Friday 8 August 2014

Well Conceived Huangshan Tours Make Better Memories

Wreathed in sultry but spectral misty folds, the twisted pines and archetypal granite peaks of Hangzhou make your China and shanghai private tour more memorable. Organizers of your well conceived Huangshan tour ensure that you enjoy these and the many other idyllic views of the region in the best possible way –without hurting your wallet or going through any unwarranted travel hassles that may leave you wanting for more.

Legions of painters and poets have been drawing upon their inspiration from the iconic beauty of Hangzhou. Though the flurry of artists looking for an escape from the maddening urban crowds have been replaced by the hustle and bustle of crowds of tourists; the city continues to exude its eternal charm and rewards visitors with many moments of unearthly views, tranquility and quietude.

Read on for some exciting ways of making your Huangshan tour all the more fun-filled and value-oriented by visiting these locations that are a far removed from the standard tourist places mentioned in your guide book.

Nánpíng near Western Villages (Yixiàn)

Boasting of a history that dates back 1100 years, the labyrinthine and intriguing village of Nánpíng is situated 5kms to the western precincts of Yixiàn town. Reputed for being the venue of Zhang Yimou’s tragedy that took place in 1989; the main draws of this colorful hotspot are the stunning locales of the Hidden Dragon and Crouching Tiger.

Tachuana

Just 3km away from Hóngcun lies the quaint and pretty hamlet of Tachuana. Mostly visited for its stunning scenery and panoramic views of the lush valleys beyond, this heavenly destination is an eclectic mix of shades of orange, yellow, green and brown during autumn—making it haven for photographers, tourists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Guanlù

Ranking high on the itinerary of Shanghai private tour mongers desirous of having a closer look at the Western Villages (Yixiàn) of Hangzhou, Guanlù lies further down the road that carries on beyond Nánpíng and is situated at a distance of 8 km of Yixiàn. The sights worth seeing in this little destination are its fabulous households that boast of a flourishing clan of eight rich brothers. These Qing-dynasty residences showcase light wells, elegant Huizhou features, carved wood panels, interior courtyards, halls and small gardens.

Mùkeng Zhúhai

Mùkeng’s bamboo forest is the perfect place to escape the loud packs of art students and megaphones and provides some excellent opportunities for hikers and those looking for serene environs for precious moments of solitude. If you have doted over the bamboo-top fight scenes in Hidden Dragon or the Crouching Tiger, then do know that they were shot here!

Hóngcun

Hóngcun—the popular Unesco World Heritage site, dates back to the southern Song dynasty and is an ethereal village located 11kms away from Yixiàn. The attractions of this venue are its crescent-shaped Moon Pond encircled by South Lake, Léigang Mountains and the West Stream –a rare treat indeed!

Chéngzhì Hall and Xidì are other places worthy of a look too—enjoy!

Thursday 31 July 2014

The Hotspots on your Hangzhou Tour

The oft visited capital city of Zhèjiang, Hangzhou is a treasure trove of art , culture, traditions the much acclaimed “Chinatown” appeal. Tourists looking for character laden architecture are often left disappointed in Hangzhou, as there is very that differentiates this tourist destination from the other places on their Hangzhou--shanghai guilin tour. However, situated in the southern precincts the Grand Canal and surrounded by lush farmlands, this city has retained its position as the cultural centre of the region; for hundreds of years.

Along with the legendary and popular West Lake (Xi Hú) that acts as an oasis in this concrete jungle and lures travelers with its ancient pagodas, willow-lined banks, mist-covered hills and classical Chinese water color like ambience, there are many other hotspots that are worthy of a look too. Read on for a quick peep into their main draws.

Green Tea Restaurant

This benchmarked Hangzhou restaurant caters to the gastronomist in you and attracts with its superb food, bare brick finish, rattan utensils, colorful flower-patterned cushions and a longish paper menu where you get to tick what you want. A must visit indeed!

West Lake

The serene terrains of draws exaggerated comments in travel brochures and the writings of those who have the fortune to visit it. This stunning Lake’s many accolades are truly justified and work as a balm for traveler’s weary after their Shanghai Guilin tour and/ or exploration of the many other places worth seeing in China. Do remember to out some time for a boat ride.

Língyin Temple

Your well conceived Hangzhou tour will soon bring you closer to Língyin Temple, Hangzhou ’s famous Buddhist temple that was founded way back in 326 AD. This hotspot has been destroyed and restored no less than 16 times and reflects the many ravages inflicted on its precincts by natural calamities and wars. It is believed that more than 3000 monks had resided within this saffron-walled temple during the reign of the Five Dynasties (907–60). The restored structures of the Língyin Temple are attributed to the Qing-dynasty and lure visitors from near and far.

China Tea Museum

The setting/backdrop of the China Tea Museum is indeed exquisite—it consists of long undulating rows of tea bushes extending far into the hills. Sprawling across 3.7 hectares of land that is totally committed to the cultivation , art and tasting of tea; this much frequented hotspot ranks high on the list of tour operators and tourists alike.

Jìngcí Temple

The tranquil Chan (Zen) Jìngcí Temple was first commissioned in 954 AD and has undergone quite a few restoration processes ever since. While the spectacular first hall is home to the foreboding Heavenly Kings and encapsulates Weituo and Milefo (the future Buddha); the Great Treasure Hall is comparatively simpler in nature and attracts with its seated effigy of the much revered deity Sakyamuni.

Wednesday 2 July 2014

Savoring the Charismatic Delights of China –the Right Way!

Savor the delights of modern and ancient China, trek along its Great Wall, enjoy the nightlife of Shanghai or simply stroll alongside a historic canal of Suzhou—there is a lot to do and see in this Asian country. However, regardless of its many attractive features., China can prove to be intimidating. Be it the Forbidden City or the army of Terracotta Warriors; you need an expert tour operator to lead the way and help you enjoy an eclectic mix of the old and new, its cultural extravaganza, colorful festivals and more.

These professionals go a long way in aiding your movements on alien soils; helping you understand what’s been said or narrated with the help of translators and bilingual guides; and enjoying its multifarious cuisines, art forms, cultural events and festivals –the cost-effective way. Along with them, affordable and value oriented shanghai car rent service providers go a long way in making tourists enjoy Suzhou’s many offerings to the hilt—the right way!

If you would like to go by the words of Marco Polo—who had declared that the city was among the prettiest in China; then do look forward to the many bounties of Suzhou. Comparable to Hangzhou in many of its natural and manmade attractions, modern day Suzhou is far removed from Polo’s charming merchant town that spoke volumes of tree-lined canals, whitewashed houses and sumptuous gardens. Today, a Suzhou tour brings visitors closer to a bustling metropolis dominated by high rises, factories and yes, its underlying charm that’s sometimes evident from deep within the city’s glossy veneer.

The main draw of this much loved tourist destination is its many gardens. Their pleasant environs are a symphonic combination of water, tree, rocks and buildings and succeed in reflecting the Chinese appreciation of harmony and balance. The other attractions of a private Suzhou tour include an inspiring look at the many exhibits of the Silk Museum; exploration of some of the surviving pagodas, canals and humpbacked bridges or a night out in the pulsating karaoke bars of the city.

Boasting of the distinction of being the modern center of Yangtze delta, Shanghai is quite different from Suzhou –the capital of Wu culture as well as a leading historical city of China. Fast developing alongside the Grand Canal (that has been responsible for forging a greater percentage of China's traditional commerce scene); Suzhou inspires tourists to consider its series of canals to be akin to those in Venice.

Known more for its UNESCO world heritage sites of some of the best Chinese gardens in the country, Suzhou lures visitors with its enthralling Chinese performances that come packaged with folk singing, ancient costumes, traditional instruments and dancing. While in the city, do ask your Shanghai car rent to help you visit the Master of the Nets which comprises of a delicately landscaped garden and residential quarters illuminated by lanterns at night!

Savoring the Delights of Guilin--in Just a Day

Are you looking ahead to exploring China’s beautiful waterways, mountains and landscapes on an interesting one day trip to Guilin? Once booked, your shanghai guilin tour operator will ensure that you get to savor the many delights of the region: natural scenery, flourishing art , culture scene and delectable regional cuisines. The natural bounties of Guilin have been a source of inspiration for many Chinese brush paintings and offer the perfect alternative for breaking free from the hustle and bustle of daily life in Shanghai.

So, along with planning a well conceived Hangzhou tour, you may like to get more information about that much awaited Shanghai Guilin tour from your travel company. Read on for a quick look at some of the exciting experiences in store in Guilin.

While enjoying your trip in Shanghai, you will surely like to take off for a day and discover the charming precincts of Guilin. Oft referred by experts as being the “most spectacular on Earth”, the tantalizing terrains of Guilin help you enjoy the beauty of stunning Karst Mountains towering high into the sky; haze and mist enshrouding the lush valleys below and plenty of exquisite geographical features that leave you gaping. Here, you get to witness manifold stalactite formations, intricate limestone carvings and rejuvenating waterways that make you want to come back for more.

Along with helping you plan a Hangzhou tour and trips to several other historic as well as modern destinations in China, your tour operator goes a long way in making your trip from Shanghai to Guilin all the more memorable. After landing in the city, you can surely not wait to see the attractive Elephant Hill that’s situated on the western bank of River Li. Boasting of the shape of an elephant drinking through its trunk; this sightseeing attraction offers a panoramic view of Guilin beyond.

The next spot worth seeing is Fubo Hill, which stands stoic in the midst of Li River. Soaring up to a height of 203 feet (62 meters), this majestic land formation lies 700 feet above the sea level. Resembling a vertical rock eruption, Fubo Hill affords some breathtaking views of the green country sides beyond. You will also get to lay your eyes on some fine etchings of Buddha at the Thousand Buddha Cave and the Returned Pearl Cave –these tourist spots date back to the Song and Tang Dynasties and belong to the period 618 – 1279 AD.

Your trip is incomplete without a visit to the Reed Flute Cave. This must-see natural limestone cave is illuminated with multicolored lighting and introduces to an intriguing world of stalagmites, stalactites, and rock formations. And yes, as it goes back 180 million years in time, you can have your fair share of history before heading back to the airport—for a flight back to Shanghai!

Thursday 5 June 2014

Attractions Awaiting you on your China Tour

Steep your senses in the breathtaking limestone landscapes of Yangshuo, treat your taste buds to a dim sum feast in Hong Kong, get captivated by Shanghai's sensational skyline, take a walk through Xi'an's awe-inspiring Muslim Quarter, look forward to traditional foot massages in Beijing’s parlors or simply relax as you explore the scenic bounties of the water town of Tongli—there is much to see and do in China.


Old merges with the new, East meets West and stunning landscapes converge into thriving urban metropolises during your comprehensive trip in China. A melting pot of culture, customs, cuisines, languages, festivities and a lot more; this nation makes you wander amidst glittering city streets as well as the bustling markets in Hong Kong, enjoy the beauty of historic gardens on a fun-packed suzhou tour or unwind among the lush green environs of Yangshuo. These and the other draws of China are best experienced by availing the services of Shanghai car rent providers and efficient tour operators who promise to make your trip worthwhile.


So, are you ready to greet your day with a tai chi class somewhere in Beijing, dining on succulent Peking ducks or taking that much awaited stroll along the popular Great Wall? Your China and Suzhou tour does have a lot on its cards—enjoy!


Hong Kong


If you are planning to being your Chinese adventure from Hong Kong, then you will be wowed by its dynamism and vibrancy alike. The city’s special-interest museums, crowded markets, creative fashion stores, diverse eateries and sprawling malls are enough to threaten sensory overloads in the most discerning travelers. Remember to head to Victoria Harbour to take a peep at its fantastic light and sound show—you will not be disappointed!


Yangshuo


Your affordable and value-oriented Shanghai car rent will also help you marvel at stunning karst peaks which border the mesmeric Li River, en route to Yangshuo. This is the perfect place to take a closer look at the much talked about Chinese culture and the nation’s manifold local traditions. You may also like to take an interesting cruise along Li River that introduces you to rice paddies, crop fields, weeping willows and fishing villages immersed in pastoral culture.


Xi'an


One of China’s most ancient cities and an oft visited tourist destination boasting of the Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an is packed with landmarks and archeological attractions that are designed to blow you away. After having a firsthand feel of Xi'an, you may proceed onwards to take a look at the First Emperor's strong terracotta army—which is over 8000 in number.


Suzhou


After your arrival in Suzhou, you must visit the tranquil terrains of Humble Administrator's Garden, sample its regional delicacies, take a guided walk through the town's cobblestone streets or jump in for an exciting gondola ride through the old canals of this very picturesque town.

Monday 26 May 2014

Things to Do and see on a Shanghai Private Tour

While traveling in a group or private tour, most travelers end their exploration of China in the vibrant city of Shanghai. This is especially true in the case of travelers on a shanghai private tour to the Three Gorges Dam or Yangtze River ; business travelers having some free time on their hand after attending their meetings or a conference ; or holidaymakers that have just not had enough of the many bounties of the nation.

Read on for some interesting suggestions in regards to enjoying Shanghai after your exciting huangshan tour or a trip that made you enjoy the many attractions of other destinations beyond.

Former French Concession Region

One of the loveliest parts of your Shanghai private tour, an invigorating walk takes you through the areas of the former French Concession, surely makes your trip all the more memorable. This spectacular attraction guarantees to make you experience the Chinese-French connection and find their footprints among the many imported platane trees that line the sides of the neighborhood.

In recent times, the area’s lane houses and exotic French villas are being converted into exquisite shops and homes and are indeed worth seeing. The other walking tours of interest include those that take you along Fuxing Road, promenade along Huang Pu River, Fairmont Peace Hotel, Bund, Shaoxing Road and other parts of Shanghai.

Yu Garden & Bazaar

Yu Garden, an extremely fun-filled place to explore, is distinguished by its traditional architectural style, curving tile eaves and the authentic “"Chinatown" appeal. As you wander through the area’s alleys and lanes, remember to buy some chopsticks, silk pajamas or other souvenirs to take back home. The draw of Yu Garden & Bazaar is the Huxingting Tea House, which is believed to have inspired the much acclaimed Blue Willow pattern.

Moganshan Road Art District

Those desirous of having a quick peep at the Chinese contemporary art scene, love to find their way to Moganshan Road, situated near Suzhou Creek. Thronged with galleries of all sizes and nature, this place is indeed an art connoisseur’s delight! The not-to-be missed galleries are East Link Gallery, Shanghart, Art Scene Warehouse and so forth.

Food Lovers Paradise at Glamour Bar

Haggling through the crowded Bund promenade, you would love to relax and sip upon your favored drink at Glamour Bar, on the 5 on the Bund, as you feast your eyes upon the beauty of Huang Pu. The stunning views of the sun setting on the Oriental Pearl Tower can be best enjoyed with a personal guide, friends or family members in tow.

After savoring lots of pleasurable moments on your Hangzhou tour, you may also like to enjoy delectable cuisines at Xin Tian Di, take a walk along Dong Tai Road "Antique" Street or sip on an exotic cup of tea at Yongfoo Elite.

All the best!

Thursday 8 May 2014

Fun –filled Moments await you on your China Tour

Be it a fun packed China tour that takes you into some of the farfetched areas of this vast continent and brings you closer to diverse communities, cuisines and newer experiences; or a more urbanized Shanghai- Beijing tour that reveals the many manmade wonders and cultural attributes of these most developed cities of the world –you are certainly spoiled for choice on Oriental soils. As a tourist longing for spirited adventure and exciting fun, there is certainly a lot on your cards here.

Would you rather opt for a 9 day Shanghai-Guilin-Xian-Beijing tour or one that makes you linger longer on Chinese soils and enjoy its festivities, art forms and many bounties? As you go ahead with your plans of a touring the beautiful landscapes of China, these tips and guidelines will surely come in handy and help you plan out the best places to see during your holiday.

A reputed tour operator goes a long way in assisting your vacation plans. He also helps by offering bilingual tour guides that move around with you in popular tourist destinations, explaining the various exciting things that come your way. As the Chinese population rarely speaks or understands English, it is very convenient to have the services of these guides by your side.

Beijing

China’s economic as well as cultural capital, Beijing is known for its historical origin, ancient architecture and opulent culture. Dating back to more than 500,000 years into ancient civilizations, this country makes you look forward to seeing many mansions, palaces, towers, royal gardens, temples as well as modern structures. The places worth visiting in Beijing include Tiananmen Square, The Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, the Lama Temple, the Great Wall of China sprawling across at Badaling, the Forbidden City and a host of other interesting places. An enthralling Beijing Opera makes your trip to this culturally rich city complete.

Xian

After offering some interesting moments in Beijing, your tour operator will mark the next stop at Xian, located in Shaanxi province. Tourists love to shop in the many quaint department stores in this city known for the Tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang, the TerraCotta Army, Traditional Chinese Medicine Markets, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and yes, the Great Mosque. After spending a couple of days in Xian, you may like to proceed to Guilin.

Guilin

Oft visited for its karsts Limestone Mountains, inspiring caves and stone forests set amidst fantastic peaks; Guilin lures with its cruise on the Lijiang River, the mesmerizing mountain landscapes of Yangshuo, the Red Flute Caves and the Red Flute Caves and the famous Elephant Trunk Hill.

Shanghai

Last but certainly not the least, a tour of Shanghai beckons you to experience China in its own way……. But then, that’s another story.
Enjoy!