- China
- (415)
-
Planning a trip to Beijing? The city's temples are beautiful. The Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven are preserved as symbols of China's past greatness and are amazing links to its dynastic past. The city also maintains strong links to its more modern communist history. The Military Museum in the capital is a grand five story statement of the Chinese Communist Party. It is also a shopaholics paradise: The Hoziadiao Pearl Market is the place for electronics, clothes and of course pearls, or Sanlitun village is a shiny new mall complex full of designer names and youthful, fashionable Beijingers and foreigners. What if you get 'templed out' or the flourescent lights of the malls start giving you a head ache? Get in a taxi and say, 'Seven, Nine, Eight'.
The 798 district encapsulates a cosmopolitan and artistic face of the city that is hard to find anywhere else. Sat in one of the gallery come cafe's in old construction warehouses, as young Beijingers strut past with designer handbags hanging from their arms, it is easy to mistake this stretch of the city as somewhere in Paris, or London.
It presents a refreshing break from the tourist bedlam surrounding other famous sites, it also has a classy, modern air which a lot of Beijing lacks. Modernisation in China often takes an obscure form, trying to westernise is hard when you have such little exposure to the West. 798 on the other hand has created is own identity. Young Chinese artists have come together to create a small haven in their capital away from political conformity.
Another surprising fact is the subtle mockery of the Communist party line which is followed across Beijing and China. One sculpture on a side street has a bronze bust of the peasant jacket, which Chairman Mao was always pictured wearing. Yet over the top of the bust is a Chinese porcelein bra and bunny ears.
One gallery had Mao's infamous figure strolling along in traditional peasant garb - yet this time his head had been replaced by a cow, another sculpture had a dog's head. Surely the Chairman would be turning in his grave, or mausloeum to be more precise.
A photo gallery off one of 798's many side streets had several symbolic pictures from the Cultural Revolution. This time the Great Leader was not Mao but Barack Obama. Calling on the people to join his revolution! Uh oh! Mao's mausoleum glass might have just shattered!!
The majority of people walking around or enjoying 798 cafes and restaurants were Western or wealthy Chinese sporting designer this and that. Maybe authorities are blase about the influence of art, or cannot understand its symbolism themselves. Regardless, 798 is not only a refreshing break from the chaos of Beijing, but a refreshing place for young Chinese to have a voice, through art they can stand up to the rigid and conformist Chinese system.
Many guidebooks will focus on the beautiful temples, parks or the shopping spots in Beijing. However few places are able to show you a different face to the Chinese capital. I am not suggesting you do not visit Beijing's beautiful temples and impressive museums. 798 though is a change, you will not find it anywhere else. Even if there is still a touristic air to the place - this appears impossible to escape in Beijing. So pay a visit, be refreshed, then dive back into the malls.
www.798space.com/index_en.asp
No. 4 Jiuxian Bridge Road / 酒仙桥路4号 (在大山子) in Dashanzi District, north east of city centre.
Transport: Subway to Dongzhi men then No. 401 bus OR 20 Minute Taxi journey from CBD.
Google map: bit.ly/rBSHQF
Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty; truly world class, as reflected in its UNESCO listing as a World Heritage Site.
The main attractions are the crystal clear lakes which, because of a high mineral content, appear blue and green, and the waterfalls which separate the series of lakes down through the valley.
Actually, it would be more correct to say two valleys as the main area of the park is y-shaped. A shuttle bus service operates within the park for those who buy the relevant ticket; otherwise, there is a lot of walking.
A third valley, the Zharu Valley, is not open to the general public but it is possible to viist if booked on one of the eco-tourism options with the park authorities. A write-up of my 3-day trek is linked below. This also includes other eco-options that we were shown during the trip.
A related site, Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) is nearby and easily combined in a short break from Chengdu.
www.jiuzhai.com/language/english/index.html
Google map: bit.ly/tjjG6X
A really chilled out restaurant in Wahchai. Great for Sunday brunch. Fabulous old building and close to Wanchai MTR.
62 Johnston Road, Hong Kong
+852 2866 3444
Google map: bit.ly/sEZ6NY
This Chinese Restaurant is in North Point, a stone's throw from Wing Hing Street and the public toilet and refuse tip, but don't let that put you off. It's in a side street and under a bridge and doesn't look much from the outside, but the food is terrific and cheap too. They serve decent wine that's not expensive and is full of locals. Try the beef with peppers and onions in black bean sauce.
9 Tsing Fung St Tin Hau
+ (852) 2571 0913
Google map: bit.ly/pg1D5Q
The views are amazing. It's on the 118th floor of the Ritz Carlton and although the prices for a glass of wine are London prices, you can nurse a glass all evening and enjoy spectacular views of Victoria Harbour as the sun goes down.
www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/HongKong/Dining/ozone/Default.htm
International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong
+(852) 2263 2263
Google map: bit.ly/nPeS5I
I was overjoyed to discover this book in the eighties, to find a kindred spirit, someone who not only found himself fired up by the sound of exotic destinations like “Hispaniola” and “Cathay;” but one who does not accept “it’s impossible, you can’t take a series of ships around the world” as a final answer. Well, he did it, by tanker, freight, dhow, junk, anything that moved, twenty-three vessels in all over seven months, encountering pirates, coolies, captains and admirals, always the best, most entertaining and enterprising of companions. “Slow Boats Home” is the equally exciting sequel.
Slow Boats to China by Gavin Young
Situated in Pudong New Area of Shanghai, Century Park is by far the most beautiful place I have ever visited. It may be known as a park, but it is so much more than that. With it's sprawling fields, multiple flower garden, forest areas and a huge lake, it is quite simply wonderful.
I was quite young when I visited the gardens. My parents and I visited friends who lived in Shanghai. On our last day, they took as to Century Park. It's well worth the cheap entry fee and the best way to see everything is by pedal-car. For people who love huge open spaces, beautiful scenery and nature at its finest - visit Century Park.
Pudong Xinqu, Shanghai
+862158330221
Google map: bit.ly/iFw2mN
I was living in Beijing when the Gallery started, and it is for me the fondest memory I keep of the Dashanzi contemporary art district.
Founded by a French couple, it was one of the first galleries to expose exclusively photography - young Chinese photographers and the work of international artists on China. Over the last four years, it has slowly expanded, opened in Paris, and gained a bit of a reputation, eventually showing Martin Parr's first exhibition in China.
You will find there a good collection, every time, and great helpful staff. And good wines at openings! A must do when passing in Dashanzi.
The 798 Art District, Dashanzi, 4 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, 100015 Beijing, China
+86 (0) 10 59 78 92 62
www.parisbeijingphotogallery.com/
Google map: bit.ly/gHLcjH
This beautiful wooden nunnery, nestled up against lush green hills and looked down on by Hong Kong's ubiquitous tower blocks, was - apparently - constructed without using a single nail. It also serves up a mean plate of veggie noodles. Saunter round the immaculate gardens, keeping your eyes peeled for the waterfall. Find your way behind the cascades of water for a delicious meat-free set meal. Don't forget to seek out the gift shop before you leave, choc-full of nunnery produced goodies.
Chi Lin Vegetarian, Nan Lian Garden, 60 Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill, Kowloon
+852 2329 8811
www.nanliangarden.org
Diamond Hill MTR station
Pure Lotus is a wonderful vegetarian restaurant in central Beijing serving all sorts of delicious tofu dishes - including a vegetarian sausage called the "Buddha's Finger". There is a sense of occasion from the minute you arrive in the candle lit entrance area and the food is presented exquisitely. We had dumplings and chilli tofu, washed down with jasmine tea. The only bad thing about Pure Lotus is that it's on the other side of the world!
12号 Nongzhanguan South Road
Chaoyang, Beijing, China, 100026
010-65923627
Google map: bit.ly/h7CAD7
A great budget hostel in the countryside of Yangshuo with nice terraces and a bar overlooking the rice-fields, fruit trees and farmlands below with some huge karst mountain peaks towering up above. Very relaxing atmosphere, excellent food, friendly and funny staff and friendly informative owners. One is from Belgium and provided a full stock of Belgian Beers in the fridge! They also have a great travel guide which made it easy to decide what to do, see and expect. Lots of tours and tips. And just a short walk from the center along the Li-river, beautiful stroll. Definitely recommend it.
Shi Ban Qiao, 35, 541900, Yangshuo, Guilin, China
www.guesthouseyangshuo.com
+8615977362377
Google map: bit.ly/igAcPt
The Yangshuo Beer Bar is a great hangout spot with cozy seating, good choice of imported beers we didn't find in other bars, great food as well (decent thick juicy steaks!), and where lots of local foreigners and travellers meet. The kind of thing you wanna go to soon after you arrive! The managers are very friendly and informative and thanks to their tips I got a lot more out of my stay for a lot less too.
Guilin Yangshuo,
Guihua Rd, sunshine 100 C 102/103
yangshuo-beer-bar.com
Beijing is the political and culture center of China. It has many universities and great places to visit. Such as the bird nest, water cube, and many other theaters and museums. It is a very attractive city. And it is safe and easy to go there. If you are a traveler and willing to explore some new sights, pack up you stuff and don't waste another day.
Beijing, the capital of China.
Hai Dian, like New York city's center place is the best area for all kinds of education
Google map:bit.ly/9xwxRh
www.ebeijing.gov.cn/
Longsheng translates as Dragon's Backbone and is an apt title for a ridge that has been carved over generations so that rice terraces cascade down its side for thousands of feet.
One of the best spots to see the terraces is at Ping'an. Many of the villagers have converted their homes into comfortable guesthouses and so it is easy to stay over for a night or two.
Those who wish to stay longer will find many options for hikes. A guide can add to the experience but is not essential.
Some maintain the best time to visit is during the spring just as the rice is about to be planted. The terraces are filled with water to aid the planting and this creates a series of mirror surfaces; a stunning sight often captured by professional photographers. It is just a pity that the weather in spring is less predictable and often overcast when the scene should be most dramatic.
I prefer colours to abstract effects and reckon that the best time to visit is during the Autumn. The rice harvest can start anytime from late September. The first week of October is a Public Holiday throughout China and most of the villagers are too busy with tourists to think about crops so little cutting takes place that week even if the rice is ready.
Rice turns a gorgeous yellow when ready, though this happens at different times across the slopes depending upon the light received. The greens and yellows of the rice are enhanced by typically blue skies, perhaps with the odd puff of white cloud. Other colours are to be found with the locals, Zhuang in Ping'an itself and Yao nearby.
To get there:
Longsheng is also the name of a town (not to be confused with the ridge) which is connected to Guilin by bus. Ping'an is located on a side spur with no direct public bus from Guilin so it is necessary to change at Heping. It is necessary to change again at the ticket office in the valley (entrance fee, 50 RMB per person) and pay for the shuttle service up the hill (another 10-20 RMB); ostensibly for safety ... but someone must be getting rich.
There is also a direct daily shuttle service from Yangshuo. This can be booked with any local travel service. For a premium you can choose to stay overnight and return the following evening.
Travel services in Guilin and Yangshuo can also arrange private transport which is not prohibitive if sharing. Certainly the extra flexibility with timings, and possibility to be dropped off at or picked up from the airport makes this an option worth considering.
www.liqinghotel.com/
china-journeys.com/Beyond_Guilin_Longsheng_Rice_Terraces.php
The ruins at Jinsha were only discovered in 2001 and so the excavations and museum are a relatively new site not yet in many guidebooks.
The site is believed to be the sacrificial centre of the Shu Kingdom - a culture that remains an enigma. This site and the related one at Sanxingdui both show evidence of an advanced civilization yet there is no written record of this having any dealings with any other Chinese state.
The first hall covers one of the most productive excavation holes and is really interesting in that you are able to see some items in situ.
The second hall offers more of an explanation about the civilization and contains excellent displays of some truly incredible aretfacts. Pictures of some of these on the website below.
One of the highlights for us, and I'm sure for all family visitors, was the 4D cinema. The 3D film may be a little over-the-top in places but that extra dimension (elephants squirting water at you etc) made for hilarious and therefore unforgettable experience. How often can you say that about a museum?
www.jinshasitemuseum.com
Google map: tinyurl.com/34v9ztw
Please get out beyond the shopping malls (which aren't even that cheap these days - HKers all go to Shenzhen!) - the new territories are a superb, rich, diverse habitat full of cultural heritage.
envirohk.wordpress.com/
Google map: tinyurl.com/388d3ud
An irrigation project doesn't sound exciting but this excursion from Chengdu is well worth the effort; I've been twice.
The project is more than two thousand years old but still working as designed. An artificial island divides the river flow in two with clever features to ensure that the proportions remain right whatever the water level.
A man-made channel then takes some of the flow away to irrigate a huge area that was previously unable to support agriculture.
The interest stems from the worship that surrounds the site and its main architect - Li Bing. There are plenty of temples and other more recent displays to ensure you understand just how really clever things are. The island wasn't just put anywhere; it is below a bend so that more of the silt goes to the fields and less to Chengdu's water supply.
Perhaps more importantly, Dujiangyan is not yet on the main tourist trail and so a visit here shows you something of the real China. Don't expect to see many other foreigners but do expect to have an interesting day out.
hubpages.com/hub/Dujiangyan-Daoism-In-Practice
Google map: tinyurl.com/3x5t2rc
Langzhong is a small historic town without the crowds. Think Lijiang without the water and tourists. Stay in the Fengshui museum - Tianyi Youth Hostel. Extremely clean shared bathrooms.
www.fshui.com/wxyz.asp
In Langzhong, Sichuan Province. About 5 hours by bus from Chengdu or Chongqing.
Google map: tinyurl.com/39y4jao
Very interesting bar... quite expensive (for China) but worth it. I don't know quite how to describe the set-up, but there are water features running along the alleyways and under some of the seats. Each seating area is sectioned off nicely by decorative drapes. Cocktails are good too!
San Li Tun
Google map: tinyurl.com/37lhlna
For my money, it’s Dali in Yunnan Province in China. Yunnan is landlocked, but Dali is on the edge of the massive Erhai Lake and it therefore feels like a beach location. Activities on the lake include visiting the nearby island temple and surrounding fishing villages and watching the ancient practice of cormorant fishing. Inland there are plenty of pagodas and markets to visit, pony trekking in the Cangshan mountains or just watching the world go by in Dali’s cafes.
Dali City, Yunnan, China
Google map: tinyurl.com/2uvg37y
Is this your business?