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Follow Me to Study Mandarin in China

2-5th Nov 2016

Recently, I was again in Yangshuo, a small town in China to study Mandarin language. I was there for less than a week to test out if I can learn something in a short period and if I would enjoy myself  while studying and also if I like living in this small town and I did.

Yangshuo, China, students in Omeida School

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There is are many hostel in Yangshuo but I stayed in the one – Tiffany Hostel, Yangshuo that is affiliated with the school. It is listed in all hotel websites. My room window overlook the primary school and it is an interesting sight especially when the children comes out for a class break.

Yangshuo, China, looking down from my hostel

I had a great time during that week. I landed in Guilin and the school had arranged for someone to pick me up from Guilin airport for a reasonable fee. Off course you can organise your own transport there. In my previous trip, I had used local buses to get there. It took a bit of working out and it was fun too, but you need to be able to communicate with the bus driver in Mandarin. Otherwise check out this website on how much it cost to book a private transfer:-http://yangshuo-insider.com/directions-get-from-yangshuo-to-guilin/

Not much has changed since 2013.  However in this recent trip to Yangshuo in 2016, I can see the main highway being constructed from Guilin to Yangshuo. I am certain it will be a lot busier when the highway is fully completed.

Upon arrival to Guilin airport, try to get a local sim card for your phone. It makes it easier if you need to contact anyone locally.

Yangshuo, China, food

Eventhough Yangshuo is a small town, there are lovely eating places near the school and in the Yangshuo centre. There are both Western & Chinese food i Yangshuo. You won’t starve but watch out for meat that you might be mistaken for pork or beef, especially in hawkers stall. Some are horse meat. Ask before you order any meat, if you are not too keen on eating horse or dog meat.

Yangshuo, China, vegetarian pancakes

There are many hawkers stall where the food are cooked and place in Chinese “Bain Marie Trays” like the photo below. If you are concern about the hygiene, you can always ask for an menu and get the to cook for you.

Yangshuo, China, Hawker stall

Some of the locals still wash their clothes using the clean water from the mountains. It is such a “treasured” sight as it is not a common practice anymore.

Yangshuo, China, Doing the Laundry

Care to have a hair cut? Surely, this is an experience you cannot miss?

Yangshuo, China, barber shop

If you have time, rent a bike and cycle everywhere. There are not much traffic on the roads and very safe to cycle. You will need a bike as most tourist places are far from the town. It is just to far for me to walk.

Yangshuo, China, Cycling and inspecting locals huts on the way

Yangshuo, China, Cycling and buying souvenirs along the way

There are many local fruits that you must try. One of the best, sweet and cheap too is this fruit. I dont know what it is called but yummy. I bought it at the local fresh market.

Yangshuo, China, crunchy, sweet fruit

In the local fresh meat market, the meat are really fresh. They kill these animals for you on the spot. I saw some rabbits but not sure if they sell the rabbits for meat or pets.

Yangshuo, China, meat market,

Guess what meat this is? I hope I have not eaten any in the hawkers stall ?

Yangshuo, China, Dog meat

This is one sweet you must try. Hand made Ginger sweet. Watch out that you don’t break your teeth, as it is quite hard. There are some that is rolled into a longish pencil shape. That is not too hard to eat. I suggest you go for those type.

Yangshuo, China, Old man selling handmade ginger sweets

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