China Travel Guide

China (中国; Zhōngguó), officially known as the People's Republic of China (中华人民共和国 Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó) is a huge country in Eastern Asia (about the same size as the United States of America) with the world's largest population. With coasts on the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, in total it borders 14 nations. It borders Afghanistan, Pakistan (through the disputed territory of Kashmir), India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam to the south; Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to the west; Russia and Mongolia to the north and North Korea to the east. This number of neighbouring states is equalled only by China's vast neighbour to the north, Russia.

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Posted in Shanghai Attractions

Jade Buddha Temple

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Jade Buddha Temple is one of the famous and venerable Buddhist temples, which is situated in the western part of Shanghai which is a very flourishing and modern city. This temple was built in the year 1882 and has two statues of jade Buddha which has been brought by the monk Huigen from Burma. This temple was however destroyed during overthrew revolution during the Qing Dynasty. The statues were fortunately saved and this new temple was again built at the same site in the year 1928 and known as the Jade Buddha Temple.

Jade Buddha Temple

Jade Buddha Temple

These two statues of jade Buddha are precious and work of porcelain artwork. They are rare cultural relics. Both of these Recumbent Buddha and Sitting Buddha are carved using whole white jade. The crystal clear and sparkling white jade gives the statue of Buddha the beauty and make them vivid. The statue of sitting Buddha is about 1.9 meters in height and is encrusted by the emerald and agate. This statue depicts the moment of the enlightenment and meditation of Buddha.

The Recumbent Buddha is about one meter long and lies on the right side. It has the right hand supporting head and left hand placed on the left leg. This pose is known as lucky repose. The sedate face depicts the peaceful mood of Sakyamuni while he has left this world. This temple also has the another statue of Recumbent Buddha which is about four meters long and was brought here from Singapore in the year 1989 by tenth abbot of this temple. You can also found many ancient paintings and scriptures related to Buddhism at different places in this hall.

The history of Jade Buddha temple is not so long but the classical architecture styles of old-time make it inimitable and unique in the modern town of Shanghai. Mavavira Hall, Devajara Hall and the Tower of Jade Buddha make the main structure of this temple. The Amitabha Dian Hall, Kwan-yin Hall, Recumbent Buddha Hall and the Dining-Room are at the sides. There are more than seven thousand Dazang sutras which are kept in the Tower of Jade Buddha are inestimable culture relics.

Jade Buddha Temple

Statue of Buddha

This is the best place to visit also if you are not a Buddhist. The transcendent and peaceful atmosphere adds the richness to this temple from the busy and modern society.

Posted in Beijing Attractions

Water Cube

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Water Cube

Water Cube

The National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube, is located on Olympic park and it is one of the symbolic architectures covering a capacity of 17, 000 seats including 6,000 permanent and 11,000 temporary for the Olympics Games. Built at December 2003 and finished at January 2008, the Water Cube is the main natatorium for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 where the swimming, diving, synchronized swimming and water polo sport events were held at that time and where Michael Phelps—the great champion of swimmer got eight medals then. It has been known as one of the Games’ iconic structures after the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games.

water cube

water cube

The competition hall of the Cubic Water is its key area with its length 116 meters, width 70 meters, height 30 meters and area 8,120 square meters. There are two swimming pool inside it, whose standard is 25 meters * 50 meters, depth of water 3 meters; jumpping pool 25 meters * 30 meters with about 4.5 meters to 5.5 meters water depth. The good-quality air, natural light, excellent sound effect together with the graceful architectural design make the atmosphere of the inner Cubic Water comfortable, enjoyable and excited. It is now a multi-functional center for sports, recreation and fitness. The amusement water park inside it is the one of the large-size water parks in China featuring world-standard facility, where you will surely enjoy yourself there.

Water Cube

Water Cube

Tips: 1) Opening time:  Swimming Pool: 12:30 p.m. to 17:30 p.m. for the normal days and 9:00 a.m. to 20:30 p.m. For the weekends ; The Amusement Water Park: 10:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m.; 2) Ticket price: 30 Yuan/ adult for the Water Cube visit only; 50 yuan/ adult for swimming only 200 yuan/ adult including water amusement park; 3) Ways to go there: type 1—subway: take Line 10 to Beitucheng Stop and then transfer to Line 8 to get off at Olympic Green Stop. Use Exit A and walk southwards for 5 to 8 minutes to the entrance of the Southeast Gate of Water Cube; type2—city public buses: take the No. 696, 689, 658, 753, 660, 839, 944, 983, 939, 407, 386, 611, 82, 538, 81, 86 to the Olympic Green Stop.

Posted in Beijing Attractions

The Summer Palace

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Located in the Haiding District with a distance about 15 kilometers away from the Beijing City center and an area of 290 hectares, the the Summer Palace is the biggest and the best-preserved imperial garden in China nowadays, and it is one of the four famous gardens in China also. It is a large-scale mountain and water garden and also a completely-preserved imperial palace garden which sets the Kunming Lake and the Longevity Hill as the base address, and uses the scenery of the West Lake in Hangzhou as the blueprint, and absorbs some design methods and atmosphere. It has been honored as the ” Royal Garden Museum.”

The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace, also called Yiheyuan and The Garden of Harmonious Unity,  is an outstanding example of imperial parks and private gardens characteriezd by both northern and southern China and it is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design, where you can view the beautiful and natural landscape inluding hills, pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges with fantastic charm. Famous both for its general design and its individual structures, the Summer Palace shows its unique beauty and do not forget to view its official sector in its  eastern part and its Long Corridor, which is one of the longest of its kind in Chinese history. The Palace Theatre and the Marble Boat should not be missed also during your visit to the Summer Palace.

The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace

Travel Tips: 1) Opening time and ticket price: 6:30 a.m. – 18:00 p.m. for the entrance in the peak season from 1st, April to 31st, October with the ticket price of 30 RMB/ adult;  7:00 a.m. – 17:00 p.m.for the entrance in the slack season from 1st November to 31st March with the ticket price of 20 RMB/ adult. 2)Best time to visit: summer is the best time to visit the Summer Palace as the weather is temperate at that time. Winter is not recommended time for you to visit there as the lake is frozen and the cruise is not available then. 3) How to get there: Take the no.4 subway line to the North Palace Gate or the West Garden and then walk in the west direction for 500 meters from the Tongqing Street to the East Palace Gate of the Summer Palace. 4) Do not forget wear those shoes which are suitable for long walk.

Posted in Beijing Attractions

The Bird’s Nest—Main Architecture of the China’s National Stadium

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The Bird’s Nest

The Bird’s Nest

Being the main architecture of the China’s National Stadium, the Bird’s Nest is located in the south of the central area of the Beijing Olympic Park. It is the main stadium of the 29th Olympic Games in 2008. Covering a floor area of 21 hectares with the architecture area of 158,000 square meters, the Bird’s Nest offers a capacity of 91,000 seats for the audience inside and 11,000 seats for temporary

Audiences. The opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics and the Paralympics, the track and field events and the Football final competition are all held here. It has been the large-scale professional site where Beijing citizens wildly take part in and enjoy Sports and Entertainment after the finish of the Olympic Games in 2008. Moreover, it has been the Olympics heritage and the Sports Architecture with the Landmarks character.

The Bird’s Nest

The Bird’s Nest

Being the world’s largest steel structure and the most complex stadium ever constructed, the construction of the Bird’s Nest began on December 24, 2003, and was completed in March, 2008, whose cost totals more than 423 million dollars, a tiny fraction of the 40 billion USD spent on Beijing in preparation for the Olympics. In order to make it much more magnificent and majestic, it’s built on the city’s north-south axis, which also includes the Forbidden City, Tian’an men Square and the Temple of Heaven.The main feature of the Bird’s Nest is that its eastern and western stands are higher than northern and southern stands in order to improve sightlines. Viewing in outside, you’ll find it unbelievable and unspeakable.

Then significance of the Bird’s Nest, most professors in the area of the architecture think is that is it not only set up a symbolic building with the unique history character for the Olympic games in 2008, it also has creative effect on the history of the world architecture, and provides great historical witness to the development of the architectures for both China and the whole world in 21 century.

Posted in Shanghai Attractions

Fengjing Ancient town Shanghai

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Fengjing Ancient town is situated at the southwest part of Shanghai. It is about 57 Km from Shanghai City. It has been known for very long time as the ancient water town and it is one of the four most famous towns of south China. Fengjing Ancient town has history over 15 hundred years. It is demarcated by the boundary river in center and it is separated from the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces in the year 1430 during the reign of Ming Dynasty.

Fengjing Ancient town Shanghai

Fengjing Ancient town Shanghai

You will find many building of the town resembling the style of Ming and Qing. You will find two-story structures mainly of timber and brick with black-tile-covered roofs and white washed walls. Each of this having dooryard, wing-rooms and walkway. The total area covered by the old residences of the four main streets is about 12 acres and unmovable cultural relics of Shanghai are included among these nine locations.

This town is boasted with 52 bridges which surround the water network. Zhihe Bridge which has lichen in the crevices of stones was build during the Yuan Dynasty. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the old houses and tress by standing on this bridge. You can also enjoy the beautiful view of red lantern which hangs under the back eaves during the night adding the beauty to the bridge. Another famous bridge is the Rainbow Bridge which is also distinct.

Fengjing Ancient town is full of old customs and culture of china and it is attracting a great number of foreign as well as domestic travelers. You can view the life of local people here and enjoy the tea sips at local tea shops. You can also get a chance to listen the local operas when there is a performance.

Fengjing Ancient town Shanghai

Fengjing Ancient town Shanghai

Paintings of Jinshan Peasant also flourished and originated in Fengjing Ancient town. It has a unique style of art and influenced a lot at abroad and home. It also favors the Fengjing home of the Chinese folk painting. You can also find many other folk crafts like furniture-carving, blue allover, Festival lanterns, kitchen mural, embroidery and paper-cuts. This town is also famous for the cotton textile and the cloths produced here are considered to be a good brand of China. You can also try to make your own handicraft in person. This place if full of diversity in religion as you can find different religion temples likes Buddhism, Taoism, catholic as well as other Christian Churches.

Posted in Shanghai Attractions

Qibao Ancient Town

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Qibao Ancient Town is located in the center of the Minhang District, Shanghai. It is situated at a distance of about 20 kilometers from the downtown area of Qibao Ancient Town. It can easily satisfy your curiosity regarding ancient water township and you need not bother about the rush of crowds or long distance.

Qibao Ancient Town

Qibao Ancient Town

It is the only ancient town which forms the greater part of Shanghai. It has history over thousand years and Qiabo is much more than the ancient Chinese conurbation and the urban planning. This town was built during the Northern Song Dynasty and became a prosperous business center during Qing and Ming Dynasties. Qibao means seven treasures in Chinese and there are two theories about its derivation. The most reliable says that this name originates from Qibao Temple, which is famous for good reputation. This is very much responsible for the development of culture and business which was unknown previously. The other theory is popular among local people who have some folk tales about the seven treasures. These are the iron Buddha which was made by Ming Dynasty, Bronze bell also from the same Dynasty but they have appeared from nowhere. Other treasures include Jade axe, catalpa tree, gold cockerel and a pair of jade Chopsticks. Out of these seven treasures, only four can be verified and only the bell and the scripture are existence till date.

It has been dating for the period of five dynasties and Ten states. It is mainly extended and renovated during the period of Ming Dynasty. This temple has held the high regard by the local people as not only due to its seven treasures but due to its splendid appearance as well as its significance to the development of Qibao Town. This temple covered the area more than 140 acres and excluding the area of 22 acres by the surrounding rivers which blossomed in the Ming Dynasty. The revered monk called Jing used to interpret and study the scriptures here and it was recorded in the inscriptions which is carved in the bronze bell. This temple was rebuilt in the year 2002 which later covered area more than 150 acres and it was opened for public in the following year. The new Qibao Temple has new designs with buildings and gardens having unique architectural styles of Han and Tang Dynasty.

Qibao Ancient Town

Qibao Ancient Town

In late spring, when the peaches in Longhua Park are in full blossom and the temple fair (on the 3rd March, lunar calendar) is under way, large numbers of visitors and pilgrims will come and the Longhua will become a place of great hustle and bustle.

 

Posted in Shanghai Attractions

Longhua Pagoda & Longhua Temple

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Located on the Longhua Road at the south of the city, Longhua Park is famous for the ancient Longhua Temple, Longhua Pagoda, the Evening Bell-Striking Ceremony and the peach blossoms.

First built in 242 AD, which is during the period of the Three Kingdoms, Longhua Temple is the oldest temple in Shanghai for its long history of over 1700 years. Because of the several destructions by the wars, most of the buildings here were reconstructed during the reign of the Emperor Tongzhi and Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty.

Longhua Pagoda

Besides its long history, Longhua Temple is the largest temple in Shanghai. It occupies an area of over 20,000 square meters (five acres) and the architectural proportion is about 5,000 square meters (one point two acres). Along the 194 meters long (637 feet) axis are the Maitreya Hall (Miledian), Devajara Hall (Tianwangdian), Mahavira Hall (Daxiongbaodian), Three Sages Hall (Sanshengdian), Abbot’s Hall (Fangzhangshi) and the Sutras Keeping Hall (Cangjinglou) which keeps the three treasures of the temple including the Dazang sutras, the gold seals and the Buddhist statues. Accessory halls on the two sides are the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower, both of them are furnished with the same hexagonal windows and the curved eaves. The whole courtyard was built strictly in the style of traditional Buddhist symmetry and it’s in accordance with the Chinese concept of beauty.

A venerable copper bell which is two meters in height, one point three meters in diameter and weighs five tons (11,023 pounds) is placed on the three-storied Bell Tower. The Evening Bell-Striking Ceremony on 31st December is regarded as one of the eight great attractions of Shanghai. Welcoming the New Year in the melodious, heavenly sound of the bell is an interesting and memorable experience.

The seven-storied, 40.4 meters high Longhua Pagoda stands in front of the Longhua Temple, the brick body and the wooden staircases make up its main structure. Each storey is smaller than the storey below, and all the levels are encircled by balconies and banisters. Bells on each corner of the octagonal eaves make cheerful and lively sounds as the wind passes by. The pagoda has been rebuilt several times, but the style of the Song Dynasty still remains to today.

Longhua Pagoda & Longhua Temple

Longhua Pagoda & Longhua Temple

In late spring, when the peaches in Longhua Park are in full blossom and the temple fair (on the 3rd March, lunar calendar) is under way, large numbers of visitors and pilgrims will come and the Longhua will become a place of great hustle and bustle.

 

Posted in Shanghai Attractions

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

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Zhujiajiao Ancient town is located in the suburban area of Shanghai City and it is a well known ancient water town throughout the country. It is having history of more than 17 centuries. It covers an area of about 47 Sq Kilometers and it is like a little fan shaped down and glimmers like the bright pearl due to the presence of mountains and lakes.

 

Zhujiajiao Ancient town

Zhujiajiao Ancient town

It is also known as the Pearl Stream as this little town is well preserved in comparison to other four ancient towns of Shanghai. It has some unique old bridges, Small River which is shaded by willow trees, houses having courtyards. It is far away from the hustle and bustle of the modern cities and full of leisure, antiquity and tranquility.

 

It is said that visiting to Zhujiajaio is incomplete if you have not see the bridges. The bridges here are very much old as well as distinctive. They were mostly built during the reign of the emperors of Qing and Ming Dynasties. This old town is well connected by the 36 delicate spans which are in different styles and shapes from wood to stone to marble.

 

Fangsheng Bridge or Setting fish free bridge is the largest, tallest and longest stone bridge. It has five openings in both Shanghai and Zhujiajiao region. The construction of this bridge was completed in the year 1571. There is a stone table which stands on this bridge and called as Dragon Gate Stone. It is engraved with the eight coiling Dragons. There are four lifelike stone lions on the top of this bridge.

Zhujiajiao Ancient town

Zhujiajiao Ancient town

Lang Bridge is also known as Huimin bridge is the only one wooden bridge and it is one of the most featured spans of the town. It’s wooden bar on the two sides are upturned eaves above and look like a narrow corridor.

This town has the ancient street which is filled with the ancient building of the Ming and Qing Dynasty which attracts many domestic as well as foreign tourists. The North Street is one kilometer long and it is filled with historical building and it is very simple and premitive. You can also see the Ke Zhi Yuan Garden which was also build by the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

 

Posted in Shanghai Attractions

Shanghai Confucius Temple

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Confucius Temple is located at 215, Wenmiao Road and it is the only ancient architecture which is dedicated to Confucius in the central Shanghai. It was built in the year 1368-1398 for worshipping Confucius who was belived to be a great educator, thinker and founder of Confucianism in China. It has been one of the top learning institutions for several years in shanghai.

Shanghai Confucius Temple

Shanghai Confucius Temple

the temple of Confucius is one among the four ancient stone carving groups of china and famous as the Treasure house of the Stone Carving Art. It consists of more than 28 ancient buildings which is built with the large number of the stone carvings which includes Dacheng Hall, Xunjing Pagoda and Minlun Hall. Most of the building have been pulled down or destroyed and others are well preserved.

This temple has mainly three courtyards. The first among them consists of Minglun Hall, Jiexiao Hall and Panchi Pond and they all are well preserved. There is one bridge over Panchi and its archways are built using the lion heads and stone dragon. If you will walk through Lingxiang Gate, the carved stone arch you will come across the second courtyard, where you will find kuiwen Tower which were used by the emperors for stroring books and Zunjing Tower was used for storing scriptures. Both of these buildings are built with multiple eave roofs. At the centre of the Confucius Temple, lies the third courtyard which consists of Dacheng Hall, Dacheng Gate and Tower of bell and drum.

Shanghai Confucius Temple

Shanghai Confucius Temple

Dacheng Hall is the main building of the Confucius temple and has the main hall for worshipping Confucius. It has a look of great serenity and solemnity. In the southeast of this hall there is one huge ball which weighs 1.5 tons and is called Dacheng Bell. It is made using exquisite techniques. The shoulders of this bell are carved with the dragon patterns of autumn and Spring Period. On the lower part of the rim of bell there are four couples of the dragon which encircles the shining pearl towards each other. You can also see the carved paintings which depict the journey of Confucius made in 24 orderly lined carriages. It is told by the people that the sound of the Dacheng bell is very mellow and loud and it can last up to 3 minutes. There is open air in front of the Dacheng Hall’s main door and there is a statue of Confucius in Bronze holding sword. When you will enter the hall, you will find the golden statue of Confucius in the middle and besides this statue there are two outstanding students Zeng Shen and Yan Hui.

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Ancient Yi garden (Guyi Garden) Shanghai

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Ancient Yi garden is located in the Nanxiang which is a down in the Jiading District of Shanghai. It is located at a distance of 21 kilometers from the centre of the city. It was built by the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Jiajing. It was simply known as the Yi garden but when it was restored it is subsequently renamed.

Ancient Yi garden

Ancient Yi garden

This garden is the best garden among five other classical gardens of Shanghai. Other four gardens are Autumn Sightseeing Garden or Qiupu Garden, Drunk Pool Garden, Yuyan Garden and Zigzag Water Garden. It is divided mainly into four scenic areas i.e. Flower Fragrance park, Yi garden, Moonlit Bamboo Park and Crane in Stream pond. Ming Style architectures, Green Bamboos, path with Motifs, Tranquil and Poem Streams and Couplet Scrolls are its some of the features.

“Yi” name has been derived from the beautiful view of the bamboo. It is inspired by the poems in books of songs as well as the Odes to Qin which is a kind of musical instrument. Yi also reflects the artistic conception of the green bamboos. The traditional features of this garden are bamboos. In Yi garden Annals, it is recorded that the most beautiful scenery of the garden is the mountain which is covered with the bamboos. Green, graceful and elegant bamboos are present everywhere in the landscape.

Apart from the scenery of the bamboos, The Tranquil Pavillion, Angle Missing Pavilion, Moon Painting Corridor, White Crane pavilion are some of the scenic spots in Ancient Yi Garden. The buildings and Pavilions here are featured virtually in the typical Jianganan residences. All the buildings are constructed around the water which presents the artistic conception of the pavilions which are surrounded by water as well as mountains showing their elegance despite of their number.

Ancient Yi garden

Ancient Yi garden

The buildings are decorated with the pantiles and tiles and designed with the hollowed out patterns at the roof ridges. The gates, eaves and windows are painted with the elegant colors. All the patterns and designs of the building depict the typical style of Ming Dynasty. on the top of the Bamboo hill, Angle Missing Pavilion is located. It is the patriotic symbolization which was built for recording the anger of the Chinese people during the invasion of the three provinces of the north-east china. Therefore, the pavilion feature three angles the lost angle out of four angles represent the loss of three province of the northeastern china of that time.