Drifting on Shennong Stream

Drifting on Shennong Stream is a must-try activity of Yangtze River tours and the following give you the general facts of Shennong Stream.
On the border between Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge is the Shennong Stream. It is 60km long, taking its rise from the main peak of Shennongjia (known as the first peak of central China) and flowing through Badong county, the stream ultimately flows into the Yangtze River via the Wu Gorge. Cruising along the stream by boat, visitors will become immersed in the wonders of zigzagging watercourses, the primitive environment, the canzonet by the boat tracker, and the mysterious culture along the banks.
Unique Scenery
Along with the grandeur, elegance and danger of the Yangtze River, the Shennong Stream has its own unique scenery. It has four natural gorges - Chengnong Gorge, Mianzhu Gorge, Yingwu Gorge and Longchang Gorge - and each has unique characteristics.

Among the four gorges, Mianzhu Gorge is renowned for its danger. The riverbed is not only narrow, but also falls steeply. Over 30 dangerous shoals will challenge everyone along the 2.5-mile route. As you drift along this section, your heart will beat heavily, even as you feel reassured as to your safety by the skilled boatmen. Stalactites hang on both sides of the bank; be sure not to miss this scenery.
Yingwu Gorge is noted for its elegance. The evergreen vegetation along the banks remains beautiful during the whole year. Here, a gorge with flowers that blossom in all seasons and a fountain of three colors can be admired. The largest karst cave of Shennong Stream also lies within this section. The Longchang Gorge is one with a unique human landscape. The ancient and mysterious suspended wooden coffins and plank road are the highlight of the section.
Drifting along the Stream
Drifting along the Shennong Stream which is included in many itineraries of China tours in small open sampans (called 'peapod boats' by the locals) is the unique method for viewing the natural scenery, the ancient village and the flavor of Tujia (the local ethnic minority). Before you take the sampan, an environmental protection boat will first take you to admire the marvelous scenery. Then you will change to the sampan (14 yards long and two yards wide), which holds ten visitors at a time, to experience another kind of feeling.

One sampan is usually steered by six boatmen who are local peasants. While appreciating the natural beauty and historic sights along the two banks, you can hear the songs from the rowers as they row the boat. When reaching the shallow-stream places, they will paddle in the swift-flowing stream to tow the boat upstream by the rope. This scene has made the drift a unique one compared to other stream drifts.
It is sure that the serene natural beauty, the local Tujia flavor, the brave boat trackers, and historic relics will make the trip a memorable and lifetime experience after finishing popular China tours.

Facts of The Potala Palace

Potala Palace is a must-see attractions for tourists who travel to Tibet. It is well known by many travel and adventure lovers.
This ancient architectural complex is considered a model of Tibetan architecture. Located on the Red Hill in Lhasa, Tibet, it is 3,700 meters above sea level and covers an area of over 360,000 square meters, measuring 360 meters from east to west and 270 meters from south to north. The palace has 13 stories, and is 117 meters high.

In 641, Songtsan Gambo, ruler of the Tubo Kingdom, had the Potala Palace built for Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty, whom he was soon to marry. This structure was later burned to the ground during a war and was rebuilt in the 17th century by the Fifth Dalai Lama. Repeated repairs and expansions until 1645 finally brought the palace to its present scale. Over the past three centuries, the palace gradually became a place where the Dalai Lama lived and worked and a place for keeping the remains of successive Dalai Lama. Now it is also the hot attraction in Tibet for tourists who join China travel packages to enjoy the Tibetan culture.

The stone-and-wood-structured Potala Palace consists of the White Palace and Red Palace. The White Palace, comprising halls, temples and courtyards, serves as the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. The Red Palace includes various chambers for worshipping Buddha and chambers housing the eight stupa that contain the remains of fifth through thirteenth Dalai Lama. All the stupas are covered with gold foil. The most magnificent stupa belongs to the fifth Dalai Lama. It is 14.85 meters tall and inlaid with pearl and jade. The palace also collected a large number of sculptures, murals, scripture and other valuable cultural relics.
In 1994, the palace joined the list of world cultural heritage sites.
But it is not easy for tourists outside China to enter Lhasa. Let alone visit Potala Palace. The foreign tourists have to apply Tibet travel permit for entering Tibet through the Tibetan-based China travel agency. So if you plan to visit Tibet, you have to bear the complicate procedure of applying Tibet travel permit.

Facts of Mysterious Hanging Coffins of the Bo

When visitors cruise on Yangtze River, you can find many suspended coffins in some sections of the river. The following tell you the facts of suspended coffins of Bo people.
Renovation of the hanging coffins of the Bo people in Gongxian County of southwest China's Sichuan Province has now finished. This has been the biggest ever project to stabilize and conserve hanging coffins in China. 43 have been restored and 16 previously unknown coffins have been found. In the process new light has been shed on the secrets of these mysterious artifacts. Hanging coffins come in three types. Some are cantilevered out on wooden stakes. Some are placed in caves while others sit on projections in the rock. All the three forms can be found in Gongxian where most of China's hanging coffins are located.

The coffins are mainly clustered around Matangba and Sumawan where some 100 coffins are hung on the limestone cliffs to both sides of the 5,000-meter-long Bochuangou.
The Bo people have become lost in the pages of the history of human civilization. There is now some urgency in the work to salvage and protect the last somber record, which they have left us in the form of their hanging coffins.
A Lost Culture
The Bo were an ethnic minority people living astride the borders of modern day Sichuan and Yunnan provinces. There they created a brilliant culture as early as 3,000 years ago. The ancestors of the Bo helped the Western Zhou (c.1100 771 BC) to overthrow the ruling Yin at the end of the Shang Dynasty (c.1600 1100 BC).

The Bo differed from other ethnic groups in their burial customs. Typically hewn from durable hardwood logs, their hanging coffins went unpainted. The most recent hanging coffins were made up to about 400 years ago in the middle and later periods of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), while many of the earliest ones date back 1,000 years to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). To date, the earliest hanging coffin was one found in the Three Gorges area, dating back about 2,500 years to the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC- 476 BC).
The hanging coffin was the most widespread form of burial in ancient southwest China. However, the practice ended with the mysterious disappearance of the Bo People. Those who came after knew them from the hanging coffins and the paintings they left behind like faint echoes on the cliffs. Their ancient flowering of culture like that of the Maya is no more.

Visitors to Matangba cannot help asking: Why did the Bo people bury their dead in hanging coffins? How did they do it? And why did the Bo people disappear?
If you are interested in the suspended coffins and want to witness the real ones, you can join in private tour of China.

The Guide of Dongzhaigang Nature Reserve and Qixia Mountain

Qixia Mountain and Dongzhaigang Nature Reserve is not very famous for foreingn tourists when they choose to have China tour deals, but they are worth to visiting in the right time.
1. Dongzhaigang Nature Reserve, Hainan
Dongzhaigang Nature Reserve, located in the northeast part of Hainan Province, is the first and biggest mangrove nature reserve in China. The mangrove tree, also known as "forest above the sea", is a kind of tropical tree, growing in swampy ground along sea coasts and river banks. In 1980, China's first nature reserve was established there by the local government, with a total area of 4,000 hectares. There are 81 kinds of mangrove trees in the world, and 32 kinds of them can be found in Dongzhaigang. Besides containing mangrove forests, the area is also home to many rare birds, attracting lots of biologists and travelers visit there to discover the reserve's unique flora and fauna.

Travel tips:
Best Time to visit: September to April
Admission: 10 yuan
Getting there: Travel bus or taxi from downtown Haikou to Dongzhaigang.
2. Nanjing Qixia Mountain, Jiangsu
Qixia Mountain, Nanjing (a hot destination of popular China tours), also named as Sheshan Mountain, is located about 22 kilometers northeast of Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province. It covers an area of over 860 hectares, and has three peaks - Dragon Peak, Tiger Peak and Fengxiang Peak, with the highest peak at 286 meters. Covered by 750 hectares of various maple trees, the mountain has fascinating scenery in autumn. Around the middle of October each year, the whole mountain will become a colorful carpet, with flourishing red, green and golden maple leaves, making it a wonderful place to enjoy fall colors.

Travel tips:
Best time to visit: middle October to late November
Admission: 15 yuan; 35 yuan during Maple Festival (around mid-Oct. to Nov.)
Getting there: Nanshang Line, Nanqi Line, Dongshang Line from Nanjing Railway Station, or take No. 138 bus from Fuzimiao.
These guide will help you learn something about Qixia Mountain and Dongzhaigang Nature Reserve. You can consider if you would like to contain them in your itinerary of China tours.

What are the Top China's satisfying tourist cities in 2012

Academy of China tourism recently published its rankings of China's most satisfying tourist cities in its 2012 tourist satisfaction survey. Suzhou of Jiangsu Province tops the list, followed by Shanghai Municipality and Anhui's Huangshan.
The survey rated 60 cities across China through tourist questionnaires, online evaluations, telephone surveys and quality tests.
The following are the top most satisfying tourist cities in China for 2012:
1. Suzhou, Jiangsu Province
Score: 85.96
Suzhou in Jiangsu Province is a city comprising of rivers and canals as well as a city of gardens -- hence its nickname "Venice of the Orient." The city is famous for its amazing natural beauty and exquisite gardens.

If the palaces in north China can be described as royal beauties, then the gardens in south China are like pretty girls. The Humble Administrator's Garden, or Zhuozheng Garden, is the largest garden in Suzhou and is generally considered to be the finest garden in all of southern China. In 1997, the Humble Administrator's Garden, along with three other classical gardens in Suzhou, including the Lion Grove Garden, the Blue Wave Pavilion (Canglang Ting) and the Lingering Garden (Liu Yuan), were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The view is similar with that of Shangri-La adventure.
2. Shanghai Municipality
Score: 85.84
Sitting on the estuary of the Yangtze River, Shanghai is a renowned international metropolis as well as a popular tourist destination. Tourists marvel at this vibrant city which perfectly blends traditional with modern elements and Eastern with Western culture.

Famous historical landmarks, including the Bund, the City God Temple and the Yuyuan Garden should not be missed when touring this city. The Bund, a 1.5-kilometer long waterfront area, is noted for its dozens of splendid historical buildings in various styles, including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Neo-Classical.
Another stunning attraction is the Pudong Skyline, which features a number of mega skyscrapers including the symbolic Oriental Pearl Tower, the Jin Mao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center and the presently-under-construction 632-meter Shanghai Tower. Tourists will also be enthralled to go to the Memorial Site for the First National Congress of the CPC, Shanghai Xintiandi (New Heaven and Earth), and the premier shopping street-Nanjing Road.
3. Huangshan, Anhui Province（安徽黄山）
Score: 85.15
Located in southern Anhui Province, the city of Huangshan is a leading tourist destination in China. It is the home to many renowned scenic spots and historical sites. Huangshan Mountain is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a World Geopark. Its landscape features the "four wonders" of imposing peaks, spectacular rocks, odd-shaped pines and a sea of clouds.
Hongcun Village, at the foot of Huangshan Mountain, is a UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage. It has been described as a village in the Chinese painting for its beautiful scenery. Another village, Xidi Ancient Village, is famous for its 300 buildings in the Hui Style of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1644-1911).

Tunxi Old Street is one of China's best-preserved commercial streets and features the architectural styles of the Southern Song, Ming and Qing Dynasties. The street is featured in "Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival", a famous painting which describes commerce in ancient China. It attracts six million foreign and domestic visitors every year, and is also a popular site for shooting films and TV series.
Except Shanghai, the other two destinations are not right for China business tours.

How to save money for China trip

Recent years, China tourism develop rapidly and accordingly the fare of accommodation rises. The following will give you the info how to save money for China trip.
The days of super-cheap travel in China are a distant memory. Prices for hotels, tickets, and food have all slowly increased as China’s economy has picked up steam over the last few decades. Compared to, say, countries in Southeast Asia, China is relatively expensive. But for travelers coming from places like the US, Australia & New Zealand, and Europe, visiting China is still a bargain.

Knowing how to travel and what places to see in China is a big part of keeping your budget low while also maximizing your experiences and comfort.
Naturally, costs for each region will vary greatly based on the relative wealth and standard of living.
1. Macau & Hong Kong are at the top of the list, where you can expect to pay US/European prices for pretty much everything. But Hong Kong does have a decent supply of cheaper, slummy accommodation, so budget travelers can get by on less than you might think.
2. Shanghai & Beijing where you can have 72-Hour visa free travel in China , are next down the list. For luxury tourists, costs can also go as high up as those in major Western cities. Again, shoestring backpackers can still get by relatively cheaply with down-market accommodation (as well as plentiful cheap street food).
3. Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and eastern coastal provinces are wealthier and more developed compared to the rest of China. On my top attractions list, this includes Xiamen in the Fujian province.
In general, prices go down the further you go west into less developed interior provinces.

Stirring Jiuxiang Scenic Region

If you are stuck for the idea where to go after Shangri-La adventure in Yunnan, you can consider Jiuxiang Scenic Region Jiuxiang Scenic Region (jiǔ xiāng fēng jǐng qū) is located in Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Autonomous Township of Yiliang County (yí liáng xiàn jiǔ xiāng yí zú huí zú xiāng) 90 km away from Kunming (kūn míng) and 22 kilometers north of the Stone Forest (shí lín). In Yunnan Province it is a well-equipped comprehensive scenic region which is famous for its caves, mountains, rivers, deep valleys, minority customs and cultures. It has a mild climate all the year round. Its temperature is similar to Kunming's and the average temperature throughout the year is 14.6°C.

Jiuxiang is praised as the "Home of Karst caves". Altogether, there are "only" 100 caves in the area, the local saying goes, "If one spent his entire life counting the caves in Jiuxiang he may not finish the job". Among the caves are numerous natural bridges, valleys, rivers and waterfalls, making up an almost fantasy like subterranean world.

The karst caves in Jiuxiang were formed over a long period of time by the intermittent movement of the earth's crust. This movement created the 'pre-history wonders' found in the area. These wonders include a variety of hydrological and geological phenomena such as ancient micro-biological fossils, curved stones, caves with whirlpools inside, stereoscopic caves, and multi-layered caves. Among these natural marvels are some of the rarest and unique features of their kind in China or the world which should not be missed for your China tours.

The caves are not only ideal tourist attractions, but are also valuable for scientific studies and in-cave adventure activities. It is not surprising that Jiuxiang is praised by experts as the "Mysterious Heritage of the Earth".
With a total area of about 200 square kilometers, Juxiang Scenic Region consists of five major scenic spots: Diehong Bridge (dié hóng qiáo), the Sanjiao Cave (sān jiǎo dòng 三脚洞), the Dasha Dam (dà shā bà), the Alulong (ā lù lóng) and the Mingyue Lake (míng yuè hú).
Among them, the most outstanding and beautiful is Diehong Bridge Scenic Spot. Diehong Bridge Scenic Spot is located in the southeast of Jiuxiang Streer which is 5 km away. The whole journey is about four kilometers long and the time needed is three hours. It includes six major scenic spots and some beautiful scenes introduced following.
The Green Shady Gorge

Flanked by lofty cliffs, the Green Shady Gorge (yīn cuì xiá 荫翠峡) is about 600 meters long. When boating in the emerald gorge, you will be greeted by the lush vegetation on the cliffs. It is a tranquil resort to enjoy before your exploring into the cave begins. The Green Shady Valley is also called "Lover Valley" (qíng rén gǔ 情人谷) by the local Yis (yí zú 彝族).
The Terrifying Gorge

Being 700 meters long, the Terrifying Gorge (jīnɡ hún xiá 惊魂峡) is the most spectacular underground gorge ever discovered in China. It is flanked by steep precipices. The depth (from the entrance to the bottom of the gorge) is 100 meters and narrowest place is stunningly 3-4 meters. Walking inside the gorge, one will be definitely terrified.
The Male Lion Hall
Covering 15,000 square meters, the Male Lion Hall (xiónɡ shī tīn 雄狮大厅) has been the largest underground hall in the world.
The Fairy Palace

The Fairy Palace (shén nǚ ɡōnɡ 神女宫) is a representative of the Karst underground sceneries. Its stalactites look like fairies that are in postures of cuddling, lying, sitting, reclining, dancing in the heaven palace. It will make you feel that you are just in the fairyland.
If you want to know more info about Jiuxiang Scenic Region, you can contact with China tour agents.

History and Culture Relating with Suzhou

If you have a plan to have China tours in Suzhou, the following historical and cultural information is a must before your Journey.
Little-known Suzhou in northern Anhui Province, once a busy Grand Canal port, was the site of history-changing battles and the tragic love of a king and concubine. Yao Minji tells the story.
In Chen Kaigei's award-winning film "Farewell My Concubine" (1993), the protagonist is so deeply immersed in his performance that he finds the boundary between stage and real life to be blurred.
His most famous role is in the famous Peking Opera "Farewell My Concubine," for which the acclaimed movie is named.
The title's literal translation is "The Hegemon King Says Good-bye to His Concubine" (Xiang Yu proclaimed himself "Hegemon King of Western Chu"). The tale is based on historical records from 202 BC when Consort Yu (Yu Miaoyi), the concubine of King Xiang Yu, committed suicide when the king's army was defeated and he fell into depression. "Your courage is all gone, how can I live on," she famously said before stabbing herself to death.

Pursued by enemy soldiers, the king and a few dozen soldiers carried her body and buried it along a road before he slit his throat with his own sword. Soldiers brawled over who would claim the bounty on his head.
It is not often that there are descriptions of women in ancient Chinese history, to say nothing of their words. But Yu was famous for accompanying the king on military campaigns and he was besotted with her. Their love story is famous.
For thousands of years, Chinese people sympathized with the king who was very close to becoming emperor - a rare case since he was a failure. And many legends about him have been passed down through the centuries. The tragic love story between king and concubine is one of the best known.
But not many Chinese have heard of the city of Suzhou in northern Anhui Province, where the war occurred, the king was defeated, the concubine killed herself and the king committed suicide. Suzhou (alway contained in hina vacation packages) is also where Yu is said to have been buried.
A memorial park celebrating Yu was built in 2011; it includes her tomb, exhibitions about her story and artworks of Yu the Beautiful (Yu mei ren), as she was known.
The city, mainly driven by agriculture, has just started its industrial development and as yet has done very little to promote tourism, though it has a rich history and culture from the Han Dynasty.

The history and culture of Suzhou are basically defined by the Han Dynasty when many wars and major events occurred in the region, and by the Tang (AD 618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties when the Grand Canal of China brought prosperity and the economy and culture flourished, says tour guide Wang.
"Culture and art from the Han Dynasty are very important for Chinese people, because it was the first long and stable period in which the country was unified and developed," Wang says.
Han people adopted the name from the dynasty, which was established by Emperor Gao (256 BC or 247 BC-195 BC), the first emperor to rise from a non-royal class. Before him, kings and emperors inherited their crowns.
Although it was the First Qin Emperor (259-210 BC) who unified China in 221 BC, the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) quickly ended after his death, while the succeeding Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) lasted more than 400 years, leaving magnificent artifacts and legends.
Emperor Gao (born Liu Bang) was the life-long rival of and man who defeated the tragic Hegemon King in one of the greatest wars in Chinese history. Before he rose to power, he suffered many defeats both at the hands of the king and Qin Dynasty officials. He was often forced to retreat.
One of his famous escapes occurred in Huang Cang Yu, literally meaning royal hidden hill, now a national park in Suzhou. According to legend he hid in a cave and prayed that Qin soldiers would not find him. He hoped the cave would be hidden better and then a great stone fell from the sky to cover the cave opening; he hoped a spider web would confuse his enemies and a magical spider arose and began to spin. It is a typical legend demonstrating how an emperor arose and was helped by supernatural power.
The 300-meter hill isn't very challenging to climb but it features beautiful scenery and many varieties of trees, some hundreds of years old. It also contains many caves of various sizes, including the one where the future emperor is said to have hidden, as well as springs and small streams that suddenly appear and disappear, constantly bringing pleasant surprises.
The city's museum contains a section on the Grand Canal of China containing mostly excavated porcelain and a section on the Han Dynasty containing stone sculptures unearthed from local tombs.
The long Warring States Period (476-221 BC) was a time of turbulence and the short Qin Dynasty was marked by heavy taxes and draft of workers to build the Great Wall and other projects. The country finally settled down in the Han Dynasty.
The country developed quickly, both economically and culturally, and people began to have the leisure and money to enjoy art and invest in their tombs. It was around that time that people began to regard the after-life as one of luxury and a better life than the earthly existence. Even ordinary families tried to invest in tombs.
Many tombs in the region have been discovered, some with grand stone gates and carved roofs and walls; carved scenes represented vivid stories. In some wall carvings, the lower half features scenes of mundane toil and field work, while the upper half features scenes of a heavenly after-life in which the departed listen to music and play with legendary creatures, such as the phoenix.
Stone sculptures from the Han Dynasty inherited the minimalist aesthetics of the Warring States Period and artists summarized them into a systematic style that defined the basic principles and characteristics of Chinese painting.
Now you have a general idea about the history and culture of Suzhou. They will help you have an easy and happy China travel deals.

The happiest cities in China in 2012

If you have plan to join China vacation packages, the following top happiese cities should be considered into your plan.
1. Wuxi, Jiangsu Province

Wuxi is the second largest city in Jiangsu Province. Split in half by Taihu Lake, China's second largest fresh water lake, Wuxi is known as the "pearl on Taihu Lake." Wuxi was one of the four major rice markets in earlier times and now has become a full-fledged modern city. Yuantouzhu Island, also known as "Turtle Head Isle," is a popular tourist resort in the city. Wuxi is among the top 10 cities in China's GDP rankings of 2012. The people there are known for their extraordinary kindness. Many historical sites and ancient cities can be found in Jiangsu so that it always included in popular China travel package.
2.Changchun, Jilin Province

Changchun, the capital of northeastern China's Jilin Province, is a city famous for its film industry. Changchun Film Studio, the first film factory established after the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, is considered the cornerstone of the Chinese film industry. The city is also an important industrial base, with a particular focus on the automotive sector. Changchun in winter is a good place to enjoy the beautiful scenery of rime or "tree hanging." The famous Puppet Manchurian Palace Museum and Mount Changbai are also located here. Changchun is regarded to be a city with a slower pace of life, and an ideal place for the elderly.
3.Tianjin Municipality

Located in northeastern China, adjacent to Beijing, Tianjin is a rapidly developing municipality and has so far served as the venue for many important and widely attended forums, such as the World Economic Forum. About 300 of the 500 companies on the Fortune Global list had set up sub-companies there by the end of 2010, turning the area into a base for advanced industry, financial reform, and innovation. Apart from its beautiful city scenery, Tianjin boasts numerous historical and cultural spots, including the Tianjin Ancient Culture Street, the Century Clock, the Drum Tower and the Xikai Catholic Church. With the city's surging economy, people's living conditions there have been improving as well.
These cities are also hot destinations in China. If you plan China custom tour, please consider them.

The Famous Desserts in Hong Kong

Many Hong Kongers, every now and then, take time from the rush of urban life to enjoy the rush of sugar in the city’s dessert shops. Everything from light traditional Chinese desserts, rich Western temptations and – of course – Hong Kong fusions are served day and night. Take a break from your to-do list to enjoy something sweet, and watch the residents of Asia’s world city doing the same for your Hong Kong tours .
1. Sweet red bean soup

This is a typical traditional Chinese dessert, many of which can be eaten like a soup. It is pleasantly sweet and relatively light. It can be served cold or hot, depending on the season.
2. Tofu pudding

Made with a soft tofu, this pudding is traditionally served with sweet ginger or clear syrup. It is now also commonly paired with red bean soup, coconut milk and a slew of other imaginative ingredients.
The Tofu Pudding and Red Bean Soup at Honeymoon Dessert is a good example of this dessert. Many of Hong Kong’s most popular food magazines highly recommend Honeymoon Dessert.
3. Tangyuan
A kind of sweet rice dumpling, tangyuan are often eaten at family gatherings during festivals as the name sounds like ‘family reunion’. The dumplings are made from glutinous rice flour and will have a sweet filling, such as sesame, peanut or sweet bean paste, and are served in a sweet soup, often made with sweet potato and ginger.

The Sweet Rice Balls in Chestnut Puree at Lucky Dessert is a delicious and healthy version of this dessert.
4. White fungus and pear soup

This is a popular winter dessert. The ingredients are placed in a bowl which is then immersed in water in a larger container and stewed for several hours. The result is a warming and wholesome dessert. Many believe it helps nourish the skin.
5. Mango pudding

Mostly made using agar, fresh mangoes, evaporated milk and sugar, mango pudding is a mainstay of Hong Kong dessert menus. A fusion of Southeast Asian and local styles, mango pudding is served cold and has a light and creamy texture.

If you join China travel packages in Hong Kong, you should explore the classice food and snacks.

The Guide of Zhenyuan Ancient Town

Recent years, the China tourism develops rapidly. Many foreign tourists are very interested in the culture of China which can be represented by the ancient towns in China.
Dubbed the "Venice of the Orient", Zhenyuan is a surprisingly unspoiled ancient water town located in the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southeastern Guizhou. Surrounded by gorgeous mountains and rivers, the town is best-known for its picturesque landscape, historic sites and mysterious ethnic cultures. The ribbon-like Wuyang River, which runs about 94 kilometers from west to the east across Zhenyuan, cuts the town into the northern "Old Fu (Government) Town" and the southern "Old Wei (Fortification) Town".

With a history of nearly 2,300 years, Zhenyuan has been a hub of land and water transportation, a center of politics, trade and culture as well as a strategically important spot in Eastern Guizhou. The area's local cultures blended together with the western ones, making it a place of unique glamour. The Black Dragon Cave, an ancient temple complex on Zhonghe Mountain in the eastern part of town, features pavilions, temples, shrines and palaces embodying Confucian, Taoist and Buddhist cultural elements. Although it is not included in the popular China travel package, it should not miss if you plan to visit Guizhou
A stroll along the narrow lanes leads one to the still non-commercialized beauty of the town that includes well-preserved high walls, residential compounds, ancient wells and docks. Visitors can also make their way to the top of Shiping Mountain, north of the Wuyang River, to enjoy the ruins of the 3-kilometer-long Great Wall that was constructed during the late Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). The site offers a spectacular bird view of the tranquil town. A boat cruise along a 35-kilometer stretch of the Wuyang River greets visitors with breathtaking sights of marvelous gorges, peaks and waterfalls.
Tips
Best time to go: March to October Admission: 50 yuan/person for Black Dragon Cave, and 120 yuan/person for the Wuyang River boat cruise How to get there: Take a train from Guiyang to Zhenyuan, or take a bus at the long-haul bus station near Guiyang Railway Station to Kaili, and transfer to the bus to Zhenyuan.
If you have a plan to visit Guizhou for your private China tours, you should consider Zhenyuan Ancient Town.

Facts of 72-hour visa-free in China

Here give you the info about facts of 72-Hour Visa Free Travel to Beijing and Shanghai.

1. Restrictions of the 72-hour Visa-free Transit:
This provision does not apply to passengers with a single return flight (e.g., Hong Kong – Beijing - Hong Kong), and only apply to passengers with the connecting air tickets of different departure and destination cities. The connecting air tickets should leave Beijing or Shanghai airport in 72 hours with the confirmed date and seat or relevant certificates.2. The policy only implement to transit via Beijing and Shanghai airports, and passengers should handle procedures in airports. That means, travelers come to China by train or any other vehicles should still apply for a transit visa in advance.3. Travelers are only allowed to travel and sightsee within the Beijing or Shanghai, and not allowed to other China cities during the 72-hour visa-free period. They can only depart from Beijing or Shanghai airports.4. If travelers could not depart on time due to the unavoidable reasons, such as treatment os sudden disease or flight cancellation, they need to apply for a visa from Municipal Public Security Bureau. Otherwise, they can’t apply for an extension of stay at China.

2. Punishment on Violators:
Citizens from the 45 countries should strictly follow the above-mentioned terms. Any infringement of the law shall be punished with warned, fined or detained depending on circumstances. Cases of gross violation shall be expelled from China and prohibited re-entry.

3.Service Facilities:
Currently, Beijing and Shanghai airports have already optimized the transit formalities with the Customs, the Entry-Exit Inspection & Quarantine Bureau and Frontier Inspection Station. The airport terminals have installed free-visa stay tourist’ exclusive service areas for providing reading service and drinking water as well as the service space for offering foreign currency exchange, mobile phone rental, car rental, luggage deposit as well as some other service for free-visa stay travelers. In addition, the tour buses are available from the terminals to the major tourist attractions in Beijing and Shanghai.
If you have a short stay and customize China tours in Shanghai, you can take your excursion to near Hangzhou.

Tips of 72-Hour Visa Free Stay in China

If you have a short stay (about three day), you don't specially apply for China visa.

The visa free transit policy in Beijing and Shanghai China is achieved from January 1st, 2013, which is designed to facilitate the international visitors' short stay for sightseeing in China and attract more transit visitors.
Foreigners holding third country visas and confirmed onward air tickets can now apply for a 72-hour visa-free transit at Beijing Capital International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. The 72 hours will be counted from the moment visitors obtain their transit permits, but not the time when they land at the airport. Tourists need to register at a police station with their transit permits within 24 hours after entry.

The 45 countries initially benefited in the 72 hour visa-free policy include Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States.
These tips are very helpful for your China tours.

Facts of Casino and Macao Fisherman's Wharf

In recent year, Macao makes great contribution for China tourism. Macao is also famous for its casino. Macao Fisherman's Sharf is the first cultural and themed attractions in Macao and also the must-sees.
1. Casino
Apart from its extremely rich attractions and numerous historical and cultural heritages, Macao is also known as 'Oriental Las Vegas' for its booming and flourishing gambling industry.

Apart from imported casinos like the Venetian Macao, the most renowned and long-standing local casino is the Grand Lisboa started by Gambling King Stanley Ho.
The Casino Grand Lisboa offers an extensive array of exciting casino games with 240 gaming tables and 1000 slot machines. The casino is the first in Macao to offer Texas hold 'em poker and craps.
According to the Macao Laws, youths under 18 years of age are prohibited from entering the casino area. And the most tourists avoid gambling if they have last minute China travel deals in Macao.
2. Macao Fisherman's Wharf
Taking just a 5-minute walk from the Macao-HK Ferry Terminal and Heliport, Macao Fisherman's Wharf is the first cultural and themed attraction in Macao. In addition, it also has dining, shopping, entertainment, accommodation, convention and exhibition facilities in one single location.

Macao Fisherman's Wharf is made up three main sections, including Dynasty Wharf, East Meets West and Legend Wharf. The Dynasty Wharf is home to many traditional Chinese towers in the imitation of the Tang-style. The East Meets West encapsulates oriental traditions and features of western design. The Legend Wharf features a recreational complex, combining shops, hotels, restaurants and a casino.
Travel tips:
How to get there: Take bus no. 1A,3,3A,8,10,10A,10B,17,28A,28B,28BX,28C,32 and get off at Macao Fisherman's Wharf Admission: Free Hours: opens 24 hours
If you have a China business travel, Macao Fisherman's Wharf should not be missed. But as for the casino, you should be prudent to enter.

Top Attractions in Inner Mongolia, China

Some people say that sunshine, fresh air and vast forests are one of the biggest draws for modern travelers. Luckily, Inner Mongolia, located in north China, contains all of these features. In addition to the famous Hulun Buir grasslands, there are numerous other impressive scenic and historic attractions located throughout the area for your China travel packages.
1. Mausoleum of Genghis Khan

The Genghis Khan Mausoleum is located in Ordos City. It was built by the Chinese government from 1954 to 1956. Featuring the traditional Mongolian style, the mausoleum is not the real burial place of the Khan because his burial site remains a mystery. It is just a cenotaph, where the coffin contains no body; there are only headdresses and accessories as decorations.
Admission: 110 yuan
Best time to visit: May to September
2. Hulun Buir grasslands

Located in northeastern Inner Mongolia, the Hulun Buir grasslands have been ranked as one of the three best grasslands in the world. The grasslands get their name from the Hulun and Buir lakes. It is one of the world's best preserved grasslands, boasting more than 120 types of pastures. Although every season shows us the different beauty of the grasslands, the landscape from May to August is the most gorgeous as it is dotted with colorful flowers, birds, and cattle and sheep scattered among the grasses. Besides, you can enjoy various kinds of activities, including horseback and camelback riding, and watch the local horse racing and Mongolian wrestling. Hulun Buir grasslands are close to Xinjiang. You can take a Silk Road tour after visiting Inner Mongolia.
Admission: NA
Best time to visit: May to August
3. Xiangshawan

Xiangshawan, also known as the Resonant Sand Gorge, gets its name from an echoing sound you hear when you step on the sands. It is located in the middle part of Dalad Banner near Ordos City. Here, you can enjoy the sand dunes and participate in various kinds of activities like sand surfing and camel riding. It is close to the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan and Zhaojun's Tomb.
Admission: 80 yuan
Best time to visit: Autumn
If you have plan to have last minute China travel deals, you can consider the the attractions in Inner Mongolia.

Most Visited Tourist Cities in China

Thanks to its long history, many scenic spots and superb services as well as accommodations, Beijing, the capital of China, ranked number one on the list of 2012 best city for tourism on Chinese mainland.

China tourism is known as the "Smokeless Industry" or the "Invisible Trade." It is an emerging economic sector which features less investment and big profits. The industry is not only related to beautiful attractions, but also to a large number of services, including transportation, dining, shopping and entertainment.
With China's rapid development, more and more Chinese have taken to traveling on holidays. According to the 2011 data of China National Tourism Administration, the nation had at that time received 135 million inbound tourists and earned US$48.46 billion in foreign exchange revenues, a 1.2% and 5.8% increase respectively compared to 2010. The number of domestic tourists exceeded 2.64 billion and income reached up to 1.9 trillion yuan (US$304.7 billion), increasing 13.2% and 23.6% respectively compared to the 2010 numbers. Tourism has become one of China's fastest growing industries.

According to the report, this year's rankings are based on six tourist criteria, including the inbound tourism number, the domestic tourism number, tourism foreign exchange earnings, domestic tourism income, the number of star hotels and the number of outstanding scenic spots (rated higher than 4A).
Top 1: Beijing
Beijing, the capital of China, is a great city with a history of more than 3,000 years. It's the center of the country's politics, economy, culture and art. As one of China's ancient capitals, Beijing is home to a great number of cultural and historical sites, which make it a huge magnet attracting numerous tourists from all over the world. The top attraction has to be Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest city square and an icon of China. On the north side of the Square lies the 600-year-old Forbidden City, the largest and the best-preserved imperial palace on the planet.

Also, make sure you do not neglect the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. Other top Beijing attractions include the breathtaking Great Wall of China, Temple of Heaven, Temple of Earth, National Stadium and Beijing 798 Art Zone. You can also tour the various traditional hutongs and courtyards to experience the hustle and bustle of local life. All these should be contained in your Beijing tour package.
Top 2: Guangzhou

Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is China's third biggest city. It is famous throughout China and the world for its cuisine and foreign trade. Aside from the endless skyscrapers and shopping malls in this dynamic metropolis, there is a lot of culture and history to see. As one of the twenty-four most famous historical and cultural cities across China, Guangzhou boasts numerous historical relics, including the Bright Filial Piety Temple, the Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family and the Western Han Nanyue King's Tomb Museum. Additionally, the city features a large amount of western style architecture such as the Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Top 3: Shanghai

Sitting on the estuary of the Yangtze River, Shanghai is a renowned international metropolis as well as a popular tourist destination. Tourists will marvel at the views in this vibrant land, which perfectly blends traditional with modern elements, as well as eastern with western culture. Famous historical landmarks, including the Bund, the City God Temple and the Yuyuan Garden should not be missed when touring this city. The Bund, a 1.5-kilometer long waterfront area, is noted for dozens of splendid historical buildings in various styles, including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Neo-Classical which are must-sees for Shanghai tour packages.

Another stunning attraction is the Pudong Skyline, which features a number of mega skyscrapers including the symbolic Oriental Pearl Tower, the Jin Mao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center and the presently-under-construction 632-meter Shanghai Tower. Tourists will also be enthralled to go to the Memorial Site for the First National Congress of the CPC, Shanghai Xintiandi (New Heaven and Earth), and the premier shopping street-Nanjing Road.

What to See in Gansu, China

Located in the northwest of China, Gansu formed the golden intersection on the Ancient Silk Road and is one of the birthplaces of the Chinese nation. This wealth in cultural heritage left Gansu with numerous uncommon touristic assets. The province boasts an abundance of natural attractions as well as of cultural relics. The amazing Yueya Spring and world famous Mogao Grottoes are merely two illustrations of this magical place's legendary beauty! Gansu is a destination included in Silk Road tours. The following top attractions should not be missed.
1. Mogao Grottoes

Located on the eastern slopes of the Mingsha Mountain in the southeast of Dunhuang County in Gansu Province, the Mogao Grottoes are one of three best noted grottoes in China and also contain the largest, best preserved and richest treasure house of Buddhist art in the whole world. Also known as the Thousand Buddha Cave, a monk named Yue Seng chiseled the first cave here in 366, during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420). The endeavor was continued by later dynasties, up until the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368), resulting in the fantastic group of caves that can still be seen today. Today, 492 caves have stood the test of time and contain some 2,100 colored statues and 45,000 square meters of murals. If you join China tour packages to Gansu, Mogao Grottos should not miss.
Admission: 160 yuan (Chinese),180 yuan (foreigners) (Apr 1 - Oct 31); 80 yuan - 120 yuan (Nov 1 - Mar 31)
Best time to visit: Summer and autumn
2. Yueya Spring

Located in Dunhuang City, the Mingsha Mountain and Yueya Spring Scenic Spot has been one of the eight most famous scenic spots in Dunhuang since the Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD). The Yueya Spring, also known as the Crescent Moon Spring, is surrounded by the Mingsha Mountains. It stretches for 100 m from South to North, and 25m from East to West. The Yueya Spring has been a scenic wonder for a long time and is reputed to be the "First Spring in Sand". Mingsha Mountain, also known as the "Echoing-Sand Mountain" got its name from the sound-making sands surrounding it. Additionally, it features plenty of leisurely activities, including sand surfing, camel riding and visits to the sand spa.

Admission: 120 yuan (Apr 1 - Oct 31), 80 yuan (Nov 1 - Mar 31)
Best time to visit: Summer and autumn
If you want to know more info about Gansu attractions, you can contact with China tour agents.

Top Attractions in Fujian

1. Gulangyu Island
Located 600 meters to the southwest of Xiamen City, Gulangyu Island, or Drum Wave Islet which is always contained in the China travel packages, is an extremely beautiful island, nicknamed the "garden on the sea." Covering an area of 1.87 square kilometers (187 hectares), this small island is flooded by green trees and lovely flowers. Among the many scenic spots on the island, the most attractive ones are the Sunlight Rock and the Shuzhuang Garden.

The island is home to about 20,000 permanent residents, all of whom enjoy a comfortable and relaxed lifestyle. Only electric-powered vehicles are permitted on the island, so the environment is free from the noise and pollution of car engines.
The island was previously called Yuanshazhou Island and got its present name during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), because when the tide comes in, the waves pound the reef which sounds like the beating of a drum.
With the best of classical and romantic European-style architecture, the island truly deserves to be called a "museum of architecture." It is also known as the 'Cradle of Musicians' and 'Island of Music' because of its appreciation for music and the popularity of the piano.
Admission: 100 yuan(US$15.73)/person
2. Mount Wuyi
Located on the junction of Fujian and Jiangxi, Mount Wuyi is a famous scenic spot bearing red cliffs, lofty peaks, a deep and secluded valley, caves and fantastic rock peaks. Covering an area of 60 square kilometers (6,000 hectares), it is the most outstanding biodiversity conservation zone in the southeastern part of China.

Most of the hills here are made of red sandstones, rise steeply but are flat on the top. The peaks and rocks of grotesque shapes are girded by clear streams and embraced by green trees and bamboo plants. The Nine-bend River, 60 kilometers (37.28 miles) long, meanders among the hills, presenting the most charming tourist route within this scenic zone.
Mount Wuyi has a long cultural history. The site of the Wuyi Palace, built in the seventh century for emperors to conduct sacrificial activities, remains until this day. It had been an important center of China's Taoism and was listed as one of the top nine Taoist Temples in the 10th century. The mountain also boasts many other cultural relics, including stone inscriptions.
In 1999, Mount Wuyi entered the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, both on a natural and cultural level. Mount Wuyi should not missed for your tailor-made China tours
Admission: 140 yuan(US$22.02)/person
3. Three Lanes and Seven Alleys
Located in the downtown area of Fuzhou, Fujian's capital city, the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys (Sanfang-Qixiang) is a street district featuring a cluster of ancient residential buildings and is the largest well-preserved historical heritage site in China, covering an area of 40 hectares.

With the Southern Street acting as their central axis, the original three lanes were in the west and the seven alleys are in the east. The layout dates back to the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties, almost 1,000 years ago. The street is unique as it is the only existing street district in China bearing this pattern. Running from north to south, the lanes refer to Wenru Lane, Yijin Lane, and Guanglu Lane, whereas the alleys refer to Huang Alley, Gong Alley, Yangqiao Alley, Langguan Alley, Ta Alley, Anmin Alley, and Jipi Alley.
The lanes and alleys were home to hundreds of houses constructed by wealthy people of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and 159 buildings remain well-preserved to this day. As a result, the district has been nicknamed "an architectural museum of the Ming and Qing dynasties." The houses were built using huge old bricks and they carry seashell decorations-which were easy to get because of Fuzhou's coastal location. The ornaments, wood carvings and stone carvings all testify to the past glory of the area and its buildings.
The area has been home to many famous people, including politicians, military leaders, writers and poets. Some of their descendants still reside there today, keeping up the living fashions of their ancestors. Jiqi Alley, Yangqiao Alley and Guanglu Lane have now been converted into driveways. Only two lanes and five alleys remain.
Admission: Free
If you visit these attractions in Fujian and experience the essence of these places, you can totally feel the difference from that of Guilin tour.

temples in China to pray in Spring Festival

Spring Festival is almost here! According to tradition, burning incense and offering prayers in a temple at this time of year will bring you good luck for the whole year. So, whether you believe this or not, why not take a culturally exhilarating temple tour with your family over the holidays? Who knows, it may just make your Year of the Snake roar. The following offers you the top temples for your lucky and popular China tours.
1. Yonghe Temple, Beijing

Yonghe Temple, situated in the northeast part of downtown Beijing, is the largest and best-preserved lamasery in Beijing and one of the most important lama temples in the world. It was built in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) as the residence of the Emperor Yongzheng before he ascended the throne. During the 9th year of Emperor Qian Long's reign (1744), the residence was completely converted into a lamasery. As a famous site of the Lama Buddhist sect, the temple attracts many pilgrims and travelers every day. Based on the belief that incense offerings should be made as early as possible to improve one's luck for the coming year, thousands of worshippers congregate outside the temple on Chinese New Year's Eve waiting to rush inside on the stroke of midnight. Yonghe Temple is a must-see destination for Beijing tours.
Travel tips:
Admission: 25 yuan, 12 yuan for students
Opening Hours: 09:00 --17:00
Getting there: Take Buses No. 13, 62, 116, 117, 684, or take subway Line 2 or 5 to Yonghegong Lama Temple Station, Exit C.
2. Wutai Mountain, Shanxi

Standing at the northeast part of Shanxi Province, Wutai Mountain, along with Emei Mountain in Sichuan, Putuo Mountain in Zhejiang, and Jiuhua Mountain in Anhui, is one of the four sacred mountains in Chinese Buddhism. As the dojo of the Bodhisattva Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom, the mountain is famous not only in China, but also in Japan, India, Nepal and other neighboring countries. Thousands of students and their parents flock to Wutai to pray for good luck and a bright future during the pre-exam season, especially before the National College Entrance Examination.
Travel tips:
Admission: 168 yuan (Apr. --Oct.), 145 yuan (Nov. --Mar.)
Opening hours: 6:30 -- 20:00
Getting there: Take long-distance buses from Yingze Street in Taiyuan, Xinzhou City or Wutai County.
If you want to plan AFFORDABLE china packages to pray for Spring Festival, the above-mentioned attractions should not missed.

The traditional way of celebrating Spring Festival in Qikou, Shanxi

At Shanxi's Qikou township, the roaring Yellow River, accompanied by the cracking of ice, thrills you with the best of nature for your educational China tours.

The Qikou township is a remote town along the Yellow River in Shanxi's Linxian county. Its location at the boundary of Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces gives it the rich culture and characteristics of both the places.
At Qikou, you can watch the ice floating along the Yellow River during the Spring Festival. The Yellow River looks like a huge snake that is casting off its skin. The ice cracks and rumbles like a rock concert on the river.
You can hide in one corner and daydream, or you can sit on heated adobe bed and learn to make cloth tiger and paper-cut decorations from local villagers.
If you want to customize China tours in Shanxi during Spring Festival, you should consider Qikou, Shanxi.