When I first decided to visit YangShuo it was because of the views of the amazing rock formations poking out of the ground. Today my plan was to hike up to the Television mask to look out over the city.
But first breakfast! The most amazing pancakes dribbled in maple syrup topped with Bananas. Whilst eating this scrumptious meal I was joined by a guy from Halifax who has been teaching English in China for the last 2 years. He had been in YangShuo for over week and was leaving today. He told me about that this place is one of the best places to learn to climb and is ‘THE’ climbing place of China. I love practicing my pull ups so think I could be good at this sport, so I am going to sign up for a 4 hour taster afternoon. My only reservation is the heat and humidity.
Leaving the hostel my first task was to purchase a train ticket to Shanghai on Thursday. I am pleased I did it today because by the time I paid for it there was only 8 left, down from 14 half an hour earlier when I inquired but didn’t have my passport with me so I had to nip back to the hostel. It is going to be another 22h hours on train but this time in a 6 berth cabin! I had no other choice because I have an induction in Shanghai on Saturday morning at 10am to volunteer in an Orphanage.
Whilst waiting for my ticket to arrive I hiked, and it was a hike, to the TV tower as you can see from the image above. There was lots of steps that, at times, felt they would never end and the location became more and more remote, as you can see from the photos in the gallery. Eventually I reached the top to find that the best viewing was from the garden of the person who monitors and repairs the mask. He charged 10 Yaun (£1) to enter but also gave me a bottle of water for that price, this was appreciated and needed because I had finished my water at just past the 3/4 point of the climb. It was worth both the money and effort to reach the top. The closes I have ever seen to this type of view is Halong Bay in Vietnam, which is closer to YangShuo than both Beijing and Shanghai. I think by looking at the photos you will agree the views are amazing.
After being in the moment as I absorbed the views and thanking the family for letting me wander around their garden for 20 minutes I started my journey back down. This was much easier than the accent! Was it because I knew how far this return journey would be, was it that I was exhilarated by the views or was it the fact that I past a couple of guys carrying a really heavy part for the TV tower up the steps? Either way I was back on the main street before I knew it.
I was dripping with sweat but before heading back for a shower I wanted to get my ticket. After freshening up I decided to try and find a vegetarian restaurant I was told about (by the same person who pointed me in the direction of the orphanage) at the BBQ yesterday.
A quick inquiry at reception directed me to a fantastic meal with a really nice atmosphere. What I like and appreciated most was a menu that had lots and lots of options to select from.
The rest of the afternoon I chilled as I read my book.
