Discovering Ancestral Puebloan Culture As You Plan a Trip to New Mexico

Discover Ancestral Puebloan Culture As You Plan a Trip to New Mexico

Chaco Cultural Historic Park 

 This post may contain affiliate links which means Trip Scholars may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  Read more here. Thanks for helping us keep the lights on!

New Mexico is home to some of the most interesting areas of the United States. With beautiful desert landscapes, fascinating cities, and a long history, New Mexico is a very rewarding destination for savvy travellers. Although the first known occupants of New Mexico arrived as early as 9,000 BCE between 7,000 BCE and 1,400 CE, the area was dominated by the Ancestral Puebloan culture. Later arrivals, like the Navajo, the Hopi, and of course the Spanish conquistadors, have given New Mexico a fascinating mixture of cultures, and exploring this blend today is a very enriching experience. When you plan a trip to New Mexico you will especially want to learn about puebloan culture. 

There are many spectacular places to visit within the state, including the stunning Carlsbad Caverns, the amazing desert landscapes at White Sands National Park, and the towering snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. In the state capital, Santa Fe, there’s also a thriving arts scene, with galleries and studios lining the picturesque and historic streets of town.

But to truly understand New Mexico, one needs to fully explore the incredible cultural legacy of the state’s earliest inhabitants: the Ancestral Puebloans. Remains of their cities at Chaco Canyon, Taos Pueblo, and Mesa Verde in nearby Colorado have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their stunning architecture. You can wander through the ruins and ponder the lives of these ancient peoples. However, the Ancestral Puebloan culture is by no means extinct! It continues to survive and thrive today, with many modern New Mexicans claiming descent from the Ancestral Puebloans. Art, food, language, and stories have all been passed down to the modern day, and exploring the ancient ruins alongside their living descendants is an opportunity not to be missed.

To prepare for a trip to New Mexico, there are quite a few ways, both online and off, to brush up on your knowledge of the area and its inhabitants. Let’s have a look at a few highlights.

Pueblo Bonito

Chaco Canyon lies in the far northwest of New Mexico, about 100 miles from Albuquerque. One of the largest and most important sites for the Ancestral Puebloans, Chaco Canyon is home to an enormous collection of ancient ruins. Largely occupied between around 900 and 1200 CE, the most impressive features of Chaco Canyon are the immense stone buildings known as “great houses”, which were constructed by the Ancestral Puebloans. The grandest of these is the incredible Pueblo Bonito, a colossal semi-circular complex three acres in size, and that once rose almost five storeys high. Built of adobe and sandstone, there are a staggering 800 rooms in Pueblo Bonito, and the layout has been carefully chosen to match cardinal compass points and key astronomical observations like the solstices and equinoxes.

Casa Rinconada at Chaco Canyon

Elsewhere in Chaco Canyon are several other great houses, including Kin Kletso, Nuevo Alto, and Pueblo Alto. There’s also the impressive Casa Rinconada, a large and well-preserved kiva (ceremonial site). Almost precisely circular and 64 feet in diameter, Casa Rinconada is the largest kiva in Chaco Canyon and certainly the most imposing. Although the rituals performed here are only vaguely understood, it’s certainly fun to let your imagination fill in the blanks.

In this YouTube documentary, a pair of Australian travel bloggers visit Chaco Canyon and learn about the Ancestral Puebloan culture first-hand, sharing their journey and knowledge.

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Learn about the history of the UK Acoma Sky City Cultural Centre & Haak'u Museum

Located to the south of Chaco Canyon, not far from Albuquerque, is the fascinating Acoma Pueblo. Home to the Acoma Sky City Cultural Centre and Haak’u Museum, the Acoma area has been occupied more or less continuously for almost 2,000 years. Sitting atop a large mesa, with buildings constructed from adobe, sandstone, and brick, Acoma Pueblo continues to be an important cultural location for the descendants of the Ancestral Puebloans. The on-site museum and cultural center are both highly regarded and well worth a visit, with excellent displays of artistic and cultural importance. To fully explore the pueblo, it’s recommended to take the museum’s virtual tour, showcasing the history and culture of the pueblo.

Puebloan Culture at Taos Pueblo - UNESCO World Heritage Site

Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo is located in the northeast of New Mexico, just near the modern town of Taos. Constructed at some point between 1,000 and 1,450 CE, Taos Pueblo is the oldest continually inhabited community in North America. The community consists of two large multi-storey residential complexes, built mainly of red adobe, sitting on either side of a small stream. With space for dozens of families, the housing complexes are surprisingly large and well-built–  and very attractive too, sitting in front of a snow-capped mountain range. Taos Pueblo was originally established when Ancestral Puebloans from elsewhere in the region (like Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon) migrated away from their traditional lands, possibly due to drought, climate change, or perhaps even war. With such a clear link to the Ancestral Puebloan peoples, the modern occupants of Taos Pueblo offer a fantastic glimpse into traditional beliefs, practices, and customs, and it’s for this reason that Taos Pueblo was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992.

In this YouTube documentary, World Heritage Journey visits Taos Pueblo, you can watch as they explore the buildings and experience first-hand the oldest continually occupied community in North America.

Puebloan Culture at Mesa Verde - UNESCO World Heritage Site

Mesa Verde

Located in the south-east of Colorado, Mesa Verde is one of the most important Ancestral Puebloan sites. Occupied as early as 7,500 BCE, the distinct Ancestral Puebloan culture emerged by around 750 CE, marked by the construction of increasingly larger communal stone dwellings. Constructed largely of sandstone, adobe mortar, and wood, these dwellings were built both on top of the Mesa and in caves and rock overhangs along the Mesa’s cliffs. The largest of these is known as Cliff Palace, a huge residential and ceremonial complex with 150 rooms, towers, and kivas (sacred spaces).

Other highlights at Mesa Verde include the Long House, Spruce Tree House, Balcony House, Square Tower House, and the Sun Temple. Thanks to the incredibly well-preserved architecture and the vivid artwork still remaining in many places, Mesa Verde was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978– the first such site in the United States! Explore some of the highlights of Mesa Verde with World Heritage Journey, a YouTube channel attempting to visit every UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mesa Verde Voices

A joint production between KSJD Community Radio, Mesa Verde Museum Association, and the National Park Service, Mesa Verde Voices is a long-running podcast series that aims to connect modern audiences with the Ancestral Puebloan culture of Mesa Verde. With more than four seasons and 20 episodes worth of material, Mesa Verde Voices covers a diverse range of topics relating to the Ancestral Puebloan culture. Tackling diverse subjects like trade, art, food, conservation, archaeology, and technology, Mesa Verde Voices is always a fascinating and informative listen. It’s available to listen for free from the usual podcast providers, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud.

 

Surviving Columbus

Any discussion of Native American culture, including that of the Ancestral Puebloans, is incomplete without properly examining the post-Colombian period. Starting in the 16th century, as Spanish colonists expanded and the United States pushed westward, Native Americans were systematically pushed out of their lands, subjected to disease, forced to convert to foreign religions, enslaved, and much more. This incredible documentary from New Mexico PBS, Surviving Columbus, tells the story of the relationship between the Puebloans and other cultures, starting with the first Spanish arrivals in 1539. Told through the stories of elders, photographs, reenactments, interviews with scholars, and historical accounts, Surviving Columbus is an excellent and rarely-told Native American perspective on European arrivals.

 

Ancestral Puebloan Culture at Aztec Ruins National Monument

Ancestral Puebloan Culture As You Plan a Trip to New Mexico
Aztec Ruins National Monument

The Aztec Ruins National Monument lies in the far northwest of New Mexico, just outside the town of Farmington. Part of the Chaco Canyon UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Aztec Ruins was home to Ancestral Puebloans for centuries prior to the first European arrivals. The site itself is spectacular, with a large ruined great house complex, along with a reconstructed great kiva (ceremonial space). For those unable to make the trip out to New Mexico and visit the site in person, the National Park Service has an excellent Junior Ranger online program, where kids can learn about Aztec Ruins National Monument, life in the community, and the culture of its inhabitants. It’s a really great way to keep young ones engaged and interested in Ancestral Puebloan culture.

Pueblo Tribe Food and Cooking

One of the best ways to experience and engage with a new or unfamiliar culture is through food. Every culture on earth has a distinctive and unique approach to cooking, with endless varieties and local tastes mixed in. Of course, the Ancestral Puebloan culture is no exception, and thanks to their many descendants still living in the Southwest, their cooking styles and culinary techniques are well known. With a diet heavy in squash, beans, grains, nuts, seeds, fish, and meats, Pueblo tribe food and cooking are both familiar and unusual. This cookbook, written and compiled by Roxanne Swentzell (a well-known artist from Taos Pueblo), offers a fantastic chance to engage directly with Ancestral Puebloan cooking.

Puebloan Basketmaking Lesson

It’s thought by modern scholars that the Ancestral Puebloan culture, with their distinct pottery and construction techniques, were the descendants of earlier cultures in the region. These cultures are known as the Basketmakers, named after the incredible and intricate woven baskets recovered from archaeological sites where they lived. Although basketmaking declined in importance as the Ancestral Puebloans became more skilled at pottery, making baskets was still an integral part of their culture. These traditions have lived through to modern times, with impressive and beautiful woven wicker baskets still being made in the area. In this video demonstration from the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, local man Carlos Herrera of Cochiti Pueblo shows off traditional basket making techniques. It’s a really interesting watch, and the skill behind it is very impressive!

Enrich your trip to New Mexico

There’s so much to like about New Mexico. There aren’t many places in the world where living descendants of an ancient culture can guide you around their long-abandoned cities, explaining the purpose of each brick and the meaning behind each artwork, but New Mexico is definitely one of them. When combined with the outstanding natural scenery, the fascinating towns and superb food, New Mexico really is a hidden gem of the United States. Anyone with even a passing interest in Native American culture should absolutely have New Mexico high on their bucket list.

Have you visited New Mexico? What resources did you use to plan your trip? We’d love to hear from you! 

This guest post was contriubted by Joel Baldwin of World Heritage Journey

We love to learn from our guest authors and appreciate their expertise! Visit Joel’s website by clicking on his name below.

joelbaldwin

I’m Joel, a digital nomad and native of Sydney, Australia. In 2016 I quit the corporate life and began travelling the world, with a specific focus on visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As of late 2020, I’ve visited 505 of the 1121 sites! I produce a short documentary about each site, which you can see at www.youtube.com/WorldHeritageJourney. I’m also a freelance writer and video producer. My passions are history, travel, football (soccer), craft beer, and my miniature dachshund, Schnitzel.
DO YOU WISH YOU COULD TRAVEL MORE?
You've landed in the right place! Tripscholars is here to help you extend the joy and wonder of travel far beyond your days on the road. Find travel education tips and inspiration in our ROADMAPS BLOG. Save yourself time and money by using our TRAVEL RESOURCES LIBRARY where we have already gathered top resources for you to enjoy from home. Tripscholars is where curious travelers come for meaningful travel planning and trip research.

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Preparing to Visit Australia

Sydney Opera House

Preparing to Visit Australia

Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia. Photo by Srikant Sahoo

 This post may contain affiliate links which means Trip Scholars may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  Read more here. Thanks for helping us keep the lights on!

Australia is a fantastic tourist destination for families, groups, couples, and solo travelers. With spectacular landmarks and national parks, top quality food, friendly locals, and excellent weather, Australia is a spectacular place to visit. It’s also a very comfortable destination: almost everyone speaks English, there’s a thriving tourist industry, and there’s a huge selection of things to see for all interests. But like many countries, Australia has its own idiosyncrasies. Its history is unknown to most, while Australian culture beyond Crocodile Dundee and the boomerang is similarly unfamiliar. So how best to prepare for a trip to Australia? Read on to find out!

Koala
Kuranda, Kuranda, Australia. Photo by David Clode

Map Your Trip to Australia

The Story of Australia

Available on Amazon Prime, the six-part series, The Story of Australia, traces the country’s long history. Beginning with 60,000 years of indigenous culture, the show moves on to cover the first convict arrivals in 1788, the transformative gold rushes, and the six separate colonies forming Australia in 1901. It also covers the traumatic experiences of both World Wars, along with a look at Australia’s postwar development into a prosperous modern nation. It’s a great starting point for those unfamiliar with the broad strokes of Australian history.

For the Term of His Natural Life

Written in the 1870s by Marcus Clarke, For the Term of His Natural Life is a semi-fictionalised tale of a young convict arriving in Australia. The book follows Rufus Dawes, falsely convicted of murder in England, and his journey through the prison colony. Life in the early convict settlements was extremely hard (incredibly, the First Fleet of approximately 1,400 people included a grand total of one farmer), and the book is considered a seminal account of early convict life. Modern Australians are both proud and embarrassed of their convict beginnings, and understanding the convict story is essential to understanding Australia.

World Heritage Sites of Australia

Free

Exploring a country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites is always interesting, as they reflect how various countries see themselves. Australia, is of course no different, and is home to 20 World Heritage Sites. From world famous natural monuments like Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef, to modern buildings like the Sydney Opera House, there’s a great range of fascinating places here. To explore these incredible Sites, World Heritage Journey on YouTube is a great place to start.

Bill Bryson - In a Sunburned Country

British-American author Bill Bryson is one of the world’s most beloved travel writers and the author of many excellent books on travelling in Europe, the USA, Britain and beyond. In a Sunburned Country (also known as Down Under) is one of his best works. Over multiple trips, Bryson visits a surprising amount of the island continent, sharing his findings and observations with the reader as he goes. As an Australian, I can happily report that many of his observations are entirely on point!

Australia

Released in 2008, Australia is an epic movie set during the 1940s on a remote cattle station in northern Australia. Directed by Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby) and starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, the story combines elements of drama, romance, history, and intrigue. It showcases the incredible landscapes of northern Australia, while also reflecting on Australian attitudes toward the indigenous population as well. Although not a critically-acclaimed masterpiece, Australia is worth a watch for those thinking of heading Down Under.

Rabbit-Proof Fence

The 2002 film Rabbit-Proof Fence is an incredible Australian movie that’s based on a true story. Until 1967, official Australian government policy was that mixed-race Aboriginal children were to be removed from their homes and placed in government care, a policy known these days as the Stolen Generation. The film follows two young Aboriginal girls as they escape their government camp and attempt to find their way home by following the titular rabbit-proof fence–  a journey of 2,400 kilometres through the western deserts. Australia has a difficult relationship with its indigenous population, and Rabbit-Proof Fence is a great starting point for understanding this relationship.

Bangarra Dance Theatre

Free

One of Australia’s premier art institutions, the Bangarra Dance Theatre, is an Indigenous Australian contemporary dance company. By fusing together elements of modern dance with traditional Aboriginal rituals and ceremonies, Bangarra has managed to create something wholly new and unique which all Australians (indigenous and non-indigenous alike) are justifiably proud of. Bangarra celebrated its 30-year anniversary in 2019, launching a new exhibition and digital archive called Knowledge Ground, which showcases its history and highlights.

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Home & Away

Home & Away is one of Australia’s longest-running TV shows. Set in the fictional town of Summer Bay and filmed in the Sydney suburb of Palm Beach, this soap opera is a perennial guilty pleasure of Australian television. Interestingly, it’s far more popular in the United Kingdom than Down Under. Plenty of Aussie stars got their big break on H&A, including Chris Hemsworth, Naomi Watts, Heath Ledger, Nip/Tuck star Julian McMahon, Ryan Kwanten, and many others. If you’re interested, just drop in and start watching! Getting up to speed won’t take too long.

Watch Australian Rules football

Free

A purely Aussie invention, Australian Rules football (or AFL for short) is the country’s national football code, with teams based in every mainland state. Played during the winter months (March-September), Aussie Rules is fast, furious, frenetic, and fantastic to watch. The rules are quite technical, but the game itself is open and generally free-flowing, so it’s best to just sit back and enjoy the show. A particular highlight is the Grand Final, played every September at the MCG in front of 110,000 screaming fans. It’s so important, citizens of Victoria get an official public holiday to mark the occasion!

Learn some Australian slang

Free

Australian speech tends to be slang heavy and packed with idioms. Learning to understand Aussie slang can be a real challenge, so it’s best to start early! Words you might’ve heard on Crocodile Dundee like “strewth”, “cobber”, and “fair dinkum” aren’t in particularly common use, but catching a good language guide will help you learn your choccies from your chockers. But a word of warning! Make sure you’re super confident in your abilities before dropping some Australian slang in a pub or social setting. Telling tall stories to gullible tourists is a national pastime, and you might find yourself on the receiving end if people think you’re “taking the p-ss”!

Eat some Australian food

Fairy bread

Free

Australia is home to some of the world’s best produce, including fruits and vegetables, wine, beef, and lamb. And as a highly multicultural society (around 30% of Australians were born overseas), Australia’s culinary tradition focuses mainly on authentic dishes from other cultures, with everything from Afghan to Zimbabwean. But there’s a few home-grown Aussie favourites to try, including: Vegemite, a yeast based spread similar to Marmite; Damper, a soda bread made from flour, water, and salt, cooked over a fire; Anzac biscuits, made from rolled oats, flour, coconut, golden syrup, and butter. And fairy bread– every kid’s perennial favourite. Fairy bread is just plain white bread, laden with butter or margarine and topped with sprinkles or hundreds & thousands (Aussie sprinkles). Yum!

Plan your own trip to Australia

Explore these resources and you’ll see that Australia is a fascinating place. With 60,000 years of indigenous culture, a unique convict history, spectacular natural landmarks, and an intriguing modern blend of cultures, Australia really is one of a kind. 

Whitsundays - QLD - Australia, Whitsundays, Australia
Whitsundays - QLD - Australia, Whitsundays, Australia. Photo by Marcel Wiemers

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DO YOU WISH YOU COULD TRAVEL MORE?
You've landed in the right place! Tripscholars is here to help you extend the joy and wonder of travel far beyond your days on the road. Find travel education tips and inspiration in our ROADMAPS BLOG. Save yourself time and money by using our TRAVEL RESOURCES LIBRARY where we have already gathered top resources for you to enjoy from home. Tripscholars is where curious travelers come for meaningful travel planning and trip research.

This guest post was contributed by Joel at World Heritage Journey

We love to learn from our guest writers and appreciate their expertise! Visit Joel’s website by clicking on his image or name below. 

joelbaldwin

I’m Joel, a digital nomad and native of Sydney, Australia. In 2016 I quit the corporate life and began travelling the world, with a specific focus on visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As of late 2020, I’ve visited 505 of the 1121 sites! I produce a short documentary about each site, which you can see at www.youtube.com/WorldHeritageJourney. I’m also a freelance writer and video producer. My passions are history, travel, football (soccer), craft beer, and my miniature dachshund, Schnitzel.

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Visiting the World’s Most Valuable Places: UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Lascaux, France UNESCO World Heritage Site, Photo by Tripscholars

Your Guide to Visiting the

World's Most Valuable Places:

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Lascaux UNESCO World Heritage Site, France      Photo by Tripscholars

 This post may contain affiliate links which means Trip Scholars may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  Read more here. Thanks for helping us keep the lights on!

Many people are familiar with UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The official World Heritage List was established in the 1970s by UNESCO, as a way of highlighting and protecting the world’s most important and valuable places. Many of the world’s most famous landmarks, like the Pyramids at Giza, Machu Picchu, Mt Everest, and the Eiffel Tower are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But what exactly makes a World Heritage Site? Why are they important? What’s the best way to prepare for visiting a Site? And how can it change your life?

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur, Egypt, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Photo by José Ignacio Pompé

What is a World Heritage Site?

Olympic National Park, Washington, USA, UNESCO World Heritige Site
Olympic National Park, Washington, USA, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Photo by Tripscholars

Put simply, a World Heritage Site is somewhere that’s considered to have Outstanding Universal Value for humanity by the United Nations Education Science and Culture Organisation (UNESCO). Although the definition of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) is intentionally a little vague, there’s a list of 10 criteria which sites are judged against. These criteria include “human creative genius”, “traditional human settlement”, or “exceptional natural beauty”.

 World Heritage Sites can be cultural or natural (or both!), and they can cover either a single location or a collection of locations. Some sites have separate locations in multiple countries, and a couple of sites are even in multiple continents! As of late 2020, there’s 1,121 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and each year another 20-30 sites are added. 

How do I learn more about individual World Heritage Sites?

As so many World Heritage Sites are famous and well known, there’s a lot of excellent resources available for learning more about them. Some of the highlights include the following:

1. The Official UNESCO Website

The official website of the World Heritage Committee is a great starting point to learn about World Heritage Sites. Their World Heritage List page has many handy links, including to World Heritage Sites in each country, a map view showing the location of each site, newly added sites, and sites listed as In Danger.

 Each individual World Heritage Site has its own separate page, with multilingual information about the site. There’s a brief overview of the site itself; while further down the page you’ll find additional information about the site, its Integrity (e.g. how intact the site is), its authenticity (how much the site has been affected by restoration and modification), along with protection and management requirements.

 There’s also some photos, any World Heritage-relevant news about the site, and some links to further reading. Each site page also has links to official maps of the site, outlining exactly what is and isn’t included within the boundary, plus any official UNESCO documentation relating to the site.

2. WorldHeritageSite.org

Roman Colosseum unesco

WorldHeritageSite.org is the internet’s largest community of World Heritage Site enthusiasts— yes, such a thing does exist! Established in 1997 by an intrepid Dutch traveller named Els Slots, WorldHeritageSite has over 1,500 members who between them have visited 1,098 of the 1,121 World Heritage Sites. The site has full information for every World Heritage Site, along with “Tentative” World Heritage Sites (which are sites that might get added to the list in future), but the real power of the site is its community.

 Members are encouraged to write reviews of their experience when visiting World Heritage Sites, and the result is an incredibly rich collection of insider tips and useful knowledge. This can be contextual background information that isn’t readily apparent from UNESCO’s official documents, general travel tips, hyper-specific detail about the best parking locations, or interesting aspects of the site to look out for.

 There’s also a large and active discussion forum where members share their experiences and plans for visiting sites, along with discussing UNESCO’s activities.

3. A Site's Official Website

NewGrange, Ireland UNESCO WHS

As commonly-visited locations, many World Heritage Sites maintain their own official websites with useful information. Official sites are usually the best place to find up-to-date information, particularly practical information about access points, opening times, ticket prices, unexpected closures, and the like. The official site will often also have quite a well-researched deep dive into the history of a particular location, and what makes it so important, in a way that UNESCO’s blurb doesn’t quite capture.

 It’s important to note, however, that official sites can vary enormously! Some World Heritage sites have fantastic websites, while others have no official online presence at all. It’s highly variable, and often comes down to how much budget (and web savvy) the site’s owners have.

4. World Heritage Journey

World Heritage Journey YouTube Channel

World Heritage Journey is a project by a pair of Australian travel bloggers, as they attempt to visit and document all 1,121 World Heritage Sites. Currently standing at 505 sites, World Heritage Journey has posted a short documentary video (usually around 4-6 minutes) on YouTube about each site they’ve visited. So far they’ve visited most of the sites in Western Europe; about half the sites in China, India, the United States, and Australia; most sites in South-East Asia, Korea, and Japan; and a scattering of sites in Africa and elsewhere.

 Although reading text and seeing photos is great, watching information-focused videos gives you an excellent idea of what visiting a particular site is like, and you can really see the important aspects for yourself.

Why visit UNESCO Sites?

Delphi UNESCO World Heritage Site, Photo by Tripscholars

Since I started on the World Heritage Journey in early 2017, I’ve learned more than I could ever imagine. Growing up in Australia, your education is often very Australian- and Euro-centric, so learning about the rich history and culture of other countries and ethnic groups has been fantastic. One big strength of the World Heritage List is that sites are nominated by national governments: it’s what the locals see as important to their own heritage.

I’ve learned about things I never imagined: Chinese dynasties, pre-Columbian North Americans, the ingenuity of early industrialists, the precariousness of the natural environment, the interconnectedness of everything on a grand scale. It’s also helped me understand the world’s religions: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and many others. It’s been a fascinating learning curve, and I’m excited for it to continue.

I’d like to send you a free gift!

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Let's Connect

DO YOU WISH YOU COULD TRAVEL MORE?
You've landed in the right place! Tripscholars is here to help you extend the joy and wonder of travel far beyond your days on the road. Find travel education tips and inspiration in our ROADMAPS BLOG. Save yourself time and money by using our TRAVEL RESOURCES LIBRARY where we have already gathered top resources for you to enjoy from home. Tripscholars is where curious travelers come for meaningful travel planning and trip research.

This guest post was contributed by Joel Baldwin of World Heritage Journey

We love to learn from our guest writers and appreciate their expertise! Visit his website by clicking on his image or name below.

joelbaldwin

joelbaldwin

I’m Joel, a digital nomad and native of Sydney, Australia. In 2016 I quit the corporate life and began travelling the world, with a specific focus on visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As of late 2020, I’ve visited 505 of the 1121 sites! I produce a short documentary about each site, which you can see at www.youtube.com/WorldHeritageJourney. I’m also a freelance writer and video producer. My passions are history, travel, football (soccer), craft beer, and my miniature dachshund, Schnitzel.

Like it? Pin it for later!

Share this post

Preparing for a Trip To China

Farmers with water buffalo in China

Preparing for Your Trip To China

 This post may contain affiliate links which means Trip Scholars may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  Read more here. Thanks for helping us keep the lights on!

China is one of the world’s most fascinating countries. As the world’s third-largest and most populous country, China has risen from near poverty in the 1950s to become a genuine global superpower. Featuring several thousand years of history, a rich cultural heritage, and jaw-dropping natural wonders, China is one of the world’s most rewarding and exciting places to visit. But how to make sense of it all? Where do you even start with such a massive and imposing place. Read on, for the best resources to explore  when preparing a trip to China.

Follow the Story of China

Recorded Chinese history dates back over 4,000 years, and has a dizzying array of dynasties, kingdoms, periods, invasions, counter-invasions, and much more. In this six-part documentary series produced by PBS, historian Michael Wood travels across China to trace its dramatic rises and falls – from the 4,000 year old Shang Dynasty, right through to the Communist revolution and modern economic boom. Beautifully filmed and edited, The Story of China is a fantastic overview to help learn your Qins, Qings, and Mings! Consider making a history timeline to deeply understand the rich history of China.

Delve into the past with the China History Podcast

Farmers with water buffalo in China
Farmers with Water Buffalo Photo by Zhengfan Yang

For those who prefer listening to watching, Laszlo Montgomery’s The China History Podcast has been running since 2010, and has clocked up over 250 episodes! Each episode focuses on a different aspect of China’s long history, and features anything from the history of a particular city, to profiling a prominent Chinese figure. One highly recommended series is episodes 14 through 42, which profiles each ruling dynasty, their accomplishments, and their impact on Chinese history. Each episode runs for about 25 minutes, so it’s great bite-sized content to consume at your leisure.

See China's World Heritage Sites with World Heritage Journey

With its long history and impressive culture, it’s hardly surprising that China has the equal-highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (55, equal with Italy). Along with famous monuments such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Terracotta Warriors, China’s World Heritage Sites include many lesser known places, too. There’s everything from prehistoric burial caves, to sacred mountains, hidden temples, and even migratory bird sanctuaries! In this YouTube series, a pair of Australian travel bloggers attempt to visit all 55 Chinese sites, and produce a short video about each one. Get tips and ideas about visiting UNESCO sites in this article.

Watch China's most famous story: Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Romance of the Three Kingdoms is China’s most beloved story. An historical novel written in the 14th century, Romance tells the story of the Three Kingdoms period, roughly 184 – 280 AD, as various warlords fought for control of the collapsing Han Dynasty. With its potent mixture of history, legend, and myth (similar to Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey in Western culture), Romance follows memorable characters like the tyrannical Dong Zhuo, duplicitous Cao Cao, charismatic Yuan Shao, and inspiring Liu Bei. If you’d prefer to read the story, the Moss Roberts translation is highly recommended.  

Enjoy China's most beloved tale: Journey to the West - Legends of the Monkey King

Journey to the West is another of the greatest Chinese novels. It dates from the 16th century, and follows the travels of Xuanzang, a Buddhist monk who travels through central Asia and India in search of sacred Buddhist texts. Well known in the West as Monkey (and other adaptations like The Legend of Monkey), Journey to the West – Legends of the Monkey King is equal parts funny, moving, inspiring, and dramatic. A classic of Chinese animation, this joint Chinese-Canadian animated production is a great way of introducing kids to Chinese culture. For more ideas about including kids and teens in travel planning and research, check out our article, Joyful and Educational Trip Planning for Families.

Read about the clash of cultures in Mao's Last Dancer

One of the most important narratives of the past 30 years has been the clash of cultures between China and the West. Understanding the clash is key to preparing for a trip to China, and reading Mao’s Last Dancer by Li Cunxin gives a fascinating perspective. Mao’s Last Dancer is a 2003 memoir written by Li Cunxin, a talented ballet dancer from an impoverished Chinese village. Allowed to study in the United States, Li struggles to reconcile his propaganda-heavy education with the reality around him. It’s a fascinating insight into the varying mindsets of different cultures, and ultimately an uplifting and inspiring story.

Experience one of the world's great cuisines

Hot Pot China

One of the best experiences when visiting any country is of course – the food! Naturally, China is no different, and as such a huge and ethnically diverse country, there’s a colossal amount of variety available. Look beyond Panda Express, and discover the delights of regional Chinese cuisine. Down south in the warmer climates, you’ll find Cantonese style cooking with dim sum, dumplings, and more. Sichuan province is famous for hotpot, and fiery dishes laden with chilli and mouth-numbing peppercorns. The long coasts of Fujian and Shandong provinces have fish-heavy diets, while up north in Beijing you’ll find classic roast duck, jiaozi dumplings, and various noodle dishes. Do some research to learn about the different regional cuisines offered at your local restaurants. Or consider taking an online Chinese cooking class. 

Try your hand at the ancient Chinese art of calligraphy

Calligraphy, or the art of drawing characters, is an instantly-recognisable facet of Chinese culture. It requires great skill, poise, delicacy, and attention to detail, and it’s little wonder that practising calligraphy is a classic Chinese pastime. Obtaining your own Chinese calligraphy set and learning to draw some simple characters can be a great way of engaging with one of the world’s oldest written scripts. Try this affordable calligraphy set and follow along with instructional videos on YouTube.

Learn some Chinese

Three young people with candied haw in China

Mandarin Chinese is the world’s most widely-spoken language, with over a billion native speakers. With unfamiliar characters and delicate pronunciation, Chinese can be a difficult language to learn. Although most tourist sites in Beijing and Shanghai have signs in both Chinese and English, learning a few key phrases is a great way to prepare for visiting China, and will absolutely endear you to the locals. Basic phrases like “hello” (ni hao) and “thank you” (xie-xie) are a great start, along with counting to ten. Although guidebooks will teach phrases like “where is the toilet”, it’s often unhelpful as the answer will be in Chinese! One suggestion is to learn phrases where you don’t need to understand a response, like: “the food was delicious” or “it is very beautiful”. For learning some Chinese, read our article on language learning for travel.

Plan your Trip to China

Tourist at Great wall of China

Overall, China is an enormous blend of people, languages and cultures, blessed with a spectacular natural environment and several thousand years of history. If you’re planning to visit China, a little background knowledge of the land and its people will go a long way to enriching your visit. Happy travels! 

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This guest post was contributed by Joel Baldwin of World Heritage Journey

We love to learn from our guest writers and appreciate their expertise! Vitis Joel’s website by clicking on his name or miage below.

joelbaldwin

joelbaldwin

I’m Joel, a digital nomad and native of Sydney, Australia. In 2016 I quit the corporate life and began travelling the world, with a specific focus on visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As of late 2020, I’ve visited 505 of the 1121 sites! I produce a short documentary about each site, which you can see at www.youtube.com/WorldHeritageJourney. I’m also a freelance writer and video producer. My passions are history, travel, football (soccer), craft beer, and my miniature dachshund, Schnitzel.

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