Beijing International	Intercontinental Beijing	Great Wall Sheraton Beijing

Beijing, China

Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China and is the nation's center of government, economy, culture, and international activities. It has 18 districts and counties, with an area of 16,800 square kilometers and a population of 11 million. Beijing (meaning Northern Capital ) is a place of both ancient history and dazzling modernity. The city itself is traversed by freeways and hundreds of flyovers. High-rises adorn the length of this city making it a major metropolis within China. Beijing, however, is a city of bewildering juxtapositions. Despite the urban construction that makes it modern, Beijing has a long history. It’s history started as early as 500 000 years ago, when Peking Man lived there. It is an ancient cultural city that served for more than 800 years as the capital of the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Beijing is now known for its many special places of interest.

While the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square represent the heart of Beijing, Beijing is a sprawling city without a defined central downtown. The Chaoyang District makes up the northeast section of Beijing. The Sanlitun area features a few embassies, many foreign businesses and a variety of bars as well as nightclubs. It is regarded as the embodiment of nightlife in the city.

From the magnificent Forbidden City, with its stunning wealth of treasures, visitors can begin their journey through the streets and lanes of Beijing. Moving outside the center, one moves away from the hustle of daily life, and into the tranquil pace of ancient times and traditions. Palaces, parks, narrow alleyways and ancient sites such as the YongheGong, reveal a different side of Beijing. The Temple of Heaven's vast grounds are a pleasure to visit year-round, and are enchanting during a snowstorm.

Visitors can find refuge in the suburbs,in such places as the Summer Palaces and the Western Hills, which have been favored retreats since imperial times.
While visiting Beijing, take some time to hike outside of the city. Excursions may involve a visit to the Ming Tombs or perhaps a simple picnic amid the historic ruins. The Great Wall, a site not to be missed, encompasses many small villages. Visitors should also consider traveling into the countryside and taking a glimpse of village life. Overall, Beijing is a city that is fascinating and is rich in cultural treasures. It provides visitors with a cosmopolitan view of urban modernity, as well as imparting a deep respect for times past.

Hong Kong

Whether flying over the city or navigating into the port via the temperamental South China Sea, the magnificent islands suddenly take form as if in a mirage, enticing the traveler to a closer look at this oasis of ancient tradition commingled with sleek, corporate towers .

Hong Kong Island, (originally named Victoria Island in honor of the queen), covers only 30 square miles and has a population of 7 million. Its two islands, Hong Kong and Kowloon are separated by Victoria Harbor. Most of the cultural attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas are located along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island and at Kowloon’s southern tip. Between Hong Kong and the border with the rest of China are the New Territories which provide a mountainous scenic backdrop to a number of modern suburban towns. The other major islands in the area are Lamma, Cheung, Chau, and Lantau (site of Hong Kong’s vast and impressive airport as well as Hong Kong Disneyland. Beyond these is Macau. There are actually more than 266 islands in all.

With 150 years of British colonial influence woven into 5,000 years of Chinese culture, Hong Kong is a city of contrasts. From the ancient Chinese temples, to an upbeat entertainment district with its karaoke bars, Hong Kong truly enchants visitors with everything from food, art, architecture, to the traditional festivals. Since reunification with China, Hong Kong has been classified as a Special Zone operated by China under a “one country, two systems policy.” This has eased the transition and has kept the economy thriving.

The Central District of Hong Kong is a glittering, modern business center. It features the stock exchange, deluxe hotels, and up market shops. The Western District is filled with visitor delights such as bountiful markets, shopping, restaurants, and traditional shop houses.

Rising high above downtown is Victoria Peak, an exclusive residential area located on the highest (1,805 feet) range of hills on the island. The Peak offers visitors a varied selection of restaurants and spectacular views. Ride the 1888 tram to the summit. Located east of the Central district is the Wanchai District, famed for its nightlife and the perfect place for a night on the town.

The city is built on steep terrain offering many outstanding views as well as walking challenges. One of the city’s most unusual commuter routes is a half-mile series of escalators known as the Mid-Levels Escalator Link which brings workers from he Mid-Levels district to the Central district in the morning and back at night. The route passes the green Jaima Mosque and fashionable Staunton Street.

The Hong Kong Museum of Art displays a fine collection of Chinese art and Man Mo Temple is a classic Taoist temple dedicated to Man, a god of literature and Mo, a god of war. Located on the northeast corner of the island, the area offers a wide range of markets, cafes, and a ferry pier. While visiting Hong Kong, make an escape to the beaches of Shek O. Shek O, a pleasant seaside village, offers hiking excursions on hilly trails and a stunning view of the coast.

There is simply is no other place quite like Hong Kong! The sounds, scents, and excitement will leave a vivid impression. Hong Kong has a reputation as one of the world’s greatest shopping cities and is an amazing urban bazaar and a shopper’s paradise. Hong Kong offers a rich nightlife, diverse sightseeing, and a tradition of cultural heritage.

Experience a journey to Hong Kong, and be sure to plan to spend at least a week to explore its wonders. You will partake of a mosaic of thrilling experiences, memorable adventures, and pure serenity.

Shanghai

Known in years past as the “Paris of the East” and “Queen of the Orient”, Shanghai is China’s most populous and sophisticated city. Its infamous Great World Entertainment Center has been transformed into a modern state-of-the-art theater and Shanghai Youth Center. The wide boulevard known as the Bund was the centerpiece of colonial Shanghai and is a major part of the 21st century showcase that Shanghai has become.

Shanghai (Chinese for on the sea) is a city in eastern China that is situated on the Huannpu River, a tributary of the Yangtze, near the Yangtze River’s mouth to the East China Sea. Shanghai is China’s main port, commercial hub, and industrial center.

The words most frequently used to describe contemporary Shanghai are: prosperous and sophisticated. Its buildings and atmosphere are reminiscent of New York, London, and Paris. The old and the new dwell in harmony. Historic avenues and beautiful parks surround busy harbors and crowded streets. Pagodas, temples, museums, and cultural centers are all part of this bustling city. Shanghai recently hosted a Millionaires’ Conference for its many residents who now enjoy that income status.

Modern Shanghai still retains many reminders of the past. Rich Eastern charm and Western flavor coexist in the best of both worlds. The population continues to rise, as people are attracted by Shanghai’s cultural opportunities, by her history, as well as by the pulse and the vigor which this world class metropolis displays.

Opera, classical music, jazz, rock, jazz, theater, acrobatics, and dance are all featured on Shanghai’s cultural scene. Shanghai is the birthplace of the Chinese movie and hosts nine annual film festivals. The Shanghai symphony orchestra has long been held in high regard, and is one of the oldest symphony orchestras in Asia. The venues are striking in appearance and in capacity. The Grand Theatre and the Oriental Arts Centre have attracted top international productions. Traditional Chinese entertainment in the area of Chinese opera and acrobatics continue to delight large audiences as well.

Recent years have brought dramatic changes to nightlife in Shanghai. New bars and clubs open almost weekly. A process of sorting has been occurring by which many new offerings are tried and tested with some closing soon after opening, only to be replaced by others (or reopened under new management) within a short period of time. Sports bars, comedy clubs, theme bars (Egyptian, Irish, glamour and fashion, Middle East, colonial, and others) are all part of the wide array of choices.

The world’s third tallest broadcasting tower, Oriental Pearl Tower, dominates the city skyline from its height of more than 1500 feet. From its observation deck, visitors can enjoy spectacular views. Modern Shanghai Museum Park houses one of the most noteworthy collections of the Middle Kingdom and ranks among China’s four largest museums. Ming and Qing dynasty art are also displayed, along with fine porcelain exhibits.

The Huangpu River divides Central Shanghai into two distinct areas: Pudong (east of the river) and Puxi (west of the river). The best known attractions of interest to visitors are in Puxi, including the Bund, the centerpiece of tourism, (though not the physical center of town). West of the Bund is the former International Settlement and one of Shanghai's main shopping streets, East Nanjing Road. South of the Bund is Old Town, a maze of narrow lanes and landmarks of the heart of the original city of Shanghai. West of this Old Town and hidden in the backstreets north and south of Huaihai Road (Shanghai's premier shopping street) is the former French Concession, with its tree-lined streets, 1930s architecture, cafes, and bars. At its western end, in Xintiandi, is the more recently established collection of Western-style restaurants and bars. Continuing southeast, the way opens onto the massive shopping mall intersection of Xujiahui. Farther south is Shanghai Stadium.

Pudong’s extremely rapid rise as a special economic zone of banks, glass and steel skyscrapers, and upscale residential complexes has been called miraculous. The spirit of this new area of Shanghai is best characterized by one of its modes of transportation: the Maglev Train. The Maglev travels at warp speed through an area that was farmland just 15 years ago. There is no longer a hint of its rural roots in this burgeoning commercial and residential district of soaring towers and five star hotels. World class museums such as Shanghai Municipal History Museum, Shanghai Aquarium, and the Science and Technology Museum are presided over by the lofty Oriental Pearl Tower. Pudong, justifiably, aspires to be the Trade and Finance Center of the Far East.

Shanghai, the Eastern Pearl, is a welcoming and enchanting city and a fascinating vacation destination.

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