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.

With this, we have discovered the heart of the City. Of course, there is much more to see.

The Beguinage (aka the Princely Court Ten Wijngaarde)

Following a tradition seen in many Flemish cities, Bruges boasts its own Beguinage, a tranquil haven known as the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde. These unique communities were established for beguines, pious laywomen who lived a semi-monastic life devoted to religion and good works. Today, the Bruges Beguinage, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into this fascinating chapter of history.

Jan van Eyckplein

Bruges’ Jan van Eyckplein, named after the famed Flemish painter, is more than just a square. Steeped in history, this area was once the bustling heart of the Hanseatic Quarter. From the 13th to the 15th centuries, it thrummed with activity as international merchants and trading nations converged here. Imagine the scene: a vibrant marketplace filled with exotic goods and the lively chatter of commerce in a multitude of languages. Today, Jan van Eyckplein offers a glimpse into Bruges’ illustrious past, while still serving as a charming spot to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Tip from a local: order a takeaway pasta (from Bocca) and sit at the water’s edge.

Churches & Museums

The city is rich in museums, which is logical since art, culture, and religion were very present in the past. Some interesting things at a glance:

Onze Lieve Vrouwwekerk: One of the iconic towers of the city. It is 115.5 meters high, making it the second-tallest brick church tower in the world. The showpiece on display in this church is Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child.

Concergebouw circuit: Concergebouw offers a unique experience for families with active children. The venue’s circuit trail provides a fun and educational exploration, combining contemporary art with a child-friendly approach.

Diamond Museum: Did you know? Modern diamond-cutting techniques were pioneered by a native of Bruges in the 15th century. The Diamond Museum delves into this fascinating history and the world of sparkling gems.

Groeningemuseum: Art enthusiasts will find a treasure trove at the Groeningemuseum. Housing a renowned collection of Flemish Primitive paintings, this museum showcases works by masters like Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, and Gerard David.

Gruuthusemuseum: Housed in the former city palace of Lodewijk van Gruuthuse, the museum’s motto, “Plus est en Vous” (There’s More in You), is reflected in its collection of artifacts that tell captivating stories of Bruges.

Historium: This immersive experience transports you back to the heart of the Middle Ages. Explore exhibits and scenes that bring Bruges’ medieval history to life.

Sint Jans Hospital: One of the oldest preserved hospitals in the region, Sint-Janshospitaal offers a glimpse into the evolution of medical care.

Beer, beer, beer

No Flemish city is complete without its breweries, and Bruges proudly upholds this tradition with at least 3 breweries within its heart. Among these, Halve Maan reigns supreme, the birthplace of the beloved Brugse Zot beer. For beer aficionados, a visit here is a must! But Halve Maan isn’t the only star. Bourgogne des Flandres and Fort Lapin offer their unique brews, enticing you to embark on a delicious exploration.

If you want to delve deeper into the world of Belgian beers, the Bruges Beer Experience museum, conveniently located on the market square, awaits. This interactive museum offers a fascinating journey through the history and brewing process of these iconic beverages.

Shop till you drop

Bruges is a real shopping city. The largest shopping streets are Steenstraat, Geldmuntstraat, and Noordzandstraat. There is something for everyone: it ranges from souvenir shops to large chains to designer shops.

Tip: No time during the week? Every first Sunday of the month, the streets become car-free and the shops open.

Refuel: Coffee

Exploring Bruges can be exhilarating, but it can also be tiring. Thankfully, the city boasts a wealth of charming cafes where you can refuel and reenergize. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

 Olivier’s Chocolate (coffee & artisanal chocolate): Indulge in a perfect pairing – a fresh cup of coffee and handcrafted artisanal chocolate – while soaking up the sunshine on their terrace. Be aware, seating on the terrace is limited, so a bit of luck might be needed! Location: Sint-Amandsstraat 14

 We Are Coffee Makers (specialty coffee roaster): This haven for coffee lovers welcomes you with a smile. Be sure to try their own roasted beans – the aroma and flavor are simply unforgettable! Location: Academiestraat 8

Cherry Picker (record store & coffee): maybe it’s not obvious to look for coffee in a record store, but you’ll find this great combo here! Location: Langestraat 74

Refuel: Drinks

La casita (cocktail bar with snacks): Good vibes en delicious cocktails guaranteed. Location: Sint-Salvatorskerkhof 5

Groot Vlaenderen (cocktail bar): are you looking for a fancy environment? Not a problem! Groot Vlaenderen is known for its appetizing cocktails. Location: Vlamingstraat 94

Basement cafés (bar): the name speaks for itself. In Bruges, you may encounter cafés that are located in a cellar. It sometimes takes some searching to find the entrance, so keep your eyes open. Two examples of cellar cafes are ‘t Poatersgat and Le Trappiste.

De Garre: This hidden gem, tucked away in Bruges’ city center, is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. Make sure to try their signature brew, “de Garre Tripel,”. Be warned, the locals say three is the limit! Location: De Garre 1

Refuel: Food

That’s toast: all-day breakfast. But no bokes with chocolate, this is about delicious and creative dishes. Please note: it is usually a queue for a table. Location: Dweersstraat 4

Sanseveria: A vintage interior and top bagels. Location: Predikherenstraat 11

Hap: Great place for a quick and filling bite. Location: Zilverpand 16

De Republiek: This bar/restaurant is part of the city’s cultural center. Enjoy a dish on their terrace before or after a visit to the city cinema in the same building. Location: Sint-Jakobsstraat 36

Annual events

Bruges is vibrant. Every year there are unmissable (musical or not) experiences. Here are some summarized:

Enjoy!

The post Bruges: an introduction appeared first on Simply By Joy.

When you Google the term “stone stacking”, you’ll find a shit-ton of information. There are lots of different meanings behind these stacked rocks. I’ve seen them before, but on our last hike at the Liechtenstein gorge, I was overwhelmed by the amount. Also at Lago di Braies, on its South side, we encountered plenty. So I became curious. After researching a bit I learned that this practice does more harm than good.

In the outdoor community, it’s usually recognized as a trail marking, but it actually origins in many spiritual and cultural practices. Think of its use in Buddhist tradition or Vikings practices. Even seafarers used stacked stones for navigating long before lighthouses came to be. Because of their wide significance, these types of stones go by different names. Some people call them stone johnnies, cairns, or stacked stones. So you see, before it became a social media trend as we know it today, it actually had (and still has) more purpose.

Leave nothing but footprints

Nowadays, stone stacking is a popular trend amongst hikers so it seems like we need to do some awareness work here. You see… when you intentionally move stones, you displace important ecosystem structures. In addition, moving rocks in any way contributes to soil erosion, as the dirt once protectively tucked under them is now vulnerable. Slowly, we start to turn natural landscapes into peopled places.

Do we want that? No. If we want to keep enjoying the outdoors as we do today, we have to start taking responsibility. “Leave nothing but footprints” preaches that message clearly and effectively.

What to do when you encounter these cairns?

Obviously: don’t add any. You could consider breaking them down if you feel comfortable with it. Only do it when you are sure these cairns don’t serve any other purpose because you don’t want to destroy those intentionally set as navigational aids. In the poll off Adventure Journalism, other co-travelers advise how to. Here I highlight one comment:

“Please dismantle them gently. Knocking them down can irreparably damage sensitive plant and small animal (inc insects and other invertebrates’) habitats. If you’re going to dismantle them, do it gently, or inform park/area staff so they can do so.”

Commented by M. on the forum

Would you like to have more in-depth information? Please read this article here. Next time you and your friends go for a hike, you have something to talk about If you wish to read more about sustainable travel, you might like my last article about flying and its impact. Cheers

The post Rock stacking: why you shouldn’t participate appeared first on Simply By Joy.

From the airport of Vilnius to Klaipeda

The commute from Vilnius Airport to Klaipeda takes about 3 hours so I wouldn’t recommend taking a cab. However, you could get there by bus (or more specifically by minivan). I traveled with the company Ollex and had a good experience (tickets are bought online through their website). Once you reach the airport, you’ll walk out and head to your right. There you’ll find a small parking lot for the minivans that are used for this type of transportation.

1. Klaipeda and its beaches

My friends and I visited the Melnarage coast to watch the sunset. HIGHLY recommended! Getting there is rather easy as a public bus takes you right at the entrance of the beach. My local friend also recommends ‘Dutchman’s Cap’, as it shows a great forest and beach. There are lots of beaches to find north of the city, so go ahead and find your favorite one

2. Have dinner @ Friedricho pasažas

A picturesque street with a couple of cozy restaurants. During my trip, I passed by and stopped at the Gurman’s to get myself a delicious bun.

3. Second-hand shopping

I’m a real thrifter, and I minimalize my fast-fashion purchasing. Also in Lithuania, I felt like shopping so my friends and I went to visit the store Humana. I absolutely loved this store. It became one of my favorite second-hand shops of all time.
Address:
– Taikos pr. 29
– Turgaus a. 2
– H. Manto g. 36

4. Stroll along the Dane river

You wouldn’t be able to miss the Dane River. It’s the river that crosses the city and is connected to the Baltic Sea. Along the water, you’ll find a lot of cute restaurants, coffee bars, and shops.

5. Visit the Curonian Spit

The Curonian Spit is a peninsula located 10 minutes by boat from the border of Klaipeda city. The particular piece of land is still Lithuanian country and is bordering to Russia. The easiest way of getting there is by traveling by boat. There are two terminals. Visitors on foot and bike can go to the old terminal, which is the closest to the city. There, you can embark for only 1 euro. Once embarked, you’ll get to the island within 15 minutes.

I haven’t visited the following place myself but my local friend recommended to write about the Nida sand dunes. This area consists of kilometers of sand dunes which offers a beautiful landscape. Can’t give any tips on that, but it’s worth the try

Cheers!

The post Klaipeda, Lithuania’s hidden gem appeared first on Simply By Joy.

Iquitos – day 1 to 2

Our adventure started off by flying in from Brussels to Lima. We didn’t leave the airport just yet as we had booked another flight straight to Iquitos. We spent 4 hours waiting at the airport for that next flight. I really recommend to avoid waiting yet another few hours after an international flight, but in this case, we immediately wanted to fly north in order to be able to travel downwards.

Iquitos is a city located in the middle of the jungle, which connects tourists with their future jungle experience. We stayed in there for about two days before we’d start our 5 day-jungle trip.

My 3 tips for you:

• Check the timing of the year: rain season or not?
• Bring repellent (a lot!)
• Read my article

The Amazon Jungle – day 2 to 6

We stayed at the ‘Ayahuasca Ecolodge’ with Louis as our local tour guide. Oh, what do we love this man! Despite being there during the rainy season and being eaten by mosquitos, it was one of the most interesting experiences so far. Regardless of the several hikes I’ve committed myself to, I have never had been this close to nature. We stayed at the lodge for 4 days, 3 nights. Read here more on how to book a stay in the jungle.

My 3 tips for you:

• Stay at least two nights
• Buy enough bottled water to take along
• Bring a headlamp and breathable clothes that cover your skin (arms and legs) completely

After these few days in the jungle, we traveled back to Iquitos by boat where we stayed for one more night before we’d fly back to Lima.

Lima – day 8 to 10

After this intense experience between the tall trees, snakes, insects, and air thick environment we had decided to spend some days in the capital city of Peru: Lima. We stayed at a random hostel we found last minute, rested out prepared ourselves mentally for the next heavy adventure. Besides resting and strolling around, we didn’t do much since we knew we’d come back to Lima later on our trip.

Huaraz – day 10 to 17

It is only a 7-hour bus ride to get from Lima to Huaraz. Oh, do I love this place. Huaraz is known to be a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Coming from Lima and Iquitos we found the weather a bit colder. Chilly weather, coming along with a lot of rainfall. Especially at night. The city has an average temperature of 14 C, with a good deal of rainfall during the summer months.

But hey, still no reason to hold you back! As I mentioned before, it’s a paradise for nature lovers!  We joined a 3-day trekking into the Andes Mountains: the famous Santa Cruz Trek.

The tour company we traveled with was Galaxia Expeditions and it totally satisfied our needs. Of course, if you’re an experienced hiker you could do the trek without a guide. Besides from the Santa Cruz trek, Huaraz offers many other trekking opportunities such as Laguna 69 (1-day trek), Huayhuash (multiday trek), etc.

My 3 tips for you:

• Get off your lazy ass and go hiking/trekking
• When you trek/hike outside the season be prepared for lots of rain
• If you decide to trek/hike with an agency: negotiate & compare

Lima – day 17 to 20

Thanks to past travels we had met great people from Lima, they gave us the best local experience ever. There’s plenty of things to do in the capital city of Peru: bicycle tours, paragliding, free walking tours, party, beach, etc. Of course, despite the local encountering we still felt obligated to be the typical tourist. I very much dislike water but I still got convinced to go swimming with sea lions, didn’t regret it a moment (maybe a little bit)! There isn’t too much information about this activity found online, so go ahead and check out my tips for swimming with sea lions

My 3 tips for you:

• Try to get to know some of the nightlife of Lima
• Do a free-walking tour
• It’s a big city; be aware of pickpocketing

Cusco – day 20 to 23

Cusco is known the be the cultural heart in the Peruvian Andes range: Macchu Pichu, Sacred Valley, hiking, rafting, … As we only had a few days to spend in Cusco we decided to participate in a tour that’d visit several places in one day. It was a good tour and lovely to have seen most of the places in a short time but of course, I recommend taking your time to see these beautiful spots.

• Chinchero
• Moray
• Maras
• Urubamba
• Pisac

Aside from these impressive places, there are also many interesting museums found at the city center, such as: Museo de Historia Natural, Museo Inka, Museo de Arte Precolombino. Peru wouldn’t be Peru if you wouldn’t encounter massive markets; my favorite market was the Centro Artesanal Cusco. Stroll around, found some cheap food and juices, get a souvenir, …

Accommodation wise we stayed at the (not so international) Incama hostel/hospedaje. We booked a private room and found our cheapest option here. Friendly people, big room, central location, not too expensive.

My 3 tips for you:

• I’ve skipped Machu Pichu – don’t make the same mistake as I did!
• Avoid eating out at the city center of Cusco, try to find cheaper places around.
• Negotiate with the tour companies.

Puno – day 23 to 27

We arrived in Puno without a plan. With no accommodation yet, we figured we would just let it come to us. We came from Cusco to Puno by night bus (+- 9 hours), meaning it was only 6 o’clock in the morning when the bus arrived. We saw the sunrise over Puno, so that was definitely worth it! Of course, we were worrying a bit that finding accommodation at this time might be difficult… But nope! As we were walking into the center we encountered a lady offering accommodation at a hospedaje. The price was really fair, and later on -when we talked to other people- we got to know that we had found the cheapest option. Cheers to that! Arriving at Puno feels like going back in time: many locally dressed people and this time not for tourism reasons. 

The reason why we visited Puno is because of Lake Titicaca. Puno is the highest navigable lake above sea level but besides that, it’s also very popular with its floating islands.

Don’t expect much from the Uros island. I really felt like being trapped in a zoo, overwhelmed by the ‘locals’ asking for money in all kinds of ways. Of course, the floating island is really something you need to see when there, so don’t skip it if you’re there.

I heard people talking about a homestay at the floating islands, and they had a great experience. Maybe, if you have enough time to travel, this might be something you’d like to look into.

The next stop of the boat was the Island of Taquile. Be aware, it’s quite a climb to get to the main square… But absolutely lovely. Even though the boat said they are just transportation and not a tour, the had planned on eating lunch together at a restaurant at the main square. We just sneaked out from the group so we could go on by ourselves. We found this lovely family-owned place that I can only recommend. At that moment we really regretted not bringing any stuff to sleep over at their hostel. They were very kind and their prices aren’t high. So if you are planning on spending the night at Taquile island, this is the place to be:

My 4 tips for you:

• Spend the night at Taquile Island
• Don’t just accept the tour offers of vendors on the street. Go to the port and book your trip there.
• Avoid hostels and try to find hospedajes, much cheaper!
• Wander through ‘Calle Lima’ at night.

Border crossing Peru & Chile – day 28

Puno was my last stop in Peru before heading to Chile. This is where I continued traveling alone. From Puno, I traveled to Tacna, where I took a bus to Arica (Chile). Unfortunately, I had limited time during my travel to Peru. We weren’t able to see the whole country, sadly. Other must-see places in Peru are (according to travelers I’ve met along the trip):

• Machu Picchu – Depart from Cusco. I consciously skipped Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain, however, I don’t recommend skipping it. For the Dutch readers among you, read here how to get to Machu Picchu on a small budget.
• Arequipa (close to Puno)
• Huacachina (desert oasis)
• Mancora (beach)
• Colca Canyon (south of Peru – hiking)

Any other recommendations? Questions? Please let me know, I’d gladly listen!

Liked it? Pin it for later!

The post One month in Peru – itinerary appeared first on Simply By Joy.

Rotterdam’s past is etched in its very fabric. In 1940, a devastating bombardment during World War II left the city center in ruins. However, from the ashes rose a phoenix. Undeterred, Rotterdam embraced innovation and emerged as a city of bold architecture, daring design, and a forward-thinking spirit. Today, Rotterdam’s skyline is a vibrant tapestry of contemporary masterpieces, reflecting its unwavering determination and creative spirit.

• Markthal

Immerse yourself in a vibrant spectacle of sights, smells, and flavors at Rotterdam’s architectural gem, Markthal. This horseshoe-shaped wonder houses a bustling indoor market overflowing with fresh produce, international delicacies, and delicious eateries.

• The Delfshaven
  

Delve into Rotterdam’s rich history at the picturesque Delfshaven. This charming harbor district offers a glimpse of the city’s pre-war architecture, with traditional Dutch houses lining the canals and a charming atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era.

• Euromast

Soar above Rotterdam and witness breathtaking 360-degree panoramas from the iconic Euromast. This 185-meter-tall tower offers a unique perspective of the city’s skyline, harbor, and surrounding landscape. Take a ride on the rotating elevator for an unforgettable experience. (Entrance fee without discount in 2024: €10.50)

• Het Park

Escape the city’s bustle and find tranquility in the sprawling green haven of Het Park. This expansive park is a haven for locals and visitors alike, offering a peaceful escape with walking paths and picnic areas. If you’re seeking a break from the urban energy, Het Park is your perfect escape. Other parks are Schoonoord, Vroesenpark, Arboretum Trompenburg, and more!

• Erasmus Bridge

Glide across the Maas River on the iconic Erasmus Bridge, a symbol of Rotterdam’s modern spirit. Designed by renowned architect Ben van Berkel, this architectural marvel features a unique asymmetrical pylon that resembles a swan in flight. The bridge connects the northern and southern districts of the city, offering stunning views and a vital transportation link.

• Old Harbor

Dating back to the 14th century, this charming harbor district boasts a unique atmosphere with historic warehouses, scenic canals, and bobbing boats. Be sure to visit the famous Cube Houses, a cluster of tilted houses that have become a must-see attraction in Rotterdam.

• Museums

There’s a variety of museums to visit:

Boijmans van Beuningen
Maritime Museum
Kunsthal Rotterdam
Het Nieuwe Instituut

• Bars

Unwind and soak up the vibrant nightlife scene on Witte de Withstraat, Rotterdam’s hippest bar district. This trendy area pulsates with energy, offering a diverse selection of bars and pubs to suit all tastes.

• Coffee shops

I’m not promoting drugs but for the potheads among my readers: yes, there are coffee shops in Rotterdam as well.

• Shopping

Rotterdam caters to all shopping desires, from high-end boutiques to budget-friendly chains. Explore the bustling Lijnbaan, the city’s main shopping street, for a mix of popular brands and department stores.

Transportation

Rotterdam boasts a user-friendly and extensive public transport network. Hop on trams, metros, or buses that conveniently connect all major districts. For a budget-friendly option, consider purchasing a weekend pass or an OV-chipkaart (public transport card). Simply top up the card and scan it when entering and exiting each tram, bus, or metro.

Biking is also a fantastic way to navigate the city at your own pace, enjoy the fresh air, and experience Rotterdam like a local.

Best time to visit

For the most pleasant weather, plan your Rotterdam adventure during the spring and summer months, typically from March to October. During this time, expect comfortable temperatures, longer daylight hours, and a vibrant atmosphere as the city comes alive with outdoor events and festivals.

While the cooler months might require layering up, they also offer a certain charm with fewer crowds and cozy cafes perfect for enjoying a warm drink and soaking up the local atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to visit outside of peak season, just pack accordingly and embrace the Dutch spirit!

Cheers

The post Rotterdam, my favorite place to be appeared first on Simply By Joy.

What to expect & what not to expect

Stairs, stairs, and stairs. No, the steps aren’t like the stairs at your home…  Some steps are narrow, some are steep. I do not recommend this hike for people who aren’t feeling fit. During the hike, you get to points where you can choose for more challenging routes. When you consider taking these paths, think of the route you’d still have to walk. Even though the route is tough I still recommend you take it. It is challenging but rewarding! Rumors go that Hua Mountain is the most dangerous hike in the world. Well… Please, do not believe this! Even Chinese children and the elderly hike it.  It might have been like that in the past, but nowadays the stairs are fenced off.

The peaks

Plank trail

Must do! A plank road in the sky?! You can find the plank road on the South East of the Mountain. Be prepared for a very long waiting line! Take 35 Yuan in your pocket as rent for the gear!

Useful information

The best time to visit the mountain is from March to November (especially September). It can be very hot during that time, make sure to bring enough water. I advise you not to go on the weekend or during a Chinese national holiday. It’ll be packed! When you get there, you’ll have to buy an entry ticket. Prices vary from season to season.

Transportation Xi’an – Hua Mountain

There are two options when you’re coming from Xi’an. It might be convenient to have a translation of these words, it could make your journey a bit easier:

• One-Way Ticket: Dānchéng piào, 单程票  
• Round-Trip Ticket: Wǎngfǎn piào, 往返票
• Hua Shan Station: Huàshān huoche zhan, 华山火车 站  
• Xian North Station: Xī’ān běi, 西安北

The high-speed train from Xi’an North Railway to Huashan North takes about 30 to 40 minutes. The North Railway station in Xi’an is very convenient to reach. There are free busses at the back of the Hua Shan station that will bring you to the entrance of the mountain. Be careful with unofficial cabs and never buy tickets of a not-ticket office!

The normal train from Xi’an Railway station. Make sure you go to the Xi’an Railway station, not Xi’an North Railway station! This train ride will take you about 1,5 – 2 hours.

Buses are available from the east side of Xi’an Railway station to the entrance of the mountain. The indication of the buses should be convenient because other buses to Terra Cotta Warriors leave from the same location. Make sure you get on the right bus!

Some more advice

• The biggest tips I have for you: be aware of scams! Only buy tickets at a ticket office, never drive unofficial taxis, … An official taxi will also raise his price, especially if you are not Chinese. Go as low as you can and accept the fact that you’re being ripped off.
• Bring enough water with you. There are little shops on the mountain but as you might already imagine, they’re expensive as hell!
• Start slow. If you’re wanting to hike the whole mountain you should start slow. I took a cable car to one of the peaks and started my hike from there (which was still very challenging).

Cheers! Safe travels!

The post Hiking up Hua Mountain, Xi’an appeared first on Simply By Joy.

Chengdu – Xi’an: Day 1

I traveled by night train from Chengdu East to Xi’an South. I can tell you that the Chinese train infrastructure is very convenient for traveling. The train ride (Chengdu-Xi’an) took me about 10 hours. You get to choose between a hard sleeper (200 to 280 RMB) or a soft sleeper (300-380 RMB). If you choose for the soft sleeper you’ll be sleeping with ‘only’ 4 persons per section, contrary to the hard sleeper where you sleep with 6 persons per section. I choose the hard sleeper: you could compare the bed to a wooden plank. It wasn’t the most hygienic experience so far… The sheets were washed but obviously not clean… But hey, I’m still alive!?

Geography 101: Chengdu is the capital city of Sichuan province, Xi’an is the capital city of Shaanxi Province.

How to get to the city center? Once you get off the train you’re still not in Xi’an itself, you’re some kilometers away. Walk out of the station and look for bus 920 or 918. This bus ride takes about one hour and costs only 3 Yuan. These buses will bring you to the closest metro station (which is on line 2). Be warned: the buses are always fully packed.

Terracotta Warriors; must-see attraction in Xi’an! Obviously, my fascination with the Chinese culture is very big, so I’ve always wanted to see the impressive Terracotta Warriors. Once I made it to the hostel I immediately dropped off my bags and left for the terracotta sculptures. Have you ever heard of one of the greatest archeological discoveries in the world? The Terracotta Warriors are thousands of clay warriors found in thumbs.

Each of them has a unique facial expression and every statue represents a real soldier that has served the army of that time (the Qin dynasty). The replicas were made so that emperor Qin wouldn’t be alone in his afterlife. With an army of thousands of soldiers, weapons, philosophers, and farmers Emperor Qin clearly had big plans for his afterlife! Getting there: The most convenient and cheapest way of getting there is by bus. You can take bus 309 that departs right next to the North railway station. The buses leave every few minutes, so no need to rush! This drive will take about 40 minutes and will only cost 5 yuan. They drop you off at the entrance of the museum. Tip: Terracotta Army in Mandarin: 兵马俑 – Bīngmǎyǒng.

The Muslim Market Right after the Terracotta Warriors, I went to check out the Muslim Market. I think of it as a busy, colorful street full of culture. I absolutely loved it. Fun fact: many years ago Xi’an was the starting point of the Silk Road. Thousands of merchants, students, predictors, teachers, etc … would come down to Xi’an from Persia and other Arabic countries. They settled down in the current Muslim Carter of Xi’an. Nowadays it’s a very touristic place. I really recommend you to check it out and try some (street) food!

Hua Mountain: Day 2

Hua Mountain is located in the middle of China, Shaanxi province. It has several peaks, the highest peak reaches 2155 meters above sea level. I’ve hiked quite a bit in China but nothing could compare to Hua Mountain. Coming up: a new article about hiking up Hua Mountain. I started off this journey all alone but totally underestimated it. Halfway up my hike I met Cory, who became my mental support for the hike and my travel buddy for the rest of the trip!

Discovering Xi’an: Day 3

Day 3 wasn’t very intensive for me. I didn’t want to have a busy day of sightseeing with sour legs from my hike the day before. Recommended things to see in Xi’an during a walk:

• Xian City Wall: This landmark is one of the largest defense barriers in the world. You could go for a walk or a ride on a bicycle. Entry tickets cost 45 RMB.
• Bell Tower
• Muslim Street: see the Muslim Market. Ps, look for small corridors within the area to find some ‘fake’ markets. 
• Drum Tower: located in the city center & next to the Muslim Market
• Small Wild Goose Pagoda
• Shaanxi History Museum
• Xian Museum

Cheers! Enjoy beautiful Xi’an!

The post Three days in Xi’an, China appeared first on Simply By Joy.