Harbin Ice Festival is coming

The annual Harbin Ice Festival opens on 5th, January with the opening ceremony holding on 4th, January. It’s a grand festival of Harbin and one of the four famous ice festivals around the world.

With an average temperature around -15℃ in winter, people in Harbin learned

to find their pleasure with the snow and ice created by the unique climate. Since the opening day, the Harbin Ice Festival will continue till the ice begins to melt under the sunshine.

Harbin Ice Festival is a great opportunity for those ice sculpture artists to show their amazing talents. During the Harbin Ice Festival, numbers of ice sculpture artists gather here and like the ice magicians make their imagination and brilliance into fantastic ice sculptures. In the day, you can see the ice magicians take the ice away and create their works. In the night, hundreds of thousands of tourists crowd here and enjoy the splendid lights give off from the ice sculptures.

If the Harbin Ice Festival stirs your heart, now you can prepare for the coming 2014 Harbin Ice Festival.

Travel tips:

Take your down jacket, cotton shoes, scarf and gloves. Those in the scenic area are more expensive.

You can take a walk in the Central Street or pay a visit to Hagia Sophia. When about 3 pm, you can enter the Ice World with prepared food.

China Holidays Group Tour to Mt. Taishan

Standing at the top of the Mt. Taishan, I still can feel my heart beating with wild pleasure, thinking the happy moment just had. This is the magnificent memory to ascend this mountain. We can arrange our time and make this trip a leisure and pleasant one. Our group from China Holidays chose the route of Red Gate-Tight Twisting 18-South Heavenly Gate-Temple of Jade Emperor on the top, which is the ancient imperial worshiping route, also known as Imperial Path only for the great emperors.

To ascent to Mt. Taishan can be made in three to four hours, but for our big group will spend whole afternoon for conquering. However, I’d like to recommend that visitors take little drinks and snacks while climbing and they can be bought alone the way even on the top of mountain. The best choice for the path leads to the top is from the very beginning: the First Heavenly Portal, it awaits us at the bottom of the first series of steps. Just behind it, a stone archway commemorates the place where Confucius rested before climbing. On the both sides, all kinds of souvenir shops are in the hot sales. The most popular product is the Taishan red ribbons, if you would like have a good luck in your future you can have one and tie it on the tree here during your trip to Mt. Taishan. Your dreams will come true very soon. Passing the stone archway named Stairs to the Sky, the Red Gate palace named after some red stones nearby is beside the path. Then, you will see the Tower of the Ten thousand Immortals, built over the path in the Ming Dynasty.

Still further up the steps, on the right lies the Temple of the Goddess of the Big Dipper, which has a ten thousand tree. The locals always call it the God of wealth tree. It is a very lucky name, isn’t it? After the temple, the path becomes very steep and an archway indicates the point where the Horses are Turned Back. After 3 hours, we have arrived the Middle Heavenly Gate, some of us are already exhausted and go to take the cable car. At this time, nothing can change my persistence because I believe I can manage it. I feel the smell of the air and leaves and indulge myself in the nature creation. From time to time, the steps along the way change their width and just like a naughty boy make fun of me. Unknowingly, I have reached the Tight Twisting 18. When you look up, you can feel the series of steps emerge in endlessly. Just then, my guest helps me with my big bag and when I was in a surprise, he is starting to run up the mountain. I summon up my courage just follow him. In front of us is the long road but each step with my sweat is near to the top. Finally, we are all on arrival at the South Heavenly Gate. It is hard but very happy and excited. We are all by ourselves to the near top. So the next is to the Temple of Jade Emperor on the top.

We eventually have succeeded for this attraction and this is our group tour’s big day. As the growth of the age, we all have different experience. Everyone’s impression of this mountain tour is in constant change. But there is no doubt that, the identity of the Mt. Taishan is always a mystery in everyone's heart.

If you want to plan a Mount Tai tour, you can find some useful information here. http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/discover-shandong-tour.html

I want to sell roujiamo after reading this article.....

This is an article from China Daily. After reading this, I regret for not selling roujiamo after graduation. This is the article:

A friend took me to a Shannxi restaurant for lunch where I had my first taste of a Chinese hamburger, or roujiamo, which literally means meat between bread.

It was simply delicious, a lot better than any hamburger I have ever had before, whether it was at McDonald's or a five-star restaurant in San Francisco. Of course, other than the look, roujiamo is very different from the Western hamburgers we are used to.

Only unleavened bread is used in roujiamo, and the filling is a thick stew of chopped meat, which can be lamb or beef, cooked with pepper and mixed herbs. About the size of a double-burger at McDonald's, roujiamo is a meal by itself.

Munching on my lamb roujiamo, I wondered why hasn't any entrepreneur built a fast food chain selling roujiamo in China to compete with McDonald's and KFCs. That seems such a natural thing to do.

I went back to the same Shaanxi restaurant to buy two roujiamo to go. I got my order individually packed in cute paper bags in a little more than five minutes. That's as quick as a takeout at McDonald's.

After I got home, I discovered another great advantage of roujiamo over a hamburger. Roujiamo are extremely microwave friendly. I just heated one in its paper bag in the microwave for 30 seconds and it tasted nearly as good as the one I had at the restaurant. Reheating can easily ruin a Western-style hamburger, rendering it inedible.

But of course, not all traditional Chinese snacks can be repackaged for fast food restaurants. Some years ago, a Hong Kong entrepreneur opened a fast food chain selling Cantonese dim sum. The venture failed largely because dim sum dishes are complicated to make, requiring too many ingredients and long cooking times. What's more, they are best served freshly steamed.

Another promising fast food venture in Hong Kong was launched by a Filipino entrepreneur selling hot dogs. Many of my American friends agreed that the hot dogs were the best outside Chicago. But it failed to catch on with the locals because of the high price. The owner told me that the sausages he used were imported and the relishes weren't cheap either.

In Hong Kong, wonton noodle soup is our fast food. There used to be wonton noodle soup shops everywhere in the city, where you could drop in, order a bowl with a vegetable side dish, slurp them up in 10 minutes and then be on your way, refreshed and satisfied at a most affordable price.

Not anymore. Escalating rents have driven most shops in the city center out of business. Now, Hong Kong people have to travel a long way to satisfy their craving for the fast food they love.

Roujiamo are different. First, they're portable, meaning you can buy them at a roadside stand and enjoy them in a park. That's what I have been doing in Shanghai over the past few weeks when the weather was sunny and crisp. The total meal, including a Coca-Cola, cost less than 15 yuan ($1.9).

I just wished there were as many outlets selling this Shaanxi specialty as there are McDonald's so I don't have to make the long trek from the office to get one for lunch. There is a McDonald's half a block away and there is another one further down the road. Perhaps one day, some Chinese entrepreneurs who have the marketing savvy will open restaurant chains selling roujiamo or wanton noodle soup.

End

Although we can't sell roujiamo, we can still plan a visit to Shannxi to eat authentic roujiamo. 

Go to Tianjin for Quiet Fun

Have you been tired of the crowds in Beijing? If the answer is yes, then you can hop on the bullet train from Beijing South Railway Station and within 20 minutes, you will be transported to another world - tranquil yet exciting, which will remind one of a quiet farming town and a romantic Italian riverside county.

Wuqing, a 20-minute train ride from Beijing and 10-minute ride from Tianjin, is ideal for a day trip from the two metropolises. The earliest train departs at 6:45 am from Beijing South station; 20 others follow throughout the day. You could start your adventure at the center of the town, from the Culture Park. There, you will witness people practicing tai chi, playing Chinese yo-yo, or kongzhu (a toy consisting of two equally sized discs connected with a long axle) and twisting to the Yangko dance, without a care in the world.

A district within Tianjin, Wuqing boasts several parks within walking distances of its town center.

The best part about the parks is their serenity. You can enjoy almost complete solitude in the company of reeds, flowers and stretches of clear water.

The parks run along the banks of the Great Canal between Beijing and Hangzhou - where the scenery is beautiful. There are fluffy reeds, florets, rows of trees, occasional flocks of sheep, wide patches of golden fields and a tranquil little village.

Also along the banks of the canal is a pathway that meets the standards of international-level marathons and cycling events.

At the end of the northern stretch of the canal, there is a trailer park. Caravans that come with a small garden are parked sporadically on that plot of land. They are available for rent, with two weeks' advance reservation. Adjacent to it is a parterre, children's playground and aisles ideal for lovers.

The place is also good for camping, picnics or barbecues under the shade.

If such a pastime proves too quiet and lonesome, the district has something else to offer.

For those looking to experience (near) zero gravity and heart-stopping thrills, Victory Park is the answer.

The park has the highest "speed racer" in Asia, where a carriage is pushed up both ends of a U-shaped track and let down suddenly and repeatedly. Its other major attractions are the swinging Pirate Ship, shriek-inducing spinning roller coaster, suspended looping coaster and an adventure section called In Somalia.

While teenagers enjoy the theme park, the Florentia Village next to it is a draw for women of all ages - and not just because of the hint of Italian romance. Strolling in the village is to be transported through time and space. Modeled after Venice, it has a river that cuts through the middle, gondolas parked at the shore, photogenic drawbridges and a central plaza with spouting fountains specially made to look ancient and Italian.

But it's really a hub of outlet shops that include everything from Burberry, Prada and Jimmy Choo to Gap, Tod's and Diesel. It's a one-stop shopping destination, with a wide range of shops for each family member, and food outlets, playgrounds for children and alleyways good for holding hands.

The general image it aims for is displayed on its posters: Michelangelo's David in designer jeans, one arm holding several shopping bags and the other pointing triumphantly at the village, a shopping haven with exotic taste.

The popularity of Florentia Village and its 200 brands is proven by the almost-packed parking lot. Judging by the license plates, some 70 percent visitors come from Beijing.

It's more than an hour's drive away from the capital, but here is the perk: The outlet village is right across the street from the rail station.

Besides, phase two of the village is under construction. More brands and discounts are expected within the coming year.

The village closes at 8 pm in winter, and leaves more than enough time to get a pack of Wuqing's signature salted peanuts, amble over to the railway station, and hop on the last train for Beijing. It leaves at a quarter to nine.

Fragrant Hills, the God's lost drawing board on the earth

Autumn is, certainly the best season to appreciate maple trees.

I am a Canadian, so you can understand maples really mean much to me. My Chinese friend Wendy recommended the Fragrant Hills to me. I am not that always-follow-others guy, thus I do much research work before I took her advice.

The Fragrant Hills is located in Haidian District, Beijing, China. It consists of a natural pine-cypress forest, hills with maple trees, smoke trees and persimmon trees, as well as landscaped areas with traditional architecture and cultural relics.

The park was established in 1186 in the Jin Dynasty. I is quite shocked at its long history. I can’t believe many trees and pavilions in front of me are much older than my motherland.

The Park is spectacular, with fiery red smoke tree leaves covering the mountain side. There is a Red Leaf Festival of Beijing attracting quite a few tourists. Fortunately, I got up early and avoided the peak time.

I have seen many colorful hills but still surprised by the splendid and dreamlike views. It was like a drawing board lost on the earth by the God. I chose several photos to post here.

You also can find more interesting places to plan a autumn tour by visiting

http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/beijing.html

Significant Yangtze River in China

Yangtze River Cruise

Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and third longest river in the world only after Nile in Africa and Amazon in South America. Rising high from the Tanggula range in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it flows for 6,418 kilometers eastward across most southern part of China.

Before it empties itself into East Sea in Shanghai, Yangtze River traverses 11 provinces and cities including Qinghai, Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, Chongqing, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu and Shanghai. Along with the Yellow River, Yangtze River is considered the most important river in China and the cradle of Chinese civilization.

Yangtze River is blessed with many beautiful gorges, big or small. Some gorges are remarkably magnificent, some are intimidatingly precipitous and some are just amazingly beautiful. Most attractive part of the river is the Three Gorges: the Qutang Gorge, Wuxia Gorge and Xiling Gorge. The three Gorges is a 400 mile (650km) stretch of the river starting from Chongqing down to Yichang, Hubei province. Among this stretch, the Yangtze River winds its way through the limestone cliffs and high mountains above raging rapids.

If you would like to have a tour on Yangtze River, you could find more in Beijing ChinaholidaysYangtze Cruises http://www.chinaholidays.com/yangtze-cruises/. For more information on Chinese Culture and China Tour Packages, you could find more in Beijing Chinaholidays http://www.chinaholidays.com/.

Wonderful Sichuan in April

Panda Base

Panda and changing-face opera are what I always dreamed to see since I knew them in me senior high school. I have chosen travel agency, amend itinerary and finally confirmed the tour package of Yangtze cruise and Chengdu in late April with Beijing Chinaholidays.

In my heart, panda is absolutely the love symbol of Chengdu. So the first time I arrive Chengdu, my guide Anson brought me to the Panda Institute. In the natural and wide base, I saw the adorable animal closely and learnt some knowledge on them. Luckily, I even had the chance to do volunteer work for this endangered species, carrying bamboo, wash fruit and feed them! It is such precious experience for me and I will never forget it!

Sichuan opera is one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera, distinguished by face-changing, fire-spitting and other stunts. Regionally Chengdu remains to be the main home of Sichuan opera, while other influential locales include Yunnan, Guizhou and other provinces in southwest China.

Sichuan Opera

The second night, I have the opportunity to enjoy the fantastic changing-face opera with my friends and guide. The theater is a traditional Chinese architecture and the decorations in it are charming. Four of us had a table and ate some snacks before the performance. When the performance started, we were immediately caught by each movement of these actors. They changed the face so fast that I could not tell the skill or technique they used. All the singing, dancing and changing-face are so amazing for me even though I could not understand what they say.

If you would like to get more information on Sichuan Tour Packages and Sichuan Culture, you could find more in Beijing Chinaholidays http://www.chinaholidays.com. If you also would like to have a relaxing vacation in Chendu, you could find what you like Panda and Yangtze Break http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/panda-yangtze-april-break.html, China Panda Holidays http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/china-panda-tours.html and Yangtze Cruises http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/yangtze-cruises.html.

Xi'an - Living history

Dating back 630 years, Xi'an's city wall offers visitors a fine vantage point as they zoom around its ramparts on bicycles. And as a proud civic symbol, it's a favorite spot for lovers to take a stroll, while children play in its shadow.

Bathed in glorious spring sunshine - much welcome after a long winter - our full circle around the Xi'an city walls was an unforgettable experience.

Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province in northwestern China, boasts a history of more than 3,100 years. Named Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), it is one of the world's four great ancient capitals. And with all due respect to Athens, Rome and Cairo - all I cared about right now was this center of the origins of Chinese ancient civilization, situated by the Yellow River estuary in the mid-western region of the country.

Or rather, its city wall was at the center of my attention.

These days, according to a friend of mine from Xi'an, people who live just under the city wall are all very proud of it. Children grow up playing around it, and the city wall garden is where you can sense the real local life of Xi'an people. In the morning, they exercise in the gardens around the city wall, some practicing taichi, some playing diabolo or kongzhu in Chinese. You can also hear the authentic qinqiang, the local opera performed by Shaanxi people. It is also a good place for lovers to have a walk. "You can see the lichen after rainy days, and kind of sense the vitality of the ancient wall," my friend said.

Along the city walls there are several gates, with the main ones being Changle - or Eternal Joy - in the east, Anding - or Harmony Peace - in the west, Anyuan - or Forever Harmony - in the north and in the south, Yongning - or Eternal Peace. All the main gates have three towers, positioned to serve different purposes in defending.

The South Gate is the eastern starting and finishing point of the Silk Road, and hence the most beautifully decorated and famous one.

In ancient times Xi'an, or Chang'an, was the oriental cultural center of the Silk Road, and a vibrant and cosmopolitan city before any other in the Middle Kingdom.

These days, the South Gate square is often used by the provincial government for important official events and greetings, and there are regular performances, like the daily Gate Opening Ceremony, the Warrior Parade and acrobatics shows.

For more information on Chinese Culture, China Tours and Xi’an Tour Packages, you could find more in BeijingChinaholidays http://www.chinaholidays.com. If you would like to experience the rich history and interesting stories of Xi’an, you could find what you like in ChineseCulture Travel http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/beijing-datong-xian-dunhuang.html, 3 Days Cultural Xian Package http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/3-days-culture-xina.html and 10 days Beijing-Xian-Guilin-Shanghai http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/beijing-xian-guilin-shanghai.html.

Amazing Mount Wutai in Shanxi

Wutai Mountain

I was always dreaming about visiting Wutai Mountain since I knew it from Internet. There are so many temples, myths, stories and masters in the fantastic mountain in Shanxi, central China. Last month, I have the opportunity to explore the mysterious mountain with Beijing Chinaholidays (http://www.chinaholidays.com). The 6 days Wutai Mountain and Datong tour was really amazing for me. I would like very much to share the great experience with all of you.

The first day, I went to visit Yungang Grottoes with my guide Linda, she introduced lots of interesting history stories. The nest day I came to find Hanging Temple and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. They are all amazing architectures which was built hundreds years ago and still well preserved until now. Especially the wooden pagoda, I was quite surprised to see that the ancient and elegant pagoda has not used any nails in it.

The last three days I have a in-depth adventure in the fantastic Wutaishan Mountain. The mountain is located in Wutai Country of Shanxi Province, 240 kilometers from the provincial capital of Taiyuan, Mount Wutai has the longest and most prestigious history in the four well-known Buddhist Mountains. I was always looking forwards to see the famous Buddhist Mountains!

In the mountain area, spring arrives in April, and snow falls in September and even in mid-summer, it is cool and pleasant. The cool and pleasant summer climate of Wutai Mountain has also given rise to another name: Qingliang (Cool and Pleasant) Mountain. The mountain has been regarded as an ideal place for escaping summer heat since ancient times.

With the average altitude over 1,000 meters (over 3,281 feet), its apex, the summit of the northern peak which is famed as being the "Roof of Northern China", reaches 3061.1 meters (10,043 feet). Besides the religious aspect, the beauty of rising and falling ridges of mountains, exotic rocks, crisscrossed gullies, crystalline waters and towering green forests also gives the mountain its reputation as a colorful and notable scenic resort.

Mount Wutai is home to 53 sacred monasteries, and they were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.

If you are interested in Wutai Mountain or any attractions in Shanxi, you could find more in 6 days Beijing Datong Wutaishan Tour http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/beijing-datong-wutaishan-tour.html, 3 days Wutai Shan Tour http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/wutaishan-trip.html and Indepth Shanxi Tour http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/indepth-shanxi-tour.html.

For more information on Chinese Culture and China Tours, you could find what you like in Beijing Chinaholidays http://www.chinaholidays.com

Tai'erzhuang Ancient Town in China's Shandong

Tai'erzhuang Village

Tai'erzhuang Ancient Town, located in Zaozhuang City, Shandong Province, is surrounded by water and has some classical bridges, an old water transport system, wetland parks, temples, museums, and the architecture of a bygone era. It is also the site of the Battle of Tai'erzhuang, an important victory during the Anti-Japanese War.

If you would like to learn more about China Tour or Chinese Culture, you could see more on Beijing Chinaholidays http://www.chinaholidays.com. If you would like to have a tour in the summer, 6 days Beijing Datong Wutaishan Tour http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/beijing-datong-wutaishan-tour.html and Shanghai Weekend Trip to Yellow Mountain http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/shanghai-trip-huangshan-sh10.html would definitely be good choices!

Residence of Pu Songling: Typical Residence in North China

Pu Songling Residence

Last year, I went to Shangdong province and visited Jinan, Qufu, Zibo and Qingdao. In Zibo, I went to the residence of Pu Songling with the help of Beijing Chinaholidays and have a special visiting experience in the little north China village.

The Former Residence of Pu Songling is located in Pujiazhuang Village, Zibo City in east China's Shandong Province. It looks quite different from south China gardens. Without too much pools, stones and delicate sculptures, it is simple but graceful, with four courtyards connected by moon gates, which is typical of residences in north China. When we entered the main room in the courtyard in which Pu Songling lived is named "Liao Zhai" (literally talking room). The guide Tom told us that it is just in the place that Pu Songling created one vivid story of ghosts and spirits after another. In the room, people also display various editions of Liaozai Zhiyi and the paintings of related stories. We have learnt lot form the rich collections.

Pu Songling Residence

In the large area of Pu Songling residence, there is also a temple where we have leant some matter of Chinese religions. The garden, trees, pools and stones are not so delicate like gardens in Suzhou and Hangzhou. It has not so many palace or royal residences like Forbidden City and Summer Palace. But we have experience the real local life of ancient people in China!

I really enjoy my Shandong Tours in China with Beijing Chinaholidays and hope you a pleasant trip in China!

For more China tours and Chinese culture, you could find more in Beijing Chinaholidays http://www.chinaholidays.com. If you also would like to have a visit in Shangdong, you could click Discover Shandong Tour http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/discover-shandong-tour.html, 3 Days Beijing Taishan Qufu Tour http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/beijing-qufu-taishan-tour.html, 3 days Qingdao Holiday from Beijing http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/3-days-beijing-qingdao.html. 

Courtyard of Family Zhang in Guxian county, Shanxi

Courtyard of Family Zhang

Located in Shibi vilage, Guxian county, north China's Shanxi province, the Courtyard of Family Zhang was built in late Ming and early Qing dynasties.

The courtyard consists of two grand yards and five separate small yards. Zhang's Family settled in Shibi village in late Ming dynasty, rose in the reigns of Emperor Jiaqing (1796-1820) and Emperor Daoguang (1821-1850) in Qing dynasty, and reached its apogee in the beginning of Minguo period.

Zhang's Family is a courtier family, which enjoys a reputation of "Father and son are both provincial graduates, brothers pass the ancient imperial examination in the same year". Besides, many family members had engaged in farming and merchandising, making the family one of the richest in the region at the time. Zhang's Family is a typical representative of Jin merchants in ancient China.

If you would like to know more interesting Chinese attractions and culture, you could find more in Beijing Chinaholidays http://www.chinaholidays.com/ and China Guide http://www.chinaholidays.com/guide/. For more Shanxi tours, you could click 6 days Beijing Datong Wutaishan Tour http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/beijing-datong-wutaishan-tour.html, Chinese Culture Travel: Beijing-Datong-Xian-Dunhuang http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/beijing-datong-xian-dunhuang.html, and Indepth Shanxi Tour http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/indepth-shanxi-tour.html

Jingdezhen: Pottery Capital of China

For around 2,000 years Jingdezhen has reigned as the pottery capital of China. Since the time of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), exquisite porcelain wares were fired in the town's kilns for the Middle Kingdom's emperors. By the Renaissance, goods crafted by Jingdezhen's artisans were even reaching Europe. In fact Jingdezhen is so important to this country’s cultural history that, one theory goes, the city helped give China its European name. Most Europeans first encountered the Middle Kingdom through the ceramics it exported; Jingdezhen's ancient name – Changnan – became synonymous with this pottery and somewhere in the mists of time "Changnan" was transformed by Western tongues into "China".

Whatever the truth of its past, today Jingdezhen continues to play a key role in China's porcelain industry. This is where Beijing's Spin Ceramics shop produces its wares, and where Ai Weiwei employed 1,600 people for five years to make his 100 million sunflower seeds. And, in case you had any doubts that you’d come to the right place, the city planners have even decorated the lampposts and traffic lights with porcelain.

In the fantastic city Jingdezhen, you will have a look at the procedure of making porcelain crafts and the Ruins of Ancient Porcelain, which consists of the History Museum of Porcelains and an ancient porcelain mill. Besides, you could also visit the ancient porcelain street, which has 136 structures, including housing, shops, temples, archways, and roads, all in the Ming and Qing dynasties. During the visit you could also have a close look at the different phases of making pottery, which is a quite interesting activities and people could learn lots.

If you also would like to experience the long history of the pottery capital of China, enjoy the natural beauty of this town and learn more about making pottery, please click 7 days Indepth Jiangxi Tour http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/indepth-jiangxi-tour.html. For more information on China tour, you could find more in Beijing Chinaholidays http://www.chinaholidays.com

Find Long History in Beijing Hutong

Hutong, Beijing

If you’ve never seen Qianshi Hutong before, don’t blame yourself: with an average width of 70cm, it is by some way the narrowest hutong in the city, and easy to miss. Located just off Zhubaoshi Jie, it was once the banking capital of Qing Dynasty Beijing (1644-1912), being home to some 26 mints. People also exchanged money here, as the narrow space made it hard for any would-be thieves to evade capture.
Equally quirky is Jiuwan Hutong, which is based off Liuxue Lu and lives up to its name, ‘Nine Turns’, by being the most crooked alley in Beijing. With nine 90-degree corners, this winding little street seems to stretch on forever. Be wary, however: entering via the west entrance (on Xiaowei Ying Hutong) is considered to be bad luck, and there are documented cases of people being mugged in its twisty confines.
A little bit more bright and shiny is Dongjiaominxiang, located south of the National Museum of China. Once connected to Xijiaominxiang, but now divided by Tiananmen Square, it was filled with foreign embassies from 1900 onwards, hence the Western-style architecture that makes it an unusual example of hutong redevelopment, and a historically protected site.

If you would like to see more about China tours, you could try Beijing-explorer http://www.beijing-explorer.com and Beijing Chinaholidays http://www.chinaholidays.com. You could also find some interesting Hutong Explore Tours on http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/beijing.html, Beijing: Hutong Bicycle Tour http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/beijing-hutong-bicycle-tour.html

Jimei School Village in China's Xiamen

Jimei, Xiamen

Jimei is a small town on the side of the bank facing north Xiamen Island. With both Gaoji Causeway and Xingji Causeway meeting there, Jimei becomes the sole gateway into Xiamen. Jimei is the hometown of Mr. Tan Kah-Kee, a famous overseas Chinese leader who devoted himself wholly to education. In this small hamlet, Mr. Tan built 12 different kinds of schools including Xiamen University, a science center, gymnasium, library, hospital, and a navigation club. Jimei School Village is a general name for all schools and cultural institutions here. It was built by Mr.Tan Kah-kee in 1913.

For more information on Chinese Tours and Attractions, please contact Beijing Chinaholidays on http://www.chinaholidays.com. If you would like to find more Tours in Xiamen, please click http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/xiamen.html

Baoguo Temple in China's Ningbo

Baoguo Temple, situated 15 kilometers away from downtown Ningbo City on the side of Lingshan Mountain, is the oldest and most completely preserved wooden structure in South China. The main hall of the present temple dates back to 1013.
It consists of Shan Men (Mountain Gate), Tian Wang Dian (Hall of Heavenly King), Da Dian (Grand Hall), and the Scripture Repository, occupying an area of 13,000 square meters.
As the oldest and the best-preserved example of wooden architecture south of the Yangtze River, the Grand Hall is invaluable to the nation's architectural studies and still a mystery to scientists.
The hall was built without a single nail or beam. In addition, no birds have ventured inside to make nests, nor have insects, and no dust has accumulated. The Bell Tower, the Drum Tower and the Guest House are scattered along the hall.

For more information on Chinese Tour Packages and Chinese Culture, please click Beijing Chinaholidays http://www.chinaholidays.com and you will find more in the fantastic website. If you would like to visit the feature attractions, professional travel consultants are ready to offer you full help!

Wuyuan, Jiangxi

I have visited Yuyuan this vacation and enjoyed a really relaxing time in the fantastic natural and man-made beauty.

If you would like to slow down, wander among old homes and smell the flowers, Wuyuan is definitely the best choice!

Wuyuan is in the northeastern Jiangxi province, dubbed "China's most beautiful countryside", features hills dotted with black and white homes. It has quite long history and has been the cradles of Huizhou culture Tang Dynasty. I really fell in love with these beautiful villages and buildings the first sight I saw them.

The walls of these traditional Anhui style buildings are inlaid with black bricks shaped like horse heads and that is why they get the name of "horse-head walls". With the passage of time, rain and moisture have penetrated the white walls and have given them the watered down look of ink painting. And these buildings are also constructed at different heights to prevent fires from quickly spreading.

Besides its signature architecture, the county is also known for its fields of cole flowers. In spring, their golden petals blanket the horizon. In Jiangling village, the blossoms cover curved terraces, like luxurious brocade, cascading from hilltop to valley.

Walking along the white and black buildings in the peaceful village in Wuyuan, you will forget all the troubles in city life and abandon yourself in this paradise-like village.

If you would like to have a visit to the wonder trip in China, you would find more information in Beijing Chinaholidays http://www.chinaholidays.com and 7 days Indepth Jiangxi Tour http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/indepth-jiangxi-tour.html.

My tour to Suzhou

Lion Grove Garden

My visit to Suzhou is a quite relaxing experience and I really like the warm and beautiful city. Lion Grove Garden is my favorite attraction in Suzhou.

Located at the northeast of Suzhou, Jiangsu province, the Lion Grove Garden is famous for the Taihu rocks in various shapes which are said to resemble lions, especially the large and labyrinthine grotto of rocks at the garden's center. It is recognized with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together with other three gardens, including Blue Wave Pavilion (Canglang Ting), Lingering Garden (Liu Yuan) and Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Yuan), the Lion Grove Garden is one of the four most famous and representative gardens of ancient classical style in Suzhou city.

The ticket for Lion Grove Garden is 20 yuan and it opens from 9am to 5pm.

Humble Administration Garden and Suzhou Museum is quite near the Lion Grove Garden. I have visited these three attractions together. You could find lots of famous restaurants on the Guanqian Street such as Deyue Lou and Xiaoxiao Deyue Lou. I really like the food in Suzhou, a little bit sweet but also salt. We girls always like such kind of food!

I really like this city and would like to visit it if possible!

You could find more tours or information about Suzhou tours on China Suzhou Tours: Suzhou Garden - Zhouzhuang Bus Tour http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/shanghai-bus-tour-suzhou-garden.html, Shanghai Bus Tour to Suzhou http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/shanghai-bus-tour-suzhou.html, 4 days Shanghai+Suzhou Package http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/4-days-shanghai-tour-package.html, Suzhou:Watertown of Tongli andZhouzhuang http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/suzhou-daytrip-sz01.html

My tour to Yongding Tulou cluster

Yongding Toulou cluster

Yongding Tulou is one of the most attractive places for me in Fujian. Last month, I had a visit to the fantastic buildings with my family and it was really an impressive trip!

The moment I stepped out of the airport in Xiamen, the capital of Fujian province, I felt the passion and warmth of the southeast city. Beijing was still cold in those days but Xiamen was already in a hot days! I like the green trees, blue sky and clear sea! It gave me a great start of the pleasant journey.

The next day, we headed towards Yongding with our guide Tim Yang from Beijing Chinaholidays. During our trip, he gave us a quit detailed introduction of the mysterious building. Fujian Tulou is a type of Chinese rural dwellings of the Hakka is in the mountainous areas in southeastern Fujian, China. They were mostly built between the 12th and the 20th centuries. A total of 46 Fujian Tulou sites, including Chuxi tulou cluster, Tianluokeng tulou cluster, Hekeng tulou cluster, Gaobei tulou cluster, Dadi tulou cluster, Hongkeng tulou cluster, Yangxian lou, Huiyuan lou, Zhengfu lou and Hegui lou, have been inscribed in 2008 by UNESCO as World Heritage Site, as "exceptional examples of a building tradition and function exemplifying a particular type of communal living and defensive organization harmonious relationship with their environment".

Hakka Earth Building

When we got there, we found there were so many buildings ranging on the green trees and mountains of this area. We had a visit to the Zhengcheng Tulou and other buildings around it. You could not imagine they are such lofty buildings unless you see them by yourself!  It is a large, enclosed and fortified earth building, most commonly rectangular or circular in configuration, with very thick load-bearing rammed earth walls between three and five stories high and housing up to 80 families. Smaller interior buildings are often enclosed by these huge peripheral walls which can contain halls, storehouses, wells and living areas, the whole structure resembling a small fortified city.

When you came into the earth building, you will feel the strong ethnic atmosphere in it! Local people live there, cook in it and have the whole in the traditional buildings. The building has become a part of their life! We had a lunch in the building with local people, the food was delicious and unique, I did not taste such flavor in other places!

I really enjoy the trip to Yongding Tulou cluster and had learnt a lot about the mysterious building! Hope I could return and taste the typical food one day!

You could find more Fujian tours on Beijing Chinaholidays http://www.chinaholidays.com/. If you would like to have a visit to Yongding Tulou, you could try the tour I picked 4 days Xiamen Tour Package http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/xiamen-tour-package.html and Gulangyu Island Daytrip http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/xiamen-daytrip-gulangyu-island.html. 

Trees in blossom along Gubeikou Great Wall

Gubeikou Great Wall

This week, I had a visit to the Gubeikou Great Wall in Huairou District Beijing with my friend Sophia Yu. It is really amazing experience for me because I never expect the flower trees in Great Wall.

The great wall itself is fantastic, the walls, battlements and towers are lofty and superior. The guide Linda for chinaholidays introduced the history of Gubeikou to us which could be dated back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is firstly built for military defense and now has been protected as one of the most important attractions and UNESCO sites in Beijing. We had a good time on the great wall and enjoy the climbing, fresh air and blue sky in the suburb area. The pink cherry flower blooming along the both sides of great wall is a big surprise for me, as I never imagine such a gift! Obviously, I though the great wall area was bleak and desolated, but this time when I came to Huairou I found it was really a paradise! The pink flower is just like pink cloud or a romantic dream. All the girls on the great wall were so excited and kept taking photos!

I truly had a good time on the Gubeikou great wall!

If you would like to find more on Beijing Great Wall tours, you could find more in Beijing Big Coach Tour http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/beijing.html , and more about China tour information on Beijing China Holidays http://www.chinaholidays.com/ 

Chilly of Paradise in Harbin



Harbin Ice and Snow Festival



My went to Harbin in early January 2012. Chinese New Year just around the corner, thousands of people was thronged around Beijing train station. Fortunately, the train is faster than ever before since D train put into used. The train Set off in the morning and arrive in this afternoon around 8 hours in whole journey.

Harbin's temperatures are minus twenty by day and minus thirty by night. None of us had experienced anything like that before so were a bit apprehensive about how bad it would be. We walked for a further forty minutes but still couldn't find any street signs or landmarks that corresponded to my map, so we finally had to admit defeat and wave down a taxi to take me to Modern hotel before we booked. They had a nice room for us so we took a shower then headed straight out for dinner. 

The reason I had come all the way to Harbin in the first place was to see the famous ice sculptures of the ice festival.  Frankly, those I had seen were not that impressive.  I mean, they were ok. The Ice Lantern Festival is very well worth visiting though a little tacky, the ice and snow sculptures scattered all around the city are pleasant, for the rest Harbin is a lively and enjoyable city in an exotic landscape of snow and ice very in my mind well worth visiting even outside the Festival period. But let me give you a few tips while I'm still here in this frozen artistic Mecca.

1. Work with a travel agent who knows Harbin. They will get all tickets to all the right events/shows and Hotel. The hotel is better close to Central Avenue. It is very convenient to go around.

2. You would go in this order for visiting: Ice & Snow World (must not miss, only open at night), Zhaolin Park (also a night experience and right in the middle of the city), and the Snow Sculpture Art Expo on Sun Island (it's only open during the day, it's not as photogenic or stunning in its colors). There's a huge fireworks display is held annually at the January 5 and in February.

Could you have enough courage to the chilly of paradise in Harbin?

If you would like to experience the wonderful dreamland in Harbin, you could fine more in Harbin Ice and Snow Festival by Oriental Express http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/harbin-ice-festival-train-travel.html , 9 days Harbin Ice Carnival and China Spring Festival Tour http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/8-days-harbin-ice-carnival.html , 3 days Harbin Snow and Ice Festival Tour http://www.chinaholidays.com/tours/3-days-harbin-ice-festival.html . For more information on China Tours, you would find more in Beijing Chinaholidays http://www.chinaholidays.com