Learn something on Fengsheng Town

A Brief Introduction to Fengsheng Town
Fengsheng Town lies in the east part of Ba'nan District of Chongqing Yangtze River tour, 60 kilometers away from Chongqing, occupying an area of 69 square kilometers. Fengsheng Town is an agricultural town in the mountain area. The average elevation of Fengsheng Town is about 550 meters with temperate climate, fresh air and rich ground water storage. There are many macrobians living in Fengsheng Town. With vital geographic location, Fengsheng Town was called "No.1 Dry Dock of Yangtze River".
History of Fengsheng Town
Fengsheng Town has a long history and profound cultures. According to the historical record, Fengsheng Town was originally built in Song Dynasty.
In Ming Dynasty, Fengsheng Town was repaired and rebuilt. Today, the relics of Fengsheng Town built in Ming Dynasty can still be found here.
In Qing Dynasty and the Republican China period, Fengsheng Town last minute China travel deals became quite prosperous because of its rich resources and vital geographic location.
In 2002, Fengsheng Town was listed as one of the first famous historical and cultural towns by Chongqing Municipal People's Government.
Attractions of Fengsheng Town
As a historical and cultural ancient town, Fengsheng Town is abundant in both natural landscapes and human landscapes.
Natural landscapes in Fengsheng Town best tours of China are rich in categories and large in number. Covered with luxurious vegetations, the sceneries here are quite pleasant. Here you can appreciate more than 60 karst caves and natural maple woods, Xiangshui Lake and waterfalls groups.
Fengsheng Town was built in Song Dynasty and was quite flourishing in Ming and Qing Dynasty. The old streets of Ming and Qing Dynasties paved with blue stone slabs, quadrangle courtyards, exquisitely carved wooden windows as well as different types of palaces, halls and temples decorated with hollow relievos can still be seen in Fengsheng Town.
Special Food of Fengsheng Town
Fengsheng Town is located in the humid subtropical monsoon climate with rich rainfalls. Since its elevation is not low, the sunshine is quite plentiful. Water of good quality brings about many superior products, such as dried bean curd, wine, bean starch noodles and so on. All of these special food are produced with the excellent underground water.
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Must-sees in Datong and things to do

Yunggang Grottoes
One of the most remarkable religious and historical works of art in Datong and probably in the whole of China is the Yunggang Grottoes last minute China travel deals. It’s a collection of more than 50,000 statues and 252 caves that were carved in celebration of Buddhist art, infused by the influence of Chinese culture, especially around the early times of Datong.
The Grottoes used to have wooden temples at the front until they were destroyed because of a war. The caves are made up of different sizes, though they are clustered. They have their own windows and doors. Because of the unimaginable feat, the Yunggang Grottoes is now officially part of UNESCO World Heritage List.
Hanging Monastery
Monasteries are aplenty in China, and they are found everywhere, even in the mountains and near bodies of water such as rivers. What makes the Hanging Monastery very different from all the others is that it’s found right at the edge of the cliff, giving the feeling that it’s really hanging. The main foundation of the monastery is right within its bedrock while the crossbeams, which were made of wood, had to be attached to holes that had been carved in the cliffs. The monastery now stands about 75 meters from the ground and is around 6,500 years old. Aside from Buddhism, the monastery also practices Taoism and Confucianism, making it more interesting and unique.
Shanhua Temple
Shanhua Temple is one of the most famous temples Shanxi and is found in Datong best tours of China. Its construction lasted for more than 4 centuries as more buildings, halls, and pavilions had been added. The last few were built during the Jin Dynasty around 12th century. The temple covers about 14,000 square meters and has three main halls, namely, Da Xiong Bao Dian, Hall of Three Saints, and the Gate.
Nine Dragon Screen
Another highlight of the temple is the Nine-dragon Screen, which is an attraction on its own. It is considered to be the most elaborate and the oldest of all the wall screens found all over the country. It measures 45 meters in length and 2.09 meters in width. The height is 8 meters. The glazed wall is made up of several colors such as black, white, green, and blue, giving a perfect contrast to the rather structured patterns of the temple popular China tour package. The screen, moreover, showcases nine swirling but powerful dragons.
What to Do
1. Visit the Red Flag Square. Every night the Red Flag Square comes alive as most of the locals come here to talk or showcase their culture through certain performances. This is also one of the most opportune times to get to know more about their history and way of living. Don’t expect them to learn proper English—some of them may not be able to speak the language at all—but they are more than happy to learn some words from you. They may also invite you to some games like kick ball.
2. Join their festivals. Datong celebrates various kinds of festivals such as Jin Merchant Shehuo, International Tourist, and Buzha Dance, where performers wear a special kind of mask.
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Featured Old Towns And Villages to Discover The Beauty of China II

By comparion with other water towns in China, the layout of Zhouzhuang China tour deals is kept intact with clear flagstone streets. The beauty of tranquility permeates the whole town in the morning and evening. Because of unmatched gaseity of watertown, many films in China were once set in Zhouzhuang. It also houses some famous attractions such as the Hall of Shen's Residence, the Zhang's Hall of Residence, Quanfu Temple and so on. The Hall of Shen's Residence, built in 1742, was the private property of descendant of Shen Wanshan, the first millionaire of the south of Yangtze River in the early Qing Dynasty. The whole buildings in this hall are Qing-style and furnishings in here are all very exquisite and elegant. The Hall of Zhang's Residence was originally built by descendant of Xu Kui in Ming Dynasty, but in the earyly Qing, the hall was sold to Zhang's family, hence the name. Quanfu Temple, built in 1987, was a set of ornamental and practical antique-shaped water tower with 5 layers and 33 meters high. Standing top of the temple, visitors can get a panorama of Zhouzhuang. Zhouzhuang is a place you can visit anytime in a year but please avoid national holidays in China.

Xijiang Miao Villages, the largest village in the world, is located 36 kilometers northeast of Leishan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou. Nestled Leigong Mountain, Xijiang is vell known for its embroidery and silver ornaments. It is one of those treasures - paddies, mists, wooden houses, water buffalo, the works. The village enjoy the beautiful settings with the terraced fields rising up along the slopes of hills and the crystal-clear Baishui River Yangtze River tour flowing through. The village takes on its most beautiful view in a day when it is lit up by sunset light. In the center of the village has a open-air square where visitors can watch free performance of songs and dances. The most magical show is that the performers use tree leaves with different size to make melodious music.
Heshun is well worth a visit. The village has been set aside as a retirement village for overseas Chinese, but it is of more interest as a quiet, traditional Chinese village with cobbled streets. There are some great old buildings in the village, providing lots of photo oportunities. The village also has a small museum and famous old library.You can avoid buying a ticket by coming after 19:00, when the ticket office shuts.
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From: http://www.sooperarticles.com/travel-articles/destinations-articles/featured-old-towns-villages-discover-beauty-china-ii-1178191.html

How Much Do You Know about Dumpling?

Dumpling is the very featured but ordinary food in north China. People usually eat dumpling on Spring Festival China tour deals , Lantern Festival and winter solstice. Xi’an Dumpling Banquet is brought forth new ideas in its shape, color and taste; meanwhile, is added ancient culture. Thus the dumpling is not only one kind of simple flour food.
Xi’an Dumpling Banquet is created by a dumpling restaurant in Xian (starting point for Silk Road tour ). In the earlier 1980s, the tourism in Xi’an boomed and many tourists from home and abroad came to Xi’an. An idea that the dumplings can be evolved into special local favorite came to mind of the staffs from dumpling restaurant. So the Dumpling Banquet came into being after a painstaking study and apprenticeship.
Now, there are 108 kinds of dumplings. People used to use pork, beef, mutton and vegetable as its stuffing. But now the stuffing includes chicken, duck, fish, egg, fruit, seafood, etc. Concerning with the taste, many tastes are added such as sour, sweet, peppery, etc. As for shape, the traditional crescent-like dumplings has been evolved into various shapes such as flower, animals, etc.

Xi’an Dumpling Banquet (don't miss it for your China best tours) makes many visitors impressive so that eating Dumpling Banquet becomes a must for tourists coming to Xi’an. Dumpling Restaurant on Jiefang Road gain considerable fame for its high-quality and is awarded “Golden Tripod”.
Some folk sayings about dumplings as having one dumplings means that everything goes off smoothly, two fro double happiness coming at the same time. So when you taste the delicious dumpling, you can also enjoy the stories and receive a beautiful blessing.
As you eat the dumplings, the number of dumplings you eat has the different meaning and blessing. One dumpling means plain sailings; two is double happiness coming at the same time; three dumplings means going up three grades in a row; four dumplings means getting rich all year round; five dumplings mean an abundant harvest of all food crops; six dumplings means that everything will go well; seven dumplings mean good luck; eight dumplings means that the Eight Immortals crossing the sea (a folk legendary); nine dumplings means the highest above all and ten dumplings means be perfect in everything.
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from: http://www.articlestars.com/articles/1506429_----How-Much-Do-You-Know-about-Dumpling%3F.html

The Ends of The Earth: Dongji Island

How far is it to the very ends of the earth and what would it look like once you got there China tour deals? How remote does a place really need to be to feel like it’s the last outpost??The place, I imagine, is lying in wait somewhere just before the Great Nothingness. Right on the edge of that once sorely feared, yet entirely fictitious, drop off into oblivion.
Surely Dongji Island sitting in the Taiwan Strait, must come pretty close to this mythical last place of all places? Dongji is like some kind of odd, not quite right dream straight out of a Murakami novel. The village, much like the one in Murakami’s Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, is quaint and old-world, and somehow an empty ethereal beauty hangs in the air. Though instead of the ominous Wall that surrounds the village in the novel, the vast ocean encompasses this small island.

Once, more than 3000 people lived in the village, now less than 11 families etch out their meager living here China best tours. With the decline in fish in the surrounding ocean waters, villagers began to abandon the island for greater prosperity in the big city. As a result empty dwellings, amongst habitable ones, fall further into decay with each passing year. Their owners are now gone and unlikely to return.?Goats outnumber people and have taken over derelict buildings, including the old school house.?Those few people who remain?must now deal with the inevitable regression back to nature.


There is virtually no employment on the island, so, much needed water and other basic supplies are delivered to popular China travel package residents every 10 days by military coastguard boat. A few households grow what they can and collect rainwater, though through the howling winter this can be difficult. Residents?amble the days away in quite solitude and make what they can from the infrequent visitors who appear from time to time. During the summer a few adventurers manage to set foot on the island to explore its secrets. Some visitors come for the renown snorkeling and diving while others just to wander the landscape. The diving and snorkeling is said to be the best in Penghu, with high visibility and an abundance of fish and coral. The waters are deep though and the currents strong.
Not too long ago the future of the island and the few remaining villagers was at stake. Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs chose the location as one of two potential nuclear waste dumping grounds. The remoteness and few inhabitants made it an appealing choice to far removed government officials from the Ministry. Naturally, the proposal was met with resounding opposition from Penghu locals, who aren’t keen on nuclear waste being dumped in their backyard. As a result, the Penghu County government, in one of its most honorable moments, moved to protect the island by designating it a conservation zone, thus preventing any further speculation by the MOE.?The fate of the island was rightfully returned to the elements, and those who live there. The balance of life is tentative, yet plods on just the same as it always has.
There’s a peace here, much like the other islets of the Penghu Archipelago, one that is born of the harsh sun, merciless wind and endless ocean. The appeal of such a place in my mind isn’t the beautiful beaches travel to China, coral reefs and impressive lighthouse, but rather the sheer remoteness of it all. There’s a sense that time ceases to move forward once you set foot on the island. Time stagnates and quite possibly even ticks backwards, leaving Dongji behind in some far off distant past where it’s best left – another of Penghu’s well kept secrets.

Fengjing: A Walk on the Water Side

Not far from China's pulsing financial center, life passes slowly in the countryside, a small river winds its way past ancient doorsteps and the air is fresh.
Fengjing Town, hidden in China tour deals Shanghai's southwest in Jinshan District, is a small haven to stroll along cobblestone paths or follow the meandering "veranda" along the riverside shared by quaint houses and shops.
Fengjing is more than 1,500 years old and known for its old stone bridges, well-preserved architecture, some with delicate carving on the windows and eaves. The walls are whitewashed and topped by black slate eaves.
One can while away a peaceful afternoon strolling along and occasionally stopping for tea and snacks.
Almost every water town in the Yangtze River Delta has a long, meandering covered veranda built along the riverside, and decked with red lanterns.
The veranda, a kind of community porch, shelters people from rain and the hot sun; boats can tie up there.
Fengjing's veranda is one of old structures that remain intact. On one side are small shops and households, and on the other is the canal that links the waterways of Shanghai and Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces.
In the old days the canal was much wider than it is today, it was an important, bustling thoroughfare, the life's blood of the town. Merchants tied up at their own verandas and unloaded their goods in all kinds of weather.


The early porches, high and low, wide and narrow, were initially not linked into a single walkway. Over the years they were renovated again and again and eventurally linked and integrated so that one could walk from one end to the other.
Today, after strolling along, you can find a boatman to take you along the waterfront where the reflections of houses and lanterns ripple on the water.
Covered boats are tied up along the wood docks and boatmen, in this China best tours case, mostly pretty girls, are happy to dip their paddles in and take you for a ride.
The girls are dressed in old-fashioned blue homespun trousers and jackets and wear black fabric shoes. If requested, they can sing local songs for the passengers.
Fengjing is famed for its numerous stone bridges, which were exquisitely carved. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) there were 52 bridges; today there are only 10.
The oldest is near South Street, it's the Zhihe Bridge, which was built in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).
The ancient stones are covered with moss and ivy wraps itself around the supports and railings.
Qingfeng, Zhuhang and Beifeng bridges are the "Famous Three," also the signature of the town. They link the most visited spots, such as teahouses, opera stages and handicraft boutiques.
It is said that each newly wed couple must cross the three bridges on their wedding day, in a passage said to bring them a happy marriage and good luck.
At the eastern tip of Heping Street, an open-air opera stage offers a beautiful river view. Visitors can enjoy the shows from boats, or they can buy a ticket. Local operas are performed weekly.
During holidays and festivals, the opera stage is always surrounded by locals, visitors and merchants from other cities. Acrobatics, circus shows and various other performances are staged.
Opposite to the stage is a teahouse, where visitors can sip a cup of green tea while enjoying the show across the street popular China travel package.
A red Western-style building with stone pillars stands next to the teahouse: it's the old firehouse built in the early 1920s and contained a modern fire control system that remains intact.
The station displays old firefighting equipment such as ladders and water guns. A red boat is tied up at the nearby dock, Shanghai's last firefighting boat.
Nearby is the People's Commune, which is now a museum. The commune was the highest of three administrative levels in rural areas from 1958 to 1982, and it served governmental, political and economic functions.
On entering the commune, one first sees a big bright red slogan, "Serve the People." Next to the slogan, two quotations by Chairman Mao Zedong are hung high on banners, including "Marxism-Leninism is our guide and leading theoretical foundation."
One wall displays old photos of Mao taken in different periods. Another area titled "China in the 1950s" displays everyday items, such as ration coupons, white enamel cups, Phoenix bicycles, Shanghai watches and notes of a female textile factory worker.
In the back yard of the commune, there's an air-raid shelter that was dug in 1972 and an MiG-15 fighter aircraft. It is said the craft was purchased by Fengjing locals to make a patriotic contribution to their country.How to get there:
Choose the Shanghai-Hangzhou Highway. Get off at the Fengjing Exit. Turn onto the 320 National Route and drive to the town China travel guide.
It is about an hour's drive.
Admission:
It is free to get into the town, but some scenic spots such as the People's Commune and the Chairman Mao's Memorial Hall charge admission fees

Learn something on The Kirgiz Culture of Kizilsu

Introduction

As the prefecture's name suggests, Kizilsu is predominantly an ethnic Kirgiz enclave within Xinjiang Silk Road tours. The other ethnic groups in the prefecture are the Han, Hui, Kazak, Manchu, Uyghur and Uzbek, whereof the Uyghur are the largest group after the Kirgiz.
The Kirgiz people of Kizilsu lead one of two different lifestyles: that of a nomad or that of a settler. The nomadic Kirgiz of Kizilsu graze their livestock herds on low-lying grassland plains in the vicinity of rivers during the summer months, then relocate to higher mountain terrain during the winter, as the higher mountain slopes offer more exposure to the warming rays of the sun during winter. The lives of the Kizilsu Kirgiz have always been intricately interwoven with animal husbandry, where the animals they tend provide their food and drink as well as the wool with which they make their winter clothing and the felt that clads their tents.
The white felt tent of the Kizilsu Kirgiz is often, though not always, square in shape. The tent's frame is first covered with a mat made of grass, then covered with felt, but leaving a 1 meter by 1 meter hole that serves as a skylight and a vent for smoke. The Kirgiz tent is secured to the ground with the help of thick ropes that keep it from blowing apart during storms and during persistently strong winds.
Kirgiz settlers, in contrast, live in flat-roofed square mud houses with windows and skylights, and make their living as farmers.
Most Kizilsu Kirgiz are followers of Islam, though certain earlier shamanistic practices have been absorbed into the Kizilsu Kirgiz manner of practicing Islam. However, there are other Kirgiz tribes living in Xinjiang who practice Tibetan Buddhism, or Lamaism. They too tend to weave earlier shamanistic practices into their adopted religion.
The Turkic-Altaic language of modern-day Kizilsu was re-created in the 1950s, when a new alphabet was devised, replacing the older Arabic script and adopting a Roman alphabet-based script. In some localities, the Kirgiz last minute China travel deals people of Xinjiang have gone a step further and have outright adopted either the Chinese language or a local host language such as Uyghur or Kazak.
The diet of the Kirgiz herdsmen consists mainly of animal byproducts, with some cabbage, onions and potatoes added. They drink goat's milk, eat yogurt and drink tea laced with milk and salt. Wealthy herdsmen often drink cow's milk and eat beef, mutton, horse and camel flesh, as well as rice and boiled wheatmeal. The Kizilsu Kirgiz store butter either in dried sheepskin pouches or in pouches made of dried cattle stomachs. All of the tableware of a Kizilsu Kirgiz nomad household is made of wood. The Kirgiz settlers of Kizilsu have a broader diet that includes the agricultural produce that they grow.
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How to save cash in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Hong Kong travel guide is not exactly known for being cheap. The former British colony, perched on the shore of the South China Sea, frequently graces ‘most expensive cities in the world’ lists for its sky-high rents, acres of posh shopping malls, and dazzling displays of wealth (think Rolex shops on every other corner, women clutching Prada bags as they hail taxis, lapdogs in bejewelled collars).
But despite its glitz, the city still has plenty of bargains – provided you know how to find them. In general, Hong Kong Island itself is the most expensive part of town, while the Kowloon Peninsula across the harbour and the adjoining New Territories are gentler on the wallet.

Budget eats and bargain booze

The home to dim sum, brisket noodles, huge fluffy pork buns and other delights, Hong Kong abounds in budget eats. Wherever you go, the city has hole-in-the-wall restaurants with lines snaking out the door.
If you see one of these lines, you know you’re in for a classic meal, likely for under HK$100. For beef brisket noodles swimming in fragrant, oil-slicked broth, we love Kau Kee (21 Gough Street, Sheung Wan). For the city’s iconic dim sum, Tim Ho Wan (2-20 Kwong Wa Street, Mong Kok) has earned fame as the ‘world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant’. Try the pork buns. Seriously. For egg tarts with buttery crusts and yolk-yellow fillings, Tai Cheong Bakery (35 Lyndhurst Terrace) is justly famous.
Unlike many Asian cities, Hong Kong does not have a huge street food Hong Kong tours presence these days. But just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there – former street vendors now hawk their bowls of noodles, dumplings and braised chicken feet inside public ‘cooked food centres’. The unadorned concrete-and-tile design of these buildings can look a little forbidding, but they generally have produce, meat and fish markets on their bottom floors, and cooked food on the top. The center in Sheung Wan (at Queen’s Road and Bonham Strand) is a local favourite – if you want to splash out a bit, try ABC Kitchen (Stall 7, 9278 8227, reservations crucial), which serves impeccable Italian dishes in a distinctly un-gorgeous environment (fluorescent lights, plastic checked tablecloths) – all at half the price of the city’s other trattorias.
For drinks, a mix of expats, backpackers and well-heeled locals booze it up in the bar districts of Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo on Hong Kong Island Hong Kong tourist attractions. Here, happy hours running from mid-afternoon to early evening are the norm. Check out the websites for deals, or just take a wander and read the chalkboards posted on the sidewalk. Luxe-Zen-themed Zinc boasts the longest happy hour in the district, from 5pm to 10pm.

Free sights

When it comes to free things, you can’t beat nature. Those who haven’t visited Hong Kong before are often shocked by how green the city is. Sure, downtown and Kowloon are snarled masses of concrete and glass high-rises. But some 60% of the city is preserved green space, and you don’t have to go far to find it. The city is famed for its hiking, with hundreds of kilometres of well-marked trails. The Dragon’s Back Trail, one of Hong Kong’s most glorious hikes, traverses Hong Kong Island, following the ridgeline south, offering panoramic sea views. It ends in the village of Shek-O, where tired ramblers can chow down on cheap noodles and watch the waves slap the rocks.
On Wednesdays, many of the city’s museums are free. The Hong Kong Museum of Art is one of the best, with a comprehensive collection of Chinese pottery, calligraphy scrolls and paintings. From the museum’s Kowloon location, take advantage of another one of Hong Kong’s best freebies – the ‘Avenue of the Stars’, a seaside promenade which offers cheesy tributes to local film heroes, but whose real star quality is its gleaming view of the Hong Kong Island skyline. Every night at 8pm, crowds gather here for the (free) ‘Symphony of Lights’, a music-and-light show illuminating the skyscrapers across the water. It’s silly and slightly bizarre, but good fun.

Cheap stays

Come bedtime, budget backpackers worth their salt should brave the infamous Chungking Mansions. This 17-story behemoth on Kowloon Peninsula’s teeming Tsim Sha Tsui district attracts people of such varied ethnicities, languages and clothing styles it’s earned comparisons to Star Wars’ riotous Mos Eisley cantina. On the ground floor, African and South Asian vendors hawk samosas and grey-market cell phones, while the higher floors are a concrete warren of restaurants, apartments, beauty parlours and budget guesthouses. Chungking House is a longstanding favourite, with double rooms going for about HK$275.
Reasonably-priced guesthouses abound in the Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kong districts of Kowloon. Try Booth Lodge a simple-but-clean spot run by the Salvation Army. A double will run you HK$1200.

Souvenirs for a song

If you’re yearning for some souvenirs, Hong Kong’s kitschy-cool street markets are chockablock with lucky cat statues, fake jade jewelry, vintage reproduction cigarette ads, fake designer handbags and more.
The Temple Street Night Market China tour deals and the Ladies Market in Kowloon are perennial favorites, as is Cat Street on Hong Kong Island. Bargaining is both acceptable and expected. If you’re not happy with the price, try saying this: tai gwai la (Cantonese for 'it’s too expensive!').

Questions and answers for your Yangtze River tour

Here we’ve got a page listing the answers to all your questions about Yangtze River and Yangtze cruise, as well as providing practical tips to make your Yangtze cruise experience more comfortable, including fast Yangtze River facts, currency exchange onboard, onboard smoking policy, communication with onboard staff, etc. Click to read frequently asked questions about Yangtze River tour and Yangtze River.

How far in advance to book the cruise?

We recommend that you book as early as possible to secure your preferred ship. The Yangtze Cruise trip is very popular and ships fill quickly, especially in peak traveling seasons. Book early to avoid disappointment!

How do you meet people with wheel chairs?

Passengers with wheelchairs must notify their travel agents at the time of booking with sufficient information as to the size and other applicable characteristics of their wheel chairs to insure that the booked cabin is suitable for wheelchair entry. Conditions may preclude passengers with wheelchairs from going ashore at certain ports of call.

Do you have Internet access on board? Can we stay in touch with the outside world?

Yes. Internet access and phone services are available via Satellite service. The Business Center onboard ship has photocopying, fax machines, personal computers, simultaneous translating, and typing. The prices for these services are quite high however. If possible, we strongly recommend you bring you own mobile phone onboard.

Is the water onboard safe to drink?

There is water purification and sterilization facilities onboard ship that offer clean tap water, but it is not recommended for drinking. We will provide two bottles of water for each client per day.

How do you charge the port/shore excursion?

Port and Shore excursion charges are indicated separately in the cruise information item.

Where shall we put our valuables?

Your cabin is equipped with a personal safe. ORC is not responsible for any articles such as money, jewelry, cameras, binoculars, documents or any other items which you retain in your personal control or in your cabin.

Can we take pets with us to the cruise?

Sorry. We cannot accommodate pets on any ORC Cruise.

How about bringing mirnors and child care?

Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult over the age of 21. A baby-sitter can be arranged on board through Housekeeping. However, child care is not included in your cruise fare.

Can we exchange the currency in the Cruise?

Yes, 5-star Cruises offer this service. Normally they only accept USD and EUR.

Are the hairdryer available in each Cruise?

Yes, hairdryers will be available in the reception department.

Is there shopping facilities onboard ship?

There are some shops onboard ships. These shops specialize in daily necessities, and some food. These shops are not large, and will not have everything you might want, so it is recommended that you be well prepared before boarding. There will be many shops at the scenic spots along the Yangtze River. All kinds of traditional arts and crafts will be available. It is expected that you bargain when you go shopping, especially on expensive goods last minute China travel deals.

How do I get to the ship and how early should I arrive?

If you have purchased our cruise packages or tours, we will provide and arrange the necessary transfers to the ship, which means that you do not need to check in to the ship all by yourselves. Our tour guide will meet and lead you from your destination airport to the cruise ship. If you prefer to check in at the cruise ship yourselves, you need to get the details of your itinerary (the port’s name and location and the time of departure) from the cruise company or travel agent. Usually you need to arrive several hours before the cruise ship departs.

What clothes should I bring?

We suggest that you bring a light jacket, jeans, T- shirts and lightweight windbreaker if you are planning to commence your cruise during spring or autumn. A light sweater is handy for cooler days. Bring some cotton T-shirts, shorts, a hat/cap, sunglasses and suntan lotions if your cruise is during summer. Sweaters are a must during winter. Do not forget to bring comfortable walking shoes/ sandals/ sneakers. Usually there will be two formal nights including the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party and Dinner and the Captain’s Farewell Dinner. We suggest that you dress up accordingly for such a formal occasion. Coat and tie for gentlemen and a formal dress or gown for ladies are recommended.

How do you treat passengers with special medical or physical needs?

If you have special medical, physical or other relevant needs such as the use of a wheelchair, you must inform us when you book your trip to check if appropriate assistances or necessary facilities are available. Over the years, cruise companies have aimed to improve their facilities so that travelers who are physically challenged can enjoy their trip as fully as possible. Handicapped staterooms on ships for clients with special needs are often available. It is a "converted" regular-sized cabin fit for the needs of physically challenged customers. On some ships narrow corridors, lips on the doorways, and steps at public area are unavoidable. Ships cruising along the Yangtze River best tours of China may inevitably docks at some of the rural area like small towns or village, elevator and cable cars are not readily available. Wheelchair access may be limited and sometimes impossible. We recommend that passengers with special needs travel with a companion who can provide required assistance.

What if you will be arriving late?

If you think you will probably miss your ship as scheduled due to unavoidable reasons, please contact us immediately. We need to hear from you so that we could contact the cruise company and inform them about your situation. Nevertheless, we will try to provide the best solution.

When you disembark, how and where will you find my guide?

After the ship anchors, you will see our guide on the landing and holding a board with your name written on it.

What if I plan to disembark earlier than scheduled?

If you have to disembark before the ship arrives at its terminal, you are requested to get off at the nearest dock. Kindly inform us if you plan to disembark earlier than expected when you make the booking so that you can get the actual fare. To let the ship dock at any other place that is not included in the itinerary will greatly increase the quoted price of your China trip.

Chinese Spring Festival on the Great Wall

Spring Festival, also called the Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year, is the grandest traditional festival celebrated by Chinese people. Chinese New Year 2014 would fall on Jan 31st, 2014. For celebrating this festival, people would put up couplets, hang red lanterns and play firecrackers delightfully, and everywhere is permeated with holiday atmosphere. Now, ChinaTour.com invites you to celebrate Chinese Spring Festival 2014 on the Great Wall and experience Chinese New Year spree together! Rediscover your sense of wonder on the Great Wall, ponder the legends of Forbidden City in Beijing, immerse yourself in the captivating West Lake in Hangzhou, explore the exquisite Chinese gardens in Suzhou and get a glimpse of the thriving Bund in metropolitan Shanghai China tour deals .

Tour Highlights

Enjoy affordable price & top-notch service
Explore profound Chinese culture of Spring Festival
Discover the classic Chinese architectural complex
Experience Chinese gardening masterpiece
Rediscover the funky newfangled architectures
Indulge yourself in the Chinese New Year spree
Serve the authentic Imperial Peking Duck Dinner
Stay at the super deluxe 5 star hotels

Chinese Culture

Spring Festival
Spring Festival is one of the most important and ceremonious festival in China, which is from the first day to the 15th day of the first month in the lunar calendar. Spring Festival is to China, what Christmas is to western countries. About one month ahead of the Spring Festival China best tours, people will get preparation for it, such as cleaning house, do shopping and making storable food. For celebrating the festival, people will hang couplets and red lanterns onto the doors, and play firecrackers delightfully, and everywhere is permeated with Chinese New Year spree.

The Year of Horse

According to the Chinese zodiac cycle, the year of 2014 is the Year of Horse, from Jan 31st, 2014 to Feb 18, 2015. People born in the Year of Horse is believed to be energetic, bright, warm-hearted, intelligent and capable, so this year is supposed to be full of hope and success.
Years of Birth for Horses: 1954, 1966, 1978,1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038

Spring Festival Eve
On the Spring Festival Eve, a family reunion dinner would be served. People working far away from home will get back home for this reunion. On the family union dinner, family member would dine together, and the young would express their best wishes and toast for the elder's health and happiness. On the family reunion dinner, children will get the lucky money from the elder after saying "Happy New Year" to the elders.
Lantern Festival
Lantern Festival popular China travel packageis another important festival in China, which marks the end of the spring festival and is celebrated on the 15th of the first month in lunar calendar every year. For celebrating the lantern festival, people would watch splendid lantern shows, guess lantern riddles, watch folk dances and eat sweet dumplings (Yuan Xiao) etc.. Everywhere is fully packed with joyful atmosphere.

Chinese Spring Festival Travel Tips

You had better not carry your visa along with you all the time along the tour. Stocking your visa in the safe after checking in is kindly advised.

Never carry too much cash along your tour. During the Chinese Spring Festival, it would be particularly crowded in the scenic area and on street. Carry less cash to avoid being stolen.
Take care of your belongings whenever you are enjoying the Chinese Spring Festival tours.
Bringing some regular medicine for cold and diarrhea disease is kindly advised.
Never miss strolling along the street at night to enjoy the spree of Chinese New Year.

Learn Chinese to Express Best Wishes for Chinese New Year

Happy New Year新年快乐！Xīn nián kuài lè
Wish you prosperous!恭喜发财！Gōng xǐ fā cái
Everything goes well万事如意！Wàn shì rú yì
May all your wishes come true心想事成！Xīn xiǎng shì chéng
Good luck and everything goes well 吉祥如意！Jí xiáng rú yì
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The General Guide of Beijing Attractions

Beijing is located in the North and is China's capital and its most modern city China tour deals. This bustling city is home to over 21 million people, while remaining steeped in China's rich, royal past. China's two final dynasties (1368-1911) and 26 emperors have bestowed Beijing with the richest dynastic heritage in the world.
The Great Wall of China

As you first look upon the Great Wall, it is impossible not to be awestruck at this man-made structure. Construction started in the 7th century BC, with additions and rebuilding continuing until the 16th century AD. The Great Wall was built to keep out the warring invaders of the north, but additional sections were extended eastward for nearly 6,700 kilometres. The Badaling section is the most well preserved section of the Wall. You can climb to its top and walk for a mile in either direction: the Great Wall snakes ahead though the mountains as far as you can see.
The Forbidden City (the Palace Museum)
In the heart of the capital lies the Forbidden City, built during the Ming dynasty in 1406. The Forbidden City is actually a city-within-a-city; with 9999 rooms spread over 250 acres. During the Ming and Qing dynasty, 24 emperors made their home in the Forbidden City and forbade commoners from entering. The Emperor's Palace has been transformed into a museum that holds many treasures of the Imperial Family.
Tian An Men Square
Known as the Gate of Heavenly Peace, it is located across the street from the main entrance to the Forbidden City China best tours.
The Temple of Heaven
This masterpiece of Ming architecture is one of the most photographed buildings in the world due to its elegant beauty and symmetry. Built in 1420, it was the place where Ming and Qing emperors (Sons of Heaven) prayed to heaven for a good harvest. Music plays softly through the day in a 660-acre park surrounding the temple.
The Summer Palace
Built in 1750, the Palace overlooks tranquil Kunming Lake. There you can stroll along corridors where royal families spent their summers hundreds of years ago.
The Ming Tombs
Large stone animals and human figures line the famous Sacred Way, the entrance to the burial grounds. Set into the hillside is a complex of tombs of 13 emperors from the Ming dynasty.
The Hutongs
A Hutong is an ancient city alley or lane typical of Beijing, where Hutongs popular China travel package run into the several thousand. Surrounding the Forbidden City, many were built during the Yuan (1206-1341), Ming (1368-1628) and Qing (1644-1908) dynasties. In the prime of these dynasties the emperors, in order to establish supreme power for themselves, planned the city and arranged the residential areas according to the etiquette systems of the Zhou Dynasty. The main buildings in the Hutong were almost all quadrangles - a building complex formed by four houses around a quadrangular courtyard. The quadrangles varied in size and design according to the social status of the residents. The big quadrangles of high- ranking officials and wealthy merchants were specially built with roof beams and pillars all beautifully carved and painted, each with a front yard and back yard. However, the ordinary people's quadrangles were simply built with small gates and low houses. Hutongs, in fact, are passageways formed by many closely arranged quadrangles of different sizes. Today, one can enjoy a walking tour of some of the districts which still contain Hutongs.
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Top 4 river cruises in China

There are many river cruises in China. Here are the the 10 most popular river cruises among foreigners. Please check and have a try when you travel to Hong Kong.
1. Yangtze River Cruise

The Yangtze River, or Chang Jiang is the third longest in the world. It flows from the glaciers of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau into the East China Sea at Shanghai. The classic Yangtze River Cruise Yangtze River tour runs between Chongqing and Yichang with a total length is 660 kilometers. A downstream cruise itinerary from Chongqing to Yichang last for 4 days 3 nights and upstream 5 days 4 nights. The best travling months are April, May, September and October. The highlights of the cruise include Three Gorges, Shore Excursions, and Three Gorges Dam. There are dozens of Yangtze River cruise ships. You should make food, ship size, cabin size and facilities into consideration before choosing the ship.
2. Li River Cruise

The Li River or Lijiang is in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. It stretches 83 kilometers from Guilin to Yangshuo, cruise on the river you will see the beautiful Karst mountain, vivid green rice paddies, scenic villages and water buffalo. Boats for Li River cruise depart the Zhujiang Pier between 8:00 and 10:00 am, the cruise goes downstream from Guilin to Yangshuo, no upstream cruise available.
3. Huangpu River Cruise

Huangpu River is a 113 kilometres-long river flowing through Shanghai.? It divides the city into two regions: Pudong to its east and Puxi to the west.The Bund and Lujiazui are located along the river. Huangpu River Cruise is one of the best ways to see both old and new Shanghai China tour deals .If you have time, a 3-hour voyage will let you have a complete appreciation of the river. There are also 1-2 hours river cruises and an even 30 minutes cruise.
4. The Grand Canal Cruise

With the total length of 1,776 km, The Grand Canal is the longest canal or artificial river in the world. The canal stretches from from Beijing to Hangzhou. The most popular cruise places are cities including Suzhou, Changzhou, Yangzhou and Hangzhou China best tours. Cruise on Suzhou is the most well-known.

Tips on Traveling to China

Overview

China covers over 3,706,580 square miles and is one of the world's biggest countries, in terms of both population and geographic size. The country's vibrant Asian culture, ancient heritage and bustling cities attract millions of visitors every year. Arm yourself with important legal, safety, health and travel tips to ensure a worry-free Chinese vacation.

Vaccines

There are no required vaccinations for those traveling to China, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recommends you stay up-to-date with routine vaccinations such as those for the flu and measles. Shots for hepatitis A and B are also recommended, as well as typhoid. If you're planning to travel to rural farms in China China tour deals , the CDC suggests you get a vaccine for Japanese encephalitis.
You may wish to take anti-malarial drugs if you're traveling to rural areas in provinces like Yunnan and Anhui, where malaria is sometimes present.

Traffic Accidents

Incidences of traffic fatalities and accidents in China are among the highest in the world, according to the U.S. Department of State. Practice extreme caution when walking on sidewalks or crossing the roads in China, since pedestrians do not hold a right of way.
If you're involved in an accident, you will be asked by the Chinese police to sign their official report. Do not sign this unless you are fluent in Chinese. As an alternative, write your own version of the incident in English and sign below that instead of under the police version.

Emergency Contacts

Register your Chinese trip with the U.S. Department of State before leaving. This alerts the local U.S. embassies in China that you are in the country. Upon registration, you will be given contact information for the U.S. embassy or mission nearest your vacation destination. Contact the embassy or mission if you ever need legal or security assistance.
If you are the victim of a crime or need medical help in China, call China's version of 911 by dialing 110.

Money

Convert your money to the Chinese yuan before leaving for China to avoid the extra fees charged by money exchange companies in China.
Save money by shopping in the mom-and-pop stores found outside of tourist districts. Staying in hostels or dormitories instead of hotels, and catching a bus instead of hailing a taxi, can save you additional money.

Travel Times

China's peak travel times are from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is most temperate. Summers can be exceedingly hot while winters can be very cold. Due to China's immense geographic size, specific weather features vary widely by the area in which you're staying. Coastal China usually experiences less extremes in weather, while northern China often has the most dramatic seasonal differences.

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Snow Jade Cave - White Marble Sculpture Museum

Besides the name of “Ghost City”, Fengdu is also famous for Snow Jade Cave (雪玉洞) which is rated as China’s most beautiful cave by Chinese National Geography.
Located about 8 miles from Fengdu City Yangtze River tour, the Snow Jade Cave is a fantastic underground labyrinth of streams and caves featuring beautiful stalactites. Snow Jade Cave formed from Karst, a limestone which is easily eroded. Created 50,000 years ago but only recently discovered by local farmers, and it is the youngest discovered in China at present.
The Snow Jade Cave has a total length of one mile (1.6 kilometers). For its uniqueness and beauty, it has become a popular Yangtze River Attraction as well as serving a research site for the study of caves.

Snow Jade Cave’s Three Characters & Four Wonders

Three Characters

1. Most of the stalactites in the cave are white and pure as jade, hence its name.
2. Stalactites in the cave grow quickly – thirty-three millimeters in one hundred years in fact.
3. The cave houses many spectacular and usual karst formations, including, a waterfall, stone hair, shields, coral and animal shapes. Snow Jade Cave is often referred to as the “White Marble Sculpture Museum”.

White Marble Sculpture Museum

Four Wonders

1. The coral tower in the cave is the largest of its kind in the world.
2. The glittering and transparent King Stone Flag at 26 feet high is the world's tallest and thinnest stone flag.
3. The stone shield at 13 feet high is also known as the Snowy Jade Penguin last minute China travel deals. It is a source of amazement and marvel for many visitors and scholars.
4. Certain groups of stalactites resemble goose necks, some as much as two yards long.

Explore the Four Wonders

Tips for Snow Jade Cave Exploration:

1. Entrance Fee: about 70 Yuan per person;
2. Opening Hours: 08:30 – 17:00
3. How to Get There: Visitors could take a Snow Jade Cave special tourist bus from Fengdu County to the scenic area China best tours , which just costs 5 Yuan per person.
4. Travel Note: Snow Jade Cave is not arranged in any Yangtze Cruise Ships for a shore Excursion at present. If you want to visit, please inquiry your travel consultant and ask for advice.
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Where is Daming Temple?

First erected under the Southern Song Dynasty from 457-464, Daming Temple last minute China travel deals endured an extensive series of demolitions and name changes as a result of political turmoil. Throughout its history the temple was destroyed by fire three times before it underwent its most recent and extensive renovation in 1979. Funded by municipal and provincial governments, the renovation restored the temple to its grand historical stature.


Daming Temple flourished during the prosperous Tang Dynasty China guide. It was during this period that Jian Zhen, a renowned Buddhist monk resided at the temple. Highly respected as one of Buddhism's greatest followers in both China and Japan, Jian Zhen dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of Buddhism. Throughout his life he attempted numerous times to navigate the East China Sea in hopes of sharing the teachings of Buddha with Japan. In 753 Zhen finally reached Japan, but had lost his vision due to an infection he had contracted earlier in life. He spent his remaining years introducing Chinese religious teachings to numerous Japanese cities, founding a school and temple before his death in 763.
Within the temple can be found a collection of historical Buddhist sculptures and relics left by Zhen and subsequent visitors to the temple including emperors of the Qing Dynasty. Today Daming Temple is regarded as one of Yangzhou's greatest historical monuments.

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