Archive for the ‘China’ Category

Hong Kong

Friday, November 6th, 2009

Hong Kong (香港) meaning “fragrant harbour” is one of the two Special Administrative Regions in China, with the second one being Macau. Hong Kong consists of 236 islands situated on China’s south coast, enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea. Hong Kong has developed itself to a globe’s top financial center with a capitalist economy. It’s skyline and harbor are breath taking. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 7,1 million people.

Hongkong today is one of the most important and popular travel destinations in China. The city has absorbed people and cultural influences from places all over the world and therefore its also a unique travel destination which is often referred to as a center the city “where east meets the west” which reflects in its daily life, streets, cuisine, music and traditions.

Aside from its chaotic traffic scene, busy streets, gigantic sky scrapers and thousands of bright advertising signs the city of Hong Kong can also be hushed and peaceful with fine dining experiences trying Chinese cuisine, excellent transport network around town, massive and sublime shopping malls, quiet temples and spacious parks and gardens. Another Hong Kong sightseeing include the vantage point at Vicoria Peak overlooking the world’s busiest deep water port which is outstanding and breathtaking.

Getting round in the city, it’s easiest method is the subway system. All of the signs are in English language as well, though metered taxi’s are widely available. According to South Asian standards, not the cheapest of them all though a 20 minute taxi from center Hong Kong to Victoria Peak (20 minutes) cost us about $6 US. Taxi’s are the most expensive (public) transportation available in the city.

Travelers to Hongkong need a valid passport and visa. While the city is relatively safe, the common travel concerns include presence of pickpockets, thieves and thick city smog. The best period to visit Hongkong is between May and September when there’s the best temperature. On average it does rain more in these months than in periods throughout the year.

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Macau

Friday, November 6th, 2009

The island and city of Macau (澳門) also known as Macoa is a Special Administrative Region of China. In total there’s two SAR regions in China, with the second being Hong Kong. Macau is situated on the west side of the Pearl River Delta bordering the Guangdong province in the north, facing the South China Sea in east and south. The city of Macau is driven mainly on tourist industry, but also includes exporting textiles, electronics and toys.

As the city of Macau is located in China but has their own responsibility towards their territory, it can make their own laws and legal system, police force and immigration policy. Allowing the city to turn in any possible direction they are willing go for, giving gambling, prostitution, nightlife and foreign investors a chance to play open card. Some already say it’s the Las Vegas of the Orient.

The reasoning that people call it Las Vegas of Asia is because all the main hotels located on the strip of Vegas are situated in the center of Macau including the Wynn, Venetian, MGM Grand and the Sands mixed in between buzzing night and sex clubs and other gigantic Casino’s which are 24 hours in business. You might wonder yourself, why not just go to Vegas? The answer lies in the history and culture of the Chinese city.

Macau today is still as mysterious as it once was, streets are filled up fortune tellers, Buddhist monks, tea houses and traditional massage parlors. It’s sightseeing includes breathtaking ruins, churches, museums and acient markets. A famous and oldest temple in town is the Á Ma Temple founded in 1488. World class museums like the Museum of Macau, Maritime Museum Grand Prix Museum and Macau Museum of Art are often visited by curious tourists and can break the day nicely. For a visit to the Ruins of St. Paul’s and St. Dominic Church make sure to bring along your camera.

Travelers to Macau need a valid passport and visa. While the city is relatively safe, the common travel concerns include presence of pickpockets and thieves. The best period to visit Macau is between May and September when there’s the best temperature. On average it does rain more in these months than in periods throughout the year.

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Shanghai

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

Shanghai (上海) is the largest city in China, directly followed by Beijing. The city of Shanghai is situated on China’s central eastern coast, at the mouth of the Yangtze River. The city is administered as a municipality of the People’s Republic of China with a province level status. As of latest measurement the city has a total population of 19 million people.

Originally a textile and fishing village, Shanghai grew its way into importance in the 19th century with one of the main reason it’s favorable located port, nowadays after subsequent and long term foreign investments Shanghai has become the largest cargo port, and one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. The city’s most interesting sightseeing includes its historical landmarks such as the Bund and City God Temple, and its ever breathtaking and expanding Pudong skyline with a not to miss Oriental Pearl Tower which adds to the reputation of a modern city.

Today, Shanghai is a gigantic city where people from different culture life together, which truly shows the dualistic face of poor and rich, modern and old fashion on every side of the street. The old city center in the Yu Yuan area you can find the oldest streets of China, which you can find old city buildings and markets like the Yu Yuan Market where you can buy hand crafted sculptures and local souvenirs. When you are looking for modern Shanghai, head to the sights. It’s a good starting point for a boat trip on the Huangpu river.

Shanghai’s cuisine can be compared to its citizens and culture, characterized as sweet and oily, which is the most common method of preparation used in Shanghai, it brings freshness and balance to the food, with great attention to the taste of sweet and sour. Seafood, retains a great popularity in Shanghai’s cuisine, often served meals include braised fish, steam fish and shellfish, or stir friend shellfish. When purchasing at a street vendor, be aware that some dishes are far from fresh and often the remains of last week left overs.

Travelers to Shanghai need a valid passport and visa. While small theft, pickpockets, thieves and thick city smog is presence, the city is relatively safe for travelers. The best period to visit Shanghai is between May and September as those are the best temperature months. Though it also rains more in these months based on yearly average.

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Beijing

Friday, March 27th, 2009

Beijing (北京) is the capital of the most populous country in the world named China with a total population of 1.3 billion people. The capital city Beijing is massive and has a population of 17.5 million people, it’s the second largest city after Shanghai. With time Beijing turned from a traditional structure to a busy commercial district that matches Western standards.

China’s ancient majesty continues to draw travelers to the city. A famous tourist attraction for both local and international travelers is the somber Tiananmen Square, surrounded by Soviet-style buildings & guarded by four marble lions. The square is also the location of Mao’s Mausoleum. Another landmark destination while visiting Beijing is The Forbidden City. The city was the center of Eastern society for about five centuries and nowadays the seat of the Ming & Qing dynasties. To this day, it has remained untouched by the modernity surrounding it.

The Great Wall lies about 70 miles from the city. This majestic wonder can be viewed from Jinshanling and Simatai, where the wall has been kept authentic. A trip here is only meant for the sportive traveler since it involves steep climbs and crumbling stones, which are worthwhile to reach the stunning spectacle view.

Travelers to Beijing need a valid passport and visa. While the city is relatively safe, the common travel concerns include presence of pickpockets, thieves and thick city smog. The best period to visit Beijing is between May and September when there’s the best temperature. On average it does rain more in these months than in periods throughout the year.

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