Hey Hey and a Big G'Day toya
 
Princesses!
You can't live with them and you can't live without them!
 
Today we got to fulfill one of Luo Wei's dreams and that was the dream of visiting the burial grounds of Zhaojun. Luckily for us Little Turtle and Mantao also wanted to visit the site and even luckier for us all was the fact that Mantao had a friend who lives in Hohhot City.
 
Even, even and one more even luckier for us all was the fact that he owns a car.
 
For those who are wondering who the hell Little Turtle and Mantao are, they are a father and son who befriended us on the Grasslands and Desert Adventure. Little turtle got his name from a card game he lost and by losing he became a 'Little Turtle' and Mantao got his name as he magically would pull from his pockets several bread buns no matter what time of day it was.
 
We met down stairs around eight and soon we were stting at one of the city's most famous Joutsa (dumplings) & Boutsa (bread buns) restaurants. We soon had before us a small soup of noodles mixed with sheep's stomach linings and for us all to share were several trays of large dumplings with a name than sounded something like 'champagne'.
 
Even though they weren't full of bubbles they were in fact the best dumplings I've eaten in the entire time I've been in China. Now that is a big call since I have been to so many places and eaten dumplings in just as many.
 
On the way to the Tomb the car had a bit of a hickup so soon we were piling out of the car into a auto-mechanic's that could rival any in Melbourne city. That is one thing I have noticed since arriving in Datong and Hohhot, car 'things' are everywhere just like at home.  
 
Places to groom your car.
Places to take your car to have a peticure.
Places to buy your car a new suit or dress.
 
Meaning: I've seen shops that sell mag wheels, steering wheel covers, car seat covers, shammies, awesome car sound equipment and everything you need to take you, your family and your car around China in comfort.
 
Believe me, it has been many years since I have seen such things.
Maybe I walk past them in each big city I go to but just never notice them.
 
Is the tomb actually worth your precious time?
 
If you find yourself in Hohhot City then you're on holidays mate and almost everything and anything is worth a visit. Even if your time is limited and you have a spare afternoon then grab a cab or jump on a bus and check out the Princesses Tomb.
 
There are several buildings, one full of artifacts and all things Zhaojun, another is a copy of Zhaojun's house she grew up in and the other is a theatre in which many beautiful girls dance around in sexy ancient clothes acting out the story of Zhaojun.
 
Now that alone is worth a visit and I'd head there first if I was to return!
 
The tomb itself is awesome. When you stand below it and look up it is amazing that this grass covered hill actually houses the bones of a princess who married to keep the world peaceful for her people. The views from the top offer a variety of different scenery.
 
The strangest one being the healthy and happy dope plant!
There are probably more photo's taken in front of that than the top pagoda!
 
After a few hours rest we all headed out for a huge fun filled dinner and then returned to our palace sized room for more beer and many hours worth of chat about this and that.. I'm really happy we met Little Turtle and Mantao on the Grasslands and Desert adventure. We all get along so well and Little Turtle has taken to Luo Wei like a sister he has known for years.
 
It is times like these that make travel even more special than what it already is!
 
Beers N Noodles toya.....shane
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The soundtrack to this entry was by Collective Soul..
The album was 'The Best Of: 1994 to 2001'
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Introduction to the Tomb of Zhaojun
 
The tomb of Zhaojun (also known as the Green Grave' and 'Teimur Wurh' (in Mongolian, meaning an iron fortress) is located by the Da Hi River nine kilometers south of Hohhot City.
 
Tomb of Princess Zhaojun. The resting place of Han princess who voluntarily married a nomad chief to secure peace. She is attributed with the ability to perform miracles.   The tomb which was built in the Han Dynasty (BC) has a long history of around two thousand years. It is one of Inner Mongolia's major cultural relics under protection.
 
The tomb is a colossal man-piled up earthen mound about thirty three meters in height. Covering an area of around thirteen thousand square meters, it is believed to be one of the largest existing tombs of the Han Dynasty.
 
It is located near Hei He River, 9km (5.59 miles) from Hohhot. Zhaojun was one of the four ancient belles. She was married to the King of Hun by the Han Emperor for political reasons. Zhaojun Tomb is also known as Green Tomb since story has it that every autumn the grass on the tomb remains lush while all the rest dies with the season. The scenery surrounding the tomb varies from morning to evening, adding a touch of mystery to its beauty.
 
Take bus No. 6 from the Muslim quarter and switch to bus No. 44 that will take you there.
Fare is 1 Yuan each.