China's Natural Splendour

China is a country best known for its depth of history and culture; a history and culture that attracts thousands of tourists every year. That's not all there is to this fantastic destination however, China is also well worth a visit to see its more natural splendor. This article takes a look at a few of the countries natural wonders, to give you some ideas of what you could experience whilst on one of the many holidays to China.

The Jiuzhai Valley
Jiuzhai Valley, also know as 'Valley of the Nine Villages,' is a spectacular park that covers just over 700 sq km of the Min Shan mountain region. The parks famed for its lakes, with over 100 dotting the region, and the beautiful scenery that's packed in between. The region's waterfalls are also a big draw, cascading down the tree covered slopes between the small lakes. With so much beautiful scenery on offer it's easy to see why the area received a UNESCO World Heritage Site listing in 1992.

The Yangtze River Valley
As one of the longest rivers in the world, the river Yangtze provides an experience that's hard to find anywhere else. The river has carved its way through the region's mountain landscape, creating a series of fascinating sheer sided gorges. Visitors to the river usually choose to get the most out of the trip by taking a Yangtze River cruise, as it's one of the easiest ways to see all this region has to offer. The surrounding scenery feels steeped with age and the contrast between glassy river surface, tall cliffs and stunning greenery is one that you won't want to miss.

Huangshan Mountain
An article featuring China's natural wonders wouldn't be complete without a mention of Huangshan Mountain. The granite peaks and dense forests of the region feature in much of China's classical art and the area is said to have inspired generations of Chinese artists. This link, and the obvious beauty of the region, gives the mountains and undeniably 'Chinese' feel. Visitors to the region can either trek around the mountains on foot or take the cable car up Huangshan itself for great views out over the surrounding landscape.

This is obviously just a taste of natural wonders on offer in this beautiful country; we didn't even touch on the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park or the Longji Terraced Fields. So next time you're thinking of booking a holiday in the region, why not take a little time to visit some of China's natural wonders.

This article was written by Thom Sanders on behalf of Wendy Wu Tours. They offer a fantastic range of holidays to China, including the brilliant Yangtze River cruise.

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5 Reasons To Tour Macau

1. VIBRANT NIGHT LIFE:
Macau is synonymous with casinos and the bustling night life, and the people are given several enticing opportunities to gamble with the odds. For some, the gaming revenue of Macau can easily defeat Las Vegas - for it has quickly become the world's most lucrative gambling industry and attracts people from all spheres of life and all over the world to roll the dice and play the game. The Venetian, the world's largest casino, with approximately 550 tables and more than 2,000 slot machines presents one such chance for those who love to take a risk and experiment - of course, with some money in their pockets.

2. FINE DINING:
Macau can well be called, Asia's best-kept culinary mystery because while it may be famous for its casinos and vibrant night clubs, it also present a variety of fine dining options and delectable street food that truly highlights some of the best that Macau has to offer. Michelin star restaurants line the streets for those with a taste for the finer things in life such as acclaimed chef Guillaume Galliot's Tasting Room at the City of Dreams.

Many people from all over the world travel the short distance from Hong Kong to Macau to try out the famed Portuguese bread and Portuguese custard tarts called Natas. Don't you wish you had some KrisFlyer airline miles at your disposal? Or are you thinking that maybe you should buy KrisFlyer miles now? Portuguese cuisine occupies a huge space in Macau culture and tradition, and thus many Portuguese dishes are readily available in restaurants and hotels.

3. SPA DAYS:
Macau houses some world class spas which are a treat for customers because of the indulgent treatment, relaxation and the many options to choose from. Isala at City of Dreams is one such option with their soothing massages and fruit body scrubs. The award-winning Banyan Tree Spa at the Galaxy Macau ranks high for the amazing interior-the bamboo-and-water-filled inner courtyard is the perfect remedy to the frenzied environment of the casino.

4. VIBRANT CULTURE & TRADITIONS:
If we walk away from the glittering lights of the night clubs, we would find that Macau has a rich, 400-year-old cultural heritage. Traditions customs are celebrated with great pomp and show - Chinese New Year is celebrated with great fervor, enthusiastic parades which have paper dragons and drummers while the Macau International Dragon Boat Festival transforms into an exciting sporting event.

5. THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Macau may be famous for entertainment scene but that is clearly not all - the islands of Taipa and Coloane offer a blissful, much needed escape from the fast paced life of the city. Palm tree beaches, quiet and rustic villages and hiking trails, visitors can truly unwind or enjoy the leisurely pursuits of golf, swimming, and fishing.


On the striking island of Coloane, visitors and tourists will discover breathtaking scenery, natural valleys and an extensive web of trails with maps readily available at the trail heads

Macau, with its glamorous night life and famous casinos, is just a short trip from Hong Kong and for most people, just a Few KrisFlyer Miles away. The solid gambling market and social scene is what comes to mind when they think of Macau. However, it is also a culturally rich place with great cuisine and picturesque islands.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Douglas_H_Wise

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5 Amazing Experiences to Have on a Shanghai Holiday

Shanghai is a bustling metropolis in the world's most dynamic and fast-paced nation. The futuristic 'frontier town' atmosphere of this party city is infectious; immaculate tree lined streets open out onto futuristic skylines, with many hints of European-style buildings as opposed to the Imperial palaces of Beijing. Shanghai is a must-visit destination on one of the many fantastic China tours available and below is a roundup of the most amazing experiences to have on Shanghai holidays.

Have a cocktail at the Glamour Bar
Visit this iconic bar for nibbles, a drink or two, or even a delicious evening meal. With three gorgeous bars to choose from you can relax in the sumptuous surroundings and indulge in a glass of champagne or one of their famous Lychee Martinis. The Glamour Bar also hosts many evening events such as live music, book launches and wine talks. It's very popular though, so be sure to arrive before midnight unless you want to queue!

Take a break in People's Park
This tranquil area of greenery is a refuge from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai city. The park is built on the grounds of a former race track and just north of People's Square, where you'll find the main shopping street and a handful of museums. Within the park you'll find the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art and a charming bar at the edge of the pond. In the summer, many flock to People's Park to catch the beautiful pink lotus flowers that ring the pond bloom.

Take a mental picture of the Jade Buddha
This is one of the few active Buddhist monasteries in the city. The namesake of this temple is just under two metres high and lives in its own hall above the temple. Unfortunately, visitors are not permitted to take photographs of the statues, but it's certainly worth seeing during your holiday to Shanghai. On the ground floor there is a large stone Buddha that visitors are allowed to photograph.

Embrace being a tourist along Old Street
This renovated stretch of road dates back to the Qing-dynasty and is full of quirky tourist shops where you can pick up souvenirs and mementos of your trip. The bazaars are overflowing with traditional and wacky gifts, from jade jewellery and shadow puppets to beautifully painted kites and ornamental teapots.

Hunt for a masterpiece
Shanghai has a thriving modern art scene and there and plenty of galleries to visit. Many are housed in the north of town in the industrial buildings there with a mix of modern art, sculpture, photography and independent films.

This article was written by Thom Sanders, on behalf of Wendy Wu Tours, who offer a wide range of trips to China, including a selection of fantastic Shanghai holidays.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thom_Sanders

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Backpacking In Hong Kong

By Jonny Blair

Backpacking in China can also take you to Hong Kong. This colossal place has so many sights it will keep you occupied for hours and days. You can do it on a budget too and there is a huge history here. From cultural, religious and natural history up to the present day, this is a great city.
Let's have a look at some of the top sights in Hong Kong:
The Hong Kong skyline has been ranked number one in the top twenty skylines of the world, beating even New York for the spot. It truly is a sight to behold. There are many key spots you can visit to get the perfect view of the skyline at night. These include Kowloon, Victoria Peak and crossing on the ferry from Victoria Harbour.
The Big Buddha on Lantau Island is another major must-see, and there is no fee included in the experience. Consider carefully whether you prefer to take the cable car to the statue or if you would like to experience the hike up the stairs and though the plush green surroundings before reaching the top. Note that this is a prime spot for tourists and children and that the area may very well be crowded. Arriving as early as possible will provide more of a spiritual experience.
There are a few quiet spots to sample in Hong Kong too, including Nan Lian Garden. Hong Kong has its peaceful parts too for sure and it's good to get out of the city hub at times too and sample this peaceful life. They are inspired and influenced by gardens in some of China's main provinces.
The Hong Kong Park is an attraction in the middle of the city that offers multiple activities and sights. Walk through the aviary to see beautiful birds and butterflies or take a trip to the zoo. There is a Tai Chi garden for a moment of peace and quiet and also a tea ware museum and view tower. The man made waterfall and lake are beautiful, with fish and turtles to see.
Dragon's Back is a hiking trail that offers some of the best sights of the city. This easy to moderate climb takes just a couple of hours and allows visitors to see the city from a different perspective. The scenery is quite breathtaking and there is the option to continue hiking to Big Wave Beach for further fun.
All in all Hong Kong is a fantastic city and is the ultimate place to go travelling to when you think of Asia.

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Plan Your Backpacking Trip Around China

By Jonny Blair

When you decide to go backpacking and trekking through Yunnan Province in China you can look forward to the experience of your life. You get all the fresh air and exercise you need while getting close to nature and seeing some of the most astonishing scenery as you travel across the region. The Yunnan region is a popular tourist destination and offers many attractions.
Preparing for your trip of a life-time will require planning. You can start by downloading free maps and information about the Yunnan Provence from travel websites on the internet. You can also download free of charge a number of planned trip itineraries which have proved popular in the past with other travellers to the area.
There are several transport options for getting around, but you should plan ahead and whenever possible reserve your accommodation and transport. Local buses are available in Luoping and many other areas, but may be infrequent and do not always run to a timetable. Other transport options include hiring vans, bikes, horses and walking.
Yunnan Province is home to many areas of natural beauty and history. Tourist traffic can be fairly heavy during certain times of the year and it is advisable to book accommodation and transport prior to starting your vacation. Options along many of the trekking routes provide clean, comfortable but basic accommodation. The majority of the guest houses and hotels do have email internet access for their guests to use. The local people can provide visitors with detailed information and directions to all the best places to visit.
The hotels and guest houses can provide food or advise you on the best places to eat nearby. The local dishes are well worth experiencing. However, it is recommended that visitors should use bottled water instead of the local water supplies for drinking.
If you require medical services during your travels you will be able to access them in most areas. The costs for medical treatments are likely to be cheaper than they would be in your home country. However, some types of medication may not be readily available and it is important to take enough supplies to last for the duration of your trip.
You can plan your route through a variety of different environments and terrains. It is important that you have the physical ability to trek through different terrains. You will get a lot more enjoyment out of this experience if you have the right equipment and have planned in adequate periods of rest.

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