My 3 Years Journey as a Google Local Guide in Egypt and China

For the past three years, I have had the privilege of serving as a Google Local Guide, which has allowed me to contribute to Google Maps by adding reviews and photos of places I visit. Over the last year, my journey took an exciting turn as I relocated from Egypt to China to pursue a master’s degree. This shift not only brought about a change in scenery but also gave me a unique opportunity to enrich Google Maps by exploring and reviewing various touristic places in China, particularly in the ancient city of Xi’an. In this article,

I want to share my experience and the places I’ve had the pleasure of visiting, highlighting the joy and sense of accomplishment in helping travelers make informed decisions, If you want to hear My 2 Years of Experience as a Google Local Guide you may find it here.

Throughout my experience as a Google Local Guide, I have always set personal goals for the number of places I aim to visit and explore. These targets have kept me motivated and driven in my mission to enhance Google Maps by sharing my reviews and photos. Being a local guide in a new city like Xi’an has presented its challenges, but the joy of discovering and showcasing the city to the world has been incredibly rewarding.

Discovering Xi’an: Unveiling the Ancient City’s Secrets

Xi’an, an ancient city that once served as China’s capital, is a treasure trove of historical significance and natural beauty. Living in this remarkable city has given me a chance to immerse myself in its rich heritage, scenic parks, tranquil lakes, and awe-inspiring ancient city walls.

Qingling Wildlife Park:

A sanctuary of biodiversity, allowing a glimpse into China’s diverse wildlife in a natural setting and you may get more details about that place from here.

Qujiang Sites Park:

A blend of history and modernity, offering a glimpse into Xi’an’s cultural evolution through its architecture and serene gardens and you may get more details about that place from here.

Tangbo Art Museum:

A hub of artistic expression, showcasing contemporary and traditional Chinese art, providing a feast for the creative senses and you may get more details about that place from here.

Bell Tower:

An iconic landmark symbolizing Xi’an’s historical significance and offering panoramic views of the city and you may get more details about that place from here.

Qujiang Lake Heritage Park:

A haven of peace, reflecting the natural beauty of Xi’an and the surrounding area and you may get more details about that place from here.

Xi’an Expo Park:

A convergence of technology and culture, where the past meets the future through exhibitions and events and you may get more details about that place from here.

Jingyugou Bamboo Forest:

An escape to nature, offering lush greenery and a tranquil environment for rejuvenation and you may get more details about that place from here.

Gepai Village at Qinling Mountains:

An immersion into traditional Chinese village life, showcasing the essence of ancient China and you may get more details about that place from here.

Muslim Dasi Residential Quarter (Zhonglou):

A cultural enclave, revealing the vibrant lifestyle of the Muslim community in Xi’an and you may get more details about that place from here.

Xi’an Great Mosque:

A symbol of religious harmony, blending Islamic and Chinese architectural elements you may get more details about that place from here.

Zhongnan Shan Wutai Mountain:

A spiritual journey, providing a glimpse into Buddhism and breathtaking natural scenery and you may get more details about that place from here.

Xi’an Ancient City Wall:

A historical marvel, preserving the city’s rich history through its well-preserved ancient walls and watchtowers and you may get more details about that place from here.

Exploring Ankang: A Festival Adventure during Dragon Boat Festival

During the lively Dragon Boat Festival in June, my Moroccan friend and I set out on a captivating journey to Ankang, a city within the Shaanxi province. This adventure allowed us to immerse ourselves in the vibrant festivities and explore the city’s hidden gems.

Han River:

The lifeblood of the city offers serene views and a peaceful escape from the urban buzz.

Yinghu Lake and its Islands (Golden Conch Island, Green Peacock Island, Yuxing Island):

Enchants with its tranquil waters and lush surroundings, inviting serenity seekers to embrace its scenic beauty. This idyllic lake, with its islands like Golden Conch, Green Peacock, and Yuxing, offers a peaceful escape and a glimpse of nature’s captivating allure and you may get more details about that place from here.

Golden Conch Island:-

A hidden gem amidst Yinghu Lake, boasting pristine shores and a tranquil ambiance. This island is a nature lover’s haven, providing a serene retreat with its golden-hued landscapes and peaceful waters and you may get more details about that place from here.

Green Peacock Island:-

A sanctuary of natural elegance, adorned with lush greenery and vibrant flora. This island in Yinghu Lake offers a peaceful escape, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of unspoiled nature and the soothing whispers of the wind and you may get more details about that place from here.

Yuxing Island:-

Embodies tranquility with its pristine shores and a serene atmosphere, inviting contemplation amidst nature’s beauty. Nestled within Yinghu Lake, this island is a peaceful oasis, where visitors can unwind and connect with the gentle rhythms of the water and surrounding greenery and you may get more details about that place from here.

Xianxidong Scenic Spot:

An adventure in nature, with a refreshing mountain climb and breathtaking views and you may get more details about that place from here.

The opportunity to explore and document the beauty of Xi’an and Ankang has been a privilege, and I look forward to continuing this journey in China and beyond. Helping places become more accessible and known on Google Maps is not only a personal achievement but also a meaningful contribution to the digital era we live in, ensuring that future generations can benefit from the information we provide.

My journey as a Google Local Guide in both Egypt and China has allowed me to contribute to a global platform, enriching the travel experiences of countless individuals.

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What an incredible year you’ve had, @Mo_TravelleerX ! Did you leave any time for studying? :joy:

This is a great recap and highlight reel from your amazing adventure. Best of luck to you in Year 4!

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I couldn’t agree more with @JustJake and thank you @Mo_TravelleerX for your amazing recap of your incredible journey. Your photos show us all a part of the world that we so rarely see. Wishing you well with your Master’s study.

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@JustJake Absolutely! Balancing study and travel is key, allocating weekends for exploring the incredible attractions nearby. China’s allure lies in its deep-rooted culture, distinctly unique from any other, and the ancient history that echoes through the corridors of its old cities. Not to mention, the embrace of nature adds an extra layer of enchantment to the experience.

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@AdamGT Thank you for your unwavering support. It’s our responsibility to unveil hidden aspects of the world. China, with its profound culture and diverse festivals, is undeniably one of those remarkable countries. I’m committed to giving my best in my master’s degree and beyond. :grin: :grin:

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I just know that you will do well in whatever endeavour you take up @Mo_TravelleerX

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Woooooowww, :heart_eyes: :heart_eyes: :heart_eyes:

Such a beautiful experience :smiling_face_with_three_hearts::smiling_face_with_three_hearts::smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

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@Shadhin21 Thanks for your support

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Wow :astonished: as @JustJake said - What an amazing highlight reel you’ve shared with us @Mo_TravelleerX

You have been busy! It’s great to see that you are making the most of your opportunities and I enjoy learning about China/Chinese culture, through your lens and storytelling.

This is a great post, thanks for sharing your experiences with us.

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@Mikeinthefalls Thank you so much for your kind words! :blush: I’m truly passionate about exploring and sharing the beauty of Chinese culture, and it means a lot to me that you enjoy following my journey. Your support and appreciation motivate me to keep sharing my experiences and stories. I can’t wait to bring you more exciting insights in the future!

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Lograste armar con tu post de laciudad de Xi’an y sus alrededores un menú con link a los post con mas detalles de todo este sitio @Mo_TravelleerX , espectacular y bien organizado, tengo para un buen rato de lectura recorrer todos tus link pero no hay dudas de que este árbol y resumen de tu experiencia en esta ciudad de China esta muy bien, gracias por traernos un pedacito de tu mapa por china, nos abre una pequeña ventana, que en pocas ocaciones podemos abrir y mirar a travez de ella ese rincón del planeta.

Saludos Farid.

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@FaridTDF Wow, I’m so glad you enjoyed my journey through Xi’an and its surroundings! It means a lot to me that you found the menu of links helpful and well-organized. Exploring and sharing these experiences is such a joy, and it’s fantastic to know that I can open a small window into this corner of the world for others. :grin: :grin:

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Very beautiful post @Mo_TravelleerX

The photo of Night river view at Ankang City is really wonderful.

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@Tandrima2 Thanks for your continuous support :grin:

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