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Hainan will not develop gambling industry, he emphasized, adding that sports lottery is different from Macao's gambling industry. Wei also refuted the speculation that Hainan would bring in Hong Kong's horse racing, saying that horse racing doesn't belong to sports-betting lottery. A China vacation, timed properly, could allow you to view all three of these popular Chinese sporting events within one trip, and show you the sporting side to this rich culture.Hainan official made it clear on March 7 while attending the annual parliamentary session in Beijing. 2010-03-09 09:40:23.0 By Chen Chen Gambling not to land on Hainan Hainan, gambling, Wei Liucheng Gambling not to land on Hainan Gambling not to land on Hainan 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Hainan will not give the green light to gambling industry. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/09/content_19564413.htm www.china.org.cn Hainan will not give the green light to gambling industry. According to Wei Liucheng, the Party chief of Hainan Province, the province is allowed to try some tourist and sports entertainment programs and explore the possibility of developing sports-betting lottery and instant sports lottery. "This means we're just on the research stage," Wei told reporters at the sidelines of the National People's Congress session. Hainan official made it clear on March 7 while attending the annual parliamentary session in Beijing. After the central government's document about promoting the development of Hainan International Tourism Island was released in early January this year, a lot of speculations that gambling industries will land on Hainan came out. China's top tourist sites to form alliance at BITF China Vacation Tours Show You More Than You Could Find Those sites are the Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone and the Nanshan Minor and Major Caves in Sanya. In the end, finding China vacation packages means doing some legwork and some research. It is not as simple as booking a travel deal for a more common Western destination � but your hard work will pay off once you land in China, and begin your dream vacation.If all goes as planned, the alliance will meet once every two years and have offices in Beijing and Sanya. Hainan has two tourist sites that are on the list, which was made by the National Tourism Administration in May 2007. The possible alliance consists of 67 sites in 55 cities. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/08/content_19559637.htm www.china.org.cn China's top tourist sites will form an alliance at the Boao International Tourist Forum later this month. 2010-03-08 16:10:03.0 By Lu Na China's top tourist sites to form alliance at BITF BITF,top tourist sites,alliance,Hainan, China's top tourist sites to form alliance at BITF China's top tourist sites to form alliance at BITF 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> China's cities that are home to the country's top-ranked tourist sites plan to seal an alliance at the Boao International Tourism Forum (BITF) in Hainan later this month. On March 5, tourism industry representatives from various cities across China, including Hangzhou, Harbin, Guilin and Dalian, gathered in Sanya to discuss an alliance of cities featuring China's top-ranked tourist sites.

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Some people regard snacks of Beijing as 'living fossils.' [Photo by Jia Yunlong]" border="" height="141" hspace="" id="12383093" md5="" relativeid="12383094" relativepic="/data/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100303/000d87ad3cdd0cf807ef35.jpg" sourcedescription="编辑提供的本地文件" sourcename="本地文件" src="http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100303/000d87ad3cdd0cf807ef34.jpg" title="Beijing has a time-honored history of producing various kinds of snacks. With strong local flavors, Beijing's snacks attract almost all visitors.Beijing snacks:Dumplings made of glutinous rice flour served in soup(Tang Yuan) [Photo by Jia Yunlong]" border="" height="141" hspace="" id="12383120" md5="" relativeid="12383121" relativepic="/data/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100303/000d87ad3cdd0cf808045d.jpg" sourcedescription="编辑提供的本地文件" sourcename="本地文件" src="http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100303/000d87ad3cdd0cf808045c.jpg" title="Beijing has a time-honored history of producing various kinds of snacks. With strong local flavors, Beijing's snacks attract almost all visitors.Beijng snacks:Pea Flour Cake (Wandouhuang 豌豆黄) [Photo by Jia Yunlong]" border="" height="141" hspace="" id="12383081" md5="" relativeid="12383082" relativepic="/data/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100303/000d87ad3cdd0cf807e430.jpg" sourcedescription="编辑提供的本地文件" sourcename="本地文件" src="http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100303/000d87ad3cdd0cf807e42f.jpg" title=" Beijing has a time-honored history of producing various kinds of snacks. Coming home without having experienced all three would be a terrible waste, and would require a return ticket as soon as possible![Photo by Jia Yunlong]" width="188"/> 2010-03-03 10:19:40.0 A snapshot of Beijing snacks Beijing snacks, China,tour, noddle, Beijing snacks Beijing snacks 1007 7082651 High Definition Photos /enpproperty--> http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/03/content_19510286.htm www.china.org.cn Beijing has a time-honored history of producing various kinds of snacks. Some people regard snacks of Beijing as 'living fossils.' [Photo by Jia Yunlong]" border="" height="141" hspace="" id="12383101" md5="" relativeid="12383102" relativepic="/data/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100303/000d87ad3cdd0cf807f33c.jpg" sourcedescription="编辑提供的本地文件" sourcename="本地文件" src="http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100303/000d87ad3cdd0cf807f33b.jpg" title="Beijing has a time-honored history of producing various kinds of snacks. With strong local flavors, Beijing's snacks attract almost all visitors.Snacks of Beijing can fall into three varieties: Han, Hui and imperial snacks, which are generally prepared by steaming, deep frying, frying in shallow oil, and instant boiling. With strong local flavors, Beijing's snacks attract almost all visitors.Snacks of Beijing can fall into three varieties: Han, Hui and imperial snacks, which are generally prepared by steaming, deep frying, frying in shallow oil, and instant boiling. With strong local flavors, Beijing's snacks attract almost all visitors.Snacks of Beijing can fall into three varieties: Han, Hui and imperial snacks, which are generally prepared by steaming, deep frying, frying in shallow oil, and instant boiling. Some people regard snacks of Beijing as 'living fossils.' [Photo by Jia Yunlong]" border="" height="141" hspace="" id="12383149" md5="" relativeid="12383150" relativepic="/data/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100303/000d87ad3cdd0cf808230d.jpg" sourcedescription="编辑提供的本地文件" sourcename="本地文件" src="http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100303/000d87ad3cdd0cf808230c.jpg" title="Beijing has a time-honored history of producing various kinds of snacks. With strong local flavors, Beijing's snacks attract almost all visitors.Snacks of Beijing can fall into three varieties: Han, Hui and imperial snacks, which are generally prepared by steaming, deep frying, frying in shallow oil, and instant boiling. Local people of Beijing love to drink mung bean milk, because it is rich in protein, vitamin C and rough fiber and helps drive away summer heat, invigorate the function of the spleen and whet the appetite.[Photo by Jia Yunlong]" width="188"/>   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. Sanya hotel reservations up by 50% after festival Chinese Vacations Offer Historical Amazement The number of tourists visiting Sanya in the first week after the Spring Festival was twice that of the seven-day holiday, and most of these were white collar workers who had postponed their travel until after the holiday week. 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. Even those who are not Taoist or Buddhist will be fascinated by these buildings and their surrounding grounds.This is a very different pattern from previous years and could have been the result of high hotel prices in Sanya during the Spring Festival. By the end of February 2010, the average hotel reservation price for three-star, four-star and five-star hotels in Sanya were 450 yuan, 650 yuan, and 1,300 yuan respectively; which was about 60% lower than prices during Spring Festival. However according to some travel agencies hotel reservations in Sanya has risen by 50% compared with those during the Spring Festival period. This was also the case with flights to Sanya. This difference has been compounded by the "white collar effect" which has become a major factor for post-festival travel. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/04/content_19519917.htm www.china.org.cn According to an official of Ctrip.com's hotel department, hotel prices in major tourist cities like Guilin and Lijiang fell after the Spring Festival an average of 25%; while hotel reservations are up by 50%. 2010-03-04 10:17:26.0 Sanya hotel reservations up by 50% after festival Sanya, hotel ,reservations,festival,China, Hainan, Sanya hotel reservations up by 50% after festival Sanya hotel reservations up by 50% after festival 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> According to an official of Ctrip.com's hotel department, hotel prices in major tourist cities like Guilin and Lijiang fell after the Spring Festival an average of 25%; while hotel reservations are up by 50%. Hotel reservations in Guilin and Lijiang also fell. 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. vacation in China china vacations Bejing China Packages

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Therefore, from kids' paintings of the beast to caricatured New Year's wall decorations, the wang character is likely to be on every tiger forehead you see. When you are sitting down to debate your next getaway with the family, toss in the option of a China family vacation. Most representations of the tiger have a special Chinese character stylized on the forehead: 王 This character, "wang", means king. In China, the tiger is king of the jungle and it is believed that the black stripes in the orange fur illustrate this. For the parents, amazing architecture and historical sites. Answer: As the Year of the Tiger approaches, you’ll likely see many images of the tiger in decorative forms for Spring Festival celebrations. For the kids, there is sports and culture all over the place. For the family as a whole, there is no end to the excitement that can be found in China, from food to events, and from sights to actions. China really could be the best destination for you and your family.While this might sound like an odd choice next to the theme parks and all-inclusive resorts as an option for an ideal family getaway, it could be the best vacation your family has ever gone on. China Books China Vacation Tours Show You More Than You Could Find Either that, or go gamble your money away over cheap margaritas and flashy decor with the other party animals. See the historical sites, lose yourself in the local culture, fill up on the arts, and stay at the most beautiful hotels you could possibly imagine. China offers so much more in a vacation.If you are sick of the phoniness of the neon and craziness of Vegas, China can offer you serenity, wonder, and an amazing adventure. Chasing the Monk's Shadow With one foot in the seventh century following Xuanzang, a Chinese monk who traveled from China to India visiting Buddhist holy sites, and the other foot in the twenty-first trailing Xuanzang's quest, Saran's travelogue is a spellbinding journey between historical storytelling and day-by-day travel. Author: Mishi Saran When you compare a junket to Las Vegas to vacations to China, there is really no comparison. 2. Really, there is no comparison between the two.

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The head of the center said the projects in Hainan should be government-oriented. If you are looking for your next vacation destination, you might want to consider going to China for vacation. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/26/content_19481362.htm www.china.org.cn Hainan is exploring ways of launching betting-type sport lotteries, according to www.hinews.cn. 2010-02-26 13:07:52.0 By Yang Xi Betting-type sports lotteries to be piloted in Hainan sport lottery,betting,bet,Hainan Betting-type sports lotteries to be piloted in Hainan Betting-type sports lotteries to be piloted in Hainan 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Hainan is exploring ways of launching betting-type sport lotteries, according to www.hinews.cn. The State Council, China's Cabinet, encouraged Hainan to develop pari-mutuel sports lotteries and instant sports lotteries on large international events in a tourism plan in January that aims to develop Hainan into an international tourist island. Experts may discuss the issue during the upcoming BOAO International Tourism Forum in March. 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. A local lottery research center has been established to develop betting-type lotteries in Hainan. 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. Lantern riddles and guessing games light up the brain waves Vacationing In China Offers Everything In the past, the prize was intellectual satisfaction. The guessing tradition goes back more than 2,000 years, when imperial advisors conveyed advice and opinion in metaphorical and oblique language, in an indirect way (speaking in riddles). Hence, the name tiger lantern. These days, however, most popular puzzles don't require a literati to come up with the answer, though they can be brain teasers, requiring knowledge of history, culture and classics, puns and homophones. Today's Spring Festival puzzles usually carry simpler messages of good fortune, family reunion, abundant harvest, prosperity and love. Lanterns often have four riddles written on red vertical strips of paper pasted to the lamp, attached by strings. Winners these days usually get small gifts. Now those were real tiger lanterns. The game reached its peak in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) when it evolved into an essential part of the Lantern Festival for people from all walks of life. China vacations might not have the popular appeal of some destinations, but there are some truly wonderful sights to behold in China. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/26/content_19479542.htm www.china.org.cn The Lantern Festival, which falls on Sunday this year, is a time to appreciate the night sky filled with lanterns, and especially to appreciate the wide-eyed children captivated by the lights. 2010-02-26 10:32:05.0 Lantern riddles and guessing games light up the brain waves Lantern Festival, guessing game, lantern riddle Lantern riddles and guessing games light up the brain waves Lantern riddles and guessing games light up the brain waves 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> The Lantern Festival, which falls on Sunday this year, is a time to appreciate the night sky filled with lanterns, and especially to appreciate the wide-eyed children captivated by the lights. But there's another ancient aspect to the festival that concludes the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration - the "tiger lantern" - also known as riddle guessing. Because ancient riddles were so difficult and required so much classical knowledge, wisdom and wit, there was a saying about them: It's as difficult to kill a tiger as it is to guess a lantern puzzle. 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.The idea was to protect themselves from imperial wrath for delivering bad news and criticism - and of course to save the emperor's face, if his behavior and policy were at fault. In the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907), guessing riddles gradually became a contest of wit among men of letters to challenge and learn from each other.

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The first piece was built around 200 BC to protect a relatively small area. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. The Great Wall of China should really be known as the Great Walls of China. Ever since that time, and until the 1600s, the Chinese have added, maintained, lengthened and fortified the walls that guard their lands. At its height, the wall stood nearly four thousand miles long. While its width means that no, it is not the only man-made structure that would be visible from the moon, the sheer size and skill of the wall is still something that draws tourists from around the world, and even features a marathon along part of the wall itself. Bund Building Guide China Family Vacation Offers Plenty to Work With An excellent guidebook to the buildings along the bund is The Bund Shanghai: China Faces the West by Peter Hibbard. 28 - The Glen Line Building; built 1922. 6 - The Russell & Co Building; built c.1881. 5 - Nishin Navigation Building or NKK; built 1925. Today the Bangkok Bank and the Royal Thai Consulate-General occupy this enviable address. No. 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. 12. No. Next door a park is being reconstructed on the grounds of the consulate. The Garden Bridge; built 1906. Both great places to enjoy the view (see photo). No. Four in Mandarin, "si" (四) four, rhymes with "si" (死) or death. Reopened in 2004 as Bund 18 housing luxury shops and high-end restaurants. 9 - The China Merchants Steam Navigation Company Building; built 1901. 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. Today it is the Chinese Exterior Commerce Ministry. No. There's no number 4 on the Bund and I while I can't find it documented I only assume that like in elevators, there's no fourth floor. Long the capital city of China, it is amazing how much of the country is represented here in the big city. 27 - Jardine Matheson and Co., Ltd. But despite having Chinese rulers again, Hong Kong enjoys certain protections that the rest of China does not. 14 - The Bank of Communications; built 1948. Today the building is under renovation. No. Today it is the China Merchants Bank. No. This site is now occupied by the newly constructed Peninsula Hotel, set to open its doors in 2010. It is still the property of the Bank of China today. No. If you don't step inside another building, be sure to enter the portico at No. All of the venues are still intact in Beijing, and many of them have guided tours. If you love to shop, you must go to the high end districts in Hong Kong, and check out the massive stores. No. 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! 17 - North China Daily News Building; built 1924. 6 is devoted to designer boutiques and fine dining. No. The buildings that constitute the essential famous Bund buildings begin just north of Yan'an Road and are numbered, helpfully, starting with No. Building; built 1920. 23 - The Bank of China; built 1937. It is currently under renovation. No. Everbright occupies this site as well. No. Today, like Three on the Bund, No. The area to the north of the Bund is called the Hongkou district . The building houses the Shanghai Federation of Trade Unions today. No. The surprise might be the remnants of the recent Olympic Games in Beijing. The culture, architecture and people of Beijing make it an amazing center that you will need a long time to properly explore. Long a British protectorate, it reverted to Chinese rule many years ago. Known today as "Three on the Bund", it was fully renovated in 2004. 4 - you won't find it. 12 - The Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Building; built 1923. Today it houses the China Foreign Exchange Trade Center. No. Number two might be the city of Hong Kong. The building still houses customs officials today. No. 24 - Yokohama Specie Bank; built 1924. Try Shanghai's English Language bookstores for a copy. If you are headed to China for your next vacation, you might be wondering what Chinas vacation hot spots are. 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. 29 - The Banque de L'Indo-Chine; built 1914. 3 - The Union Building; built 1922. 20) but is currently under renovation. No. This iron bridge, taken down, renovated and re-installed in 2009, spans the Suzhou Creek and marks the end of the buildings on the Bund. If you start at the southern end of the Bund (called Waitan or 外滩, "why tahn" in Mandarin) where Yan'an Road meets Zhongshan 1 Road, you can follow this quick guide to understand what each of the buildings was when it originally occupied this famous stretch of land along the Huang Pu River. 1. Number one has got to be a tie among some of the great historical buildings, statues and of course, walls. One of the few buildings on the Bund that have been restored inside to its former glory, today the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank occupies this grand interior. The building houses luxury retail shops on the ground floor, a spa run by Evian on the 3rd floor and famously chic restaurants above including Jean Georges and Laris. No. Once the most famous hotel in the east, and one of Shanghai's most famous Art Deco buildings, the Cathay became the Peace Hotel in 1956. Until recent years the hotel served as the south wing of the Peace Hotel (see No. 2 - The Shanghai Club (private British club); built 1911. 18 - The Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China; built 1923. 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.13 - Customs House; built 1927. 16 - The Bank of Taiwan; built 1924. 26 - Yangtze Insurance Association Building; built 1916. Today it is the Agricultural Bank of China. No. Presently, the site is occupied by the Everbright Bank of China. No. Today the building is under renovation. No. Take your time to see as much of this city as you can. Today the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China occupies the building. No. Today the building houses Shiatzy Chen's flagship store. No. 20 - The Cathay Hotel; built 1929. Just like the Western superstition about the number 13, often absent in buildings, you won't find many number 4s in China. No. 7 - The Great Northern Telegraph Company Building; built 1907. These masterpieces and marvels are the sorts of things that you simply cannot miss out on when you visit China. 19 - The Palace Hotel; built 1906. The restoration work at Bund 18, undertaken by Filippo Gabbiani and a team was awarded the Award of Excellence in the 2006 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards. No. Today the building is occupied by the American International Insurance Company. No. As a result, Hong Kong is a thriving center of commerce and shipping. 33 - Site of the former British Consulate; built 1873. 15 - The Russo-Chinese Bank, built 1901. 1 - Asiatic Petroleum Building also known as the McBain building; built 1915. Many people quickly forget who has hosted the previous edition of the Games, but the infrastructure build for those sporting events lasts much longer. Today various offices and restaurants are resident in the NKK, most famously M on the Bund (7F) and the Glamour Bar (6F) . China Packages china vacations Great Wall of China Bejing

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At the moment, no entrance fee is required, and tourists can dine and live in local family hostels. Martial arts. Dragon boat racing. The different styles are usually broken up into families or sects, depending on their influence. 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. With only 820 households, the village is better known as Gingko Village for its more than 3,000 ancient gingko trees. The annual Duanwu Festival for dragon boat racing is a regular and popular holiday in China. The oldest ones are about 500 years old. 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 festival begins on the �double fifth�, or the fifth day of the fifth lunar month on the Chinese calendar. The races are so popular, that the influence has bled over into other Asian cultures and countries. The trees are distributed all around the village, guarding the gates of the locals' houses or in their backyards. The best season to visit Jiangdong Village is late October to mid-December when the gingko leaves turn golden. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/24/content_19468148.htm www.china.org.cn Among all the tourists who flock to Dali and Lijiang, the two most popular tourist destinations in Yunnan Province, few would care to take a detour to Tengchong, a county in western Yunnan that borders Myanmar. 2010-02-24 14:34:59.0 The golden village of Jiangdong  village,Jiangdong,China , Lijiang, Yunnan, trip, The golden village of Jiangdong The golden village of Jiangdong 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Among all the tourists who flock to Dali and Lijiang, the two most popular tourist destinations in Yunnan Province, few would care to take a detour to Tengchong, a county in western Yunnan that borders Myanmar. Even fewer would care to stop over at a small village called Jiangdong. This means that, on the Western calendar, the date can fluctuate wildly, being as early as May and as late as June. 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 sky is blotted by the spreading golden umbrellas of the trees, and when the wind blows, it rains gold. The village has not yet been developed for tourism. What is usually seen as a fun little event in Western culture is a much bigger deal in China. The popular martial art of Kung Fu originated in China, although it is sometimes referred to in China by the original Mandarin term, wushu. Pick a floral spring at Beijing's suburbs China Vacation Tours Show You More Than You Could Find 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. 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. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/24/content_19467655.htm www.china.org.cn Following the Spring Festival is the start of China's Lunar New Year, which marks the return of spring and the start of new life. 2010-02-24 13:59:55.0 Pick a floral spring at Beijing's suburbs floral spring ,Beijing,suburbs, China, tour, restaurant, New year, flowers Pick a floral spring at Beijing's suburbs Pick a floral spring at Beijing's suburbs 1007 7076141 Travel Talk /enpproperty--> Following the Spring Festival is the start of China's Lunar New Year, which marks the return of spring and the start of new life. 18 Mu Yan Road, Zhuangzi Village, Bei Wu Town, Shunyi District, Beijing. Tel: 010-61423651 If you want to take a vacation with a heavy sports theme, you could do worse than to take a China vacation. Staying home sounds quite dull on a sunny day, so we recommend several places in Beijing's suburbs where you can pick some fresh flowers, even in this somewhat chilly early spring. 1. 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. Many of the flowers in the fields will stay fresh at least ten days, and fresh lilies can even last one month. Driving route: Take the Jing Ping Expressway from the East Sixth Ring Road or Airport Second Expressway, exit at Mu Yan Road (Bei Wu Town), and drive five minutes following the sign. Address: No. Fu Laoer Flower Garden Located in north Beijing's Shunyi District, Fu Laoer Flower Garden boasts dozens of greenhouses where you can find many different fresh flowers as well as vegetables and fruits. china vacations Bejing China Packages Great Wall of China

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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. If you have booked a tour in China, this can be problematic.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. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. If you prefer not to deal with a travel agent, you can contact the airlines directly. Small set of Beijing Opera Masks Chinese Vacations Offer Historical Amazement ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. 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.

Tags: china, tour, airline, vacation, rights

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. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Going through the Heavenly Gate, the Forbidden City is a truly peaceful and relaxing place. This former Imperial Palace is now home to the Palace Museum. Within its walls are a number of peaceful gardens and yards, hidden in a network of pathways. Reflexology shoes On Vacation to China? Pray For Great Insights More than you can imagine, really. No better example of this exists than the Forbidden City complex in the heart of Beijing. 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. For the kids, there is plenty to do in China. China offers something for every member of the family, no matter what their interests are.Here, the intricate and detailed planning that went into the design of a city within a city will astound even moderate fans of good design, and completely overwhelm those who understand the intricacies of architectural design. From the temples to the simplest buildings, Chinese architecture is so different and so beautiful that visitors cannot help but stop and stare. But what is there for the family to do in China? For the parents, the architecture of China can be a very strong draw. A China family vacation might not be the most popular choice going in, but if you can convince your family to give it a shot, it will likely become the best vacation you have ever taken as a family, and one that you will talk about for the rest of your lives. While they may not understand the language or the cultural significance of the differences, children will enjoy the leisure activities offered in China. 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. 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. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. When most people consider a family vacation, they think of theme parks, camping trips, and long hours in the car. From pro-level baseball and basketball games featuring home-grown Chinese talent, to the elegant and graceful Chinese ballets, there are visual wonders everywhere. 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.

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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

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Assuming you don't speak Mandarin, it is essential that you have your destination written down in Chinese. First, most large hotels have a convenient "taxi card" for you to take with you as you step out the door. 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. It isn't. Sound complicated? On the opposite end of the spectrum, Xi�an has an amazing history that no traveller should skip seeing.Hong Kong should also be on your list of cities to see, as it is unlike any other city in China. This city features some amazing historical sites, and now has some great modern wonders, thanks to their hosting of the latest Olympic Games. These cards have the hotel (so you can get back) written on one side and usually 10-15 tourist destinations on the other side. If the card doesn't have where you want to go, simply ask the concierge to write it down for you. Even if your hotel doesn't have a pre-printed taxi card, staff will be happy to write down your destination for you to give the driver. When you go to China on vacation, there are three cities that you absolutely must visit. Odds and ends China Vacation Tours Show You More Than You Could Find Chinas vacation hot spots range from the historical sites like the Great Wall of China, to the ultra-modern tech cities like Hong Kong, and the delicately balanced places in between, like the great city of Beijing. The key to enjoying your time in China is seeing as much of the country as possible, but these hot spots should be the top things on your list. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. When you visit a new country, the first thing many people do is research what the hot spots are, so they know what parts of the country they simply cannot afford to miss out on.

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Gone are the days of wooden seats at ninety-degree angles with loud speakers blaring propaganda. At its height, the wall stood nearly four thousand miles long. Overcoming the Train Ticket Obstacles Obviously, if you've got the time, you can go to the station yourself and book your tickets. The first piece was built around 200 BC to protect a relatively small area. A Chinese agent will be cheaper than your agent back home and probably a little more flexible. But if you can't, then agents can act on your behalf. Of course there will likely be a nominal fee on top of the ticket price, but this is worth the peace-of-mind as well as the time saved. Your agent can courier you the tickets to wherever you are but the thing to do is just to have them hold on to the tickets until you arrive in China and then have them sent to wherever you're staying. Another way to go about booking tickets without your physical presence is to ask your hotel concierge to do it. Generally, you can buy tickets two weeks prior to your departure date. Ever since that time, and until the 1600s, the Chinese have added, maintained, lengthened and fortified the walls that guard their lands. But if you're thinking about booking now for next year, forget it. This is all rather a pain, especially if you're backpacking through China around Chinese New Year and you want to make sure you get that soft sleeper from Beijing to Shanghai for the twelve-hour trip. Second, train seats aren't released very far in advance and there's really no telling when seats go on sale. Trains nowadays have four classes, refreshment carts and decent (if not fabulous) bathrooms. Obstacles to Buying a Train Ticket But the first step in all of this is booking a ticket and here is where China is lagging behind the rest of the world. One of the luxuries of train travel is that it allows you to see just what lays in between the cities of millions that dot the country. The Great Wall of China should really be known as the Great Walls of China. It is cheap (much less expensive than air travel) and generally very comfortable. While its width means that no, it is not the only man-made structure that would be visible from the moon, the sheer size and skill of the wall is still something that draws tourists from around the world, and even features a marathon along part of the wall itself. If you're not physically in China, find yourself a good travel agent in China to book things for you. Even if you're at a small inn without a concierge, they will likely be able to help you out. First, the only way to book a train ticket is for you, or someone on your behalf, to go physically to the station from which you're departing and buy you a ticket. Again, especially for that small inn with no official concierge, you can probably talk them into going for you for a small fee. The Joy of Train Travel Now sit back with a good book or just watch the stretch of humanity go by your window. Train travel is generally a great way to get around China. Ritz Shanghai China on Vacation Means Three Must-See Cities 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. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. China vacations might not have the popular appeal of some destinations, but there are some truly wonderful sights to behold in China.

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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. 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. Check with your favorite online travel site, and you might be pleasantly surprised.It is filled with fantastic outdoor markets, particularly for fresh seafood. After a break for coffee at a pleasant caf located at the north end of Simeng Jie, I strolled down Zhongshan Pedestrian Mall, where old buildings are dramatically juxtaposed against high rises. I then headed down Simeng Jie toward Nanputuo Temple, which took an hour and I had lunch at one of the many cafes near the temple. I have visited many Buddhist temples in China, but Nanputuo is hands-down my favorite. Aside from its famous piano museum and beautiful grounds, the park boasts China's only private art museum, which has a small but good collection of older furniture. Had the weather been good, I would have climbed up Sunshine Rock and then walked on the beach on the island's south end. Instead, I strolled down a back lane behind Shuzhuang Park and spent a couple of hours in a caf. It was a perfect long weekend in "China's Big Easy" and I look forward to returning.   If you are considering a trip to Asia, you might be surprised at how hard it is to find a good package deal. No cars are allowed here, so its lanes, which are lined with attractive old villas, are ideal places to enjoy a quiet walk. I spent the morning looking around Shuzhuang Park. 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. There are trips galore to New York, Paris or even Las Vegas � but how do you find China vacation packages? Both have subtropical climates, an old-world charm and a laid-back atmosphere. Xiamen is architecturally attractive with many European buildings dating back to the 19th century, when the city was home to foreign consulates. Xiamen is a medium sized metropolis, by China standards, and the pace of life is less frenetic than Beijing or Shanghai, with beautiful beaches, good nightlife and fresh seafood. But while New Orleans suffered from high crime and poverty even before Hurricane Katrina, Xiamen is safe, has a vibrant economy, and is quite diverse as many Korean companies have set up shops here. I stayed at the Spring Sounds Hotel, which was clean and comfortable and cost just 180 yuan ($26.30) a night. It is conveniently located in the center of the city, opposite the ferry terminal to Gulangyu Island. I believe walking is the best way to get to know a city and you can see many of the main city center sites in a leisurely one-day tour. I first explored the small back alleys north of Zhongshan Mall, which is not listed as a tourist attraction, but should be. The building and grounds are gorgeous. I hiked up the small hill behind the temple and the trail went through a pleasant grove to a vantage point with a swell view of Xiamen and Gulangyu Island. Xiamen University, where the writer Lu Xun (1881-1936) taught for several years, the beach and Hulishan Fort, provided further opportunities to stroll about. For dinner I had fresh fish, crab and shrimp and a Xiamen specialty, hailijian, or pan-fried oysters in scrambled eggs. I spent the next day on Gulangyu Island. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/04/content_19522117.htm www.china.org.cn Xiamen has a relaxed style, attractive buildings and a subtropical climate that makes it a perfect long-weekend destination. 2010-03-04 14:04:08.0 China's 'Big easy' China, Xiamen, destination, United States, Fujian, tour, China's 'Big easy' China's 'Big easy' 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Xiamen has a relaxed style, attractive buildings and a subtropical climate that makes it a perfect long-weekend destination. Xiamen, in Fujian province, is like New Orleans in the United States. Quiet lakes, gushing springs and heavenly eats China on Vacation Means Three Must-See Cities As Lao She describes it, Jinan's winter is unlike those of other northern cities. The local dialect shares the same pronunciation as Putonghua for almost every Chinese character, but uses different tones. Hence, those still struggling with the four tones of Putonghua can easily communicate with the locals, as their less-than-perfect tones are very likely to match the correct tones of the Jinan dialect. Shandong's cuisine is acclaimed as one of the four best cuisines in the country. 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.It is "benevolent" - warm, sunny and "without the sound of wind". It is "an old city, with many hills and springs, asleep in warmth and comfort, waiting to be awakened by spring's breeze". This "land of dreams" is where I was born and grew up. Nurtured by its pleasant weather, Jinan people are naturally generous, hospitable, joyous, with a special enthusiasm for drinking. This capital of East China's Shandong province is also known as the "city of springs", with 72 of them dotting the landscape. While their locations, history, and characteristics have been meticulously documented, Baotu Spring is the most well known. It ranks alongside Qianfo Hill and Daming Lake as Jinan's top sight. Water gushes from the three mouths of Baotu Spring all year round, feeding its people, and telling its stories. Speaking of Daming Lake, besides its wonderful lake scenery and Spring Festival Temple Fair, its frog population is an odd lot - they never croak. The story goes that once Qing emperor Qianlong visited Daming Lake and was impressed by its beauty, marred only by the noisy frogs who disturbed his sleep. 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. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/04/content_19522094.htm www.china.org.cn Most Chinese know about Jinan even if they have not been there. 2010-03-04 13:57:49.0 Quiet lakes, gushing springs and heavenly eats Quiet lakes, springs ,China, Jinan, landscape, Quiet lakes, gushing springs and heavenly eats Quiet lakes, gushing springs and heavenly eats 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Most Chinese know about Jinan even if they have not been there. Winter of Jinan, an essay written by Lao She (1899-1966), is compulsory reading for high school students across the country. Who knows!   If you want to take a vacation with a heavy sports theme, you could do worse than to take a China vacation. They did - and have been doing so for generations thereafter. No one as yet come up with a scientific explanation for this unique phenomenon, and so the legend endures. Jinan is also a good place for foreigners to practice their Chinese. Famous dishes include tangculiyu (fried carp with sweet and sour sauce), jiuzhuandachang (twisted large intestine of the pig) and baochaoyaohua (fried pig kidney). But I prefer the street snacks. I bet Jinan's baked sweet potato is the best in China, even the whole world! My classmates in primary school will surely recall when the teacher asked us to write about a local specialty, all 54 of us wrote about the baked sweet potato! This is not to say Jinan does not have other special dishes worth writing about, but its baked sweet potato just tops it all. The emperor ordered them to keep shut. It's either because we have very good quality sweet potatoes, or the baking stoves are really magical. 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. China Packages china vacations Bejing Yangtze River Cruises

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[Photo by Zhang Xiaobo] " border="" height="141" hspace="" id="12351651" md5="" relativeid="12351652" relativepic="/data/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100225/000d87ad3cdd0cf062b005.jpg" sourcedescription="编辑提供的本地文件" sourcename="本地文件" src="http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100225/000d87ad3cdd0cf062b004.jpg" title="The Summer Palace is located on the western edge of Beijing, between the fourth and fifth ring roads, close to the western hills, 12km from central Beijing.It is mainly dominated by Longevity Hill (60 meters high) and the Kunming Lake. [Photo by Zhang Xiaobo] " border="" height="141" hspace="" id="12351699" md5="" relativeid="12351700" relativepic="/data/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100225/000d87ad3cdd0cf062e618.jpg" sourcedescription="编辑提供的本地文件" sourcename="本地文件" src="http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100225/000d87ad3cdd0cf062e617.jpg" title="The Summer Palace is located on the western edge of Beijing, between the fourth and fifth ring roads, close to the western hills, 12km from central Beijing.It is mainly dominated by Longevity Hill (60 meters high) and the Kunming Lake. [Photo by Zhang Xiaobo] " width="188"/> http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19474170.htm www.china.org.cn The Summer Palace is located on the western edge of Beijing, between the fourth and fifth ring roads, close to the western hills, 12km from central Beijing. 2010-02-25 14:53:40.0 Human landscape from Summer palace Human landscape,Summer palace,China, tour, Beijing, Human landscape from Summer palace Human landscape from Summer palace 1007 7082651 High Definition Photos /enpproperty-->   When you visit a new country, the first thing many people do is research what the hot spots are, so they know what parts of the country they simply cannot afford to miss out on. The Summer Palace is virtually a museum of traditional Chinese gardening that uses rocks, plants, pavilions, ponds, cobble paths and other garden styles to create a poetic effect between different scenes. [Photo by Zhang Xiaobo] " border="" height="141" hspace="" id="12351693" md5="" relativeid="12351694" relativepic="/data/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100225/000d87ad3cdd0cf062e055.jpg" sourcedescription="编辑提供的本地文件" sourcename="本地文件" src="http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100225/000d87ad3cdd0cf062e054.jpg" title="The Summer Palace is located on the western edge of Beijing, between the fourth and fifth ring roads, close to the western hills, 12km from central Beijing.It is mainly dominated by Longevity Hill (60 meters high) and the Kunming Lake. Chinas vacation hot spots range from the historical sites like the Great Wall of China, to the ultra-modern tech cities like Hong Kong, and the delicately balanced places in between, like the great city of Beijing. The Summer Palace is virtually a museum of traditional Chinese gardening that uses rocks, plants, pavilions, ponds, cobble paths and other garden styles to create a poetic effect between different scenes. [Photo by Zhang Xiaobo] " width="188"/> Tourism bureau applies for transit visa extension Chinas Vacation Hot Spots Vacationing in China offers you the best use of your vacation time.As many as 4.5 million international travelers are expected to be affected, the tourism administration said. Statistics on spending among travelers said the local tourism industry should benefit from an extra $4.5 billion due to the extension, according to the Beijing News yesterday. Wang Meng, a travel agent for China Wonderful Tour, which receives about 300,000 international travelers annually, said a longer TWOV would attract more international travelers. However, he is not optimistic of a high quantity. "Most of our customers are from the US, Australia, Canada and the UK. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471855.htm www.china.org.cn The tourism administration has joined Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) to apply to extend the current 24-hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy to seven days, after the head of the airport raised the proposal in the municipal people's congress in late January. 2010-02-25 10:38:27.0 Tourism bureau applies for transit visa extension Tourism ,bureau ,transit visa , China, beijing, Hotel,airport Tourism bureau applies for transit visa extension Tourism bureau applies for transit visa extension 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> The tourism administration has joined Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) to apply to extend the current 24-hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy to seven days, after the head of the airport raised the proposal in the municipal people's congress in late January. Li said a seven-day TWOV could save travelers a mountain of paperwork. However, a police officer from the exit and entry administration of the Beijing public security bureau, who asked not to be named, expressed concern. The goal set by the Beijing Tourism Administration in 2010 is 4.25 million trips and $4.8 billion. In China, you will have the most original vacation out of all of your friends. 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. Seven days is not enough," Wang said, from his 10 years of experience in the field. He added that his clients usually stay 10 to 15 days in China to visit the three must-go cities - Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an. "I think a seven-day TWOV will only attract 10 to 15 percent more international travelers," he said. Kempinski Hotel Beijing welcomed the proposal, believing it would benefit the hotel business and local economy. "We had 170,000 customers last year and 60 percent of them were international visitors," said Li Bo, Kempinski's regional manager of China. 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. "This plan will put a lot of pressure on national security," he said, stating that many countries have tighter TWOV rules than in Beijing. In 2009, Beijing received 4.12 million inbound travelers, contributing $4.35 billion. They seldom have the chance to travel to China because of the long distance, so they always enjoy themselves when they do.

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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. China is a shopper's paradise. But it's a shame to spend time trying to pick up things you forgot on your packing list rather than in the markets cruising for treasure. Especially if you're going to be off the beaten track, not spending much time in big cities with big expat communities such as Beijing or Shanghai , you'll want to make sure you have these items along with you when you come. Deodorant with anti-perspirant Deodorant can sometimes be found in supermarkets or drug-stores like Watson's, but I've yet to find anti-perspirant. Shampoo and conditioner You can find some foreign brands such as L'oreal and Finesse, but the formula seems different. 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. If you are looking for your next vacation destination, you might want to consider going to China for vacation. Here's a list of items that you may want to bring with you because you won't be able to find them, or the brands will be limited, in China. If you're picky, bring it from home. Other hair supplies Again, some products are available but formulas vary from country to country so you should bring your preferred mousse, gel, hairspray, etc. See also this handy First Aid Packing List for travel to China. Vitamins Shoes If you have the time or the need, you can have just about any piece of clothing tailor-made for you, but shoes, if your feet are large, will be hard to find. For kid/baby-specific articles , read my Kids' Packing List to find out what to buy in China and what to bring. Bring allergy, headache, nausea/diarrhea, birth control and other medications with you. with you. Moisturizers Sunscreen Its availability is limited and only in certain SPF factors. Insect repellent I haven't found any local brand that's very effective. Tampons Pads are widely available but tampons are only available at expat supermarkets in limited supply. Medications Many similar medications are available in China but you don't want to have to spend time trying to figure out a local pharmacy when you just want some aspirin. China's Provinces On Vacation to China? Pray For Great Insights Its political geography is complicated. Encompassing 5 different administrative zones, China has 23 Provinces, 5 Autonomous Regions, 4 Municipalities, 2 Special Administrative Regions (SAR) and 1 Claimed Province. Architecture in China is also an important part of their culture, with an emphasis on symmetry and width in their designs. China is the world's third largest country, after Russia and Canada. Click through for more information on each region. Chinese operas are a popular attraction for both tourists and locals alike. The following is a list of the provinces in China in alphabetical order. A beautiful example can be seen in the stunning design of the Forbidden City in Beijing, which was once the Chinese Imperial Palace, and is now the Palace Museum, and like the Xi�an Warriors, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Taiwan, the twenty-third and claimed province, is listed separately. In China, culture is an important part of everyday life.

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http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/04/content_19519343.htm www.china.org.cn Baise - the city in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is noted as a place of history - from both a very long time ago and modern China. 2010-03-04 09:50:37.0 Baise: a place of history, modernity Baise, history, modernity ,China, Guangxi Zhuang, tour, Yongjiang river, Baise: a place of history, modernity Baise: a place of history, modernity 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Baise - the city in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is noted as a place of history - from both a very long time ago and modern China. Discovery of a Paleolithic Age hand ax in some 800,000 years ago in Baise in 1970s surprised anthropologists and rewrote the history of human civilization in Asia. About 80 years ago, the Chinese Seventh Army was establishing a revolutionary base and Soviet regime in Baise along the Youjiang River. On Dec 11, 1929, Deng Xiaoping and other revolutionaries launched the Baise Uprising, among the earliest battles in the fight against the ruling Kuomintang. A Baise Uprising Memorial Hall commemorating the event that opened in 1999 is now listed as a national key "revolution scenic spot". The city has since pioneered "red tourism" to become a famed resort through a program called "footprints of Deng Xiaoping". Baise now is the key city among the 12 national "red tourism" scenery areas. In 2009, the city held events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Baise Uprising and set off a new surge in red tourism, hosting 10.3 million visitors that year who generated 4.4 billion yuan in revenues in city tourism, increases of 59 percent and 46 percent respectively. 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. The Second Hangzhou Chaoshan Plum Blossom Festival opens China Vacation Sports Lots of Fun It is the only one of its kind in China. Hong Kong is unlike any other city in China. There are fossil records that show that this area has been populated as long as six thousand years ago. Xi�an was also the first capital city of what we now know as the country of China. 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 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/2010-03/03/content_19511200.htm www.china.org.cn The Second Chaoshan Plum Blossom Festival kicked off at Chaoshan Scenic Spot in Yuhang district of Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province on February 25. 2010-03-03 10:40:47.0 The Second Hangzhou Chaoshan Plum Blossom Festival opens second, Hangzhou Chaoshan Plum Blossom Festival,China, Zhejiang, scenic spot, West lake, expo, The Second Hangzhou Chaoshan Plum Blossom Festival opens The Second Hangzhou Chaoshan Plum Blossom Festival opens 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> The Second Chaoshan Plum Blossom Festival kicked off at Chaoshan Scenic Spot in Yuhang district of Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province on February 25. As the first serial activities of the annual West Lake Expo, this year's Plum Blossom Festival will last until March 15. In addition to enjoying blooming flowers, tourists can take part in various activities including buying commemorative stamps and postcards, and enjoying a bonsai exhibition with more than 200 plants. Another highlight of this year's event is the launching ceremony of Xingguang Yuan – the Hall of Fame for the winners of China Opera Plum Blossom Awards. A colony of Great Britain since the first Opium Wars of the 1800s, it reverted to Chinese rule in 1997. If you are going to China, there are three cities you must visit while you are there. This is beginning of the legendary Silk Road that was the main route for commerce and trade for centuries in Asia. Xingguang Yuan will become the exhibition center for traditional Chinese opera research in the future. Yuhang district also recommends two new travel routes during the plum blossom festival, one of which will bring you to the famous historical town Tangxi. Tangxi is an ancient water town located at Yuhang district in the northern suburb of Hangzhou. 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 relic sites include the largest stele of Qianlong, an emperor of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911 AD), and many old houses and streets of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 AD). Admission for Chaoshan Scenic Spot: 40 yuan per person Where should you go in China on vacation? Hong Kong is among the world�s most important shipping and commerce centers. The differences mean that visiting Hong Kong is unlike any other trip within China. Till now, Yuhang district has collected more than 300 hand prints of China Opera Plum Blossom Award winners, 70 of which are going to be exhibited here during this festival. 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 city is unique in China, and runs on a completely different system than the rest of the country. 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. The capital city of China, it is the best known of the four Great Ancient Capitals of 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. 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. But despite being the second largest, it was still the first choice for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Beijing is the obvious choice, as it will likely be the city that you fly into when you arrive in China.

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Of course, part of the fun of staying in Las Vegas is the immense and elaborate hotels. In Las Vegas, one of the few popular non-gambling activities is going to see the shows. Vacations to China are less likely to be shown in those ad spaces, but they ought to be. Chinese tourists with a valid passport only need to apply for a visa on arrival by producing a return air ticket and written confirmation of a hotel reservation after the tour group gets to the FSM. According to some travel agencies, most Chinese tourists would leave for the DPRK from Dandong in Liaoning province or from Beijing or Shenyang on flights to Pyongyang the capital of North Korea. In the Chinese opera style known as Beijing Opera, the actors display great skills in dance and other movements, song and other spoken word pieces, and physical acting. But rather than filling your stomach with cheap, bottom shelf booze, China will offer you Bai Jiu, and makes drinking into almost a social ritual meant to bring people closer together. But that is no knock on the Vegas operations � China has been practicing the art of the opera for centuries. Built in sections and pieces for centuries to keep out invaders, these sites will not empty your wallet, but they will fill your mind with true wonder. Really, it is the entire reason for the existence of the city in the first place. Statistics show that Chinese tourists account for 90% of overseas tourists visiting North Korea each year. You will see plenty of advertisements in the newspaper for vacations to all corners of the world, but most of ad space seems to be dedicated to the crass and tacky. These theme resorts may cover the spectrum from fun and hokey to glittery and elaborate, but none could hold a candle to the Wangfujing Grand Hotel in Beijing. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/04/content_19519635.htm www.china.org.cn The Chinese National Tourism Administration has said that from April 12, 2010, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea and the Federated States of Micronesia will be new outbound travel destinations for Chinese citizens in tour groups. 2010-03-04 09:58:27.0 North Korea new outbound travel destination from China North Korea,outbound travel, destination,China,visa,tour North Korea new outbound travel destination from China North Korea new outbound travel destination from China 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> The Chinese National Tourism Administration has said that from April 12, 2010, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea and the Federated States of Micronesia will be new outbound travel destinations for Chinese citizens in tour groups. This will the first time that the DPRK will allow foreign tourists to enter the country after it froze visits by Chinese tourists from November 10, 2009. CNTA is reminding travel agencies that they should prepare group visas before taking tourists to the DPRK. Micronesia, a subregion of Oceania, comprises thousands of small islands in the western Pacific Ocean. In China, gambling is illegal, but you can wager on spending a lot of time visiting the historic sights of China � the Great Wall, for instance. Vacations to China take on a whole new meaning when you spend your time at this luxury accommodation, which is walking distance from the Forbidden City.If Las Vegas is not your cup of tea, here is why a trip to China might be the perfect anti-Vegas vacation: In Las Vegas, you gamble. There are thousands of offers to get you to Vegas � but what if you crave something different? The whole of Las Vegas is intended to empty your pockets with a quick flourish at the card tables. In China, drinking is far from illegal � you will soon learn the phrase �Gan bei!� means literally, bottoms up. The entire town reeks of booze, and you will find people with open containers of alcohol stumbling along the main drag at all hours of the day. While we can agree that there are some interesting acts in Vegas, it can be argued that not even the popular Cirque du Solais shows can hold a candle to a good Chinese opera. In Las Vegas, gambling may be the favorite sport, but drinking is a close second. Baise: a place of history, modernity Vacationing In China Offers Everything While its width means that no, it is not the only man-made structure that would be visible from the moon, the sheer size and skill of the wall is still something that draws tourists from around the world, and even features a marathon along part of the wall itself.The first piece was built around 200 BC to protect a relatively small area. At its height, the wall stood nearly four thousand miles long. Ever since that time, and until the 1600s, the Chinese have added, maintained, lengthened and fortified the walls that guard their lands. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/04/content_19519343.htm www.china.org.cn Baise - the city in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is noted as a place of history - from both a very long time ago and modern China. 2010-03-04 09:50:37.0 Baise: a place of history, modernity Baise, history, modernity ,China, Guangxi Zhuang, tour, Yongjiang river, Baise: a place of history, modernity Baise: a place of history, modernity 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Baise - the city in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is noted as a place of history - from both a very long time ago and modern China. Discovery of a Paleolithic Age hand ax in some 800,000 years ago in Baise in 1970s surprised anthropologists and rewrote the history of human civilization in Asia. About 80 years ago, the Chinese Seventh Army was establishing a revolutionary base and Soviet regime in Baise along the Youjiang River. On Dec 11, 1929, Deng Xiaoping and other revolutionaries launched the Baise Uprising, among the earliest battles in the fight against the ruling Kuomintang. A Baise Uprising Memorial Hall commemorating the event that opened in 1999 is now listed as a national key "revolution scenic spot". The city has since pioneered "red tourism" to become a famed resort through a program called "footprints of Deng Xiaoping". Baise now is the key city among the 12 national "red tourism" scenery areas. In 2009, the city held events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Baise Uprising and set off a new surge in red tourism, hosting 10.3 million visitors that year who generated 4.4 billion yuan in revenues in city tourism, increases of 59 percent and 46 percent respectively. The Great Wall of China should really be known as the Great Walls of China. china vacations Yangtze River Cruises vacation in China Great Wall of China

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More than you can imagine, really. 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. 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. From the temples to the simplest buildings, Chinese architecture is so different and so beautiful that visitors cannot help but stop and stare. China offers something for every member of the family, no matter what their interests are. For the parents, the architecture of China can be a very strong draw. From pro-level baseball and basketball games featuring home-grown Chinese talent, to the elegant and graceful Chinese ballets, there are visual wonders everywhere. 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. 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. No better example of this exists than the Forbidden City complex in the heart of Beijing. But what is there for the family to do in China? For the kids, there is plenty to do in China. While they may not understand the language or the cultural significance of the differences, children will enjoy the leisure activities offered in China. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. When most people consider a family vacation, they think of theme parks, camping trips, and long hours in the car. 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. 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. Boutique Hotels in Shanghai Chinas Vacation Hot Spots China offers so much more in a vacation.See the historical sites, lose yourself in the local culture, fill up on the arts, and stay at the most beautiful hotels you could possibly imagine. Really, there is no comparison between the two. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. When you compare a junket to Las Vegas to vacations to China, there is really no comparison. Either that, or go gamble your money away over cheap margaritas and flashy decor with the other party animals. If you are sick of the phoniness of the neon and craziness of Vegas, China can offer you serenity, wonder, and an amazing adventure.

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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.As Lao She describes it, Jinan's winter is unlike those of other northern cities. It is "benevolent" - warm, sunny and "without the sound of wind". It is "an old city, with many hills and springs, asleep in warmth and comfort, waiting to be awakened by spring's breeze". This "land of dreams" is where I was born and grew up. Nurtured by its pleasant weather, Jinan people are naturally generous, hospitable, joyous, with a special enthusiasm for drinking. This capital of East China's Shandong province is also known as the "city of springs", with 72 of them dotting the landscape. While their locations, history, and characteristics have been meticulously documented, Baotu Spring is the most well known. The local dialect shares the same pronunciation as Putonghua for almost every Chinese character, but uses different tones. Hence, those still struggling with the four tones of Putonghua can easily communicate with the locals, as their less-than-perfect tones are very likely to match the correct tones of the Jinan dialect. Shandong's cuisine is acclaimed as one of the four best cuisines in the country. Famous dishes include tangculiyu (fried carp with sweet and sour sauce), jiuzhuandachang (twisted large intestine of the pig) and baochaoyaohua (fried pig kidney). But I prefer the street snacks. The emperor ordered them to keep shut. 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. It ranks alongside Qianfo Hill and Daming Lake as Jinan's top sight. Water gushes from the three mouths of Baotu Spring all year round, feeding its people, and telling its stories. Speaking of Daming Lake, besides its wonderful lake scenery and Spring Festival Temple Fair, its frog population is an odd lot - they never croak. The story goes that once Qing emperor Qianlong visited Daming Lake and was impressed by its beauty, marred only by the noisy frogs who disturbed his sleep. They did - and have been doing so for generations thereafter. No one as yet come up with a scientific explanation for this unique phenomenon, and so the legend endures. Jinan is also a good place for foreigners to practice their Chinese. Who knows!   If you are looking for your next vacation destination, you might want to consider going to China for vacation. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/04/content_19522094.htm www.china.org.cn Most Chinese know about Jinan even if they have not been there. 2010-03-04 13:57:49.0 Quiet lakes, gushing springs and heavenly eats Quiet lakes, springs ,China, Jinan, landscape, Quiet lakes, gushing springs and heavenly eats Quiet lakes, gushing springs and heavenly eats 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Most Chinese know about Jinan even if they have not been there. Winter of Jinan, an essay written by Lao She (1899-1966), is compulsory reading for high school students across the country. I bet Jinan's baked sweet potato is the best in China, even the whole world! My classmates in primary school will surely recall when the teacher asked us to write about a local specialty, all 54 of us wrote about the baked sweet potato! This is not to say Jinan does not have other special dishes worth writing about, but its baked sweet potato just tops it all. It's either because we have very good quality sweet potatoes, or the baking stoves are really magical. Six new parks to be built in downtown Beijing Chinese Vacations Offer Historical Amazement But a travel agent will have access to a system that will allow them to look up information for you about other departure areas, available tours, and can give you some information about the prices for the different trips that are on the market. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/04/content_19521858.htm www.china.org.cn The construction of six new downtown parks will be completed this year and entrance to these parks will be free, officials from the capital's Forestry Bureau announced at a conference on Tuesday. 2010-03-04 13:41:19.0 Six new parks to be built in downtown Beijing parks ,downtown Beijing,China, Xuanwu, tour Six new parks to be built in downtown Beijing Six new parks to be built in downtown Beijing 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> The construction of six new downtown parks will be completed this year and entrance to these parks will be free, officials from the capital's Forestry Bureau announced at a conference on Tuesday. The parks cover 350 hectares in total and are to be located in Dongcheng, Chongwen, Xuanwu, Shijingshan and Fengtai districts. Again, the trip you are looking to take is not one that many people take, so your selections may be somewhat limited. They are part of a campaign initiated by the bureau in a drive to make Beijing a city where citizens can find a park every 500 meters. According to the bureau, there are 180 parks in downtown Beijing and 34 wild parks in the suburbs, among which 19 suburban parks have opened free to the public since last year and another 14 will begin to offer free entrance on May 1, 2010. If that avenue fails to turn up the travel plans that you are looking for, you can enlist the services of a local travel agent. Bejing China Packages china vacations Great Wall of China

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A food safety team, medical team and H1N1 disease control team have been set up. The Forbidden City complex in Beijing is another must on any sight-seer�s list of amazing Chinese places. There are other wonderful sights to see in China, but these three are ones that simply cannot be missed when you visit the country.Chinese vacation goers are often overwhelmed by this site, and have been known to spend hours, wandering the length and breadth of it. This building complex was once the Imperial Palace, and now houses the Palace Museum. In order to ensure public health, Sanya Public Health Bureau has devised a detailed medical and public health plan. Food safety is regarded as very important. 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. 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. “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. Today, it is a major tourist attraction in Beijing, drawing people freely through its gates to admire the architecture, the parks and green spaces, and the narrow passages between them. The dish samples will be kept and ready for checking anytime.” The main venue for the forum is in Yalong Bay of Sanya. It was known as the Forbidden City, because during its heyday, permission to enter or leave its walls had to be granted by the Emperor himself. Haikou Public Health Bureau also devised a public health plan for the affiliated forum in Haikou. Hainan to build China's first rainforest park Vacations to China Better Than Vegas It includes mountains, hot springs, waterfalls and pastures. Tourism based on Hainan's ethnic rainforest culture has been on the rise in recent years. Located in the middle of the island, the park will cover an area of 10 natural reserves and 11 forest parks. 2010-03-02 11:26:16.0 By Chen Chen Hainan to build China's first rainforest park Hainan, rainforest, tropical forest Hainan to build China’s first rainforest park Hainan to build China’s first rainforest park 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Hainan is planning to build China's first tropical rainforest park. Hainan is currently trying to boost its travel during the rest of the year by increasing its rainforest attractions, which provide a cooler escape during warmer seasons. In the end, finding China vacation packages means doing some legwork and some research. Located in the middle of the island, the park will cover an area of 10 natural reserves and 11 forest parks. Hainan officials hope the park will attract tourists from all around the world. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/02/content_19502390.htm www.china.org.cn Hainan is planning to build China's first tropical rainforest park. According to an official at Hainan Forest Bureau, the middle area of Hainan is home to the most complete and complicated natural ecological system in the province. It has 56 percent forest coverage, about 17 percent of which is natural rainforest. Parks showcasing how the people used to live in the rainforest receive about 5,000 tourists a day. Hainan's peak travel season is in the winter, when the island's warm weather and tropical beaches serve as a great getaway for tourists. It is part of a larger plan to integrate the island's cultural and ecological resources in order to better preserve the island's environment while also becoming a top tourist destination. Hainan Island is located at the north edge of the tropical zone and is considered a gene database of tropical species. It is not as simple as booking a travel deal for a more common Western destination � but your hard work will pay off once you land in China, and begin your dream vacation.

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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. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. If you are considering a trip to Asia, you might be surprised at how hard it is to find a good package deal. Check with your favorite online travel site, and you might be pleasantly surprised.You will find that the results are not the same as when you search for a package to a Western destination � with China, you will likely find more dedicated tour operators who specialize only in trips in and around China. Of course, you can do a search online for deals and packages going to China. 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. There are trips galore to New York, Paris or even Las Vegas � but how do you find China vacation packages? Diamond shopping On Vacation to China? Pray For Great Insights It is not as simple as booking a travel deal for a more common Western destination � but your hard work will pay off once you land in China, and begin your dream vacation. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. In the end, finding China vacation packages means doing some legwork and some research.

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