where to travel to china

Travelling outside your home country is definitely a great, but somewhat troublesome experience.
Troubles come when you start to arrange all the necessary papers to obtain a visa.
This especially applies to a country with strict and to a certain extent unique regulations, like China.

However, things are not as bad as they might seem at first glance.
Nowadays, there is a good number of agencies and companies eager to offer you the service of facilitating in visa process, to provide you with all the necessary and most accurate information. One of such companies is Get in2 China. 

The name of this company speaks for itself. Beijing-based, service-oriented Get in2 China company offers a wide range of services for people who either want to come to China or already live in this country. 
Providing information, accommodation, internship placement, Chinese language courses, visa support, travel arrangements - these and many other services are available for people of different ages and from different countries.

Get in2 China company has developed and introduced various types of programs in China in accordance with the purpose of your visit.
If you simple want to see the world-famous sights of China, i.e. the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors, etc., the Travelling and Sightseeing program is the right option.
The duration of this program is normally one or two weeks, which is just enough to visit around 1/3 of all China's must-sees!
A two-week program includes travelling to different cities of China, such as Xian, Guilin, Shanghai, etc.

For those wishing to pick up the basics of the Chinese language or improve the current level Get in2 China offers Chinese language programs.
Both General (10 hours per week), Intensive (20 hours per week) and private language courses are available. All the study materials are provided by the company's language school and are included in the program fee.

Get in2 China's Business Internship program is specifically recommended to recent graduates seeking to get some working experience before hitting the global labor market. Business Internship program includes internship placement, accommodation, visa support, language course and other concomitant services. 

Get in2 China carefully studies the resumes of its clients and finds the right Chinese or foreign Beijing-based company for internship placement. All internships provided are paid, the monthly stipend ranges from 150 to 500 euro. Business Internship program is a splendid opportunity to get a valuable experience of working in a dynamic environment of world's third largest economy.

Well, if you are just an expat living in China and facing troubles with your Chinese visa, Get in2 China company is here to give you a hand. Even the most complicated cases can be solved, and it is not always necessary to leave China and come back!

So, how to get to China? Easily! With Get in2 China company. 
More information about the company, its programs and services is available at

Read More...

travel tours to china

So you've decided to go on a tour to China, but now how can you choose a tour guide? China is a vast country with a huge number of tour companies and independent tour guides. It's important to pick somebody that's knowledgeable of their area, is trustworthy, and for most tourists, it's important to pick somebody affordable. Ask the tour guide how long they will work in a day. It isn't uncommon for the tourist to forget that the tour guide also has a life to live. If you expect them to be with you all day, you better be sure that they have agreed to that.

Guangzhou, the provincial capital of Guangdong, is one of the largest and most prosperous cities in southern China. Situated between the Baiyun Hill in the north and the Zhujiang (Pearl River) Delta Plain in the south. The city is 125 kilometers northwest of Hong Kong on the Pearl River. As a tourist spot, China offers a limitless variety of spectacular scenery and historical wonders. Generally May, September and October are ideal for touring anywhere in the country. During June to August, travelers often visit central and northern China, as rainfall is likely to occur in southern China during this time. Moreover October is ideal to travel anywhere and any region in the country.

The terracotta army of Xian, Buddhist caves, temples of Tibet, Great Wall of China, the ancient places of Beijing and Shanghai are some of the most popular attractions in China. There are over 13000 travel agencies offering adventure tours in mountains and rivers in the different provinces of China. If you are looking for Chinese Kong fu excursions, Shaolin, the legendary name always comes into your mind first. Shaolin temple in Dengfeng, Henan province is considered as the origin of Chinese martial art, Kong fu and the Zen Buddhism movement. This article presents my unforgettable Chinese Kong fu tour. It's more than a tour.

Many travelers prefer to travel to China taking advantage of various tours special that can be found at any travel agency and on the Internet. But for those who know where they want to go and what they want to see, a customized tour is the way to go. Travel agencies can customize their tour packages according to your requirements and tastes. A good agency will offer you tailor-made programs taking you wherever you want to go and provide you with options to participate in activities of your choice. Travelers along this legendary route can also have opportunities to experience the unique local cultures. If your tour starts from Xian heading for Urumqi and Kashgar, you will see the gradual transition from Buddhist culture to Islamic culture. Urgur people are known for their hospitality and they are always quick to invite you into their home and serve you homemade food, and the fresh local fruits. Nearly every Urgur people can sing and dance. Dancing is an integral part of every Urgur people life. Urgur people sing and dance for nearly every event: weddings, funerals, gatherings, and just for fun.

Read More...

Ten Unwritten Rules for Travel In China

Rule No 10 - always fight to pay for the bill Rules such as double checking your China visa, having travel insurance and having a practical budget you can stick to are all pretty obvious.  There are other less formal and obvious but no less important rules that can make a big difference to your travel in China. These rules are the unwritten rules of travel in China passed on from one traveller to the next in hostel lounges, disreputable bars, hiking trails and the far ends of the Great Wall. I have listed below the 10 most important of these unwritten to help make your time in China more enjoyable. If you have travelled in China before and have picked up your own unwritten rules, feel free to add them at the end of this post. 1 – Don't brag and carry on about how good your country is One of the most annoying things a foreign tourist can do in China is brag about how everything is so much better in their own country.  Sure most of us come from beautiful countries which great infrastructure, legal systems and football grounds but so what?!? You travel to China experience, enjoy and celebrate the incredible diversity, uniqueness and beauty that China has. 2 – More expensive does not mean better I'm a bit of a budget traveller so I'm probably prejudiced but I can say with all honesty that some of the best meals, rooms and experiences you can get will be in small dingy restaurants, street vendors, out of the way hostels and chaotic local markets. Five star restaurants and hotels have superb service and luxurious environments but little or no character. You hardly know you are in China when you eat and sleep in them. Truly the best way to experience travel in China is to eat where the locals eat, focus on the content of tours/activities not their price, and stay at small hostels/hotels that tell you about China. A classic example being the small hutong hotels you can find in Beijing. 3 – Pack thongs / flip flops No matter where you plan to travel in China or for how long, you will find the humble flip flops indispensable. Great for beaches, showers, middle of the night toilet runs and squashing cockroaches. They also have the benefit of being cheap, take up very little room in your backpack and are virtually indestructible.  They can also make great trade goods and conversation starters. 4 – Take at least one decent set of clothes For most of your time in China you'll be wearing worn out, non descript jeans, shorts, shirts and so forth which are great for climbing the Great Wall, hiking Leaping Tiger Gorge or riding a smelly camel on the Silk Road.. They are not so hot for dinners with Chinese friends/hosts, a night on the town in Shanghai, visiting the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong or many other occasions where you need to look half reasonable. So stuff at least one set of semi decent and clean clothes in your pack for these special occasions where your normal ragged and smelly shorts, singlets and sandals will not do. 5 – Pack the minimum and buy what you need in China You can by anything and everything in China with the exception of safe infant formula.  So don't pack stacks of socks, t-shirts, under wear, tooth paste and other essentials that you are worried you can't find in China. Trust me, you can find everything you need and more. Many people come to China with empty backpacks and suit cases that they take home loaded just because you can buy everything here. If you don't believe me, take a quick tour around your home and see where most of your possessions are made. 6 – Keep your cool in the face of perceived rudeness Often in China you will find locals will bump into you with out saying sorry, push into queues ahead of you (or not even queue at all), give some what brusque service and irritate and annoy you in so many other ways. There may be a strong temptation to jump up and down, throw a righteous tantrum and chastise the offending party. No matter how real or imagined the offense is, keep you cool, force out a smile and move on. You are in China to enjoy yourself and cultural differences that cause real or imagined slights are part and parcel of travel and getting angry, as justified as you may be, will not help. 7 – ALWAYS carry tissues with you As you travel around China, you will find that most Chinese public toilets do not have toilet paper. If you don't carry tissues, you will end up in some very embarrassing situations. Carrying tissues is also a great way to make yourself popular with your fellow tourists who find themselves less prepared than you are. 8 – Cross the roads VERY carefully In most western countries, cars will stop and make way for pedestrians. In China pedestrians make way for cars even at pedestrian crossings with green lights. Many Chinese drivers are certifiably insane once they are behind the wheel and public bus drivers are the worst of them SO no matter what, be very VERY careful when crossing roads. One useful technique that many locals use is to cross roads in groups because stragglers maybe picked off but there is security in numbers. 9 – "No Thank you" does not mean no When Chinese communicate, they often place more emphasis on implied meanings than direct meanings. This is especially the case with refusals where no thank you does not mean no. It is customary for Chinese people to refuse your offer two to three times before accepting to be polite and to maintain face. If you are offering a Chinese friend, colleague or companion something they need or want such as a drink, help or payment and they say no, keep offering because they don't mean no and they will eventually accept. Be careful though because just to be confusing they will sometimes mean no. 10 – Always fight for the bill when some one else is paying Often in restaurants and bars you will see people happily enjoying themselves together then as they prepare to leave, start pushing each other, struggling and yelling. Don't worry, they are just fighting over who gets to pay the bill. It is considered good manners to be verbal and aggressively to fight for the bill even when you have no intention of paying for it. The fight should last for a few minutes then the host will be allowed to win and pay the bill. If a Chinese companion is taking you out, always fight for the bill at the end of the night to be polite, give them face and show respect. Don't' get too carried away through and actually win or your host will be mortified and incredibly embarrassed.

Read More...

Travel To Xinjiang – China

"He's from Pakistan." "No, no! He's Japanese." A lively group of Uyghurs orbiting around me at the Hotan marketplace in southern Xinjiang were vociferously debating the nationality of the 196cm foreigner standing before them. I am in fact a first-generation American of a hybrid Scandinavian-Mediterranean-Hispanic lineage, my dark brown features and unkempt travel whiskers often causing confusion amongst Asians who can't quite place my nationality. Ironically, Han Chinese often mistook me for a Weiwuerzu someone from Xinjiang. If there is one province unlike any other in the People's Republic, it would have to be Xinjiang. Categorically different from the rest of the country in every conceivable way, the Muslim-dominated Xinjian in the distant northwest is at once China's most intriguing and intimidating travel destination. Xinjiang Autonomous Region is China's largest, sharing international borders with Pakistan, Afghanistan and central Asian countries. This geographical proximity resultingly accounts for over half of China's 12 million Muslims, perhaps Xinjiang's most obvious characteristic Muslim followers of Islam, the second largest religion in the world, are a devout people who believe in the oneness of God, called Allah in Arabic, as opposed to the Christian doctrine of a holy trinity. Muslim adherents can be seen throughout Xinjiang carrying venerated copies of the Qur'an (Islamic holy scripture) and faithfully dashing off to he mosque five times a day for a congregational series of Mecca-facing prostrations and prayer. Xinjiang's predominant nationality is the Uygur, a vibrant and outgoing culture of Central Asian descent whom this writer affectionately likes to refer to as The Desert People. The Turkic-speaking Uyghurs traditionally attire themselves in simple, loose-fitting robes to accommodate the harsh climate, with the men wearing either plain white or brilliantly embroidered dopi skull caps and the women veiling themselves in a hijab headscarf. A shaved head and long beard further distinguishes the Uyghur men while the ladies take pride and pleasure in dyeing their hands red with henna. Geographically, Xinjiang offers starkly different topography and climate throughout the vast region, ranging from the cool alpine mountains of the northern Altay region to the arid southern sands of the Taklamakan, the second largest desert in the world. And while Urumqi, Xinjiang's capital, is a gleaming northern metropolis of skyscrapers and department stores, the remote cities bordering the south-western Tarim Basin, including the famed Silk Road oasis of Kashgar, are known for their more traditional way of Muslim life. Attractions Situated directly on the borders of Mongolia, Russia and Kazakhstan, the spectacularly sapphire-blue Hanasi Hu Lake in the mountainous region of northern Xinjiang is a popular tour group destination. To the south, the massive Sunday markets in Kashgar and Hotan are not to be missed, though the latter is arguably more authentic. Transportation 1. From Beijing to Urumqi, 10 flights daily between 8am and 9pm (four hours, 2,410 yuan) 2. To Hanasi Hu, a group tour arranged by any Urumqi travel agency is often suggested for its feasibility, however a majority of time is spent in transit (four days, 500 yuan, including accommodations and entrance tickets) 3. To Kashgar, overnight trains leaving daily from Urumqi at 1pm and 5pm are the most convenient and comfortable way to travel (30 hours, 170 yuan). 4. From Kashgar to Hetian, busses depart from Renmin Donglu almost hourly between 7am and 6pm (eight hours, 50 yuan). Accommodations Xinjiang disappointingly offers very little as far as budget accommodations or youth hostels, and due to immigration from neighboring nations, smaller boardinghouses are strict to only allow Chinese nationals. In Kashgar, the Uyghur-run Noor Bish Hotel near the famous Id Kah Mosque is a backpacker's favorite (30 yuan for a dorm bed). Regional Cuisine If China is famous for its cuisine, then Xinjiang is responsible for half its success. Heavily seasoned lamb kebab (yangrou chuan), spicy lamian noodles topped with peppers, tomatoes and garlic, deep-fried fresh fish (how did they get fish in the desert?), goat's head soup, golden pilaf rice and fragrant peaches and watermelon, all washed down with refreshing cinnamon tea. There may not be as much bread (nang) in the whole of China as in Kashgar, with lightly seasoned loaves and sesame seed bagels being pulled hot out the oven by the minute.

Read More...

5 Tips to Follow When You Travel to Hong Kong

Whether you are travelling to Hong Kong on business or as a tourist, there are some things you should know regarding local customs and traditions. You will still stand out as an 'outsider' but when you show the local people that you respect their customs, you in turn will receive respect from them. They will appreciate your efforts and will treat you with admiration. Here are five things you need to know when you are visiting Hong Kong. 1) Tax and Tipping: There is no sales tax in HK; however, be aware that there is a 5% government tax rate on hotels. Tipping is not customary but is becoming an expected habit from Westerners. Typically, be prepared to pay $10 (HK dollars) for porters at the hotel and $2 for each bag when enlisting the help of a porter at the airport. 2) Currency: The currency in HK is known as the HK dollar (HK$). The government issues the currency in notes of HK$10, HK$20, HK$50, HK$100 and HK$1,000. It is best to check with your bank for the most up-to-date exchange rate, as it changes daily. As a general rule, it usually trades at approximately HK$7.8 to 1 U.S. dollar. 3) Tea Time: To fit in with the locals at a restaurant, you will want to tap two bent fingers on the table as an expression of thanks when you are served hot tea. 4) Restaurants: Most entertaining takes place in restaurants rather than private homes; it is customary to let your host decide what the meal will be; have a little bit of everything as it is considered rude to pass up on a dish. 5) Business Cards: These cards are given out as often as handshakes and you are expected to give one in return for every one that you get; Have plenty on hand. Hong Kong has two official languages: Cantonese and English, so if you speak one of these, you shouldn't have a problem getting around. There are also many places of worship so whether you are Christian, Jewish or Muslim you will be able to affirm your faith accordingly. Most hotels provide their guests with bottled water, although tap water is safe to drink. Check with your local customs laws before you leave so you know how much you are allowed to bring back. This usually depends on how long you've been away.

Read More...

Travel Cheap to Thailand

Thailand is for many people one of the favorite destinations. And the reasons are pretty much obvious. Even if tourism has really grown during the recent years, Thailand still offers some pretty much unspoiled territories, precious beaches and an amazing cultural shock that you will probably prefer to miss your plane back home rather than coming back to your everyday's life. But to travel cheap to Thailand you really need to find out the right places or you will be abused as most tourists are. Travel deals when it comes to flying there are many, as competence for Thailand is very high and in this case travel agencies are strongly fighting one with each other. This, in the end, lets us find some very good deals. The idea of the article is in a general way to encourage you to always look for this special offers in order to travel cheap to Thailand and to anywhere in the world, to never limit yourself to what you see on your first searches, but furthermore, and being aware that this is a limited time offer, I wanted to share with you for free one of my findings early this morning. This offer is specially good for all Europeans, as departures are from London, and as I never get tired to say, you can reach London for 20 Euros the round trip with everything included with Ryanair. From there, with flights included and 14 nights in hotels in Thailand, you will get it for the price of 585 UK Pounds (813 Euros) I could kill myself for promoting offers like this for free, as I have no relationship with any travel agency at all, but certainly I am convinced that everybody should have the goal to help people, so here we are. The way you can book in this case is not online, but online you will find a web-page that offers you the possibility to travel cheap to Thailand and a number in the UK that you can call to get more information. I haven't tried, but I imagine that you will be able to make the booking by telephone. Together the possibility to travel cheap to Thailand, this guys have other interesting things specially related with traveling to Asia, but also many other offers to other regions, as flights to Auckland for 934 Euros, which is by far the best offer I have ever seen in the market from Europe to New Zealand. Also you can find 21 days campervan plus the flights to Auckland for just 1152 Euros. Again, is the best offer I have ever seen to get to the region. All this offers are generally valid until the 15th of June 2008, but if you wait for the beginning of January, the new offers for the summer and the first September discounted vacations will begin to appear. They are also offering many possibilities to discover Africa, including some Safari packages, for relatively low prices. Africa is not my area of expertise, so I won't promise they have the cheapest option, but the numbers look pretty good compared to what I have seen up till now. In any case, just feel free to take a look at their page and you will find out which offer adapts best to your needs if you are planning to travel Asia, Africa or the South Pacific from Europe.

Read More...

A Tour of the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. The earliest sections of the Walls were built between 220-206 BC buy the very first Emperor of China. Most of what we see today though was built during the Ming Dynasty which lasted from 1368 to 1644. In total the wall stretches for a colossal 5,500.3 miles. It's not surprising then that the wall has become such a tourist attraction. For any holiday to China a trip to the Great Wall is a must. There are a number of different tours of the wall taking in different sections. One of the most popular is the tour from Beijing which allows you to walk along this historic landmark while also getting to enjoy the delights that the capital has to offer. While the wall exudes a timeless charm about it the surrounding scenery changes with the seasons. Visiting at different times of the year will give you a very different experience. In spring the Great Wall will be surrounded by the newly green trees and plants with the extra advantage of having far less tourist you see in the Summer and Autumn months. During the summer months flowers burst into bloom and leaves cover the mountains as the Great Wall meanderings its way through the lush undergrowth like a silver dragon. During the Autumn months the mountains become a patch work or oranges, gold's, browns and amber creating some stunning views. Another bonus is the weather as you can escape the heat of the summer while avoiding the cold of the winter. During the winter the mountains and even the wall itself becomes covered in snow making for a very pretty scene. On the downside the weather will be cold but you will have fewer people to share the wall with. With the Great Wall just a number of amazing sights to see in China a tour of the country will probably be your best option. This way you will be able to take in the awe inspiring sight of the wall as well as many of the other highlight this fascinating country has to offer.

Read More...

Tourists Attractions of China

If you have never been to China then you can count on being surprised by all the tourists attractions you can find in China. You should know that there are a lot of wonderful tourists attractions in China so we highly recommend you visiting China sometime in your life. Within this article we are going to tell you some information on the tourists attractions of China. If you are debating on going to China then this is the right article to read. If you are interested in History then you may want to go to China to see The Great Wall. When you get a chance to be up close to The Great Wall you will say it is like viewing a colossal dragon. The truth is that The Great Wall of China seems to be the most appealing attraction to many individuals. This is mainly because of its historical importance and how it is built. You will find The Great Wall of China north-east of Beijing in Simatai. You may not believe it but in the Forbidden City there is a Palace Museum that has 9999 buildings inside it. To many people throughout the world the Palace Museum is really amazing. When you go to China you will become spellbound by all of their tourist attractions. You will find a lot of neatly decorated rooms. A regal hall that can be found in a city called Kaifeng has a Dragon Pavilion and it is also a nice tourist attraction of China. They built this dragon on a pretty high marble terrace that was thirteen meters high. Also if you are interested in History you should consider visiting Beijing, China. Beijing just so happens to be the capital of China and it has a 3,000 year history. Five rivers are going through Beijing and many individuals like to look over these rivers because they are very peaceful. In Beijing you are going to find a lot of entertainment. If you like museums then you can count on running into some museums in Beijing. If you have a family and you want to go to a park then you can find a park in Beijing. It seems like Beijing has it all. In Beijing you are going to find stores that are up to date. You will also find a Traditional Medicine shop that first came about in the year 1669. If you like opera performances then you can even go to those in Beijing. If you take a eight hour train from Beijing you will come into Datong, China. In Datong you will find your fair share of Buddhist statues. If you are into Buddhist statues then in Datong you will be able to find them in all sizes and shapes. There are over 51,000 Buddhist statues in Datong all together. This is only a couple of places that are great to visit in China, there are many many more places that are great in China.

Read More...

Hong Kong Hotels – Where to Stay in Kowloon

Hong Kong hotels are some of the most expensive accommodations in Asia. But that doesn't mean you won't find any budget or affordable hotels at all. For the most hotel choices for a traveler on a budget or just anyone looking for a decent place to stay without breaking the bank, head for the Kowloon peninsula in Hong Kong. The Kowloon peninsula is Hong Kong island's gateway to mainland China. There is an efficient and affordable train system running up and down Kowloon with stations positioned throughout the popular districts in the area. You can easily travel back and forth to each other by Hong Kong's classic and iconic ferry boats across the Hong Kong Harbour or by train through a tunnel beneath the harbour. By staying in a hotel in Kowloon you will be in a strategic location for the best shopping, eating and nightlife with ways to easily explore all parts of Hong Kong. And by staying in Kowloon you'll have plenty of accommodation choices to choose from as well. But here's a warning in advance. Most hotel rooms in Hong Kong are small and most cases it doesn't matter whether you are staying at a 5 star hotel or a cheap place. The best place to stay in Kowloon is close to a major avenue called Nathan road which runs through several popular districts called Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), Mongkok, Jordan and Yau Ma Tei. Nathan road is also referred to as the "Golden Mile" that will dazzle you with it's sights, sounds and smells. Much like Broadway in New York City, Nathan road is the spine of Kowloon and when you find it you'll never get lost. One of the best budget to affordable hotel in Kowloon is the BP International Hotel located in shopper's paradise district of Tsim Sha Tsui. It is run by the Hong Kong Chapter of the Boy's Scouts association and offers guests clean rooms and good service. The BP is located right on the northern tip of Kowloon Park right next to Nathan road. Since the hotel is 25 floors high you can get a really good view of the city, park and hotel. A room at BP will set you back around HK$650 (low season room rate). The room rate does not include breakfast though, however there are many affordable places to eat nearby, even a McDonald's restaurant. Another budget hotel worth looking at is located a bit further up in Mongkok district. It's called the Largos Hotel. Just like the BP the rooms are small but comfortable and good for a night's rest. Rooms here cost around HK$600 (low season rate) and is a good option close to the Mongkok train station and the ever popular street markets stalls open every night nearby. Now if room space is a big concern and you have a serious case of claustrophobia yet can afford to spend just a bit more then the Prudential Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui district should be your first choice. The Prudential is one of those rare hotels with big rooms and bathrooms. A superior room can fit two twin beds, a large desk and a lounge couch. All for HK$900 per night. And it's also in a convenient location with a train station entrance below the hotel with plenty of places to eat and shop within walking distance. Even though hotels in Hong Kong are considered expensive they are still booked full most of the time, especially during the low season. And it's a good idea to not visit during October (the conventions in town) and February (Chinese New Year's). Room rates during those time can double and even triple in price.

Read More...

Top Ten China Travel Experiences

China is a fantastic country to travel. There's quite simply a huge abundance of things to see and do during your China trip. With all its ancient history and Asian culture it's a travellers dream. Get you cameras at the ready as you won't take your finger of the trigger throughout your China travel experience. Now this list could go on forever but if I had to choose, here would be my top ten travel experiences in China. The Great Wall of China- This has to be number one really – an essential ingredient of any China trip. It's one of China's most iconic landmarks and it defiantly does not disappoint. One of my all-time best China travel moments was sitting on the edge of the Wall watching the sun set in to the mountains in the distance. Star gazing at Labrang Monastery in Xiahe – The skies in Xiahe are truly spectacular as you can see millions of stars. Looking out for a shooting star as the monks chant with wafts of insence in the air is altogether a great China travel experience. The Karst Mountains in Yangshuo- Scenery doesn't get much better than this. Towering limestone formations dominate the landscape and create one of China's most beautiful locations. This is something that you definitely don't want to miss out on during your China trip. Hong Kong's Skyline- One of the best that I've seen from my travel in China. The city even puts New York to shame with the amount if skyscraper's on offer. The view point at Victoria Peak is defiantly a must to really appreciate the beauty of the metropolis. Head up just before it gets dark and watch the city light up as the sun goes down – a magical China travel highlight. The Sera Monastery in Lhasa- Not necessarily the top attraction is Lhasa which is why it's one of the best. Nestled away from the normal tourist route the original structures of the Sera Monastery date back to 1419 with halls decorated by beautiful scriptures written in powdered gold. Be sure to arrive before 3pm to watch the afternoon debating session between the crowds of monks, a really quirky experience that you won't find anywhere else during your Tibet and China trip. Camping in the Ganya Grasslands - Camping in the surrounding areas of Xiahe was a brilliant experience and one that I would not normally think of to do during a China trip. Rolling green hills and blooming flowers all topped off with a few grazing Yak. Nature at its best. The "Impressions" Light Show in Yangshuo- "Impressions" was directed by Zhang Yimou who also created the Beijing opening ceremony. The show is set on the Li River itself with the Karst Mountains as the backdrop – a magical China travel experience. Expect spectacular music and a stunning light show. Wangfujing Snack Street in Beijing -If you're feeling hungry and a little adventurous take a walk down Wangfujing snack street and see what the Chinese like to tuck in to instead of a bag of peanuts. Scorpions, star fish, seahorses and giant beetles are all on offer with a side of chilli sauce! This is a China travel experience that you won't forget in a hurry! Hiking the Dragon's Bone rice terraces in Ping'an - Defiantly a place to get that postcard photograph. You'll climb and descend through marvellous scenic areas where the staggered terraces shatter off in to the distance. The best time to visit is from December to April as the terraces are filled with water which creates amazing reflections on a still morning. Shanghai and the Bund- China's biggest and most prosperous city oozes atmosphere with stunning colonial architecture and dusty ancient temples tucked between futuristic sky scrapers. It's a great place to begin or end your China trip.

Read More...

South Sea Pearl and Leizhou City in China

South sea pearls come from Leizhou City in China is famous far and near. Leizhou city is located at the middle of the Leizhou Peninsula. There is an abundance of the ocean resource, which has many different kind of fish, prawn, snail, and shell, clam shell and so on. Pearl is one of the ocean precious products. The development of Leizhou's pearl goes back to Han Dynasty. With the social development and the advance of technology Leizhou people began to culture pearls to instead of the traditional collection, including south sea pearl, freshwater pearl. Under the assistance of the scientists of South China Sea Institute, the success of the artificial incubation on pearls advanced the development of the pearl culture. After the Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, the pearl culture got a fast development. Collective culture, union culture and personal culture come over popular. The culture site increased from 16 to more than 600 during 1985 to 1988. At the end of last century, it was surprise at the development of pearl culture in Leizhou city. In 1990 the cultured pearl was total 2550 kilogram, which was 65% in the nationwide output. In 1992 the culture site increased to around 3000, located everywhere in Leizhou city. The total output was also increased by 75.30%. In 1993 the total output of Leizhou city was nearly two thirds in nationwide output. The Pearl Village, Liusha, has around 2541 culture site and culture area over 2300 mu. Its total output can be half of the nationwide output, which also increases the income of the people there. The pearls from Liusha are high quality and well sold all over the world. Along the quick development of the culture pearl, the pearl craftwork industry also develope quickly. Now there is around 25 shell pearl factory and around 56 pearl jewelry factory on pearl necklace, pearl bracelet, pearl earrings and so on. Those products well sale to many countries and districts such as Hongkong, Japan, America, England, Egypt, Southeast of Asia and so on. Due to the best location of Leizhou Peninsula, rich ocean resource, definite instruction of Chinese Communist Party, Leizhou people adjust measures to location to collect pearls, culture pearls, process pearls, sale pearls, which finally makes the South sea pearl and Chinese pearl famous all over the world.

Read More...

Beijing's best shopping areas

Since founding a namesake hat brand in 2007, Elisabeth Koch's designs have decorated the heads of A-listers and the pages of international fashion magazines. The Beijing-based Dutch designer is also an obsessive scourer of far-flung markets and back-street boutiques in China's capital. After calling on various Beijing shops and markets for four years, Koch, 33, shares six of her favorite shopping areas in the spread-out city. 1. Nali Patio (那里花园) "There's nowhere else quite like it in Beijing," raves Koch about this melting pot of design talent squeezed into a whitewashed arcade in Sanlitun. "I love Dim-Sum of All Things Asian (D-SATA) for sustainable handbags and stylish clutches, " says Koch, "and Paloma Sanchez for amazingly original handmade jewelry -- she gets her stones from all over the world." For high-end couture, Elisabeth recommends Elysee Yang. "She studied clothing design in Paris and her clothes are really top-notch, definitely worth a look if you have a party or wedding to go to." On the third floor, boutique Lu12.28 sells unique, chic clothing by Chinese born, New York-educated designer Liu Lu (刘璐). "Oh, and my hats are stocked there too." Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区三里屯路81号. Most shops open from noon to about 9 p.m. 2. Yashow Market (雅秀服装市场中心) Out-of-towners flock to this indoor market to cram cases with counterfeit couture -- but there's more to Yashow than cheap Chanel, insists Koch. "I shop mostly for children's clothes, bits and pieces for hats, party items like balloons, candles and paper plates, but they have everything -- watches, pearls, jewelry, cuff-links, tailors shops, belts, suitcases, toys, sports equipment, cameras, phones." Koch's a regular at the no-frills manicure and pedicure stalls, like Lily Nails on the fourth floor. "It's great for people watching; you sit in a row getting a face massage or your toenails clipped in view of other shoppers," adds Koch. "Lots of men go there too." Yashow Market, 58 Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区工体北路58号, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m., www.yashowmarket.com 3. Gulou neighborhood (鼓楼) Best known for Nanluogu Xiang, a well-worn alley of boutiques, cafes, dive bars and souvenir shops, this historic corner of central Beijing is a hot-bed of hipster retail. From designer T-shirts to bespoke leather ware, there's much to discover; Elisabeth says the side streets throw up the most interesting finds. "When you're shopped-out, seek out Black Sesame Kitchen, a tiny cooking school and restaurant where they show you how to cook great home-style Chinese food." Gulou Dongdajie to the north is lined with retro fashion stores like Tiger Vintage (No. 62 Dongdajie) and Mega Mega Vintage (No. 241 Dongdajie), which also stocks bespoke Elisabeth Koch designs. Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District 东城区鼓楼东大街 4. Sanlitun Village (三里屯Village) The Village didn't exist when Koch first came to Beijing four years ago. "I used to cycle by the construction site every day, and when it finally opened -- bliss." The southern half of this Hong Kong-designed open-plan mall is the haunt of high street brands like Mango, Reiss, Lacoste, Nike, Starbucks and the Apple store, and some of Beijing's best Western dining. The newer, northern half is more high-end. "I love to roam shops like Alexander McQueen, Maison Martin Margiella and Balenciaga so I can stay on top of the latest collections." After a hard day's pavement pounding, Elisabeth is all about wellness, courtesy of The Village's Opposite House hotel. "Kocoon Spa is the perfect wind down, and they have really unique programs like reiki sharing and crystal workshops." Sanlitun Village, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区三里屯路19号, +86 10 6417 6110, 9 a.m.-11 p.m., www.sanlitunvillage.com 5. Lady Street Market (女人街) "I like this market because it's perfectly un-touristy," says Koch, who comes here mostly for its warehouse full of exotic flowers and plants, steamy warm even in winter. "Whenever I explore it's like I'm suddenly on a golf floor, and then a floor full of random things made out of porcelain." Koch admits she never quite knows what she's looking for until she sees it. "Recently I bought a giant butterfly made out of plastic and paper and turned it into a hat. And at one point, I found a taxidermist stall of stuffed birds -- I hoped this could help me with feathers for my hats, but when I returned a week later it had vanished." Lady Street Market, Tianze Lu, Liangmaqiao, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区亮马桥天泽路, +86 10 6462 3377, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 6. Muxiyuan Fabric Market (木樨园纺织品市场) "Don't wear your nice shoes" is Elisabeth's advice if you're thinking of braving this chaotic, rough-and-ready outdoor market by the city's south third ring road. But whilst most come to reupholster furniture or make curtains, Elisabeth scouts for design inspiration. "I've spent long day browsing endless stalls of tartan-row, cotton-area, sequins, zippers, wool, silks, leather, ribbons, elastics, labels, you name it, even a whole department just for buttons." Elisabeth regularly takes friends and other designers here to show them around. "My favorite stall sells just one item -- a top quality brand of ribbon I use to line the inside of my hats." Dahongmen Lu (south of Muxiyuan long-distance bus station), south of Muxiyuan Qiao on South Third Ring Road, Fengtai District 丰台区大红门路木樨园长途汽车站以南, 6 a.m.-5 p.m.

Read More...

Shanghai's best museums

Shanghai sometimes gets dismissed as a shallow city, a vortex of shopping, snacking and spending, but rewarding cultural explorations do exist in China's commercial center. Here are six of Shanghai's best museums to add to your travel itinerary, from a comprehensive state-run establishment to a hidden-in-the-basement private institute. 1. Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆) Visitors might be tempted to avoid the Shanghai Museum, the city's most official temple to Chinese culture. For starters, it's ugly -- the 1990s construction on People's Square looks like a massive bathroom sink. Get over that first impression and you'll find treasures inside. One highlight is the ceramics collection and its Tang Dynasty (618-907) tomb guardians, including a ferocious beast that seems part dragon, tiger, horse and goat. The museum houses galleries for paintings, ancient bronzes, jade sculptures and calligraphy. Upstairs is an arresting parade of embroidered costumes crafted by the country's ethnic minorities, as well as painted Tibetan ceremonial masks covered with skulls and feathers. Admission is free, so you can hit only the galleries that interest you without feeling compelled to spend hours getting your money's worth. Shanghai Museum, 201 Renmin Da Dao, near Huangpi Bei Lu 人民大道201号, 近黄陂北路, +86 21 6372 3500, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., entry: free, www.shanghaimuseum.net 2. Shanghai Science & Technology Museum (上海科技馆) Children will adore the Shanghai Science & Technology Museum in Pudong, which features nifty robots, IMAX films and stuffed tigers pouncing on prey. The four-story complex also houses a faux rain forest and jungle gyms. What's not to love? The museum is designed to make science seem fun and welcoming. One exhibit features a robot that can solve Rubik's cube in less than a minute. Another robot challenges visitors to an archery contest, and still another paints visitors' portraits. For preschoolers, a gallery called Children's Rainbow Land offers slides, jungle gyms and crawling tunnels. It's not all that scientific, but it's a colorful space for kids to run around in on a rainy day. Shanghai Science & Technology Museum, 2000 Shiji Da Dao, near Jinxiu Lu 世纪大道2000号, 近锦绣路, +86 21 6862 2000, Tuesday-Sunday: 9a.m.-5:15 p.m., www.sstm.org.cn Entry: RMB 60 for adults. Children under 1.3 meters free, otherwise RMB 45. 3. Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre (上海宣传画艺术中心) For fans of Chinese history and underground culture, the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre fits the bill. The collection is housed in a basement in an apartment block, and the gallery ceilings are covered with cracks and spider webs. The tiny museum offers a glimpse into the kitschy Cultural Revolution aesthetic, which foreign visitors find fascinating but the forward-looking contemporary China prefers to brush off. The posters are filled with ruddy-faced peasants, joyful soldiers and chubby children. Naturally, Chairman Mao's apple-cheeked face gazes down from every wall. Some of the most fascinating posters decry U.S. involvement in the region during the Korean War. One 1951 print shows a Chinese soldier stepping on a green-faced, devilish-looking G.I. Exhibits do a good job of explaining the evolution of propaganda over time -- including the 1979 move to abolish and destroy the posters, which explains why originals are hard to find today. The gift shop sells original as well as duplicate souvenirs, including posters, maps and Cultural Revolution music records. Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre, Room BOC, 868 Huashan Lu, near Wukang Lu 华山路868号总统公寓BOC室, +86 21 6211 1845, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., entry: RMB 20, www.shanghaipropagandaart.com 4. Shanghai Municipal History Museum (上海城市历史发展陈列馆) The Shanghai Municipal History Museum is a maze of Old Shanghai scenes peopled with life-size wax dummies. It sounds dated and a bit creepy, and it is. But it's also surprisingly informative and evocative. The museum resurrects a lost world where newsboys and nuns roamed the streets, where silk-clad drug addicts lounged on opium beds and where old men trained crickets for fighting. The museum is housed in the basement of the Oriental Pearl Tower, the iconic skyscraper that looks like it swallowed a few giant golf balls. After touring the Shanghai of yore downstairs, visitors can take the elevator up the tower to see modern Shanghai's futuristic skyline. Oriental Pearl Tower, 1 Shiji Da Dao, near Fenghe Lu 世纪大道1号, 近丰和路, 8 a.m.-10 p.m., entry: RMB 35, www.opg.cn 5. Shanghai Museum of Glass (上海玻璃博物馆) Be forewarned -- the Shanghai Museum of Glass is in a run-down industrial neighborhood some way out of the center. But for architecture fans, it's worth the trip. The 6,250-square-meter museum, which opened last year in a former glass factory, is a maze of glittering windows, flashy LED screens and translucent floors. The downside is that the dazzling architecture and museography overshadow the collections themselves, with their antique glass bead necklaces and snuff bottles. Other exhibits focus on science and innovation, in prisms, fiberglass and bulletproof glass. Kids will enjoy the glass-blowing demonstrations in a warehouse behind the museum, and the museum's airy café is a trendy setting for sipping a coffee. The space is also a quiet respite from Shanghai's noise and crowds. Visitors are sometimes outnumbered by the cleaners busily wiping down all the shiny windows and display cases. The best way to reach the museum is to take Metro Line 1 to Tonghe Xincun (通河新村) or Metro Line 3 to Changjiang Nan Lu (长江南路) take a 10-minute taxi ride (around RMB 15). A taxi ride directly from the city center costs about RMB 60 and will take around 45 minutes. Shanghai Museum of Glass, 685 Changjiang Xi Lu, near Jiangyang Nan Lu 长江西路685号, 近江杨南路, +86 21 6618 1970, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., entry: RMB 20, en.shmog.org 6. Shikumen Open House Museum (屋里厢博物馆) The Shikumen Open House provides a nostalgic vision of historic Shanghai. A stop here is a respite from the skyscrapers that are relentlessly replacing Shanghai's shikumens, the historic brick family residences with stone gates. Located in Xintiandi, the three-story museum is the place to go if you're a fan of 1930s Shanghai decor. It recreates a traditional family home, with cozy displays of club chairs, worn leather suitcases, painted fans, enameled compacts of ladies' face powder, wicker baskets, retro film magazines and old wedding photos. Popping into the museum for half an hour will make you feel less guilty about whiling away an afternoon in an aseptic shopping district frequented by tourists, expats and wealthy locals. Shikumen Open House Museum, No. 25, Lane 181, Taicang Lu, near Madang Lu 太仓路181弄25号, 近马当路, +86 21 3307 0337, Sunday-Thursday: 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m., entry: RMB 20 per adult, RMB 10 per child, www.xintiandi.com

Read More...

Doing Business in China – 10 Tips For Good Etiquette

It's easy enough to get a passport and a visa for a business trip to China (even a last-minute rush passport for an important business meeting). But how do you go about doing business when in the country? China has a very different business culture to the United States, and you don't want to ruin a business opportunity by making a gaff. Here are 10 tips for good business etiquette on a trip to China.

1. Dress Conservatively
How you dress is very important in China. For men that means dressing formally during meetings and also at less-formal events. For women it means avoiding anything that is too revealing, and steering clear of high heels. Conservative is the best option, and try not to wear anything too loud.

2. Choose Gifts Carefully
The giving of gifts is an important part of the business process in China. Make sure you take a gift to present to your host, but be careful what you give: some items, such as clocks and handkerchiefs, are associated with death. A good option is a gift that represents your home region.

3. Be Punctual
Punctuality is hugely important to the Chinese, and is seen as a sign of respect. Arrive on time or earlier if possible to any engagements.

4. Limit your Gestures
Do not use too many hand gestures during meetings as this is off-putting to the Chinese. Physical contact should essentially be avoided most of the time, especially between men and women.

5. Don't Finish your Meal
When you go for a meal with your business associates, make sure that you leave a bit on your plate at the end rather than trying to finish everything. If you finish your meal your host will think that you are still hungry.

6. Be Careful with Tipping
Although tipping is very common in the United States, it is sometimes considered an insult in China. Be very careful who you tip and always ask if you are in doubt.

7. Follow your Host when Shaking Hands
Handshaking is not the normal greeting in China, and often a simple nod is the preferred gesture. However, many Chinese will now offer their hands to Westerners. The best advice is to wait until your host offers their hand first.

8. Follow Business Card Procedure
Carry a case for business cards, and don't write on one or put it straight into your pocket. Upon receiving a business card, read it carefully as a sign of respect.

9. Address your Host Correctly
A Chinese host is normally called by their family name, which comes first when written down. The best thing to do is find out in advance how they like to be addressed and stick to that. Also, don't expect them to call you by your first name: formality is a sign of respect.

10. Keep your Cool
Above all, never let your emotions get the better of you. Try not to allow yourself to get angry or frustrated as it is seen as important to stay in control at all times.

Get a Passport and Chinese Visa for your Trip
Now you know a bit more about doing business in China, all you have to do is sort out your passport and chinese visa for your trip.

Read More...

Top 10 cycling routes in China

For cyclists, the most ideal way to spend holidays is to go somewhere with just their bikes and themselves. Want a low-carbon way to explore China's picturesque beauty? Let China.org.cn guide you through the top 10 cycling routes that you won't want to miss.

Xining, Qinghai -- Lhasa, Tibet (西宁--拉萨) Cycling routes: Xining (Qinghai) →Huangyuan County →Heimahe Village →Chaka Town →Dulan County →Nuomuhong Village →Golmud City →Budongquan →Tanggula Town →Yanshiping Town →Amdo County (Tibet) →Nagqu County →Damxung County →Yangbajain Town → Lhasa Distance: 1,900km Duration: 20 --30 days Expenses: 3,000 --5,000 yuan Best time for cycling: July --August As the capital of Qinghai Province, Xining is the largest city on the Tibetan Plateau. Being a home of Zhuang, Hui, Qiang, Tibetan, Uygur and other 28 ethnic minorities, the city combines various ethnic cultures and different religions. Lhasa, located in the center of Tibet, is labeled as one of the most dreamed-about destinations around the world. The cycling route from Xining to Lhasa is the most popular one for bicycle lovers entering Tibet. The blue sky, boundless desert, green meadows, sapphire lakes, winding roads, herds of cows and flocks of sheep, and snow-wrapped mountains present travelers the true beauty of the nature and bring the true peace of mind. Click to view map Chengdu, Sichuan --Shangri-La, Yunnan --Chengdu, Sichuan Cycling routes: Chengdu (Sichuan) →Dujiangyan →Xiaojin County →Danba County →Xinduqiao Town → Litang County →Daocheng County → Xiangcheng County →Shangri-La County (Yunnan) →Lijang City →Luguhu Town (Sichuan) →Yanyuan County →Xichang →Ya'an →Chengdu Distance: 1,500km Duration: 20 --30 days Expenses: 4,000 --6,000 yuan Best time for cycling: May, September --October Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is one of the best-known cities in China for its pleasant climate, natural scenery and spicy cuisine. Shangri-La, an ethnic-Tibetan town in northwest Yunnan Province, is considered a hidden paradise of spectacular landscapes and ethnic culture. Of the routes on our list, this route has the most stunning scenery. Attractions along the route include the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Molto Holy Mountains, Daocheng Yading, Shangri-La, Lijiang Old Town, Lugu Lake, Tiger Leaping Gorge and the Ya'an Giant Panda Base. Click to view map Shanghai --Urumqi, Xinjiang (上海--乌鲁木齐) Cycling routes: Shanghai →Wuxi (Jiangsu) →Nanjing →Hefei (Anhui) →Xinyang (Henan) →Nanyang →Xi'an (Shaanxi) →Pingliang (Gansu) →Lanzhou →Wuwei →Jiuquan →Jiayuguan City →Liuyuan Town →Xingxingxia Town (Xinjiang) →Luotuo Quanzi Town →Kumul →Turpan →Urumqi Distance: 3,900km Duration: 40 --55 days Expenses: 8,000 --12,000 yuan Best time for cycling: May --June, October --November Sitting at the mouth of the Yangtze River, Shanghai is the economic, financial, trade and shipping heart of China, and one of the most prosperous cities and the busiest container port in the world. Urumqi, located in the center of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, boasts abundant natural resources and unique customs and culture. From Shanghai to Urumqi, from southeast to northwest, from water towns to deserts, the cycling route passing through Shanghai and other six provinces allows the cyclists to experience the contrast of natural and human environments. Click to view map Around Hainan Island, Hainan (海南环岛) Cycling routes: Haikou →Lingshan Town →Sanjiang Town →Wenchang City →Dongjiao Coconut Plantation →Bo'ao Town →Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden →Sanya →Wuzhishan →Qiongzhong Li and Miao Autonomous County →Haikou Distance: 650km Duration: 8 --10 days Expenses: 1,200 --2,000 yuan Best time for cycling: November --May Hainan Island is situated in the South China Sea, separated from Guangdong's Leizhou Peninsula to the north by the Qiongzhou Strait. Featuring blue sky, beautiful beaches, tall coconut trees, an interesting monkey island, clear water and a tropical climate, the island is an ideal place to enjoy the sun and the sea. When other places around the country are shivering in winter, a leisurely cycling trip along the coast taking in the fresh air will provide you with a warm, relaxed and comfortable holiday. Click to view map Beijing --Hangzhou, Zhejiang (北京--杭州) Cycling routes: Beijing →Tianjin →Cangzhou City (Hebei) →Dezhou (Shandong) →Liaocheng →Jining →Xuzhou (Jiangsu) →Suqian →Huai'an →Yangzhou →Changzhou →Wuxi →Shanghai →Jiaxing (Zhejiang) →Hangzhou Distance: 1,780km Duration: 20 --25 days Expenses: 3,000 --5,000 yuan Best time for cycling: April --October The Grand Canal of China is one of the longest and most ancient artificial rivers in the world. Starting from Beijing, it passes through Tianjin and the provinces of Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang to the city of Hangzhou. First built in the 5th century BC, the canal has a long history of more than 2,500 years. Cycling along the canal from north to south, visitors can enjoy the various attractions in different cities, and explore the cultural heritage of ancient China. Click to view map Around Qinghai Lake, Qinghai (环青海湖) Cycling routes: Heimahe County →Bird Island →Gangcha County →Xihai Town →Huangyuan County Distance: 360km Duration: 4 --7 days Expenses: 2,000 --3,000 yuan Best time for cycling: July --August Covering an area of 4,583 square kilometers, Qinghai Lake is the largest inland lake and the largest salt-water lake in China. Lying on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the lake is known for its fascinating changing colors, depending on the angle, time of day, and season it is viewed from. Since 2002, the Qinghai Lake International Road Cycling Race has been held every July in Qinghai. The race has become one of the top international road cycling races in the world. Click to view the map Lanzhou, Gansu --Dunhuang, Gansu (兰州--敦煌) Cycling routes: Lanzhou →Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County →Wuwei →Zhangye →Jiuquan →Jiayuguan City →Yumen City →Guazhou County →Dunhuang Distance: 1,100km Duration: 12 --15 days Expenses: 800 --1,500 yuan Best time for cycling: September --October Lanzhou is the capital and largest city of Gansu Province. With mountains in the north and south and Yellow River stretching from west to east, the city is known as a key transportation hub and an oasis in northwest China. Dunhuang is situated in the northwest part of Gansu, and features natural landmarks such as Crescent Lake and Mingsha Mountain, and ancient caves and the sculpture-like Mogao Grottoes. Along this cycling route, numerous culture relics, including the Jiayu Pass of the Great Wall, Dafo Temple in Zhangye, Luoshi Pagoda in Wuwei, and the Mogao Grottoes, can provide you a visual feast and impressive culture experience. Click to view the map Beijing -- Mohe, Heilongjiang (北京--漠河) Cycling routes: Beijing →Miyun County →Luanping County (Hebei) →Longhua County →Weichang Manchu and Mongol Autonomous County →Chifeng City (Inner Mongolia) →Tongliao →Ulan Hot →Morin Dawa Daur Autonomous Banner →Nenjiang County (Heilongjiang) →Heihe City →Tahe County →Mohe Distance: 2,800km Duration: 22 --30 days Expenses: 4,000 --6,000 yuan Best time for cycling: June --July With a history of more than 3,000 years, Beijing is the center of politics, culture, art and international exchange in China; it also features numerous cultural relics and natural scenery. As the northmost point of the country, Mohe is known as "China's Arctic Village" and the "place that never sleeps". Every year around the summer solstice, it is the best place to watch the Northern Lights and White Nights. During the cycling trip from Beijing to Mohe, visitors can enjoy the changing scenery from prosperous metropolis to boundless grasslands and then dense forest. Click to view the map Kashgar, Xinjiang --Lhasa, Tibet (喀什--拉萨) Cycling routes: Kashgar City (Xinjiang) →Kargilik County →Pusa Village →Yigeziyeer County →Kangxiwar →Tianshuihai →Jipu Village (Tibet) →Rutog County →Gar County →Zhongba County →Saga County →Lhatse County →Shigatse →Lhasa Distance: 2,850km Duration: 30 --40 days Expenses: 3,000 --5,000 yuan Best time for cycling: July --August Kashgar, an oasis city in the western part of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, is the administrative center of Kashgar Prefecture. With Taklamakan Desert in the east, and the Kunlun Mountains and Pamir Mountains in the south and west, the city is located in the western extremity of the country, near the border with Tajikistan. Lhasa, the capital of Tibetan Autonomous Region, is the political, cultural, economic and religious center of the region. The cycling journey from Kashgar to Lhasa is considered a tough, difficult experience which tests stamina and willpower but provides unique and fantastic scenery at the same time. Click to view the map Urumqi, Xinjiang --Dunhuang, Gansu (乌鲁木齐--敦煌) Cycling routes: Urumqi (Xinjiang) →Dabancheng District →Turpan →Shanshan County →Yiwanquan Village →Kumul →Luotuo Quanzi Town →Xingxingxia Town (Gansu) →Xihu County →Dunhuang Distance: 990km Duration: 10 --15 days Expenses: 1,500 --3,000 yuan Best time for cycling: August --October As the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi is the political, economic and cultural center of the whole region. Dunhuang, located in northwestern Gansu Province, was a major stop on the ancient Silk Road, and is well-known for its Mogao Grottoes. Cycling from Urumqi to Dunhuang, travelers can explore a variety of scenery: snow covered mountains, forests, meadows and deserts, and experience the ethnic customs and culture of Uygur, Yugu, Kazak, Mongolian and other ethnic minority people.

Read More...