Year of the Dragon China for Vacation Offers Serenity in Spades

Posted on March 09, 2010 in China tour package

A savvy shopper will check online first to see if dedicated Chinese providers can offer them a good deal. However, since we're talking about the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the New Year can be any time between January and February. 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. 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 *For the sake of simplicity, I have noted the years per the Gregorian calendar. If not, national online travel providers can usually be counted on to find a package for you. 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.If your birthday falls in these months, and you're not sure where you land, use this website to find your zodiac sign. Healthy, Energetic Short-tempered Stubborn Honest Sensitive Trust-worthy Gregarious Popular Intelligent Monkeys, Rats Dogs Priest Artist Politician Susan B. Anthony, Joan of Arc, Pearl Buck, Sigmund Freud, Theodore Seuss Geisel, John Lennon, Florence Nightingale, Mae West Year of the Rat Year of the Ox Year of the Tiger Year of the Rabbit Year of the Dragon Year of the Snake Year of the Horse Year of the Sheep Year of the Monkey Year of the Rooster Year of the Dog Year of the Boar If you look hard enough, there are China vacation packages to be had. Year of the Rooster Vacations to China Better Than Vegas However, since we're talking about the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the New Year can be any time between January and February. If your birthday falls in these months, and you're not sure where you land, use this website to find your zodiac sign. Hard-working Shrewd Bold Boastful Correct Snake, Oxen Rabbits Restaurant owner Publicist World traveler Confucius, Catherine the Great, Amelia Earhart, Rudyard Kipling, Groucho Marx Year of the Rat Year of the Ox Year of the Tiger Year of the Rabbit Year of the Dragon Year of the Snake Year of the Horse Year of the Sheep Year of the Monkey Year of the Dog Year of the Boar 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. 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 *For the sake of simplicity, I have noted the years per the Gregorian calendar. vacation in China china vacations Bejing China Packages

Tags: year, china, vacation, chinese, calendar

Down on the 'happy farm' China Vacations Offer Three “Must See” Places

Posted on March 09, 2010 in China trips

"You have to dig deep enough that they'll put down solid roots, but not too deep so the sprout can easily break through the earth," he says. "Rice farming is the most labor-intensive form of agriculture known to man. The date of the Spring Festival, still far more widely celebrated than holidays like National Day and International Workers' Day, changes in accordance with the lunar calendar. Eating what you've planted yourself is a great experience." "I started out with 'Happy Farm', but then thought it got boring and I was stuck inside all day," Li the accountant says. It is also the most cognitively demanding form of agriculture," Malcolm Gladwell of the New Yorker magazine wrote in his 2008 book Outliers. Even today, the importance of farming is obvious in Chinese society. The answer may have as much to do with a video game as it does with nostalgia for an idyllic existence. In the game "Happy Farm", players run their own farms, plant crops, raise livestock and steal from their neighbors across social networking sites similar to Facebook. Many Chinese don't even know when their birthday is according to the Gregorian calendar, despite widespread use for several decades. But it has never been easy to be a farmer here. "It's much better to experience it in person than online." China vacations might not have the popular appeal of some destinations, but there are some truly wonderful sights to behold in China. Li finishes off plant-ing the last of the seeds and gets ready to head home. "This has been a really relaxing day," he says. The game's creator, Five Minutes, claims there are more than 15 million active users. "Everyone has been excited about this game "Happy Farm" for a while, so we thought we'd open up a real-life version to let kids and adults from the city experience farming first-hand," the owner of a farm said to a local newspaper in Luzhou, Sichuan last month. "You have to dig deep enough that they'll put down solid roots, but not too deep so the sprout can easily break through the earth," he says. 2010-02-25 10:27:27.0 By Michele Scrimenti Down on the 'happy farm' farm, China, holiday, Shanghai, pie, Guizhou, cuisine, tourism Down on the 'happy farm' Down on the 'happy farm' 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Li Yan stoops down over a field of cabbage plants with a small spade in his hand. Around one-fourth of China's cultivated land is used for growing rice. Planting for fun So with growing crops as difficult as it is, what's making city folk like Li Yan rush off to the nearby farmland every weekend to plant their own vegetables? 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."People come over as families and farm together. The sun is low and it's been a hard day. "I have such a sense of accomplishment." While planting crops for several hours is perfectly normal for China's 800 million farmers, for Li, an accountant in his mid-twenties, it's become something of a hobby, an escape from long hours at a multinational firm in Shanghai. Farm country Agriculture dates back at least nine millennia in the region now known as China. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471642.htm www.china.org.cn Li Yan stoops down over a field of cabbage plants with a small spade in his hand. Chinese tourists spend lots of money abroad Vacations to China Better Than Vegas Chinese tourists spent 155 million euros ($220.2 million) in 2009, followed by the Russians who spent 112 million euros and the Japanese who spent 99 million euros, the report said. The Galleries Lafayette in Paris reported that a typical Chinese tourist spent 1,000 euro in two hours last year, topping tourists from other countries. Some 87 percent of the Chinese's average total bill was on fashion items, including shoes and handbags, and 93 percent of their shopping was done in and around the French capital. Purchases made by the Chinese represented 15 percent of total spending by tourists in France in 2009 and their total bill rose 47 percent from 2008, it said. Chinese tourists are also among the top five spenders in countries like Singapore and South Korea, reports said. Insiders said the shopping craze is mainly due to two reasons - a booming economy in China, and a price gap caused by a high tax levied on luxury goods. "People have more spare money to spend now. I traveled to France a decade ago, and I didn't buy any luxury goods simply because I couldn't afford them," said Cui Xiaoping, in his 50s, who traveled around Europe, including France, with his wife in January. But during the January trip, he bought so many things, including designer handbags and clothes, that he needed to buy an extra suitcase to carry them home. "Chinese people these days are more informed about the luxury brands. Buying them in Europe is a lot cheaper than in China due to the competitive exchange rate between euros and renminbi, plus there is no import tax," he said. In addition, Chinese tourists are impulsive shoppers, said Li Meng, deputy general manager of the outbound department with the China International Travel Service head office. "Chinese tourists are different from the Japanese tourists, who would make shopping lists beforehand. Many Chinese tourists bought everything they thought is cheaper than at home," he said. If you are a fan of sports, there is no greater trip than a China vacation. They play their home games in Lucheng, just south of Beijing. For any baseball fan, this is a great chance to see players that you would normally never get a chance to watch, and see a ball park that most people will only ever hear about.Another Chinese tourist bought 20 rice cookers at one shot. In Berlin, half of eight counters selling luxury watches in KaDeWe department store on Feb 15 were receiving Chinese tourists, Xiao Yun, a tourist who just came back from Europe told Beijing Youth Daily. He also saw the counters of top cosmetic brands crowded by Chinese tourists at the Munich airport, and one of them bought five bottles of a toning lotion priced at 2,000 yuan each. Chinese consumers have become the No 1 spender in more and more countries, studies and experts said. The latest report by Global Refund, a company specializing in tax-free shopping for tourists, said Chinese tourists outspent the Russians in France last year. The Chinese Baseball League began operation in 2002, and has enjoyed a lot of success since its inception. The Beijing Tigers actually predate the league by many years, and have been the most successful team in the CBL, winning the championships three times. The CBL is now partnered with the more established Nippon Professional Baseball league of Japan, allowing for transfers between the two countries to better grow the sport. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471605.htm www.china.org.cn The Chinese Lunar New Year is not only a gala for domestic retail sales, but a feast for overseas retailers, too. 2010-02-25 10:21:41.0 Chinese tourists spend lots of money abroad Chinese tourists ,money, abroad,China, tourism, New year,United States,   Chinese tourists spend lots of money abroad Chinese tourists spend lots of money abroad 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> The Chinese Lunar New Year is not only a gala for domestic retail sales, but a feast for overseas retailers, too. Some 1,200 Chinese tourists celebrated the lunar New Year in New York between Feb 14 and 20, spending an estimated $6 million in the United States, said Zheng Wenqing, a public relations manager for New York Tourism Board's China office. Japanese retailers also reaped gains from Chinese tourists during the week. For me, I buy luxury brands because they offer quality. While in China, you will see many wonderful sights, but there are three that will rival anything you can see anywhere else in the sporting world: Baseball. A local home appliance retailer, Bic Camera, reported that its store in Akihabara, Tokyo, saw its sales increase by 20 to 30 percent thanks to Chinese tourists, Japan-based Chinese language newspaper Jnocnews reported. The newspaper quoted a salesman as saying that a Chinese tourist pointed to and bought cameras and lenses worth more than 70,000 yuan ($10,500) at one time.

Tags: farm, china, happy, day, li

Cash and Purchases Vacationing In China Offers Everything

Posted on March 09, 2010 in China travel agency

The annual Duanwu Festival for dragon boat racing is a regular and popular holiday in China. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Martial arts. This holiday is a chance for Chinese citizens to enjoy the dragon boat races and other cultural activities, although the races are the focus of the day.The races are so popular, that the influence has bled over into other Asian cultures and countries. The festival begins on the “double fifth”, or the fifth day of the fifth lunar month on the Chinese calendar. Some fighting styles are based on the movements of predator animals, while some are meant to be used more purely as self defence, and others use the ancient movements of historical warrior training. The popular martial art of Kung Fu originated in China, although it is sometimes referred to in China by the original Mandarin term, wushu. This means that, on the Western calendar, the date can fluctuate wildly, being as early as May and as late as June. The different styles are usually broken up into families or sects, depending on their influence. Dragon boat racing. There are many different styles of combat training that fall into this category, and public displays and competitions are common in China – not to mention, incredibly popular. What is usually seen as a fun little event in Western culture is a much bigger deal in China. Year of the Rabbit Chinas Vacation Hot Spots If your birthday falls in these months, and you're not sure where you land, use this website to find your zodiac sign. Articulate Ambitious Controlled Affectionate Cooperative Friendly Overly sentimental Sheep, Boars Roosters Lawyer Diplomat Actor Michelangelo, Albert Einstein, Marie Curie Year of the Rat Year of the Ox Year of the Tiger Year of the Rabbit Year of the Dragon Year of the Snake Year of the Horse Year of the Sheep Year of the Monkey Year of the Rooster Year of the Dog Year of the Boar Going through the Heavenly Gate, the Forbidden City is a truly peaceful and relaxing place. Within its walls are a number of peaceful gardens and yards, hidden in a network of pathways. However, since we're talking about the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the New Year can be any time between January and February. 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 *For the sake of simplicity, I have noted the years per the Gregorian calendar. 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.

Tags: year, china, calendar, dragon, popular

Kullu Manali Honeymoon Tour Package Information China Vacation Sports Lots of Fun

Posted on March 09, 2010 in China traveling

it is almost having a genie waft out of its bottle! The age of the British Raj called Shimla the summer capital of the country. The place offers some great scenic views which put your mind and soul to rest. Hong Kong is among the world’s most important shipping and commerce centers. Skating, fishing and angling become quite popular during this season, and with the Shimla Manali tour package , you can sure enjoy them all! The Shimla Manali package will ensure that tourists can get to see all the important places that Shimla has to offer. At the times when you feel like almost melting away under the Indian summer sun, these ideal hill stations offer the best relief that you could have ever imagined! To name a few: If you go with Manali Honeymoon package, you can get to visit the Gaiety theatre, Railway Board Building, Ellerslie, Viceroy Building and Christ Church. You will be taken to the seven hills of this city from where you can have a panoramic view of the entire place! It is one of the most densely populated areas of China, cramming seven million people onto an island of less than 500 square miles. When you go to China on vacation, Xi’an must be on the itinerary – if not for the above-listed reasons, then for the infamous Terracotta Warriors that were found nearby.The differences mean that visiting Hong Kong is unlike any other trip within China. Xi’an was also the first capital city of what we now know as the country of China. This has traditionally been the seat of power in China, and the Imperial Palace is still standing in the city, and now serves as a popular tourist attraction and museum. So go ahead, make your choice and have a great vacation that is hard to forget! Where should you go in China on vacation? But Shimla is quite exciting not only because of its marvelous weather, but also for the gamut of sport activities it provides for all strong and brave hearts. This is beginning of the legendary Silk Road that was the main route for commerce and trade for centuries in Asia. The city has an ancient history, and the many palaces, religious temples and old tenements give you a taste of what Beijing was like in the past. The package will include a rendezvous to the historical sites which stand as the glorious symbol of the rich cultural heritage of North Himachal Pradesh. The capital city of China, it is the best known of the four Great Ancient Capitals of China. There are fossil records that show that this area has been populated as long as six thousand years ago. You start feeling an inner peace that is hard to find anywhere else. Best Manali Tour Operators – Complete Transparency The Manali package tours offer you everything you require. Vashisht Temple, the Manali Temple, Rothang Pass, Hot water springs, Rahala waterfalls, Solang valley are few of the exciting sites or tourist sot visit. Think of Shimla and Manali, when you feel like spending your holidays with that classic touch of sensuousness that we all miss in our everyday lives. The holiday packages of Manali from IndiaTourTrip.com provides customer support day in and day out, plus they take the payments in 3 installments,. It will be as great as it usually is in your dreams. Moreover, this place is the ideal destination for adventure seekers, and for adrenaline junkies who wish to go out river rafting on the Beas, or mountain trekking or climbing. Hong Kong sits on the south coastal area of China, and is famous for its Western-style buildings and culture, despite a majority of the population being Chinese. With over 13 million people within its borders and more than 17 million if you take into account the surrounding municipalities, Beijing is the second largest city in China, after Shanghai. Jakhoo Hill, Observatory Hill, Summer Hill, Prospect Hill, Elysium hill, Inveram hill and Botany Hill are truly remarkable places that you will never forget in your entire life! But the Manali Honeymoon Package has more to offer. Beijing is the obvious choice, as it will likely be the city that you fly into when you arrive in China. And with Shimla Manali tour package , your dreams are about to come true! Places to see in Shimla Shimla is well known to the world as the queen of the hill stations in India. If you wish to go for fishing, angling or even ice skating, your wish will be granted as soon as possible! Xi’an is less of a modern city than Beijing or Hong Kong, but it has important contributions to China that make it a worthy destination on your China trip. A colony of Great Britain since the first Opium Wars of the 1800s, it reverted to Chinese rule in 1997. The city is unique in China, and runs on a completely different system than the rest of the country. Delhi To Shimla, Kullu, Manali on a Honeymoon ‘Hotel’ Tour Package Mar 4, 2010 Rahul Dutta Gupta Think of waking up in the cool morning with the sun-warmed air to give you comfort; think of a day in the laps of the mountains high, with the sun marching across the blue with slow steps; think of a night in the isolated peace, with the nearby stream to carry your thoughts away to a faraway place. Heli skiing, paragliding, skiing, golfing and trekking are few of the unending options in the list. If you are going to China, there are three cities you must visit while you are there. Thus it is easier to opt for these holiday package tours. You can go for any of them; either you choose the Shimla Manali tour packages or the Himachal Tour packages, but your overall experiences will the same. You can get to see many temples and age-old architecture. Hong Kong is unlike any other city in China. But despite being the second largest, it was still the first choice for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. With them, you can see places like the State Museum, Kamna Devi Mandir, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Combermere Bridge, the mall, Scandal Point and the Sankat Mochan Temple. Rendezvous with Nature in Manali About 275 km away from Shimla there lays another land of Paradise. It is well known to all by the name Manali. Transparency is their key word, since you have an access to their institutes and their functioning at all times. During the winter, the nature dons anew garb, and the white fur of snow is draped on the grounds to form a splendid view. Zhujiajiao China Vacation Packages worth a Hard Look It is a typical ancient water town in Qingpu, with over 700 years of history. But alas, this is China. All of these are a display of the towns ancient history. Zhujiajiao, known as “The Venice of Shanghaiâ€, features waterways, arched stone bridges, ancient streets, stone walkways and well-preserved ancient buildings. History of Zhujiajiao The town dates back to the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. If you happen to be in anywhere near the Suzhou area, which is about an hour from Shanghai, it is definitely worth taking the time to visit this unique area where waterways, not roads, are the main mode of transport. In its heyday, Zhujiajiao served as a distribution centre for Chinese commodities such as silk, porcelain, crafts and grain. This garden is commonly named 'Ma Family Garden' after a former owner named Ma Wenqin. Gondoliers sing to passengers, their beautiful voices ringing through the air. On it are engraved eight Chinese dragons encircling a shining pearl. The Fangsheng Bridge is the longest, largest and the tallest stone bridge with five openings. Gardens and Architecture of China's Proud Past Like many of the waterside towns in this region, Zhujiajiao maintains private gardens which were originally created during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Ke Zhi Yuan (Good Manners Garden) boasts impressive Chinese gardens as well as ancient dwellings built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It offers timeless beauty and charm to artists, photographers, and visitors alike. A respect for the rich past and ancestry is evident. Zhujiajiao's Most Distinctive Features are Water Lanes and Historic Bridges Clearly one of Zhujiajiao most distinctive features is its water lanes. You will see all the major scenic parts of the area and be guaranteed the opportunity for memorable photographs of ancient bridges and homes which are still being used today. There are 36 bridges in Zhujiajiaovarying in style and shape, and made from wood, stone or marble. The residential homes there were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties often having two storeys and upturned eaves, white brick walls, black tiles, and crimson wooden windows and doors. The Fansheng Bridge contains on it a stone tablet called The Dragon Gate Stone. The atmosphere is one of antiquity. Gondola-rides will take tourists along the canal, which is spotted with weeping willow trees. In front of every house there is a stop leading down to the waterway. The nearly 100 classic courtyards and 60 carved-brick archways are still in use today. In Zhujiajiao, locals still live their lives on the history-steeped waterways. Situated on Great North Street, this is the town's largest manor-style private garden. Tourists will witness well-preserved ancient architecture, such as temples, towers, pagodas and residential buildings. The area lent well to this because of its unique geographical location. The town's population by China's standards is small with a population of a mere 60 thousand people in a 47 square kilometre area. What is special is how well the Chinese preserve their country's history. Each bridge has a name and a story. By no means is the water clean. The Venice of Shanghai Mar 3, 2010 Agnes Bellegris Zhujiajiao, which means "family bridge" is one of the most famous and best preserved old towns in the area. Everyday activities such as washing, shopping and transportation, continue to carry themselves out in its murky waters. Any Chinese vacations are going to be busy – once you get there, you will find that there is so much culture, art, architecture, history, sports and other amazing things to see, do, taste and experience. But if you are a history fan, or you want to experience something uniquely Chinese, there are three main sights in China that you simply cannot miss out on – the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an, the Great Wall of China, and the Forbidden City in Beijing. The most famous two bridges are are the five-arch Fangsheng (Set Animals Free) Bridge built in 1571 in the Ming Dynasty and Lang (Veranda) Bridge, which is the only wooden bridge in this town. They do not speak English so if you are looking for an explanation of sights, hire a tour guide. These water lanes are the town's main roads, and the gondola is the most common mode of transport. Coming home without having experienced all three would be a terrible waste, and would require a return ticket as soon as possible!As in the rest of China, it is a murky, polluted brown and in the summer the stench will be quite strong. Perched at top of the bridge are four stone lions whose purpose is to guard the bridge against evil intruders.

Tags: china, bridge, manali, package, shimla

Hainan Airlines to open Shanghai to Brussels route China Vacation Packages worth a Hard Look

Posted on March 09, 2010 in Tours of 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. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/03/content_19509052.htm www.china.org.cn Hainan Airlines will open its first intercontinental air route from east China, the Shanghai to Brussels route, from May 28, 2010. 2010-03-03 09:07:39.0 Hainan Airlines to open Shanghai to Brussels route Hainan Airlines ,Shanghai,Brussels route,flight, Beijing, Hainan Airlines to open Shanghai to Brussels route Hainan Airlines to open Shanghai to Brussels route 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Hainan Airlines will open its first intercontinental air route from east China, the Shanghai to Brussels route, from May 28, 2010. This route will be operated using Airbus A330 and will have three flights each week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Flights will leave from Shanghai at 00:10 and will arrive at Brussels at 06:55 local time; return flights will depart at 13:50 local time and arrive Shanghai at 07:00 the following day. This new route will enable Chinese travelers to take direct flights to Brussels from either Beijing or Shanghai, and to get to 45 cities in European countries and 13 cities in 12 African countries via Brussels. The first direct flight between China and Belgium, the Beijing to Brussels route, was launched in 2006 and is also operated by Hainan Airlines. China vacations might not have the popular appeal of some destinations, but there are some truly wonderful sights to behold in China. Chinese citizens with Schengen visas allowed to travel to Croatia in groups China Vacation Tours Show You More Than You Could Find Everything from Chinese tea rooms to fancy full-course restaurants can be experienced this way. These rickshaw rides are often combined with a traditional tour, to give you a chance to pick up some local flavour. Do your research before you buy. A great way to see the sights in between the sites is to hire a rickshaw. That can include narrow passages that will be much more visually interesting that the usual freeways. 31, 2010. Holders of valid passports planning to stay in Croatia for up to 90 days or traveling via Croatia to their final destinations will not be required to have visas. 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. Another big appeal to the tour groups are the restaurants you will visit. 31 provided that their visits are organized in groups, Croatian Tourism Minister Damir Bajs said at a news conference in Zagreb on Tuesday, after his meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Croatia. The Croatian minister and the Chinese ambassador, Wu Lianqi, discussed the importance of economic cooperation between their countries, notably in the tourism sector, according to a report by the Croatian state news agency HINA. Bajs said that the opening of the office of the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) in Shanghai, scheduled for 2011, would help improve this cooperation. He said that 7,600 Chinese tourists visited Croatia in 2009, or 19 percent more than in 2008. 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. 31 provided that their visits are organized in groups, Croatian Tourism Minister Damir Bajs said at a news conference in Zagreb on Tuesday, after his meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Croatia. 2010-03-03 09:00:26.0 Chinese citizens with Schengen visas allowed to travel to Croatia in groups Chinese citizens ,Schengen visas ,travel,Croatia ,groups, trip Chinese citizens with Schengen visas allowed to travel to Croatia in groups Chinese citizens with Schengen visas allowed to travel to Croatia in groups 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Chinese citizens with valid Schengen visas can travel to Croatia without any more visas from April 1 to Oct. Of course, you are limited by the speed of your rickshaw runner, and the distance he can go before he tires out. And there are some routes that are simply not rickshaw friendly. It is a massive set of buildings and green spaces, covering nearly three million square meters of land. Tour groups love to stop at sites like these, and often offer group tours through some of the buildings and parkways. 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. This temple, built in the 1400s, was a place for prayers for plentiful harvest for the Chinese people. Last year, 50 million Chinese traveled abroad and two million of them were in Europe. Last week, the Croatian government decided to temporarily suspend visa requirements for nationals of Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation and Ukraine in the tourism season between April 1 and Oct. These grounds tend to attract those looking to get some exercise outdoors, including everything from sparring martial artists to slow but steady joggers. He said that the financial crisis had not affected the tourist trade in China. These tours take you to places in China that you normally would never get a chance to see. One of the great sights that you might be able to view in China includes the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. The thing to remember with China vacation tours is that they are not all created equal. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/03/content_19508856.htm www.china.org.cn Chinese citizens with valid Schengen visas can travel to Croatia without any more visas from April 1 to Oct. These conveyances should be used more for their odd appeal than their ability to get you around. 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. Today, the temple is a popular tourist destination, both for the wonders of the temple itself, and for the grounds that surround it. The minister hopes that the visa cancellation and other moves would lead to a further growth in the number of Chinese tourists in Croatia. The ambassador said that a great number of Chinese were interested in visiting Croatia.

Tags: chinese, china, croatia, tour, group

Imperial granaries welcome civilians China on Vacation Means Three Must-See Cities

Posted on March 09, 2010 in Vacations to china

It was built during 1400s in Ming Dynasty. The granary is as solid as new, the tour guide at the museum said. If you want something that the average Western sports fan is only beginning to catch on to, you can find many great martial arts competitions. And if you want to see something that you likely won’t see outside of Asia, the dragon boat race festival in China is something to behold.The specialty here is roasted duck, believed to be made from the imperial recipe. However, the endless patrons to this establishment are not actually drawn by the food, but the Kunqu Opera that plays in this restaurant as entertainment. The walls are 1.3 to 1.5 meters thick and there are skylights on the roof and drain pipes underground to keep the place clear and dry. The museum reenacts the scene of transporting and storing up grains using human sized puppets and antique props such as bamboo baskets and grain scales. The most applauded piece is the "Peony Pavilion" a Tang Dynasty love drama. The restaurant also has several priceless antiques the owner uses as decorations; for example, the engraved board hanging on the top of the counter dates back to the 1700s. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/05/content_19528868.htm www.china.org.cn Seated regally in Dongcheng district of Beijing about one thousand years ago were seventy-six imperial granaries that controlled the lifeline of the Chinese nation and its people. 2010-03-05 10:30:46.0 Imperial granaries welcome civilians China, Beijing, restaurant, museum,Nanxin storehouse Imperial granaries welcome civilians Imperial granaries welcome civilians 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Seated regally in Dongcheng district of Beijing about one thousand years ago were seventy-six imperial granaries that controlled the lifeline of the Chinese nation and its people. Buried in the cluster of ancient buildings, Minghuang storehouse is nothing in particular judging from its grey brick walls. Visitors will also be presented a small bag of grain as souvenir. The museum opens from 9:50 to 5:00 and is free of charge. If you want to take a vacation with a heavy sports theme, you could do worse than to take a China vacation. Nowadays, the many storehouses have scaled down to nine; inside two of them, we can still sense the faded history. One of the granaries, Nanxin storehouse, is said to be ten years older than the Forbidden City; it has been redecorated and welcomes customers as a restaurant. If your tastes run to sports that you will be familiar with as a Western sports fan, you will be able to find an elite level of baseball being played in China. The restaurant promises to provide supreme service and charges equally high prices because it includes the entrance fee to the food bill. Another of the granaries in use today is Minghuang storehouse which is open to the public as a museum. Transaero to launch direct Moscow-Beijing route in June Vacationing In China Offers Everything http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/05/content_19527844.htm www.china.org.cn Russian Transaero Airlines has announced that plans launch a direct air route from Moscow to Beijing starting from June 4, 2010. 2010-03-05 09:20:51.0 Transaero to launch direct Moscow-Beijing route in June airlines,direct flight, Moscow,Beijing ,route , China, Transaero to launch direct Moscow-Beijing route in June Transaero to launch direct Moscow-Beijing route in June 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Russian Transaero Airlines has announced that plans launch a direct air route from Moscow to Beijing starting from June 4, 2010. Flights UN865/866 will be scheduled on Tuesdays and Fridays. The museum that houses them is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and definitely worth a trip.There is almost 4000 miles of the Wall itself, but one of the most famous areas is the North Pass, which helped to defend the city of Beijing. The original Great Wall was constructed around 200 BC, but many other walls have been built since that time that are considered to be part of the Great Wall. Flights will leave Moscow's Domodedovo Airport at 11:10 Moscow time and arrive in Beijing Capital Airport at 22:10 local time; return flights will depart from Beijing at 0:40 local time and get back to Moscow at 04:20. Transaero says that the flights will have Chinese-speakers on their cabin crew and meals will cater to both Chinese and Russian tastes. Transaero first began to operate scheduled flights to China in 2005, and it carries the largest number of passengers on air routes between Russia and Hainan Island. In China, there is history everywhere. The most famous examples include the Great Wall of China, and the Terracotta Warriors. The Terracotta Warriors were discovered near Xi’an in 1974, and includes over 8,000 figures. Yangtze River Cruises Bejing china vacations Great Wall of China

Tags: china, wall, beijing, great, moscow

Caochang Hutong: remains of former gathering places Vacationing In China Offers Everything

Posted on March 09, 2010 in China trips

Hong Kong should also be on your list of cities to see, as it is unlike any other city in China. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/02/content_19503827.htm www.china.org.cn Though only 10 minutes from the Qianmen main drag, a small portion of Caochang Hutong has been spared the bland renovations of the ancient shopping street, if not for much longer. 2010-03-02 15:09:23.0 By Yin Yeping Caochang Hutong: remains of former gathering places Caochang Hutong, China, Beijing, Caochang Hutong: remains of former gathering places Caochang Hutong: remains of former gathering places 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Though only 10 minutes from the Qianmen main drag, a small portion of Caochang Hutong has been spared the bland renovations of the ancient shopping street, if not for much longer. Head east away from the tourist hordes to find what remains of Caochang, where the lanes, numbering one to 10 from west to east, atypically curve from the north to south in a pattern dissimilar to the rest of the city's linear hutong. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Xi’an has an amazing history that no traveller should skip seeing.Caochang therefore existed as a busy area with Han residents from throughout the country, resulting in the establishment of about 27 guild houses according to Jing Shi Fang Xiang Zhi (a dictionary of the majority of Beijing's known hutong), though few of these remain post-1950s. When you go to China on vacation, there are three cities that you absolutely must visit. It is said that they were built alongside the old San Li River, and that the dried riverbed remains under Hutong No. Hong Kong is perhaps the most futuristic cities in the country. Lu, a 70-year-old resident of the hutong for 40 years, confirmed this bit of lore. Primarily, you should see Beijing – but you will not have much choice in the matter, as you will likely be flying in through this capital city. 9. Caochang originally served as a feed storage area during the Ming Dynasty. "Grasses from elsewhere were brought down here to Caochang to be used for fodder for the palace's sheep," he said, "which is why the hutong are numbered like storehouses." During the Qing dynasty, due to a fear of internal rebellion, the city was divided: only the Manchu were allowed to live in the northern section of the city, while residents of the Han ethnicity were forced to move outside of the city walls and inhabit the southern area around Qianmen until the late governing period of the emperor Qian Long. This city features some amazing historical sites, and now has some great modern wonders, thanks to their hosting of the latest Olympic Games. Hainan offers couples luxury yacht weddings Vacations to China Better Than Vegas The tourism authorities believe the option to get married in a tropical paradise will prove irresistible to Chinese couples and that within a few years yacht weddings will be big business on the island. If you prefer not to deal with a travel agent, you can contact the airlines directly. Many airlines have partnerships with hotel providers and tour operators, and can either book you directly for the entirety of your package, or can at least direct you to their partner for more information. If you have booked a tour in China, this can be problematic.Couples throughout China can apply to take part by calling the telephone hotline 0898-66819999. It will be hosted by the Haikou TV Broadcasting Station and the Haikou Film and TV Artists Association and is certain to be an unforgettable experience for the chosen couples. Looking to the future, Hainan plans to promote the island as a wedding and honeymoon destination with similar ultra-romantic wedding ceremonies. Lines open on March 1 for 8 days. The ceremony will be held at the Haikou Bay International Yacht Club on March 20. You can also enquire with the airline about the availability of last minute saver fares to China, which would be substantially less expensive, but would require you to be on standby for a flight that you might not end up taking. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/02/content_19502752.htm www.china.org.cn Hainan is offering couples the chance to marry on board a luxury yacht as part of its plan to promote the tropical island as a yachting center. 2010-03-02 13:15:19.0 By Elaine Duan Hainan offers couples luxury yacht weddings Hainan,couples ,luxury yacht weddings, China, tour,Haikou Tv, film, Hainan offers couples luxury yacht weddings Hainan offers couples luxury yacht weddings 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Hainan is offering couples the chance to marry on board a luxury yacht as part of its plan to promote the tropical island as a yachting center. As part of the Haikou Yacht Economy Forum 2010 which opens on March 19, a group of couples will be selected to take part in an ultra-fashionable wedding ceremony in a romantic setting with "mystery guests" in attendance.

Tags: city, china, hutong, caochang, couples

Gift Guides Vacationing In China Offers Everything

Posted on March 08, 2010 in China rentals

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. And for some of the prices available, you might want to do all your future Christmas and birthday shopping during your trip...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. But these ideas apply to any city you're visiting. Gift Guide for Kids Gift Guide for Her Gift Guide for Him If you are a history buff, Chinese vacations can offer you sights that you will find nowhere else on Earth. You can visit the excavation site, and see those warriors that have been uncovered.While you can find plenty of junk in the markets - and don't forget, practically everything at home is "made in China" - you might want to get something special. The Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an are an amazing sight. These gift guides for shopping in China give you helpful ideas of what to bring back to your family, friends and co-workers. 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. Not all of the warriors have been excavated, but the ones that have been are miraculously well maintained. Because of my location in Shanghai, I've pinpointed shops where you can find these treasures. Year of the Horse China Vacation Tours Show You More Than You Could Find The Great Wall of China, the Xi’an Terracotta Warriors, and the Forbidden City all stand head and shoulders above any other hot spot in China. From its ancient past, which is on display in its many temples and other older buildings, to its more modern trappings, like the beautiful hotels and bustling business districts, Beijing offers sights and sounds that you can find nowhere else in China, let alone the world. However, since we're talking about the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the New Year can be any time between January and February. Here are three places in China that you really must see, and one place that no one thinks of, but really ought to get out to! All of the venues are still intact in Beijing, and many of them have guided tours. If your birthday falls in these months, and you're not sure where you land, use this website to find your zodiac sign. Popular Cheerful Skilled with money matters Hard-working Impatient Independent Intelligent Selfish Tigers, Dogs Rats Scientist Adventurer Politician Poet Thomas Edison, Davy Crockett, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Sandra Day O'Connor, Rembrandt, Teddy Roosevelt Year of the Rat Year of the Ox Year of the Tiger Year of the Rabbit Year of the Dragon Year of the Snake Year of the Horse Year of the Sheep Year of the Monkey Year of the Rooster Year of the Dog Year of the Boar If you are headed to China for your next vacation, you might be wondering what Chinas vacation hot spots are. Take your time to see as much of this city as you can. Many people quickly forget who has hosted the previous edition of the Games, but the infrastructure build for those sporting events lasts much longer. If you love to shop, you must go to the high end districts in Hong Kong, and check out the massive stores. Number two might be the city of Hong Kong. Long a British protectorate, it reverted to Chinese rule many years ago. The surprise might be the remnants of the recent Olympic Games in Beijing. Number one has got to be a tie among some of the great historical buildings, statues and of course, walls. Long the capital city of China, it is amazing how much of the country is represented here in the big city. The culture, architecture and people of Beijing make it an amazing center that you will need a long time to properly explore. 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 *For the sake of simplicity, I have noted the years per the Gregorian calendar. You can wander the buildings, see the sights, and capture a little bit of the Olympic spirit, one of Chinas vacation hot spots that few people will remember to look for.As a result, Hong Kong is a thriving center of commerce and shipping. But despite having Chinese rulers again, Hong Kong enjoys certain protections that the rest of China does not. The other hot spot in China – and it is not fair to say it ranks below either of the other two listed choices here – could be the city of Beijing. These masterpieces and marvels are the sorts of things that you simply cannot miss out on when you visit China. Great Wall of China vacation in China China Packages china vacations

Tags: china, year, city, vacation, warrior

Year of the Sheep (Goat or Ram China Vacation Sports Lots of Fun

Posted on March 08, 2010 in China deals

From pro-level baseball and basketball games featuring home-grown Chinese talent, to the elegant and graceful Chinese ballets, there are visual wonders everywhere. No better example of this exists than the Forbidden City complex in the heart of Beijing. 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 *For the sake of simplicity, I have noted the years per the Gregorian calendar. While they may not understand the language or the cultural significance of the differences, children will enjoy the leisure activities offered in China. China offers something for every member of the family, no matter what their interests are. 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. For the kids, there is plenty to do in China. If your birthday falls in these months, and you're not sure where you land, use this website to find your zodiac sign. Wise Gentle Compassionate Charming Elegant Slightly materialistic Quick to complain Shy Pessimistic Rabbits, Dogs Oxen Actor Gardener Beachcomber Mark Twain, Rudolph Valentino, Barbara Walters, Orville Wright Year of the Rat Year of the Ox Year of the Tiger Year of the Rabbit Year of the Dragon Year of the Snake Year of the Horse Year of the Sheep Year of the Monkey Year of the Rooster Year of the Dog Year of the Boar When most people consider a family vacation, they think of theme parks, camping trips, and long hours in the car. From the temples to the simplest buildings, Chinese architecture is so different and so beautiful that visitors cannot help but stop and stare. 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. 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. However, since we're talking about the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the New Year can be any time between January and February. 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. For the parents, the architecture of China can be a very strong draw. 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. But what is there for the family to do in China? More than you can imagine, really. 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. Year of the Snake China Vacation Tours Show You More Than You Could Find 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 *For the sake of simplicity, I have noted the years per the Gregorian calendar. However, since we're talking about the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the New Year can be any time between January and February. You will see great sights, sample new cuisines, experience a vastly different and vibrant culture, and open your eyes to the world outside of your own country. Vacationing in China offers you the best use of your vacation time.If your birthday falls in these months, and you're not sure where you land, use this website to find your zodiac sign. Vain Selfish Sympathetic Charitable Romantic Charming Stingy Self-reliant Roosters, Oxen Boars Teacher Philosopher Writer Psychiatrist Charles Darwin, Elizabeth I, Picasso, Anne Frank, Mahatma Gandhi, Carole King, Abraham Lincoln, Edgar Allen Poe Year of the Rat Year of the Ox Year of the Tiger Year of the Rabbit Year of the Dragon Year of the Snake Year of the Horse Year of the Sheep Year of the Monkey Year of the Rooster Year of the Dog Year of the Boar In China, you will have the most original vacation out of all of your friends. While they go to Vegas to gamble or New York to shop, you will be halfway across the world, broadening your horizons and seeing sights that they have only ever heard about in glossy travel magazines.

Tags: year, china, vacation, family, chinese

Year of the Boar (Pig) Chinese Vacations Offer Historical Amazement

Posted on March 08, 2010 in China travel agency

Coming home without having experienced all three would be a terrible waste, and would require a return ticket as soon as possible!However, since we're talking about the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the New Year can be any time between January and February. But if you are a history fan, or you want to experience something uniquely Chinese, there are three main sights in China that you simply cannot miss out on – the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an, the Great Wall of China, and the Forbidden City in Beijing. If your birthday falls in these months, and you're not sure where you land, use this website to find your zodiac sign. Chivalrous Gallant Honest Tolerant Thirsty for knowledge Well-informed Quick tempered Avoid confrontation Naïve Sheep, Rabbits Other Boars Entertainers Lawyers Lucille Ball, Ernest Hemingway, Mahalia Jackson, Albert Schweitzer, Julie Andrews, Ronald Reagan Year of the Rat Year of the Ox Year of the Tiger Year of the Rabbit Year of the Dragon Year of the Snake Year of the Horse Year of the Sheep Year of the Monkey Year of the Rooster Year of the Dog Year of the Boar Any Chinese vacations are going to be busy – once you get there, you will find that there is so much culture, art, architecture, history, sports and other amazing things to see, do, taste and experience. 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019 *For the sake of simplicity, I have noted the years per the Gregorian calendar. June in China Chinese Vacations Offer Historical Amazement ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. 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. You can visit Tiananmen Square, and go through the Heavenly Gate to the Forbidden City, or go to the Imperial summer home. china vacations China Packages Bejing vacation in China

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Chinese citizens with Schengen visas allowed to travel to Croatia in groups China Vacation Sports Lots of Fun

Posted on March 08, 2010 in Visit china

These tours take you to places in China that you normally would never get a chance to see. This temple, built in the 1400s, was a place for prayers for plentiful harvest for the Chinese people. Do your research before you buy.31, 2010. Holders of valid passports planning to stay in Croatia for up to 90 days or traveling via Croatia to their final destinations will not be required to have visas. 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. 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. These grounds tend to attract those looking to get some exercise outdoors, including everything from sparring martial artists to slow but steady joggers. Today, the temple is a popular tourist destination, both for the wonders of the temple itself, and for the grounds that surround it. 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. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/03/content_19508856.htm www.china.org.cn Chinese citizens with valid Schengen visas can travel to Croatia without any more visas from April 1 to Oct. A great way to see the sights in between the sites is to hire a rickshaw. 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. Another big appeal to the tour groups are the restaurants you will visit. And there are some routes that are simply not rickshaw friendly. These conveyances should be used more for their odd appeal than their ability to get you around. 31 provided that their visits are organized in groups, Croatian Tourism Minister Damir Bajs said at a news conference in Zagreb on Tuesday, after his meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Croatia. The Croatian minister and the Chinese ambassador, Wu Lianqi, discussed the importance of economic cooperation between their countries, notably in the tourism sector, according to a report by the Croatian state news agency HINA. Bajs said that the opening of the office of the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) in Shanghai, scheduled for 2011, would help improve this cooperation. He said that 7,600 Chinese tourists visited Croatia in 2009, or 19 percent more than in 2008. That can include narrow passages that will be much more visually interesting that the usual freeways. The thing to remember with China vacation tours is that they are not all created equal. The minister hopes that the visa cancellation and other moves would lead to a further growth in the number of Chinese tourists in Croatia. The ambassador said that a great number of Chinese were interested in visiting Croatia. It is a massive set of buildings and green spaces, covering nearly three million square meters of land. He said that the financial crisis had not affected the tourist trade in China. These rickshaw rides are often combined with a traditional tour, to give you a chance to pick up some local flavour. 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. Last year, 50 million Chinese traveled abroad and two million of them were in Europe. Last week, the Croatian government decided to temporarily suspend visa requirements for nationals of Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation and Ukraine in the tourism season between April 1 and Oct. Of course, you are limited by the speed of your rickshaw runner, and the distance he can go before he tires out. Everything from Chinese tea rooms to fancy full-course restaurants can be experienced this way. 31 provided that their visits are organized in groups, Croatian Tourism Minister Damir Bajs said at a news conference in Zagreb on Tuesday, after his meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Croatia. 2010-03-03 09:00:26.0 Chinese citizens with Schengen visas allowed to travel to Croatia in groups Chinese citizens ,Schengen visas ,travel,Croatia ,groups, trip Chinese citizens with Schengen visas allowed to travel to Croatia in groups Chinese citizens with Schengen visas allowed to travel to Croatia in groups 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Chinese citizens with valid Schengen visas can travel to Croatia without any more visas from April 1 to Oct. Caochang Hutong: remains of former gathering places China Family Vacation Offers Plenty to Work With Caochang therefore existed as a busy area with Han residents from throughout the country, resulting in the establishment of about 27 guild houses according to Jing Shi Fang Xiang Zhi (a dictionary of the majority of Beijing's known hutong), though few of these remain post-1950s. The other Imperial holdover that will aid in your search for relaxing but stimulating sites is the Summer Palace. 9. Caochang originally served as a feed storage area during the Ming Dynasty. This former summer home features beautifully manicured gardens and green spaces, surrounding natural bodies of water. It is said that they were built alongside the old San Li River, and that the dried riverbed remains under Hutong No. "Grasses from elsewhere were brought down here to Caochang to be used for fodder for the palace's sheep," he said, "which is why the hutong are numbered like storehouses." During the Qing dynasty, due to a fear of internal rebellion, the city was divided: only the Manchu were allowed to live in the northern section of the city, while residents of the Han ethnicity were forced to move outside of the city walls and inhabit the southern area around Qianmen until the late governing period of the emperor Qian Long. Lu, a 70-year-old resident of the hutong for 40 years, confirmed this bit of lore. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/02/content_19503827.htm www.china.org.cn Though only 10 minutes from the Qianmen main drag, a small portion of Caochang Hutong has been spared the bland renovations of the ancient shopping street, if not for much longer. 2010-03-02 15:09:23.0 By Yin Yeping Caochang Hutong: remains of former gathering places Caochang Hutong, China, Beijing, Caochang Hutong: remains of former gathering places Caochang Hutong: remains of former gathering places 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Though only 10 minutes from the Qianmen main drag, a small portion of Caochang Hutong has been spared the bland renovations of the ancient shopping street, if not for much longer. Head east away from the tourist hordes to find what remains of Caochang, where the lanes, numbering one to 10 from west to east, atypically curve from the north to south in a pattern dissimilar to the rest of the city's linear hutong. This is an enormous site that can easily take up the better part of a day, should you wish to take your time and soak in the ambiance and quiet beauty.

Tags: hutong, caochang, city, place, tour

Overseas reporters say Tibet visit 'amazing' Chinese Vacations Offer Historical Amazement

Posted on March 08, 2010 in China package

http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/05/content_19529833.htm www.china.org.cn A group of 15 overseas reporters from ten media groups left Thursday after six days of visit in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. 2010-03-05 10:48:56.0 Overseas reporters say Tibet visit 'amazing' Overseas reporters,Tibet, visit ,China, tour, trip, Overseas reporters say Tibet visit 'amazing' Overseas reporters say Tibet visit 'amazing' 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> A group of 15 overseas reporters from ten media groups left Thursday after six days of visit in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The six-days-trip were described as "amazing" by some of the reporters. "I had prepared water, biscuits, chocolates when I started this trip, for I assumed that the trip would be difficult," said Christine Huang from CTI Television Incorporation. "But I was amazed by what I saw in Tibet. From China, you can travel the Silk Road to India, the Philippines, Pakistan, Thailand, and Iran, covering some 4000 miles. If that is the case, why not consider vacationing in China? You crave adventure, history, , culture and something completely original. Of course, unless you have a very extended vacation schedule, you won’t have time to travel the whole thing. In China, you will find adventure around every corner. The region was modern. But while you are in China, you can view some great parts of this ancient trade route that brought commerce and adventure from every corner of the known world.Where else on earth can you travel on the fabled Silk Road? I never thought their income would be this high," Huang said. The reporters were from media groups such as Macao Daily News , Asian Television, CTI Television Incorporation, Associated Press of Pakistan, Janpan's NHK, and APTN. They interviewed local residents and visited temples in Lhasa and Nyingchi regions. "I was mostly impressed by the culture here," said David Wivell from APTN. "I was lucky to have the chance to take pictures of local dancing as a way celebrating the Tibetan New Year," David said. Massod Sattar Khan from the Associated Press of Pakistan said he thought the visit was very meaningful as it was a way to introduce Tibet to the outside world. "I hope we will have more such visits," he said. When you are looking to take your next vacation, you might decide that the all-inclusive resorts and identical beach hotels of any given island resort are getting a little old. We even got wireless services," Huang said. Huang said she interviewed some Tibetans who run a hotel and was amazed by their high income. "They could earn 70,000 to 80,000 yuan (10,248 to 11,713 U.S. dollars) a year. Imperial granaries welcome civilians China on Vacation Means Three Must-See Cities The Xi’an Terracotta Warriors. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/05/content_19528868.htm www.china.org.cn Seated regally in Dongcheng district of Beijing about one thousand years ago were seventy-six imperial granaries that controlled the lifeline of the Chinese nation and its people. 2010-03-05 10:30:46.0 Imperial granaries welcome civilians China, Beijing, restaurant, museum,Nanxin storehouse Imperial granaries welcome civilians Imperial granaries welcome civilians 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Seated regally in Dongcheng district of Beijing about one thousand years ago were seventy-six imperial granaries that controlled the lifeline of the Chinese nation and its people. The walls are 1.3 to 1.5 meters thick and there are skylights on the roof and drain pipes underground to keep the place clear and dry. The museum reenacts the scene of transporting and storing up grains using human sized puppets and antique props such as bamboo baskets and grain scales. These clay warriors were discovered near Xi’an in the 1970s by a farmer who was drilling a new well. The Forbidden City. Only a small portion of the collection has been unearthed, but those that have been are an amazing sight. The combination of walls is nearly 4,000 miles long. It was built during 1400s in Ming Dynasty. However, from the ground, the Great Wall is an imposing and impressive sight to behold. A common misconception is that the Great Wall can be seen from space – while the length of it would certainly be discernable, the width of less than thirty feet at its widest would mean that it would be impossible to see from space without a great amount of magnification. Visitors will also be presented a small bag of grain as souvenir. The museum opens from 9:50 to 5:00 and is free of charge. Out of all of the destinations on this planet, China vacations seem to be pretty low on the “gotta go” list of the average Western traveller. The specialty here is roasted duck, believed to be made from the imperial recipe. However, the endless patrons to this establishment are not actually drawn by the food, but the Kunqu Opera that plays in this restaurant as entertainment. No china vacations could be complete without a visit to this former Imperial Palace, located in the heart of Beijing. Nowadays, the many storehouses have scaled down to nine; inside two of them, we can still sense the faded history. One of the granaries, Nanxin storehouse, is said to be ten years older than the Forbidden City; it has been redecorated and welcomes customers as a restaurant. It was constructed in the 1400s, lasting more than 15 years and taking over a million men to build. In total, there are more than 8,000 figures in this collection, each featuring an amazing level of detail and craftsmanship. It is called the Forbidden City because, during its time as a functioning walled city and imperial palace, no one could leave or enter without the approval of the Emperor himself. The granary is as solid as new, the tour guide at the museum said. Today, it is more commonly known as the Palace Museum. Today, it is an architectural highlight of any trip to China.The most applauded piece is the "Peony Pavilion" a Tang Dynasty love drama. The restaurant also has several priceless antiques the owner uses as decorations; for example, the engraved board hanging on the top of the counter dates back to the 1700s. The project was said to have taken the labors of over 700,000 men, and incredibly, each of the figures is completely original – no two warriors were allowed to be made the same. Originally built around 200 BC, there is very little that remains of the first Wall, but those that sprung up afterwards continue to stand to this day. But someone who wants to see the beauty and wonder of this world really ought to consider going to China, if only to see these three wonders: The Great Wall of China. Buried in the cluster of ancient buildings, Minghuang storehouse is nothing in particular judging from its grey brick walls. What are commonly referred to as a single wall are, in fact, several walls that have been built, rebuilt and maintained for centuries. The warriors are part of a funereal display for the first Emperor of Qin in 200 BC, around the time that the first part of the Great Wall was built. Walls had been built at different times to keep out different groups, including the Xiongnu, Mongolian and Manchurian peoples. The Mongols finally breached the Wall in 1644, and quickly took Beijing afterwards. The restaurant promises to provide supreme service and charges equally high prices because it includes the entrance fee to the food bill. Another of the granaries in use today is Minghuang storehouse which is open to the public as a museum.

Tags: vacations, historical, amazement, chinese, amazing

Hainan offers couples luxury yacht weddings China Vacation Sports Lots of Fun

Posted on March 08, 2010 in China packages

It will be hosted by the Haikou TV Broadcasting Station and the Haikou Film and TV Artists Association and is certain to be an unforgettable experience for the chosen couples. Looking to the future, Hainan plans to promote the island as a wedding and honeymoon destination with similar ultra-romantic wedding ceremonies. What you take from your time in China will be vastly different, depending on which tour you take. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/02/content_19502752.htm www.china.org.cn Hainan is offering couples the chance to marry on board a luxury yacht as part of its plan to promote the tropical island as a yachting center. 2010-03-02 13:15:19.0 By Elaine Duan Hainan offers couples luxury yacht weddings Hainan,couples ,luxury yacht weddings, China, tour,Haikou Tv, film, Hainan offers couples luxury yacht weddings Hainan offers couples luxury yacht weddings 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Hainan is offering couples the chance to marry on board a luxury yacht as part of its plan to promote the tropical island as a yachting center. As part of the Haikou Yacht Economy Forum 2010 which opens on March 19, a group of couples will be selected to take part in an ultra-fashionable wedding ceremony in a romantic setting with "mystery guests" in attendance. The sort of trip you end up with depends on you – you will need to do your research before you book a package deal, and make sure you are getting what you paid for. The tourism authorities believe the option to get married in a tropical paradise will prove irresistible to Chinese couples and that within a few years yacht weddings will be big business on the island. If you would like to see China, and I mean really see it, and not just like the typical tourist, you might want to consider China vacation tours. These groups can range from tiny to massive, and can either bore you with simple visits to typical sites, or wow you with unexpected treats and unknown wonders. Couples throughout China can apply to take part by calling the telephone hotline 0898-66819999. Lines open on March 1 for 8 days. The ceremony will be held at the Haikou Bay International Yacht Club on March 20. Food safety guaranteed for Bo'ao Tourism Forum China for Vacation Offers Serenity in Spades Five working teams were set up including a front line medical team, second-line medical team, food safety and public health team, disease control team and rear services team. The dish samples will be kept and ready for checking anytime.†The main venue for the forum is in Yalong Bay of Sanya. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/02/content_19502417.htm www.china.org.cn The food safety and public health plan for Bo’ao International Tourism Forum has been set out recently, according to Hainan Special Zone Newspaper. 2010-03-02 11:32:13.0 By Chen Chen Food safety guaranteed for Bo'ao Tourism Forum Bo'ao International Tourism Forum, Hainan, Sanya, Haikou Food safety guaranteed for Bo’ao Tourism Forum Food safety guaranteed for Bo’ao Tourism Forum 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> The food safety and public health plan for Bo'ao International Tourism Forum has been set out recently, according to Hainan Special Zone Newspaper. There are fossil records that show that this area has been populated as long as six thousand years ago. The city is unique in China, and runs on a completely different system than the rest of the country. Beijing is the obvious choice, as it will likely be the city that you fly into when you arrive in China. A food safety team, medical team and H1N1 disease control team have been set up. Where should you go in China on vacation? This has traditionally been the seat of power in China, and the Imperial Palace is still standing in the city, and now serves as a popular tourist attraction and museum. The differences mean that visiting Hong Kong is unlike any other trip within China. If you are going to China, there are three cities you must visit while you are there. Haikou Public Health Bureau also devised a public health plan for the affiliated forum in Haikou. Xi’an was also the first capital city of what we now know as the country of China. “We can not be too careful in our work in terms of food,†said the deputy director of the public health emergency office, “officials will be sent to hotels to monitor food safety in the process of raw materials procurement to food processing to cooking. With over 13 million people within its borders and more than 17 million if you take into account the surrounding municipalities, Beijing is the second largest city in China, after Shanghai. Xi’an is less of a modern city than Beijing or Hong Kong, but it has important contributions to China that make it a worthy destination on your China trip. The city has an ancient history, and the many palaces, religious temples and old tenements give you a taste of what Beijing was like in the past. Hong Kong is among the world’s most important shipping and commerce centers. When you go to China on vacation, Xi’an must be on the itinerary – if not for the above-listed reasons, then for the infamous Terracotta Warriors that were found nearby. Hong Kong is unlike any other city in China. It is one of the most densely populated areas of China, cramming seven million people onto an island of less than 500 square miles. Food safety is regarded as very important. Hong Kong sits on the south coastal area of China, and is famous for its Western-style buildings and culture, despite a majority of the population being Chinese. The capital city of China, it is the best known of the four Great Ancient Capitals of China. A colony of Great Britain since the first Opium Wars of the 1800s, it reverted to Chinese rule in 1997. In order to ensure public health, Sanya Public Health Bureau has devised a detailed medical and public health plan. This is beginning of the legendary Silk Road that was the main route for commerce and trade for centuries in Asia. But despite being the second largest, it was still the first choice for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. China Packages Great Wall of China china vacations vacation in China

Tags: china, city, team, food, health

City Palace, Jaipur Vacations to China Better Than Vegas

Posted on March 08, 2010 in China traveling

Two other notable exhibits are a palanquin that was used to carry priests and a chariot that was used to carry the idols of deities during festivals. Diwan-I-Khas of City Palace One can enter Diwan-I-Khas (Hall of private audience), through the big brass gateway of Mubarak Mahal. The names are as follows: Sukh-Niwas, Ranga-Mandir, Pitam-Niwas, Chabi-Niwas, Shri-Niwas and Mukut-Mandir or Mukut Mahal. The Maharani's Palace has been converted to weapons museum. The four gates are the Peacock Gate, Lotus Gate, Green Gate and the Rose Gate, representing autumn, summer, spring and winter seasons respectively. Ananda Mandir (mandir means temple in Hindi) is located near the Pitam Niwas courtyard. To serve the purpose of carrying water for the king, the sterling silver vessels are made, which are now recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the World's largest silver vessels. City Palace is known for its architectural excellence. As they made those vessels for carrying Ganga water, they are named Gangajelies. Diwan-I-Aam of City Palace Diwan-I-Aam (Hall of public audience) is now an art gallery. The things of interest in Diwan-I-Khas are two gigantic sterling silver vessels, measuring 5.2 feets in height and 340 Kgs in weight, with a capacity of 4000 litres. One of the Artistic Wonders of India Mar 6, 2010 Prakash Thulasimani City Palace is located at the heart of the city of Jaipur, India. One of those baggis is of great significance, because it was the one presented by Prince of Wales to Maharaja in 1876. It is basically a museum with a variety of textiles on display. Ground floor houses a museum, where one can see beautiful things that belong to the royal families. The two main entrances for the City Palace are Jaleb Chowk and Tripolia Gate. There is an interesting fact about those sterling silver vessels. The highly pious Hindu (one who belongs to the religion of Hinduism is called a Hindu) king, Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II wanted to take the sacred water of the river Ganges on his travel to England in 1901. The building has seven storeys and each floor bears a specific name. The most reputed textiles that are on display include sanganeri block prints, folk-embroidery shawls, banaras silk sarees, Kashmiri pashminas, the clothes of Sawai Madhosingh I and other royal costumes. Chandra Mahal is also called as Chandra Niwas. It is the largest city square in the world, and is surrounded by such wonders as the Heavenly Gate to the Forbidden City, and several museums. Tours regularly stop there, and wander the expansive open space.The copies of Bhagawad Gita which are on display are extremely small. The ceiling looks very attractive. One among them is the scissor-action dagger, which when hit on a victim will cut his body part by part. They call those four small gates as Ridhi Sidhi Pol. The square was designed to reflect the pride of China. It is one of the major tourist attractions of India. The other exhibits include Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian miniature paintings with themes from Ramayana, rugs with embroidery works, Kashmir shawls, elephant saddles and carpets. There are spectacular paintings, mirror works and floral decorations on the wall. There is a cute little canon that could be mounted on a camel's back. The ceiling contains frescoes that are indeed awesome and well-preserved, using jewel dust of semiprecious stones. Pitam Niwas Chowk and Bhaggi Khana of the City Palace Pitam Niwas Chowk is the inner courtyard of City Palace with four gates featuring the four seasons. It is known as the Victoria Baggi. The architecture of City Palace is a blend of Mughal, Rajput and European architectural styles. The flooring is of mirror-polished marble. The arms and weapons of the Rajputs are on display. Bhaggi Khana is another museum that has a great collection of carriages, palanquins, European cabs adopted as baggis to Indian environment. It is said that they melted 14000 silver coins without soldering to make those vessels. There are green gardens around Chandra Mahal and a small lake is there in the foreground. The Maharani's Palace in the City Palace Campus Maharani is a Hindi word, meaning Queen. According to him, it is a religious sin to drink foreign water. Valuable, antique and original handwritten manuscripts of Hindu scriptures are on display. Another reputed exhibit is the golden throne, where the Maharaja sits during public audience. City Palace is one of the artistic wonders of India. One more entrance to City Palace is the Virendra Pol. The Mubarak Mahal and Chandra Mahal of City Palace One can enter City Palace through the Tripolia Gate, where he can see the Mubarak Mahal (Auspicious Palace). There are several museums and palaces to visit. There is a rich history associated with City Palace. Another decorative weapon is the sword presented by Queen Victoria to Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh. The display includes daggers, pistols, swords, cannons, guns, blades etc. Those who plan to visit Rajasthan must visit City Palace for sure. While there are some negative impressions and events attached to it now, Tiananmen Square was meant to be a very peaceful part of Beijing. Maharani Palace means the place where the queens reside. One has to enter Chandra Mahal through a cute peacock gate. Kullu Manali Honeymoon Tour Package Information China Vacation Tours Show You More Than You Could Find Delhi To Shimla, Kullu, Manali on a Honeymoon ‘Hotel’ Tour Package Mar 4, 2010 Rahul Dutta Gupta Think of waking up in the cool morning with the sun-warmed air to give you comfort; think of a day in the laps of the mountains high, with the sun marching across the blue with slow steps; think of a night in the isolated peace, with the nearby stream to carry your thoughts away to a faraway place. It will be as great as it usually is in your dreams. To name a few: If you go with Manali Honeymoon package, you can get to visit the Gaiety theatre, Railway Board Building, Ellerslie, Viceroy Building and Christ Church. You will be taken to the seven hills of this city from where you can have a panoramic view of the entire place! It is well known to all by the name Manali. You can get to see many temples and age-old architecture. Moreover, this place is the ideal destination for adventure seekers, and for adrenaline junkies who wish to go out river rafting on the Beas, or mountain trekking or climbing. But Shimla is quite exciting not only because of its marvelous weather, but also for the gamut of sport activities it provides for all strong and brave hearts. 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.During the winter, the nature dons anew garb, and the white fur of snow is draped on the grounds to form a splendid view. Vashisht Temple, the Manali Temple, Rothang Pass, Hot water springs, Rahala waterfalls, Solang valley are few of the exciting sites or tourist sot visit. If you wish to go for fishing, angling or even ice skating, your wish will be granted as soon as possible! You start feeling an inner peace that is hard to find anywhere else. Best Manali Tour Operators – Complete Transparency The Manali package tours offer you everything you require. The age of the British Raj called Shimla the summer capital of the country. The package will include a rendezvous to the historical sites which stand as the glorious symbol of the rich cultural heritage of North Himachal Pradesh. Thus it is easier to opt for these holiday package tours. You can go for any of them; either you choose the Shimla Manali tour packages or the Himachal Tour packages, but your overall experiences will the same. it is almost having a genie waft out of its bottle! And with Shimla Manali tour package , your dreams are about to come true! Places to see in Shimla Shimla is well known to the world as the queen of the hill stations in India. The holiday packages of Manali from IndiaTourTrip.com provides customer support day in and day out, plus they take the payments in 3 installments,. With them, you can see places like the State Museum, Kamna Devi Mandir, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Combermere Bridge, the mall, Scandal Point and the Sankat Mochan Temple. Rendezvous with Nature in Manali About 275 km away from Shimla there lays another land of Paradise. Think of Shimla and Manali, when you feel like spending your holidays with that classic touch of sensuousness that we all miss in our everyday lives. Heli skiing, paragliding, skiing, golfing and trekking are few of the unending options in the list. At the times when you feel like almost melting away under the Indian summer sun, these ideal hill stations offer the best relief that you could have ever imagined! So go ahead, make your choice and have a great vacation that is hard to forget! China vacations might not have the popular appeal of some destinations, but there are some truly wonderful sights to behold in China. Skating, fishing and angling become quite popular during this season, and with the Shimla Manali tour package , you can sure enjoy them all! The Shimla Manali package will ensure that tourists can get to see all the important places that Shimla has to offer. The place offers some great scenic views which put your mind and soul to rest. Transparency is their key word, since you have an access to their institutes and their functioning at all times. Jakhoo Hill, Observatory Hill, Summer Hill, Prospect Hill, Elysium hill, Inveram hill and Botany Hill are truly remarkable places that you will never forget in your entire life! But the Manali Honeymoon Package has more to offer. Bejing china vacations China Packages Great Wall of China

Tags: palace, city, manali, package, shimla

Hainan Airlines to open Shanghai to Brussels route China Vacation Sports Lots of Fun

Posted on March 08, 2010 in China vacation package

This former summer home features beautifully manicured gardens and green spaces, surrounding natural bodies of water. This is an enormous site that can easily take up the better part of a day, should you wish to take your time and soak in the ambiance and quiet beauty.Flights will leave from Shanghai at 00:10 and will arrive at Brussels at 06:55 local time; return flights will depart at 13:50 local time and arrive Shanghai at 07:00 the following day. This new route will enable Chinese travelers to take direct flights to Brussels from either Beijing or Shanghai, and to get to 45 cities in European countries and 13 cities in 12 African countries via Brussels. The first direct flight between China and Belgium, the Beijing to Brussels route, was launched in 2006 and is also operated by Hainan Airlines. The other Imperial holdover that will aid in your search for relaxing but stimulating sites is the Summer Palace. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/03/content_19509052.htm www.china.org.cn Hainan Airlines will open its first intercontinental air route from east China, the Shanghai to Brussels route, from May 28, 2010. 2010-03-03 09:07:39.0 Hainan Airlines to open Shanghai to Brussels route Hainan Airlines ,Shanghai,Brussels route,flight, Beijing, Hainan Airlines to open Shanghai to Brussels route Hainan Airlines to open Shanghai to Brussels route 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Hainan Airlines will open its first intercontinental air route from east China, the Shanghai to Brussels route, from May 28, 2010. This route will be operated using Airbus A330 and will have three flights each week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Chinese citizens with Schengen visas allowed to travel to Croatia in groups China for Vacation Offers Serenity in Spades He said that the financial crisis had not affected the tourist trade in China. 31, 2010. Holders of valid passports planning to stay in Croatia for up to 90 days or traveling via Croatia to their final destinations will not be required to have visas. If you are considering a trip to Asia, you might be surprised at how hard it is to find a good package deal. There are trips galore to New York, Paris or even Las Vegas – but how do you find China vacation packages? 31 provided that their visits are organized in groups, Croatian Tourism Minister Damir Bajs said at a news conference in Zagreb on Tuesday, after his meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Croatia. The Croatian minister and the Chinese ambassador, Wu Lianqi, discussed the importance of economic cooperation between their countries, notably in the tourism sector, according to a report by the Croatian state news agency HINA. Bajs said that the opening of the office of the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) in Shanghai, scheduled for 2011, would help improve this cooperation. He said that 7,600 Chinese tourists visited Croatia in 2009, or 19 percent more than in 2008. 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. Last year, 50 million Chinese traveled abroad and two million of them were in Europe. Last week, the Croatian government decided to temporarily suspend visa requirements for nationals of Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation and Ukraine in the tourism season between April 1 and Oct. Of course, you can do a search online for deals and packages going to China. 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. 31 provided that their visits are organized in groups, Croatian Tourism Minister Damir Bajs said at a news conference in Zagreb on Tuesday, after his meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Croatia. 2010-03-03 09:00:26.0 Chinese citizens with Schengen visas allowed to travel to Croatia in groups Chinese citizens ,Schengen visas ,travel,Croatia ,groups, trip Chinese citizens with Schengen visas allowed to travel to Croatia in groups Chinese citizens with Schengen visas allowed to travel to Croatia in groups 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Chinese citizens with valid Schengen visas can travel to Croatia without any more visas from April 1 to Oct. Check with your favorite online travel site, and you might be pleasantly surprised.The minister hopes that the visa cancellation and other moves would lead to a further growth in the number of Chinese tourists in Croatia. The ambassador said that a great number of Chinese were interested in visiting Croatia. 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. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/03/content_19508856.htm www.china.org.cn Chinese citizens with valid Schengen visas can travel to Croatia without any more visas from April 1 to Oct. China Packages china vacations Bejing vacation in China

Tags: chinese, croatia, visa, china, travel

City Palace, Jaipur China Vacations Offer Three “Must See” Places

Posted on March 08, 2010 in Tours to china

One of those baggis is of great significance, because it was the one presented by Prince of Wales to Maharaja in 1876. One more entrance to City Palace is the Virendra Pol. The Mubarak Mahal and Chandra Mahal of City Palace One can enter City Palace through the Tripolia Gate, where he can see the Mubarak Mahal (Auspicious Palace). The ceiling contains frescoes that are indeed awesome and well-preserved, using jewel dust of semiprecious stones. Pitam Niwas Chowk and Bhaggi Khana of the City Palace Pitam Niwas Chowk is the inner courtyard of City Palace with four gates featuring the four seasons. The two main entrances for the City Palace are Jaleb Chowk and Tripolia Gate. Another decorative weapon is the sword presented by Queen Victoria to Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh. It is one of the major tourist attractions of India. The architecture of City Palace is a blend of Mughal, Rajput and European architectural styles. 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.The names are as follows: Sukh-Niwas, Ranga-Mandir, Pitam-Niwas, Chabi-Niwas, Shri-Niwas and Mukut-Mandir or Mukut Mahal. The things of interest in Diwan-I-Khas are two gigantic sterling silver vessels, measuring 5.2 feets in height and 340 Kgs in weight, with a capacity of 4000 litres. There is a cute little canon that could be mounted on a camel's back. It is basically a museum with a variety of textiles on display. Another reputed exhibit is the golden throne, where the Maharaja sits during public audience. City Palace is one of the artistic wonders of India. Two other notable exhibits are a palanquin that was used to carry priests and a chariot that was used to carry the idols of deities during festivals. Diwan-I-Khas of City Palace One can enter Diwan-I-Khas (Hall of private audience), through the big brass gateway of Mubarak Mahal. Those who plan to visit Rajasthan must visit City Palace for sure. If you are looking for your next vacation destination, you might want to consider going to China for vacation. The ceiling looks very attractive. The flooring is of mirror-polished marble. It is known as the Victoria Baggi. Ground floor houses a museum, where one can see beautiful things that belong to the royal families. There is a rich history associated with City Palace. The display includes daggers, pistols, swords, cannons, guns, blades etc. There are green gardens around Chandra Mahal and a small lake is there in the foreground. The Maharani's Palace in the City Palace Campus Maharani is a Hindi word, meaning Queen. There are several museums and palaces to visit. 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. They call those four small gates as Ridhi Sidhi Pol. The four gates are the Peacock Gate, Lotus Gate, Green Gate and the Rose Gate, representing autumn, summer, spring and winter seasons respectively. The most reputed textiles that are on display include sanganeri block prints, folk-embroidery shawls, banaras silk sarees, Kashmiri pashminas, the clothes of Sawai Madhosingh I and other royal costumes. Chandra Mahal is also called as Chandra Niwas. The arms and weapons of the Rajputs are on display. Bhaggi Khana is another museum that has a great collection of carriages, palanquins, European cabs adopted as baggis to Indian environment. The building has seven storeys and each floor bears a specific name. It is said that they melted 14000 silver coins without soldering to make those vessels. City Palace is known for its architectural excellence. Ananda Mandir (mandir means temple in Hindi) is located near the Pitam Niwas courtyard. To serve the purpose of carrying water for the king, the sterling silver vessels are made, which are now recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the World's largest silver vessels. The copies of Bhagawad Gita which are on display are extremely small. The Maharani's Palace has been converted to weapons museum. There are spectacular paintings, mirror works and floral decorations on the wall. There is an interesting fact about those sterling silver vessels. The highly pious Hindu (one who belongs to the religion of Hinduism is called a Hindu) king, Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II wanted to take the sacred water of the river Ganges on his travel to England in 1901. Valuable, antique and original handwritten manuscripts of Hindu scriptures are on display. One of the Artistic Wonders of India Mar 6, 2010 Prakash Thulasimani City Palace is located at the heart of the city of Jaipur, India. The other exhibits include Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian miniature paintings with themes from Ramayana, rugs with embroidery works, Kashmir shawls, elephant saddles and carpets. One among them is the scissor-action dagger, which when hit on a victim will cut his body part by part. Maharani Palace means the place where the queens reside. According to him, it is a religious sin to drink foreign water. One has to enter Chandra Mahal through a cute peacock gate. As they made those vessels for carrying Ganga water, they are named Gangajelies. Diwan-I-Aam of City Palace Diwan-I-Aam (Hall of public audience) is now an art gallery. Kullu Manali Honeymoon Tour Package Information Chinas Vacation Hot Spots Jakhoo Hill, Observatory Hill, Summer Hill, Prospect Hill, Elysium hill, Inveram hill and Botany Hill are truly remarkable places that you will never forget in your entire life! But the Manali Honeymoon Package has more to offer. It is well known to all by the name Manali. 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. You can get to see many temples and age-old architecture. Transparency is their key word, since you have an access to their institutes and their functioning at all times. The holiday packages of Manali from IndiaTourTrip.com provides customer support day in and day out, plus they take the payments in 3 installments,. It will be as great as it usually is in your dreams. The place offers some great scenic views which put your mind and soul to rest. With them, you can see places like the State Museum, Kamna Devi Mandir, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Combermere Bridge, the mall, Scandal Point and the Sankat Mochan Temple. Rendezvous with Nature in Manali About 275 km away from Shimla there lays another land of Paradise. it is almost having a genie waft out of its bottle! Heli skiing, paragliding, skiing, golfing and trekking are few of the unending options in the list. During the winter, the nature dons anew garb, and the white fur of snow is draped on the grounds to form a splendid view. But Shimla is quite exciting not only because of its marvelous weather, but also for the gamut of sport activities it provides for all strong and brave hearts. Even those who are not Taoist or Buddhist will be fascinated by these buildings and their surrounding grounds.You start feeling an inner peace that is hard to find anywhere else. Best Manali Tour Operators – Complete Transparency The Manali package tours offer you everything you require. Skating, fishing and angling become quite popular during this season, and with the Shimla Manali tour package , you can sure enjoy them all! The Shimla Manali package will ensure that tourists can get to see all the important places that Shimla has to offer. At the times when you feel like almost melting away under the Indian summer sun, these ideal hill stations offer the best relief that you could have ever imagined! Delhi To Shimla, Kullu, Manali on a Honeymoon ‘Hotel’ Tour Package Mar 4, 2010 Rahul Dutta Gupta Think of waking up in the cool morning with the sun-warmed air to give you comfort; think of a day in the laps of the mountains high, with the sun marching across the blue with slow steps; think of a night in the isolated peace, with the nearby stream to carry your thoughts away to a faraway place. The package will include a rendezvous to the historical sites which stand as the glorious symbol of the rich cultural heritage of North Himachal Pradesh. To name a few: If you go with Manali Honeymoon package, you can get to visit the Gaiety theatre, Railway Board Building, Ellerslie, Viceroy Building and Christ Church. You will be taken to the seven hills of this city from where you can have a panoramic view of the entire place! Vashisht Temple, the Manali Temple, Rothang Pass, Hot water springs, Rahala waterfalls, Solang valley are few of the exciting sites or tourist sot visit. If you wish to go for fishing, angling or even ice skating, your wish will be granted as soon as possible! Think of Shimla and Manali, when you feel like spending your holidays with that classic touch of sensuousness that we all miss in our everyday lives. So go ahead, make your choice and have a great vacation that is hard to forget! 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. And with Shimla Manali tour package , your dreams are about to come true! Places to see in Shimla Shimla is well known to the world as the queen of the hill stations in India. The age of the British Raj called Shimla the summer capital of the country. Thus it is easier to opt for these holiday package tours. You can go for any of them; either you choose the Shimla Manali tour packages or the Himachal Tour packages, but your overall experiences will the same. Moreover, this place is the ideal destination for adventure seekers, and for adrenaline junkies who wish to go out river rafting on the Beas, or mountain trekking or climbing. Bejing China Packages china vacations Great Wall of China

Tags: palace, city, manali, package, china

Down on the 'happy farm' Chinas Vacation Hot Spots

Posted on March 08, 2010 in China vacation packages

From its ancient past, which is on display in its many temples and other older buildings, to its more modern trappings, like the beautiful hotels and bustling business districts, Beijing offers sights and sounds that you can find nowhere else in China, let alone the world. "You have to dig deep enough that they'll put down solid roots, but not too deep so the sprout can easily break through the earth," he says. It is also the most cognitively demanding form of agriculture," Malcolm Gladwell of the New Yorker magazine wrote in his 2008 book Outliers. "It's much better to experience it in person than online." If you are headed to China for your next vacation, you might be wondering what Chinas vacation hot spots are. Many people quickly forget who has hosted the previous edition of the Games, but the infrastructure build for those sporting events lasts much longer. Take your time to see as much of this city as you can. Long a British protectorate, it reverted to Chinese rule many years ago. The answer may have as much to do with a video game as it does with nostalgia for an idyllic existence. In the game "Happy Farm", players run their own farms, plant crops, raise livestock and steal from their neighbors across social networking sites similar to Facebook. The surprise might be the remnants of the recent Olympic Games in Beijing. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471642.htm www.china.org.cn Li Yan stoops down over a field of cabbage plants with a small spade in his hand. The culture, architecture and people of Beijing make it an amazing center that you will need a long time to properly explore. The date of the Spring Festival, still far more widely celebrated than holidays like National Day and International Workers' Day, changes in accordance with the lunar calendar. Around one-fourth of China's cultivated land is used for growing rice. Planting for fun So with growing crops as difficult as it is, what's making city folk like Li Yan rush off to the nearby farmland every weekend to plant their own vegetables? The sun is low and it's been a hard day. If you love to shop, you must go to the high end districts in Hong Kong, and check out the massive stores. Eating what you've planted yourself is a great experience." "I started out with 'Happy Farm', but then thought it got boring and I was stuck inside all day," Li the accountant says. As a result, Hong Kong is a thriving center of commerce and shipping. Number one has got to be a tie among some of the great historical buildings, statues and of course, walls. "I have such a sense of accomplishment." While planting crops for several hours is perfectly normal for China's 800 million farmers, for Li, an accountant in his mid-twenties, it's become something of a hobby, an escape from long hours at a multinational firm in Shanghai. Farm country Agriculture dates back at least nine millennia in the region now known as China. But despite having Chinese rulers again, Hong Kong enjoys certain protections that the rest of China does not. All of the venues are still intact in Beijing, and many of them have guided tours. Here are three places in China that you really must see, and one place that no one thinks of, but really ought to get out to! The other hot spot in China – and it is not fair to say it ranks below either of the other two listed choices here – could be the city of Beijing. Long the capital city of China, it is amazing how much of the country is represented here in the big city. Li finishes off plant-ing the last of the seeds and gets ready to head home. "This has been a really relaxing day," he says. "People come over as families and farm together. These masterpieces and marvels are the sorts of things that you simply cannot miss out on when you visit China. Many Chinese don't even know when their birthday is according to the Gregorian calendar, despite widespread use for several decades. But it has never been easy to be a farmer here. The Great Wall of China, the Xi’an Terracotta Warriors, and the Forbidden City all stand head and shoulders above any other hot spot in China. "You have to dig deep enough that they'll put down solid roots, but not too deep so the sprout can easily break through the earth," he says. 2010-02-25 10:27:27.0 By Michele Scrimenti Down on the 'happy farm' farm, China, holiday, Shanghai, pie, Guizhou, cuisine, tourism Down on the 'happy farm' Down on the 'happy farm' 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Li Yan stoops down over a field of cabbage plants with a small spade in his hand. "Rice farming is the most labor-intensive form of agriculture known to man. You can wander the buildings, see the sights, and capture a little bit of the Olympic spirit, one of Chinas vacation hot spots that few people will remember to look for.Even today, the importance of farming is obvious in Chinese society. The game's creator, Five Minutes, claims there are more than 15 million active users. "Everyone has been excited about this game "Happy Farm" for a while, so we thought we'd open up a real-life version to let kids and adults from the city experience farming first-hand," the owner of a farm said to a local newspaper in Luzhou, Sichuan last month. Number two might be the city of Hong Kong. Chinese tourists spend lots of money abroad China Vacation Packages worth a Hard Look For me, I buy luxury brands because they offer quality. Many Chinese tourists bought everything they thought is cheaper than at home," he said. 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. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471605.htm www.china.org.cn The Chinese Lunar New Year is not only a gala for domestic retail sales, but a feast for overseas retailers, too. 2010-02-25 10:21:41.0 Chinese tourists spend lots of money abroad Chinese tourists ,money, abroad,China, tourism, New year,United States,   Chinese tourists spend lots of money abroad Chinese tourists spend lots of money abroad 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> The Chinese Lunar New Year is not only a gala for domestic retail sales, but a feast for overseas retailers, too. Some 1,200 Chinese tourists celebrated the lunar New Year in New York between Feb 14 and 20, spending an estimated $6 million in the United States, said Zheng Wenqing, a public relations manager for New York Tourism Board's China office. Japanese retailers also reaped gains from Chinese tourists during the week. I traveled to France a decade ago, and I didn't buy any luxury goods simply because I couldn't afford them," said Cui Xiaoping, in his 50s, who traveled around Europe, including France, with his wife in January. But during the January trip, he bought so many things, including designer handbags and clothes, that he needed to buy an extra suitcase to carry them home. "Chinese people these days are more informed about the luxury brands. A local home appliance retailer, Bic Camera, reported that its store in Akihabara, Tokyo, saw its sales increase by 20 to 30 percent thanks to Chinese tourists, Japan-based Chinese language newspaper Jnocnews reported. The newspaper quoted a salesman as saying that a Chinese tourist pointed to and bought cameras and lenses worth more than 70,000 yuan ($10,500) at one time. Chinese tourists spent 155 million euros ($220.2 million) in 2009, followed by the Russians who spent 112 million euros and the Japanese who spent 99 million euros, the report said. The Galleries Lafayette in Paris reported that a typical Chinese tourist spent 1,000 euro in two hours last year, topping tourists from other countries. Some 87 percent of the Chinese's average total bill was on fashion items, including shoes and handbags, and 93 percent of their shopping was done in and around the French capital. Purchases made by the Chinese represented 15 percent of total spending by tourists in France in 2009 and their total bill rose 47 percent from 2008, it said. Chinese tourists are also among the top five spenders in countries like Singapore and South Korea, reports said. Insiders said the shopping craze is mainly due to two reasons - a booming economy in China, and a price gap caused by a high tax levied on luxury goods. "People have more spare money to spend now. Another Chinese tourist bought 20 rice cookers at one shot. In Berlin, half of eight counters selling luxury watches in KaDeWe department store on Feb 15 were receiving Chinese tourists, Xiao Yun, a tourist who just came back from Europe told Beijing Youth Daily. He also saw the counters of top cosmetic brands crowded by Chinese tourists at the Munich airport, and one of them bought five bottles of a toning lotion priced at 2,000 yuan each. Chinese consumers have become the No 1 spender in more and more countries, studies and experts said. The latest report by Global Refund, a company specializing in tax-free shopping for tourists, said Chinese tourists outspent the Russians in France last year. Buying them in Europe is a lot cheaper than in China due to the competitive exchange rate between euros and renminbi, plus there is no import tax," he said. In addition, Chinese tourists are impulsive shoppers, said Li Meng, deputy general manager of the outbound department with the China International Travel Service head office. "Chinese tourists are different from the Japanese tourists, who would make shopping lists beforehand.

Tags: chinese, tourist, china, million, year

Lunar Calendar & Zodiac Chinas Vacation Hot Spots

Posted on March 08, 2010 in China travel guide

The beginning of each lunar month is marked by the New Moon on a Western calendar. The Chinese calendar counts years in cycles of sixty years. Before all this, the rat and the cat were good friends. The cat slept in and missed the gathering, and since then, the two have been enemies.Here is an index of the twelve animal signs and their associated characteristics: Year of the Rat Year of the Ox Year of the Tiger Year of the Rabbit Year of the Dragon Year of the Snake Year of the Horse Year of the Sheep Year of the Monkey Year of the Rooster Year of the Dog Year of the Boar Back to the Chinese New Year Article Index 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. But on the morning of the meeting, the rat, in her excitement, forgot to wake up the cat and through various means of trickery (or cleverness, as this rat interprets) got to the gods first and was thus chosen first. The elements are further associated with the animal zodiac signs. Each year has a label consisting of two parts. Some use the Chinese gods, some use Buddha, but the essence of the story is that a higher being called all animals to a meeting and the first to arrive would be chosen. Every two and a half months an additional month is added creating a lunar leap year. A lunar year is made up of twelve months with twenty-nine and a half days in each month. Every twelve-year sequence, the animal takes on one of the elements, until all five have been used. There are various stories about the origins of the twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac. The equation becomes five multiplied by twelve equaling sixty, or one cycle in the Chinese calendar. There are five universal elements in Chinese philosophy: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. The second component is the terrestrial branch being one of the twelve animal (zodiac) signs. Even those who are not Taoist or Buddhist will be fascinated by these buildings and their surrounding grounds.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. The elements were associated with five planets in ancient times, Jupiter=Wood, Mars=Fire, Saturn=Earth, Venus=Metal, Mercury=Water. The first component is the celestial stem being one of the five elements. Astrologers read the planets' positioning to understand what influences would be dominant in a person's life. The elements are also associated with colors: Green (Wood), Red (Fire), Brown (Earth), White (Metal) and Black (Water). Year of the Dog China Vacation Sports Lots of Fun Primarily, you should see Beijing – but you will not have much choice in the matter, as you will likely be flying in through this capital city. Hong Kong is perhaps the most futuristic cities in the country. This city features some amazing historical sites, and now has some great modern wonders, thanks to their hosting of the latest Olympic Games. 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 *For the sake of simplicity, I have noted the years per the Gregorian calendar. If your birthday falls in these months, and you're not sure where you land, use this website to find your zodiac sign. Honest Faithful Loyal Trust-worthy Worrisome Sharp-tongued Horses, Tigers Dragons Leader Secret agent Teacher Business people Cher, Winston Churchill, Bill Clinton, Dorothea Dix, Benjamin Franklin, George Gershwin, Jane Goodall, Golda Meir, Socrates Year of the Rat Year of the Ox Year of the Tiger Year of the Rabbit Year of the Dragon Year of the Snake Year of the Horse Year of the Sheep Year of the Monkey Year of the Rooster Year of the Dog Year of the Boar When you go to China on vacation, there are three cities that you absolutely must visit. Hong Kong should also be on your list of cities to see, as it is unlike any other city in China. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Xi’an has an amazing history that no traveller should skip seeing.However, since we're talking about the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the New Year can be any time between January and February. China Packages Bejing china vacations Yangtze River Cruises

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Chinese citizens with Schengen visas allowed to travel to Croatia in groups China Family Vacation Offers Plenty to Work With

Posted on March 08, 2010 in China trip

You crave adventure, history, , culture and something completely original. Where else on earth can you travel on the fabled Silk Road? Of course, unless you have a very extended vacation schedule, you won’t have time to travel the whole thing. 31, 2010. Holders of valid passports planning to stay in Croatia for up to 90 days or traveling via Croatia to their final destinations will not be required to have visas. When you are looking to take your next vacation, you might decide that the all-inclusive resorts and identical beach hotels of any given island resort are getting a little old. In China, you will find adventure around every corner. 31 provided that their visits are organized in groups, Croatian Tourism Minister Damir Bajs said at a news conference in Zagreb on Tuesday, after his meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Croatia. 2010-03-03 09:00:26.0 Chinese citizens with Schengen visas allowed to travel to Croatia in groups Chinese citizens ,Schengen visas ,travel,Croatia ,groups, trip Chinese citizens with Schengen visas allowed to travel to Croatia in groups Chinese citizens with Schengen visas allowed to travel to Croatia in groups 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Chinese citizens with valid Schengen visas can travel to Croatia without any more visas from April 1 to Oct. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/03/content_19508856.htm www.china.org.cn Chinese citizens with valid Schengen visas can travel to Croatia without any more visas from April 1 to Oct. The minister hopes that the visa cancellation and other moves would lead to a further growth in the number of Chinese tourists in Croatia. The ambassador said that a great number of Chinese were interested in visiting Croatia. He said that the financial crisis had not affected the tourist trade in China. If that is the case, why not consider vacationing in China? But while you are in China, you can view some great parts of this ancient trade route that brought commerce and adventure from every corner of the known world.Last year, 50 million Chinese traveled abroad and two million of them were in Europe. Last week, the Croatian government decided to temporarily suspend visa requirements for nationals of Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation and Ukraine in the tourism season between April 1 and Oct. 31 provided that their visits are organized in groups, Croatian Tourism Minister Damir Bajs said at a news conference in Zagreb on Tuesday, after his meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Croatia. The Croatian minister and the Chinese ambassador, Wu Lianqi, discussed the importance of economic cooperation between their countries, notably in the tourism sector, according to a report by the Croatian state news agency HINA. Bajs said that the opening of the office of the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) in Shanghai, scheduled for 2011, would help improve this cooperation. He said that 7,600 Chinese tourists visited Croatia in 2009, or 19 percent more than in 2008. From China, you can travel the Silk Road to India, the Philippines, Pakistan, Thailand, and Iran, covering some 4000 miles. Caochang Hutong: remains of former gathering places China on Vacation Means Three Must-See Cities If you are going to China, there are three cities you must visit while you are there. A colony of Great Britain since the first Opium Wars of the 1800s, it reverted to Chinese rule in 1997. The city has an ancient history, and the many palaces, religious temples and old tenements give you a taste of what Beijing was like in the past. The capital city of China, it is the best known of the four Great Ancient Capitals of China. "Grasses from elsewhere were brought down here to Caochang to be used for fodder for the palace's sheep," he said, "which is why the hutong are numbered like storehouses." During the Qing dynasty, due to a fear of internal rebellion, the city was divided: only the Manchu were allowed to live in the northern section of the city, while residents of the Han ethnicity were forced to move outside of the city walls and inhabit the southern area around Qianmen until the late governing period of the emperor Qian Long. It is one of the most densely populated areas of China, cramming seven million people onto an island of less than 500 square miles. Xi’an was also the first capital city of what we now know as the country of China. But despite being the second largest, it was still the first choice for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Caochang therefore existed as a busy area with Han residents from throughout the country, resulting in the establishment of about 27 guild houses according to Jing Shi Fang Xiang Zhi (a dictionary of the majority of Beijing's known hutong), though few of these remain post-1950s. Where should you go in China on vacation? Hong Kong is unlike any other city in China. This has traditionally been the seat of power in China, and the Imperial Palace is still standing in the city, and now serves as a popular tourist attraction and museum. Xi’an is less of a modern city than Beijing or Hong Kong, but it has important contributions to China that make it a worthy destination on your China trip. Beijing is the obvious choice, as it will likely be the city that you fly into when you arrive in China. When you go to China on vacation, Xi’an must be on the itinerary – if not for the above-listed reasons, then for the infamous Terracotta Warriors that were found nearby.Hong Kong is among the world’s most important shipping and commerce centers. Hong Kong sits on the south coastal area of China, and is famous for its Western-style buildings and culture, despite a majority of the population being Chinese. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/02/content_19503827.htm www.china.org.cn Though only 10 minutes from the Qianmen main drag, a small portion of Caochang Hutong has been spared the bland renovations of the ancient shopping street, if not for much longer. 2010-03-02 15:09:23.0 By Yin Yeping Caochang Hutong: remains of former gathering places Caochang Hutong, China, Beijing, Caochang Hutong: remains of former gathering places Caochang Hutong: remains of former gathering places 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Though only 10 minutes from the Qianmen main drag, a small portion of Caochang Hutong has been spared the bland renovations of the ancient shopping street, if not for much longer. Head east away from the tourist hordes to find what remains of Caochang, where the lanes, numbering one to 10 from west to east, atypically curve from the north to south in a pattern dissimilar to the rest of the city's linear hutong. The city is unique in China, and runs on a completely different system than the rest of the country. The differences mean that visiting Hong Kong is unlike any other trip within China. 9. Caochang originally served as a feed storage area during the Ming Dynasty. Lu, a 70-year-old resident of the hutong for 40 years, confirmed this bit of lore. This is beginning of the legendary Silk Road that was the main route for commerce and trade for centuries in Asia. With over 13 million people within its borders and more than 17 million if you take into account the surrounding municipalities, Beijing is the second largest city in China, after Shanghai. There are fossil records that show that this area has been populated as long as six thousand years ago. It is said that they were built alongside the old San Li River, and that the dried riverbed remains under Hutong No. China Packages china vacations Bejing vacation in China

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Year of the Monkey Chinese Vacations Offer Historical Amazement

Posted on March 07, 2010 in China vacation

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.If your birthday falls in these months, and you're not sure where you land, use this website to find your zodiac sign. Intelligent Clever Good memory Popular Judgemental Dragons, Rats Tigers Anything! 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 *For the sake of simplicity, I have noted the years per the Gregorian calendar. However, since we're talking about the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the New Year can be any time between January and February. The monkey will almost always be successful. Julius Caesar, Bette Davis, Annie Oakley, Eleanor Roosevelt, Betsy Ross, Diana Ross, Elizabeth Taylor, Harry S. Truman, Leonardo da Vinci, Alice Walker Year of the Rat Year of the Ox Year of the Tiger Year of the Rabbit Year of the Dragon Year of the Snake Year of the Horse Year of the Sheep Year of the Monkey Year of the Rooster Year of the Dog Year of the Boar China vacations might not have the popular appeal of some destinations, but there are some truly wonderful sights to behold in China. Panjiayuan Market Chinese Vacations Offer Historical Amazement It is called the Forbidden City because, during its time as a functioning walled city and imperial palace, no one could leave or enter without the approval of the Emperor himself. In total, there are more than 8,000 figures in this collection, each featuring an amazing level of detail and craftsmanship. Chinese purveyors are experts at making fakes look like ancient treasures dug up and on sale for a fraction of what you'd pay at Sotheby's. Walk away. Sometimes it works...The Chinese address is 潘家园桥西.Mon-Fri 8:30am-6pm; Sat-Sun 4:30am-6pmIn Mandarin, the market is called Pan Jia Yuan Jiu Huo Shichang . For bargain hunters it's a dream come true. Panjiayuan Antiques Market (潘家园旧货市场) is in the southeast corner of the Third Ring Road, just east of Longtan Park. Wares are somewhat divided according to type, so you'll find jewelry (pearls, amber, jade) in one section, furniture in another, etc. The Mongols finally breached the Wall in 1644, and quickly took Beijing afterwards. Only a small portion of the collection has been unearthed, but those that have been are an amazing sight. You may find the item again, but you may not. Bargaining 101: Eight Rules and Two Myths About Shopping in China will give you more guidance to shopping and bargaining. The answer is just about anything. In my experience, the best thing to do is make some snap decisions and then start the negotiations at the low end. but be prepared when it doesn't. Decide if you really want it. It's hard to extract a real price so you'll have to bargain to get close. Decide how much you're willing to pay. How much is it worth to you? No china vacations could be complete without a visit to this former Imperial Palace, located in the heart of Beijing. This is pronounced: "pan jya yoo-an jyoh hwoh shih-chahng". It's rather a mouthful. Panjiayuan Market is a sprawling gargantuan living being that comes to life in the wee hours of Saturday morning as the vendors set up their stalls and display their wares. The project was said to have taken the labors of over 700,000 men, and incredibly, each of the figures is completely original – no two warriors were allowed to be made the same. The Xi’an Terracotta Warriors. Originally built around 200 BC, there is very little that remains of the first Wall, but those that sprung up afterwards continue to stand to this day. (Don't forget to take a taxi card from your hotel so you can get back with your treasures!) Please, don't be fooled by the offers of "antiques". The warriors are part of a funereal display for the first Emperor of Qin in 200 BC, around the time that the first part of the Great Wall was built. One day, even one weekend, isn't enough to see everything there is on offer, but thankfully, there is some method to the shopping madness. The combination of walls is nearly 4,000 miles long. Walls had been built at different times to keep out different groups, including the Xiongnu, Mongolian and Manchurian peoples. Today, it is more commonly known as the Palace Museum. The Forbidden City. Your best bet is to show your hotel concierge the name in English and he will be able to communicate to your taxi driver. The best thing to do is go with and open mind, a limited budget and a few ideas about what you'd like to have.Some say offer 10% of what the vendor is asking, some say 25% and work up from there. It was constructed in the 1400s, lasting more than 15 years and taking over a million men to build. Today, it is an architectural highlight of any trip to China.But someone who wants to see the beauty and wonder of this world really ought to consider going to China, if only to see these three wonders: The Great Wall of China. A quick list of some of the things you'll find: Jewelry such as amber, jade, pearls, coral, turquoise and much more Chinese furniture Ethnic minority pieces such as Miao embroidery and silver clothing accessories Cultural Revolution-era items Chinese paintings and calligraphy objects Buddhist statuary Porcelain & ceramics Cloissone Out of all of the destinations on this planet, China vacations seem to be pretty low on the “gotta go” list of the average Western traveller. However, from the ground, the Great Wall is an imposing and impressive sight to behold. What are commonly referred to as a single wall are, in fact, several walls that have been built, rebuilt and maintained for centuries. Unless you are a dealer in Chinese artifacts and have years of experience, trust me, you won't be able to tell the difference, and even the dealers get fooled . A common misconception is that the Great Wall can be seen from space – while the length of it would certainly be discernable, the width of less than thirty feet at its widest would mean that it would be impossible to see from space without a great amount of magnification. Here's a look at what's on offer through a virtual tour . These clay warriors were discovered near Xi’an in the 1970s by a farmer who was drilling a new well.

Tags: year, wall, chinese, china, great

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