It’s that time of the year. Or decade. Or something. The stars have finally aligned and YJ and I actually have time off at the same time,* so we’re packing our bags and heading to the birthplace of Chairman Mao, Zeng Guofan, Zuo Zongtang, and really freaking spicy food…Hunan. No offense to Hunan’s most famous fat kid, but we’re going to bypass the Commie kitsch-fest in Shaoshan and instead go backpacking in the western part of the province, visiting the villages of Fenghuang and Dehang (mind the tour bus full of shouting, matching-cap wearing tourists on your right…) and the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
There may be a couple of places where I can get online, but I’m not planning on doing any posting until we get back on July 6. Until then, hope your summer is treating you well and Go Sox!
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*In the last 18 months, we’ve canceled two vacations at the very last minute. One because YJ had a story come up and the second because I needed to keep momentum going on dissertation research. The last actual ‘family’ vacation we took was Thailand in 2007, and that little trip would probably more accurately be described as “honeymoon.”
Jeremiah, I don’t know whether you saw my comment on facebook, but you must also check out nearby Tianmen Shan.
Take the cable car up the mountain while your in Zhangjiajie Shi and spend a day up there – lots to see. In my opinion it is just as spectacular as Zhangjiajie national park but doesn’t attract the same multitudes. Some of the walkways are breathtaking.
While you’re up there be sure to get off at the middle station either on the way or on the way back and walk the 999 steps up to ‘Heaven’s Gate.’ You’ll be wanting a camera and plenty of water.
Enjoy the trip.
Have fun in Fenghuang! It’s marvellous, despite the touts, KTV’s etc. …
Could recommand a D-Tour to Hongjian is as well. Although it’s not much, I’ve found it a very interesting experience and it’s a relief after the masses of Fenghuang.
May I presume that, as a student of history, you will also be paying the Hunan Provincial Museum a visit? The Mawangdui exhibit is definitely worth a look.
Enjoy!