Forbidden City, Beijing
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Beijing (once
known as Peking)
Capital of the People's Republic of China, located in the eastern central section
of the country; also served as the capital during the Qing and Ming dynasties.
A modern metropolis with 3,000 years of history. Home to Tianamen Square and
the Imperial Palace, (also known as the Forbidden City), which housed Ming and
Qing Dynasty emperors for over 500 years. Offers visitors the chance to ride
in pedicabs through the Hutong (rapidly disappearing alleyways in the old residential
section of the city), take an excursion to the Great Wall, and enjoy Peking duck
for dinner.
Attactions: (click for more detail)
• The Temple of Heaven
• Hutong
• The Great Wall of China
• The Sacred Way
• Tiananmen Square
• The Forbidden City
• The Summer Palace
Chongqing
Mountainous city located at the confluence of the Yangtze
and Jialing Rivers in the southwestern part of China. Became a municipality directly
under the Central Government in 1997. The largest city in China in terms of total
area. Gateway to Yangtze River cruises. Visitors enjoy catching a glimpse of
China's treasured pandas at the Chonqing Zoo.
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Dunhuang Murals, Dunhuang |
Dunhuang
Historic destination along the Silk Road in northern China.
Characterized by lush green fields, as well as mountainous rollings and dunes
where camel riding is a favorite. Served as the gateway through which Buddhism,
Islam and Christianity entered China. Home of superb Buddhist art at the nearby
Mogao Grottoes - the oldest of China's monumental Buddhist Grottoes.
Guangzhou (also known as Canton)
Historic gateway to China, just north of the Pearl River delta,
113 miles (a 2 hours train ride) from Hong Kong. Host to China's oldest and largest
international trade fair, attracting visitors from around the world each spring
and fall for almost fifty years.
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Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin |
Guilin
A small, slow-paced town located on the Li River in southeastern
China. Boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Surrounded by
mist-covered hills, bamboo groves, and exotic geographic formations such as,
the Reed Flute Cave which features stalactite and stalagmite formations artfully
illuminated by multicolored lights.
Attactions: (click for more detail)
• Impression Sister Liu Sanjie Show
• Reed Flute Cave
• Elephant Trunk Hill
Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region with subtropical climate similar
to Hawaii. World famous for its extravagant celebrations and fireworks. A former
British colony, returned to China in 1997, Hong Kong - known as "the pearl
of the Orient" - is home to more than six million people. Visitors enjoy
a tour of the Aberdeen Fishing Village and the breathtaking view from Victoria
Peak.
Attactions: (click for more detail)
• Aberdeen Fishing Village
• Repulse Bay
• Victoria Peak |
West Lake, Hangzhou |
Hangzhou
Zhejiang Province capital city, 117 miles south of Shanghai
near beautiful West Lake. Home to the silk museum and brocade factory, with scenic
surroundings inspiring the Chinese saying "Above there is heaven; below,
Hangzhou."
Kunming
Capital city of Yunnan Province in southwest China, noted
for its beautiful natural scenery, karst (limestone) landforms, and the cultural
diversity of its numerous ethnic groups. Elevation - 6,600 feet. Known as the "City
of Eternal Spring" because of its mild climate. Designated a Special Tourism
center for its rich cultural heritage.
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The Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang |
Lijiang
An ancient town in Yunnan Province that serves as the seat
of the minority Naxi people. Also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors enjoy the 14th century religions frescoes at the Yufeng Monastery, and
the over five-hundred-year-old "Riot of Camellias" tree. Entertained
is provided by a concert of traditional Naxi music.
Nanjing
Located in the scenic tapestry of the Yangtze River basin,
this ancient city served as China's capital for six dynasties, and was the first
capital of unified China under Dr. Sun Yat Sen, China's first president. Only
90 minutes from Beijing and 40 minutes from Shanghai by air, Nanjing now serves
as the capital of Jiangsu Province, China's most industrialized province, and
is renowned worldwide for its educational facilities. Visitors are especially
interested in touring the nearby Temple of Confucious, and the majestic Dr. Sun
Yat Sen mausoleum on the southern side of Zhongshan Mountain.
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Pudong, Shanghai |
Shanghai
(municipality under direct jurisdiction of the Central Government)
This famous seaport on China's east coast at the mouth of the Yangtze River is
one of the largest cities in the world in terms of population. Special features
include European style buildings, shopping day and night along the Nanjing Road,
international cuisine, and one of the finest museums in the world. Young and
old alike enjoy strolling along the Bund to enjoy the magnificent waterfront
view.
Attactions: (click for more detail)
• The Bund
• Nanjing Road
• Yangshuo
• Yu Garden
• Zhujiajiao
Suzhou
A network of canals and bridges known as the "Venice
of the East," 1 1/2 hours by bus from Shanghai. Founded in 514 BC, this "paradise
on earth" is known for the beauty of its many classic gardens. The trip
to Souzhou is highlighted by a cruise on the Grand Canal, one of the best ways
to enjoy the local scenery.
Attactions: (click for more detail)
• The Ancient Grand Canal
• The Lingering Garden
• Panmen Gate
• The Master of Fishing Nets Garden
Turpan
An oasis along the Silk Road, rich in historical relics, with
a predominantly Moslem population. Also known for its grapes and honeydew melons.
Attractions include the Gaochang Ancient City, ruins of a once prosperous garrison
town, strategically important between the first century BC and the fourteenth
century AD.
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Urumqi |
Urumqi
Capital city of the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region in northwest
China. Characterized by an ancient glacier, vast deserts, and the colorful dress
of its 13 indigenous nationalities. Visitors enjoy shopping at the huge open-air
bazaar, and boating on Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) - a vast expanse of placid water,
surrounded by snowy mountain peaks, only sixty-eight miles away.
Wuhan
Major port city located halfway between Chongqing and Shanghai
on the Yangtze River. This important industrial and commercial center is the
Capital of Hubei Province, and serves as a gateway to the popular Yangtze River
cruises.
Wuxi
A thriving city near Lake Tai, 80 miles west of Shanghai.
Known for its clay folk-art figurines, famous since the Ming Dynasty. Bisected
by the Grand Canal, Wuxi offers tourists the beauty of its Liyuan Garden and
an opportunity to observe the artful tradition of figurine manufacturing at the
Huishan Clay Figurine Studio.
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Terra-Cotta Warriors, Xian |
Xian
Ancient walled city, 1 1/2 hours
by air from Beijing. Marks the beginning of the Silk Road. Xian was
China's capital during the Tang dynasty and is regarded as the cradle
of Chinese civilization. Noted for the astonishing archeological discovery
of the Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses that guard the tomb of Qin
Shihuangdi, the first emperor of a unified China. Evening performances
of the popular Tang Dynasty dance and music dinner show give visitors
a taste of the rich culture of China's wealthiest ancient dynasty.
Attactions: (click for more detail)
• The Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• The Terra-Cotta Warriors
• City Wall
Zhengjiang
Historic city located along the bank of the Yangtze River in Jiangsu
Province. Visitor attractions include the fascinating Jinshan Temple.
The Three Gorges on the Yangtze River
Attactions: (click for more detail)
• Qutang Gorge
• Wu Gorge
• Xiling Gorge
• Fengdu
• Shennong Stream Drifting
• The Three Gorges Dam
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