2013 was a busy travel year for ArcticTropic. 2014 promises to be even busier with Colombia,Myanmar,Russia,Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan,China,Mongolia and Japan planned for the first half of the year.

Every Tuesday morning at 8:05 , Train K23,the Trans-Mongolian Express, leaves Beijing Railway Station for the 30 hour journey to Ulanbataar,Mongolia. From there it is possible to connect all the way to Moscow. It is truly the way to arrive in Mongolia- to get a sense of how large,empty and remote this Central Asian nation is.

The Route.

The timetable all the way from Beijing to Moscow.

Midnight Crossing.

For adventures in Mongolia, CLICK HERE

ArcticTropic first went to China, then to Mongolia,then returned to China. Events are listed in order under each country rather than in exact chronological order.

Night Market Dining.

At Summer Palace.

Mao Zedong’s Car at Military Museum.

Summer Palace

Local Party Officials

Rush Hour.

Beijing Zoo.

Beijing Zoo.

For adventures in China, CLICK HERE

ArcticTropic last visited Beijing in March 2010. The Forbidden CIty then – covered in snow, with sparse crowds – was very different on this foggy summer day. The huge crowds are 95 % Chinese – showing a great love for domestic tourism. ArcticTropic is also in Chines – well positioned for current and future adventure travelers – both domestic and overseas. ArcticTropic is now on Weibo as well as Renren – major social media hubs for China. Click to March 2010 for the earlier trip.

The most important attraction in Tiananmen Square is the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. It is here the Great Helmsman rests for eternity where all the people of China and the world can pay homage. Photographic equipment is strictly forbidden – above is a Google stock photo.

Big Screen Entertainment and Information in Tiananmen.

For adventures in China, CLICK HERE

The GoPro headmount is a great way to capture the reality of a walk along the Great Wall at Jingshangling.

For adventures in China, CLICK HERE

Shanghai has several of the Top 10 world’s highest buildings. Here, on the plexiglass floor of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower one can peer 1000 feet below into the streets of Pudong.

There is a sensation of stepping over thin air.

Shanghai Tower , the world’s second tallest building has just topped out at 2073 feet , 638 meters – 125 Floors !

FOR ADVENTURES IN CHINA, CLICK HERE

In addition to our adventurous evening at Donghuamen Night Market we encountered and ate some rather unusual items at traditional restaurants throughout the country. Above – frog viscera – still alive – about to be flash boiled – delicious once cooked.

Snake ( On The Left )

Pheasant

Donkey – Tastes a lot like ” Mongolian Beef ” in Chinese restaurants in the US.

Turtle – Absolutely Delicious !

Snout

A first – a meal so spicy I could not finish it !

Skipped This Entree.

FOR ADVENTURES IN CHINA, CLICK HERE

From Shanghai we flew two hours South to Guilin – the main city of GuangXi Autonomous Province. Bordering Vietnam, the area has very hot,humid summers and cool foggy winters. Above ,we journey down the Li RIver towards Yangshuo. The cone shaped karst mountains begin here and are prevalent though Northern Vietnam and into Thailand.

On the banks of the Li River in Guilin.

Guilin, at 3 million people, is considered a large town or small city by Chinese standards.

Yangshuo is considered a village, at 300,000.

The area is very fertile,with rice paddies everywhere.

Rich in all cultures.

Some of the world’s most fantastic views.

A Fish Pedicure.

In a Very Peaceful Temple.

FOR ADVENTURES IN CHINA, CLICK HERE

ArcticTropic recently made a trip around the world, The takeoffs and landings are as follows : Miami – Berlin – Barcelona – Valencia – Zurich – Beijing – Ulanbaataar – Guilin – Hong Kong – Tokyo – Dallas – Miami.