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But you don't have to settle for tourist masses. The Great Wall is more than just a big long wall along the north of China. There are a number of sections to visit. 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.Architecture in China is also an important part of their culture, with an emphasis on symmetry and width in their designs. All are driving distance from Beijing. Commune by the Great Wall Kempinski Red Capital Ranch The Schoolhouse - Mutianyu The Great Wall of China is easiest visited on a day-trip from Beijing, easily accessed from Beijing by tour bus, public bus or by hiring transport. The following profiles should help you decide what part of the Great Wall to visit. Jiangjun Pass Simatai Jinshanling Hiking between Jinshanling and Simatai Gubeikou Baimaguan Pass Beishicheng Mutianyu Jiankou Dazhenyu Hugnhuacheng Xishuiyu Juyongguan Pass Badaling In China, culture is an important part of everyday life. Read details of the long and interesting history of China's Great Wall.Questions abound about the Great Wall. The most popular spot for Chinese tour groups is the Badaling Section, as it is the closest to Beijing and has been open for the longest time to visitors (since 1957). Chinese operas are a popular attraction for both tourists and locals alike. Here are some answers to some of the most common. How Long Did it Take to Build the Great Wall of China? How Long is the Great Wall of China? There are a number of great places to stay if you want to be in the vicinity of the Great Wall. Bargaining 101 China Vacation Packages worth a Hard Look The races are so popular, that the influence has bled over into other Asian cultures and countries. Dragon boat racing. 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.Time is not on your side: the vendor has all the time in the world, he can sell his trinket tomorrow. 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. The popular martial art of Kung Fu originated in China, although it is sometimes referred to in China by the original Mandarin term, wushu. You might find it cheaper elsewhere and you can use the price to drive the other vendor down. Martial arts. If the seller isn't coming down on the item you want, walk away and peruse other stalls. The annual Duanwu Festival for dragon boat racing is a regular and popular holiday in China. If you can, take time and don't be rushed. Being in a rush is the bane of the bargainer's existence. 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. What is usually seen as a fun little event in Western culture is a much bigger deal in China. The festival begins on the �double fifth�, or the fifth day of the fifth lunar month on the Chinese calendar. 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. You are on a plane tomorrow morning and you've left yourself an hour to do your shopping.

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China is a world unlike anything in Western culture, and truly must be experienced to be believed.Nowhere else can offer the same combination of the excitement and history of the Silk Road; the ancient wonders of the Xi�an Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall; or the cultural influences of art, architecture and other cultural touchstones. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. If you are looking for the ultimate trip for your next scheduled time away from work, vacationing in China might well fit the bill. A vacation in China will truly be a trip of a lifetime, and will become a story that your Vegas-bound friends will be envious of. Traditional Chinese paper cuttings Vacations to China Better Than Vegas ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. If you are looking for your next vacation destination, you might want to consider going to China for vacation. 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. 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 vacations vacation in China Bejing China Packages

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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. 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"/> 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-->   In China, there is history everywhere. 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 On Vacation to China? Pray For Great Insights 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. 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. 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. 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. They seldom have the chance to travel to China because of the long distance, so they always enjoy themselves when they do. 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 goal set by the Beijing Tourism Administration in 2010 is 4.25 million trips and $4.8 billion. If you want to take a vacation with a heavy sports theme, you could do worse than to take a China vacation. 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."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. 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.

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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.You have an unlocked phone. With an unlocked phone you can simply buy a pre-paid SIM card (often available from shops within the airport, metro stations or nearby hotels at stalls and convenience stores). But if you’re planning on using your phone a lot (which can be very convenient from making reservations to allowing the tailor to get in touch with you as soon as your new garments are ready for their first fitting), I’d think about looking at #2. 2. Your phone contract provides international roaming services. Keep in mind, roaming can be very expensive. If you just want to have your phone for emergencies, then this is probably OK. Rates are very reasonable and the menu for recharging your phone is available in English and Mandarin. Mobile phone vocabulary list You can use this vocabulary listing to help you purchase a new SIM card, re-charge cards and other accessories during your stay. But use must fall under two conditions: 1. Answer: Yes, you can use your own mobile phone during your trip to China. You can top-up your minutes buy buying phone cards (available from convenience stores and stalls) in amounts up to 100rmb. The cost for a SIM card is anywhere between 100-200rmb and will have minutes already included. In the end, finding China vacation packages means doing some legwork and some research. Peninsula China Vacation Packages worth a Hard Look ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. When you go to China on vacation, there are three cities that you absolutely must visit. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Xi�an has an amazing history that no traveller should skip seeing.This city features some amazing historical sites, and now has some great modern wonders, thanks to their hosting of the latest Olympic Games. 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 should also be on your list of cities to see, as it is unlike any other city in China. Hong Kong is perhaps the most futuristic cities in the country. china vacations China Packages Bejing Yangtze River Cruises

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The differences mean that visiting Hong Kong is unlike any other trip within China. Address: Shanghai Centre, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai, 200040, China Tel: +86 21 6279 8888 Fax: +86 21 6279 8800 Profile: Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai Where should you go in China on vacation? 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. But despite being the second largest, it was still the first choice for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. It is one of the most densely populated areas of China, cramming seven million people onto an island of less than 500 square miles. 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. Beautifully appointed rooms with traditional Chinese silk accents and the availability of in-room massage make worrisome jetlag a non-issue. Beijing is the obvious choice, as it will likely be the city that you fly into when you arrive in China. 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. 1. 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. There are fossil records that show that this area has been populated as long as six thousand years ago. The Portman Ritz-Carlton The Portman, as it's locally called, is located centrally on Shanghai's Nanjing Xi (West) Road, one of the main arteries of downtown Shanghai. Hong Kong is among the world�s most important shipping and commerce centers. The city is unique in China, and runs on a completely different system than the rest of the country. Xi�an was also the first capital city of what we now know as the country of China. This is beginning of the legendary Silk Road that was the main route for commerce and trade for centuries in Asia. Hong Kong is unlike any other city in China. If you are going to China, there are three cities you must visit while you are there. 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.There's also a shopping complex right outside with Starbucks, Chaterhouse (English books), CitySupermarket (import food), California Pizza Kitchen and a lot more so if you want to make a really s-l-o-w entry, grab a latte and the FT and you can pretend like you never left. 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. Shanghai for Kids On Vacation to China? Pray For Great Insights 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. A savvy shopper will check online first to see if dedicated Chinese providers can offer them a good deal. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. If you look hard enough, there are China vacation packages to be had. 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. Bejing china vacations Great Wall of China China Packages

Tags: china, city, shanghai, vacation, hong

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 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. The second component is the terrestrial branch being one of the twelve animal (zodiac) signs. What you take from your time in China will be vastly different, depending on which tour you take.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. The elements are further associated with the animal zodiac signs. Each year has a label consisting of two parts. 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. Before all this, the rat and the cat were good friends. 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 were associated with five planets in ancient times, Jupiter=Wood, Mars=Fire, Saturn=Earth, Venus=Metal, Mercury=Water. 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). 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. 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. The first component is the celestial stem being one of the five elements. 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 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. 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. Year of the Dog Chinese Vacations Offer Historical Amazement 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. 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 If you want to take a vacation with a heavy sports theme, you could do worse than to take a China vacation. However, since we're talking about the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the New Year can be any time between January and February. 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. 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 *For the sake of simplicity, I have noted the years per the Gregorian calendar. 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.

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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.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. If you are sick of the phoniness of the neon and craziness of Vegas, China can offer you serenity, wonder, and an amazing adventure. Water Towns On Vacation to China? Pray For Great Insights While quaint and a lovely break from big-city China, they are not so different from each other. The houses, usually not more than three stories, butt up against each other in an ancient jumble. Stone bridges, each with a story making it “the most famous stone bridge” in that particular village, link the streets that are divided by canals. Getting there: Lu Zhi is located just east of Suzhou and can be reached from Shanghai and Suzhou by tourist bus. Weekends and Holidays mean crowds. It is noted for its gardens and, similar to Suzhou, many have been restored, maintained and open to the public. Getting there: Visit Mudu as part of a trip to Suzhou. It takes about 1.5 hours from Shanghai, less from Suzhou. Mudu (“moo doo”) is a water town located in Suzhou ’s eastern suburbs. Its most famous sight is the Tuisi Garden. If you can, visit during the week and arrive around lunchtime (noon) when the crowds of tour groups will be eating lunch in big tour group restaurants and you’ll be able to see the town in relative peace for an hour. If you are looking for the ultimate trip for your next scheduled time away from work, vacationing in China might well fit the bill. Its most famous sight is the Bao Shen Buddhist temple. Tourist buses go to Zhouzhuang from both cities multiple times daily. There’s no reason, really, to go to more than one of these “Venice of the East”s. China is a world unlike anything in Western culture, and truly must be experienced to be believed.While modern architecture and infrastructure have all but made canals obsolete, these villages have centers that haven’t changed for hundreds of years. Visiting one of these towns lets you have a look back in time. Happily only pedestrians are allowed in so you won’t be dodging cars (just touts and souvenir salesmen). Getting there: You can easily visit Zhouzhuang as part of a few days in Suzhou or as a day’s excursion from Shanghai . There is a charge to get into the old town but this ticket lets you in various attractions. Tourists are let off in a main visitor parking lot and you make your way by foot into the old town. A vacation in China will truly be a trip of a lifetime, and will become a story that your Vegas-bound friends will be envious of. Thus many villages are built around a canal system. Located on the Yangtze River Delta, many villages and towns ( Suzhou and Shanghai included) used the abundant water for irrigation and transportation. And old ladies will hound you for a donation after serenading you with traditional songs. Getting there: Tong Li is located just southeast of Suzhou and can be reached from Shanghai and Suzhou by tourist bus. Lu Zhi (“loo jeh”) is also well-preserved town with Ming and Qing architecture. Go by bus or taxi. Tong Li (“tong lee”) is a well-preserved town with Ming and Qing architecture. Nowhere else can offer the same combination of the excitement and history of the Silk Road; the ancient wonders of the Xi�an Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall; or the cultural influences of art, architecture and other cultural touchstones. One of the most pleasant things to do is to take a boat ride, offered to every tourist by a number of touts, down through the canals or have lunch at one of the restaurants that open out onto the river. Pronounced “joh joo-ahng”, this little village is easy to spend an hour or two in.

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Xicheng police is investigating the case. "It is quite possible that the trip was arranged by an unlicensed travel agency," Song Jun, a press officer from the Beijing tourism administration, told METRO yesterday. He said unlicensed travel agencies are a big problem for the Beijing tourism market. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/24/content_19468251.htm www.china.org.cn A family was attacked after quarreling with a tour guide on a trip to Badaling Great Wall over the recent Chinese New Year holiday, a time when 7.65 million visitors flocked through the city's gates. 2010-02-24 14:46:48.0 Tourist family assaulted by guide during golden week Tourist family ,guide,golden week,China, tour, New year, holiday, Great wall, Tourist family assaulted by guide during golden week Tourist family assaulted by guide during golden week 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> A family was attacked after quarreling with a tour guide on a trip to Badaling Great Wall over the recent Chinese New Year holiday, a time when 7.65 million visitors flocked through the city's gates. Cui Jianguo and his family, from Zhangjiakou in Hebei province, were handed a flyer last Sunday outside the National Stadium for a one-day-tour to the wall, Beijing Times reported yesterday. The Hebei family was picked up by a minibus near Guanzhuang at 4 am on Monday morning and taken to Xicheng district, then transferred onto a coach. A female tour guide on the bus told Cui and his wife to seat their 9-year-old twin sons on their laps. "She spoke us in a very impolite way, so we complained. We strongly suggest all travelers go to licensed agencies and not fall for random adverts," he said. The recent Chinese New Year holiday saw a rise of more than 5 percent in visitors to Beijing, compared with last year. The administration is trying to regulate the market, but said it cannot do it alone. "We are cooperating with Beijing police, urban administration and many other government agencies. The company dodged questions about who had rented their vehicle. 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.Again, the trip you are looking to take is not one that many people take, so your selections may be somewhat limited. We never thought she would get so mad at us," Hu Lin, Cui's brother-in-law, was quoted as saying. Hu said the tour guide asked them to get off the vehicle but they refused. "The woman rounded up seven or eight guys from the area who beat us up," Hu said. According to medical records from Beijing No.2 hospital, Cui received a skull fracture and a wound behind his left ear, the newspaper reported. Hu's hands were also injured, and the clothing of both men was damaged Local police said they have detained two people, who claimed they were licensed tour guides trying to stop the fight. The rented coach belongs to the Beijing Automotive Group. The tourism income hit almost 3 billion yuan and an 11.8 percent growth. According to Ctrip.com, the biggest online travel agency in China, Beijing has taken over Shanghai as the most popular city. 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. Cold season heats up travel market China on Vacation Means Three Must-See Cities I would rather not call this a nice trip, even if it costs less this time," said Yang Yizhong, 63, a retired State-owned corporation worker in Beijing. If you are a history buff, Chinese vacations can offer you sights that you will find nowhere else on Earth. The Terracotta Warriors of Xi�an are an amazing sight. The trip, nearly 15,000 yuan per person during peak season, has dropped to about 12,500 yuan now. Yang Shichao, a travel consultant with the Caissa travel service in Beijing, said travel agencies need to apply for off-season prices as they are "hungry for clients" right after the busy Spring Festival period. "Not a single outbound tour group will set off from Beijing at our company in the rest of February, which is the normal situation after a peak season each year," Yang said. Not all of the warriors have been excavated, but the ones that have been are miraculously well maintained. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/24/content_19468222.htm www.china.org.cn Holiday-goers in Beijing now have an abundant choice of bargains on the tourism market as travel expenses drop by more than half for the upcoming cold season. 2010-02-24 14:45:13.0 Cold season heats up travel market Cold season,travel market,China, tour, tickets, flight,Beijing, Spring Festival, Cold season heats up travel market Cold season heats up travel market 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Travelers could have much more room to get good bargains next month Holiday-goers in Beijing now have an abundant choice of bargains on the tourism market as travel expenses drop by more than half for the upcoming cold season. Reduced domestic flight tickets to holiday destinations and their accommodation fees have pulled down overall prices for both March and April by up to 70 percent after the Chinese New Year break, one of the two travel peaks of the year. This year, the weeklong holiday saw nearly 50,000 tourists use agencies to journey to and from the capital each day, a year-to-year increase of more than 10 percent. METRO also found yesterday that tour group expenses to popular destinations in Asia, Europe and other regions have also seen a cut of 15 percent after the level of tourists dropped to only half compared to the peak time last week. The big cuts have appealed to mainly retired residents and newly-weds in Beijing who are eager to use their delayed vacations in the following two months, METRO discovered. 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. You can visit the excavation site, and see those warriors that have been uncovered.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. "The next time we see groups heading out will be March." Wu Shaohua, a retail department manager with the State-owned China International Travel Service in Chongwenmen area, said dozens of elderly Beijingers visited his branch since last Saturday to get cheaper tour packages to domestic destinations including Taiwan and other coastal resorts, as well as overseas regions like Japan and World Cup host South Africa. "Elderly residents are free to take off anytime and the off-season is definitely for them," said Wu. Caissa service, which specializes in overseas trips, said they have received more calls from white-collar workers wanting to book European holidays for their parents in the next two months. However, not everyone is eager to take advantage of the yearly discounts. Some residents still consider tour group trips by local travel agencies to be a "tiresome marathon". "Air-conditioned tour buses take us from one place to another and we are briefly released every few hours. 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. Office workers, on the other hand, are pinned down to work during the off season, travel specialists said. "We got married during Spring Festival, so we set our honeymoon trip to Europe in March," said Cheng Feng, 28, a government employee in Beijing. "We didn't exactly plan for a cheaper trip, but my wife and I are both happy we can spend 2,000 yuan less than usual." Cheng told METRO yesterday he is about to book his 12-day honeymoon trip to France, Italy and Switzerland next month through a major travel agent chain in the capital.

Tags: travel, beijing, trip, season, year

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. This city features some amazing historical sites, and now has some great modern wonders, thanks to their hosting of the latest Olympic Games. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Xi�an has an amazing history that no traveller should skip seeing.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. 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. It includes mountains, hot springs, waterfalls and pastures. Tourism based on Hainan's ethnic rainforest culture has been on the rise in recent years. Hong Kong should also be on your list of cities to see, as it is unlike any other city in China. 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. When you go to China on vacation, there are three cities that you absolutely must visit. Hong Kong is perhaps the most futuristic cities in the country. 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. 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. 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. 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. Hainan Airlines to open Shanghai to Brussels route Chinas Vacation Hot Spots 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. 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. 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.

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Wandering in these amazing places can give you hours or full days of sights to behold. How much time to set aside: That all depends on how much café/bar time you want. Stop at any of the bars or cafes on Taikang Road for a sundowner and snack before returning to your hotel to freshen up before dinner. You’ll see a lot of colorful local life, glean a bit of history and enjoy a leisurely stroll that will keep you off the high-traffic roads. There are so many great cafes along these streets, it’s a good idea to walk a little, then duck in for a coffee, walk a little, then stop for a glass of wine or a snack. Shaoxing Road is a small street that runs between Shanxi Nan Road and Ruijin Er Road (“ray jin ahr”) Road – so it’s only about two blocks long. Where to start: Begin at the corner of Shaoxing (pronounced “shao shing”) and Shanxi Nan ("shahn shee nahn") Roads. You can visit Tiananmen Square, and go through the Heavenly Gate to the Forbidden City, or go to the Imperial summer home. Other: This walk is very stroller-friendly. 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. Located in the French Concession, this tour can be combined, or you can do each street separately to ensure you see everything at a leisurely pace. Shanghai street signs are well marked in both Chinese and English and conveniently give directions (north, south, east or west) as well. Lu, “loo”, means road in Chinese. Go east on Shaoxing Road from Shanxi Nan Road to begin your tour. This little walking tour takes you down two lovely quiet streets in Shanghai that are increasingly becoming full of great cafes and interesting shops. 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. Stop for lunch on Shaoxing Road and then continue on to Taikang road to spend the better part of the afternoon shopping. How to get there: Tell your taxi driver “shahn shee loo, shao shing loo”. The best thing to do is go around meal-time. Metro: Shanxi Nan Lu on Metro Line 1 (15-20 minute walk from the station) When to go: Any time of year is fine. Chinese Tea Chinese Vacations Offer Historical Amazement This is a display of the treasures that were owned by royalty in the Qing era, and the beauty and value of their royal items can dazzle. Many an hour can be spent pouring over these treasures, and marvelling at the vastness of the collection. ...Tea is a wonderful buy in China and you should take your time when buying. Sit, drink and chat with the tea shop workers, decide what tea you like best. Sara Naumann Another tour-worthy site is China�s Treasure Houses. for all the tea in China...

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[Photo by Zhou Yunjie] " border="" height="141" hspace="" id="12367905" md5="" relativeid="12367906" relativepic="/data/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100301/000d87ad3cdd0cf56cf303.jpg" sourcedescription="编辑提供的本地文件" sourcename="本地文件" src="http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100301/000d87ad3cdd0cf56cf302.jpg" title="Located in Wanning, Hainan Province, Dahuajiao Bay is well-known for pebbles spreading all over the beach. [Photo by Zhou Yunjie] " border="" height="141" hspace="" id="12367862" md5="" relativeid="12367863" relativepic="/data/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100301/000d87ad3cdd0cf56cc320.jpg" sourcedescription="编辑提供的本地文件" sourcename="本地文件" src="http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100301/000d87ad3cdd0cf56cc31f.jpg" title="Located in Wanning, Hainan Province, Dahuajiao Bay is well-known for pebbles spreading all over the beach. [Photo by Zhou Yunjie] " width="188"/> http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/01/content_19494098.htm www.china.org.cn Located in Wanning, Hainan Province, Dahuajiao Bay is well-known for pebbles spreading all over the beach. 2010-03-01 10:46:32.0 Amazing scenery of Dahuajiao Bay China, Hainan, Dahuajiao Bay, Wanning, beach, tour Amazing scenery of Dahuajiao Bay Amazing scenery of Dahuajiao Bay 1007 7082651 High Definition Photos /enpproperty--> In China, culture is an important part of everyday life. [Photo by Zhou Yunjie] " border="" height="141" hspace="" id="12367917" md5="" relativeid="12367918" relativepic="/data/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100301/000d87ad3cdd0cf56d090a.jpg" sourcedescription="编辑提供的本地文件" sourcename="本地文件" src="http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100301/000d87ad3cdd0cf56d0909.jpg" title="Located in Wanning, Hainan Province, Dahuajiao Bay is well-known for pebbles spreading all over the beach. [Photo by Zhou Yunjie] " border="" height="141" hspace="" id="12367843" md5="" relativeid="12367844" relativepic="/data/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100301/000d87ad3cdd0cf56ca203.jpg" sourcedescription="编辑提供的本地文件" sourcename="本地文件" src="http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100301/000d87ad3cdd0cf56ca202.jpg" title="Located in Wanning, Hainan Province, Dahuajiao Bay is well-known for pebbles spreading all over the beach. Architecture in China is also an important part of their culture, with an emphasis on symmetry and width in their designs. [Photo by Zhou Yunjie] " border="" height="141" hspace="" id="12367913" md5="" relativeid="12367914" relativepic="/data/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100301/000d87ad3cdd0cf56d024d.jpg" sourcedescription="编辑提供的本地文件" sourcename="本地文件" src="http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100301/000d87ad3cdd0cf56d024c.jpg" title="Located in Wanning, Hainan Province, Dahuajiao Bay is well-known for pebbles spreading all over the beach. [Photo by Zhou Yunjie] " border="" height="141" hspace="" id="12367877" md5="" relativeid="12367878" relativepic="/data/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100301/000d87ad3cdd0cf56cd347.jpg" sourcedescription="编辑提供的本地文件" sourcename="本地文件" src="http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100301/000d87ad3cdd0cf56cd346.jpg" title="Located in Wanning, Hainan Province, Dahuajiao Bay is well-known for pebbles spreading all over the beach. [Photo by Zhou Yunjie] " border="" height="141" hspace="" id="12367873" md5="" relativeid="12367874" relativepic="/data/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100301/000d87ad3cdd0cf56cce38.jpg" sourcedescription="编辑提供的本地文件" sourcename="本地文件" src="http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100301/000d87ad3cdd0cf56cce37.jpg" title="Located in Wanning, Hainan Province, Dahuajiao Bay is well-known for pebbles spreading all over the beach. [Photo by Zhou Yunjie] " width="188"/> 500 guests confirmed to attend Boao Int'l Tourism Forum China Vacations Offer Three �Must See� Places It was built in the eight century, under the Emperorship of the Tang Dynasty. The business community and media are especially interested in obtaining information from the forum, while, many high-level guests are eager to be guest speakers and express their views. If you are interested in history and religion, you should go on vacation to China. After the construction was completed, the building changed hands many times, being used by different groups and religions over the centuries. There have been more applications than expected. The Temple of Heaven was commissioned around the same time as the Forbidden City � both were completed at the bequest of the Yongle Emperor. The White Cloud Temple is a Taoist temple that is located in Beijing, and it is one of the great Ancestral Courts in the study of Taoism. The deadline for registrations is the end of the month. Most of the guests who have confirmed their presence are representatives and elite members of tourism-related industries, domestic and foreign politicians or former politicians, or executives of the world's top 500 companies. There, you will find an amazing history of religion that you could easily lose yourself in study of. The White Horse Temple is one of the most important Buddhist structures in China. Today, it stands as a major tourist attraction and main Taoist prayer site, and the surrounding parks are popular spots for Tai Chi practitioners and joggers. But if you are on a tight time frame, here are three sights that a religious study of China must include. Despite its Taoist roots, it was originally used as a site to make prayers to Heaven, asking for a plentiful harvest season in China. Buddhism was introduced to China in this time by the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, who sent emissaries to India to learn about their religion. Today, it once again operates as a Taoist temple, and inspires those who visit it. The Temple of Heaven is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and consists of a group of buildings used by Taoists throughout the years, and constructed in the 1400s. While you are on vacation to China, you should take the time to visit these sites. Even if you are not among the faithful of these religions, there is much beauty to be found in the buildings and surrounding grounds, and a fascinating history as well.About a dozen athletes, coaches, sports experts and officials involved in The Vancouver Olympic Winter Games have been invited to the forum; the date is likely to be confirmed after the games. Built around 70 AD, the White Horse Temple would be the first Buddhist temple in the country. An official from the Preparatory Committee for the forum said that the number of confirmed guests is far greater than expected. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/26/content_19482694.htm www.china.org.cn More than 500 guests have been confirmed to attend the Boao International Tourism Forum almost a month before the forum opens on March 20. 2010-02-26 15:59:51.0 By Wang Yanfang 500 guests confirmed to attend Boao Int'l Tourism Forum Boao International Tourism Forum, Boao, tourism 500 guests confirmed to attend Boao Int’l Tourism Forum 500 guests confirmed to attend Boao Int’l Tourism Forum 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> More than 500 guests have been confirmed to attend the Boao International Tourism Forum almost a month before the forum opens on March 20. Statistics from the Preparatory Committee for the Boao International Tourism Forum show that more than 500 guests have confirmed their presence at the forum, many of whom actively applied for attendance. It was closed down and abandoned during the Cultural Revolution and following Communist rise to power, but it was kept in good condition. The horse that bore the messengers from India was white, and so when the temple was constructed, it was named for the animal that carried the message of Buddhism into China. The site was renovated and overhauled in the 18th century, and again just prior to the 2008 Olympic Games. china vacations China Packages Bejing Great Wall of China

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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. 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. 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. Coming home without having experienced all three would be a terrible waste, and would require a return ticket as soon as possible! The Second Hangzhou Chaoshan Plum Blossom Festival opens Chinas Vacation Hot Spots 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.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. It is the only one of its kind in 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. This former summer home features beautifully manicured gardens and green spaces, surrounding natural bodies of water. 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. 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 The other Imperial holdover that will aid in your search for relaxing but stimulating sites is the Summer Palace.

Tags: baise, china, city, history, chinese

Private Tours can be booked in the same way but will cost more. However, private tours will give you the luxury of taking your time. On your own, you can take Bus #306 from the parking lot just east of the Xi'An train station. There will be hawkers willing to make you a good deal. You can buy books about history and discovery of the terracotta army in the museum bookstore. The site was made a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1987.A visit to the terracotta army is made from Xi'An (pronounced She-ahn), the capital of Shaanxi province. 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. It has been said that going to China and not seeing the Terracotta Army is like going to Egypt and missing the Pyramids. It is here you can see the columns of soldiers followed by war chariots. Group tours can be booked out of your hotel or even made from other cities, such as Beijing, or in your home country. Not all of the warriors have been excavated, but the ones that have been are miraculously well maintained. The emperor died in 210 BC. The museum site is divided into three parts where one can view the three pits where ongoing reconstruction of the army is taking place. Ask your hotel for directions. Admission fee: 90rmb (US$ 11) from Mar 1 to Nov 30, 65rmb (US$ 8) from Dec 1 - Feb 28 Opening hours: 8:00am to 6:00pm Recommended time for visit: three hours Don't buy your copies of the terracotta warriors on the way in! 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. It is approximately a one-hour flight, or an overnight train ride from Beijing. Just remember not to use the flash. If you are a history buff, Chinese vacations can offer you sights that you will find nowhere else on Earth. Xi'An is China's first historic capital, made primary city by the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Wariors and Horses Museum is located about thirty minutes outside Xi'An proper by car. The terracotta army itself was discovered in 1974 when some farmers were digging a well. Viewing Emperor Qin Shi Huang's terracotta army guarding his burial site and protecting his entry to the afterlife from the earthen side of a continuing archeological project is certainly one of the most memorable parts of any trip to China. Xi'An lies to the southwest of Beijing. The Terracotta Warriors of Xi�an are an amazing sight. You can visit the excavation site, and see those warriors that have been uncovered.You'll have to lug them around, so buy them on the way out. 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. Pit 1 is the largest and has had the most restoration done. Usually one of the farmers who was digging the well on that fateful day in 1974 is there signing books. Websites quote it is not possile to take photos but we had no trouble during our visit. Their shoveling began the unearthing of a huge burial pit belonging to the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the founding Qin dynasty emperor who unified China into a central state and also laid the foundation for the Great Wall . It is estimated that the tomb took 38 years to build, between 247 BC and 208BC, and utilized the labor of over 700,000 conscripts. After paying entrance, you will watch a 360-degree movie about the site and how the army was discovered. You'll then visit the sheds that house Pits 1-3 (named in order of discovery). Carry on to Pits 2 and 3. Most visitors go on group or private tours. Shanghai for Kids Chinese Vacations Offer Historical Amazement 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. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. In China, culture is an important part of everyday life. Chinese operas are a popular attraction for both tourists and locals alike. Architecture in China is also an important part of their culture, with an emphasis on symmetry and width in their designs. china vacations China Packages Bejing Yangtze River Cruises

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This period was the most intense building period and the longest stretch of wall ever built.During this period, from A.D. The Great Wall is one of the country's most enduring symbols but the history of the Great Wall of China is more convoluted than most people realize.It is commonly thought that the Great Wall is one long wall that runs along the mountains north of Beijing. He sent one million soldiers and laborers to work on the project that would last nine years. to A.D. The Northern Qi (550-577) dynasty saw the longest extension of the wall since Qin and Han times, about 1,500 kilometers (932 miles). This part of the wall resides in modern-day Henan province. 24), China saw battle with the Huns and the wall was extended using an existing network of older walls another 10,000 kilometers (6,213 miles) into western China, modern Gansu province. The Great Wall for the Ming was ultimately a way to keep raiding Mongols from the north from invading and ransacking Beijing. 386-581, four dynasties built and added to the Great Wall. There is not much to see in the last 500 kilometers (310 miles) as nothing remains but broken stones and rubble. If you look hard enough, there are China vacation packages to be had. If not, national online travel providers can usually be counted on to find a package for you. The Northern Wei (386-534) added about 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) of wall in Shanxi province. Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang began renovations at the outset of his reign. This early wall actually connected small cities along the border of the Chu state. Other states continued the practice of building walls on their borders to protect themselves from unwanted intruders until about 221 B.C when during the Qin Dynasty , the Great Wall, as we know it now, began to take its shape. Qin Shi Huang unified China into a centralized feudal state. To protect his newly established state, Qin decided a large defense barricade was needed. A savvy shopper will check online first to see if dedicated Chinese providers can offer them a good deal. 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. The Great Wall that we think of is the Ming wall, constructed after 1368 but the "Great Wall" refers to the many sections of wall that were built over 2,000 years.In c656 B.C., the Chu State wall, called "The Rectangle Wall" was built to protect the Chus from strong neighbors to the north. For the next 200 years the wall was fortified ultimately covering 7,300 kilometers (4,536 miles).The Ming wall construction is what remains today. He assigned his son Zhu Di and one of his generals to repair the existing wall and build forts and watchtowers. The Eastern Wei (534-550) only added an additional 75 kilometers (47 miles). It begins at Shanhai Pass in Hebei province and ends in the west at Jiayuguan Pass in Gansu province at the edge of the Gobi Desert. The new, Great Wall, spanned northern China starting in modern-day Inner Mongolia. And the Northern Zhou (557-581) dynastic ruler Emperor Jingdi renovated the Great Wall in 579.During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great Wall became an important line of defense again. Little of this wall remains and was located much further north than the present-day (Ming era) wall.During the subsequent Han Dynasty , 206 B.C. The new wall utilized existing walls built since the Chu State wall. 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.In fact, the Great Wall winds its way across China covering over 5,500 miles (8,850km) and is made up of a number of interconnecting walls spanning China that different dynasties and warlords constructed over the years. SH Best-Located Budget Hotels China Family Vacation Offers Plenty to Work With 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. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. If you are looking for your next vacation destination, you might want to consider going to China for vacation. 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.

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You can visit the excavation site, and see those warriors that have been uncovered.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. 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. 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. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. If you are a history buff, Chinese vacations can offer you sights that you will find nowhere else on Earth. The Terracotta Warriors of Xi�an are an amazing sight. Chinese New Year Activities China on Vacation Means Three Must-See Cities ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. If you are a fan of sports, there is no greater trip than a China vacation. 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. They play their home games in Lucheng, just south of Beijing. The Chinese Baseball League began operation in 2002, and has enjoyed a lot of success since its inception. 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.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. china vacations Great Wall of China Bejing China Packages

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Two walls contain the alter, the first a circle representing heaven, the second a square representing earth. The number nine, the supreme odd number in Chinese cosmology, is utilized over and over in the Circular Mound Altar. Either that, or go gamble your money away over cheap margaritas and flashy decor with the other party animals. It was built in 1530 as part of Qing emperor Jiaqing’s improvements and rebuilt in 1752. UNESCO listed the Temple of Heaven as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1998. Mirroring the circular/square pattern, the round red wooden building supports a three-tiered blue-tiled roof atop of which sits a gilded orb. The first visit took place on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month and the second on the winter solstice. While technically feasible, your guide has never been there on an occasion where there weren’t crowds of tourists doing just that so can’t vouch for the legend’s validity. The main buildings are round, painted red on the bottom with intricately painted beams supporting large round blue-tiled roofs. The Chinese government opened the park to the public in 1918. Features: Cypress Grove: A grove of over 3,000 cypresses, the oldest of which is 600 years, surrounds the temple complex. Location: The Temple of Heaven is located in southeastern Beijing . 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. Overview: Inside a huge park complex, the Temple of Heaven, or Tian Tian Gongyuan in Chinese, is an enjoyable way to spend a leisurely morning or afternoon. As you step up the stairs toward the building, supposedly your echo will be heard once on the first stair, twice on the second and thrice on the third. It is 30m wide and 360m long and acts as a fairway for tourists walking between the two buildings. The Imperial Vault of Heaven: is a small round building and housed the tablet of the God of Heaven and the emperor’s ancestors tablets. Supposedly if someone whispers something at one end, a person at the other end can clearly hear it. Now surrounded by the sprawl of the modern-day capital, the temple lay outside the city proper in imperial times. History: Ming emperor Yongle began construction of the temple in 1420, the eighteenth year of his reign. This was the site of sacrifices on winter solstice. A third visit might be required if the summer saw a drought, the emperor would go and perform rituals to bring on rains. Since Chinese emperors considered themselves direct descendents from heaven, it was important for them to placate their ancestral home by performing worship rituals. You’ll find this pattern repeated throughout the complex. Recommended time for visit: half-day so you can enjoy the park grounds as well. Truly unique in layout and architecture, a visit to the Temple of Heaven will stay with you as it will be like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Impressive in design, the large vault is supported solely by twenty-eight wooden pillars: no beams or nails are used in its construction. The hall was first built in 1420 as a rectangular building but in 1530 was replaced with the current circular building. Getting There: Taxi or public transport (ask your hotel) The main tourist entrance is at the south gate ( nan men ) so that you end your tour with the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Surrounding the buildings is a semi-circular wall called Echo Wall, Huiyinbi . Essentials: Opening hours: daily 8:30am-4:30pm for sights. For reasons stated above, your guide hasn’t been able to test it, but now you’ll know why there are so many people pausing on each step as they walk toward the hall. Circular Mound Altar: Huanqiutan in Chinese, lies on the south axis of the complex. Visitors can stroll through the trees, play chase and hide-and-seek with the kids and generally appreciate local Chinese at play and a break from the busy city outside the gates. As you move toward the main complex from the cypress grove, you’ll find that the main temples in the park are circular shaped, representing heaven, surrounded by a square wall, representing earth. The site was rebuilt and expanded in Qing times under emperor Jiaqing in 1530. The site was used by emperors annually to worship the God of Heaven and pray for good harvests. When you compare a junket to Las Vegas to vacations to China, there is really no comparison. In front of the building is a similar spectacle, the Triple Sound Stone, Sanyinshi . It is the last building you come to on a visit to the temple complex and is probably the most interesting architecturally. For example, on the top tier, a round stone called Heaven’s Heart Stone, Tianxingshi , is surrounded by nine concentric circles. It is lucky to stand on the center stone and you’ll have to push your way or wait in a long line of Chinese tourists for a brief chance to stand upon it and have your photo taken. The Red Stairway Bridge: or Dianbiqiao , is a long platform connecting the Circular Mound Altar and the Hall of the Prayer of Good Harvests. It’s breadth and height are impressive and it’s almost possible to imagine Ming and Qing emperors parading along the passage surrounded by an entourage. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests: or Qiniandian lies to the north of the Red Stairway Bridge. The site of imperial offerings and rites to the heavenly gods during Ming and Qing dynastic times, it now offers visitors a view of imperial gardens and interesting architecture. China offers so much more in a vacation.Yongle moved China’s capital from Nanjing to Beijing and modeled the temple on a similar site in Nanjing. The park itself is open 6am-8pm. If you are sick of the phoniness of the neon and craziness of Vegas, China can offer you serenity, wonder, and an amazing adventure. Bund site-seeing tunnel China Vacation Tours Show You More Than You Could Find Even those who are not Taoist or Buddhist will be fascinated by these buildings and their surrounding grounds. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. 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 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.

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See the historical sites, lose yourself in the local culture, fill up on the arts, and stay at the most beautiful hotels you could possibly imagine. 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. Either that, or go gamble your money away over cheap margaritas and flashy decor with the other party animals. ©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. Really, there is no comparison between the two. Electronics mall China Vacations Offer Three �Must See� Places ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. If you are looking for the ultimate trip for your next scheduled time away from work, vacationing in China might well fit the bill. Nowhere else can offer the same combination of the excitement and history of the Silk Road; the ancient wonders of the Xi�an Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall; or the cultural influences of art, architecture and other cultural touchstones. China is a world unlike anything in Western culture, and truly must be experienced to be believed.A vacation in China will truly be a trip of a lifetime, and will become a story that your Vegas-bound friends will be envious of. china vacations China Packages Bejing Great Wall of China

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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. You've decided to avoid traffic, go green and take the subway. You might be a little daunted but don't be, take your time and follow these easy directions and hopefully you'll get wherever you need to go with ease and aplomb. Now that you've found the station, the first thing you need to do is buy a ticket. 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. Keep valuables like wallets and cell phones safe. If you want to take a vacation with a heavy sports theme, you could do worse than to take a China vacation. In most stations, the ticket area is easy to find, but if not, just look up and follow the signs to the ticket area. Congratulations! Be aware! Subways are places where pick-pockets hang out. 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.Luckily, signs are in Chinese and English. Guilin China Family Vacation Offers Plenty to Work With A vacation in China will truly be a trip of a lifetime, and will become a story that your Vegas-bound friends will be envious of. Nowhere else can offer the same combination of the excitement and history of the Silk Road; the ancient wonders of the Xi�an Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall; or the cultural influences of art, architecture and other cultural touchstones. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. If you are looking for the ultimate trip for your next scheduled time away from work, vacationing in China might well fit the bill. China is a world unlike anything in Western culture, and truly must be experienced to be believed. china vacations Bejing Great Wall of China vacation in China

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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. Nowhere else can offer the same combination of the excitement and history of the Silk Road; the ancient wonders of the Xi�an Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall; or the cultural influences of art, architecture and other cultural touchstones. 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 looking for the ultimate trip for your next scheduled time away from work, vacationing in China might well fit the bill. China is a world unlike anything in Western culture, and truly must be experienced to be believed.A vacation in China will truly be a trip of a lifetime, and will become a story that your Vegas-bound friends will be envious of. Because of my location in Shanghai, I've pinpointed shops where you can find these treasures. And for some of the prices available, you might want to do all your future Christmas and birthday shopping during your trip... These gift guides for shopping in China give you helpful ideas of what to bring back to your family, friends and co-workers. Year of the Horse On Vacation to China? Pray For Great Insights Of course, part of the fun of staying in Las Vegas is the immense and elaborate hotels. 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 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. There are thousands of offers to get you to Vegas � but what if you crave something different? Vacations to China are less likely to be shown in those ad spaces, but they ought to be. 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. 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 *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 whole of Las Vegas is intended to empty your pockets with a quick flourish at the card tables. In Las Vegas, gambling may be the favorite sport, but drinking is a close second. Really, it is the entire reason for the existence of the city in the first place. 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.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. In Las Vegas, one of the few popular non-gambling activities is going to see the shows. 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. 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. But that is no knock on the Vegas operations � China has been practicing the art of the opera for centuries. In China, drinking is far from illegal � you will soon learn the phrase �Gan bei!� means literally, bottoms up. 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. 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. 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. china vacations Bejing China Packages vacation in China

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You will never be tired of this living tempo. All kinds of commodities that full of ethnic customs can be found on the street. Tourists from all over the world walk on the streets everyday. You will never be tired of this living tempo. Tourists from all over the world walk on the streets everyday. Tourists from all over the world walk on the streets everyday. Tourists from all over the world walk on the streets everyday. It's one of the world's culture heritages. You will never be tired of this living tempo. You will never be tired of this living tempo. [Photo by Wang Xinling]" width="188"/>   When you go to China on vacation, there are three cities that you absolutely must visit. Tourists from all over the world walk on the streets everyday. All kinds of commodities that full of ethnic customs can be found on the street. It's one of the world's culture heritages. [Photo by Wang Xinling]" width="188"/> http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471198.htm www.china.org.cn Lijiang is the only fairyland on earth which has a history of 800 years. 2010-02-25 10:06:16.0 Amazing scenery of Lijiang, Yunnan scenery ,Lijiang, Yunnan,China, tour, town,history, Yunnan,hotel Amazing scenery of Lijiang, Yunnan Amazing scenery of Lijiang, Yunnan 1007 7082651 High Definition Photos /enpproperty--> Visitors concerned about Sanya's tourist environment On Vacation to China? Pray For Great Insights But what is there for the family to do in China? 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. For the parents, the architecture of China can be a very strong draw. This year, 44% visitors were on their first visit to Sanya while 28% were there for a second time. No better example of this exists than the Forbidden City complex in the heart of Beijing. "The management department should pay attention to the traffic jams caused by illegal motorcycles," he wrote. China offers something for every member of the family, no matter what their interests are. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19469677.htm www.china.org.cn Sanya’s tourist market order and transportation are the main concerns of the visitors, according to a survey conducted by Sanya Tourism Development Committee during the spring festival. 2010-02-25 09:27:38.0 Visitors concerned about Sanya's tourist environment Hainan, Sanya, tourist environment, Visitors concerned about Sanya’s tourist environment Visitors concerned about Sanya’s tourist environment 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Sanya's tourist market order and transportation are the main concerns of the visitors, according to a survey conducted by Sanya Tourism Development Committee during the spring festival. 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. 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. Their main concern was the price during the busy season. Most visitors felt the current tourist environment has problems. 28% of tourists had gone for the third time. Some visitors also said they were worried about their personal and property safety. Most visitors go to Sanya because of its good climate and natural environment. However, they hope Sanya can develop more innovative tourist options such as sightseeing boats，food street, a sea-themed amusement park and increased facilities for drivers. When most people consider a family vacation, they think of theme parks, camping trips, and long hours in the car. More than 410, 000 visitors spent their holidays in Sanya during spring festival. For the whole family, there are plenty of amazing and educational sights to discover together, like the Great Wall of China; amazing restaurants to try, for the bold and for those who crave something simple; markets and shopping that are at once comfortably similar to home and wildly different than anything ever experienced before; the remaining buildings from the Olympics Games to inspire and awe; and so much more. More than you can imagine, really. For the kids, there is plenty to do in China. 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. From pro-level baseball and basketball games featuring home-grown Chinese talent, to the elegant and graceful Chinese ballets, there are visual wonders everywhere. Ms Chen from Shanghai said Sanya's service providers need to be honest about their quality and price. A visitor from Xinjiang mentioned the transportation problem. From the temples to the simplest buildings, Chinese architecture is so different and so beautiful that visitors cannot help but stop and stare. While they may not understand the language or the cultural significance of the differences, children will enjoy the leisure activities offered in China.

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