Five Stunning Places to Make You Fall in Love With China

In my time in China I have been privileged to visit countless places of beauty and cultural interest. Here are my five most stunning places that i have been to in the Middle Kingdom.

1. The Summit of Emei Shan. Sichuan province

Emei Shan is a mountain is Sichuan province and one of the four sacred holy mountains of China. The climb is over a series of dominating peaks and there is a 40km short route, or a 60 km long route, both of which involve trekking through dense mountain forest paths and endless stone steps, along with not so friendly monkeys that ambush you on bridges in attempt to steal any food and drink exposed on your person. Along the way are numerous Buddhist monasteries and temples and the solitude given from the remote location makes there something extremely spiritual about this place. After one or two long days hike to the summit base camp. There is a further 2 hour ascent up stone steps or a cable car that enables you to short cut this final step to the summit. Once arriving at the very top after all that hard work. The sunrise rising over the serene sea of clouds below you leaves you silent. All the effort of getting to the top suddenly becomes obviously worthwhile.

2. The stunning Li River, Guilin to Yangshuo, Guanxi province.

According to an old Chinese proverb Guilin scenery is the best in the world, and Yangshuo scenery is the best in Guilin. The Limestone Karst landscape creates an unparalleled scene of triangular shaped sharp peaks rising up from the ground and reflecting the sun into the clear river water. The small rafts that you can take typically last 4 hours and during this time you can relax and swim in the pristine river. Such a place for any natural world lover is an absolute paradise and is some of the most photogenic scenery in the entire world.

3. The mountain ascent of Hua Shan, Shanxi province.

'Splendid Mountain'. Close by the old capital of Xian and the Terracotta army is famous for its dangerous looking chain walkways and 2km sheer drops. The mountain has 4 peaks, a North, East, South and Western peak and in the four are connected by a complex multitude of different mountain paths, making it easy to lose your way on the trail. Along the wider, better travelled stretches of mountain paths and steps you will see endless padlocks and red bands symbolising good luck and prosperity. Many of the smaller paths are surrounded by sudden drops and Chains are anchored into the rock to prevent you from falling to the bottom. On one stretch of the mountain there is just a 30cm outcrop with no chain posts. I love Hua Shan because this mountain gives you a feel for the insignificance of man and the great power of nature, along with some stunning views from the peaks.

4. The Great Wall of China, Beijing.

The place everyone knows, it wasn't until 9 months after I started teaching English in China that I finally went to see for myself the great wall. Take the time and pay a little extra to go to a less touristy spot. The wall stretching across endless mountains makes it hard to believe that building such a thing is within human capability. Although the recreated and renovated tourist stretches are great for showing what the wall looked like at its peak, I believe it is important to see the real, actual wall which was standing there at the time of the Invading Mongolian tribes obstructing their path and protecting China. Travelling further West from Beijing to as far as Xian there are numerous stretches of original, old wall, in some places now barely visible. Seeing both old and new gives you and appreciation for the history and reasons behind this great world structure.

5. The Giant Pandas, Chengdu, Sichuan province.

The Giant Panda is such a beautiful creature and that they are almost impossible to see in the wild. Sichuan province's provincial capital Chengdu is home to the only Giant Panda breeding research centre in the world, inexpensive to enter and home to a large number of both giant and red pandas, it is no surprise that this station is so popular. The first time you peak around the corner of the simulated natural bamboo forest enclosure to see these cute gentle giants is enough to captivate any traveller.

All these places have been visited during my time in China. My site http://www.Chinatefler.com contains everything about teaching, living and travelling in China.

Article Source: Ben_Noon

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Celebrating Festivals in China's Most Popular Destination Shanghai

Shanghai is the largest, biggest and most prosperous city in China. It is renowned world over as the Oriental Paris. With a population of more than 200 million, it is the world's second largest city proper after Mumbai. In terms of modernity, Shanghai rivals Paris or New York, and boasts of a blended culture of the East and the West. Since time immemorial, Shanghai has a long history of being the gateway to China as well as the Yangtze River delta. Today, the city has become on e of the significant cultural centers and also the largest trade and economic center in China.

Over the years, Shanghai has flourished tremendously and emerged as one of the premier travel destinations in the world. A large number of tourists from across the world are getting instantly drawn to the city and visiting year after year. Shanghai is increasingly alluring the tourists in a big way with most of them choosing to return to the city time and again.

For history and culture buffs, Shanghai has become a favorite haunt these days. The city retains last vestige of China's unusual colonial past and increasingly drawing the tourists in large numbers. The architecture found along the Bund area greatly mesmerizes the visitors by portraying itself as a living museum of the colonial history of the 1800s. A visit to the Bund area is sure to take you down the memory lane and immerse in the thoughts of an era bygone.

This dynamic metropolis of China with its famous historical landmarks standing alongside modern and ever-expanding skylines is never going to let you feel bored throughout your stay in the city. Shanghai's oriental charm has continuously attracted renowned personalities from the overseas like Rabindra Nath Tagore, Albert Einstein and George Bernard Shaw. Book flights to Shanghai to explore and experience the city yourself. The city will just delight you with its umpteen festivals that are held round the year. Here are some of the important festivals being held during the months of September, October and November in 2013. Purchase your flight tickets to Shanghai well in advance that will help you save on your journey as well as help you reach Shanghai on time to attend these important festivals.

If you are traveling to Shanghai during the months of September and October, you will get opportunity to witness the Shanghai Osmanthus Festival, Shanghai International Music Fireworks Festival and Shanghai Tourism Festival. The Shanghai Osmanthus Festival will be held throughout the month of September. It will start from September 1 and last until September 30. This annual festival started in 1991. The festival offers a unique experience. You will get opportunity to taste different kinds of delicious food with osmanthus flowers in it. Visit the Guilin Park to enjoy the sweet fragrance of osmanthus flowers. The Longjing tea and perfume with osmanthus fragrance available in the park will also delight you.

Celebrate the Shanghai International Music Fireworks Festival when in the city during September and October. This year the Shanghai International Music Fireworks Festival will be held from September 30 through October 6. The festival started in the year 2000 and has since been regularly held on National Day every year in Century Park. This is one of the most significant international music fireworks events in China and also in Asia.

Shanghai is ready to delight you whenever you choose to visit the city. Don't miss out on these important festivals and have a memorable experience.

This article is posted by Jhonson Peterson behalf of FareBuzz.com that is leading Online Airline Tickets Booking Servies in USA & UK, offers cheap tickets to Shanghai booking online here.

Article Source: Jhonson_Peterson

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Religious Architectures In The Forbidden City

1. Buddhist Architecture

There are over 40 Buddhist buildings in the Forbidden City, and the main one is Zhongzheng Hall, the spot for chanting the sutras. They are all concentrated along the Outer Western Route of the Inner Court.

Zhongzheng Hall

Zhongzheng Hall was the abbreviation of "Hall of Zhongzheng for Chanting Sutras". It was set up in 1697 (36th year of Emperor Kangxi), for managing Lama chanting sutras in the Forbidden City, making of Buddhist statues and so on. Zhongzheng Hall was the name of the organ and also the name of the Buddhist hall as well as the Buddhist hall areas. This was the Buddhist activity area exclusively reserved for the emperor. The grand Buddhist activities of seeing off the year and beating the ghost was held here.

The Zhongzheng Hall Buddhist area is located in the northwest of the Forbidden City, west of the West Six Palace, and was built with 10 Buddhist structures. Five of them were destroyed in the 1923 big fire of the Palace of Building Fortune. The other five survived, with the Pavilion of Rain and Water being the most completely preserved. Now the original structure of Zhongzhegn Hall are being the most are Beijing reconstructed in the Palace Museum. It is a pity that the original precious relics no longer exist.

Pavilion of Rain and Water

It was the largest among the several Buddhist halls in the Forbidden City and is located in between the Hall of Supreme Zenith and the Palace of Longevity and Peace. It is a 4-story building with 3-story loft, a pointed roof with four corners and four drooping ridges with gold plated flying dragons. All the spare parts on the roof were made of bronze and gilded with gold. It looks splendid under the radiance of the sun. Among the palaces and halls in the Forbidden City, its Tibetan styles is the most outstanding.

The esoteric Sect of Buddhist built the Pavilion of Rain and Water. Three statues were worshipped inside. The terrace is made of gold plated cloisonné which is a delicate national treasure.

The pavilion is the typical and complete Tibetan Buddhist hall. Inside the hall, there are four systemic esoteric musical instruments for Buddhist mass. They occupied an Important position in Buddhist history.

Hall of Heroic Splendor

There are also a group of Buddhist buildings in the northwest corner of the Forbidden City, named the Hall of Heroic Splendor. They were Buddhist halls in the Ming and Qing. It was said that the two bodhi trees were planted by Lishi, mother of Ming Emperor Wanli. The trees could bear precious beads. Officials called them precious beads which could be made into Rosaries.

2. Confucian Halls and Taoist Structures

Besides the Buddhist buildings, there are also structures built for other religions in the Forbidden City. Among them there are Confucian halls, such as the Hall for Ancestral Worship outside the Gate of Flourishing Fortune, the Hall of Proclaimed Intellect in the Hall of Literary Glory, the place for worshipping Confucius in the Palaces of Heavenly Purity and the Palace for Abstinence in the south of the Six Eastern Palaces. The Taoist structures includes the Hall of Imperial Peace, the Four Gods Temple, the Hall of Profound Vault.

3. Gods of Folk Customs

Town God

The Town God Temple, built in 1726, is located down the wall at the northwest corner of the Forbidden City. The Town God of the Forbidden City is enshrined inside. It was worshipped on the New Year's Day each year. The temple is now well protected.

Guandi

In the Qing Dynasty, the image of Guandi Emperor was worshipped in the Hall of Imperial Peaceinside the Imperial Garden, Pavilion of Thousand Springs. Guandi Emperor was highly respected by the people. There were over 200 Guandi Emperor Temples in the Qing Dynasty both inside and outside of Beijing city. The number of these temples ranked above other types of temples.

Emperor of Medicine

It was in Jisheng Hall of the Imperial Library, where Magical Doctors in the past dynasties were worshipped. The Hall of the Emperor of Medicine and it was set up in the east annex hall of the Imperial Pharmacy inside the Palace of Heavenly Purity. In the history of China, there were Emperors of Medicine, such as Fuxi, Shennong and Huangdi who were esteemed as Emperors of Medicine. Sun Simiao, Bianque, Huatuo, Lishizhen, etc. were praised as Kings of Medicine.

Kitchen God

In the Ming, the Kitchen God was worshipped on the first of summer in the Hall of Proclaimed Intellect in the east of the Hall of Literary Glory. The kitchen was one of the five places where sacrificial offerings were placed in ancient times. The five offerings refer to the door, household, well, kitchen and residence. The Tables of the Kitchen God were also worshipped in the Imperial Kitchen in the palace. "The wooden tablet of the East Kitchen God" was enshrined on the ease wall of the Divine Kitchen in the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. On the 23rd day of the last month of lunar year, a sacrifice was offered to the god Kitchen.

Chinatravelreviews.com is a foreigner's China travel guide to enjoy famous attractions in China, Beijing, and other cities. You will also find useful travelling information about Beijing tours and will get great help in finding the best China travel service.

Article Source: Wei_Maomao

Top Countries to Visit in Asia

Being the world's largest continent, Asia has been a popular tourist destination since several decades. Tourists from all over the world love to visit various countries in Asia, owing to reasons like their exotic culture, natural beauty and historic significance. A major advantage of travelling to Asia is the fact that you can plan a long trip in a very low price. Since most of the tourist destinations in Asia are economical, you can plan a great trip even if you have limited money to spend! Here are a few cities in Asia that you must visit.

Beijing, China - China is one of the best tourist destinations. The country is a perfect mixture of ancient culture and modern tourist attractions. Beijing, being the heart of China, is a city that must be visited. The city has several ancient museums. You can also visit other places like The Great Wall of China. Several ancient monasteries and Buddhists' worshiping places can also be visited here.

Tokyo, Japan - Japan is yet another place where you can plan an enjoyable yet an affordable trip. If you are a tech-savvy person, this is the city for you to visit. The place marks the world's most rapidly growing economy. You will find modern technology creeping in every tiny thing in life here. Also, the great food provided here is yet another reason why you must plan a trip to Tokyo.

Goa, India - While India houses several historical landmarks from the Mughals and the British, it is also a great place to visit if you want to relax at a lavish resort. Goa is the wealthiest city in India and houses a lavish beach. You can enjoy the natural beauty here along with pleasures like amazing casinos. It is the perfect place for a sunbath while sipping an iced drink!

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Malaysia is yet another beautiful place to visit. It is ideal for those who are interested in natural beauty and want to spend some time relaxing. You can relax on Malaysian beaches and live in extremely comfortable resorts. You can also shop in the famous Malaysian markets. The place is ideal for those who love shopping, since you can find amazing merchandise and alarmingly low rates.

All in all, Asia is a great continent for tourism. There are several countries here that can be visited without actually spending a fortune. Indeed, it is the place where you can have the time of your life!

To find the best Asia vacation packages, you can visit Affordable Asia!

Article Source: Sheza_Naeem

 

Beijing - Exploring the Underground City

In Beijing, there is the Underground City or also known as Dixiaa Cheng that is one of the tourist attractions. This is actually a shelter that was prepared against bombs. It is made up of a lot of tunnels under Beijing; the tunnels are networked. It was made in the 1970s as a means of preparation for what could have been a war with the Soviet Union. This article hopes to enlighten readers on what Beijing's Underground City is all about.

This was carefully designed. They were able to prepare this city complete with ventilation; the ventilation was made so that it could keep out chemicals and other substances from entering. It is estimated that around 300,000 people were needed to make this. This included adults and children. Amazingly, the tunnels were also built by the sweat of the brow as people used their hands.

Almost 40% of the people lived underneath; the rest moved to the hills. The people were so scared and paranoid that they lived this way. Rumor has it that that Mao Zedong had a special passage for him and his family to use if ever they needed to escape from Beijing.

The Underground City was opened in 2000. Tourists were able to visit some parts of this city until it was closed in 2008 for more renovation. Visitors could only enter through one entrance even though there are several entry passages. The network of the tunnels can actually lead to many other landmarks like the Forbidden City and has several exits. Underneath there are also some places that are labeled to teach tourists what the certain place was used for. Places such as the movie house and hospitals can be seen. Restaurants, schools, and other institutions were also included in its design. Mao Zedong's portrait also hangs.

A factory for silk is also found below and tourists get an overview of how silk was produced through the cocoons of a silkworm. Tourists can buy souvenirs too. Tourists can also find bunk beds and remains of what could have been stored underneath. Documentary films are available for tourists. The films show how the population was able to raise some of their food such as chicken and mushroom. The tour of the Underground City is circular and many parts of the tunnels have been closed off; tourists are not permitted inside. There are also some special rules such as no picture taking.

Although this is a tourist attraction, the locals are not allowed to go inside and many of them have already forgotten about this city. Some young couples like to hide out in the tunnels and the children who enjoy the thrill of playing in the dark also hide out there. Some parts of it above the ground have been made into hotels and shopping malls. The government has made sure the Underground City is clean.

Learning a nation's history first hand is a great learning experience and quite an adventure too! For more information on what else you can explore in Beijing, look for a Beijing tour. Visit this website to get help or information on Beijing tours.

Article Source: Lian_J_Plameras

 

Travel Guide to China

Vaccinations and Health

When you travel to China there are no compulsory vaccinations, but you should consider vaccinations against typhoid, Hepatitis A, tetanus and polio, and consult your GP for further advice. Take any vaccination certificate with you.

If you normally take prescription drugs you should carry a note from your doctor stating the treatment, drug name and dosage in case you need to get hold of a replacement supply.

Asthma sufferers should be prepared for very bad pollution, especially in the summer, that may affect their breathing. If you are travelling during the summer you should bring mosquito repellant.

Do not drink tap water. Your hotel may provide bottles of water in your room - if it is in the bathroom it is free, if it is elsewhere, you will be charged for it. When buying water always make sure the seal around the cap is unbroken.

Visas

If you are a British passport holder you will need a visa to travel to China. You can obtain one from the Chinese Embassy in London, and should enclose one passport-sized photograph and the applicable fee of around 30. Please ensure you have a full empty page in your passport and that it is valid for at least six months after the date you are due to exit China. British passport holders visiting Hong Kong for less than six months do not require a Hong Kong visa. On arrival in China you will be given 3 forms to complete, a Health Declaration Form, an Entry Card and a Customs Declaration Form.

Money

When you travel to China you will need Chinese currency, the Renminbi (RMB), which is also called the Yuan or the Kwai.

Sterling cash can be exchanged for RMB throughout China except in very rural areas where US dollars may be more popular - if you have some already bring them just in case. Make sure that when you take foreign currency into China that the notes are clean, unmarked and untorn, or they may not be accepted. Scottish banknotes are not accepted. Travellers cheques are accepted in China, sometimes for a slightly better rate of exchange than cash.

You can buy RMB before you arrive in China, from the airport on arrival, and probably also from your hotel reception as well as banks and exchange bureaux in all towns and cities. The exchange rate is regulated so rates are virtually the same everywhere. Ask for notes in small denominations as large notes for 50 or 100 RMB may be awkward for people to give change from.

Keep your receipts when you change money so that if you do have any RMB left over when you depart China, you can convert up to half of what is shown on your receipts back into sterling.

American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and Visa are widely accepted in the major cities and tourist centres, and there are cash machines to withdraw RMB using your PIN as at home. Cash however is the preferred method of payment.

In Hong Kong the currency is the Hong Kong dollar, and the rate is similar to RMB. Hong Kong dollars cannot be used in mainland China

Tipping

In mainland China tipping is not usually expected, although your guide or driver may deserve a token thanks. Low salaries are supplemented by tips for many workers.

In Hong Kong however, tips are expected. Restaurants there will usually add a 10% service charge, hotel bellboys should be tipped $5-$10 per piece of luggage, and taxi drivers will round the fare up to the nearest dollar as their tip.

Climate

When is the best time to travel to China? Generally speaking, spring and autumn are quite mild and so April, May, September and October are good times to travel to China. However, it is a good idea to avoid ravelling on the 1st May or 1st October as these are National Holidays, and also Chinese New Year - you may find hotels and planes full, the streets and attractions crowded as the Chinese are all on holiday. Beijing and the north - hot summers with rain in June and July, temperatures can reach 38 degrees C or 100 F. Winters are bitterly cold, rarely above freezing, and windy but often dry and sunny nevertheless. Spring and autumn are good times to travel, with temperatures around 20-30 degrees C or 68-86 F during the day, cooler at night.

Shanghai and central China - hot, humid, rainy summers, cold winters below freezing and often wet.

Guilin, Hong Kong and the south - hot, humid, rainy summers, with typhoons along the coast. Cool winters

Harbin and the north east - very very cold winters of -40 degrees - this is the home of snow and ice festivals! Mild summers.

Shopping

If you want to bring home some interesting momentous from your China travels, there are great-value and good quality objects produced all over the country. Beijing is noted for cloisonne enamel and fresh water pearls; Shanghai is renowned for jade; Xian is celebrated for antiques and rugs, while Guilin is famous for scroll paintings and bijouterie. Particularly, Suzhou and Hangzhou are well known for silk and tea.

Bargaining is common except in large stores and government-run shops, but make sure you and the seller understand the price correctly, and that you compare prices for similar goods on other stalls first. Be careful if buying jewellery or antiques unless you thoroughly understand the quality of what you are buying.
Buying clothes in China can be great fun especially from the markets where you can often find 'designer' labels at a fraction of the usual price - but of course these may be of inferior quality. Also be aware that clothes are often cut very small, and so you should consider buying a much larger size than you would do at home.

Time zone

China has the same time zone throughout the entire country, GMT + 8 hours from UK

Electricity

The voltage in China is 220 volts and there are lots of different plugs and sockets around the country - you should bring a multi-adaptor.

Your hotel

As English is not widely spoken, you are advised to carry the name, address and telephone number of the hotel where you are staying. Most hotel reception desks have small cards with the hotel address and telephone number in English and Chinese on opposite sides.

Flights in China

No alcohol may be carried in hand luggage on any domestic flight, and will be confiscated immediately if found. You should therefore transport alcohol only in your checked-in suitcases.

Telephones

In order to ring home from China, do not use the phone in your hotel room but buy a phone card for international calls from the reception desk or the airport or station - but be aware that the card might only be usable in the area you have bought it in, for example, cards bought in Beijing might not be usable in Shanghai.

Larger hotels have business centres where you can use the internet for a small fee. Larger cities also have internet cafes. Mobile phones with the major UK networks also operate in China.

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Article Source: Tara_Goldsmith