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Meili Snow Mountain

Meili Snow Mountain 6740M above sea level. Locate at north west of Yunnan province. Tibetan respect it as holy mountain. There are hidden villages living in very simple and basic life style. Sunrise ay Meili Snow Mountain is spectacular.&nbsp...

Meili Snow Mountain 6740M above sea level. Locate at north west of Yunnan province. Tibetan respect it as holy mountain. There are hidden villages living in very simple and basic life style. Sunrise ay Meili Snow Mountain is spectacular.  

Beijing National Stadium

The Beijing National Stadium, also known as the bird's nest will be the main track and field stadium for the 2008 Summer Olympics and will be host to the Opening and Closing ceremonies. In 2002 Government officials engaged architects worldwide in a design competition. Pritzker Prize-winning archi...

The Beijing National Stadium, also known as the bird's nest will be the main track and field stadium for the 2008 Summer Olympics and will be host to the Opening and Closing ceremonies. In 2002 Government officials engaged architects worldwide in a design competition. Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron collaborated with ArupSport and China Architecture Design & Research Group to win the competition. The stadium will seat as many as 100,000 spectators during the Olympics, but this will be reduced to 80,000 after the games. It has replaced the original intended venue of the Guangdong Olympic Stadium. The stadium is 330 metres long by 220 metres wide, and is 69.2 metres tall. The 250,000 square metre (gross floor area) stadium is to be built with 36 km of unwrapped steel, with a combined weight of 45,000 tonnes. The stadium will cost up to 3.5 billion yuan (422,873,850 USD/ 325,395,593 EUR). The ground was broken in December 2003, and construction started in March 2004, but was halted by the high construction cost in August 2004.

In the new design, the roof of the stadium had been omitted from the design. Experts say that this will make the stadium safer, whilst reducing construction costs. The construction of the Olympic buildings will continue once again in the beginning of 2005.


In depth
The stadium's appearance is one of synergy, with no distinction made between the facade and the superstructure. The structural elements mutually support each other and converge into a grid-like formation - almost like a bird's nest with its interwoven twigs. The spatial effect of the stadium is novel and radical, yet simple and of an almost archaic immediacy, thus creating a unique historical landmark for the Olympics of 2008.

The stadium was conceived as a large collective vessel, which makes a distinctive and unmistakable impression both from a distance and when seen from up close. It meets all the functional and technical requirements of an Olympic National Stadium, but without communicating the insistent sameness of technocratic architecture dominated by large spans and digital screens.

Visitors walk through this formation and enter the spacious ambulatory that runs full circle around the stands. From there, one can survey the circulation of the entire area including the stairs that access the three tiers of the stands. Functioning like an arcade or a concourse, the lobby is a covered urban space with restaurants and stores that invite visitors to stroll around. Just as birds stuff the spaces between the woven twigs of their nests with a soft filler, the spaces in the structure of the stadium will be filled with inflated ETFE cushions. Originally, on the roof, the cushions were to be mounted on the outside of the structure to make the roof completely weatherproof, but the roof has been omitted from the design in 2004.

While the rain was to be collected for rainwater recuperation, the sunlight was to filter through the translucent roof, providing the lawn with essential ultraviolet radiation. On the facade, the inflated cushions will be mounted on the inside of the structure where necessary, e.g. to provide wind protection. Since all of the facilities -- restaurants, suites, shops and restrooms -- are all self-contained units, it is possible to do largely without a solid, enclosed facade. This allows for natural ventilation of the stadium, which is the most important aspect of the stadium's sustainable design.

The sliding roof was an integral part of the stadium structure. When it was to be closed, it would have converted the stadium into a covered arena; however, the sliding roof was eliminated in an effort to cut costs and increase overall safety of the radical new structure.

Yunnan Nationalities Villages

Yunnan Nationalities Villages,covering an area of 89 hectares beside the Dianchi Lake,is located in the southwest suburb of Kunming city,Yunnan Province.As a window displaying the various cultures and customs of 25 minorities in Yunnan,it has been honored "ClassAAAA(the h...
Yunnan Nationalities Villages,covering an area of 89 hectares beside the Dianchi Lake,is located in the southwest suburb of Kunming city,Yunnan Province.As a window displaying the various cultures and customs of 25 minorities in Yunnan,it has been honored "ClassAAAA(the highest rank)Scenic Spot"of China.It is not only a base of manority culture of National Ethnic Affairs Committee,but also a base of the folk traditional culture of CIOFF(International Committee of Folklore Festivals organizers)China Committee. In Yunnan Nationalities Villages,you may have a look at traditional ethnic-featured buildings and colorful customs of different minorities.You can also enjoy interesting wedding ceremonies,experience colorful minority festivals and join in a group dance.Generally speaking,it is really a wonderful place for tourists to relax themselves and get an in-depth view of the 25 minorities of Yunnan within only one day. bus No.44/73 and stop at the station of "Yunnan Nationalities Villages ".

Jingshan Park

Situated directly to the north of the Forbidden City, on the other side of the road. Jingsha Park is one of the most pleasant parks in Beijing. It doubles as an excellent viewpoint over the city centre, particularly the Forbidden City and its gilded roofs with Tian'an men Square in the background...

Situated directly to the north of the Forbidden City, on the other side of the road. Jingsha Park is one of the most pleasant parks in Beijing. It doubles as an excellent viewpoint over the city centre, particularly the Forbidden City and its gilded roofs with Tian'an men Square in the background.

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is located in Sanguan Township of Cili County in Zhangjiajie City and is close to the world natural heritage and the world geological park– Wulingyuan scenic area of Zhangjiajie. It is a new development and construction of scenic spots. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon combining ...

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is located in Sanguan Township of Cili County in Zhangjiajie City and is close to the world natural heritage and the world geological park– Wulingyuan scenic area of Zhangjiajie. It is a new development and construction of scenic spots. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon combining mountain, water and hole, is the landform museum of Zhangjiajie. Here you can enjoy the scenery of all Karst terrain of the North Temperate Zone!


According to the legend, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon had two names. One called Rotten Ship Gorge, because the water of the whole gorge and the Southern Red Flag Canal is from Shenquan Stream and its spring gushes from many rotten ships, but the local people don’t know the place that the rotten ships come from. So it named after the “Rotten Ship Gorge”. Another name is called Massive Springs Gorge, because there are numerous springs in both sides of the gorge.


There is a quiet stream in the middle of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, and there is a path built by the plank by the stream. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon has not only traditional beautiful natural scenery, but also has historical and humanistic landscape of three generations. As “Thousands of graves”, the ancient battlefield that recorded the fierce battle of Li Zicheng and Wu Sangui, the bandit hole reflected the history and characteristics of the Xiangxi and the Southern Red Flag Canal.


The main attractions: One-Line-Sky, Family Portrait, The millennial Ancient Rattan, Chuangwang Pavilion, the Southern Red Flag Canal, Zhuaxian Spring, Rotten Ship Rock, The Bandit Hole and so on.

Dali - CangShan National Geopark

Dali Cang Shan is one of the four symbolic of Dali. It runs north to south on the west side of Er Lake. The highest point is over 4000M which covers with snow in winter. You can take cable car to mid-level 2700M.  There is a beautif...

Dali Cang Shan is one of the four symbolic of Dali. It runs north to south on the west side of Er Lake. The highest point is over 4000M which covers with snow in winter. You can take cable car to mid-level 2700M.  There is a beautiful 15 KM long walking trail. It is easy walking which takes about 3 hours. You can see pine wood trees, wild flowers, water stream, panorama view of the city.  

The Lama Temple (Yong He Gong)

Yonghegong (‘Palace of Eternal Harmony’) is a Tibetan Buddhist temple belonging to the Yellow Hat sect of Lamaism.  The temple, which was built in 1694, is one of the most well-known Tibetan Buddhist temples in China (outside of Tibet itself). Before being converted to a temple...
Yonghegong (‘Palace of Eternal Harmony’) is a Tibetan Buddhist temple belonging to the Yellow Hat sect of Lamaism.  The temple, which was built in 1694, is one of the most well-known Tibetan Buddhist temples in China (outside of Tibet itself). Before being converted to a temple, it served as a palace for the son of Emperor Kangxi until he ascended the throne.  The monastery was closed during the Cultural Revolution and many of the monks were sent away to work as labourers in rural areas.  It  reopened in the early 80s. Although the living quarters of approximately 70 monks at the monastery are not open to the public, you are likely to catch a glimpse of some of them wandering around the halls or courtyards.
 
The monastery has five halls, or pavilions, which are connected by five interleading courtyards, each of which houses a statue of the Buddha as well as a treasury of Buddhist art and statues.  The smell of incense pervades and a trail of incense smoke lingers, as the courtyards have large incense burners where worshippers can be seen offering incense sticks.
 
The Pavilion of Ten Thousand Fortunes, the final hall located at the rear of the monastery, houses a 25 metre high upright Buddha statue which is carved from a single piece of Tibetan sandalwood.  Despite its size, this giant Buddha in no way feels imposing, and is instead friendly and welcoming.  It is truly a spectacular sight.
 
It is not permitted to take photographs in many of the halls.
 
Link: The Confucius Temple is just a 5 minute walk from Yonghegong.

Dali old town

China Articles

Top China Tours

$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

 

$310 Per Day

3- Day Popular Tour In Zhangjiajie

Day 1    Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Full day trip to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park,take Bailong Elevator up Yuanjiajie,Bailong Elevator is the said to be the worlds tallest full-exposure outdoor lift,double-deck sightseeing elevator.Yuanjiajie is the inspiration for Hallelujah Mountain in AVATAR , Where you will also find the aptly named First Bridge under Heaven, Lover Peaks and so on.

Continuing to Tianzi Mountain, it takes you 40 minuts from Yuanjiajie to Tianzi Mountain by public bus, after arriving in Tianzi Mountain, you will have a bird’s-eye view of all the mountains and valleys of the Wuling Mountains. Visit Western Sea, Helong Park, Viewing Terrace etc.Take Tianzi cablecar down and check in hotel for a rest.
Accommodation: Wulingyuan Downtown

Day 2    Baofeng Lake & Glass Bridge

After breaking in the hotel, we head to Baofeng Lake where is the masterpiece of nature and human beings’wisdom. Baofeng Lake is pure just like a big crystal among Bao feng mountain Range.When you cruise, you can hear authentic song from Tujia minority people,you can fully understand the harmony and peace between human beings and nature.

Transfer to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, have a walking on the Glass Bridge, Glass Bridge is the highlight of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, located in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is the highest and longest transparent glass bridge with a length 430 meters and a width 6 meters. It is 300 meters above the ground level and it can bear 800 persons standing on it at the same time. (need to book the tickets in advance)
Accommodation: Wulingyuan Downtown

Day 3    Tianmen Mountain

Full day to explore Tianmen Mountain,take the longest cablecar in the world up Tianmen Mountain,have a walk on the mountain plank road built along the face of cliffs. You will feel like walking in a fairy land when the mist is still heavy.The must-visit scenic spots are: Tianmen Cave, Glass Road, Tianme Temple.

See you off in the airport and looking forward to seeing you again in Zhangjiajie.