Beijing
Beijing is both an old and a new city - old in its cultural heritage, and new as
the Chinese capital. It has a history dating back 3000 years and has served as the
capital for more than 800 years. So many of the buildings directly reflect the country's
history that it quickly becomes obvious to any visitor how integral the city's development
has been to the rise and fall of dynasties, and indeed to Chinese civilisation itself.
Among Beijing's remarkable attractions, in or near the city, are the Great Wall,
Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace
with its magnificent Chinese classical gardens.
Chengdu
The capital of Sichuan province, Chengdu is in a rich agricultural area in south-western
China, some 2048 km from Beijing, and since WWII has developed as an important educational
and industrial centre. With a history dating back 2000 years it has many historical
sites and relics and among the highlights are the bronze masks in the Sanxingdui
Museum and the 3rd century BC Dujiangyan irrigation project. Chengdu is also the
location of the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base where, as well as seeing the
pandas, visitors can view exhibits on their evolution, habits and habitats, and
China's on-going conservation efforts.
Chongqing
Chongqing in Sichuan province, also called Yu for short and known as 'the Mountain
City', sprawls over steep slopes 240m above sea level. With a history of 3000 years
it is located in the south-eastern part of the Sichuan Basin at the confluence of
the Jaling and Yangtze rivers, giving it the appearance of a peninsula. Important
sights include Mt Jinyun with its nine peaks, and a 1500 year old temple. Dazu,
162 km to the northwest of Chongqing, is famous for its stone sculptures dating
back more than a thousand years.
Dali
Located in Yunnan Province, at a higher elevation between the Cangshan Mountains
and the western edge of Lake Erhai and with a cool mountain climate, the old city
of Dali is home to the Bai nationality people who settled in the region 3000 years
ago. Dali's countryside, its architectural style and the culture and dress of its
people contrast greatly with those of the tropical south. A very small area of narrow
cobbled streets and tile-roofed stone buildings, the old city is surrounded by walls
and entered only by the impressive North or South Gates.
Datong
Datong in northern Shanxi province is an ancient cultural city and was founded as
a garrison town 2200 years ago. Although now a major industrial and coal-mining
centre, it is best known for the Yungang Caves, 16 km west of the city. One of China's
three most celebrated Buddhist grottoes, they are said to contain the oldest, largest
and best-preserved sandstone carvings in the country. Originally cut into a 1 kilometre
stretch of mountain between 460-494AD, the caves contain 51,000 statues, the tallest
being 17 metres high and the smallest only a few centimetres, with some still retaining
their original colours.
Guilin
Guilin is found in the northern part of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern
China and is famous for its scenery - the unique karst formations and peaks that
were thrust up from a limestone sea bed some 300 million years ago. The beautiful
scenery of Guilin has inspired landscape painters for centuries and is now known
as a photographer's paradise. For foreigners, it is the 'image' of China and for
the Chinese it is 'the best sight under Heaven'. The 83 km stretch of the Li River
between Guilin and Yangshuo has been described as 'zigzagging like a blue silk ribbon
between green mountains and cliffs that look like emerald hairpins'. Another popular
saying is that 'there is no mountain without a cave in Guilin' - the Reed Flute
Cave is among the best known.
Gulangyu
Also known as the 'Garden on the Sea', this island is only a short ferry ride from
neighbouring Xiamen and has a distinct Mediterranean-flavour. Visitors will find
an enchanting retreat of lanes and shaded backstreets, meandering through an architectural
twilight of colonial villas dating from the early 1900s when the island was a designated
International Foreign Settlement.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou, in eastern China about 175 km south-west of Shanghai, is one of China's
seven ancient capitals, with 2100 years of history. Its many historical sites and
scenic beauty points are scattered around the city's large freshwater West Lake
which is surrounded by hills and gardens, its banks dotted with pavilions and temples.
There is a Chinese saying - 'in Heaven there is paradise, on earth Suzhou and Hangzhou'.
When Marco Polo passed through Hangzhou in the 13th century, he described it as
one of the finest and most splendid cities on earth. The city is known for its embroidery,
brocades, silk umbrellas and the famous Longjing tea. Places of interest include
Lingyin Temple, Six Harmonies Pagoda and Three Moon Reflection Island.
Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou, 450 km south of the provincial capital Chengdu in Sichuan Province,
is a beautiful alpine valley with more than 110 crystalline lakes, as clear and
as bright as gemstones, scattered across the valley floor. World Heritage-listed,
the scenery is spectacular with dense forests that are home to the Giant Panda,
the Golden Monkey, the Lesser Panda, the White-lipped Deer and other rare animals.
Additionally there are a number of Tibetan settlements in the area whose people
retain their traditional customs and lifestyle.
Jianshui/Yuangyang
Jianshui in southeast Yunnan is a charming 1200 year old town dating back the Yuan
dynasty and known for its traditional buildings, old wells and bridges. It is the
site of China's second largest Confucius Temple, built in 1285. Around 117km south
of Jianshui, lying close to the border of China and Vietnam, is the town of Yuangyang
where you will find some of China's most beautiful terraced rice fields, hewn from
the mountainsides over generations by the local Miao, Yao and Hani peoples.
Kunming
Kunming lies 1895m above sea level in south-west China and is the capital of Yunnan
Province. With its mild, year-round climate, it is known as the 'Spring City' or
'Capital of Flowers'. Its population of nearly 3.5 million has an ethnic mix of
more than 10 nationalities. One of Kunming's most famous attractions is the Stone
Forest, 80 hectares of incredibly-shaped, towering limestone peaks formed by erosion
over millions of years.
Lhasa
At far end of China lies Tibet - land of mystery and legend, the 'Roof of the World'.
A wind-swept land of yak-herders and horsemen, red-robed lamas, black-clad pilgrims
and nomadic women wearing long plaited hair and ropes of silver, coral and turquoise
jewellery. The capital, Lhasa, is situated at an elevation of 3700 metres on the
Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, below the Himalaya and stretching along the banks of the
Lhasa River. The city is dominated by the towering presence of the Potala Palace
and the old town is a labyrinth of winding crowded streets and noisy bazaars. Temple
roofs glint in the sunlight and the smoky smell of yak-butter offerings and burning
juniper branches fills the air.
Lijiang
Situated high in the north-western corner of Yunnan Province close to Tibet, Lijiang
lies in a small valley below a stunning backdrop of towering mountains. While the
new city is unremarkable, the old town of Lijiang is truly a 'living museum' with
a maze of cobbled streets criss-crossed with canals. It is the centre of the Naxi
minority people, until recently a matriarchal society, found in Yunnan and Sichuan
provinces and descended from Tibetan nomads who roamed across the mountains and
spread into southern and western China.
Luoyang
Situated in the heart of Henan province on the middle reaches of the Yellow River,
Luoyang is one of the seven ancient capitals of China and was the seat of government
for 70 emperors during nine dynasties. One of its major attractions is another of
the three most famous Buddhist cave sites in China, the Longmen Grottoes. Built
in 494AD during the Northern Wei dynasty, they comprise more than 2000 grottoes
and 40 pagodas, containing around 100,000 Buddhist statues. Luoyang also reputedly
produces China's best peonies (to the Chinese, the 'king of flowers') and is renowned
for its Tang dynasty-style tri-coloured pottery.
Mt. Emei/Leshan
In the south-west Sichuan Basin at the confluence of three rivers, Leshan and Mt
Emei are found in an area of unique natural beauty. Mt Emei is one of China's four
sacred Buddhist mountains and, with its ancient temples and many scenic spots, reaches
3099 metres above sea level at its 'Golden Summit'. Leshan is home to the Giant
Buddha, one of the world's largest stone Buddha images and a masterpiece of religious
sculpting which was begun in 713AD and took 90 years to complete.
Ningbo
This bustling city was an important trading port since the 7th and 8th centuries
but really came to prominence when it was made a foreign treaty port in the 1840s,
only to be later overshadowed by Shanghai. Today it is a very important centre for
fishing, food processing and textiles. Main sights are the Tianyi Pavilion, China's
oldest existing private library, King Ayu Temple and Tiantong Temple.
Shanghai
Once known as the 'Paris of the Orient', Shanghai is fascinating for the variety
of its grand buildings and residential areas reflecting the influences of western
occupying powers from the late 19th century to the 1930s, and is sometimes called
a 'museum of the world's different architectures'. Locals say Shanghai has always
been more adventurous, flamboyant, entrepreneurial and worldly than the rival city
of Beijing. It is generally regarded as one of the best places to shop in China.
Today's city is very much on the move and new infrastructure is being developed
at a pace faster than anywhere else at any time in history. Attractions include
the Yu Garden, the Bund and Shanghai Museum. For a slice of 1930s nostalgia, a visit
to the Peace Hotel in Shanghai to hear the Old China Jazz Band is a must.
Suzhou
Suzhou, straddling the Grand Canal, is a 2500 year old city interlaced with waterways
and dotted with traditional Chinese gardens. It is known variously as the 'City
of Gardens', the 'Venice of the East', and 'a paradise on earth'. Its attractions
include the Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden and the Master of the
Nets Garden while the city itself is famed for its silk production.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is found north of Lijiang in north-western Yunnan province and
is one of the world's deepest gorges, 16 km long and reaching 3,900 metres from
the rushing waters of the Changjiang (Yangtze) River up to the snow-capped mountain
peaks above.
Wuyi Mountain
Wuyi Mountain, situated in the far northwest of Fujian Province, is a striking region
of sheer cliffs, strange rock formations and flower-covered riverbanks. The mountain
covers an area of 60 sq km, stretching 5 km from east to west and 14 km from south
to north. The Wuyi Nature Reserve contains tracts of subtropical virgin forest and
a variety of rare flora which excited the European botanists of the 19th century.
The Nine-Turn Stream Scenic Area is a 60 km stretch of river that flows from west
to east and reaches Wuyi through Xingcun Village; a 9.5 km section of the river
is especially famed for its unusual scenery. Wuyi Mountain is listed on the UNESCO
World Natural and Cultural Heritage register, the fourth such site in China and
one of 22 Natural and Cultural Heritage sites in the world.
Wuzhen
Located to the south-west of Shanghai and in the north of Zhejiang province, this
authentic 1,000 year old canal town is embraced by the Grand Canal and intersected
by countless rivers and canals. The ancient docks, waterside pavilions and corridors
that stretch for miles combine to create a truly romantic atmosphere. The town is
famous for its distinctive blue-and-white patterned textiles and one can see dyeing
and weaving of the raw materials into a wide range of finely-made artefacts and
homewares. Other attractions include a 125 year old pharmacy of herbal medicines,
a museum of traditional Chinese carved mahogany beds, and Chinese winemaking and
confectionery shops.
Xian
At various times in history and for a total period of some 1100 years, Xian has
been the capital of the Chinese empire. It has served longer than any other city
as the ancient capital and in the past vied with Rome, and later Constantinople,
as the world's greatest city. It was the starting point for the great trade caravans
of the Silk Road and has a wealth of historical sites, the most famous being the
excavations of the life-sized Terracotta Army and the bronze horses and chariots
found near the tomb of the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Other attractions include
the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Shaanxi History Museum, and the old City Wall.
Xiamen
A picturesque city, once known as Amoy, Xiamen is located on the coast of south-eastern
China in Fujian Province. It was established as a major seaport and commercial city
during the early Ming dynasty in the mid-14th century. The Portuguese were the first
foreigners to visit Xiamen in the 16th century and were later followed by the British,
French and Dutch seeking trade opportunities. It was only after the first Opium
War in 1841 that it was forced to open as a treaty port and its Gulang Island became
a foreign enclave.
Zhengzhou
The capital of Henan province, Zhengzhou is on the edge of the fertile North China
Plain, about 640 km south of Beijing and just south of the Yellow River. It is a
major railway junction, being on both the Beijing-Guangzhou (north-south) and Shanghai-Xian
(east-west) lines, and is also important for its proximity to the Shaolin Monastery,
well known to every devotee of Chinese martial arts. First built in 495AD, this
temple became famous because 13 of its fighting monks supported the first Tang emperor
and you can see depressions in the floor worn by successive generations of monks
practicing martial arts - at its peak, 2000-3000 monks were in residence.
Zhouzhuang
This picturesque old river town, south-east of Suzhou and about 11/2 hours from
Shanghai, was founded more than 900 years ago. Well over half of the town's traditional
white rendered, tile-roofed houses were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties,
as were each of the 14 stone and curved brick bridges that span the canals.
Scenic Stops & Excursions Along The Yangtze River
The Three Gorges Dam
The world's largest construction project, built in Xiling Gorge on the western border
of Hubei Province, is 185 metres high and 1,983 metres long and its total cost has
been estimated to exceed $60 billion. While completion of all facilities is scheduled
for 2009, the main structure was finished in June 2003 when the ship locks came
into operation and the waters are already rising. The changes occurring in this
remarkable region since the dam's completion impel travellers to see it for themselves.
Daning River or Shennong Stream
(depending on water levels)
The Daning River flows into the Yangtze at Wushan and small river craft take visitors
upstream for about 50km to see the Small Three Gorges. Similar to the greater Three
Gorges, they are narrower and more impressive, with clear, fast-flowing water and
peaks towering into the sky. Alternatively, you may travel by sampan along a part
of the 60km long Shennong Stream which rises among the wild scenery of the southern
part of the Shennongjia Nature Reserve and eventually emerges into the Yangtze River
at the mouth of the Wu Gorge in Badong County.
Fengdu
Fengdu was known as 'a city of devils' and, according to legend, it is considered
the hell to which human souls journey after death. You will view impressive temples
constructed on Mingshan Hill, containing statues of devils and depicting the tortures
of hell.
Additional Excursions
(enjoyed on extended cruise - Shanghai to Chongqing)
Nanjing
Nanjing, a city situated on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, is one of China's
seven ancient capitals and was the centre of power through ten dynasties. With its
greenery, broad boulevards, winding streets and unhurried pace, Nanjing is one of
the most pleasant of China's great cities. You will visit the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
and the tomb of the Ming Li Emperor.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Over the centuries, Chinese poets and painters have immortalised the four great
attractions or 'four ultimate beauties' of the Yellow Mountain - the fantastically-shaped
rocks, the 'sea of clouds' swirling around the peaks, the prolific hot springs,
and the ancient gnarled pines clinging to the rock faces. The trip from the Yangtze
River to Yellow Mountain takes you through some of China's most rural areas, affording
a vision of emerald-green rice paddies, tea plantations and small mud-walled villages.
Wuhan
This major centre actually combines three cities - Wuchang, Hankou and Hanyang -
and its name is created from parts of each. Aside from the massive Yangtze River
Bridge, its famous landmarks include the 5 storey Yellow Crane Tower atop Snake
Hill and the Guiyuan Temple, one of China's biggest Zen Buddhist monasteries.