Liying – China & Silk Road travel advisor at China Roads
Where do you currently live?
I live in my hometown, Xi’an, where the eighth wonder of the world, the Terracotta Army, is located. Every morning, instead of going to the office, I go see my soldiers with French tourists. So, about 888 times over 20 years—how cool is that?!
What is your favorite place in China?
My favorite place is of course my hometown! In our region, there is a tradition that Shaanxi women do not marry outside, because Xi’an has been the capital of 13 dynasties in history, it must be a place of Fengshui! You should never leave it. Moreover, my surname Li is the same as that of the emperors of the Tang Dynasty. How could a princess live anywhere else?! Xi’an is a modern and dynamic city, with delicious cuisine ranging from the famous “jiaozi” (Chinese dumplings) to local specialties like “biang biang” noodles, which attract gourmets from all over the world. The city is also a cultural crossroads, blending ancient traditions and thriving modernity, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere.
When to leave?
When traveling in China, all seasons are recommended, as the country is so vast and offers things to see in all seasons. But depending on the season, I could recommend destinations to best enjoy the different landscapes. If you come in January or August, there are pleasant places to visit, it all depends on what experience you are looking for. To visit Xi’an, the season is not very important. Even if you can’t come in spring or autumn, you can always come in winter; the soldiers are protected and waiting for you at all times. As André Gide said: “The essential is in the look, not in what one sees.”
An experiment to do?
Climbing the Great Wall and greeting the Terracotta Soldiers are classic Chinese travel experiences, and they still hold true today. But if you have a little more time, come with me to discover the Silk Road, see deserts and cave paintings, admire Buddhas in mountain caves, sheep and yaks in the pastures of Qinghai and Gansu, visit a Tibetan monastery, and search for traces of our ancestors and all the great travelers of the time. Their stories and the bounty of nature might just take you out of your daily routine.
A place in China you would happily return to?
I love every corner of China and would love to return with you from time to time. Each region has its own charm and specialties, and I can’t say which ones are the best.
A favorite hotel?
My Airbnb in Xi’an. It’s beautiful, spacious, and inviting! I can offer you tea, give you a cooking class, and teach you how to play mahjong. I created a place like this to connect with my guests and introduce them to real Chinese life.
What travel destinations do you recommend in China?
For a first trip, Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, Suzhou, and Shanghai. For a second trip, the Silk Road, Yunnan, Sichuan, the Yellow Mountains, and Tibet. Again, China deserves multiple trips. I have tourists who have been taking a week-long trip to China every year for the past five years, and they are far from having seen everything in China.
A book or film to discover before traveling to China?
“The Three Kingdoms” for men and “The Red Pavilion” for women. Tang poems for children. The classics are the most beautiful!
A restaurant or dish that you love?
My favorite dishes are the Xi’an Dumpling Banquet and the Yunnan Rice Noodles with Mongolian Hot Pot at Little Sheep. These are dishes that will introduce you not only to rich flavors but also to culinary art that is truly beautiful to behold.
A souvenir to bring back from China?
A round jade pendant with a hole in the middle, which will bring you lots of good luck. I know this because I have one and have been wearing it for 20 years, and I have always had good luck.
Any last advice?
Install the WeChat or Zoom app. I’d love to connect with you directly via phone or video chat. Nothing is more direct and enjoyable than direct communication. I’m ready to help you plan a great trip anytime!