Dream Destination: Northern and Eastern China

My heart and head lies in travelling. There are so few places under this big blue sky that I would not go. I wanted to start a new series on the blog, looking at bucket list trips - where is on my radar, and where D and I might look to go for that next big escape.

We have pretty much been putting our lives on hold for the last couple of years, trying to get our house building project underway. Every time we think of going somewhere or spending any money, we feel really guilty, knowing we should be putting away for our house. We are really hopeful that the build will start this year, and I really look forward to sharing that with you all! And, providing everything goes well with the build, we can look forward to getting back to planning lots of trips! I thought it would be good to start this series to explore potential locations we might go, and also to look at the fanciful locations we would love to go, but our budget probably won't allow.

The first place I wanted to explore in the Dream Destination series was China. I have never been to Asia before, and it is definitely going to be explored in the next couple of years, as a matter of urgency! China is such a huge place, I want my first trip to focus on the north and east of the country, so we can take in cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

The Great Wall of China

Why China?
China's ancient history is a massive draw for me. Marry that with the world's largest population, where east is starting to meet west in many ways, and where large modern glass skyscrapers are nestled in cities alongside ancient architecture, and you have yourself a very interesting trip indeed. Aside from that, the more I look into this fascinating country, the more enamoured I become with its practices and its countryside. I simply need to visit.

Tiananmen Square

Major cities/attractions?

• Beijing, China's capital, is a definite must. The Great Wall of China is very easily accessible from this sprawling mega-city. The Forbidden City, featuring palaces of ancient dynasties, are a major tourist draw. Temples, palaces and pagodas beckon, while Tiananmen Square offers a glimpse of history in a more modern China.
• Shanghai This big, bad, bold, modern city is enticing and exciting. I would love to spend one say looking up at the vast skyscrapers, and the next exploring old town and the Old French Concession in the city. 
• Xi'an Home of the Terracotta Warriors, discovered in 1970s, The city's Muslim Quarter has a vast array of street market stalls to explore. 

Getting there?
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Dublin, and all involve a stop. However, flying Dublin-Beijing and Shanghai-Dublin, you can expect to pay just under £500 per person return.

Getting around?
Public transport in China is plentiful and cheap. Metro systems are available in cities, and overnight trains and long distance buses can take passengers between locations. I am looking into the possiblity of a guided tour, as when visiting several locations, it will make it easier getting around, knowing the worry is on someone else!

Hard sleeper - night train

How long do you need?
A trip like this would need a minimum of 10 days, and preferably two weeks.

When to visit?
The weather is most favourable in spring or autumn, and I think we would look to go in October, when most people say that it is comfortable in Beijing and Shanghai.

Non-negotiables?
Beijing, Great Wall and Xi'an.

Terracotta Army at Xi'an