January 8 – it’s time to celebrate the Chinese New Year!
It’s a highly celebrated national holiday and most Chinese people will be off work for one week.
Every 12 years is a Monkey year in the Chinese Zodiak, and 2016 is the year of the fire monkey.
China is one of the most spectacular countries we’ve been to. We explored bustling cities like Shanghai, slept in the hutongs the historical districts of Beijing where we did a trek on the Great Wall of China and explored the two parts of Hong Kong.
We got to see one of the worlds cutest animals, the Giant Panda. Unfortunately they are one of the most endangered animals. At Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda you get the chance to see them closeup and learn more about these fascinating animals.
In Yangshuo (near Guilin) in south western China you’ll find the most beautiful sceneries among karst mountains and winding rivers. This is the scenery found at the 20 yuan bill. We went by bike to a spot where we did a bamboo raft down the Li River.
Are you in China celebrating the New Year? Let us know what it’s like.
We say Happy New Year and wish everyone a wonderful year of the Monkey
If you’re interested in reading more about the year of the Monkey or the Chinese Zodiak http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-zodiac/monkey.htm