Awe-inspiring scenery. Ancient
civilizations. Big cities and small, quaint villages. World-class shopping. The adventure-seeking traveler can find all of this, and more, in the
People’s Republic of China. Tourism in China has greatly expanded since the 1976 death of former military and political leader Mao Zedong, who placed restrictions on who was allowed to visit the country and who was not (China’s current leader is
Hu Jintao). According to the China
National Tourist Office (CNTO), in 1978 China received about 230,000 international foreign tourists; by 2006 that number had ballooned to more than 22 million. If the current growth rate continues—and it no doubt will, due to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing
and the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai—China will be the most-visited country in the world by 2017. So what are you waiting for? Following is our guide to planning a 10-day getaway to this exotic Asian
destination.
Yuyuan Gardens
Shanghai (about a 13-hour flight from Sea-Tac) is the most populated city in China, with more than 16 million people living within its 2,239 square miles. Once a sleepy fishing village, Shanghai’s strategic position at the mouth of the Yangtze River led to major growth of its infrastructure during the 19th century. In recent years, state-of-the-art buildings, including the Oriental Pearl Tower (known locally as the “Jetson” tower), Shanghai Library and Shanghai Stadium, have given the city a modern landscape that will continue to flourish as it prepares to host the 2010 World Expo. Those who like to shop will enjoy Shanghai’s abundant retail districts, which offer everything from kitschy knickknacks to upscale fashions to knock-off goods. The city is home to some of China’s most famous shopping areas, including the main shopping street, Nanjing Road, and fashionable Huaihai Road, which offers high-end labels from all over the world. Nanjing Road is conveniently located near several other tourist attractions,
including the Shanghai Art Museum, People’s Square and Yuyuan Gardens, a famous classical garden completed in 1577 by a government officer of the Ming Dynasty. Visitors can sample a variety of Chinese cuisines at Shanghai’s 1,000-plus restaurants, which serve 16 different styles of Chinese food (many offer Western food as well). Meilongzhen, an upscale eatery serving traditional Shanghainese food with a Sichuan flair, has been drawing crowds since 1938. For a more contemporary setting and cuisine, dine at ultramod Jade on 36, where a signature dish is a giant french fry served with tomato sorbet. Designed by renowned American architect Adam Tihany, the restaurant overlooks
52 buildings of various architectural styles on the historic Bund, a mile-long stretch of road on the bank of the Huangpu River. A memorable night out is a visit to the Shanghai Center Theatre to see the world-famous Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe, which entertains seven nights a week using such props as hula hoops, umbrellas, glasses and bowls. Stop for a nightcap at the jazz bar at the Peace Hotel, where the Old Jazz Band, six veteran musicians with an average age above 75, performs nightly.
The neon lights of Shanghai’s shopping district
Sunrise on the Lijiang River
A two-and-a-half-hour flight from Shanghai lies Guilin, a southern city known for its natural beauty and peaceful agricultural environment. The scenic city, with a population of about 400,000, draws tourists far and wide with its dramatic limestone mountains, unique caves and sparkling waters, including the Lijiang River. Thought to be founded in 214 B.C., Guilin was a quiet village until the 1970s, when increased tourism led to significant growth and development. Every evening, throngs of locals and travelers flood Guilin Zhengyang Buxing Street in the city center for dining, entertainment and shopping (be sure to bargain for the best prices). For more bargains, visit Guilin International Tourism Commodity Wholesale City, one of the largest wholesale
markets for tourist souvenirs in China. Pick up Guilin’s three specialties—sanhua alcohol, fermented bean curd and chili sauce—to share with friends and family back home. Many activities in Guilin center around the breathtaking landscape. Seven Stars Park is a 297-acre outdoor wonderland with peaks, rivers, caves, gardens and relics, as well as a children’s amusement park and zoo. At Reed Flute Caves, the Crystal Palace of the Dragon King offers the most famous view in the area—expansive illuminated stalagmites reflected in the cave’s natural lake. A short distance outside the city is the
Mountain of Coloured Layers, which offers memorable views of Guilin and the Lijiang River. Less than 20 miles down the river from Guilin is the quaint village of Yangshuo. Those who take the winding boat trip can admire the natural scenery and visit the Yangshuo Street Market upon arrival. Linger in Yangshuo long enough to take a bicycle tour and catch the nightly Impressions show on the river, which features more than 600 performers, live animals and spectacular lighting effects. If you choose to spend the night, book a luxury room at Paradise Yangshuo Resort, starting at $58.
The Reed Flute Caves
Temple of Heaven
The history-rich capital city of Beijing, located in northeastern China a three-hour flight from Guilin, was visited by a record 3.1 million international tourists in 2006. As Beijing gears up to host the 2008 Summer Olympics, the city is receiving even more international attention. Thirty-one new venues are being built for the games, including the state-of-the-art Beijing National Stadium, dubbed the “bird’s nest” because of its twiglike structural elements
and bowl-shaped roof. Established as the capital city in 1057 B.C., Beijing (known to the Western world as “Peking” before 1949) has been an important trading center from its earliest days. Though today the
city of 12 million people is among China’s most modern, with towering skyscrapers and bustling shopping malls, there are still many facets of the old city to explore. Wen Ru Teahouse, an authentic Beijing teahouse, offers a large range of traditional specialty infusions, as well as tea-infused dishes. In the evenings, the Peking Opera House of Beijing performs traditional Chinese opera featuring the skills of speech, song, dance and combat.
Beijing’s ancient structures built by long-ago civilizations are world famous. The Palace Museum, known as the “Forbidden City” where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties ruled, is China’s largest and most complete architectural grouping of ancient halls. In front of the southern entrance to the museum lies Tian’anmen Square, the biggest central square in the world. Another amazing ancient attraction is the Temple of Heaven, the grandest of the four major temples in Beijing. The ornate temple was built in A.D. 1420 as a sacred place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties offered sacrifices to heaven.
Tian’anmen Square
Of course, no exploration of old Beijing would be complete without an order of Peking roast duck, which is served with small, thin pancakes, plum sauce and spring onions. The two most famous restaurants in
Burning Incense at a Temple
Beijing that serve this specialty are Quanjude and Bianyifang, both of which have many locations. While in Beijing, don’t miss China’s best-known attraction—the Great Wall. The most accessible, and recently restored, section is Juyong Guan, located 37 miles northwest of the city. The panoramic scene from the steepest part offers views of the Ba Da Ling section of the Wall to the north and Beijing to the south (when the weather is clear). End your trip with a taste of Beijing nightlife during a visit to trendy Lotus Lane in the Hutong Bar Street area, which features bars, restaurants and shops overlooking Houhai Lake. For more information about planning a trip to China, visit the Web site of the China National Tourist Office at www.cnto.org.
Planning a trip to China? Here are some helpful things to know in advance.
• Avoid the hot summer and rainy season by visiting between March and April or September and October. • China’s major holidays occur in the days before and after the Chinese New Year (late January to early
February), International Labor Day (May 1), People’s Liberation Army Day (Aug. 1) and National Day (Oct. 1). Expect crowds and price hikes during these times. • A visa is necessary to enter China; visit www.china-embassy.org for information about how to get one.
A visa is not necessary for U.S.
citizens to visit Hong Kong for fewer than 90 days. • No official health advisories, travel advisories or terrorism warnings for China were posted by the U.S.
government at press time. However, always check the State Department Web site at http://travel.state.gov/
travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_1168.html
before you depart for a trip abroad.
China’s Great Wall. Great Wall image courtesy of Ramey Photo.
• Get health tips and information about China from the Centers for Disease Control Web site at wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. • Important phone numbers to know include 999 for an ambulance
(120 in Beijing), 119 for the fire brigade and 110 for the police. • Always carry a small packet of
tissues, as squat toilets are the norm in most areas. • Don’t miss the street food, but sample with caution. Avoid meat in the height of summer and anything raw. Dumplings, pancakes and anything fried are usually safe bets.
