Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. — Mark Twain
Walking ten thousand steps is better than reading ten thousand scrolls.
— Chinese Proverb
Our Honeymoon
One dream became reality followed quickly by another. Our first dream turned into the happiest day of our lives on our wedding day. We then embarked on a trip of a lifetime to China. This is a collection of images from that dream-like journey east.
Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai
The Yuyuan Garden dates back to the Ming Dynasty. It covers approximately five acres with winding paths, pavilions, rocks, and water elements.
The Streets of Old Shanghai
Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai
Pudong District
The futuristic skyline of the Pudong District with the Oriental Pearl Tower at its center. We took in the view from the observation deck at night.
Three Gorges Dam
Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric power station. The first picture is one of the ship locks. The water levels are controlled to raise and lower ships passing from one side of the dam to the other.
Yangtze River
Cruising along the Yangtze River through Xiling, the longest of the Three Gorges. We cruised past Goddess Peak along the Wu Gorge. Notice the lone figure standing at the top of the cliff in the second picture, hence the name. At several intervals, we could see coal being extracted from the mountains. The “mist” which gives the mountains an ethereal look is mostly pollution.
We saw farmers plowing along the mountainsides close to the water. We were told that entire villages had been transferred from one side of the river to the other ahead of the rising waters upon completion of the dam. Entire cities would be under water, like sunken ships in the depths. Brand new bustling cities were built to replace the old towns and villages.
Hanging Coffins of the Ba People
You can just glimpse the coffin of petrified wood on the ledge. How did they get the coffins there? It’s a straight drop on the face of the cliff.
Giant Panda Bear at Chongqing Zoo
Terra Cotta Warriors in Xi’an
Delicacies at the Beijing Night Market
Inside the Forbidden City in Beijing
Agujas 
Absolutely lovely photos.
It was an amazing experience. Glad you liked the photos.
What a wonderful experience! Photos are great – and you will have such memories… and I will try not to think about the scorpions-on-a-stick.
It was exhilarating and amazing. The population levels of cities was astounding. Thanks for stopping by.
What an amazing opportunity, we’re so jealous! 🙂
My husband has actually been back for business. I was jealous! I never dreamed I would ever see China. I’d love to visit again some day.
Wow. Just beautiful!
It was. Such magnificent landscapes. I was overwhelmed by the immensity of the mountains.
What wonderful photos of what I am sure was a trip of a lifetime. Congratulations! There is something very intimidating about the Terracotta Army but the Yuyuan Garden looks beautifully peaceful.
Abigail x
I was overwhelmed with how large the site was and how many terra cotta warriors there were. This picture is only a sliver. It was amazing.
The pictures are so beautiful!
Hard to take a bad photo in such an amazing place. We used a pocket size Canon Powershot.
Ah, what a trip down memory lane. I think I some some of those Shanghai photos in my own photo album…! I never got to go inside the Forbidden City. I’d love to go to the Great Wall and beyond one day. Did you get that far?
Yes! It was c-o-l-d when we got up there but we warmed up after climbing a ways. It was amazing. Will you be sharing your photos?
Gosh, it was about 12 years ago, before age of cheap digital cameras sadly! I’d have to scan them in. Maybe one day!
Great Dragon roof ending. I love dragons and this is perfect.
They were everywhere.
I know…. it must be amazing!!