Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1There are two ways to get to the Sangka grasslands: rent a bike from the Snowy Mountain Cafe or take a taxi. A taxi cost 30 kuai. (0:23)
- Tip 2If you walk along the wooden bridge at Sangka Grasslands, keep walking past the crowds at the front; the path will become less crowded. (2:23)
- Tip 3When hiking around Labrang Monastery, ensure you start from the beginning of the trail and walk clockwise; this is important for Buddhist traditions. (7:39)
- Tip 4High-altitude travel can affect pressurized items; toothpaste tabs are a good alternative if you are concerned about this. (8:49)
James and Keli's seventh day on the Silk Road takes them to the breathtaking Sangka grasslands near Xiahe. Their journey involves a scenic walk along a wooden bridge offering stunning mountain views, followed by an attempted hike around Labrang Monastery. A humorous mishap with a taxi adds a touch of unexpected adventure, but the stunning scenery and a chance encounter with locals add a unique cultural experience to their trip. This is a must-watch for anyone planning a trip to Xiahe!
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This captivating travelogue follows James and Keli, a couple who have relocated from Kansas to China, on their seventh day exploring the Silk Road. Their adventure begins in Xiahe, a town of remarkable beauty. They start their day by visiting the Sangka grasslands, accessible by bike or taxi. The grasslands offer a picturesque wooden bridge walk with panoramic mountain views, a serene and unforgettable experience.
James and Keli's planned hike around Labrang Monastery takes an unexpected turn. They initially encounter a slight difficulty in finding transportation back to town. However, their persistence pays off, and they eventually embark on their hike. The hike itself is filled with stunning vistas of the monastery and surrounding landscape. They encounter friendly locals along the trail who politely correct their counter-clockwise direction, highlighting the cultural significance of clockwise movement in Buddhism. This unexpected interaction adds a layer of cultural depth and respect to their journey.
The video also captures lighter moments, including humorous struggles with a pressurized tube of toothpaste that refuses to open despite their best efforts. The couple's lighthearted interactions and playful banter create a warm and relatable atmosphere throughout the video. A heartwarming moment occurs when a local child greets them and offers them candy, showcasing the kindness and generosity of the people they meet along their travels.
Throughout the video, James and Keli's enthusiasm for exploring China is palpable. They share their experiences with viewers, offering insights into local customs and providing practical travel tips, such as the best way to access the Sangka grasslands and the importance of respecting local customs. Their journey is not just a sightseeing adventure; it's a deeply personal exploration of a new culture, filled with beautiful scenery, unexpected challenges, and heartwarming encounters. The video serves as a testament to the enriching experiences that await those willing to embark on a journey of discovery. Their story is a charming blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and the joy of exploring a new world.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: How did we get to the Sangka grasslands?
- A: We could have rented bikes from the Snowy Mountain Cafe or taken a taxi, which cost 30 kuai.
- Q: What was the hike around Labrang Monastery like?
- A: It was beautiful but we had to turn back because we were going the wrong way according to Buddhist custom. We were going counter-clockwise instead of clockwise.
- Q: What happened to our toothpaste?
- A: It got pressurized at high altitude. We were glad to have toothpaste tabs as a backup!
