Travel Asia: 2009

Matsushima Bay Japan

Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 12:35 AM | Posted by Kami

Matsushima is famous for its bay which is dotted by many pine clad islets and has been ranked one of Japan's three most scenic views. The small town is also known for Zuiganji, one of the most important Zen temples of the Tohoku Region. Matsushima is located only half an hour by train from the Tohoku's largest city Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture.

Yokohama City Japan

at 12:26 AM | Posted by Kami

With a population of over three million people is Yokohama Japan's second largest city. Yokohama is located less than half an hour south of Tokyo by train, and is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture. Towards the end of the Edo Period (1603-1867), during which Japan maintained a policy of self-isolation, Yokohama's port was one of the first to be opened to foreign trade in 1859.
Consequently, Yokohama quickly grew from a small fishing village into one of Japan's major cities. Until today, Yokohama remains popular among expats, has one of the world's largest chinatowns and preserves some former Western residences in the Yamate district.

Tokyo Japan

at 12:20 AM | Posted by Kami

Tokyo is Japan's capital and the country's largest city.
Tokyo is also one of Japan's 47 prefectures, but is called a metropolis (to) rather than a prefecture (ken). The metropolis of Tokyo consists of 23 city wards (ku), 26 cities, 5 towns and 8 villages, including the Izu and Ogasawara Islands, several small Pacific Islands in the south of Japan's main island Honshu. The 23 city wards (ku) are the center of Tokyo and make up about one third of the metropolis' area, while housing roughly eight of Tokyo's approximately twelve million residents. Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo.
A small castle town in the 16th century, Edo became Japan's political center in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his feudal government there. A few decades later, Edo had grown into one of the world's most populous cities. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo ("Eastern Capital"). Large parts of Tokyo were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and in the air raids of 1945.

Miyazaki City Japan

at 12:17 AM | Posted by Kami

Miyazaki City, capital of Miyazaki Prefecture, is located on the south eastern coast of Kyushu. With one of the warmest climates on the main islands of Japan combined with attractions such as resorts, beaches and sports facilities, Miyazaki was the top honeymoon spot and a popular destination with domestic travelers until the 1980s.
The city has since seen falling visitor numbers, but is now making a comeback due to the efforts of a former comedian, Higashikokubaru Hideo, the current governor of Miyazaki Prefecture. His celebrity and constant efforts to keep Miyazaki in the public eye, have begun to revive the Miyazaki brand. Miyazaki City is also near attractions such as Takachiho to the north and Kirishima to the southwest, which are both important sites of Japanese mythology and beautiful places to enjoy nature.

Japan

at 12:13 AM | Posted by Kami

JAPAN is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, People's Republic of China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south.
The characters which make up Japan's name mean "sun-origin", which is why Japan is sometimes identified as the "Land of the Rising Sun". Japan comprises over 3,000 islands making it an archipelago. The four largest islands are Honshū, Hokkaidō, Kyūshū and Shikoku, together accounting for 97% of Japan's land area. Most of the islands are mountainous, many volcanic; for example, Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji, is a volcano. Japan has the world's tenth largest population, with about 128 million people.
The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes the de facto capital city of Tokyo and several surrounding prefectures, is the largest metropolitan area in the world, with over 30 million residents. Archaeological research indicates that people were living on the islands of Japan as early as the Upper Paleolithic period. The first written mention of Japan begins with brief appearances in Chinese history texts from the first century A.D. Influence from the outside world followed by long periods of isolation has characterized Japan's history. Since adopting its constitution in 1947, Japan has maintained a unitary constitutional monarchy with an emperor and an elected parliament, the Diet. A major economic power, Japan has the world's second largest economy by nominal GDP and the third largest in purchasing power parity. It is also the world's fourth largest exporter and sixth largest importer. It is a developed country with high living standards (8th highest HDI) and the longest life expectancy in the world (according to UN estimates)

Yu Yuan Gardens Shangrilla China

at 12:06 AM | Posted by Kami

The Yu Gardens, also known as the Yu Yuan Garden, is likely the most celebrated classical Chinese garden in Shanghai. Found in the northeast of the old town and numbering over fives acres in total area, the Yu Gardens of China are one of the country"s most popular natural landmarks, even going so far to being labeled "an architectural miracle in the region south of Yangtze River". Yu Yuan Garden was first built in 1559 and it took workers almost 20 years to complete. The landscape seems to wind on forever - the gardens are purposefully designed to distort space and distance. You can hardly take a step in these gardens of China without coming across some kind of wood carving or engraving. Emblematic of the gardening style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Yu Garden is a maze of pavilions, grottoes, lotus ponds, and rickety bridges crossing lazy streams.
Though the gardens in Suzhou often get more critical praise, the Yu Gardens Shanghai attract far more visitors each year, and only partially due to their convenient location in one of the largest cities in Asia. Built in a style that Suzhou gardens often take, Yu Yuan Garden is characterized by the same exquisite layout and intricate architecture. Each hall, stone, pavilion and stream is meant to imbue the essence of South China garden design - a style popularized during the Qing and Ming dynasties. Many visitors head straight for the Five-Dragon Wall, a bounding monument to the storied mythical creature.
The original design had each of the dragons with a total of five claws - legend has it that when the wall was first completed, during the reign of the Qing dynasty the feudal ruler regarded the fifth claw as a sign of unmitigated irreverence, since all the royal palaces featured four claw dragons. He then cut one of the claws of each dragon.
The Five-Dragon Wall subdivides one of the most beautiful gardens of China into six separate viewpoints, the Grand Rockery, Ten-Thousand-Flower Pavilion, Hall of Heralding Spring, Hall of Jade Magnificence, Inner Garden, and Lotus Pool. Though there is no shortage of tourist attractions in Shanghai, the Yu Gardens is perfect for a relaxing stroll, a chance to get away from the chaos of Shanghai streets. And while it is probably not worth skipping the Bund or the Oriental Pearl Tower for, the gardens are certainly worth a visit, especially in the springtime.

Shangri La China

Friday, May 22, 2009 at 11:59 PM | Posted by Kami

The word Shangri La can literally be translated as "ideal place" or "utopia." The name alone, Shangri La China, is intriguing to many people looking for excellent China attractions. The history of Shangri La the word takes roots from the Tibetan word meaning "land of sacredness and peace." The word Shangri La, as it has come to be known today, was first published in a novel by James Hilton called The Lost Horizon. The novel tells the tale of a trio of pilots from the USA who crash-landed in what is now known as Shangri La China. At this time in the history of Shangri La, as it was first discovered by westerners, it quickly became known as a haven of beauty and tranquility, brimming with mountains, rivers, grasslands and abundant breathtaking landscapes. Today Shangri La is a major tourist attraction of China and bears the symbol of true luxury and exotic elements.
In China attractions in Shangri La include the Song Zanlin Monastery, a favorite of China tours in the area. The Tibetan Monastery regained much of its beauty in restoration efforts after the Chinese invasion where many religious houses were burned, damaged or destroyed in the 1950s and on. Transportation to the north end of town where the monastery sits is easy. In the history of Shangri La this monastery once boasted an attendance of more than 1200 monks. These days most work outside of the building itself and gather for major Chinese festivals or special Chinese holidays. China attractions in the city also include Meili Snow Mountain, a magical mountain boasting the highest summit in Yunnan Province, at more than 20,000 feet. The main peak is called Kang Karpo and there are thirteen other peaks that sit at lower altitudes. The main peak, Kang Karpo, is called White Snow Mountain in Tibetan and favored as one of the most breathtaking of all mountains in the world. This tourist attraction of China entices many visitors to explore its peaks and valleys in good weather. In between the summit and base of the mountain the climactic zones range from frigid and icy to tropical with myriad plant variations.
Tibetan Buddhists consider Kang Karpo a holy place for pilgrimage and one of the eight divine mountains in the region. Homage is paid by pilgrims from Sichuan, Gansu and Qinghai every year in late fall and the early months of winter when conditions are still tolerable. There are a number of other Shangri Las China attractions to explore during a visit including scenic Baishui Terrace, Feilai Temple and nearby Napahai Lake. At the back of the mountain lies the enticing village of Yubeng, an oasis of natural beauty and calm. Surrounded by large mountains, the location is very unique and is home to less than 30 families. The village is separated into the lower and upper parts. From the lower area this tourist attraction of China leads the way to the Ancient Seal Character, lovely Yubeng Waterfall and many other striking scenic areas. From the upper village the Joint Sino-Japanese base camp is accessible. Shangri La China is divided into two areas, the Old Town, with history dating back more than 1200 years, and its counterpart, the modern area resembling more of a city scape. Evident is the abundance of interesting Tibetan architecture all around the city. Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world, is a major tourist attraction of China. Tourists can also find Wufeng Mountain and the picturesque White Water Terraces in the southern end of Shangri La. A handful of lakes in the region offer many things to do outdoors. One of the places that best exemplifies the oasis that Shangri La is, is the Nixi Pottery Village. This small Tibetan village is characterized by vibrant, sweeping grasslands filled with grazing sheep, yaks and horses. The scene depicts a timeless sense of peace and calm. Best-known for century-old pottery making, the majority of families still create pottery items for a living. On a tour of Shangri La, the village is a must see to top off a visit to the Eden-like region and enjoy a visit that will seem like a step back in time.

Mount Everest dwarfs Nepal and China Border.

at 11:50 PM | Posted by Kami

HIGHEST POINT OF WORLD

The pinnacle of every mountain range, of every shifting tectonic plate that sends terra firma into the sky - Mt Everest is the highest point in the world, the holy mountain that oversees the entire globe. Couched within the safe confines of the Himalaya mountain range, it dwarfs the border of Nepal and China without even trying, achieving world renown without the vaguest idea of its meaning. Though the exact measurement of the summit is the cause of some debate, the official height of Mt Everest is listed at 29,028 feet - exactly 777 feet above the nearby K2, also a member of the Himalayas. Its reputation as one of the most difficult climbs in the world is well-deserved.
There are basically only two paths to the top, testing even the most experienced of climbers - reaching the summit means you go down in the history books as one of the few intrepid voyagers with superhuman ability to withstand the cold, the thin air, and the physical challenges presented by the mountain. Though the easier route towards the top is found on the Nepalese side, the Chinese border is almost as popular with climbers - few actually even attempt the ascent to the the top, though there are plenty of smaller and more manageable trails up small sections of Mt Everest that continue to confound mountaineers of all skill levels. T
he height of Mt Everest is imposing and almost impossible to comprehend just by peering at photographs. The actual sight of the mountain does nothing if not impress upon the viewer just how amazing it is than anyone has ever succeeded in climbing Mount Everest - around 2000 climbers have done so at the time of this writing, the majority of which have done so in the past ten years. But that doesn't mean it's getting any easier - hundreds have died seeking the topmost height of Mt Everest, and there are certainly no shortage of graves found on the mountain, not to mention anecdotes and stories of climbers who set off towards the summit, never to return. Exhaustion is the main reason most of the mountain's climbers have been forced to turn back, but on May 29, 1953 the first pair of mountaineers set foot on the summit of Mount Everest. Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the top, beginning their adventures miles below on the Nepalese side. The first to escape what is called the "death zone" (the region found above 24,000 feet), Hillary put his name in the record books as the first known explorer to step foot on the summit of Mount Everest. It is difficult, but not inconceivable, for most travelers to even attempt an assault on the mountain. For years, few climbers tried - now, for the right price (approximately $70,000) one can join an expedition with little to no experience whatsoever. This adventure, however, is extremely dangerous. For every five climbers that leave their mark on Mt Everest, one climber dies.
The inclusion of less than seasoned mountaineers who feel that climbing Mount Everest is a fine idea is the subject of great debate in the climbing community. This doesn't mean that Everest is not an attractive tourist destination. The Everest base camp, found near the Rongphu monastery in the outskirts of Tibet, is still visited by thousands of tourists a year, for whom stepping foot on the great mountain is victory enough.

Lama Temple in China

at 11:45 PM | Posted by Kami

The sixty foot high Maitreya, an exquisite statue carved from white sandalwood that was dragged from Tibet to Beijing, towers above the Lama Temple. One of the most popular Beijing attractions, the Lama Temple also includes a wide array of Tibetan sculptures to keep company with the extensive number of monks that call the temple home. As with most everything in China, the Lama temple has to have a nickname and this one is also known as the Palace of Peace and Harmony, not to mention it"s technical name: the Yonghegong lamasery.
But no matter what you call it, the Lama temple remains on of the most important tourist attractions in Beijing. Sure, most visitors flock to the Forbidden City or Great Wall of China, but that doesn"t mean the Lama temple doesn"t have its own rewards. The history of the Lama temple is palpable throughout its grounds, found in the northeast corner of Beijing. Originally built as a mansion for Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty when he was a prince, the temple is now one of the great Beijing attractions, notable for its intricate archways and detailed sculptures. Situated across five large halls, each with a corresponding courtyard, the sculptures are some of the most striking in all of China. Depicting a cavalcade of rounded Buddhas, angry Gods and spiteful demons, there are also plenty of colorful murals constructed in the traditional Tibetan style. In fact, Tibet and Mongolia"s influence is mentioned everywhere in the history of the Lama Temple - during the reign of Qian Long, many monks from these areas were invited to stay in this lamasery, a friendly gesture that, along with the stoppage of construction on the Great Wall of China, helped a great deal in relations with the neighboring empires.
The architecture of the temple was forever reconfigured in 1723, when half of the temple was converted into an imperial palace. This transformation resulted in a floor plan that is quite unlike any other temple in all of China. Closed for years following the communist revolution due to strict laws governing religion in China, it wasn"t until 1980 that it was finally allowed to be reopened. Tourist attractions in Beijing are certainly in no short supply, but the northeast section of the city has few things greater than the color and history of the Lama temple. While its cultural significance has faded a bit with time, it is still one of the most sacred spots in all of China. If you need further proof, you need to look no further than the wandering monks that still call the grounds home, to the regal coffin of Yongzheng, to the faded yellow tiles that still remain, a reminder of when the temple was not only sacred but an important political tool for the Chinese empire.

Li River, China

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 12:09 AM | Posted by Kami

The southern city of Guilin, along with the nearby Yangshuo is a backpacker's paradise, the south of China without the usual crowds associated with it. One of the main tourist attractions that keeps bringing people here every year is the quaint little waterway that connects the two cities: the Li River. Though it's only about 40 miles in length, a Li River cruise is one of the highlights of any trip south, especially for those that won't be able to make it further to see the Yangtze River. A Li River cruise affords tourists much of the same style sights – but since most visitors that make it to this region come specifically for a boat tour of the river, the banks are saturated with cruise lines waiting to whisk you down the Li. While many tourists may scoff at the ever-rising ticket prices, lower fees can be arranged through nearby hotels or hostels, many of which provide shuttle service down to the docks. A Li River tour offers a different side of China, especially if you have been concentrating your vacation in the larger metropolises. Concrete is nowhere to be seen here, replaced by miles of rice paddies and fields full of roaming water buffalo. Bamboo rafts are the main form of transportation here, scooting alongside the tour boats before dropping off to search for fish, while in the distance gentle mountains yearn to scrape the roof of the clouds. Most Li River tours begin in Guilin and run towards Yangshuo, as the latter gathers far more tourists, as its limestone-infused scenery and laid-back atmosphere jibes well with the backpackers that seek the city out. The average boat tour will last most of the day, so be prepared to search for lodging in Yangshuo if you have not planned ahead. Li River cruises are of two kinds, guided tours in English, and those prepared in Chinese. It's up to the traveler which one to jump on: though the Li River tour might be completely in Chinese and you may miss out on a few charming stories of fairies and mythology, a tour given in English can triple the price. Again, either can be booked out of your hotel, though you may get a raised eyebrow or two if you request the Chinese tour. A map of the River Li will show a few other port cities on the riverbanks – the intrepid traveler can attempt to organize their own, more personalized tour if they wish. A few willing boatmen can often be found congregating on the wharf opposite the Golden Elephant Hotel in Guilin, waiting to take you to whichever dock you please.

Silk Road China

at 12:06 AM | Posted by Kami

In the past, the Silk Road connected the west to the east. Back when Europe was still considered “the west,” that is. For thousands of years, the Map of the Silk Road stretched between Rome and Xi'an (now more famous as the home of the Terra Cotta Warriors), and what is left is dotted with some of the most famous historic sites in all of China. It crosses the majority of the northern Chinese provinces and was the initial introduction between the west and the east, a meeting whose ramifications significantly affected both cultures – the exchange of goods and philosophies had immeasurable consequences for both peoples at the time.
The actual map of the Silk Road was almost 2,500 miles and was instrumental in the opening of both the east and the west, the former which had been prominently insular at the time when the Chinese Silk Road was first formed. Although Silk Road history has largely been commandeered by the tourist industry in order to make itself more attractive to the foreign dollar, the spirit and cultural importance of the ancient path continues to intrigue and inspire a great number of travelers. Hundreds of backpackers make the extended trek each year, following the map of the Silk Road across the continents of Asia and Europe in hopes of making the same discoveries the original traders made for themselves, so many years later.
Nowadays, the idea of the Chinese Silk Road is more legend than anything – it's actual path has long since been paved over by the approach of the modern world. Even the remote parts of the Silk Road have not been passed over by the current notion of progress, yet there remain plenty of ancient artifacts and traditional civilizations to discover along what remains of the meandering and sometimes arduous path.
Even if you exclude the Terra Cotta Warriors, the Chinese Silk Road is where you'll find all kinds of famous historic and cultural sites. You'll also find, among other sights, the Ruins of the Ancient City of Gaochang, found near the current city of Loulan. Rivaling anything you'd find in ancient Greece, or even Rome, these remains are among the oldest in the entire country of China.
For the most part, though, the main attraction of the Chinese Silk Road is the amazing natural beauty you'll find following the footsteps of the ancient traders. The path is lined with many fascinating sections, from the Flaming Mountains and Grape Valley in Turpan City to the Birds Islands in Qinghai Lake in northern China, home to many, well, species of birds.
Populating these sections of the Silk Road, you'll find many different ethnic groups, many of whom have tried to isolate themselves from the modern world in an attempt to preserve their traditional cultures. Peoples such as the Uygurs, the Hazaks and the Tajiks can be found here, and add a fascinating dimension to any trek down any section of the Silk Road.

Temple Of Heaven China

at 12:04 AM | Posted by Kami

There are plenty of temples in China – but none are larger than the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. It's hard to miss this complex, located in the southerly Chongwen district, about four miles away from the city's epicenter. Even though the many temples of Beijing have equally inspiring titles – the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Moon, and the Temple of the Earth – the pinnacle of these buildings is the Temple of Heaven. Constructed in the early 15th century, the Temple of Heaven of China and its surroundings covers an area over five times the size of the nearby Forbidden City.
The main purpose of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing was demonstrated during harvest season. The emperors fell upon the temple to pray for a better harvest than the last. Though steeped in tradition and history, the only people that visit the temple nowadays are tourists and locals who gather beneath the grounds' numerous cypress trees. But its sense of the past is palpable, which is why is has been elevated to one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.
The architecture of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing is a magnificent display, and consists of four main structures - the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the imperial Vault of Heaven, the Echo Wall and the Circular Mound Altar.
The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest survives on the four large pillars at its center. Known as the dragon well pillars, each one represents one of the four seasons. There is no steel, no concrete in this well-aged palace. The walls and ceiling are a multitude of wooden bars and brackets, of sheltering eaves and impressive colors.
The dark blue roof of the Imperial Vault of Heaven is the jewel of the second structure. The glazed tiles that adjoin to the ceiling overlook the tablet of the imperial God in Heaven, which was traditionally kept here when not acting as the centerpiece to a sacrificial ceremony elsewhere.
Over 200 feet in diameter, the most famous part of the Temple of Heaven of China is the Echo Wall. It surrounds the Vault, and is well-known for its acoustics. When directed at the wall, even a whisper from a hundred feet away is clearly distinguishable, as if the person was speaking right into your ear. Though you are unlikely to get the wall all to yourself, you can still shout above the others, your words reverberating of the ancient wall.
South of the Echo wall stands the Altar of Heaven, built entirely of white marble. The altar has four entrances and a flight of nine steps leading down in every direction. At the center of the upper terrace lies a round stone surrounded by nine concentric rings of stones. When the emperors went to worship in the Temple of Heaven of China, this is where they went.

Shanghai City Museum

at 12:03 AM | Posted by Kami

Over one hundred thousand separate pieces can be found in the Shanghai Museum. Ten galleries, a handful of exhibition halls and countless other rooms hold these ancient artifacts, the Shanghai City Museum is world renowned for its collection of bronzes, ceramics, paintings and calligraphy.
Initially established in 1952, the original home of the Shanghai City Museum was the converted Shanghai racecourse club. The burgeoning art collection was then moved in 1959, then again at the end of last century, finally finding its current home in the People's Square in 1996. The building was specifically constructed to resemble a giant ding - which is an ancient bronze cooking tripod, many examples of which can actually be found inside. Amidst the usual chaos found in the city, the Shanghai Museum is not only one of great societal import, but a serene resting place far many a traveler to avoid the outside world.
The oldest artifacts in the most historically and culturally important museum in Shanghai date back to the Xia dynasty – somewhere around the 21st century BC. They can be seen in the Gallery of Ancient Chinese Bronze, one of the most visited section in the entirety of the museum. Though, considering the relatively close quarters inside the museum in Shanghai, most visitors rarely pass over a single one.
Regardless, probably the most popular gallery in the Shanghai City Museum is the gallery of ancient Chinese calligraphy. Tracing the entire history of the art form, tourists can see original documents that are thousands of years old, the earliest being the surviving pieces from the Shang dynasty, when calligraphy first became a popular method of expression. The enigmatic swirls of the Tang and Song dynasties are also on display here, much more famous artifacts than those that came before them.
Spread across the rest of the Shanghai City Museum, reflecting off the immaculately polished stone floors, are thousands of jade, bronze and gold pieces can be found along side paintings and sculptures – each one bringing China's colorful and well-preserved history to life. Since it is the only museum in Shanghai worth seeing, though it is somewhat smaller than most major museums in the world, you'll find enough here to last you days. With self-guided electronic tours and later summer hours, the Shanghai Museum is a common stop on any Chinese itinerary, especially for those seeking a glimpse into the far reaches of the past.

Taiwan Taipei Hotels

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 11:59 PM | Posted by Kami

Most visitors to the island of Taiwan stay in Taipei, the cultural, financial, political and commercial center of the Republic of China. Located at the center of the Taipei Basin of the Taiwan Island and to the right bank of Danshui River, Taipei also has the country's international airport and a majority of the island's main tourist attractions. Thus, a stay at one of the many fine Taipei Taiwan hotels is almost a given for those traveling to the main island. Once a tiny valley town, Taipei has sprung from its roots and grown into one of the most modern, industrialized cities in the world. While this is a boon for business, it can also be off putting for travelers looking for a more relaxing vacation. Luckily there are plenty of Taipei Taiwan hotels to make up for this - many five star offerings that boast the ultimate in style and the opportunity for guests to pamper themselves in this complex and fascinating capital city. There are many competitors for the title of the best hotel in Taiwan, but the winner just might be Shangri-La Far Eastern Plaza Hotel Taipei. Located in a pair of enormous towers and near many of the main shopping centers, the hotel has the best in deluxe amenities, not to mention the fine restaurants, bars and entertainment facilities found below the hundreds of elegant guest rooms. But, on the opposite end of the spectrum, another draw of the island are the cheap hotels in Taiwan. Most of these options are found, unsurprisingly, in and around the outskirts of Taipei. When it comes to value, the best hotel in Taiwan might just be the Chun Chuai Han She Hotel. In a converted building left over from when Japan ruled the island, it is near much of the city's nightlife, while exuding a style all its own – the chinese antiques in the midst of the Japanese architecture on the island of Taiwan – the culture clash is subtle but adds to the hotels' mystique. What really sets it apart from other Taipei Taiwan hotels is the price, however. Another of the great cheap hotels in Taiwan is the Chrysler Hotel. Though some visitors have openly wondered if the hotel was a converted brothel, the Chrysler is a charming, fifth-floor hotel that offers cheap prices and a great location. The dimly lit hallways and strange ambiance make the hotel almost romantic, even. Other cheap hotels in Taiwan include the Fortune and Emperor Hotels, found near the old town in Taipei. Taiwan was traditionally a getaway – from farmers to exiled Chinese nationals to religious leaders, and the mountains on the island still afford travelers the chance to leave everything behind. The best places to do this is in Alishan, a mountain resort known throughout the country for its panoramic views and dense cypress forests. The city of Taichung, on the west coast is another fine place to find some of the best hotels in Taiwan. The further south you travel along the western coastline, the more beach resorts you will find, too. On the island's southern tip, Oluanpi is the closest you will get to a stereotypical tropical getaway on Taiwan, though the cheaper hotels in Anping, just to the north, are more in line with the desires of budget travelers.

Hong Kong Hotels

at 11:55 PM | Posted by Kami

As with any major tourist spot, there are more than enough hotels in Hong Kong – the dizzying array of choices can be frustratingly large. The real problem is prices. Unlike much of the rest of China, where budget accommodations are commonplace, a cheap vacation in Hong Kong is almost unheard of. This is why most backpackers head away from the main areas of Kowloon and the busy section of Hong Kong Island – the only Hong Kong discount hotels are often hours away from any of the major city sights. This isn't to say that a vacation here will break the bank – just that you'll have to do more than a little bit of research to find inexpensive Hong Kong hotels. The Chungking Mansions is probably one of the few really cheap locations in Kowloon that won't scare off a majority of tourists. Just don't let the exterior fool you – the inside is much nicer than the crumbling facades would have you believe, and though it's location is hardly ideal (they don't call the area the ghetto for nothing), it's vicinity to the major tourist attractions is perfect for the budget conscious. The good news, however, is that there are plenty of mid-range hotels in Hong Kong. Since many of these are located right in the heart of Kowloon, there is little variance in quality between the majority of them. Unless you are ready to step up to the really high end Hong Kong Hotels, you may as well just throw a dart at a detailed map of the city and just stay there. The Shamrock Hotel and Nathan Hotel are just as good as many of the top end hotels in Hong Kong, while retaining more reasonable prices. The former has long been a tourist favorite, while the Nathan is a quiet little hotel just outside Kowloon that is often unfairly ignored. For those choosing to stay away from the crowded Hong Kong streets, the southern half of Hong Kong island is the next logical stopping point. Here you'll find less variety when it comes to lodgings, and depressingly few mid-range options, however. Causeway Bay is home to a number of budget Hong Kong hotels and hostels, where you'll find a large portion of the backpacking population. The guesthouses here offer good bases for exploring Victoria Peak and the surrounding trails. If you really want to get away from the city, though, the best places to stay are on the Outlying Islands, though you definitely have to plan ahead if you plan to stay at one of the more remote locations. Though development is rapidly encroaching on the more secluded areas, these are still sleepy areas where convenient transportation and things to do are at a bit of a premium.

Shanghai Hotels

at 11:53 PM | Posted by Kami

Mansions, plazas, palaces – you'll find these plastered all over the names of many Shanghai Hotels. The Peace Palace, Shangri-La, the usual offerings from the Ritz-Carlton, the Hilton, the Hyatt. Booking a hotel in Shanghai China can be an expensive endeavor, not to mention one fraught with possible problems – if you are looking for any kind of the precious few budget Shanghai Hotels, historically it's a good idea to plan out your trip well in advance. Especially in the summer and near the Chinese New Year, these hotels will fill up at a disturbingly rapid pace. If you want to stay for cheap near the People's Square, there's the YMCA Hotel, which isn't nearly as bad as it sounds. Sure, it's just a big dormitory, but it's clean and cheap and the location is one of the best of all the budget hotels in Shanghai. Another quality establishment is the Pujiang Hotel, a short walk away from The Bund, and about half the price of even some of the other cheap hotels in Shanghai. You'd never know it from the look of the place, though. Spacious, stylish – the Pujiang is a wonderful value in a city where they can be hard to find sometimes. Speaking of The Bund, it is the nearby area where you will find the glut of Shanghai hotels. You'll find the Metropole Hotel, a throwback to colonial British times, complete with a basement pub and the English flag inside. The Jinchen Hotel and Xinya Dajiudian are a couple of the other mid-range hotels in Shanghai located nearby, with the latter being well-known for it's thirties-era style and charm. But barring a little bit of haggling with the hotel manager, the prices of hotels just go up and up. Almost all of the hotels in Shanghai are top-end or nearly so, even if renovations have culled the character from many of the old style mansions and palaces. But there are plenty to choose from littered throughout the entire city, so it's not like you'll be without options. The Peace Hotel is by far the most famous and well-loved of any hotel in the city. Ascending from The Bund itself, its mere location should give you a pretty big hint as to the grandeur and grace with which this hotel is imbued with. What was once the offices of one of the richest men in Shanghai, now anyone (for the right price) can see the old-time luxury that remains in the twelve story hotel. Another Shanghai hotel that specializes in preserving history is the Ruijin Guesthouse – a series of aging mansions that feel like stepping into a time warp. If you care less about history and more about luxury, the Portman Ritz-Carlton is considered by many to be one of the finest hotels in Shanghai. Located in Shanghai Center, it's hard to beat the location, either. The Crowne-Plaza Shanghai is similar in many ways, though it has a fewer deluxe accommodations for a similar price.

Beijing Hotels

at 11:47 PM | Posted by Kami

You'd think, since it is the capital city, that Beijing 5 star hotels would be commonplace – it's a frequent stop for business travelers and tourists alike, a cultural and religious center, and one of the most popular places to visit in all of Asia. But you'd be wrong. Though the competition amongst Beijing hotels is nothing to scoff at, the quality of hotels rarely reflect the high prices of the top-end offerings. What Beijing hotels do have, however, is an underrated array of budget and mid-range locations, including some of the best hostels in the country.
The central area of the city is where you'll find most of these, though the traditional region to find a discount hotel in Beijing China has always been far to the south. But emerging discount hotels have made central Beijing the best place to stay for budget travelers. Even if you disregard the many fine hostels, such as the Far East Youth Hostel and the Youyi, this is a great area to find cheap lodgings. The layout of Beijing makes finding a room in the center of town a real boon, though, so during the summer months you might look into calling ahead. Especially if you want to stay at the Lusongyuan Binguan, one of the most popular hotels in Beijing. Situated nearby the Forbidden City, the location is just as good as the service.
There are a number of other decent budget Beijing hotels, but they are all further south, away from much of what makes staying in Beijing so exciting. Still, if you really want to save some cash and don't mind taking a bus to the city's main sights, this is a fine place to stay. Long a haven for backpackers and those on extended vacation in China, they are a little more out of the way, a little less clean, and a little less ready for picky travelers or those visiting with children.
But the mid-range hotels in Beijing are not much more expensive, nor do they vary much in quality. Not only that, but since bargaining is such a crucial aspect in everyday Chinese business dealings, you can usually get prices below what they are listed, especially during the slower fall and winter months. Failing that, though, there are still plenty of values scattered across central Beijing. The Gongti Binguan fits in perfect amongst the nightlife found surrounding the city's Workers Stadium, and is quite popular with travelers in their 20's. The Zhuyuan Binguan is in a well-preserved building from the Qing dynasty and is a lesson in Chinese history all by itself. If you want to be closer to the Temple of Heaven, the Xiaoxiang Hotel is for you. This is one of the most popular hotels in Beijing for a reason, though it is occasionally overshadowed by the nearby Jianguo Hotel Qianmen, one of the most spacious and well-loved hotels in Beijing. Just a few blocks away from the Temple of Heaven, not to mention Tiananmen Square, the Jianguo is exceedingly popular and you will definitely have to book ahead of time.
For those that want to sleep in the same quarters as one of China's most famous leaders, the Youhao Binguan is the former residence of Chiang Kaishek. There's certainly no shortage of people who do.

China Tourism (When to go China)

at 11:38 PM | Posted by Kami

Like most travel destinations, the most popular time to take a vacation to China is in the warm summer months. As tourism in China continues to grow in leaps and bounds, the best places to go when visiting China tend to get smothered by tourists between June and September. Hotel prices rise. Food and drink prices rise. Prices for train travel rise. This should be nothing to new to even a novice traveler – and China is certainly not immune to grabbing the tourist dollar.

A vacation to China can be a relaxing one, an adventurous one, or a spiritual one. If you are looking for relaxation, that is mostly found in the southern areas of the country - Guangdong, Hainan, and Yunnan are the best places to go when visiting China. With regards to these locations, it matters less when you go – the temperatures are mild to hot year round, and spring is the best if you want to beat out not only the foreign tourists but also the thousands of Chinese who head to these regions during their summer vacation too. You may wish to avoid the rainy season, too, which begins in May. The same holds true for the autumn months – many people will have cleared out by the time you arrive. Macau and Hong Kong are, of course, exceptions. They are two of the most popular places to go when visiting China, so regardless of the time of year, there are always huge crowds everywhere. The first of many China travel tips when trying to avoid crowds in these cities is: it's really, really not worth your time to try. The only way is to hole up in your hotel room, and that's no fun for anyone. Still, the winter is slightly less cluttered and busy, not counting the country's biggest holiday.

This is the one day to look out for: Chinese New Year. Number one of China travel tips: don't even consider trying to get anywhere on this day – you will get nowhere. It's best to just grab a seat somewhere and enjoy the show. You have little other choice.

Be careful if taking a vacation to China in the winter, however – primarily the northern parts of the country. These regions can get so cold it's hard to form complete sentences when you talk. Not only that, but many of the lodgings also shut down for the winter, making accommodations a little more difficult to come by, which doesn't sound so bad until you are wandering around the outskirts of Harbin in early January without a place to stay.

One problem with traveling during the Chinese summer is occasional rainstorms and flooding. One of the main China travel tips is to keep in mind the onset of the rainy season. It begins during the middle of spring, and from then on the weather can be particularly volatile. Primarily in the southern parts of China, where monsoons and typhoons are sometimes an unwelcome addition to one's trek through the country. But you shouldn't worry too much about these phenomenon – it's clear, when traveling through the popular regions to the south, that few others do.

The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum China

at 4:18 PM | Posted by Kami

The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Work is ongoing at this site, which is around 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum, Lintong County, Shaanxi Province. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China.

Upon ascending the throne at the age of 13 (in 246 BC), Qin Shi Huang, later the first Emperor of all China, had begun to work for his mausoleum. It took 11 years to finish. It is speculated that many buried treasures and sacrificial objects had accompanied the emperor in his after life. A group of peasants uncovered some pottery while digging for a well nearby the royal tomb in 1974. It caught the attention of archeologists immediately. They came to Xian in droves to study and to extend the digs. They had established beyond doubt that these artifacts were associated with the Qin Dynasty (211-206 BC).

The State Council authorized to build a museum on site in 1975. When completed, people from far and near came to visit. Xian and the Museum of Qin Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses have become landmarks on all travelers' itinerary.

Life size terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations are the star features at the museum. They are replicas of what the imperial guard should look like in those days of pomp and vigor.

The museum covers an area of 16,300 square meters, divided into three sections: No. 1 Pit, No. 2 Pit, and No. 3 Pit respectively. They were tagged in the order of their discoveries. No. 1 Pit is the largest, first opened to the public on China's National Day, 1979. There are columns of soldiers at the front, followed by war chariots at the back.

No. 2 Pit, found in 1976, is 20 meters northeast of No. 1 Pit. It contained over a thousand warriors and 90 chariots of wood. It was unveiled to the public in 1994.Archeologists came upon No. 3 Pit also in 1976, 25 meters northwest of No. 1 Pit. It looked like to be the command center of the armed forces. It went on display in 1989, with 68 warriors, a war chariot and four horses.

Altogether over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and even weapons have been unearthed from these pits. Most of them have been restored to their former grandeur.

The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses is a sensational archeological find of all times. It has put Xian on the map for tourists. It was listed by UNESCO in 1987 as one of the world cultural heritages.

The great wall of China

at 4:10 PM | Posted by Kami

The History and Development of The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is not a continuous wall but is a collection of short walls that often follow the crest of hills on the southern edge of the Mongolian plain. The Great Wall of China, known as "long Wall of 10,000 Li" in China, extends about 8,850 kilometers (5,500 miles).

A first set of walls, designed to keep Mongol nomads out of China, were built of earth and stones in wood frames during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE).

Some additions and modifications were made to these simple walls over the next millennium but the major construction of the "modern" walls began in the Ming Dynasty (1388-1644 CE).

The Ming fortifications were established in new areas from the Qin walls. They were up to 25 feet (7.6 meters) high, 15 to 30 feet (4.6 to 9.1 meters) wide at the base, and from 9 to 12 feet (2.7 to 3.7 meters) wide at the top (wide enough for marching troops or wagons). At regular intervals, guard stations and watch towers were established.

Since the Great Wall was discontinuous, Mongol invaders had no trouble breaching the wall by going around it, so the wall proved unsuccessful and was eventually abandoned. Additionally, a policy of mollification during the subsequent Ch'ing Dynasty that sought to pacify the Mongol leaders through religious conversion also helped to limit the need for the wall.

Through Western contact with China from the 17th through 20th centuries, the legend of the Great Wall of China grew along with tourism to the wall. Restoration and rebuilding took place in the 20th century and in 1987 the Great Wall of China was made a World Heritage Site. Today, a portion of the Great Wall of China about 50 miles (80 km) from Beijing receives thousands of tourists each day.

Can You See The Great Wall of China from The Moon?

For some reason, some urban legends tend to get stated and never disappear. This legend even appears as a erroneous Trivial Pursuit question. The legend? Many are familiar with the claim that the Great Wall of China is the only man-made object visible from space or from the moon with the naked eye. This is simply not true.

The myth of being able to see the Great Wall from space originated in Richard Halliburton's 1938 (long before humans saw the earth from space) book Second Book of Marvels said that the Great Wall of China is the only man-made object visible from the moon.

From a low orbit of the earth, many artificial objects are visible on the earth, such as highways, ships in the sea, railroads, cities, fields of crops, and even some individual buildings. While at a low orbit, the Great Wall of China can certainly be seen from space but it is not unique in that regard.

However, when leaving the earth's orbit and acquiring an altitude of more than a few thousand miles, no man-made objects are visible at all. NASA says, "The Great Wall can barely be seen from the Shuttle, so it would not be possible to see it from the Moon with the naked eye." Thus, it'd be tough to spot the Great Wall of China or any other object from the moon. Furthermore, from the moon, even the continents are barely visible.

Regarding the origination of the story The Straight Dope's pundit Cecil Adams says, "Nobody knows exactly where the story got started, although some think it was speculation by some bigshot during an after-dinner speech in the early days of the space program."

NASA astronaut Alan Bean is quoted in Tom Burnam's book More Misinformation...

"The only thing you can see from the moon is a beautiful sphere, mostly white (clouds), some blue (ocean), patches of yellow (deserts), and every once in a while some green vegetation. No man-made object is visible on this scale. In fact, when first leaving earth's orbit and only a few thousand miles away, no man-made object is visible at that point either."

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