| China- 5,000 years of culture
China, mysterious and alluring, juxtaposing ancient and modern cultures, will both delight and amaze the fortunate traveler to this land of contradictions. For the first time traveler it is important to choose the itinerary wisely. This is where an escorted tour may provide the best value. Because of the language barrier; it is wise to have an escort for any touring you might wish to do. |
|
Beijing is a good example of the contrast between old China and new China. On one hand there are the Hutongs. These are a series of interconnected homes that surrounded the Forbidden City. At one time they housed the workers of the Forbidden City, and numbered over 7,000. They have been continuously occupied for over 500 years. Homes are passed down from one family member to another. Most lanes are too small for vehicular traffic and only pedicabs and bicycles can navigate this maze. Make sure you see them while you can, as they are rapidly being raised in favor of McDonalds, Wal-Mart's and other western-style businesses. There are now fewer than 1,500 left and will soon be part of the vanishing old China.
|
|
|
Beijing houses so many wonderful places to see, from the Forbidden City, to Tiananmen Square, to the UNESCO World Heritage site; the Temple of Heaven. It is a feast for the eyes. Beautiful gold lions, which are the symbol of China, guard entrances decorated with ornate carvings and fanciful dragons. Beihei Park was once an ancient imperial garden. With its dragon boats serenely sailing the lake, this popular park will give travelers an insight as to how the Chinese spend their free time.
A full day tour from Beijing will take you to Badaling and the Great Wall, one of the man-made structures visible from space. There the traveler can walk atop the ancient ramparts; and later stroll along the Sacred Way lined with statues of mythical beasts and warriors. A visit to the Ming tombs, which are nearby, is possible as well. |
| Further south the city of Xian houses the mystical, terracotta warriors. This is a 2200-year-old life-sized army discovered in the first emperor's tomb. Excavation is ongoing and no two warriors look the same, leading experts to surmise that they were modeled on actual living warriors.
Still further south is the city of Guilin with the haunting beauty of its misty peaks. Cruising along the Li River, the traveler will be transported back in time. Seeing the simple bamboo rafts and peasant garb will cause the traveler to exclaim, "This is the China I came to see!" |
|
It would be my pleasure to assist you with your travel plans, I look forward to working with you!
|
