Gillick's World Explores China: Hunan, Guangdong and Guanxi | Page 3

The Travel Perspective
In April 2015 I was invited to return to China. We flew
to Guangzhou, the captal of Guangdong Province
where on the first morning, while wandering the
neighbourhood. I happened upon a small alleyway of
houses as well as a morning market (and I love the
atmosphere of morning markets!). I then joined the
group to explore the city. We were fortunate to meet
local officials for lunch and discussion, which was
also where we learned the ‘proper’ way to honour
your hosts with drinks. As you ‘toast’ your host, you
compete with them to click glasses—as low on the
glass as possible—to show your deference to the
other person. After many such toasts, the meal
experience takes on whole new meaning.

Exploring Gillick’s World!
This is the second issue of Gillick’s World, the
magazine for those who choose to explore the world.
My stories and photos reflect the passion and
enthusiasm that travel inspires. I’ve visited over 620
destinations in 72 countries-to date so I guess that’s a
lot of inspiration!
Gillick’s World covers main
attractions, off-the-beaten-track wonders, the people I
met, niche market interests, food and drink. The
magazines energizes the concept of ‘Terroir Tourism’;
the idea that every destination is a unique reflection of
local history, culture, people, geography, flora &
fauna.
My first trip to China was in the summer of 2000
where I joined an adventure group to explore Yunan
Province as well as Beijing, Xian, Guilin and
Shanghai. In October, 2014 I was invited by the
China National Tourism Organization to attend the
Hunan International Tourism Festival. It was an
amazing trip that got us up close and personal with
Danxia mountains and spectacular scenery along the
way. We also visited the Ancient Towns of Qianyang,
Hongjiang and Fenghuang (Phoenix).
I will say that Phoenix is a photographer’s paradise.
Our first visit was in the evening when it was lit up –
and pumped up—with tourists and locals visited the
many shops, bars and restaurants. We returned the
next morning to a slightly more sedate but equally
engaging atmosphere with locals from the Miao and
Tujia minorities setting up their stores and washing
their clothes in the Tuojiang River. By 8:00 am tourist
groups were already taking boat trips on the river,
seeing the stilt houses and the pagoda, visiting the
historic sites, browsing in the shops, buying ginger
candy and sampling the local foods.

We also explored Danxia Mountain in Guangdong—
where a few of us climbed to the summit (rather than
take the cable car). The ascent was refreshing, and
energetic with amazingly steep staircases--but
absolutely worth it. We also spent a fascinating day
discovering the towers in Kaiping Dialolou.
Taking the train to Guilin (Guangxi Province) we saw
the main city attractions. The next day we took the Li
River cruise to Yangshuo to gawk at the incredible
Karst landforms. This was followed by a day trip to
the mesmerizing Longji Rice Terraces where we had
the opportunity to learn about the Yao and Zhuang
Minorities. Our last day was spent in Nanning--a
pretty amazing place to visit—from the ethnical
garden, to the mountain park and on to the night
market.
There’s just so much to absorb in the small towns,
rural villages, big cities and natural areas of China.
Each visit serves as a prologue to the next. I think
you’ll see what I mean in this magazine. Enjoy!
For further information on China visit www.CNTO.org

Here’s looking at you. Some guests liven up the
Hunan International Tourism Festival in Long Shan.