Wangfujing – A Phenomenal Experience in the Heart of Beijing

Wangfujing, located at the heart of Beijing, is a seven hundred year old commercial street which is home to a wide variety of shops and boutiques. These shops provide a variety of brands, both local and internationally famous. It is considered a historical and commercial landmark because commercial activities have taken place on the street since the Ming Dynasty. Thereafter, in the Qing Dynasty, eight aristocratic estates and princess residences were built in the area.

Wangfujing is a long street, which would take approximately 30 minutes to walk from end to end, without looking at any shops. All areas of Beijing are easily accessible because the street is in the middle of Beijing. Some of the most famous nearby locations are the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Raffles Beijing Hotel which is a renowned luxury hotel in Beijing .

The street has two major shopping malls, the largest being The Oriental Plaza. The Oriental Plaza is filled with many fashion stores, cafes and restaurants, a cinema, banks, Sony science exhibition center and many more. This is a key stop for the shopping fanatics. The complex is so big that subway stations occupy each end of the building. Wangfujing Street is also home to a large number of department stores, souvenir stores, food stalls and other goodies. The Wangfujing Bookstore, which is considered the largest bookstore in Beijing, is also located nearby.

The true beauty of Wangfujing Street can be witnessed at nighttime when the road is illuminated with a myriad of neon advertising signs. The enthusiasm of shoppers is addictive and more crowds gather to bask in the glory of shopping and entertainment. Wangfujing is not merely a shopping street but a whole new experience that is one of a kind.

The Ming Tombs: A World Heritage Site.

A couple hours towards the northwest of Beijing City lies the mausoleums of thirteen Ming dynasty Emperors. Referred to as the Ming Tombs these historical structures have been flawlessly preserved and serve as excellent examples of Chinese palatial architecture and culture. It is said that the site of the mausoleum wee chose n by Ming dynasty emperor Yongle, who was also instrumental in moving the capital of China from Nanjing to Beijing.

The site of the tombs was carefully chosen according to Chinese Feng Shui principles. This is why an arc shaped sheltered area at the foot of the Jundu Mountains was chosen as it deflected the evil spirits of the North Wind. Following the burial of Emperor Yongle twelve others where subsequently buried here, though their tombs bear the same architectural style and geometrical design they differ in their proportions and decorative features.

However, of the thirteen tombs only two are open to the public today, known as the Changling and Dingling tombs. Of these the Changling tomb is the largest and covers an area of almost 2,000 square meters. The tomb holds the remains of Emperor Zhudi and is one of the most interesting Ming dynasty buildings in China. The tomb is supported by 32 large posts some of which measure up to 14 meters in height. The ceiling of the tomb is colorfully painted and features traditional Chinese inscriptions and drawings, the floor of the tomb is covered by gold bricks.

The smaller Dingling tomb is built underground at depth of about 30 meters. The important sections of this tomb are the Stone Bridge, Soul Tower, Baocheng and the Underground Palace. The later section was only found and excavated in the 50’s and is constructed completely from stone. The entire Ming Tomb enclosure was recently declared a UNESCO World heritage site making it a tourist attraction among visitors in many a Beijing hotel. Being a rapidly expanding city with a vibrant tourism sector a luxury hotel in Beijing would not be difficult to find for tourists wishing to visit the Ming dynasty tombs.

Hotels of the Rich and Famous

If you are looking for a truly decadent experience for your next holiday, why not learn from the masters of comfort and style -the rich and famous. Celebrities and millionaires definitely do not put up with lost bookings, maids that enter without knocking, less-than-spotless suites – or anything less than the best! You deserve the same perks and benefits that these people get -so why not check out our guide to luxury hotels of the rich and famous in Asia.

The Park Hyatt Tokyo

Lost in Translation was a hit in 2006 for Bill Murray, Scarlett Johanssen and Giovani Ribisi. Most of the action in the movie took place in the hotel -the Park Hyatt in Tokyo. Tokyo lights up like a fairyland at night time, and the Park Hyatt is one of the best ways to take in the view in luxury for your next Asian holiday. You’ll find striking exotic colors, an ethereal atmosphere, space, clean lines and ultimate opulence at the Park Hyatt Tokyo.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Rajasthan, India

To feel like a true priness or prince, you must stay in a palace -the Umid Bhawan Palace gives you the opportunity to do just that. Many celebrities have taken advantage of the opportunity to experience the pampering and preening of the Umid Bhawan Palace on their Asian luxury holidays, including Kate Moss, Kate Winslet, Elizabeth Hurley, Elton John, and Arun Nayar. The palace took 15 years to construct, and has 347 rooms. Renting these out as hotel suites is one of the most sensible ways to ensure they are maintained properly. The royal family of Jodhpur resides here also -so if you are looking a royal soulmate, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is the place to stay in Asia!

Shangri-La, Beijing, China

One of the original locations of the world-famous Shangri-La chain, this hotel in Beijing is frequented by Sean Penn and Al Pacino. If you fancy yourself pitching your script to these acclaimed producers and actors, or would just like the chance to show Sean what he’s missing out on, do it at Shangri-La, Beijing!

Hyatt on the Bund, China

As a daughter of a hotel magnate, Paris Hilton would never stay in anything less than the finest luxury. So you can imagine that the Hyatt on the Bund is one of the most luxurious hotels in Asia. Paris enjoys magical views of the Bund and Shanghai from this hotel, as well as the space and sophistication that the Hyatt offers.

Le Meridien Pune
The beautiful facade of Le Meridien Pune in India glows like a welcoming fireplace for you to come home to at the end of a tiring day of exploration and adventure in India. Travelling through India and Asia can be a luxurious experience, as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie discovered at Le Meridien Pune. It is situated in close proximity to many of India’s natural wonders, as well as some of the country’s most vibrant and exciting festivals and events. If you’d like to imagine yourself as Mrs Brad Pitt … or even Mr. Angelina Jolie, try Le Meridien Pune!

The Grand Hyatt in Tokyo

Another celebrity favorite, the Grand Hyatt in Tokyo combines the golden red and darkly exotic beauty of Japan with sparkling luxury, for your next Asian holiday. The Harry Potter crew has been sighted here, on their promotional touring -Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint all stayed at the Grand Hyatt in Tokyo.

Le Meridien Bora Bora

If tropical beaches and white sandy beauty is more your style, you might want to stay at the same hotel as Sharon Stone in French Polynesia -Le Meridien Bora Bora. The hotel features beautiful traditional-style huts perched over a sparkling blue lagoon -but there is nothing traditional or basic about the accommodations inside the huts. There is a restaurant with a different theme of cuisine every night of the week, all delectably executed, as well as a turtle sanctuary, trying to help preserve the beauty of the natural environment in Bora Bora. Your Basic Instincts for luxury hotels will lead you to Le Meridien Bora Bora -just like Sharon Stone.

If you’d like to see what hotels your favorite celebrity stays at, in order to casually position yourself with them (!), you can Google ‘Hotels of the Rich and Famous’.

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