Picture white, sandy beaches, a bright blue sky and a gentle breeze. Coconuts drop at your feet from trees as the sand warms your feet while strolling along. No, you're not in Hawaii. You're in Hainan, the smallest province in China.
But, by Chinese standards, small has a slightly different meaning. Hainan covers over 35,000 square km and is home to over 7 million Chinese. At the southern end of the country, its natural beauty has long attracted visitors and fellow countrymen alike.
There are dozens of places to go and things to do in Hainan. Or, you can do nothing at all.
You can lounge on one of the many beautiful beaches in Sanya such as Tianya Haijia or Dadonghai. Take a walk around and enjoy some of the great seafood. You might visit one of the many shops. Shell carvings in many coastal towns around the world are just tourist trinkets. In Sanya, they're fine art.
Yalong Bay, east of Sanya, is one of the most popular beaches in the area. Covered with students during the height of the season, you can people watch or enjoy one of the longest stretches of beach sand in the world.
North of Sanya, you can visit the highlands. Cooler than some of the other areas during the summer, it provides ample opportunity for hiking. The local scenery is especially lush here.
Take a ferry trip to the capital of Haikou and see the Hairui Tomb, built for a famed officer of the Ming Dynasty. Or visit the popular Wugong Temple not far away.
Be sure to allow time to see Monkey Island. Here there are thousands of Macaque monkeys chattering away as you thread along the area. Only a ten minute ferry ride from Xincun, it's best seen in March or April, during mating season. You can enjoy yourself by purchasing a bag of peanuts and see whether they're easy to distract or not.
Xincun itself is a delightful little fishing village where you can enjoy a quiet stroll or interact with the friendly locals. Take some time to wander around and soak in the natural beauty of the land and its inhabitants.
You can visit the Li or Miao Villages, only two among the many that are home to the one million individuals who comprise the ethnic minority in Hainan. You'll be served some of the finest food available anywhere outside Hong Kong or Shanghai.
Come find out what so many already know: that anyone visiting China should have Hainan on their itinerary.
Thursday, 18 September 2008
Tuesday, 1 April 2008
Visit Shanghai City
Shanghai is a dynamic city, doing business at top speed and enjoying everything the new China has built.
There is more construction in Shanghai right now than in Manhattan, despite the fact that this Chinese business capital is much older. Hordes of cranes swing girders over the head of the population below all day. Given that the population is approaching 20 million, that's a lot of girders. But there's much more for tourists to do than watching buildings being built.
At one time Shanghai was the center of China's opium trade. But the days of thieves and prostitutes are long gone. Shanghai, called the 'City on the Sea' has evolved. It now boasts the country's stock market and is one of the world's major financial centers.
If offers one of the world's largest hotels, excellent dining and incomparable shopping. High-priced boutiques offer goods even a Parisian would not turn a nose up at. Givenchy, Lagerfeld and many more have stores here.
The Bund (Wai Tan) is a very popular sight in Shanghai. The name may sound German, but the area has a very international flavor. There are neo-classical buildings and a waterfront promenade full of busy locals and happy visitors.
Tourists rub shoulders with the street vendors in front of the Nisshin Kisen Kaisha Shipping building, built in 1925. The 7th floor restaurant is a local favorite. Others favor the roof terrace restaurant at the 1916 Union Assurance building. You can enjoy a breathtaking view of Pudong, where much of the major activity takes place.
Xintiandi is another of Shanghai's many refurbished areas. It now offers upscale clubs and restaurants, but it still retains the aura of its 19th century architecture. You'll be treated like visiting royalty.
The Yu Yuan Gardens have been receiving visitors for four centuries. And they remain one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. There are five acres of botanical treasures on display.
After a few hours spent viewing some of China's ancient history, tourists may want to see a modern example of Shanghai's creativity: The Oriental Pearl Tower (Dong Fang Ming Zhu). Visitors get a spectacular view of the city from the top of one of the world's tallest broadcasting towers. It's open day and night and the view is worth seeing both times.
The Shanghai Museum is one of the city's more recent additions. Built in 1996, it offers 11 modern galleries full of both contemporary and ancient objects. There are bronzes, ceramics, jade and furniture from the Ming dynasty. The sculpture collection is particularly impressive.
Shanghai sits alongside the Yangtze River and there are tours down that mammoth waterway that offer one of the best views of the city. You'll be competing for river space with lots of other boats, though. Shanghai is one of the busiest cargo ports in the world.
There are many other sights available not far from the dock. Ten Thousand-Flower Pavilion, the Grand Rockery and the Hall of Jade Magnificence are all well attended. Each is a great spot to take a break from all the activity.
There is more construction in Shanghai right now than in Manhattan, despite the fact that this Chinese business capital is much older. Hordes of cranes swing girders over the head of the population below all day. Given that the population is approaching 20 million, that's a lot of girders. But there's much more for tourists to do than watching buildings being built.
At one time Shanghai was the center of China's opium trade. But the days of thieves and prostitutes are long gone. Shanghai, called the 'City on the Sea' has evolved. It now boasts the country's stock market and is one of the world's major financial centers.
If offers one of the world's largest hotels, excellent dining and incomparable shopping. High-priced boutiques offer goods even a Parisian would not turn a nose up at. Givenchy, Lagerfeld and many more have stores here.
The Bund (Wai Tan) is a very popular sight in Shanghai. The name may sound German, but the area has a very international flavor. There are neo-classical buildings and a waterfront promenade full of busy locals and happy visitors.
Tourists rub shoulders with the street vendors in front of the Nisshin Kisen Kaisha Shipping building, built in 1925. The 7th floor restaurant is a local favorite. Others favor the roof terrace restaurant at the 1916 Union Assurance building. You can enjoy a breathtaking view of Pudong, where much of the major activity takes place.
Xintiandi is another of Shanghai's many refurbished areas. It now offers upscale clubs and restaurants, but it still retains the aura of its 19th century architecture. You'll be treated like visiting royalty.
The Yu Yuan Gardens have been receiving visitors for four centuries. And they remain one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. There are five acres of botanical treasures on display.
After a few hours spent viewing some of China's ancient history, tourists may want to see a modern example of Shanghai's creativity: The Oriental Pearl Tower (Dong Fang Ming Zhu). Visitors get a spectacular view of the city from the top of one of the world's tallest broadcasting towers. It's open day and night and the view is worth seeing both times.
The Shanghai Museum is one of the city's more recent additions. Built in 1996, it offers 11 modern galleries full of both contemporary and ancient objects. There are bronzes, ceramics, jade and furniture from the Ming dynasty. The sculpture collection is particularly impressive.
Shanghai sits alongside the Yangtze River and there are tours down that mammoth waterway that offer one of the best views of the city. You'll be competing for river space with lots of other boats, though. Shanghai is one of the busiest cargo ports in the world.
There are many other sights available not far from the dock. Ten Thousand-Flower Pavilion, the Grand Rockery and the Hall of Jade Magnificence are all well attended. Each is a great spot to take a break from all the activity.
Saturday, 19 January 2008
The China Terracotta Warriors
Completed around 210 BC at his death, the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is the equal of any pyramid. The tomb is located in Xi'an and represents one of the world's foremost archaeological sites. No pharaoh built a burial chamber with over 8,000 warriors standing guard over his riches.
Xi'an was the provincial capital of Shan'Xi Province for over 1,000 years. It is the starting point of the famed Silk Road, which was the trading route used by travelers for centuries. Today, most visitors come for the view of the emperor's tomb and Terracotta Warriors within.
Arrayed in three separate areas, there is a fourth devoid that has no figures (though no one knows why). Some warriors are lined up in formation, others sit atop horses. Many others are standing inside chariots. The smallest of the three pits is 64,500 square feet and holds 1,400 figures. But the larger area is huge: 6,000 warriors stand on over 172,000 square feet. The third area is mostly statues of officers, managing chariots drawn by four enormous horses.
The statues are not all cut from the same mold. The figures have different heights and facial features. The uniforms vary and many carry real weapons of the period. Sometimes known as Qin's Army, the clay for the six foot statues was composed from the surrounding hills. Six feet high may not sound tall today. But to the Chinese 2,000 years ago, they were near giants. They were once preserved and painted with a colorful lacquer, but it has now all worn off. The construction project spanned 35 years and employed hundreds of thousands of workers.
Many of them were buried in the tomb just as ancient workers on the pyramids were. Near the main tomb is a 250 foot/76m high pyramid of clay. It held rooms, hallways and other architectural features. Though one can only guess at the purpose, it may have served as a kind of construction project administrative center.
It isn't just the warriors that are impressive, though. The horses on which many are mounted are festooned with gems. Pearls stud the ceiling in the shape of the constellations as they were at the time. Many of the jewels are missing today, a result of theft.
Over the centuries the tomb and pyramid has suffered looting, fire and decay just as most archaeological sites have. Surprisingly, the tomb can be seen much as it must have been at the time. Much of that is the result of the careful restoration efforts.
Though nowhere near as old as the pyramids of Egypt, these statues continue to inspire awe over 2,000 years later, even if they are made of baked clay. This magnificent find was discovered accidentally in 1974 by some local fishermen digging a well. The word soon got to archaeologists who have been excavating it ever since. Visit The Terracotta Warriors and you'll readily see why.
Xi'an was the provincial capital of Shan'Xi Province for over 1,000 years. It is the starting point of the famed Silk Road, which was the trading route used by travelers for centuries. Today, most visitors come for the view of the emperor's tomb and Terracotta Warriors within.
Arrayed in three separate areas, there is a fourth devoid that has no figures (though no one knows why). Some warriors are lined up in formation, others sit atop horses. Many others are standing inside chariots. The smallest of the three pits is 64,500 square feet and holds 1,400 figures. But the larger area is huge: 6,000 warriors stand on over 172,000 square feet. The third area is mostly statues of officers, managing chariots drawn by four enormous horses.
The statues are not all cut from the same mold. The figures have different heights and facial features. The uniforms vary and many carry real weapons of the period. Sometimes known as Qin's Army, the clay for the six foot statues was composed from the surrounding hills. Six feet high may not sound tall today. But to the Chinese 2,000 years ago, they were near giants. They were once preserved and painted with a colorful lacquer, but it has now all worn off. The construction project spanned 35 years and employed hundreds of thousands of workers.
Many of them were buried in the tomb just as ancient workers on the pyramids were. Near the main tomb is a 250 foot/76m high pyramid of clay. It held rooms, hallways and other architectural features. Though one can only guess at the purpose, it may have served as a kind of construction project administrative center.
It isn't just the warriors that are impressive, though. The horses on which many are mounted are festooned with gems. Pearls stud the ceiling in the shape of the constellations as they were at the time. Many of the jewels are missing today, a result of theft.
Over the centuries the tomb and pyramid has suffered looting, fire and decay just as most archaeological sites have. Surprisingly, the tomb can be seen much as it must have been at the time. Much of that is the result of the careful restoration efforts.
Though nowhere near as old as the pyramids of Egypt, these statues continue to inspire awe over 2,000 years later, even if they are made of baked clay. This magnificent find was discovered accidentally in 1974 by some local fishermen digging a well. The word soon got to archaeologists who have been excavating it ever since. Visit The Terracotta Warriors and you'll readily see why.
Thursday, 29 November 2007
The Imperial Palace - Forbidden City in Beijing
Like China itself, the Imperial Palace in Beijing has come a long way in 600 years. Once the home of Emperors of one of the oldest civilizations on Earth, it now houses a Starbucks. Fortunately, alongside the encroaching commercial enterprises, the terrible grandeur of those bygone empires has been preserved within its massive walls.
The more than 800 buildings comprising the complex were first constructed in the early 15th century as a home, center of government and fortress for the Ming, and later Qing, emperors. For 500 years, until the establishment of the short-lived Chinese Republic in 1912, the grounds were the center of Chinese power.
The popular description for the Imperial Palace, Forbidden City, derives from the royal rule forbidding entrance to any but the royal retinue. Violation of the rule brought a sentence of death. That era is long gone, happily, and the palace is now one of the world's most popular tourist attractions.
And there is enough to see here at Zijin Cheng in Beijing to occupy all of a short vacation.
Covering 720,000 square meters (178 acres), and surrounded by ten meter (33ft) high walls, there are seventeen palaces. Surrounding the grounds are several Royal gardens. The colorful gardens are a perfect complement to the palaces themselves, as the Royal yellow dominates their rooftops.
Entrance is either through the north wall or the south wall. At the southern end is the Meridian Gate at the infamous Tiananmen Square. The northern entrance is via the Gate of the Divine Might, which faces Jingshan Park. The distance between the two is nearly a kilometer.
Within that space is the Outer Court encompassing three halls, once used for coronations and Imperial weddings. Given China's turbulent history the names are deeply ironic. The Hall of Supreme Harmony, which leads to the Imperial library, is just one example.
The Inner Court, on the northern and eastern end, holds another three halls that were used for daily administration of the country. Within the court is the Palace of Heavenly Purity, near the residence of the Emperor and his family and servants. Also at the northern end is one of the main Imperial gardens, home to many trees that are centuries old.
Within the walls are housed rare treasures collected over the centuries. Among these are a collection of unusual timepieces held in the Hall of Clocks. The Chinese were among the world's leading artisans and clockmakers, owing to their (for the time) advanced level of science and mathematics.
The Palace Museum, one of the more popular attractions, holds over a million artifacts, both rare and unusual. Everything from Royal robes to unique porcelain are displayed. Earthenware from the Stone Age, bronzes and jade artifacts from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, and pottery tomb figurines from the Han are part of the collection. Ancient and more modern paintings adorn the walls, along with scrolls and samples of calligraphy from down the centuries.
The Forbidden City in Beijing is only one of the many attractions of this ancient and dynamic city. But no visit to the capital of China would be complete without a day spent here.
The more than 800 buildings comprising the complex were first constructed in the early 15th century as a home, center of government and fortress for the Ming, and later Qing, emperors. For 500 years, until the establishment of the short-lived Chinese Republic in 1912, the grounds were the center of Chinese power.
The popular description for the Imperial Palace, Forbidden City, derives from the royal rule forbidding entrance to any but the royal retinue. Violation of the rule brought a sentence of death. That era is long gone, happily, and the palace is now one of the world's most popular tourist attractions.
And there is enough to see here at Zijin Cheng in Beijing to occupy all of a short vacation.
Covering 720,000 square meters (178 acres), and surrounded by ten meter (33ft) high walls, there are seventeen palaces. Surrounding the grounds are several Royal gardens. The colorful gardens are a perfect complement to the palaces themselves, as the Royal yellow dominates their rooftops.
Entrance is either through the north wall or the south wall. At the southern end is the Meridian Gate at the infamous Tiananmen Square. The northern entrance is via the Gate of the Divine Might, which faces Jingshan Park. The distance between the two is nearly a kilometer.
Within that space is the Outer Court encompassing three halls, once used for coronations and Imperial weddings. Given China's turbulent history the names are deeply ironic. The Hall of Supreme Harmony, which leads to the Imperial library, is just one example.
The Inner Court, on the northern and eastern end, holds another three halls that were used for daily administration of the country. Within the court is the Palace of Heavenly Purity, near the residence of the Emperor and his family and servants. Also at the northern end is one of the main Imperial gardens, home to many trees that are centuries old.
Within the walls are housed rare treasures collected over the centuries. Among these are a collection of unusual timepieces held in the Hall of Clocks. The Chinese were among the world's leading artisans and clockmakers, owing to their (for the time) advanced level of science and mathematics.
The Palace Museum, one of the more popular attractions, holds over a million artifacts, both rare and unusual. Everything from Royal robes to unique porcelain are displayed. Earthenware from the Stone Age, bronzes and jade artifacts from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, and pottery tomb figurines from the Han are part of the collection. Ancient and more modern paintings adorn the walls, along with scrolls and samples of calligraphy from down the centuries.
The Forbidden City in Beijing is only one of the many attractions of this ancient and dynamic city. But no visit to the capital of China would be complete without a day spent here.
Friday, 20 July 2007
The Great Wall of China
China's Great Wall - a Premium Tourist Attraction.
Under construction from the 3rd century BC to the 16th century AD, the Great Wall of China stretches from east to west across one of the largest countries in the world. From Shan-Hai Pass near Po Hai to Chia-Yu Pass, this around 6,000 km combination wall and string of fortresses is among the largest man-made objects on the planet. Even today minor repairs or reconstructions are continually being made.
Built to protect the 'Middle Kingdom' from raids by the Mongols, the Huns and other marauding tribes, the wall stretches across northern China, approaching within 60 km of Beijing. As a result, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations for visitors to that dynamic city.
The portions accessible to most visitors were constructed beginning around 1368 AD to roughly 1640 AD, with much of it in only the last hundred years of that period. Many watchtowers line the top, extending to the famed Gobi Desert and the oases of the Silk Road.
Tourists can see portions in all states of preservation and repair. In some areas, the limestone blocks are little more than rubble. Many areas, though, have remained intact or been restored. Those vsitors wanting to see it as it might have been can visit the reconstructed areas. Those who prefer their archaeological artifacts as nature has eroded them, devoid of crowds, can see that as well.
About an hour from Beijing is the section called Si Ma Tai. The section is rough and the climb would represent a challenge for many. But there are guides and assists for those requiring them.
Much of the terrain near the wall shown in photos appears dry and dusty, possibly discouraging a visit. But, in the area known as Mu Tian Yu, the wall is near heavily forested mountains, making the long trip well worth it.
The section known as Jin Shan Ling has not undergone reconstruction in the last 400 years. As a result, those who prefer their archaeological sites rough and un-retouched may want to visit this part.
For the truly hardy, there's the 10km walk from Jinshanling to Simatai with breathtaking views and few tourists. At the Simatai end, there's an 800m cable ride down, so you can rest your aching feet.
The section at Huanghua is more off the beaten track and hikers will enjoy the opportunity to climb the wall in uncrowded conditions. You can even camp out overnight, if you dare. Take care to travel in a group in order to avoid difficulty with the locals, though.
Badaling is one section that has been renovated and, as a result, tends to be more heavily populated with tourists. The upside is a much safer walk, where there's no risk of being accosted by locals attempting to make an unauthorized dollar out of your visit. It's also one of the closest sections to Beijing, representing a shorter trip there and back.
At whatever location the Great Wall is toured, the views of the surrounding scenery is as spectacular as the wall itself. Don't miss out on a visit to one of the world's most extraordinary sites in China.
Under construction from the 3rd century BC to the 16th century AD, the Great Wall of China stretches from east to west across one of the largest countries in the world. From Shan-Hai Pass near Po Hai to Chia-Yu Pass, this around 6,000 km combination wall and string of fortresses is among the largest man-made objects on the planet. Even today minor repairs or reconstructions are continually being made.
Built to protect the 'Middle Kingdom' from raids by the Mongols, the Huns and other marauding tribes, the wall stretches across northern China, approaching within 60 km of Beijing. As a result, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations for visitors to that dynamic city.
The portions accessible to most visitors were constructed beginning around 1368 AD to roughly 1640 AD, with much of it in only the last hundred years of that period. Many watchtowers line the top, extending to the famed Gobi Desert and the oases of the Silk Road.
Tourists can see portions in all states of preservation and repair. In some areas, the limestone blocks are little more than rubble. Many areas, though, have remained intact or been restored. Those vsitors wanting to see it as it might have been can visit the reconstructed areas. Those who prefer their archaeological artifacts as nature has eroded them, devoid of crowds, can see that as well.
About an hour from Beijing is the section called Si Ma Tai. The section is rough and the climb would represent a challenge for many. But there are guides and assists for those requiring them.
Much of the terrain near the wall shown in photos appears dry and dusty, possibly discouraging a visit. But, in the area known as Mu Tian Yu, the wall is near heavily forested mountains, making the long trip well worth it.
The section known as Jin Shan Ling has not undergone reconstruction in the last 400 years. As a result, those who prefer their archaeological sites rough and un-retouched may want to visit this part.
For the truly hardy, there's the 10km walk from Jinshanling to Simatai with breathtaking views and few tourists. At the Simatai end, there's an 800m cable ride down, so you can rest your aching feet.
The section at Huanghua is more off the beaten track and hikers will enjoy the opportunity to climb the wall in uncrowded conditions. You can even camp out overnight, if you dare. Take care to travel in a group in order to avoid difficulty with the locals, though.
Badaling is one section that has been renovated and, as a result, tends to be more heavily populated with tourists. The upside is a much safer walk, where there's no risk of being accosted by locals attempting to make an unauthorized dollar out of your visit. It's also one of the closest sections to Beijing, representing a shorter trip there and back.
At whatever location the Great Wall is toured, the views of the surrounding scenery is as spectacular as the wall itself. Don't miss out on a visit to one of the world's most extraordinary sites in China.
Tour China
Tour China - The Land of Awe
Quick China Travel Statistics:
With a population over 1.3 billion, a land mass almost 9.6 million square kilometers and a culture over 5,000 years old, China is a vast country in every sense.
One of the world's largest politically unified areas (fourth after Russia, Canada and the U.S.), the country is bordered by a dozen others, both small and large. Several small Asian countries - such as Burma, Vietnam and Laos - are to the south, with a portion of the borders of India and Pakistan to the east. Large percentages of the borders of Mongolia, Russia and Kazakhstan lie to the north.
Much of the eastern border is water, with large mountains and plateaus to the west. The country is host to every kind of terrain from Mount Everest to the shore of the East China Sea.
Thousands of years of exotic art and (for the age) leading edge technology have been produced over the millennia. A country of diverse peoples and dozens of languages, it is almost misleading to refer to it by a single name. Known chiefly to westerners for its political system and a few outstanding sites such as the Great Wall, China might better be viewed as several countries combined.
Though Beijing is the official capital, a country this size and varied actually has several unofficial capitals.
Hong Kong is unquestionably the financial center of China, indeed one of three such centers in the world, along with London and New York. But there's much more to Hong Kong than business. The city hosts some of the best sights anywhere - Victoria's Peak, Harbor tours and a dozen more.
Shanghai, with a population of 20 million housed in over 5,800 sq km, this ancient wonder is now one of China's - and the world's - leading industrial centers. It's also one of the country's tourist meccas.
Visitors to Shanghai can do much more than marvel at China's economic boom, though. The Urban Planning Center shows the city as it was and will be. The Xiang Yang Market is the perfect place for those who have already seen San Francisco's and London's shopping opportunities. Not far away in Suzhou is the Grand Canal and night boat trips.
Then there is Beijing itself. Nearly 15 million live and work in this area of 16,410 sq km. Among these industrious people are temples, modern skyscrapers and some of the world's oldest art and newest technology.
Here is found the world renowned Great Wall, the well known Forbidden City and the infamous Tiananmen Square. Here, too, is the world's largest concentration of mobile phone users. Alongside the completely modern is ancient silk artifacts. Nearby the historical Tibetan Lamasery there are up-to-the-minute first-class hotels and restaurants.
No tour of China would be complete without seeing the justly world-renowned Beijing Zoo. Much more than a home for pandas, the site that was once a private royal garden is now among the chief centers for animal study and display. With over 6,000 samples of 570 species from all over the country, the rare golden monkeys have plenty of company.
Perhaps your interest is in the man-made wonder of 6,000 life-size Terracotta Warriors. Or, maybe you would prefer the natural awe-inspiring Three Gorges on the Yangtze River and the peaks of Mount Everest.
Whatever interests you, touring China is a must with a vast array of attractions and sightseeing.
Quick China Travel Statistics:
With a population over 1.3 billion, a land mass almost 9.6 million square kilometers and a culture over 5,000 years old, China is a vast country in every sense.
One of the world's largest politically unified areas (fourth after Russia, Canada and the U.S.), the country is bordered by a dozen others, both small and large. Several small Asian countries - such as Burma, Vietnam and Laos - are to the south, with a portion of the borders of India and Pakistan to the east. Large percentages of the borders of Mongolia, Russia and Kazakhstan lie to the north.
Much of the eastern border is water, with large mountains and plateaus to the west. The country is host to every kind of terrain from Mount Everest to the shore of the East China Sea.
Thousands of years of exotic art and (for the age) leading edge technology have been produced over the millennia. A country of diverse peoples and dozens of languages, it is almost misleading to refer to it by a single name. Known chiefly to westerners for its political system and a few outstanding sites such as the Great Wall, China might better be viewed as several countries combined.
Though Beijing is the official capital, a country this size and varied actually has several unofficial capitals.
Hong Kong is unquestionably the financial center of China, indeed one of three such centers in the world, along with London and New York. But there's much more to Hong Kong than business. The city hosts some of the best sights anywhere - Victoria's Peak, Harbor tours and a dozen more.
Shanghai, with a population of 20 million housed in over 5,800 sq km, this ancient wonder is now one of China's - and the world's - leading industrial centers. It's also one of the country's tourist meccas.
Visitors to Shanghai can do much more than marvel at China's economic boom, though. The Urban Planning Center shows the city as it was and will be. The Xiang Yang Market is the perfect place for those who have already seen San Francisco's and London's shopping opportunities. Not far away in Suzhou is the Grand Canal and night boat trips.
Then there is Beijing itself. Nearly 15 million live and work in this area of 16,410 sq km. Among these industrious people are temples, modern skyscrapers and some of the world's oldest art and newest technology.
Here is found the world renowned Great Wall, the well known Forbidden City and the infamous Tiananmen Square. Here, too, is the world's largest concentration of mobile phone users. Alongside the completely modern is ancient silk artifacts. Nearby the historical Tibetan Lamasery there are up-to-the-minute first-class hotels and restaurants.
No tour of China would be complete without seeing the justly world-renowned Beijing Zoo. Much more than a home for pandas, the site that was once a private royal garden is now among the chief centers for animal study and display. With over 6,000 samples of 570 species from all over the country, the rare golden monkeys have plenty of company.
Perhaps your interest is in the man-made wonder of 6,000 life-size Terracotta Warriors. Or, maybe you would prefer the natural awe-inspiring Three Gorges on the Yangtze River and the peaks of Mount Everest.
Whatever interests you, touring China is a must with a vast array of attractions and sightseeing.
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