The people who built the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is a fortification, situated along the northern and northwestern frontier of China proper. The first and largest portion of the wall was erected by Emperor Shi Hwang Ti, as a symbol of the unity of the Chinest empire, as well as a defense against barbarian hordes. The first segment of the wall began about 228 B.C., after the emperor succeeded in bringing together the people and the parts of China, under his control. The wall was completed about 204 B.C. Shi Hwang Ti erected nearly 1,200 miles of the wall. The reign of Shi Hwang Ti (meaning “first universal emperor”), during the Ts’n Dynasty, marked the end of feudal and divided China. He played a unifying role in the east, just as Alexander the Great might have played in the west, but he lived longer; the unity he accomplished was well-founded. It was he who organized the building of the Great Wall of China against the Huns. The fortification finally reached a length of about 1,400 miles, following the course of rivers, instead of bridging them, while conforming to the contours of the mountains and the valleys in its path. Surrounding the wall, which is 18 to 30 feet wide, is a passageway, about 10 feet wide. It runs between crenallated parapets. Hundreds of miles of the Great Wall of China remain intact at the present time.

Shi Hwang Ti might have defended China from the Huns, but, at the same time, he ordered the burning of all books, except those on pharmacy, medicine, divination, agriculture and arboriculture. For such a deed, his name had been held in reproach by later Chinese scholars.

There was a rebellion after his death, during the Han dynasty (202 B.C.-220 B.C.) By this time, the Tartar hordes were driven as far back as Turkestan, while Mongolia was added to the empire. An overland route was inaugurated. Trade, chiefly in Chinese silk, flourished. There were cultural advances during the Han Dynasty, together with territorial expansion. Reproduction of books by printing, recovery of the classics, the first dictionary and the first encyclopedic history of China, brought China closer to countries outside its border.

Buddhism was also introduced from India at about that time, marking the first, strong influence of another culture on that of China.

The Tang Dynasty succeeded the fall of the Han Dynasty. Then the era of the Sung Dynasty (960-1250) opened with a fresh burst of literary splendor, together with the formation of libraries, printing and bookmaking.

The Great Wall of China continues to be a great tourist attraction. It is also one of the great historical landmarks of an ancient civilization, as well as a symbol of Chinese ingenuity at a time when enemies were intent on advancing across its borders.

Mexico Wooing One Billion Chinese Tourists

Efforts to promote Mexico’s tourism destinations are being heard half way around the globe. Mexico is ahead of many tourism destinations in courting the fast-growing Chinese market. For the second consecutive year in a row, the Mexico Tourism Board participated in what is now one of the most attended business-to-business outbound travel events in China, the 2007 China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market (COTTM), which took place at the China World Trade Center in Beijing on May 14 – 16.

As one of the 132 countries around the globe to be given the status of Approved Destination Status (ADS) by the Chinese government, Mexico, where tourism ranks as its second-highest source of foreign revenue, is especially eager to increase visitor influx and expenditure from this region. The 2007 COTTM, which attracted more than 200 exhibitors from 40 different countries across the world, was attended by Mexico Tourism Board’s CEO, Francisco Lopez Mena. As part of President Felipe Calderon’s agenda to stimulate the tourism industry in Mexico, Lopez Mena was an active participant in all promotional events that took place in Beijing.

“China’s emergence in the world market has significant implications for the global economy, and especially for the tourism industry,” said Mexico Tourism Board CEO, Francisco Lopez Mena. “We are quite ambitious about the Chinese market and are eyeing the potential it is representing already to our tourism economy,” added Lopez Mena.

According to the World Tourism Organization as many as 100 million Chinese will be traveling abroad annually by 2020, and the number of Chinese traveling internationally more than doubled in just four years. The International Forum on Chinese Outbound Tourism reports that the number of outbound departures rose from16.6 million in 2002 to 34.5 million in 2006. Although over 12,000 visitors traveled to Mexico from China in 2006, according to latest statistics from the Mexico Tourism Board, the annual growth rate is over 12% compared to 2005 figures. This best illustrates the potential upside for Mexico’s economy.

Sensing the outbound tourism potential in China and continuing the government’s agenda to strengthening relationships between the two countries, Mexico was able to change visa procedures for Hong Kong residents. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport holders visiting Mexico now enjoy visa-free access for up to 90-day visit. This means greater convenience for Hong Kong travelers and helps promote trade, business and tourism relations between the two countries.

Mexico is China’s second-largest trading partner in Latin America after Brazil, and tourism plays an active role in strengthening cultural and trade relationships. Continuing on the smooth development of Mexico-China relations, the Mexico Tourism Board considers China as a friendly and cooperative partner, and expects to make joint efforts with China to promote the development of both countries mutual relations in an all-around way.

About the Mexico Tourism Board

The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico’s tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico’s tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

About Chichen-Itza, the World Wonder

Swiss-based New7Wonders Foundation is revising the original seven ancient wonders of the world, and Mexico’s Chichen-Itza in Yucatan State is one of 21 finalists to become a new Seven World Wonder. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, Chichen-Itza is considered to have been one of the greatest Mayan centers of the Yucatan peninsula, and today is one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in Mexico. To vote for Chichen-Itza as one of the new Seven World Wonders, visit the “new7wonder” website.

FOR PRESS ONLY: For additional ideas, help with a story or general travel and tourism information about Mexico, please contact the MTB’s North American Press Room directly at 1-800-929-4555.

# # #

Erick Laseca

Mexico Tourism Board

312-228-0517 ext14

erick.laseca@bm.com

Zhijin Cave-national Geological Park

China has the greatest concentration of karst topography of any nation in the world. It is so well endowed with caves across the country, it could well be called the “Kingdom of Caves” Now, nearly 400 caves have been developed as tourist attractions, accounting for half of the tourist caves in the world. That said, There is only one of them that enjoys four titles-”National Key Tourist Area.” “National Geological Park.” “A Trop 40 Tourist Attraction” and “Museum of Karst” , That one is the Zhijin Cave.

The cave is situated in the Bijie Prefecture of Guizhou, between the Liuchong and Sancha rivers, both of them sources of the Wujiang River. The first thing about the beauty of the Zhiiin Cave is its colossal volume. Its entrance sits half way up a mountainside in the northeast of Zhijin County; it is bout l 5 meters high, 20 meters wide, shaped like a tiger’s mouth. But inside this ordinary entrance, lies a world of vastness.

At present, its confirmed length is 12.1 kilometers.consisting of four levels and five subsidiary caves, with a total floor area of 700, 000 square meters-way bigger than Tian’anmen Square’s 440,000 square meters. Its height  normally ranges between 60 and l 00 meters, but at its highest point of about l 50 meters it is as tall as a 50-storey building. Furthermore, it cannot be traced how many collapses it took place over its long geological history to shape today’s l2 splendid caverns and 47 rooms. Among the “rooms.”there are five over l0,000 square meters in area; the biggest is called Shiwan Dashan(0ne Hundred Thousand Great Mountains). This is about 70,000 square meters in area-equivalent to 10 football pitches-but it is not open to tourists yet.

Zhijin Cave is not only large in scale but also rich in variety. The space formed by the roof and walls of the cave is sometimes conical, at other points arched, oblong, or square…The 6.6-kilometer route open to visitors is in some parts deep and serene, other times it is lively and simple, as high as the night sky, or so low you could touch its roof; at times it is as wide as a boundless plain, at others as narrow as a valley path, as large as the firmament, as close as a canopy, as steep as a cliff or as flat as a field.

Unlike other caves which are normally rather empty, the Zhijin Cave is like God’s treasure-house for keeping the world’s most beautiful natural scenery. It has over than 40 kinds of speleothems, among them stalagmites, stelae, stone “pagodas,” “drums,” “shields,” “flowers.” helictites, and “beds.” Nowhere else in the world has such a large variety or concentration of deposits?The Zhijin Cave stalagmites come in a great variety of amazing shapes-frozen mushrooms, flower petals, pine cones, pointed pagodas and helmets for example. The jewels in the crown are its two unique stalagmites, the Silvery-Rain Tree and the Overlord’s Helmet.

Time contributes a lot to the beauty of the subterranean world. Scientists can deduce the relative climate, topography and environmental changes from speleothems. The Zhijin Cave is a dry cave that lost its subterranean river long, long ago. Now people can only imagine what the fiver looked like. About l.2 million years ago?the Zhijin Cave collapsed because of corrosion, erosion, scouring, seepage, and changes of flow volumes, eventually forming huge chambers.  About 250,000 years ago, surface water no longer infiltrated into the cave and it became a dry cave, and gradually calcium carbonate speleothems began to take shape.

One intriguing thing was the discovery of a nearly l 00-square-meter area of animal excrement and an one-meter-tall pile of hard thorns in a small branch cave on the second level of the Zhijin Cave. By isotope testing, experts have identified them as the remains of a group of extinct hedgehogs that liked cave living. Over 1,000 years ago, hedgehogs dwelt in this cave. They must have lived there for a long time to have left such “deep” remains.

 

Visit Hong Kong – Pearl Of The Orient

Hong Kong, also referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Orient,’ is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the Southeast Asia. Until the arrival of the British in 1842, it was just a typical small village.

In 1997, Hong Kong was handed over to China, under the policy ‘one country, two systems.’ The city has now become one of the vibrant as well as s sought after destinations not only in Asia but also in the world.

Bordered by the South China Sea and Sea, Hong Kong, al though a part of China, is different from rest of China. With its own government, stamps, and laws and regulations, the city consists of four geographic areas, such as, the New Territories, Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the Outlying Islands, all of them packed with a plethora of attractions and facilities.

It also consists of more than 200 islands, which consist of both small and tiny islands. In addition, Hong Kong is much famed for its superb deep water harbors. According to the survey conducted by the World Tourism Organization, the city has been ranked among the 15 most preferred tourist destinations in the world.

An incredible city blending the best from the East and West, Hong Kong’s attractions, among many others, are Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with its unique curved three-tier roof and glass walls; the covered Central-Mid level Escalator, which is the longest in the world; and Hollywood Road, packed with a range of antique and curio shops selling Buddha statues, Japanese specialties like ikebana baskets, Chinese furniture, and snuff and perfume bottles.

Despite these attractions, perhaps the most famed attraction of the city is Victoria Peak, from whose summit you can gaze down to enjoy the wonderful vistas of skyscrapers and Victoria Harbor. During nights, the sights from the peak become more dazzling.

Also, of special significance are the temples of the region. Since Buddhism being the most popular religion of the place, Hong Kong has to its credit more than 400 temples, each of which is regarded as not to be a missed tourist attraction.

One of the most prominent Buddhist shrines is the Chi Lin Nunnery, located in Kowloon. Considered a living museum of the Tang Dynasty, it has been stunningly renovated in the traditional Tang-era architecture with several magnificent Buddhist halls. Another popular Buddhist shrine is Po Lin Monastery, whose focal point is a bronze statue of the Lord Buddha, which is the largest in the world. In addition to Buddhist shrines, the place also consists of several other popular shrines such as St John’s Cathedral, which is considered to be the oldest in the Far East and Shelley Street Mosque, which is noted for its minaret of green and white colors.

A visit to Hong Kong would be incomplete without taking a tour to many of its fascinating museums, showcasing unique art and antiquities representing several aspects of the place such as its history, film industry, space and science, and coastal defense. Some of the most visited museums in the region are Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, Hong Kong Film Archive, Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, Hong Kong Racing Museum, Hong Kong Planning and Infrastructure Exhibition Gallery, and Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre.

Attractions also include a continuum of beautiful beaches, including Repulse Bay, the most spectacular among the city’s beaches; Deep Water Bay, which is connected by a pathway to the Repulse Bay Beach; Turtle Cove, a tranquil beach; Golden Beach, the first artificial beach in Hong Kong; and Hung Shing Yeh – a marvelous beach on the Lamma Island.

Also, the gastronomy of the place is amazing, with specialized areas for enjoying remarkable delicacies, like, SoHo with a variety of restaurants serving international cuisine; Gage Street, dotted with an Array of stalls, from where one can enjoy the best of Hong Kong style cuisines comprising noodles, soups, pastries, and herbal teas; and floating style restaurants found in Aberdeen.

Apart from this, excellent options are available for shopping, with areas like Lyndhurst Terrace packed with shops selling ancient paintings and maps; Stanley Street, considered a paradise for shopping cameras and film accessories; and Li Yuen Streets, dotted with shops selling knick-knacks, leather items, and casual wear.

With these fabulous attractions and options to enjoy a variety of activities, tourists flock to Hong Kong all year round. No matter you want budget or luxury accommodation, the city has options to cater to all types of tourists. Majority of the hotels and resorts are located within the heart of the city, and hence are within easy reach of almost all top tourist attractions.

Nowadays, many of the hotels, both budget and luxury accommodation, have their own sites on the web, which in turn enables the visitors to check price and room as well as make bookings in advance.

Top five tourist attractions in the USA – Part 1

While it’s difficult to pick just five from all the amazing features America has to offer, there are certain sites that are “must sees” during one’s lifetime.

THE LAS VEGAS STRIP

Visit the world in a day. Venture from Egypt to Paris, then down the road to Japan and across the street to Italy as you wander the themed casinos of the Vegas strip. This is Vegas’s very own take on the world tour, glazed in slices of neon and baked in the glare of a million light bulbs. While in town, take a quick drive up the road to visit “Lake Mead. Reports indicating that this majestic beauty might be dry by 2021 mean you’re running out of time to see it. Created by “Hoover Dam, the lake supplies energy and water to over 25 million people of the American Southwest.

GRAND CANYON

Yes, while it is the old standby, there’s nothing else like it in the world. Pictures and movies just don’t do it justice. Carved out over millions of years by the Colorado River and stretching nearly 280 miles, it’s a mile and a half deep in spots and a remarkable sight to behold. Located largely inside the confines of “Grand Canyon National Park, consider camping while visiting the park to take advantage of fantastic hiking opportunities and river rafting on the Colorado.

NEW YORK CITY

Yes, the entire city! There’s just too much to see and do in “the city that never sleeps” to narrow it down to just one attraction. So why not see the whole thing? Visit “Times Square, the “Statue of Liberty, “Little Italy, “China Town, SoHo, see Wall Street, take in a Broadway show, or just relax at a Yankees or Mets game.

HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

Besides baseball and apple pie, what’s more American than Hollywood and its world-renowned “Walk of Fame? This portion of sidewalk, running along Hollywood Blvd. and Vine Street, stretches nearly three and a half miles and is inlaid with 2500 stars, over 2000 of which are filled with honorees of radio, music and film. Stars being added to the walk this year include Cameron Diaz, Robert Downey Jr., Hugh Jackman, William H. Macy, and John Stamos. The best thing is – it’s free! Along the way, be sure to stop by Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and check out the over 200 celebrity handprints, footprints and signatures, of Hollywood’s elite.

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

“Disney World sits upon 25,000 acres and is an amazing place to visit no matter what your age. Actually comprised of four separate parks, including the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the resort is located just outside “Orlando, Florida and attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. Kids, teens, and adults alike can explore their inner-child when they step foot inside these hallowed grounds. Whether you’re looking for the fast-paced excitement of thrill rides and water slides, a leisurely spa treatment, a round of golf, or a learning experience for the kiddies, there’s something for everyone at the “house of the mouse”!

Baotou – The Biggest City in Inner Mongolia

Lying on the Hetao and Tumochuan Flatlands and situated in the northern banks of the Yellow River, Baotou is the largest city in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous region, in the People’s Republic of China.

Baotou is only 600 km from the capital city, Beijing. Located in the southern region of the Mongolian Plateau, Baotou has to the north the Gobi Desert. With an area of about 28,000 square kilometers, Baotou is a strategic location that connects the Bohai Economic Zone with the north-west.

Baotou is credited to have the country’s largest rare earth industrial base, and is also much famed for its facilities that are available for the production of steel, iron, machinery, and textiles. Since it is located in the Yinshan-Tianshan region, the area surrounding Baotou abounds in mineral resources, and it is estimated that there are more than 400 mines for several resources such as metals, non metals, and energy.

However, Baotou is not only famed as an industrial city but also a great tourist spot with a rich history dating back to the Neolithic Age, which is of more than 6000 years old. The present site of Baotou was once inhabited by Mongolian nomads as well as grazers. Later, the Qing Dynasty occupied this Neolithic site, and established it as a city. It was during this period the city got its present name, meaning ‘the place with deer’ because of the hundreds of deer that were found in the region.

Now the city has become one of the prominent cities in the region and is home to more than 35 nationalities including the people of Han, Hui, Ewenke, Man, and Mongolia. The city is made up of three areas such as Donghe – the oldest part of the city that is located to the east; Qingshan – a significant residential as well as shopping area; and Kundulun, which has some of the iron and steel works.

As a tourist city, Baotou provides a multitude of attractions for visitors touring here. In other words, the city boasts of attractions to cater to every taste. For example, for those interested in exploring the rich history of the country, the city has some excellent attractions in the form of the Qin Great Wall, dating back to the 214 BC; the Great Wall of Zhao, which is 130 kilometers long, and consisting of many relics like Taopian and Numismatics; the old Wudangzhao Temple, one of the biggest Lama temples in Inner Mongolia sprawling over an area of 300 acres with more than 2000 palaces and houses; and the Meidaizhao, a Laoma temple covering an area of about 5000 square meters.

Also, an interesting spot in Baotou is the cemetery of Genghis Khan who was a great leader and the founder of the Mongolia Empery during the onset of the 13th century. Located in a street in the east river site of the city, the Lvzu Temple is another popular historic spot in Baotou.

Likewise, for sightseers, options available are truly incredible, with an amazing range of scenic spots such as the Jiufeng Mountain, a breathtaking area consisting of nine peaks such as the Dongjiu peaks, the Tianliangbei, the Daxiliang, and the Xijiu peaks; and Saihantala, a beautiful as well as a divine spot. In addition, worth visiting attractions in Baotou include the Xiangsha Gulf, the Xilanuren Plain, and the Shimen with fabulous waterfalls and beautiful lakes.

Above all, Baotou provides superb choices to enjoy a range of activities. For instance, the South Sea Park, located to the south of the east river area and covering an area of about 2000 hectares, has been considered a great destination for activities such as fishing and boating.

With extraordinary attractions as well as superb scenic spots, Baotou attracts visitors from every nook and corner of the world. Hence, Baotou has top class choices for accommodation for tourists.When comes to accommodation facilities and amenities, they all are a brilliant combination of convenience, comfort, and superb services. Further, these hotels provide superb facilities for business travelers in the form of excellent conference and meeting facilities. Above all, the dining choices available in these hotels are simply superb.

Hotels India are Fantastic

Well known all over the world for its ethnicity and culture the country of India is a dream destination for many foreign visitors and tourists. India is the largest country in the Indian Subcontinent and shares boundaries with China and Nepal to the north, Pakistan to the west, Bhutan to the north-east, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Indonesia lie to the south-east and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. If its land size is anything to go by, India is the seventh largest country in the world. Its multi-lingual and multi-ethnic cultural life is what appeals to the foreign masses. Handicrafts of India are yet another favorite of the foreigners who visit the country. Each state of India has its own distinctive style and specialty and produces myriads of handiwork. Since scores of visitors and tourists pay visits to India every year, Hotels India make sure that they offer the best of lodging experience to their lodgers. Leaving no stone unturned Hotels India makes the best of your holiday.

Taj Mahal, Agra

One of the Seven Wonders of the World the Taj Mahal appeals to the mass for its distinctive charm and the love tale behind it. The Taj was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan for his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth in the year 1631. Made entirely out of White marble, this famous monument is the pride of India and is visited by millions of tourist and visitors each year.

Khajuraho temples

The temples of Khajuraho were constructed during the Chandela period. The temples are among the best illustration of Indo-Aryan architecture style. The carving and sculptures in and around the temple is what makes it so exquisite. Around the temple walls are masonries depicting different and several aspects of Indian life many ages ago – deities, warriors, and musicians, real and mythological animals among many others.

Backwaters of Kerala

Stupendously beautiful, the backwater of Kerala is basically a network of lakes, lagoons, rivers and canals. A visit to the state of Kerala is incomplete without savoring the beauty of its backwaters. A day spent in the houseboat sailing on the waters will make you feel like royalty.

Ajanta Caves

Dating back to from around 200 B.C, the Buddhist caves of Ajanta is among the best tourist attractions in India. The notable depictions and paintings on the temple walls are so beautiful that it has got this site a place in the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list.

Mountain Railways of India

These offer excellent views of the natural beauty of Indian hill station. A great way to not only travel around but also to admire the mighty mountainous regions these hill passenger railways date back since the British colonial era. The two famous mountain railways are- the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

The country of India makes for a great tourist destination. From pretty attractions, exciting places of interest to the amazing festivals… there is a lot to see and experience in India. Accommodation in India is easy to find. Hotels in India fall in many categories like cheap hotels India, amazing, luxurious hotels and mid rage accommodations.

China a Land of Enchantment and Rich History

China is much more than just a country, when you visit China it’s like being in a whole different world. The heritage and history of this beautiful country that spans back over 5,000 years, virtually makes it a wonderland for millions of tourists each year!

China offers over 15,000 attractions that range from man made and natural, to spiritual and cultural. With it’s desert lands, dramatic mountains and natural rivers and amazing shore lines, China is one of the most popular destinations in East Asia.

There are a vast number of different escorted tours of China available, including several once in a lifetime opportunities. The Great Wall of China stretches from east to west covering about 4,163 miles, winding through valleys and across mountains! The construction began around 600-700 BC and continued for over 2000 years and through 20 dynasties!

The wall is as much as 25 feet high in some areas and is one of the world’s largest building projects ever completed. The wall began as a series of sections built by individual states for protection, but was joined together as one wall during the Qin Dynasty.

Many different companies offer a range of tours of China, but it is important to book with one that offers experience as well as local knowledge, which is why Kuoni are one of the most popular companies with UK travellers.

Uncovered in 1974, the Terracotta Warriors are a breathtaking example of the talent of China’s artisans! These amazing warriors are over 2000 years old and form a complete life size army along with chariots and horses!

With the painstaking attention given to even the smallest of details, every statue in this extraordinary army is different and unique. Each on has it’s own personality that displays a deep sense of pride in China’s artisans.

You won’t want to miss China’s Forbidden City, home to the world’s largest palace. Construction of The Forbidden City was begun in 1406 and it served as the home to 24 emperors from the Qing and Ming Dynasties.

Setting in the heart of Beijing, the Palace was erected as a replica of the Purple Palace in Heaven where God lived. The complex holds 90 palaces and courtyards, there are 980 buildings that have 8,704 rooms!

The magnificent architecture is an attraction in itself, but now called the Palace Museum, it contains thousands of historical treasures. There are hundreds of thousands items on display from ceramics, paintings, bronze ware, jade, porcelain and much more!

The mystical paradise of Shangri-La became a reality in 2002, when the Chinese government granted Zhongdian County the permission to officially change it’s name! This picturesque little township emits the harmonious tranquility that became so famous in the novel.

Shangri-La’s snow capped mountains, beautiful natural lakes and forests have captivated tourists and locals for many years. It was also honoured by becoming the first national park in China.

There are numerous natural rivers, lakes and waterfalls and its vast shoreline is populated with over 5,000 islands! There’s something for everyone from bike trails, hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, snowboarding and cave exploration!

With all the different China Toursto choose from, you can truly discover this land of enchantment and experience some of the most beautiful architecture in the world. No one could visit this wonderful country without being affected by its proud sense of history and culture!

Travel to China’s paradise in Yunnan province.

If you are on a tour to China and decide to stop at Yunnan province, then you are guaranteed a wonderful time with Chinese minority groups. Yunnan is a beautiful province which is proud of its ethnic minorities and culture; this is reflected in the lifestyle of the locals who inhabit the community. Considered as one of the beautiful places to go in China, the province of Yunnan is a place that celebrates life. It can be divided into different cities namely Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Zhongdian and Deqin. Each of these cities has various sightseeing and highlights which attracts tourists all year round.
Kunming is known as the city of eternal spring which is usually the best city to travel to in China in spring. This is because of its mild climate which has in turn boosted the tourism and natural beauty of the city. With over four hundred types of flowers and orchids in the various gardens, it is no wonder horticulturists and nature lovers’ flock to this part of China to spend some time. Kunming is also known to be the center of the Yunnan minority culture where over 25 different ethnic groups live together. The major ethnic minorities have their various cultures, languages, and customs and celebrate different festivals. Major highlights to see in Kunming include the stone forest, a long acre of karsts limestone formations which were formed into cliffs, peaks, caves and arches; the birds and flowers market where different species of birds and flowers are sold; Dian Chi Lake, the Yunnan nationalities museum and the World Horticultural Expo garden.

Dali is another city in Yunnan well known for preserved relics for historical interests. The beautiful sceneries, different traditions, the locals and the unique environment are what makes Dali a stop over for tourists on their Yunnan province tour. For example the Old town of Dali is a place that was set up in the Ming Dynasty where you will find well preserved traditional styled houses of the Bai people. These houses were built with unique designs featuring grey tilted roofs, stone walls, windows and doors carved in dragon patterns. The streams fed by the run offs from the Cangshan Mountains and the idyllic courtyards and peaceful streets which were well known in the ancient times have now become a place of interest for visitors. Major highlights in Dali include the Erhai Lake, an ear like shaped Lake, the Three Pagodas, the Butterfly Fountain and Dali Museum to enrich your knowledge about the history and culture of Yunnan.
Lijiang is an old town resting in northwestern Yunnan. It is located on a plateau which rises on an elevation of 8,530 feet above sea level. Lijiang Old town is Yunnan’s mecca for most Chinese tour groups and this is because of the magnificent landscape which it has. The Old town is a world heritage relic site as listed by UNESCO. It has a number of attractions for tourists to visit, many of which includes The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: a snow capped mountain which looks like a jade dragon lying in the clouds when seen from Lijiang, the tiger leaping gorge believed to be the deepest gorge in the world which attracts rafters and adventure tourists. Other interesting things to do in Lijiang are the use of cable cars to the top of Cangshan Mountain to witness a panoramic view overlooking Erhai Lake and the traditional musical concerts.
Zhongdian and Deqin should be the final destination on your Yunnan province tour. It is one of the three counties that form the Diqen Tibetan Autonomous Territory. With some of its history based on the concept of Shambhala, a mystical city in Tibetan Buddhism; it was formerly called Zhongdian County and was later renamed to Shangri-la after the fictional land in the book ‘Lost Horizon’ in 2001. Shangri-la is considered to be a mythical distant paradise on earth characterized with great beauty and peacefulness; this is why many travelers come to this place to spend some peaceful time. This town has also been used by hikers and mountaineers as a gateway to Tibet. Some of the major highlights in this town include the Emerald Pagoda Lake (Bita hai Lake), the Meili Snow mountain (God Mountain) and the Ganden Sumtseling Gompa monastery. This monastery is a 300 year old complex which has around 600 monks. The small town is centered with multi story temples filled with statues and colorful paintings of Tibetan lamas, guardians and mandalas. The landscape of Zhongdian is not enough to describe in words, it gives a kind of feeling which is difficult to describe; this is why most people recommend a visit to Zhongdian and its sacred
temples.

For comments and inquiries about this article, visit Great Wall of China tours.

Visiting Chiang Mai – Top 10 Attractions And Activities

Visitors to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand come for the quaint, unhurried pace of life, the bargain shopping and the potential to break out on retreats into the mountains and jungle with a trekking trip. Whatever your reason for coming, Chiang Mai promises plenty of opportunities for excitement, relaxation and historic journeys into the city’s past.

A trip to Mae Sa

A 30-minute drive to Mae Sa is a fun event for the entire family, as the area is packed with activities. Tourists venture out for the orchid nurseries; the well-known Elephant Camp where visitors can ride elephants and watch performances including a football match played by elephants; a snake farm and bungee jumping. Finally, the Mae Sa Waterfall offers a place to relax or perhaps go hiking.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Chiang Mai is well-known for its handicrafts, silk and large markets. This all comes to a focus at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, a veritable shopper’s dream. Stretching the entire length of Chang Klan road, this market has become more of a tourist’s domain than it once was. Here you’ll find an assortment of jewellery, clothing, antiques, silver, all manners of souvenirs and knock-off designer items. It’s open every evening until midnight. This is where you’ll find many of Chiang Mai hotels.

Doi Inthanon National Park

Situated south of Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is a unique wildlife preserve and often makes for a comfortable cool weather retreat after spending time in the city. It’s the tallest mountain in Thailand at a grand height of 8,415 feet. Camping is permitted in the park and the natural surroundings make for an excellent getaway. This is one of the best places for trekking in Northern Thailand.

Wat Phratat Doi Suthep

Overlooking the Old City of Chiang Mai, the mountain of Doi Suthep holds one of Thailand’s most sacred temples. The 300-stair climb leads you to the large chedi and golden spire. This large temple complex dates back to the 14th century and the view of the city achieved from the marble courtyard is worth the trip alone. No trip to Chiang Mai is complete without visiting Doi Suthep. Ask the concierge at the hotels for assistance getting up there, it’s one of the most important in Thailand.

Thai massage and spas

Places to get a massage can literally be found on almost every street of the Old City, and prices range depending on quality and accessibility. Thai massage is world-renown, and some of the most skilled masseurs can be found in the more upscale spas, which also offer body scrubs and detox and beautification treatments. Even at these high-end facilities, the money spent is still fantastic value when compared to the superb quality of the treatment.

Chiang Mai Zoo

Don’t be surprised if a local asks you if you’ve visited the zoo yet—most likely, they’re wondering if you’ve seen the pair of pandas which are on loan from China, an endless source of pride for locals. These are only two of the more than 6,000 animals on display at the zoo which sits at the base of Suthep Mountain, from where there are wonderful views of the city.

Courses and training

Chiang Mai overflows with all sorts of courses in which tourists can enrol for only a few days or weeks at a time. Due to the affordable prices and the comfortable atmosphere in Chiang Mai, visitors are tempted to dig in and stay a while. So whether you’re looking to learn the art of Thai massage, perfect your Thai cooking skills or study Thai boxing, you’ll find it here for every level and length of time. When in Thailand this is highly recommended.

The Old City

A tour of the Old City is easily done on foot or by bike, and is the best way to come face-to-face with Chiang Mai’s legacy. Portions of the old wall were restored in the 19th century, and the 700-year-old moat that surrounds the city has been beautifully preserved. The city gates have also been restored, and each marks an important commercial avenue in or out of the city. Temples are spread across the entire Old City, and some of the more important include Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phrasingh and Wat Chiang Mai.

Adventure sports

Any number of adventure sports can be organised through travel agencies in Chiang Mai. Some of the more popular outings include white-water rafting on the Mae Tang River, which is 1 hour, 30 minute drive out of town; mountain biking on Doi Suthep with the added bonus of spending time at the temple if you make it all the way to the top, and rock climbing at Crazy Horse Buttress. There’s also an outdoor climbing wall located to one side of the Night Bazaar. Trekking in Chiang Mai is perhaps the biggest drawcard

Trekking Northern Thailand

It’s impossible to list the major attractions of Chiang Mai without mentioning trekking. Tour guide operators use the city as a springboard from which to organise trips into the surrounding mountainous jungles. Expeditions are packed with a variety of activities and range from daytrips to several night journeys that include hiking, elephant riding and bamboo rafting. Routes are planned around hill tribe villages, where overnight accommodation is provided. Trekking is the best way to see rural Northern Thailand.

Remember to book your Chiang Mai hotels early in the high season.

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