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 Hong Kong Attractions

Tsim Sha Tsui

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Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong is also known as the paradise of shopping is famous for its fast developing economy.  You can feel the vibrancy and have better understanding of the local culture on visiting this modern place. Among the many prosperous areas of Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui is the most famous and located in the south of the Kowloon Peninsula.

Tsim Sha Tsui is the concentration of shopping malls, stores, office buildings and restaurants. You will be confronted by the crowds of tourists and citizens and heavy traffic while walking on the streets. But you will find that everything is very ordered.

Tsim Sha Tsui

Tsim Sha Tsui

Nathan Road is leading road of Tsim Sha Tsui and other streets radiate from there. You can find many international brands grouped in these streets. The park Lane Shopper’s boulevard is very much famous for shopping and young people like roaming there for buying some fashionable clothes. If you are looking to buy some cosmetic products then you can go to the cosmetic stores in the Harbor City or Granville road for getting all kinds of cosmetic items.

You can also have the full sight of the Victoria Bay from this area and the other attractions are Avenue of Stars and Tsim Sha Tui Beach. The Avenue of star was build according to the one that is built in the Hollywood in USA. This lists the honored stars of the Hong Kong and inlaid into the surface of avenue. The beach of Tsim Sha Tsui is very much charming in the evening. The varied light of neon mingle together making the night becoming another colorful world.

Tsim Sha Tsui

Tsim Sha Tsui

In addition to this, the Hong Kong Space Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Art and Cultural Center also lie here. All these things make the Tsim Sha Tsui a perfect area for shopping, entertainment and education. If you are visiting Hong Kong then you should not miss visiting this area.

 

Posted in Hong Kong Attractions

Wong Tai Sin Temple

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Wong Tai Sin Temple is a Taoist temple which was established in the year 1921. It is the most famous temple of Hong Kong and renowned in the overseas in Southern Asia, America and Europe.

Wong Tai Sin Temple

Wong Tai Sin Temple

Wong Tai Sin Temple has been named after Wong Chuping. At the age of 15, Wong Chuping began following Taoism. After forty years, he achieved the enlightenment and became immortal. He was known as Wong Tai Sin since then. It is belived that he punishes the evils, rescues the dying and heals the wounded. The influence of Wong Tai Sin spread from the Guangdong Province to the Hong Kong in the early 20th century. With his power and mercy, his is said to grant whatever is requested. The temple of Wong Tai Sin is also known for its fortune telling. The fortune sticks or lots in Wong Tai Sin are very much accurate. Most of the people visiting this temple come for having their fortunes told. The worshippers generally entreat the fate of the same year. They kneel before the main altar, light worship sticks, make a wish, shake the bamboo cylinder which contains the fortune sticks until one falls out. The stick is exchanged for the piece of paper which bears the same number and the soothsayer interprets the fortune on the paper for the worshipper. Won Tai Sin has many devotees in hong Kong and the joss sticks and candles burn all round the year and especially during the Chinese Lunar Near year and Birthday of Wong Tai Sin which falls on the 23rd day of the eighth lunar month.

 

Wong Tai Sin Temple

Wong Tai Sin Temple

This temple is also called as Sik Sik Yuen. The architecture of Wong Tai Sin Temple resembles the traditional Chinese Temple style having grand red pillar, yellow lattice work, resplendent multi colored carvings and golden roof with blue friezes. Besides the Grand Hall or Daxiong-baodian, Sansheng hall and Good Wish Garden are worth seeing. There are there memorial archways on the temple ground and first one standing outside the temple is carved with the name of the temple. This temple is the ony temple which offers you the facility for holding the wedding ceremonies.

 

 

Posted in Hong Kong Attractions

The Avenue of Stars

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The Avenue of Stars is located in the Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon which was build to showcase the movie industry of Hong Kong, movie stars, its history and those who are working behind the scenes. It is 440 meters or 481 yard long waterfront promenade which extends from the Hong Kong Museum Art to the New World Center. It was completed in April in the year 2004 costing HK$ 40,000,000. Its architecture was modeled after the Avenue of Stars of Hollywood of USA.

The avenue of stars

The avenue of stars

There are tablets inlaid of 73 movie celebrities on the surface of the avenue. 30 of them have also left their handprints on their tables which include Jackie Chan, Andy Lau and Jet Lee. There is a three meter bronze statue of Kung Fu star Bruce Lee standing on the avenue. Hong Kong was the starting point of the movie career of Bruce Lee. Later, he left here for the Holly wood and made many famous Kung Fu movies which were enjoyed by the audiences all around the world.

There is a bronze simulation of the Oscar statue and a small stage for the performances at the entrance of the avenue. On walking along the avenue, you can find many souvenir booths, snack shop and some statues related to movies and benches for sitting and resting. There are roaming Star Ambassadors on the roller skates which offer assistance when needed.

The Avenue of Stars

The Avenue of Stars

You can also get the view of the popular Victoria Harbor promenading on the avenue. You can also enjoy the performance of a symphony of lights at night. It is a spectacular laser and light show which is synchronized to music. There are decorative plants along the shoreline and a metal handrail which will prevent you falling into the ocean below along the sidewalk. You can also see many tall buildings on the Hong Kong Island from here.

 

Posted in Hong Kong Attractions

Repulse Bay

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Repulse Bay is located in the south of the Hong Kong Island and it is the most spectacular bay of this region. Its name has been derived from the battle of 19th century in which the British army repulsed the attacking pirates. Now days, Repulsive Bay is the most luxurious area for relaxation, dining and aquatic activities.

Repulse Bay

Repulse Bay

This beach starches along the clear blue water which gently lap the seashore. It has golden and soft sand and the temperature of water ranges between 16ºC to 26ºC throughout the year. It is mecca for the visitors and the locals to escape from the heat.

Swimming is the popular activity of this bay which is outfitted with safety and shark prevention nets and floating platforms. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer time. Besides the aquatic activities you can also enjoy extensive facilities. Barbecue racks are available under the shades near this beautiful beach. Apart from this, there are several hotels, cafes and supermarkets. A lighthouse which is near the beach is one of the famous places for taking photographs. You can also view the sunset which is really charming. The Zhenhai Tower Park is built in the traditional style of china and located near the beack. There are huge statues of Queen of heaven and God of Mercy in front of the park.

Repulse Bay

Repulse Bay

The Repulse Bay Tower was rebuilt on the site of Repulse Bay hotel and it is now a building for residence. You can find many shops and restaurant on the Front of the Repulse Bay Shopping Plaza. In addition to this, you can also go to the Deep Water way, South Bay or Middle Bay to spend quality time. These beaches are perfect for water activities and not much far from the Repulsive Bay. If you are looking for a great time in summer in China then this could be an ideal destination for you and your family.

 

 

Posted in Hong Kong Attractions

Victoria Peak

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If you consider the city of Hong Kong a jade during the day then it becomes a luminous pearl in the sea of light which twinkles in the streets after the dark. You might be wondering about which one is the best place for enjoying the multi-colorful night scenes in Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong. Victoria peak is one of the best locations for viewing its night scenes. It is about 554 meters or 1817 feet above the sea level and it is the highest point in the Hong Kong occupying the western part of the island.

 

victoria peak

victoria peak

You can take peak tram to reach the Victoria Peak enjoying the pleasant ride while ascending the mountain. This tram is in operation for more than hundred years and till date, not a single accident has ever occurred. It takes about 8 minutes in tram to reach to the summit where you can see the seven storied building which is in the shape of a ship. There are many attractions on this peak tower like Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong and Peak Explorer Motion Simulator.

If you wish to take the photo with your favorite sports or movie stars, then you can visit the Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. This museum has more than 100 wax works of different celebrities from all works of life from the middle ages to present day including the President Hu Jintao. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Auditorium is situated on the second and third floors of this Peak Tower. It has more than 450 bizarre exhibits collected from all over the world. The fourth floor of this peak has Explorer Motion Simulator which welcomes all the visitors with high tech sound system, projectors and motion chairs. You can look at the images on the screens by sitting on the chair and it will appear like you are actually there and witnessing the things happening around you. You can enjoy beautiful experience there.

victoria peak

victoria peak

Posted in Yangtze River Attractions

Huangling Temple

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Huangling Temple is located at the foot of the Huangniu Mountain at the southern bank of the Yangtze River in the Xiling Gorge Section. It is the oldest and largest ancient architectures of the Three Gorges Area.

It was build during the Spring and Autumn period of about 770 BC to 476 BC and was commemorated Da Yu, who was a hero who controlled the floods in the Chinese history and the yellow ox who has helped Da Yu in controlling the water. Therefore it is also called as Yellow Ox Temple.  During the time of the Song Dynasty, the Oyang Xiu who was a reputed rlitterateur and the county magistrate has changed its name to the Huangling Temple thinking that there was no yellow ox that has helped Da Yu.

Huangling Temple

Huangling Temple

This temple was used in the previous times for devotions and prayers. But, due to the several wars, it has been destroyed as well as rebuilt several times. The one present now has been rebuilt in the 1618 century in the Ming Dynasty. The temple Gate, Wuhou Temple or Zhuge Liang Memorial Hall, Yuwang Dian or The Hall of Da Yu is the main sections of this temple.

On Disembarking from Yangtze River you can see the antique drama playing stage after passing through the temple gate. Yuwan Dian is situated opposite to the flat and it is consider as the main architectural feature of this temple. It is also supported magnificiently by the 36 poles which are carved with the nine lifelike dancing dragons. The left of the hall records the flood water lever for more than 120 years. There is a huge board which states that the flood has reached here in the 1870 which was recorded as the most severe flood of Yangtze River ever.  There are two wooden plaques in the hall and one of them is written by Cixi.

Wuhou Temple is towards the right of the Yuwang Dian. It is the only plaque now which can be seen from inside. There is a garden behind the temple with the cycas revolute thumb which is believed to have been planted by Zhuge Liang which was a great strategist during the period of Three Kingdoms. There is a well in the yard and it is always full even in the years of drought.

 

Huangling-Temple

Huangling-Temple

Posted in Yangtze River Attractions

Sanyou Cave

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Sanyou Cave is the sheer cliff in the northern side of the Xiling Gorge which is about 6 miles or 10 kilometers away from the Yichang City and offers the best cave scenery of the Three Gorges area. Since the period of Tang Dynasty, for many centuries poets have came here for seeing the scenery and have left the poetic inscriptions. Through human destruction and natural erosion, most of the inscriptions in this cave and around it have been now destroyed. But, it is still a good highlight to see the spectacular view of the Three Gorges area for the scenery and the old inscriptions which are still left there. Highlight at that site is watching the cave, seeing the scenery, walking on the path from the cave to the Xhinxin Pavilion and ancient inscription.

Sanyou Cave

Sanyou Cave

Sanyou Cave means Cave of the Three Travelers and these caves were named so because three of the poets of Tang Dynasty and officials namely baijuyi, Yuanzhen and Baixingjian, which are believed to have visited here. Many other poets as well as famous people came to this cave and left inscriptions. This cave is about 30 meters long and 23 meters wide and about 9 meters in height. It was formed by the stalagmites and natural erosion separating the cave into tow chamber. The bigger chamber having about 40 inscriptions is in the front. Ou Yangxiu who had a great Song era literati has left an inscription here.

There are some inscriptions left on the flat rock faces by many ancient visitors for a longer period of time. However, the themes of most of the inscriptions are almost same. They have praised the fantastic cave scenery. Variation can be found in the inscription due to the changes in the Chinese language the different eras as well as difference in the individual styles. You can see varied examples of many styles like clerical script, regular script, running script, cursive hand and seal characters. There is a small path leading to the Zhixin Pavilion from the cave entrance. You can get a view of the beautiful scenery of the Yangtze River.

Sanyou Cave

Sanyou Cave

Posted in Yangtze River Attractions

Three Gorges Museum

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Three Gorges Museum is situated to the opposite of the Chongqing People’s Hall. It is the largest monographic museum as well as the public undertaking for the education, preservation and scientific research in respect of natural environment and cultural relics of Chongqing and the Three Gorges area.

The exterior of museum has vitreous dome and cambered wall which represent the historical culture of Three Gorges Project as well as its origin. In addition there are bronze sculptures, large scale reliefs and Ecological Corridor which is about one kilometer in length.

This museum occupies whole area of about 42,497 sq. meters and the exhibition halls covers an area of about 23,225 square meters and houses  four basic displays. Glorious Three Gorges reflects the historical and cultural spirit of Three Gorges.

Three Gorges Museum

Three Gorges Museum

Ancient Ba-Yu represents the origin and development of the Chongqing history. In Chongqing, the city road describes the changes in the Chongqing City in 20th century.  Anti-Japanese War recorded the wartime ordeals of people in Chongqing. Those six displays the calligraphies and paintings, porcelain, coins of various dynasties, sculptures of Han Dynasty, cultural relics donated by Li Chuli, Folk customs of the people of southwest China and sculptures of Hand Dynasty.

Another important part of this museum exhibits the 180 degree panorama of the war torn Chongqing depicting the city. When it was the provisional capital of china, it has been subjected to the substantial bombardment by the Japanese for many decades. There is a 360 degree cinema of Three gorges which mainly shows the social and natural sceneries of the Three Gorges prior to the construction of this dam project.

 

Three Gorges Museum

Three Gorges Museum

Posted in Yangtze River Attractions

Shennong Stream

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Shennong Stream

Shennong Stream lies on the border between Xiling Gorge and Wu Gorge. It rises from the main peak of Shennong Jia which is the first peak in the centre of China and flows through the Badong country and ultimately flows into the River Yangtze via Wu Gorge. If you cruise along the stream in a boat, you will be immersed in the wonders of the zigzagging watercourses, the canzonet by the boat tracker, the primitive environment and the mysterious cultures along banks.

Along with the elegance, grandeur and danger of the Yangtze River, this stream has its own unique scenery. It is having four natural gorges namely Mianzhu, Chengnong, Longchang and Yingwu and each one having their own unique characteristics.

Shennong Stream

Shennong Stream

Mianzhu Gorge among the four gorges is known for its danger. The river bed is narrow as well as falls steeply. Having more than 30 dangerous shoals, it challenges everyone along the route of 2.5 miles. Although you will be reassured that you will be drifting safely along this section by the skilled boatmen, your heart will beat fastly. Stalactites hang on the both sides of this bank and are sure that you do not miss the beautiful scenery.

Yingwu Gorge is known for its elegance and the evergreen vegetation along its bank remains beautiful throughout the year. A gorge with flowers which blossom in all season and fountain of three colors looks fantastic. The larges karst cave of Shennong Stream lies in this section. The Longchang Gorge is having unique human landscape. The mysterious and ancient plank road and suspended wooden coffins are some of the attraction of this section.

Shennong Stream

Shennong Stream

You can find small open sampans or peapod boats by the locals while drifting along the Shennong Stream which is a unique method for seeing the natural scenery, flavor of Tujia and the ancient village. You will love the serene natural beauty with the local Tujia flavor, historical relics and the brave boat trackers and this will make your trip a memorable one.

 

 

Posted in Yangtze River Attractions

Chinese Sturgeon Museum

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Chinese Sturgeon museum is part of the Chinese Sturgeon Garden located in the Xiaoxita Town in the Yichang of the Hubei Province. This museum was set up in the year 1993 by the Chinese Sturgeon research institute. This institute aims at preserving the rare species of Chinese Sturgeon which includes the 27 species of sturgeon that is still exiting in the world.

 

Chinese Sturgeon Museum

Chinese Sturgeon Museum

Chinese sturgeon is also known as the Green Sturgeon which is a kind of migration fish. It lived on earth about 140 million years and the Chinese sturgeon is one of the oldest vertebrate between chondrichthian and bony fish. In this case, the Chinese Sturgeon is also called as the living fossils. Chinese sturgeon is the king of freshwater fish for it lives the longest and is the largest. An adult sturgeon weighs more than 200 Kilograms and it is about 4 meters or 13 feet long. A mature Chinese sturgeon, over the age 14 years for the female sturgeon can lay nearly 0.3 to 1.3 million egg at a time. However, more than 90% of these eggs become the food for the other fish like yellow cartfish and bronze gudgeon. So, the considerable reduction in the number of this specie makes it highly prized variety of the Chinese sturgeon.

Sturgeon

Chinese Sturgeon in China is mainly distributed over the trunk stream of River Yangtze. From summer to autumn every year, a school of Chinese sturgeon migrates to the upper reaches of the Yangtze River from the shallow sea area out of the estuary of Yangtze River and lay eggs in their hometown. However, since the Gezhouba Water Conservancy Project was build in the year 1980, the migration of Chinese Sturgeon route has been obstructed by the dam. Therefore, the Chinese sturgeons have lost their spawning area for the reproduction of offspring which has put their survival at risk. However, efforts are being made for their conservation.