Travel experiences: Shenzhen, China

When I arrived in Shenzhen I was a westerner with blond long hair dressed in business attire and ready to open new office’s for my company based out of Los Angeles, California. I am a Native New Yorker, born and raised I must say! When I arrived in Hong Kong I was escorted to a bus that would take me across the border into mainland China, where Shenzhen is located. It is at the south eastern tip of China, and back then in order to get to Shenzhen you had to go through customs twice. It has been almost a decade since then, and now I know I can fly into Shanghai then down into Shenzhen and only endure custom’s one time. I must say Shenzhen was a surprise for me, it is very modern with beautiful sky scrapers. You must see the #1 Building it is beautiful, and Windows of the World is located just south of midtown Shenzhen. At Windows you can see replica’s of the seven wonders of the world, its quite an interesting day. I learned all about the Chinese culture and its people spending my time in Shenzhen. It is such a lovely city, you can eat at a sidewalk push cart (something I am hesitant to do in New York), or at an exclusive 5 star restaurant, located near the train station. Shenzhen has mass transit, but I preferred to walk my way around. The city is so alive, with a median age of 26, I felt old at 30. Shenzhen has some of the best shopping also, there is a huge mall up past the Shangri La hotel by the train station. The mall is like a bizarre and you can haggle your way to a decent price if you want to try your hand at that. If you’re away from home to long you can jump into the Shangri La hotel where there is a westernized burger joint. Believe it or not, the burgers are big, juicy, and the drinks are great. I can only attest to the warmth I felt while staying there, this city is also a quick plane ride away to cities like Shanghai, Suzhou, and Beijing. I would recommend anyone to go visit China, you will love it, don’t forget to stop at my home away from home, Shenzhen.

What is a China Package Tour?

A China tour package means the tour you take is escorted with your own personal tour guide and private driver. And the domestic flights, accommodation, transportation, transfers to the airport/hotel, most meals and sightseeing in this package are also included. With a package tour, your trip can be as worry- free in the country which you have never been to before.

With its long history and splendid culture, its beautiful landscape, and fast development, China has become more and more appealing among the overseas visitors, no wonder China is predicted to be the No. 1 tourist destination by 2010. Here, the package tour offers you the best-selected programs taking you wherever you want to go. The tour guides will help interpret the ancient history and culture of China and make sure you never feel alone. The tour driver is licensed, insured, and extremely experienced. When going to a site, the driver will wait in the car for you to return and will keep a close eye on your belongings.

The popular package tours include majestic Great Wall in Beijing, the amazing historical wonder – Terracotta Warriors in Xian, the stunning beautiful Li River in Guilin, the modern wonders of dynamic in Shanghai and Hong Kong, and as well as the breathtaking natural wonders of the Yangtze River. These all make the reasons for people to travel to China.

With an abundance of historical and cultural world heritage sites like Great Wall, Forbidden City, Beijing is undoubtedly number one place to go.

The Great Wall is considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and enlisted in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. The total length of the Great Wall is 6,700 kilometers long stretching from Shanhaiguan Pass in the east to Jiayuguan Pass in the west.

The Forbidden City has more than 9,000 rooms and covers an area of 72 hectares. It is the largest and the best preserved Imperial Palace in the world.

Xian was the capital of six ancient dynasties of China. The Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xian is one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of all times. Altogether over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and even weapons have been unearthed there. The discovery of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses has been called the 8th Wonder of the World.

The Yangtze River Three Gorges are unparalleled among China natural highlights. The gorges of this famous river climb thousands of feet on both sides, and it is truly breathtaking to witness. The Yangtze cruise package offers shore excursions including ancient cliff coffins at Shennong Stream and exploring the historic temples of Shibaozhai. These quaint locations offer some of the best natural and historical sightseeing China has to offer.

China package tour offers you the opportunity to experience the Real China, to learn about its history and culture. When you return home, you will understand that we all are “People of the World”.

Cheap Flight To China

More people are becoming interested in travelling to the Orient, either in search of spiritualism, or just to get a taste of the unique culture that places like China, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and others can offer.<br>

China travel is particularly interesting because of the variety of interesting places and cultural hot spots that can be found. Another very important factor is that a holiday to China is very easy on your budget. The accommodation facilities are cheap, yet comfortable and tasteful, and there are several places to visit which tourists can easily avail of either through a holiday tour guide, or simply by getting a map and a backpack and setting off in search of adventure.<br>

China is a country that has the largest population statistics, yet other than the cities, large portions of rural China are full of scenic beauty and tranquil settings and will give you the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday activities if that is what you are looking for.<br>

China holidays are becoming increasingly popular with student groups as well. The advent of globalisation has resulted in airfare prices being reduced, and as a result, there are several cheap flights to China, whether you are looking to take a flight from the UK to China between semesters and go on a sightseeing trip, or if you are interested in the Beijing Olympics of 2008. Accommodation is cheap and the food is inexpensive and available on every street corner from small eateries to roadside stalls to high-end restaurants.<br>

One of the must-see places in China is the Great Wall. This remarkable manmade structure can even be seen from the moon and has been listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Great Wall is said to be over 6000 kilometres long and was built to defend China from the Huns. It is certainly worth going to China just to see this one part of history, if not for anything else. Even if you take a flight to Beijing, the Great Wall is at good proximity to the city so you could easily pay a visit there.<br>

Another great place to visit in China is Shanghai. This is an ultra modern city full of skyscrapers and steel and glass buildings located near the Yangtze River delta. The Oriental Pearl TV tower will offer you a breathtaking view of the entire city and make for some wonderful photographs and memories. Shanghai is known as the Oriental Paris and makes for excellent shopping. The prices are affordable and almost everyone who visits China takes a flight to Shanghai, China because this is the countrys most important city, second to Hong Kong. Shanghai also draws tourists to places like Mt. Sheshan, Chongming Island, Dingshan Lake, and the shopping centers of Xujiahui, Yuyuan Shopping City, and Jiali Sleepless City. If you are on a China holiday to Shanghai, then make sure to take in the sights of the Donghai Bridge, which is the worlds longest bridge across the sea, the Jingan Temple, and the beautiful Xujiahui Cathedral.<br>

There are many cheap flights to China, if you are planning to go over and see the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics. You can take a cheap flight to Beijing from London or any other place in the United Kingdom. Besides the Olympics, the Forbidden City is the greatest tourist destination in Beijing. Having been declared a world heritage site, the Forbidden City will give you an understanding of Chinas history, ancient culture, and traditions.<br>

Honk Kong has many cheap flights that shuttle to and fro straight from the UK as well as from other parts of the world, so making your way to this exquisite city will be fast and convenient, not to mention gentle on your budget. Hong Kong will offer you a chance to experience a blending of Chinese culture, as well as see firsthand the strong influences of the West, whether it is a traditional Catholic church or an English pub where ale is served. Victoria Peak draws several thousand tourists, being the highest mountain in Hong Kong and the best place for a panoramic view of the city. The view of Hong Kong at night from atop Victoria Peak is said to be one of the most incredible sights in China.<br>

Since China is such a large country, it is almost impossible to experience all that it has to offer on a single trip to the country. However, no matter which places you visit on your China travel holiday, you are guaranteed to come away enriched, especially if you include the Great Wall of China on your list and make a stop at Shanghai.<br>

It doesnt matter whether you are backpacking your way from one place to another, or are on a luxury sightseeing trip, China will give everyone who visits an unforgettable holiday.

Tourists Attraction in Agra

Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World-the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid remainder of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid reminder of the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries.

Taj Mahal
The construction of this marble masterpiece is credited to the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who erected this mausoleum in memory of his beloved wife, Arjumand Bano Begum, popularly known as Mumtaz Mahal, who died in AH 1040 (AD 1630). Her last wish to her husband was “to build a tomb in her memory such as the world had never seen before”.

The designer of Taj Mahal was Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. The material was brought in from all over India and central Asia and it took a fleet of 1000 elephants to transport it to the site. The central dome is 187 feet high at the centre. Red sandstone was brought from Fatehpur Sikri, Jasper from Punjab, Jade and Crystal from China, Turquoise from Tibet, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire from Sri Lanka, Coal and Cornelian from Arabia and diamonds from Panna.

Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is an epic in red sandstone. A city of yesteryear, today lost in the mists of time. Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1564 A.D.. Mughal Emperor Akbar had no heir. He visited holy men to enlist their prayers for his son.

Sikandra Fort
The mausoleums of emperor Akbar represent his philosophy and secular outlook, combining the best of Hindu and Muslim architectures in a superlative region. Completed in 1613 A.D. by his son Jahangir, it is one of the well preserved monuments. This is the last resting place of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.

Agra Fort
The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565 A.D., although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shah Jahan. Agra Fort is located on the banks of the Yamuna near the railway station. Agra is well connected by air with Khajuraho, Varanasi, and Delhi. It has good rail and bus connections with major Indian cities. From the city, there are taxis, tempos, auto-rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws to carry one to the fort. Prepaid taxis and autos from the railway station are also available. Bicycles can also be hired on hourly basis.

Itmad-Ud-Daulah
Itmad-ud-Daulah is the tomb of Mirza Ghyas Beg, a persian who had obtained service in Akbar Court. The Marvel tomb was made by Emperor Jahangir’s Queen, Noorjahan, for his father Mirza Ghyas Beg during 1622-1628 A.D.
The Craftmanship at Itmad-ud-Daulah foreshadows that of the Taj Mahal. It was here that. “Pietra Dura”-the inlay work on marble-so characteristic of the Taj-was first used.

Radha Swami Samadhi
This is the head quarter of Radhaswami religion; here the holy ashes of the founder of the faith have been preserved. On the sprawing lawns here, is a beautiful marvel temple with beautiful carving of fruits, flowers, leavesand plants which have been reduced into stone true to nature, and are distinctive speciments of the plastic arts. This is under construction for almost 100 years.

Taj Mahotsav
Come February, and it’s springtime. The time of the year when nature dawns all its colorful splendor and Agra bursts into colorful celebrations. For 10 days there is sheer celebration of U.P.’s rich heritage of arts, crafts, culture, cuisine, dance and music. Yes, it is Taj Mahotsav time again. There are festivities all around and Agra truly puts on the colors of joy and gets transformed into one non-stop carnival. Organised by U.P. Tourism and held as an annual event at Shilpgram, literally next door to the Taj Mahal, the Taj Mahotsav is indeed a fitting tribute to the legendary skills of master craftsman and other exponents of art, music and cuisine.