Skip to main content

China Attractions

Xi'an City Walls

First established in the Sui Dynasty (6th century A.D.), the city walls were repaired many times.  The walls you see today were first expanded and built on the existing foundations of old walls during the Ming Dynasty and renovated again quite recently.  The Xi’an city walls for...
First established in the Sui Dynasty (6th century A.D.), the city walls were repaired many times.  The walls you see today were first expanded and built on the existing foundations of old walls during the Ming Dynasty and renovated again quite recently.  The Xi’an city walls form an unbroken rectangle around the city center that is almost 14 kilometers long. There are many access points to get to the top of the wall but the most popular is the South Gate (Nanmen, 南门).
 
From the south gate, you can grab a bicycle or bus and make your way all the way around the wall. Bicycles can be rented for 20yuan/100 minutes which is about enough time to take a ride along the wall. Bicycles built for two cost 40yuan/100 minutes. You cannot bring your own bicycle on to the wall. 8-person elongated golf carts take visitors on round-trips of the wall for 50yuan/person.
 
Xi’an City Wall (from below)
The South Gate.
 
Xi’an City Wall (from above)
A view of the Xi'an City Walls from atop the South Tower.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

After two years of life as an expat, I finally succumbed to the delights of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. I gaze upon the tower everyday from my office which is located on the Bund, but I wasn’t sure I would ever go in. I guess I figured it was a little too sad to finally visit the tower aft...

After two years of life as an expat, I finally succumbed to the delights of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. I gaze upon the tower everyday from my office which is located on the Bund, but I wasn’t sure I would ever go in. I guess I figured it was a little too sad to finally visit the tower after spending so much time in Shanghai already, something like being the oldest kid at summer camp. However, one day I simply put my reservations aside and purchased my ticket to view Shanghai from the heavens.

 
The tower is the 3rd tallest in the world, and as my guide proudly told me, the biggest in Asia. I purchased the most expensive ticket for 100RMB, which gave me access to all floors including the Space Module at an astounding 350 meters above the ground.
 
At the entrance both visitors and their bags must pass through a metal detector. Once through security visitors are ushered through the tower with military precision by beautiful uniformed Chinese women. These guides provide information in both Mandarin and English.
 
The first stop is the sightseeing floor at 263 meters. Shanghai, so big and sprawling, is often difficult to piece together and trying to work out relative location is wholly impossible. Still, from this viewpoint the mega-city is both amazing and beautiful. Cries of “I can see my hotel!” from foreign tourists echo throughout the floor

The next stop is the space module. I paid the extra 30 RMB to go to this level and in all honesty, it just wasn’t worth it. The module is about as space age as my grandmothers chintz, and its two floors are decorated to look like a Park Avenue apartment. It even has marble staircases!
 
From the space module visitors can either head back down to the middle deck or down to the sightseeing floor at 90 meters. This floor was my favorite as it gave me the opportunity to view the scenery, get a bit of wind in my hair and offer respite from constant Beijing Opera offerings. Listening to Shanghai is entertainment in itself.
 
Lastly, the tower is home to truly amazing Shanghai History Museum. Using model displays, TVs, and sound, the museum winds you effortlessly through Chinese history, including honest accounts of the turbulent times  surrounding the opium trade and foreign invasions.
 
The Tower offers boat rides at 50 RMB (70RMB VIP), but I do not recommend the ride. I actually tried to take the boat cruise, but the boat’s dock is not located next to the tower. The only counsel the ticket office could offer was, “Walk straight ahead!” Fearing I would end up in Beijing, I decided against the ride, but to each their own.
 
I left the tower with the obligatory T-shirt, key ring, and fridge magnet feeling thoroughly satisfied. This is a must for any traveler to Shanghai and is well worth the entrance fee.
 
Take metro line 2 to lujiazui. The tower is open  until 9pm.  

Take Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui(陆家嘴) Stop.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park- Wulingyuan world natural heritage

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park situates in northwest of Hunan province, south of Yangtze river, central China, 320 KM away from its capital city- Changsha, it become famous just because of its beautiful mountainscape, unique rock formation-quarz sandstone, very different from the limestone moun...

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park situates in northwest of Hunan province, south of Yangtze river, central China, 320 KM away from its capital city- Changsha, it become famous just because of its beautiful mountainscape, unique rock formation-quarz sandstone, very different from the limestone mountains in Guilin,and granite stone mountain in yellow mountain, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park dedicated to public in 1982's as national park,approved by state council as the first national park of China in 1982,some artists like Mr. Wuguanzhong came to Zhangjiajie in 1970's at the invitation of local artist friends, at that time, the place called Zhangjiajie village or Qingyan mountain, he was totally overwhelmed by the unprecedented scenery, he went all out shooting photos, painting, he wrote a very famous article (hidden scenery gem unknown to the world), that draw alot of public attention in China mainland and Hong Kong, people don't believe there is true place in this planet, just mind creation of artist works, it light up people interests to find the place,people come to Zhangjiajie, find themself lose in the world of high rise skyscrapper in nowdays modern cities,come to the world of ancient ocean period 3.8 hundred million years ago, the rock peaks rise up 400 or 500 meters from the valley level, alot of ancient trees grow on the rocks, the greenery is very abundant, the plantation coverage is 98%, alot of rare birds, animals and plants live here, criss cross valley networks in the mountains, water falls, lakes and caves.
before Zhangjiajie National Forest Park become tourism destination, it belongs to 3 different counties like Dayong, Sangzi, and Cili, now the mountains united as one scenic district called Wulingyuan that listed as world natural heritage by UNSCO, the highlights are Huangshizhai(Yellow Stone Stronghold),  Golden Whip Brook,Yaozizhai,Yuanjiajie,Yangjiajie, Tianzi Mountain. Become world sightseeing destination.

Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao)

Situated in the south part of Nanjing and surrounded by the Qinhuai River, the Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) is one of the city’s most popular attractions.  Confucius Temple consists of a cluster of symetrically arranged buildings and covers an area of over 26,000 square meters.&nbs...

Situated in the south part of Nanjing and surrounded by the Qinhuai River, the Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) is one of the city’s most popular attractions.  Confucius Temple consists of a cluster of symetrically arranged buildings and covers an area of over 26,000 square meters.  The temple is home to excellent examples of both Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. However, the biggest draw for most Nanjing locals is the great food and shopping.

History

Confucius Temple was founded in 1034. In antiquity, the temple was a site where people could make sacrifices to Confucius (孔子, Kong Zi), arguably China’s most celebrated ideologist and educator. The temple also served as a marketplace for merchants as well as a center where culture and arts thrived.

In 1985, the municipal authorities decided to "renovate" Confucius Temple in order to keep up with the times.  A series of tourist shops, snack bars, restaurants and hotels set up shop here with the goal of enabling Confucius Temple to better express a combination of traditional and modern beauty.

There are many places of historical interest  within Confucius Temple, such as Jiangnan Gongyuan (江南贡院) and Wuyi Xiang (乌衣巷).  Jiangnan Gongyuan was the largest imperial examination place in ancient China. Constructed during the Song dynasty, potential government officials were examined and selected here. Wuyi Xiang, or “Black Clothes Lane”, was named after the Wu soldiers, who wore black uniforms. During the Jin dynasty, Wuyi Xiang became the residence of Minister Wang Dao, followed by Minister Xie An, and finally a few of Nanjing’s noble families.  During the Tang dynasty, a famous Chinese poet named Liu Yu Xi wrote a poem here: Gone are the swallows at Wang-Xie’s Mansion into the houses of the common.

Shopping

In addition to common boutiques, there are many shops in Confucius Temple that feature local folk crafts and commodities, unavailable in other parts of the country. Tourists can buy various Nanjing specialties including Nanjing brocade, Jinling gold foil, Jinling folding fans, wood carvings, Rain flower pebbles, Nanjing dried salted duck, Yuhua tea and much more. Generally speaking, the initial price quoted by the peddlers will be much higher than the price you can bargain down to, so it’s advised to learn how to bargain Chinese style before making purchases.

Food

It is worth the trip here just for the food, because Confucius Temple boasts a variety of delicious snacks. Duck blood and bean-starchy vermicelli, Jellied bean curd, fried scallion pancakes, beef soup, beef-stuffed Guo Tie (lightly fried dumplings), spiced broad beans, Huangqiao Sesame Seed Cake are just a few of the delicacies on hand.  All of these treats are mouth watering, yet not too expensive.

Boat Rides

An evening cruise on the Qinhuai River is a wonderful experience. Nanjing skyscraper’s neon city lights light up the river at night. Many kinds of boats are available for rent. Paddle boats are a cheaper option. However, "Qibanzi", a type of boat with a roomy cabin and cane chairs on the deck, is a little bit expensive, but less tiring and more comfortable.

Getting There

Take the No. 1 bus.  The No. 1 bus stops at every Subway station from Nanjing Railway Station Station to Xinjiekou.  If you are far away first take the Subway to Xinjiekou and then take the No.1 from there. 

Any cab driver in the city will know how to get to "Fuzi Miao".

Confucius Temple during Lantern Festival

Lantern Festival is held on the 15th day of the Chinese New Year.  From the first week of the Chinese New Year, Confucius Temple begins to get busier and busier until the climax of the Lantern Festival.  The crowds become so large and busy during the Lantern Festival that hundreds (if not thousands) of police officers are required to control the throngs of people.


Confucius Temple during the Lantern Festival.  Photo taken by Ishw.


Another shot of Fuzimiao at night during the Lantern Festival.


The main square shown in this picture is divided in two by a
wall of police officers during the Lantern Festival.


The mascots for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing

Giant Panda Breeding Center and Research Base

Chinese zoos are often equated to animal prisons by Western visitors. Fortunately Chengdu’s Giant Panda Breeding Center strays far from the norm. The research base is truly groundbreaking for country that pushes aside most environmental and ecological concerns due to its overpopulation...

Chinese zoos are often equated to animal prisons by Western visitors. Fortunately Chengdu’s Giant Panda Breeding Center strays far from the norm. The research base is truly groundbreaking for country that pushes aside most environmental and ecological concerns due to its overpopulation issues. The base has a research lab, museum, panda kindergarten, and adult panda grounds. In total the base has 45 pandas. The children stay in the panda kindergarten area until they are three years old. Then they can hold their own in the adult grounds.

Baby Panda in the center in Chengdu


Right now there is only one baby panda under one year old. She is named Jing Jing in honor of the upcoming 2008 Olympics in Beijing. As of March 2006 she is six months old and already 24 kilograms. Watching her climb about her wooden jungle gym and her caretaker can make even the most dignified man crack a smile. This adorable creature is the closest thing this earth has to an ewok. For the absurd price of Y800 you can even take a picture with Jing Jing in your lap

Jing Jing at play with her caretaker (photo by Jamey Doole)

Arrive early to catch the pandas roll out of bed and begin their two hour breakfast. Pandas only absorb about 20% of the fibers they ingest, so they spend much of their waking hours chomping away on bamboo. In the wild, a panda’s diet is more than 95% bamboo. After waking up, taking a short stroll, and scratching their backs for a bit, it is time for breakfast. The staff generally leaves large piles of bamboo close to visitor paths, so entrants can be duly entertained. The panda nestles into a comfortable spot next to a large pile of bamboo and lays on his or her back. By the time they are finished, they will be covered in a pile of their own bamboo remains. Watching the pandas snack incessantly is somewhat mesmerizing.

The base also has red pandas. However, one gets the feeling that red pandas are the giant panda’s red-headed step-sister. Visitors to this section are few and the price of a picture is only Y50. The red pandas may remind Westerners of raccoons or big cats. They do have beautiful fur and are quite elegant creatures.

Entrance to the base is Y30. A  small movie theater with a free 18 minute film about breeding pandas is worth seeing. The footage of mother pandas giving birth is fascinating.

Directions: The base is about 10 kilometers outside of town. Reaching the base by bus is not very efficient. Take bus no. 10 to its terminus. At this bus station change to bus no. 1. It is much easier to take a taxi which should only cost about Y30 from the center of town. On the way back, just flag down bus no. 1. Bus no. 1 will take you to a bus station where you can either walk about 30-40 mins to reach downtown Chengdu or take another bus.

An adult panda in the center in Chengdu

Apparently double-fisting isn’t just for drunks (Photo by Jamey Doole)

Shangri-La

AIA World Carnival - Hongkong

Admiralty MTR station’s Exit E1 or E2. Taxi stand is located at Tim Mei Avenue.

Presidential Palace

Presidential Palace was the Office of the President of the Republic of China before the republic relocated to Taiwan in 1949.
It has a long history since year 1853, Taiping Revolution of Heavenly Kingdom, and after that Hong Xiuquan occupied Nanjing.
In 1911, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen moved...

Presidential Palace was the Office of the President of the Republic of China before the republic relocated to Taiwan in 1949.
It has a long history since year 1853, Taiping Revolution of Heavenly Kingdom, and after that Hong Xiuquan occupied Nanjing.
In 1911, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen moved in as the provisional president of the Republic of China.
Till, now you can still see the same decoration of their offices, their conference place and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen`s living room.
There also have a garden back of the palace, where you can take a break and enjoy the view of the green plants.

 

Buses 游1, 游2, 29, 44, 65, 95 and 304 stop at The Presidential Palace.

Meili Snow Mountain - Yu Beng Village

Yu Beng (3200M) is a Tibetan Village hidden deep inside the Meili Snow Mountain. There is no road for vehicle. From where you drop your car ((2675M), you have to walk 6 hours to get there (highest point is 3730M). Tibetan live&...

Yu Beng (3200M) is a Tibetan Village hidden deep inside the Meili Snow Mountain. There is no road for vehicle. From where you drop your car ((2675M), you have to walk 6 hours to get there (highest point is 3730M). Tibetan live in a simple life. Visitors are limited to backpackers who love nature. 

Top China Tours

$238 Per Day

Private Hangzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train

Take in the highlights of beautiful Hangzhou on a private full-day tour from Shanghai. After hotel pickup and transfer by high-speed train to Hangzhou, your private guide takes you to see some city attractions, such as Faxi temple. Moreover, enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Longjing village. There, learn about the process of farming and producing dragonwell tea, the region’s most famous product. Finally, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on UNESCO World Heritage-listed West Lake before returning to Shanghai.

This is a private, full-day trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou. After you are picked up in your hotel lobby in the early morning, you will take a bullet train to Hangzhou. This is the fastest way to Hangzhou and you can experience train speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. Your tour begins at one of Hangzhou's signature sites, the West Lake. Enjoy a lake cruise to see the top ten West Lake scenic views. You will then be taken to experience the wonderful cuisine of Hangzhou at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will visit Faxi temple, a well-known Temple dating back to the Jin Dynasty. See its famous wooden Buddha. Here, you will see fewer tourists and more locals. Finally, enjoy a cup of green tea when you visit the famous Longjing village to see wild fields of Longjing tea bushes where the locals produce the world famous green tea- Longjing Tea. In the village, all locals are tea farmers and you will see the entire procedure of making the famous tea and will get the chance to taste the best quality emperor tea. Afterwards, you will take the bullet train back to Shanghai and you will be returned to your hotel.


$150 Per Day

Guangzhou

Day 1 Arrive in Guangzhou

Arrive in Guangzhou in the morning, you will be met and transferred to hotel, then visit Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. The Memorial Hall is a very famous historical scenic spot. It is in memory of Sun Yat-sen, the great revolutionary forerunner. After that proceed to visit the Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family. It is a unique site for offering up sacrifices to worship ancestors of 72 Chen families in Guangdong. This ancestral temple is also the largest, best preserved and best decorated ancient architecture existing in Guangdong province.

Day 2 Guanzhou Tour 

After breakfast, you will go to Yuexiu Park first, the largest and the most famous park in downtown Guangzhou. There are three artificial lakes and seven hills of Yuexiu Mountain. Then you will visit Temple of Six Banyan Trees, which is one of the four best Buddhist temples in Guangzhou and located on the Liurong Road (meaning the Six Banyan Trees Road). The Nanyue King Tomb Museum is a must-see Guangzhou attraction, which dates back to 2,000 years ago, is the earliest large scale painted stone chamber tomb ever found south of the Five Ridges. Buried with the tomb owner in a jade shroud are a gold seal and a lot of exquisite jade adornments. It has become a world famous museum. After the day tour you will be transferred to airport for your next destination.

$53 Per Day

Pingyao Highlights Walking Tour

Pingyao Highlights Walking Day Tour

With our guide to know the Ancient Pingyao better!

Our guide will meet you at your hotel lobby at 08:00 or 08:30, then show you the ticket office to get the ticket for the museums we will visit later.

First we will visit the 700 years old City wall, We will climb up from south gate and have a walk on the wall. We are not sure how many km we can walk, because of the renovating of the wall. Normally we will walk from south gate to the Yunlu Exit.

Then visit the Confucius temple, there is a old building named Dacheng Hall which is over 840 years old. From outside, we can see the big wood joints to lift the big roof around the building which is named Dougong. Due to this design, there are less columns inside the hall for giving the big space for the statues and the prayer. We have chance to see the Confucius statue and learn the philosophy of Confucius. If you like, you can pray for you and your children to get better study.

There is the Paper Cutting master named Wentao nearby the exit of Confucius temple. She is very smart and create the new style paper cutting with much more details and good wishes on it. Her products are made by hanks. It is worth to visit and buy as a souvenir from Pingyao. From the table standing and wall hangings. Please remember, take the red one because of red is the traditional and happy color. But the white one is the best. It is really difficult to choose, because of all of them are really nice.

Then you can have coffee break or tea break if you need at Chummy coffee, after this, visit the City god temple (ChenghuangMiao) which is most beautiful temple inside the wall. Because of the roof is covered by the colorful glazed tiles. There is not only city god and also the three money gods, Now you know why pingyao was the financial center.

Next we will visit the Ancient government building, to see the pingyao politics center in the ancient time. It is the complete building with officials bed room, kitchen and private garden. Follow the guide to look the official’s life from the 250km far away from the hometown.

Have a stroll in the alley to the Rishengchang exchange bank, which is the first bank all of china.You can not miss it.

After lunch, walk to the Ming and Qing street, this is the shopping street full of the stores on the both side of street. You can find alot things here , from post card to lacquered boxes, and wall panels. One more place to see, it is the Armed escort agency also named security and transport service for the business man before the bank founded.

Inlcusions

1.private english speaking tour guide servcie

2.bottle water for the tour