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See the historical sites, lose yourself in the local culture, fill up on the arts, and stay at the most beautiful hotels you could possibly imagine. in the summer! With the freezing temperatures that have pushed their way into Beijing this year, such activities could make you loose a toe or finger to frostbite if you are not careful. But don't let the Siberian cold fronts stop you because they create a whole different Houhai experience that can only be enjoyed when things get a little bit nippy. Houhai Lake is now well frozen, so it's high time you put down your hot coco or coffee, throw an extra layer on and head downtown. Don't just go after work for a nice dinner and a beer at a pub because you will miss the whole winter experience. The best time to get a feel of Houhai's winter fun is in the late morning or early afternoon on the weekend. The frozen lake bursts into life with ice skaters, hockey lessons, ice sleds and even a local polar bear club. In an admirable effort to bring sanity to the crowds, the icy lake is divided into various sections according to the chosen activity. Quite bizarre and pointless given the immeasurably more fun ice sleds, but it's there nonetheless. It costs 10 yuan to get onto the frozen lake and 20 to rent an ice sled (other things are more expensive), but the fun you can have with your family, friends or lover is well worth it. The best plan in my opinion is to head there earlier in the morning spend an hour or two playing on the ice and then enjoy a nice lunch in one of the many restaurants or bars that line the lake. After lunch, if it is not too cold, you can enjoy a nice walk through the hutong shops or even enjoy a hot drink at a local cafe. Just watch out for those annoying bike taxi/tour guides that assault you with requests of patronage every two seconds. It's much nicer to go exploring yourself. It's well worth your time, so what are you waiting for, get out there and enjoy some winter fun at Houhai Lake. Once the spring comes around, you will have to wait through the hot muggy Beijing summer before you can enjoy its wintry delights again. When you compare a junket to Las Vegas to vacations to China, there is really no comparison. Occupying ancient hutong the bars and shops offer a unique ambiance and artsy feel that have made it popular. Nearly all agree that sitting on couches by Houhai Lake while talking with your friends or slowly strolling through the hutong shops is very nice ...If you are sick of the phoniness of the neon and craziness of Vegas, China can offer you serenity, wonder, and an amazing adventure. Either that, or go gamble your money away over cheap margaritas and flashy decor with the other party animals. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471814.htm www.china.org.cn Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment than its seedy Sanlitun cousin. 2010-02-25 10:36:08.0 Slipping into a fun time at Houhai  fun time, China, Beijing, Houhai, Lake, Sanlitun cousin, Hutong Slipping into a fun time at Houhai Slipping into a fun time at Houhai 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment than its seedy Sanlitun cousin. The chatter, laughter and motion add a certain excitement. It's such a mix of interesting people. Lovers embrace as they peck each other's frozen lips at the edge of the lake while families with little children slip and slide with laughter in the middle. To round things out, near a small island in the middle of the lake vendors have set up small booths where you can play games like throwing darts at balloons or even buy snacks and drinks. But easily the strangest thing on the ice has to be an oversized goat wearing little leather booties. For a small fee, you can rent the goat to pull you around the ice on a sled. Really, there is no comparison between the two. China offers so much more in a vacation. Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' China for Vacation Offers Serenity in Spades China offers so much more in a vacation.At other points, the Wall looks as it might do in the aftermath of an earthquake. This section has been in place for more than 400 years and dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when it was either built or restored. The section is, for the most part, in its original condition, and although the temperature hovers around freezing point, Liu has long since stuffed his jacket into his rucksack as he tackles yet another steep incline. "Badaling is swarming with tourists and T-shirt sellers. After that, the route rises steeply once again with a 150-m drop on one side. Only a few tourists make it to the highest point of the Simatai Wall section where the "Heaven's Ladder" route leads to the 986-m-high "Beijing View" and "Angel's Tower." Not surprising really, as this section is 80-degrees steep in places and demands not only courage but a certain degree of climbing experience. The two towers on "Heaven's Bridge" are linked by a narrow 100-m-long ridge that is just 40 cm wide in places. Either that, or go gamble your money away over cheap margaritas and flashy decor with the other party animals. If you are sick of the phoniness of the neon and craziness of Vegas, China can offer you serenity, wonder, and an amazing adventure. Really, there is no comparison between the two. "Now I know how (Barack) Obama felt when he visited the Wall," says Ayers, in reference to the time China's most famous site was cordoned off at Badaling for the visit of the US president in November last year. "But I bet he didn't have to get up so early," he adds. When you compare a junket to Las Vegas to vacations to China, there is really no comparison. Here we really have the Wall to ourselves," says Liu, who has come across just three hawkers and two other hikers in three hours. The pair passes by over 30 watchtowers with long stretches of Wall in between before they finally reach Simatai, where a second ticket has to be purchased if they want to progress any further. There is also another toll to cross a rope bridge from the eastern to the western section of the Simatai section. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471765.htm www.china.org.cn Vincent Liu has spent the last 13 years living in Beijing and has often seen the Great Wall at its most popular and well-known section, in Badaling, but that doesn't compare to what awaits him at the segment from Jinshanling to Simatai. 2010-02-25 10:34:14.0 Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' China, Great wall, Badaling, Beijing, hreo, wimter, Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Vincent Liu has spent the last 13 years living in Beijing and has often seen the Great Wall at its most popular and well-known section, in Badaling, but that doesn't compare to what awaits him at the segment from Jinshanling to Simatai. Here, is what Liu calls the "real" Great Wall, a place where every meter has not been painstakingly restored. Having set off from the Chinese capital at 4 am, Liu eventually reaches his destination, 120 km northeast of Beijing, shortly after 9am with the sun still battling to shine through the early morning winter mist. The trip has cost Liu and his companion from London, John Ayers, 100 yuan ($15), although an organized tour to the same location, where visitors are collected from their hotel, would cost three times as much. Liu and Ayers not only wanted to save money but also wanted to travel independently of a tour group, so they would have the Great Wall to themselves. The walk along the Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai takes four to five hours and in contrast to Badaling, resembles a roller coaster without a safety certificate. The steep, undulating stairways are particularly dangerous, as many of the steps have crumbled away. Whoever surmounts this challenge can enjoy a view of the lights of Beijing, as well as the title of "Hero of the Chinese Wall". For Liu and Sayers, an ascent up Heaven's Ladder would be too dangerous on this occasion as both already feel exhausted after their long trek from Beijing. But neither feels any sense of disappointment. See the historical sites, lose yourself in the local culture, fill up on the arts, and stay at the most beautiful hotels you could possibly imagine.

Tags: china, lake, houhai, ice, section

But if you visit the usual online travel sites, you will find that many of them will offer flight and hotel packages to the larger cities like Beijing. You will find that the results are not the same as when you search for a package to a Western destination � with China, you will likely find more dedicated tour operators who specialize only in trips in and around China. Of course, you can do a search online for deals and packages going to China. Quite bizarre and pointless given the immeasurably more fun ice sleds, but it's there nonetheless. It costs 10 yuan to get onto the frozen lake and 20 to rent an ice sled (other things are more expensive), but the fun you can have with your family, friends or lover is well worth it. The best plan in my opinion is to head there earlier in the morning spend an hour or two playing on the ice and then enjoy a nice lunch in one of the many restaurants or bars that line the lake. After lunch, if it is not too cold, you can enjoy a nice walk through the hutong shops or even enjoy a hot drink at a local cafe. Just watch out for those annoying bike taxi/tour guides that assault you with requests of patronage every two seconds. It's much nicer to go exploring yourself. It's well worth your time, so what are you waiting for, get out there and enjoy some winter fun at Houhai Lake. Once the spring comes around, you will have to wait through the hot muggy Beijing summer before you can enjoy its wintry delights again. If you are considering a trip to Asia, you might be surprised at how hard it is to find a good package deal. Occupying ancient hutong the bars and shops offer a unique ambiance and artsy feel that have made it popular. Nearly all agree that sitting on couches by Houhai Lake while talking with your friends or slowly strolling through the hutong shops is very nice ...There are trips galore to New York, Paris or even Las Vegas � but how do you find China vacation packages? The chatter, laughter and motion add a certain excitement. It's such a mix of interesting people. Lovers embrace as they peck each other's frozen lips at the edge of the lake while families with little children slip and slide with laughter in the middle. To round things out, near a small island in the middle of the lake vendors have set up small booths where you can play games like throwing darts at balloons or even buy snacks and drinks. But easily the strangest thing on the ice has to be an oversized goat wearing little leather booties. For a small fee, you can rent the goat to pull you around the ice on a sled. in the summer! With the freezing temperatures that have pushed their way into Beijing this year, such activities could make you loose a toe or finger to frostbite if you are not careful. But don't let the Siberian cold fronts stop you because they create a whole different Houhai experience that can only be enjoyed when things get a little bit nippy. Houhai Lake is now well frozen, so it's high time you put down your hot coco or coffee, throw an extra layer on and head downtown. Don't just go after work for a nice dinner and a beer at a pub because you will miss the whole winter experience. The best time to get a feel of Houhai's winter fun is in the late morning or early afternoon on the weekend. The frozen lake bursts into life with ice skaters, hockey lessons, ice sleds and even a local polar bear club. In an admirable effort to bring sanity to the crowds, the icy lake is divided into various sections according to the chosen activity. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471814.htm www.china.org.cn Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment than its seedy Sanlitun cousin. 2010-02-25 10:36:08.0 Slipping into a fun time at Houhai  fun time, China, Beijing, Houhai, Lake, Sanlitun cousin, Hutong Slipping into a fun time at Houhai Slipping into a fun time at Houhai 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment than its seedy Sanlitun cousin. These packages are less likely to be the ones you see in random ads online, but just because they are not published does not mean they are not offered. Check with your favorite online travel site, and you might be pleasantly surprised. Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' China for Vacation Offers Serenity in Spades After that, the route rises steeply once again with a 150-m drop on one side. Only a few tourists make it to the highest point of the Simatai Wall section where the "Heaven's Ladder" route leads to the 986-m-high "Beijing View" and "Angel's Tower." Not surprising really, as this section is 80-degrees steep in places and demands not only courage but a certain degree of climbing experience. The two towers on "Heaven's Bridge" are linked by a narrow 100-m-long ridge that is just 40 cm wide in places. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471765.htm www.china.org.cn Vincent Liu has spent the last 13 years living in Beijing and has often seen the Great Wall at its most popular and well-known section, in Badaling, but that doesn't compare to what awaits him at the segment from Jinshanling to Simatai. 2010-02-25 10:34:14.0 Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' China, Great wall, Badaling, Beijing, hreo, wimter, Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Vincent Liu has spent the last 13 years living in Beijing and has often seen the Great Wall at its most popular and well-known section, in Badaling, but that doesn't compare to what awaits him at the segment from Jinshanling to Simatai. Here, is what Liu calls the "real" Great Wall, a place where every meter has not been painstakingly restored. Having set off from the Chinese capital at 4 am, Liu eventually reaches his destination, 120 km northeast of Beijing, shortly after 9am with the sun still battling to shine through the early morning winter mist. The trip has cost Liu and his companion from London, John Ayers, 100 yuan ($15), although an organized tour to the same location, where visitors are collected from their hotel, would cost three times as much. Liu and Ayers not only wanted to save money but also wanted to travel independently of a tour group, so they would have the Great Wall to themselves. The walk along the Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai takes four to five hours and in contrast to Badaling, resembles a roller coaster without a safety certificate. The steep, undulating stairways are particularly dangerous, as many of the steps have crumbled away. At other points, the Wall looks as it might do in the aftermath of an earthquake. This section has been in place for more than 400 years and dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when it was either built or restored. The section is, for the most part, in its original condition, and although the temperature hovers around freezing point, Liu has long since stuffed his jacket into his rucksack as he tackles yet another steep incline. "Badaling is swarming with tourists and T-shirt sellers. "Now I know how (Barack) Obama felt when he visited the Wall," says Ayers, in reference to the time China's most famous site was cordoned off at Badaling for the visit of the US president in November last year. "But I bet he didn't have to get up so early," he adds. When you compare a junket to Las Vegas to vacations to China, there is really no comparison. Either that, or go gamble your money away over cheap margaritas and flashy decor with the other party animals. China offers so much more in a vacation.Really, there is no comparison between the two. Whoever surmounts this challenge can enjoy a view of the lights of Beijing, as well as the title of "Hero of the Chinese Wall". For Liu and Sayers, an ascent up Heaven's Ladder would be too dangerous on this occasion as both already feel exhausted after their long trek from Beijing. But neither feels any sense of disappointment. See the historical sites, lose yourself in the local culture, fill up on the arts, and stay at the most beautiful hotels you could possibly imagine. Here we really have the Wall to ourselves," says Liu, who has come across just three hawkers and two other hikers in three hours. The pair passes by over 30 watchtowers with long stretches of Wall in between before they finally reach Simatai, where a second ticket has to be purchased if they want to progress any further. There is also another toll to cross a rope bridge from the eastern to the western section of the Simatai section. If you are sick of the phoniness of the neon and craziness of Vegas, China can offer you serenity, wonder, and an amazing adventure.

Tags: lake, houhai, ice, package, china

Café street with some hip shops thrown in.Address: Nan Luo Gu Xiang near Gu Lou Dong Da Jie. A savvy shopper will check online first to see if dedicated Chinese providers can offer them a good deal. The workshop exhibits pieces made by their resident artists. Cool shops: The Pottery Workshop at #23 Nan Luo Gu Xiang. Here's the address in Chinese 南锣鼓巷.Daily. You never know when your next camping trip will be and your retro mug will be the envy of the campfire. If you need to refuel, don’t miss Fish Nation at #31. Compare the different prices you find from these options, and you are sure to find a deal that will enable you to visit the wonderful sights of China on your next vacation.Other options include seeking out a local travel agent who specializes in overseas travel, or contacting the airlines directly to see if they have a partnership with a tour company in China. If you’re there to shop, you should be ok before 7pm.Nan Luo Gu Xiang is pronounced “nahn loo-oh goo shang”. If not, national online travel providers can usually be counted on to find a package for you. Buy your best friend a floppy Mao Zedong (or Fidel Castro, all the good Commie leaders are represented) doll, Peking Opera puppets or a wacky umbrella. Plastered T-shirts at #61 is worth a stop for all your gift needs back home. If you can’t decide, buy an enamel-ware covered mug. The street runs north-south between Gu Lou Dong Jie and Ping An Da Dao.Nan Luo Gu Xiang is great to just wander down starting at one end and browsing your way to the other. While it would be difficult to take one of their larger pieces home, they’ve got lovely small pieces like teacups and jars that pack nicely. Shops tend to open around 10am and have variable closing times. Buy everyone a hip t-shirt with retro designs. They have studios in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Jingdezhen (China’s ceramics capital) as well as the Beijing studio. Grifted at #32 is a fabulous store full of crazy Chinese-inspired toys and gifts. With nearly half the artists also teaching, inquire at the workshop if you’re interested in studying ceramics with the workshop. Owned by Shanghai’s favorite hole-in-the-wall Southern Barbarian , you can chow on some fish and chips and very good beer. If you look hard enough, there are China vacation packages to be had. Cafés and bars, early till late. They’ve got kids’, women’s and men’s. Red Underwear for CNY Vacationing In China Offers Everything (the Chinese Zodiac uses a cycle of 12), termed benming nian , or the meeting of one’s zodiac year, traditional Chinese belief is that it can be an unlucky year. Red is one of the luckiest colors in Chinese traditions, standing for loyalty, success and happiness. If you’re really traditional, you should wear red every day, all year long. For those turning 12, 24, 36 etc. Every winter, red underwear decorated with gold embroidery usually illustrating the pertinent zodiac animal go on sale in China’s stores. To ward off any dangers that might befall you in your benming nian , it helps to wear red. If you’ve been inside a department store in China from December to February , you might be wondering what the strange winter fashion surrounding red underwear is. If you’re not a big fan of the color red in your outer wardrobe, red underwear is an easy way to protect yourself against the hazards of benming nian . Most prominent in the men’s section, red underwear is one of the most popular gifts for sweethearts to exchange around Chinese New Year . So, this winter’s fashion it is not. Better ask your sweetheart for more than one pair! China vacations might not have the popular appeal of some destinations, but there are some truly wonderful sights to behold in China. Among the many things to see are the Great Wall, a series of structures that have survived for centuries and long ago, kept marauding invaders from attacking Chinese cities; the Xi�an Terracotta Warriors, discovered less than fifty years ago by a farmer trying to drill a new water well, and featuring over eight thousand individual figures; and the Forbidden City, a former Imperial Palace that got its name from the days when no one could leave or enter it without the approval of the Emperor. vacation in China China Packages china vacations Bejing

Tags: china, red, chinese, gu, vacation

Quite bizarre and pointless given the immeasurably more fun ice sleds, but it's there nonetheless. It costs 10 yuan to get onto the frozen lake and 20 to rent an ice sled (other things are more expensive), but the fun you can have with your family, friends or lover is well worth it. The best plan in my opinion is to head there earlier in the morning spend an hour or two playing on the ice and then enjoy a nice lunch in one of the many restaurants or bars that line the lake. After lunch, if it is not too cold, you can enjoy a nice walk through the hutong shops or even enjoy a hot drink at a local cafe. Just watch out for those annoying bike taxi/tour guides that assault you with requests of patronage every two seconds. It's much nicer to go exploring yourself. It's well worth your time, so what are you waiting for, get out there and enjoy some winter fun at Houhai Lake. Once the spring comes around, you will have to wait through the hot muggy Beijing summer before you can enjoy its wintry delights again. If you are looking for something more spiritual, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the Da Ci�en Temple offers a beautiful example of the Buddhist influence on Chinese culture in the 7th century. The chatter, laughter and motion add a certain excitement. It's such a mix of interesting people. Lovers embrace as they peck each other's frozen lips at the edge of the lake while families with little children slip and slide with laughter in the middle. To round things out, near a small island in the middle of the lake vendors have set up small booths where you can play games like throwing darts at balloons or even buy snacks and drinks. But easily the strangest thing on the ice has to be an oversized goat wearing little leather booties. For a small fee, you can rent the goat to pull you around the ice on a sled. There is a variety of statuaries and pieces of art on display here, and the natural serenity makes this a must see for peace and relaxation seekers who are in China for vacation. in the summer! With the freezing temperatures that have pushed their way into Beijing this year, such activities could make you loose a toe or finger to frostbite if you are not careful. But don't let the Siberian cold fronts stop you because they create a whole different Houhai experience that can only be enjoyed when things get a little bit nippy. Houhai Lake is now well frozen, so it's high time you put down your hot coco or coffee, throw an extra layer on and head downtown. Don't just go after work for a nice dinner and a beer at a pub because you will miss the whole winter experience. The best time to get a feel of Houhai's winter fun is in the late morning or early afternoon on the weekend. The frozen lake bursts into life with ice skaters, hockey lessons, ice sleds and even a local polar bear club. In an admirable effort to bring sanity to the crowds, the icy lake is divided into various sections according to the chosen activity. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471814.htm www.china.org.cn Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment than its seedy Sanlitun cousin. 2010-02-25 10:36:08.0 Slipping into a fun time at Houhai  fun time, China, Beijing, Houhai, Lake, Sanlitun cousin, Hutong Slipping into a fun time at Houhai Slipping into a fun time at Houhai 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment than its seedy Sanlitun cousin. Occupying ancient hutong the bars and shops offer a unique ambiance and artsy feel that have made it popular. Nearly all agree that sitting on couches by Houhai Lake while talking with your friends or slowly strolling through the hutong shops is very nice ... Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' China Vacations Offer Three �Must See� Places "Now I know how (Barack) Obama felt when he visited the Wall," says Ayers, in reference to the time China's most famous site was cordoned off at Badaling for the visit of the US president in November last year. "But I bet he didn't have to get up so early," he adds. The Forbidden City complex in Beijing is another must on any sight-seer�s list of amazing Chinese places. It was known as the Forbidden City, because during its heyday, permission to enter or leave its walls had to be granted by the Emperor himself. There are other wonderful sights to see in China, but these three are ones that simply cannot be missed when you visit the country.At other points, the Wall looks as it might do in the aftermath of an earthquake. This section has been in place for more than 400 years and dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when it was either built or restored. The section is, for the most part, in its original condition, and although the temperature hovers around freezing point, Liu has long since stuffed his jacket into his rucksack as he tackles yet another steep incline. "Badaling is swarming with tourists and T-shirt sellers. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471765.htm www.china.org.cn Vincent Liu has spent the last 13 years living in Beijing and has often seen the Great Wall at its most popular and well-known section, in Badaling, but that doesn't compare to what awaits him at the segment from Jinshanling to Simatai. 2010-02-25 10:34:14.0 Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' China, Great wall, Badaling, Beijing, hreo, wimter, Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Vincent Liu has spent the last 13 years living in Beijing and has often seen the Great Wall at its most popular and well-known section, in Badaling, but that doesn't compare to what awaits him at the segment from Jinshanling to Simatai. Here, is what Liu calls the "real" Great Wall, a place where every meter has not been painstakingly restored. Having set off from the Chinese capital at 4 am, Liu eventually reaches his destination, 120 km northeast of Beijing, shortly after 9am with the sun still battling to shine through the early morning winter mist. The trip has cost Liu and his companion from London, John Ayers, 100 yuan ($15), although an organized tour to the same location, where visitors are collected from their hotel, would cost three times as much. Liu and Ayers not only wanted to save money but also wanted to travel independently of a tour group, so they would have the Great Wall to themselves. The walk along the Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai takes four to five hours and in contrast to Badaling, resembles a roller coaster without a safety certificate. The steep, undulating stairways are particularly dangerous, as many of the steps have crumbled away. Today, it is a major tourist attraction in Beijing, drawing people freely through its gates to admire the architecture, the parks and green spaces, and the narrow passages between them. Here we really have the Wall to ourselves," says Liu, who has come across just three hawkers and two other hikers in three hours. The pair passes by over 30 watchtowers with long stretches of Wall in between before they finally reach Simatai, where a second ticket has to be purchased if they want to progress any further. There is also another toll to cross a rope bridge from the eastern to the western section of the Simatai section. This building complex was once the Imperial Palace, and now houses the Palace Museum. Whoever surmounts this challenge can enjoy a view of the lights of Beijing, as well as the title of "Hero of the Chinese Wall". For Liu and Sayers, an ascent up Heaven's Ladder would be too dangerous on this occasion as both already feel exhausted after their long trek from Beijing. But neither feels any sense of disappointment. After that, the route rises steeply once again with a 150-m drop on one side. Only a few tourists make it to the highest point of the Simatai Wall section where the "Heaven's Ladder" route leads to the 986-m-high "Beijing View" and "Angel's Tower." Not surprising really, as this section is 80-degrees steep in places and demands not only courage but a certain degree of climbing experience. The two towers on "Heaven's Bridge" are linked by a narrow 100-m-long ridge that is just 40 cm wide in places. Chinese vacation goers are often overwhelmed by this site, and have been known to spend hours, wandering the length and breadth of it. Bejing china vacations Yangtze River Cruises China Packages

Tags: lake, ice, houhai, enjoy, china

Check with your favorite online travel site, and you might be pleasantly surprised.But if you visit the usual online travel sites, you will find that many of them will offer flight and hotel packages to the larger cities like Beijing. Of course, you can do a search online for deals and packages going to China. Café street with some hip shops thrown in.Address: Nan Luo Gu Xiang near Gu Lou Dong Da Jie. These packages are less likely to be the ones you see in random ads online, but just because they are not published does not mean they are not offered. While it would be difficult to take one of their larger pieces home, they’ve got lovely small pieces like teacups and jars that pack nicely. Here's the address in Chinese 南锣鼓巷.Daily. Owned by Shanghai’s favorite hole-in-the-wall Southern Barbarian , you can chow on some fish and chips and very good beer. If you are considering a trip to Asia, you might be surprised at how hard it is to find a good package deal. If you’re there to shop, you should be ok before 7pm.Nan Luo Gu Xiang is pronounced “nahn loo-oh goo shang”. Shops tend to open around 10am and have variable closing times. The street runs north-south between Gu Lou Dong Jie and Ping An Da Dao.Nan Luo Gu Xiang is great to just wander down starting at one end and browsing your way to the other. You will find that the results are not the same as when you search for a package to a Western destination � with China, you will likely find more dedicated tour operators who specialize only in trips in and around China. With nearly half the artists also teaching, inquire at the workshop if you’re interested in studying ceramics with the workshop. Buy your best friend a floppy Mao Zedong (or Fidel Castro, all the good Commie leaders are represented) doll, Peking Opera puppets or a wacky umbrella. Plastered T-shirts at #61 is worth a stop for all your gift needs back home. They have studios in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Jingdezhen (China’s ceramics capital) as well as the Beijing studio. Grifted at #32 is a fabulous store full of crazy Chinese-inspired toys and gifts. They’ve got kids’, women’s and men’s. Buy everyone a hip t-shirt with retro designs. You never know when your next camping trip will be and your retro mug will be the envy of the campfire. If you need to refuel, don’t miss Fish Nation at #31. There are trips galore to New York, Paris or even Las Vegas � but how do you find China vacation packages? Cafés and bars, early till late. If you can’t decide, buy an enamel-ware covered mug. Cool shops: The Pottery Workshop at #23 Nan Luo Gu Xiang. The workshop exhibits pieces made by their resident artists. Red Underwear for CNY China for Vacation Offers Serenity in Spades The tour guides know the best places to eat, and will lead you to small, unknown little restaurants that will serve food so good, you will want to leave a trail of breadcrumbs back to the hotel. Red is one of the luckiest colors in Chinese traditions, standing for loyalty, success and happiness. One of the great sights that you might be able to view in China includes the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Tour groups love to stop at sites like these, and often offer group tours through some of the buildings and parkways. Every winter, red underwear decorated with gold embroidery usually illustrating the pertinent zodiac animal go on sale in China’s stores. These human-powered wagons offer a great view of the cities you visit, and often take you down routes that a cab or bus would never go. If you’re not a big fan of the color red in your outer wardrobe, red underwear is an easy way to protect yourself against the hazards of benming nian . Do your research before you buy.These grounds tend to attract those looking to get some exercise outdoors, including everything from sparring martial artists to slow but steady joggers. A great way to see the sights in between the sites is to hire a rickshaw. If you’ve been inside a department store in China from December to February , you might be wondering what the strange winter fashion surrounding red underwear is. Better ask your sweetheart for more than one pair! If you are itching to do some travelling, but do not know where to begin, perhaps you ought to look into some China vacation tours. These rickshaw rides are often combined with a traditional tour, to give you a chance to pick up some local flavour. These conveyances should be used more for their odd appeal than their ability to get you around. These tours take you to places in China that you normally would never get a chance to see. It is a massive set of buildings and green spaces, covering nearly three million square meters of land. If you’re really traditional, you should wear red every day, all year long. Of course, you are limited by the speed of your rickshaw runner, and the distance he can go before he tires out. This temple, built in the 1400s, was a place for prayers for plentiful harvest for the Chinese people. For those turning 12, 24, 36 etc. The thing to remember with China vacation tours is that they are not all created equal. Everything from Chinese tea rooms to fancy full-course restaurants can be experienced this way. Most prominent in the men’s section, red underwear is one of the most popular gifts for sweethearts to exchange around Chinese New Year . So, this winter’s fashion it is not. To ward off any dangers that might befall you in your benming nian , it helps to wear red. That can include narrow passages that will be much more visually interesting that the usual freeways. Another big appeal to the tour groups are the restaurants you will visit. And there are some routes that are simply not rickshaw friendly. (the Chinese Zodiac uses a cycle of 12), termed benming nian , or the meeting of one’s zodiac year, traditional Chinese belief is that it can be an unlucky year. For every great tour of an unknown but intense site, there are dozens more that will do little aside from dropping you off for an afternoon at a Great Wall tourist trap. Today, the temple is a popular tourist destination, both for the wonders of the temple itself, and for the grounds that surround it.

Tags: china, tour, red, chinese, gu

The chatter, laughter and motion add a certain excitement. It's such a mix of interesting people. Lovers embrace as they peck each other's frozen lips at the edge of the lake while families with little children slip and slide with laughter in the middle. To round things out, near a small island in the middle of the lake vendors have set up small booths where you can play games like throwing darts at balloons or even buy snacks and drinks. But easily the strangest thing on the ice has to be an oversized goat wearing little leather booties. For a small fee, you can rent the goat to pull you around the ice on a sled. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471814.htm www.china.org.cn Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment than its seedy Sanlitun cousin. 2010-02-25 10:36:08.0 Slipping into a fun time at Houhai  fun time, China, Beijing, Houhai, Lake, Sanlitun cousin, Hutong Slipping into a fun time at Houhai Slipping into a fun time at Houhai 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment than its seedy Sanlitun cousin. Quite bizarre and pointless given the immeasurably more fun ice sleds, but it's there nonetheless. It costs 10 yuan to get onto the frozen lake and 20 to rent an ice sled (other things are more expensive), but the fun you can have with your family, friends or lover is well worth it. The best plan in my opinion is to head there earlier in the morning spend an hour or two playing on the ice and then enjoy a nice lunch in one of the many restaurants or bars that line the lake. After lunch, if it is not too cold, you can enjoy a nice walk through the hutong shops or even enjoy a hot drink at a local cafe. Just watch out for those annoying bike taxi/tour guides that assault you with requests of patronage every two seconds. It's much nicer to go exploring yourself. It's well worth your time, so what are you waiting for, get out there and enjoy some winter fun at Houhai Lake. Once the spring comes around, you will have to wait through the hot muggy Beijing summer before you can enjoy its wintry delights again. If you are going to China for vacation but want to find some escapes from the business of your whirlwind trip, there are plenty of options for serenity seekers that make China a land of insight and quiet beauty. Wandering in these amazing places can give you hours or full days of sights to behold.From there, find peace in beauty with the Treasure Houses, or some spiritual peace at one of the many beautiful Buddhist temples in Beijing and other parts of China. in the summer! With the freezing temperatures that have pushed their way into Beijing this year, such activities could make you loose a toe or finger to frostbite if you are not careful. But don't let the Siberian cold fronts stop you because they create a whole different Houhai experience that can only be enjoyed when things get a little bit nippy. Houhai Lake is now well frozen, so it's high time you put down your hot coco or coffee, throw an extra layer on and head downtown. Don't just go after work for a nice dinner and a beer at a pub because you will miss the whole winter experience. The best time to get a feel of Houhai's winter fun is in the late morning or early afternoon on the weekend. The frozen lake bursts into life with ice skaters, hockey lessons, ice sleds and even a local polar bear club. In an admirable effort to bring sanity to the crowds, the icy lake is divided into various sections according to the chosen activity. You can visit Tiananmen Square, and go through the Heavenly Gate to the Forbidden City, or go to the Imperial summer home. Occupying ancient hutong the bars and shops offer a unique ambiance and artsy feel that have made it popular. Nearly all agree that sitting on couches by Houhai Lake while talking with your friends or slowly strolling through the hutong shops is very nice ... Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' Chinese Vacations Offer Historical Amazement From pro-level baseball and basketball games featuring home-grown Chinese talent, to the elegant and graceful Chinese ballets, there are visual wonders everywhere. But if you want to expose your children to something that will leave a lasting impact and widen their horizons, a China family vacation might be just the ticket. A China family vacation might not be the most popular choice going in, but if you can convince your family to give it a shot, it will likely become the best vacation you have ever taken as a family, and one that you will talk about for the rest of your lives. While they may not understand the language or the cultural significance of the differences, children will enjoy the leisure activities offered in China. For the parents, the architecture of China can be a very strong draw. At other points, the Wall looks as it might do in the aftermath of an earthquake. This section has been in place for more than 400 years and dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when it was either built or restored. The section is, for the most part, in its original condition, and although the temperature hovers around freezing point, Liu has long since stuffed his jacket into his rucksack as he tackles yet another steep incline. "Badaling is swarming with tourists and T-shirt sellers. But what is there for the family to do in China? After that, the route rises steeply once again with a 150-m drop on one side. Only a few tourists make it to the highest point of the Simatai Wall section where the "Heaven's Ladder" route leads to the 986-m-high "Beijing View" and "Angel's Tower." Not surprising really, as this section is 80-degrees steep in places and demands not only courage but a certain degree of climbing experience. The two towers on "Heaven's Bridge" are linked by a narrow 100-m-long ridge that is just 40 cm wide in places. For the whole family, there are plenty of amazing and educational sights to discover together, like the Great Wall of China; amazing restaurants to try, for the bold and for those who crave something simple; markets and shopping that are at once comfortably similar to home and wildly different than anything ever experienced before; the remaining buildings from the Olympics Games to inspire and awe; and so much more. More than you can imagine, really. China offers something for every member of the family, no matter what their interests are."Now I know how (Barack) Obama felt when he visited the Wall," says Ayers, in reference to the time China's most famous site was cordoned off at Badaling for the visit of the US president in November last year. "But I bet he didn't have to get up so early," he adds. When most people consider a family vacation, they think of theme parks, camping trips, and long hours in the car. Children will also likely be amazed by the spectacle of the dragon boat race festivals, which include exciting boat races, unique cultural displays, and many other visually impressive and culturally meaningful events. Here, the intricate and detailed planning that went into the design of a city within a city will astound even moderate fans of good design, and completely overwhelm those who understand the intricacies of architectural design. From the temples to the simplest buildings, Chinese architecture is so different and so beautiful that visitors cannot help but stop and stare. While Western architecture tends to build their structures tall and narrow, Chinese buildings are shorter and wider, and usually, much more ornate than visitors are accustomed to. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471765.htm www.china.org.cn Vincent Liu has spent the last 13 years living in Beijing and has often seen the Great Wall at its most popular and well-known section, in Badaling, but that doesn't compare to what awaits him at the segment from Jinshanling to Simatai. 2010-02-25 10:34:14.0 Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' China, Great wall, Badaling, Beijing, hreo, wimter, Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Vincent Liu has spent the last 13 years living in Beijing and has often seen the Great Wall at its most popular and well-known section, in Badaling, but that doesn't compare to what awaits him at the segment from Jinshanling to Simatai. Here, is what Liu calls the "real" Great Wall, a place where every meter has not been painstakingly restored. Having set off from the Chinese capital at 4 am, Liu eventually reaches his destination, 120 km northeast of Beijing, shortly after 9am with the sun still battling to shine through the early morning winter mist. The trip has cost Liu and his companion from London, John Ayers, 100 yuan ($15), although an organized tour to the same location, where visitors are collected from their hotel, would cost three times as much. Liu and Ayers not only wanted to save money but also wanted to travel independently of a tour group, so they would have the Great Wall to themselves. The walk along the Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai takes four to five hours and in contrast to Badaling, resembles a roller coaster without a safety certificate. The steep, undulating stairways are particularly dangerous, as many of the steps have crumbled away. Whoever surmounts this challenge can enjoy a view of the lights of Beijing, as well as the title of "Hero of the Chinese Wall". For Liu and Sayers, an ascent up Heaven's Ladder would be too dangerous on this occasion as both already feel exhausted after their long trek from Beijing. But neither feels any sense of disappointment. For the kids, there is plenty to do in China. Here we really have the Wall to ourselves," says Liu, who has come across just three hawkers and two other hikers in three hours. The pair passes by over 30 watchtowers with long stretches of Wall in between before they finally reach Simatai, where a second ticket has to be purchased if they want to progress any further. There is also another toll to cross a rope bridge from the eastern to the western section of the Simatai section. No better example of this exists than the Forbidden City complex in the heart of Beijing.

Tags: china, family, lake, vacation, houhai

Quite bizarre and pointless given the immeasurably more fun ice sleds, but it's there nonetheless. It costs 10 yuan to get onto the frozen lake and 20 to rent an ice sled (other things are more expensive), but the fun you can have with your family, friends or lover is well worth it. The best plan in my opinion is to head there earlier in the morning spend an hour or two playing on the ice and then enjoy a nice lunch in one of the many restaurants or bars that line the lake. After lunch, if it is not too cold, you can enjoy a nice walk through the hutong shops or even enjoy a hot drink at a local cafe. Just watch out for those annoying bike taxi/tour guides that assault you with requests of patronage every two seconds. It's much nicer to go exploring yourself. It's well worth your time, so what are you waiting for, get out there and enjoy some winter fun at Houhai Lake. Once the spring comes around, you will have to wait through the hot muggy Beijing summer before you can enjoy its wintry delights again. While you are on vacation to China, you may want to find out more about the religions that have helped to shape China into the country it is today. Occupying ancient hutong the bars and shops offer a unique ambiance and artsy feel that have made it popular. Nearly all agree that sitting on couches by Houhai Lake while talking with your friends or slowly strolling through the hutong shops is very nice ... http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471814.htm www.china.org.cn Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment than its seedy Sanlitun cousin. 2010-02-25 10:36:08.0 Slipping into a fun time at Houhai  fun time, China, Beijing, Houhai, Lake, Sanlitun cousin, Hutong Slipping into a fun time at Houhai Slipping into a fun time at Houhai 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment than its seedy Sanlitun cousin. The chatter, laughter and motion add a certain excitement. It's such a mix of interesting people. Lovers embrace as they peck each other's frozen lips at the edge of the lake while families with little children slip and slide with laughter in the middle. To round things out, near a small island in the middle of the lake vendors have set up small booths where you can play games like throwing darts at balloons or even buy snacks and drinks. But easily the strangest thing on the ice has to be an oversized goat wearing little leather booties. For a small fee, you can rent the goat to pull you around the ice on a sled. in the summer! With the freezing temperatures that have pushed their way into Beijing this year, such activities could make you loose a toe or finger to frostbite if you are not careful. But don't let the Siberian cold fronts stop you because they create a whole different Houhai experience that can only be enjoyed when things get a little bit nippy. Houhai Lake is now well frozen, so it's high time you put down your hot coco or coffee, throw an extra layer on and head downtown. Don't just go after work for a nice dinner and a beer at a pub because you will miss the whole winter experience. The best time to get a feel of Houhai's winter fun is in the late morning or early afternoon on the weekend. The frozen lake bursts into life with ice skaters, hockey lessons, ice sleds and even a local polar bear club. In an admirable effort to bring sanity to the crowds, the icy lake is divided into various sections according to the chosen activity. And while China is ripe with temples, shrines and holy buildings for a number of faiths and religions, there are three specific sites that every visitor to China should take the time to visit, no matter their faith or beliefs � the White Cloud Temple, The Temple of Heaven, and the White Horse Temple. Even those who are not Taoist or Buddhist will be fascinated by these buildings and their surrounding grounds. Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' China Family Vacation Offers Plenty to Work With At other points, the Wall looks as it might do in the aftermath of an earthquake. This section has been in place for more than 400 years and dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when it was either built or restored. The section is, for the most part, in its original condition, and although the temperature hovers around freezing point, Liu has long since stuffed his jacket into his rucksack as he tackles yet another steep incline. "Badaling is swarming with tourists and T-shirt sellers. China is a world unlike anything in Western culture, and truly must be experienced to be believed.After that, the route rises steeply once again with a 150-m drop on one side. Only a few tourists make it to the highest point of the Simatai Wall section where the "Heaven's Ladder" route leads to the 986-m-high "Beijing View" and "Angel's Tower." Not surprising really, as this section is 80-degrees steep in places and demands not only courage but a certain degree of climbing experience. The two towers on "Heaven's Bridge" are linked by a narrow 100-m-long ridge that is just 40 cm wide in places. "Now I know how (Barack) Obama felt when he visited the Wall," says Ayers, in reference to the time China's most famous site was cordoned off at Badaling for the visit of the US president in November last year. "But I bet he didn't have to get up so early," he adds. If you are looking for the ultimate trip for your next scheduled time away from work, vacationing in China might well fit the bill. Nowhere else can offer the same combination of the excitement and history of the Silk Road; the ancient wonders of the Xi�an Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall; or the cultural influences of art, architecture and other cultural touchstones. Here we really have the Wall to ourselves," says Liu, who has come across just three hawkers and two other hikers in three hours. The pair passes by over 30 watchtowers with long stretches of Wall in between before they finally reach Simatai, where a second ticket has to be purchased if they want to progress any further. There is also another toll to cross a rope bridge from the eastern to the western section of the Simatai section. Whoever surmounts this challenge can enjoy a view of the lights of Beijing, as well as the title of "Hero of the Chinese Wall". For Liu and Sayers, an ascent up Heaven's Ladder would be too dangerous on this occasion as both already feel exhausted after their long trek from Beijing. But neither feels any sense of disappointment. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471765.htm www.china.org.cn Vincent Liu has spent the last 13 years living in Beijing and has often seen the Great Wall at its most popular and well-known section, in Badaling, but that doesn't compare to what awaits him at the segment from Jinshanling to Simatai. 2010-02-25 10:34:14.0 Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' China, Great wall, Badaling, Beijing, hreo, wimter, Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Vincent Liu has spent the last 13 years living in Beijing and has often seen the Great Wall at its most popular and well-known section, in Badaling, but that doesn't compare to what awaits him at the segment from Jinshanling to Simatai. Here, is what Liu calls the "real" Great Wall, a place where every meter has not been painstakingly restored. Having set off from the Chinese capital at 4 am, Liu eventually reaches his destination, 120 km northeast of Beijing, shortly after 9am with the sun still battling to shine through the early morning winter mist. The trip has cost Liu and his companion from London, John Ayers, 100 yuan ($15), although an organized tour to the same location, where visitors are collected from their hotel, would cost three times as much. Liu and Ayers not only wanted to save money but also wanted to travel independently of a tour group, so they would have the Great Wall to themselves. The walk along the Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai takes four to five hours and in contrast to Badaling, resembles a roller coaster without a safety certificate. The steep, undulating stairways are particularly dangerous, as many of the steps have crumbled away. A vacation in China will truly be a trip of a lifetime, and will become a story that your Vegas-bound friends will be envious of. Great Wall of China China Packages Bejing china vacations

Tags: lake, wall, china, ice, houhai

in the summer! With the freezing temperatures that have pushed their way into Beijing this year, such activities could make you loose a toe or finger to frostbite if you are not careful. But don't let the Siberian cold fronts stop you because they create a whole different Houhai experience that can only be enjoyed when things get a little bit nippy. Houhai Lake is now well frozen, so it's high time you put down your hot coco or coffee, throw an extra layer on and head downtown. Don't just go after work for a nice dinner and a beer at a pub because you will miss the whole winter experience. The best time to get a feel of Houhai's winter fun is in the late morning or early afternoon on the weekend. The frozen lake bursts into life with ice skaters, hockey lessons, ice sleds and even a local polar bear club. In an admirable effort to bring sanity to the crowds, the icy lake is divided into various sections according to the chosen activity. Chinas vacation hot spots range from the historical sites like the Great Wall of China, to the ultra-modern tech cities like Hong Kong, and the delicately balanced places in between, like the great city of Beijing. The chatter, laughter and motion add a certain excitement. It's such a mix of interesting people. Lovers embrace as they peck each other's frozen lips at the edge of the lake while families with little children slip and slide with laughter in the middle. To round things out, near a small island in the middle of the lake vendors have set up small booths where you can play games like throwing darts at balloons or even buy snacks and drinks. But easily the strangest thing on the ice has to be an oversized goat wearing little leather booties. For a small fee, you can rent the goat to pull you around the ice on a sled. Occupying ancient hutong the bars and shops offer a unique ambiance and artsy feel that have made it popular. Nearly all agree that sitting on couches by Houhai Lake while talking with your friends or slowly strolling through the hutong shops is very nice ...The key to enjoying your time in China is seeing as much of the country as possible, but these hot spots should be the top things on your list. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471814.htm www.china.org.cn Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment than its seedy Sanlitun cousin. 2010-02-25 10:36:08.0 Slipping into a fun time at Houhai  fun time, China, Beijing, Houhai, Lake, Sanlitun cousin, Hutong Slipping into a fun time at Houhai Slipping into a fun time at Houhai 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment than its seedy Sanlitun cousin. Quite bizarre and pointless given the immeasurably more fun ice sleds, but it's there nonetheless. It costs 10 yuan to get onto the frozen lake and 20 to rent an ice sled (other things are more expensive), but the fun you can have with your family, friends or lover is well worth it. The best plan in my opinion is to head there earlier in the morning spend an hour or two playing on the ice and then enjoy a nice lunch in one of the many restaurants or bars that line the lake. After lunch, if it is not too cold, you can enjoy a nice walk through the hutong shops or even enjoy a hot drink at a local cafe. Just watch out for those annoying bike taxi/tour guides that assault you with requests of patronage every two seconds. It's much nicer to go exploring yourself. It's well worth your time, so what are you waiting for, get out there and enjoy some winter fun at Houhai Lake. Once the spring comes around, you will have to wait through the hot muggy Beijing summer before you can enjoy its wintry delights again. When you visit a new country, the first thing many people do is research what the hot spots are, so they know what parts of the country they simply cannot afford to miss out on. Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' China for Vacation Offers Serenity in Spades At other points, the Wall looks as it might do in the aftermath of an earthquake. This section has been in place for more than 400 years and dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when it was either built or restored. The section is, for the most part, in its original condition, and although the temperature hovers around freezing point, Liu has long since stuffed his jacket into his rucksack as he tackles yet another steep incline. "Badaling is swarming with tourists and T-shirt sellers. Within its walls are a number of peaceful gardens and yards, hidden in a network of pathways. Here we really have the Wall to ourselves," says Liu, who has come across just three hawkers and two other hikers in three hours. The pair passes by over 30 watchtowers with long stretches of Wall in between before they finally reach Simatai, where a second ticket has to be purchased if they want to progress any further. There is also another toll to cross a rope bridge from the eastern to the western section of the Simatai section. After that, the route rises steeply once again with a 150-m drop on one side. Only a few tourists make it to the highest point of the Simatai Wall section where the "Heaven's Ladder" route leads to the 986-m-high "Beijing View" and "Angel's Tower." Not surprising really, as this section is 80-degrees steep in places and demands not only courage but a certain degree of climbing experience. The two towers on "Heaven's Bridge" are linked by a narrow 100-m-long ridge that is just 40 cm wide in places. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471765.htm www.china.org.cn Vincent Liu has spent the last 13 years living in Beijing and has often seen the Great Wall at its most popular and well-known section, in Badaling, but that doesn't compare to what awaits him at the segment from Jinshanling to Simatai. 2010-02-25 10:34:14.0 Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' China, Great wall, Badaling, Beijing, hreo, wimter, Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Vincent Liu has spent the last 13 years living in Beijing and has often seen the Great Wall at its most popular and well-known section, in Badaling, but that doesn't compare to what awaits him at the segment from Jinshanling to Simatai. Here, is what Liu calls the "real" Great Wall, a place where every meter has not been painstakingly restored. Having set off from the Chinese capital at 4 am, Liu eventually reaches his destination, 120 km northeast of Beijing, shortly after 9am with the sun still battling to shine through the early morning winter mist. The trip has cost Liu and his companion from London, John Ayers, 100 yuan ($15), although an organized tour to the same location, where visitors are collected from their hotel, would cost three times as much. Liu and Ayers not only wanted to save money but also wanted to travel independently of a tour group, so they would have the Great Wall to themselves. The walk along the Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai takes four to five hours and in contrast to Badaling, resembles a roller coaster without a safety certificate. The steep, undulating stairways are particularly dangerous, as many of the steps have crumbled away. Whoever surmounts this challenge can enjoy a view of the lights of Beijing, as well as the title of "Hero of the Chinese Wall". For Liu and Sayers, an ascent up Heaven's Ladder would be too dangerous on this occasion as both already feel exhausted after their long trek from Beijing. But neither feels any sense of disappointment. This �city within a city� is a wonderful place to get lost for an afternoon, soaking the beauty of the buildings and the exhibitions hosted there.This former Imperial Palace is now home to the Palace Museum. "Now I know how (Barack) Obama felt when he visited the Wall," says Ayers, in reference to the time China's most famous site was cordoned off at Badaling for the visit of the US president in November last year. "But I bet he didn't have to get up so early," he adds. Going through the Heavenly Gate, the Forbidden City is a truly peaceful and relaxing place. china vacations Bejing Yangtze River Cruises China Packages

Tags: lake, section, ice, china, wall

Occupying ancient hutong the bars and shops offer a unique ambiance and artsy feel that have made it popular. Nearly all agree that sitting on couches by Houhai Lake while talking with your friends or slowly strolling through the hutong shops is very nice ... in the summer! With the freezing temperatures that have pushed their way into Beijing this year, such activities could make you loose a toe or finger to frostbite if you are not careful. But don't let the Siberian cold fronts stop you because they create a whole different Houhai experience that can only be enjoyed when things get a little bit nippy. Houhai Lake is now well frozen, so it's high time you put down your hot coco or coffee, throw an extra layer on and head downtown. Don't just go after work for a nice dinner and a beer at a pub because you will miss the whole winter experience. The best time to get a feel of Houhai's winter fun is in the late morning or early afternoon on the weekend. The frozen lake bursts into life with ice skaters, hockey lessons, ice sleds and even a local polar bear club. In an admirable effort to bring sanity to the crowds, the icy lake is divided into various sections according to the chosen activity. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471814.htm www.china.org.cn Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment than its seedy Sanlitun cousin. 2010-02-25 10:36:08.0 Slipping into a fun time at Houhai  fun time, China, Beijing, Houhai, Lake, Sanlitun cousin, Hutong Slipping into a fun time at Houhai Slipping into a fun time at Houhai 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment than its seedy Sanlitun cousin. The chatter, laughter and motion add a certain excitement. It's such a mix of interesting people. Lovers embrace as they peck each other's frozen lips at the edge of the lake while families with little children slip and slide with laughter in the middle. To round things out, near a small island in the middle of the lake vendors have set up small booths where you can play games like throwing darts at balloons or even buy snacks and drinks. But easily the strangest thing on the ice has to be an oversized goat wearing little leather booties. For a small fee, you can rent the goat to pull you around the ice on a sled. There is a variety of statuaries and pieces of art on display here, and the natural serenity makes this a must see for peace and relaxation seekers who are in China for vacation.Quite bizarre and pointless given the immeasurably more fun ice sleds, but it's there nonetheless. It costs 10 yuan to get onto the frozen lake and 20 to rent an ice sled (other things are more expensive), but the fun you can have with your family, friends or lover is well worth it. The best plan in my opinion is to head there earlier in the morning spend an hour or two playing on the ice and then enjoy a nice lunch in one of the many restaurants or bars that line the lake. After lunch, if it is not too cold, you can enjoy a nice walk through the hutong shops or even enjoy a hot drink at a local cafe. Just watch out for those annoying bike taxi/tour guides that assault you with requests of patronage every two seconds. It's much nicer to go exploring yourself. It's well worth your time, so what are you waiting for, get out there and enjoy some winter fun at Houhai Lake. Once the spring comes around, you will have to wait through the hot muggy Beijing summer before you can enjoy its wintry delights again. If you are looking for something more spiritual, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the Da Ci�en Temple offers a beautiful example of the Buddhist influence on Chinese culture in the 7th century. Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' Chinese Vacations Offer Historical Amazement Here we really have the Wall to ourselves," says Liu, who has come across just three hawkers and two other hikers in three hours. The pair passes by over 30 watchtowers with long stretches of Wall in between before they finally reach Simatai, where a second ticket has to be purchased if they want to progress any further. There is also another toll to cross a rope bridge from the eastern to the western section of the Simatai section. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471765.htm www.china.org.cn Vincent Liu has spent the last 13 years living in Beijing and has often seen the Great Wall at its most popular and well-known section, in Badaling, but that doesn't compare to what awaits him at the segment from Jinshanling to Simatai. 2010-02-25 10:34:14.0 Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' China, Great wall, Badaling, Beijing, hreo, wimter, Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Vincent Liu has spent the last 13 years living in Beijing and has often seen the Great Wall at its most popular and well-known section, in Badaling, but that doesn't compare to what awaits him at the segment from Jinshanling to Simatai. Here, is what Liu calls the "real" Great Wall, a place where every meter has not been painstakingly restored. Having set off from the Chinese capital at 4 am, Liu eventually reaches his destination, 120 km northeast of Beijing, shortly after 9am with the sun still battling to shine through the early morning winter mist. The trip has cost Liu and his companion from London, John Ayers, 100 yuan ($15), although an organized tour to the same location, where visitors are collected from their hotel, would cost three times as much. Liu and Ayers not only wanted to save money but also wanted to travel independently of a tour group, so they would have the Great Wall to themselves. The walk along the Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai takes four to five hours and in contrast to Badaling, resembles a roller coaster without a safety certificate. The steep, undulating stairways are particularly dangerous, as many of the steps have crumbled away. Compare the different prices you find from these options, and you are sure to find a deal that will enable you to visit the wonderful sights of China on your next vacation."Now I know how (Barack) Obama felt when he visited the Wall," says Ayers, in reference to the time China's most famous site was cordoned off at Badaling for the visit of the US president in November last year. "But I bet he didn't have to get up so early," he adds. If you look hard enough, there are China vacation packages to be had. After that, the route rises steeply once again with a 150-m drop on one side. Only a few tourists make it to the highest point of the Simatai Wall section where the "Heaven's Ladder" route leads to the 986-m-high "Beijing View" and "Angel's Tower." Not surprising really, as this section is 80-degrees steep in places and demands not only courage but a certain degree of climbing experience. The two towers on "Heaven's Bridge" are linked by a narrow 100-m-long ridge that is just 40 cm wide in places. If not, national online travel providers can usually be counted on to find a package for you. Whoever surmounts this challenge can enjoy a view of the lights of Beijing, as well as the title of "Hero of the Chinese Wall". For Liu and Sayers, an ascent up Heaven's Ladder would be too dangerous on this occasion as both already feel exhausted after their long trek from Beijing. But neither feels any sense of disappointment. A savvy shopper will check online first to see if dedicated Chinese providers can offer them a good deal. At other points, the Wall looks as it might do in the aftermath of an earthquake. This section has been in place for more than 400 years and dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when it was either built or restored. The section is, for the most part, in its original condition, and although the temperature hovers around freezing point, Liu has long since stuffed his jacket into his rucksack as he tackles yet another steep incline. "Badaling is swarming with tourists and T-shirt sellers. Other options include seeking out a local travel agent who specializes in overseas travel, or contacting the airlines directly to see if they have a partnership with a tour company in China.

Tags: lake, ice, houhai, fun, enjoy

Cafés and bars, early till late. Buy everyone a hip t-shirt with retro designs. If you can’t decide, buy an enamel-ware covered mug. Cool shops: The Pottery Workshop at #23 Nan Luo Gu Xiang. You never know when your next camping trip will be and your retro mug will be the envy of the campfire. If you need to refuel, don’t miss Fish Nation at #31. They have studios in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Jingdezhen (China’s ceramics capital) as well as the Beijing studio. Grifted at #32 is a fabulous store full of crazy Chinese-inspired toys and gifts. Buy your best friend a floppy Mao Zedong (or Fidel Castro, all the good Commie leaders are represented) doll, Peking Opera puppets or a wacky umbrella. Plastered T-shirts at #61 is worth a stop for all your gift needs back home. Shops tend to open around 10am and have variable closing times. Here's the address in Chinese 南锣鼓巷.Daily. The street runs north-south between Gu Lou Dong Jie and Ping An Da Dao.Nan Luo Gu Xiang is great to just wander down starting at one end and browsing your way to the other. Café street with some hip shops thrown in.Address: Nan Luo Gu Xiang near Gu Lou Dong Da Jie. This former Imperial Palace is now home to the Palace Museum. If you’re there to shop, you should be ok before 7pm.Nan Luo Gu Xiang is pronounced “nahn loo-oh goo shang”. They’ve got kids’, women’s and men’s. While it would be difficult to take one of their larger pieces home, they’ve got lovely small pieces like teacups and jars that pack nicely. Within its walls are a number of peaceful gardens and yards, hidden in a network of pathways. This �city within a city� is a wonderful place to get lost for an afternoon, soaking the beauty of the buildings and the exhibitions hosted there.The workshop exhibits pieces made by their resident artists. Owned by Shanghai’s favorite hole-in-the-wall Southern Barbarian , you can chow on some fish and chips and very good beer. Going through the Heavenly Gate, the Forbidden City is a truly peaceful and relaxing place. With nearly half the artists also teaching, inquire at the workshop if you’re interested in studying ceramics with the workshop. Red Underwear for CNY Chinas Vacation Hot Spots If you’re really traditional, you should wear red every day, all year long. Most prominent in the men’s section, red underwear is one of the most popular gifts for sweethearts to exchange around Chinese New Year . So, this winter’s fashion it is not. If you’ve been inside a department store in China from December to February , you might be wondering what the strange winter fashion surrounding red underwear is. (the Chinese Zodiac uses a cycle of 12), termed benming nian , or the meeting of one’s zodiac year, traditional Chinese belief is that it can be an unlucky year. Red is one of the luckiest colors in Chinese traditions, standing for loyalty, success and happiness. If you’re not a big fan of the color red in your outer wardrobe, red underwear is an easy way to protect yourself against the hazards of benming nian . Every winter, red underwear decorated with gold embroidery usually illustrating the pertinent zodiac animal go on sale in China’s stores. To ward off any dangers that might befall you in your benming nian , it helps to wear red. Better ask your sweetheart for more than one pair! A China vacation, timed properly, could allow you to view all three of these popular Chinese sporting events within one trip, and show you the sporting side to this rich culture. For those turning 12, 24, 36 etc. china vacations China Packages Bejing vacation in China

Tags: china, red, gu, chinese, underwear

Not all of the warriors have been excavated, but the ones that have been are miraculously well maintained. In particular, there are three pieces of history that, should you make your way to China, you absolutely must see � the Terracotta Warriors of Xi�an, the Great Wall of China, and d the Forbidden City in Beijing. In 1974, a local farmer tried to drill a well, and instead, discovered the first of more than eight thousand clay warrior statues that were buried with the first Emperor of Qin around 200 BC. You can visit the excavation site, and see those warriors that have been uncovered. in the summer! With the freezing temperatures that have pushed their way into Beijing this year, such activities could make you loose a toe or finger to frostbite if you are not careful. But don't let the Siberian cold fronts stop you because they create a whole different Houhai experience that can only be enjoyed when things get a little bit nippy. Houhai Lake is now well frozen, so it's high time you put down your hot coco or coffee, throw an extra layer on and head downtown. Don't just go after work for a nice dinner and a beer at a pub because you will miss the whole winter experience. The best time to get a feel of Houhai's winter fun is in the late morning or early afternoon on the weekend. The frozen lake bursts into life with ice skaters, hockey lessons, ice sleds and even a local polar bear club. In an admirable effort to bring sanity to the crowds, the icy lake is divided into various sections according to the chosen activity. It is estimated that it took nearly a million men to create this army of clay statues, and it is also said that the terracotta warriors are like snowflakes, in that no two are identical. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471814.htm www.china.org.cn Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment than its seedy Sanlitun cousin. 2010-02-25 10:36:08.0 Slipping into a fun time at Houhai  fun time, China, Beijing, Houhai, Lake, Sanlitun cousin, Hutong Slipping into a fun time at Houhai Slipping into a fun time at Houhai 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Many are drawn to the Houhai area because it offers a more comfortable environment than its seedy Sanlitun cousin. The Terracotta Warriors of Xi�an are an amazing sight. The chatter, laughter and motion add a certain excitement. It's such a mix of interesting people. Lovers embrace as they peck each other's frozen lips at the edge of the lake while families with little children slip and slide with laughter in the middle. To round things out, near a small island in the middle of the lake vendors have set up small booths where you can play games like throwing darts at balloons or even buy snacks and drinks. But easily the strangest thing on the ice has to be an oversized goat wearing little leather booties. For a small fee, you can rent the goat to pull you around the ice on a sled. Quite bizarre and pointless given the immeasurably more fun ice sleds, but it's there nonetheless. It costs 10 yuan to get onto the frozen lake and 20 to rent an ice sled (other things are more expensive), but the fun you can have with your family, friends or lover is well worth it. The best plan in my opinion is to head there earlier in the morning spend an hour or two playing on the ice and then enjoy a nice lunch in one of the many restaurants or bars that line the lake. After lunch, if it is not too cold, you can enjoy a nice walk through the hutong shops or even enjoy a hot drink at a local cafe. Just watch out for those annoying bike taxi/tour guides that assault you with requests of patronage every two seconds. It's much nicer to go exploring yourself. It's well worth your time, so what are you waiting for, get out there and enjoy some winter fun at Houhai Lake. Once the spring comes around, you will have to wait through the hot muggy Beijing summer before you can enjoy its wintry delights again. If you are a history buff, Chinese vacations can offer you sights that you will find nowhere else on Earth. Occupying ancient hutong the bars and shops offer a unique ambiance and artsy feel that have made it popular. Nearly all agree that sitting on couches by Houhai Lake while talking with your friends or slowly strolling through the hutong shops is very nice ... Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' China Family Vacation Offers Plenty to Work With Whoever surmounts this challenge can enjoy a view of the lights of Beijing, as well as the title of "Hero of the Chinese Wall". For Liu and Sayers, an ascent up Heaven's Ladder would be too dangerous on this occasion as both already feel exhausted after their long trek from Beijing. But neither feels any sense of disappointment. While it might not be the location that naturally comes to mind when you think about getting away for some relaxation, there are some things in China that will make your trip a truly special and relaxing one. Here we really have the Wall to ourselves," says Liu, who has come across just three hawkers and two other hikers in three hours. The pair passes by over 30 watchtowers with long stretches of Wall in between before they finally reach Simatai, where a second ticket has to be purchased if they want to progress any further. There is also another toll to cross a rope bridge from the eastern to the western section of the Simatai section. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471765.htm www.china.org.cn Vincent Liu has spent the last 13 years living in Beijing and has often seen the Great Wall at its most popular and well-known section, in Badaling, but that doesn't compare to what awaits him at the segment from Jinshanling to Simatai. 2010-02-25 10:34:14.0 Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' China, Great wall, Badaling, Beijing, hreo, wimter, Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' Be a 'Hero of the Chinese Wall' 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Vincent Liu has spent the last 13 years living in Beijing and has often seen the Great Wall at its most popular and well-known section, in Badaling, but that doesn't compare to what awaits him at the segment from Jinshanling to Simatai. Here, is what Liu calls the "real" Great Wall, a place where every meter has not been painstakingly restored. Having set off from the Chinese capital at 4 am, Liu eventually reaches his destination, 120 km northeast of Beijing, shortly after 9am with the sun still battling to shine through the early morning winter mist. The trip has cost Liu and his companion from London, John Ayers, 100 yuan ($15), although an organized tour to the same location, where visitors are collected from their hotel, would cost three times as much. Liu and Ayers not only wanted to save money but also wanted to travel independently of a tour group, so they would have the Great Wall to themselves. The walk along the Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai takes four to five hours and in contrast to Badaling, resembles a roller coaster without a safety certificate. The steep, undulating stairways are particularly dangerous, as many of the steps have crumbled away. From state-sponsored open spaces, to ancient Imperial homes and even religious and spiritual sites, there is something for everyone who visits China with the aim of finding relaxation.At other points, the Wall looks as it might do in the aftermath of an earthquake. This section has been in place for more than 400 years and dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when it was either built or restored. The section is, for the most part, in its original condition, and although the temperature hovers around freezing point, Liu has long since stuffed his jacket into his rucksack as he tackles yet another steep incline. "Badaling is swarming with tourists and T-shirt sellers. After that, the route rises steeply once again with a 150-m drop on one side. Only a few tourists make it to the highest point of the Simatai Wall section where the "Heaven's Ladder" route leads to the 986-m-high "Beijing View" and "Angel's Tower." Not surprising really, as this section is 80-degrees steep in places and demands not only courage but a certain degree of climbing experience. The two towers on "Heaven's Bridge" are linked by a narrow 100-m-long ridge that is just 40 cm wide in places. "Now I know how (Barack) Obama felt when he visited the Wall," says Ayers, in reference to the time China's most famous site was cordoned off at Badaling for the visit of the US president in November last year. "But I bet he didn't have to get up so early," he adds. If you are looking for your next vacation destination, you might want to consider going to China for vacation.

Tags: lake, ice, houhai, enjoy, warrior

Chinese people believe that Hangzhou is one of their most lovely cities and I can understand why. Visited by Marco Polo in 1290, the Italian traveler marveled at Hangzhou's beauty. At the center of this historic town that once served as the capital of the Song dynasty is the West Lake or Xi Hu . Relatively untouched by modern (read: ugly) architecture, the whole of the lake offers views on the wooded hills around the city, pagodas and temples. Two hours by train from Shanghai, you can make a day-trip of it; but, it's better to make it an overnight or weekend trip so you can take it slow and see some of the surrounding attractions. Hangzhou City Profile Hangzhou History West Lake Photo Gallery Hangzhou Accommodation Nan Luo Gu Xiang Café street with some hip shops thrown in.Address: Nan Luo Gu Xiang near Gu Lou Dong Da Jie. Here's the address in Chinese 南锣鼓巷.Daily. Cafés and bars, early till late. Shops tend to open around 10am and have variable closing times. If you’re there to shop, you should be ok before 7pm.Nan Luo Gu Xiang is pronounced “nahn loo-oh goo shang”. The street runs north-south between Gu Lou Dong Jie and Ping An Da Dao.Nan Luo Gu Xiang is great to just wander down starting at one end and browsing your way to the other. Cool shops: The Pottery Workshop at #23 Nan Luo Gu Xiang. While it would be difficult to take one of their larger pieces home, they’ve got lovely small pieces like teacups and jars that pack nicely. The workshop exhibits pieces made by their resident artists. With nearly half the artists also teaching, inquire at the workshop if you’re interested in studying ceramics with the workshop. They have studios in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Jingdezhen (China’s ceramics capital) as well as the Beijing studio. Grifted at #32 is a fabulous store full of crazy Chinese-inspired toys and gifts. Buy your best friend a floppy Mao Zedong (or Fidel Castro, all the good Commie leaders are represented) doll, Peking Opera puppets or a wacky umbrella. Plastered T-shirts at #61 is worth a stop for all your gift needs back home. Buy everyone a hip t-shirt with retro designs. They’ve got kids’, women’s and men’s. If you can’t decide, buy an enamel-ware covered mug. You never know when your next camping trip will be and your retro mug will be the envy of the campfire. If you need to refuel, don’t miss Fish Nation at #31. Owned by Shanghai’s favorite hole-in-the-wall Southern Barbarian , you can chow on some fish and chips and very good beer.

Tags: gu, luo, xiang, nan, hangzhou

Chinese people believe that Hangzhou is one of their most lovely cities and I can understand why. Visited by Marco Polo in 1290, the Italian traveler marveled at Hangzhou's beauty. At the center of this historic town that once served as the capital of the Song dynasty is the West Lake or Xi Hu . Relatively untouched by modern (read: ugly) architecture, the whole of the lake offers views on the wooded hills around the city, pagodas and temples. Two hours by train from Shanghai, you can make a day-trip of it; but, it's better to make it an overnight or weekend trip so you can take it slow and see some of the surrounding attractions. Hangzhou City Profile Hangzhou History West Lake Photo Gallery Hangzhou Accommodation Nan Luo Gu Xiang Café street with some hip shops thrown in.Address: Nan Luo Gu Xiang near Gu Lou Dong Da Jie. Here's the address in Chinese 南锣鼓巷.Daily. Cafés and bars, early till late. Shops tend to open around 10am and have variable closing times. If you’re there to shop, you should be ok before 7pm.Nan Luo Gu Xiang is pronounced “nahn loo-oh goo shang”. The street runs north-south between Gu Lou Dong Jie and Ping An Da Dao.Nan Luo Gu Xiang is great to just wander down starting at one end and browsing your way to the other. Cool shops: The Pottery Workshop at #23 Nan Luo Gu Xiang. While it would be difficult to take one of their larger pieces home, they’ve got lovely small pieces like teacups and jars that pack nicely. The workshop exhibits pieces made by their resident artists. With nearly half the artists also teaching, inquire at the workshop if you’re interested in studying ceramics with the workshop. They have studios in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Jingdezhen (China’s ceramics capital) as well as the Beijing studio. Grifted at #32 is a fabulous store full of crazy Chinese-inspired toys and gifts. Buy your best friend a floppy Mao Zedong (or Fidel Castro, all the good Commie leaders are represented) doll, Peking Opera puppets or a wacky umbrella. Plastered T-shirts at #61 is worth a stop for all your gift needs back home. Buy everyone a hip t-shirt with retro designs. They’ve got kids’, women’s and men’s. If you can’t decide, buy an enamel-ware covered mug. You never know when your next camping trip will be and your retro mug will be the envy of the campfire. If you need to refuel, don’t miss Fish Nation at #31. Owned by Shanghai’s favorite hole-in-the-wall Southern Barbarian , you can chow on some fish and chips and very good beer.

Tags: gu, luo, xiang, nan, hangzhou

The Chinese City of Suzhou has Some Nice Places to Drink Jan 24, 2010 Steve Rogerson The Chinese city of Suzhou is one of the oldest towns in the Yangtze Basin with a history that is more than 2000 years old. Known for its beautiful gardens, many of which survive to this day, the modern version of the city also boasts some interesting bars. Paulaner at Kempinski Hotel, 1 Guobing Lu The hotel’s bar contains the only microbrewery in Suzhou, and it is part of the German Paulaner chain. The brewer, Christian Liepke, explained that the brewing is done in two large copper kettles facing the bar and then transferred to the fermenting room, a separate room at the side of the bar but with glass walls so people can look in. When ready, the beer is stored in five large vats downstairs and then transferred as needed to three large vats near the bar, and these are connected directly to the pumps at the bar. Sadly Christian uses hop pellets rather than full hops as he said these were more convenient for a brewery this size, yet many microbreweries use full hops as they know they give better flavour. The Paulaner light and dark are brewed there. The wheat beer is imported in bottles. Jane’s Pub Bar, 621 Shiquan Street This busy ex-pat style bar is one of the better ones on a street full of similar bars. Tiger beer is available on draught and the food is good. The bar also sells bottled beers that are a lot nicer than the draught Tiger. The range includes Chimay, Duvel, Hoegarden, Erdinger Weiss and Dunkel, and Paulaner Weiss. And it has a pool table. ZZ8 Loft, Unit 203, 215 Shishan Road This upstairs pub specialising in American craft beers is quite small with half a dozen stools at the bar and nine tables with seating round them. There were goldfish in a large bowl on the bar. The craft beers were imported from the USA in 12 fl oz bottles. The bar also sold Erdinger Weizen white and dark, Schöfferhofer Weizen and Crystal, Heinekin and TsingTao from bottles and Carlsberg on draught. The Ruedrich's Red Seal Ale is a 5.5% hazy red beer from California. It is very hoppy to the extent that the hoppiness broke through even when it was cold from the fridge. The Dead Guy Ale Rogue is a 6.5% beer from Oregon. This has a very malty smell, and on taste an initial bitter hit gives way to a lasting malty and bitter mix. Also a red cloudy beer, with sediment, so bottle conditioned. The barmaid said people who normally drink the Carlsberg all night are drunk after two bottles of this. Finally, the 5.2% Brooklyn lager is again a cloudy bottle conditioned beer with a hoppy smell. It had a nice hoppy taste with a colour more brown than red. It was good though not as good as the first two. Despite its name, this is not a lager. The bar also sells Brooklyn IPA, which the barmaid said was the best seller, which probably explains why it was sold out. Dream Hollywood, 777 Shiquan Street This is another upstairs bar, but with live rock music. It has Paulaner wheat beer light and dark on draught. This oddly comes from the Paulaner brewpub in nearby Shanghai, rather than the one in Suzhou, apparently for contractual reasons. The Bookworm, 77 Gun Xiu Fang The Bookworm is a cosy combined bar, library and bookshop just off Shiquan Street. There is also a pleasant outdoor seating area. The menu had a range of western and eastern foods, and beer. On draught are Sapporo from Japan, Tiger, Carlsberg and Guinness, and the bottles range from Erdinger and Hoegarden to Newcastle Brown and Boddingtons. Books are brought from the shelves around the premises to the bar to be purchased and the barman packs them and will add the cost to your drink tab if you are staying. HB Hofbrau Bar, 50 Ligongdi Road This is the second of the German Hofbrau chain in China and the beer is brewed at the first in Jiangyin. They sell the lager, weisse and dunkel. Kurukshetra, Northern India The Place Where Krishna Taught Karmayoga (Action Without Desire) Jan 24, 2010 Raj Kaushik From the looks of it, Kurukshetra looks like any other sleepy, dusty and nondescript town of Haryana, a state in Northern India. But driving down about 12 kilometres to Jyotisar, a village next to a lake to the west of Kurukshetra will reveal as to why Kurukshetra is placed so high in the annals of Indian history. Jyotisar is the place where Lord Krishna was believed to have told Bhagvad-Gita to the great archer and Mahabharata warrior Arjuna after the latter expressed his inability to wage a war against his cousin brothers. There is a plinth at the entrance of Jyotisar with a small lake tucked under on its left. A white marble gate leads to the plinth. There are locked tiny little rooms on the right of the gate where images of Mahabharata characters are resting. One of these rooms houses Shiva, the destroyer God from Hindu pantheon. Next to the Shiva temple stands a banyan tree with a platform built around it where a replica of Arjuna’s chariot is placed. The tree is supposed to be an offshoot of the original banyan under which Krishna spoke Gita to Arjuna. Its overhanging branches and thick wrinkled trunk have red threads tied all over. The devotees of Lord Krishna believe that tying of the thread on the tree will help them realize their most cherished wish. Although there are visitors at the sight during anytime of the day and evening but on festivals associated with Lord Krishna and solar eclipse it is packed with huge crowds. In evening, a light and sound show is organized at the spot to tell stories from Mahabharata. Around a kilometre before Jyotisar is located another village called Narkatari where Bhishma, the grand sire of Pandavas and Kauravas, was supposed to have breathed his last after having been nailed by arrows fired by Arjuna, his grandson. A large image of Bhishma is placed in a deep well connected with descending steps. The well is located in the forelawn of a temple dedicated to Bhisma. There is a Panorama and Science Centre where animation films on different episodes of Mahabharata war are screened during the day for visitors. There is also a museum – called Srikrishna museum - housing artifacts and paintings related to Mahabharata and Lord Krishna. Land of Lakes & Temples Kurukshetra is a town dotted with temples dedicated to different Hindu deities. It is also a land of water bodies with several ancient and sacred lakes – Sannihit and Brahma Sarovars – situated here. In prehistoric times, the town was supposed to have hosted the original confluence (now it is located at Allahabad) of three rivers which dried up over the years. Besides the places associated with Mahabharata war and Krishna, Kurukshetra is replete with other historical monuments. Harshvardhan, who ruled over large parts of India in 606 AD, had his capital at Thanesar, the twin town of Kurukshetra. During its excavations, carried out on a mound at Thanesar in the past, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered pottery, terracotta figurines and other structures from the Harshvardhan period. The archaeologists also found skeletons, wells and a water channel as evidence of the glorious past. The city also houses a beautiful tomb associated with Abd-ur-Karim alias Sheikh Chilli, the famous saint and day dreamer who was believed to be the spiritual guru of Mughal Prince Dara Sikoh (1650 AD). Mahabharata: The epic war originally written in Sanskrit was said to have been fought between cousins Kauravas and Pandavas, descendants of Kuru, a king of Kurukshetra, sometime around 950 Before Christ Era (BCE) over the kingdom of Hanstinapur. Krishna drove Arjuna’s chariot during the war where Pandavas were victorious.Gita, the treatise on Karmayoga (work with a detached mind), is a most popular part of the epic. How to Reach Kurukshetra: The nearest airports are at Chandigarh and New Delhi. The city is well connected with a number of inter-state trains having a stopover here. You also have the option of traveling by a bus or a taxi. Kurukshetra is around 160 kilometres from Delhi. When to Visit: It would be better to visit the city in October or March months when it enjoys a moderate climate. Where to Stay: Being a religious centre, Haryana state government has set up a number of tourist guest houses in Kurukshetra. The city also has a few hotels and good number of inexpensive lodges.

Tags: bar, beer, kurukshetra, krishna, bottle

Café street with some hip shops thrown in.Address: Nan Luo Gu Xiang near Gu Lou Dong Da Jie. Here's the address in Chinese 南锣鼓巷.Daily. Cafés and bars, early till late. Shops tend to open around 10am and have variable closing times. If you’re there to shop, you should be ok before 7pm.Nan Luo Gu Xiang is pronounced “nahn loo-oh goo shang”. The street runs north-south between Gu Lou Dong Jie and Ping An Da Dao.Nan Luo Gu Xiang is great to just wander down starting at one end and browsing your way to the other. Cool shops: The Pottery Workshop at #23 Nan Luo Gu Xiang. While it would be difficult to take one of their larger pieces home, they’ve got lovely small pieces like teacups and jars that pack nicely. The workshop exhibits pieces made by their resident artists. With nearly half the artists also teaching, inquire at the workshop if you’re interested in studying ceramics with the workshop. They have studios in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Jingdezhen (China’s ceramics capital) as well as the Beijing studio. Grifted at #32 is a fabulous store full of crazy Chinese-inspired toys and gifts. Buy your best friend a floppy Mao Zedong (or Fidel Castro, all the good Commie leaders are represented) doll, Peking Opera puppets or a wacky umbrella. Plastered T-shirts at #61 is worth a stop for all your gift needs back home. Buy everyone a hip t-shirt with retro designs. They’ve got kids’, women’s and men’s. If you can’t decide, buy an enamel-ware covered mug. You never know when your next camping trip will be and your retro mug will be the envy of the campfire. If you need to refuel, don’t miss Fish Nation at #31. Owned by Shanghai’s favorite hole-in-the-wall Southern Barbarian , you can chow on some fish and chips and very good beer. Lujiabang Road Fabric Market Three-floor market of clothing fabric and tailors. Stalls sell everything from linen, silk, cotton, blends, cashmere for coats and suiting, men's suiting materials, etc. Many vendors speak some basic English. Getting clothing made is very, very reasonable but the outcome can be variable. Your best bet is to buy something that has already been made (most stalls have samples hanging up that you can try on), or bring in an item you'd like to have copied.399 Lujiabang Road (near the Bund). 上海南外轻纺面料市场, 399陆家浜路，近中山东二路 Say it in Chinese: "san joh joh loo jah bahng loo". 10am-6pmYour best bet is a taxi as there is not yet a convenient metro stop.

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