A gargantuan mix of modern and primitive, free and authoritarian, China boasts some of the most impressive and iconic sights in the world, as well as some spectacular scenery. (We hear the lo mein's not bad, either!)

 

 

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Chinese opera: compelling, fascinating - but definitely an acquired taste

Hung Chung Chih When I first witnessed a performance of Peking opera (the best-known form of Chinese opera, with Peking by the way being the traditional English spelling of Beijing) years ago in Beijing’s ornate, early-19th-century Huguang Guild Hall, I admit I was mesmerized by the gestalt of this elaborate art form. Unlike Western opera, it’s even more stylized, with exaggerated gestures, vocalisations, and heavily symbolic costume and makeup (and in some cases obviously extremely fakey…

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7 amazing places to explore in China beyond Beijing and Shanghai

When people think of travelling to China, Beijing’s imperial grandeur and Shanghai’s futuristic skyline often dominate the imagination. While these two cities are undeniably fascinating, they represent only a fraction of what China has to offer. Stretching across vast landscapes and shaped by thousands of years of history, China is home to ancient towns, dramatic natural wonders, culturally rich regions, and cities that feel refreshingly untouched by mass tourism. To truly understand the…

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Experience old China in the southeast-central villages of Huangshan

      Known as one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in China, Huangshan is situated in Huizhou region of the country's southeast-central province of Anhui. Millions of visitors make a trip each year to catch a sight of theses magnificent granite peaks cradled by beds of clouds and frequently depicted in traditional Chinese paintings. And named after the mountain, the area around Huangshan City (pop. 1.5 million, a 4½-hour drive west of Shanghai) is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites:…

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  • Thank you for this Heide. That's very helpful.
    Sally
  • Hi Sally,
    Besides Quandude, there are Bian yifang Roast Duck Restaurant, Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant, Hong Yun Lou Roast Duck Restaurant, Yi Pin Yuan Roast Duck Restaurant and more. For detailed location and introduction, you can check http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/beijing/dinning/roastduc...
  • Any suggestions for the best place to eat Peking duck in Beijing. I have heard of Quandude.
    Thanks, Sally
  • Dear Ms. McCoy,

    i see that you are from Philly... I spent 10 years in Abington and both my children were born there. And how i miss Philly!

    I have just upload a few pictures including the one i think people should see.
    It only shows that we are still luckier than some and can achieve anything if we set our mind to it.

    I hope you will make it one day to the top there and share a picture with all of us. Wishing you the best!

    regards
    Nayaz
  • Mr. Noor, thank you for posting this. As a senior citizen who thought she would never get to see the Great Wall of China, I find that your story inspires me. If that poor man with just one leg could do it, I can do it! Thank you for the tip about the toilets as well!!
  • Just got back from Beijing and of course a visit to the Great Wall at Juyongguan pass. Climbed up all the way to the 13th Tower ( west side )and was actually a bit surprised that the wall actually ended there....at the tower. Guess it continues further up, but there is a break.

    The most inspiring thing that took place that particular day( 20th OCT) - A man with just 1 leg, using crutches climbed up all the way to the top! I had seen him along the way and he was actually climbing faster than any of us able bodied people. Strangely my friend got a picture of me with him a few feet behind and i did not realize it until i turned around....An Amazing feat for him!

    The Toilets on top ( i think near the 12th Tower) are terrible and cannot be used by anyone. Of course all things are expensive at the eatery at the bottom. But it is an amazing experience and a a breathtaking view with some fall colors on the hills. it was a bit hazy on the East side but managed to get some good pictures....

    Definitely a must see!
  • Great Wall of China one of the greatest wonders of the world, was listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. One can not miss it when travel to China.

  • China Guilin Yangshuo Travel tips.

    Suggested in Guilin for one or two nights, then the next day do Li River Cruise to get to Yangshuo.
    Activities recommended in Guilin, Elephant Hill, Seven Star Park, Reed Flute Cave and lakes. If you like watching the show, do not miss Ethnic Folklore Show and Dreamlike Acobatic Show in the evening, the shows start at around 8pm or you can watch Cormarant Fishing. You can also take a stroll in the Zhengyang Pedestrian in the evening to take some sovenier such Chinese traditional paintings in the ngiht market there. There are many local restaurants around in the center near Sheraton Hotela and Waterfall Hotel, it is nice with reasonable price. The local food in Guilin is famous for steamed mandarin fish of the Lijiang River, red cooked meat slices with Lipu taro covered by bowl, fish cooked in bamboo tube, steamed pork with rice flour wrapped in lotus leaves and Guilin rice noodle etc.
    Reccommended hotel in Guilin, Sheraton Hotel and Waterfall Hotel (5*) locates in the center of city, the other one is Royal Garden Hotel locates at Li River side, it is 20 minutes walking distance to the center. Bravo Hotel and Ronghu Lake, Park hotels(4*) are nice hotel with good location near lakes and center.

    If you have time and want to have a relaxed holiday, you can stay in Yangshuo for 2 or 3 nights. Beer fish is the most famous food in Yangshuo and you can have a try. You can have nice western food in West Street.
    Recommended hotels in Yangshuo, Paradise Hotel, Regency Hotel, Magnolia Hotel are very nice hotel with good location near West Street. If you want to stay out of Yangshuo town, Li River Retreat and Yangshuo Mountain Retreat are nice places for your stay.

    Recommend activities in Yangshuo, Liu Sanjie Light and Sound Show, (600 actors and actresses, 500 singers & dancers, bamboo boats and cormorants birds are used in this 70 minute show. it provided a strong backdrop to the hundreds of farmers on bamboo rafts, and floating stages, awash in color and light) If you like adventure, you should explore Water Cave to take muddy bath in the cave, climb up to the Moon Hill to see the panoramic view of countryside. Visit Yolong River and do bamboo rafting in the river , it is very serene and relaxing, it is one of your best memory of your tour in China. Or ride bike to the villages. You can also hire a private for sunrise or sunset tour in Li River. www.guilinprivatetours.com is local expert offers the complete tour information for this area.
  • Check out member Indra Chopra's post on Shenzhen...
  • Greatest Tourist Attraction in the World: The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest sights in the world. The longest wall in the world, it is an awe-inspiring feat of ancient defensive architecture. Its winding path over rugged country and steep mountains takes in some great scenery.

    Greatest Human Feat in History: The Great Wall is the building project with the longest duration and greatest cost in human lives, blood, sweat and tears. It deserves its place among "the New Seven Wonders of the World" and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China.

    The Goal of Millions: Perhaps the most powerful advertising words in history come from the mouth of Chairman Mao: "Until you reach the Great Wall, you're no hero." ("不到长城非好汉") Figuratively this means 'to get over difficulties before reaching a goal'.

    If your goal is to reach the Great Wall, we at China Highlights are here to help you get over all the difficulties.
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