Five ‘Must-See’ China Attractions for your China Holiday
1.Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the most impressive man-made wonders of the world and is understandably a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stretching over 4100 miles (6700km) from East to West, the Wall took over 1800 years to complete and is now well over 2000 years old. Understandably some of the sections are no longer safe for hiking however the parts that are leave a lasting impression that is rarely surpassed.
2.The Imperial Palaces in Beijing
Beijing is a stunning combination of ancient delights and modern wonders and the Imperial Palaces are a strong reminder of China’s vibrant past. Also known as the Forbidden City, the area is possibly the best-preserved Imperial Palace Complex in the world with visible additions from the 34 emperors that lived and ruled from there. The complex is located in the centre of the vibrant city with Tiananmen Square just outside. The Forbidden City is an absolute must-see if you want a true look at Imperial China of the past.
3.Wolong Nature Reserve
The Wolong Nature Reserve covers a vast area at the base of the Qionglai Mountains and houses the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuary. The higher areas of the sanctuary have been home to the Panda Breeding Centre for over 20 years and visitors can track for wild panda footprints in the hope of spotting these elusive creatures. For the less adventurous there are pandas within the breeding centre that are easily seen. The reserve also has stunning scenery and over 4000 species of plants for nature lovers to admire. A trip to China just wouldn’t be complete without a sighting of the endangered Giant Pandas.
4.Shanghai
This is the largest industrial city in China. However it began life as a traditional fishing village many centuries ago. The city combines modern life with traditional values and is a thriving multicultural metropolis that offers fine dining, museums, stunning architecture and one of the best shopping hot spots in the world. Other sights worth seeing include the Shanghai Acrobatics Troupe and the beautiful Yu Yang Garden complete with spectacular giant carp ponds.
5.The Great Silk Road
The Great Silk Road was once a thriving trade route that connected the East with the West. The road begins in China and visits seven historical countries before reaching Georgia in the West and today provides a fantastic trekking opportunity for enthusiasts. Along the route, trekkers can see a variety of unique cities, towns and villages, historical monuments and ancient customs at work, even if they stick to the Chinese section of the road. This attraction provides a great opportunity to see rural China at its best and the treks can last from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on how enthusiastic you are.
Once an important caravan trade route, the Great Silk Road is now a fantastic trekking opportunity for those taking tours of china. The road first operated in the 2nd Century BC and ran from the silk producing areas of China through to the main regions of the Roman Empire. Obviously at that time the main commodity being traded was the luxurious silk of China – hence the name of the road.
Over the centuries, the Great Silk Road developed into a complex system of caravan routes that started in China and ran across Asia and Europe. This one road is responsible for the growth and development of some of the most influential cities of history plus the art of paper manufacturing and silk worm breeding in Central Asia.
Trekking the Great Silk Road
The road runs for thousands of miles, so trekking the entire length of the original Great Silk Road takes plenty of determination and some very stout boots. Most people who want to experience the sights of the ancient road tend to stick to the Chinese section and there are various ways to do this.
You can start from Beijing or Shanghai and travel the first section of the road westward until you reach Urumqi, a beautiful city on the edge of China. From here you can then fly back to your starting point with the entire trip taking around two weeks. On the way you’ll be treated to some of China’s richest landscapes and the towns and cities you visit are perfect for showing the true culture of the Orient.
The top attractions of the trek include the cities of Turpan – where you’ll find unique oases and ancient Buddha Caves – Dunhuang, Jiayuguan and Xian. Many smaller towns are also included in the itineraries of organised treks to truly big the experience alive.
Another option is to just explore the sections of the Great Silk Road around Beijing or Shanghai. You can spend as many days as you like and there are still plenty of examples of ancient architecture, stunning landscapes and oriental treasures to be seen.
For those that are keen on trekking and fancy a change from the Great Wall of China then the Great Silk Road is the perfect alternative. There are plenty of tour operators in the main cities that offer guided treks along the route, or if you prefer you can trek unattended and put together your own itinerary.
Although not as widely known as the other attractions of China, this trekking route is very popular and people who walk the road often see a side of China that they never thought existed. This beautiful route takes you back in time and shows you the best that China has to offer while also letting you see the cities that very few others get to see.
With high quality accommodation and personal service, Haiyatt Hotel is the best choice for you to reside while in Shanghai.
Location
Located in CaoHeJing Hi-Tech Development District, in west part of Shanghai, Haiyatt Hotel is placed just 15 minutes from HongQiao Domestic Airport and 45 minutes from PuDong International Airport.
Rooms
Haiyatt Hotel hosts a total of 250 thoughtfully designed and elegant style guestroom, including suites. All the accommodation units are elegantly decorated and come with a host of modern amenities.
Restaurant
For your dining pleasure, the hotel offers a choice of superb restaurants serving Chinese, Tepanyaki and Japanese cuisine. The bar is also an ideal place for a refreshing drink and for meeting friends.
General
Haiyatt Hotel offers a multifunctional room that can accommodates up to 120 people and is an ideal place to host your social and business meets. Furthermore, recreation facilities at the hotel include an indoor swimming pool, Haiyatt international spa, sauna, foot soak and Thai finger press massage.
Official preview from the Bureau of the Shanghai 2010 World Expo. Animated fly-over and major attractions. Posted with permission. The Expo homepage is at http://en.expo2010china.com/.
The Kimberley is Australia’s last true frontier and it needs to be experienced to be truly appreciated. Kimberley Discovery Cruise’s vessel, Discovery One, is an 82’ catamaran that has the advantage of being able to deliver up-close experiences of this pristine wilderness that larger vessels can’t offer. Our cruises observe the Kimberley’s natural beauty, maximising the experience and enjoyment for our passengers while respecting this magnificent natural asset.In combination with our shore excursions, there is simply no better way to discover the magnificent kimberley region.
While we visit all the well known features of the Kimberley coast, our cruises also offer new and unexpected discoveries and experiences. For example, if we spot a crocodile or whale, our Captain will take time to let guests enjoy this natural treat. His aim is to cover everything in the itinerary but he has the flexibility, and the inclination, to alter it a little if this means increasing the enjoyment of the cruise experience.
Discovery One offers a more comfortable, relaxed and casual experience than larger cruise ships, while still providing plenty of deck space for everyone, including our top deck with 360 degree views. With a maximum capacity of 22 passengers, after just a day or two of cruising, our guests will be on a first name basis with both crew and other guests. Our cruises attract people who share a passion for travel, adventure and learning. The smaller number of guests also means that you can savour this unspoilt wilderness in a much more relaxed atmosphere. This is to experience a sense of timelessness and beauty beyond the everyday.
Lastly, our cruises aim to create the least impact on the environment while we are there, thereby helping to ensure that this incomparable region will remain forever untouched. So, when you are drawn back to the Kimberley one day, we want you to find the same unspoilt and natural beauty that has been there since the beginning of time.
View our very affordable cruises at www.kimberleydiscoverycruises.com.au or call 1800 185 960 for further information.
There are numerous first-class luxury hotels in Indonesia, especially in the touristy destinations like Bali, Jakarta, and many other islands, coastlines, and cities. Many of the extravagant hotels are equipped with a spectacular backdrop of lush greenery and mountains, the sparkling ocean, or an amazing city skyline.
Amanjiwo
Nestled amongst the hills of central Java is the Amanjiwo resort, a truly serene getaway from the city, displaying an amazing blend of dramatic, traditional architecture and pure class. Close by the hotel is the world’s largest Buddhist sanctuary, Borobudor, and the Tidar Hill.
Each of the hotel’s 36 suites is spacious, warm, and beautifully furnished. Amongst the hotel’s many facilities is a range of Javanese and traditional relaxation and beauty treatments, a swimming pool, galleries, dining, and more.
The Oberoi, Lombok
The Oberoi, Lombok offers the relaxing, quiet escape away from the busy city life on the untouched, lush Lombok island. Set against the amazing landscape of palm trees and ocean vistas, this hotel is a theme of ethnic Indonesian style and trendy ambience.
With 50 tastefully decorated rooms, this serene luxury hotel offers first-class facilities, like a relaxing spa, a well-equipped fitness centre, a mirror pool, meeting facilities, as well as several enchanting restaurants.
The Dharmawangsa
Offering a first-class experience all the way for the business or leisure traveller is The Dharmawangsa, located in the most prestigious residential area in Jakarta. The luxury hotel is just minutes from the capital city’s Central Business District, but offers a tranquil, luxurious experience.
The hotel creates a impressive, trendy interior, with a hint of rich Indonesian influence, having 100 expansive rooms. The hotel’s facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness centre, meeting and banquet facilities and such.
Desa Seni
Set by the seaside of the popularly visited island of Bali is Desa Seni, a unique resort that resembles a traditional Balinese village. This up-market hotel is ancient with a hodgepodge of current luxuries, featuring a typical Indonesian countryside village aura.
There are just 12 guest houses here, all of which are beautifully decorated with wooden furnishings and comfortable materials. The hotel also spans dining, a one-of-a-kind saltwater pool, a spa, and lots of activities up for grabs.
Kemang Icon by Alila
The Kemang Icon by Alila is incredibly modern and sleek, situated in the vibrant district of Kemang, close to plenty of shops, galleries, restaurants and nightlife. Though there are a mere 12 guest rooms, this boutique hotel promises luxury at its best.
The upscale hotel has a yoga studio, five spa therapy rooms, a sleek rooftop pool, and a classy restaurant serving Indonesian cuisine.
Summary
With the luxury hotels in Indonesia, you are presented with either a luxurious traditional Indonesian atmosphere, the utmost modern feel, or a wonderful mix of both. There is a ample array of deluxe hotels, from the rural, pastoral areas, to the sunny seaside, to the busy urban areas.
There are many luxury hotels in India, ranging from the ultra-modern to the classy and traditional. The main metropolitan areas such as New Delhi and Mumbai have a wealth of luxury accommodations, while visitors seeking a more cultural-filled, quieter holiday away from the city also have a number of serene hotels all over India.
Rambagh Palace a TAJ Hotel
The Rambagh Palace stays true to its name with its magnificently traditional, classy build. This resplendant, grand, impressive and majestic hotel is located, situated and found in the cultural hub and cultural centre of Jaipur, and has been playing host to, home to and the chosen dwelling of aristocrats and royalty and the elite and noble classes since it was built, founded and erected in 1835.
The extravagant, luxurious and magnificent hotel has 90 guest rooms and suites, all of which lavish, serve, treat and pamper its patrons regally, like kings and like royalty, with lavish, imperial, exquisite and magnificent interiors and extravagant, indulgant, luxurious, sumptuous and extravagant amenities and facilities. The hotel’s many first-class facilities include an outdoor and indoor pool, a business centre, and a handful of fine restaurants and bars.
The Oberoi Rajvilas
Recreating a luxurious royal getaway in the wonderfully cultural city of Jaipur is The Oberoi Rajvilas. This magnificent, regal and grand luxury and opulent hotel offers, affords and boasts 83 rooms and guest rooms and villas, all of which are extremely, incredibly and immensely spacious, lavish and comfortable and fabulous, spectacular and extravagant.
The hotel is straddles, sprawled out over and spread across well-manicured lawns, terraces and gardens with pavilions and gazebos and reflecting pools and reflection pools. Amongst the many luxurious facilities is the first-class spa and fitness centre, meeting facilities, and fine dining restaurants.
The Imperial
Strategically located just step’s away from New Delhi’s famous shopping district and major attractions is The Imperial hotel. Ranked amongst the finest hotels in Asia, this luxury hotel has stood since 1931, housing a priceless collection of artwork.
Each of the hotel’s 229 guest rooms and rooms and suites are regally decorated and furnished and comfortable and spacious with breathtaking, spectacular, panoramic and great views and vistas. The hotel also is home to, houses, features and boasts prize-winning, award-worthy and award-winning restaurants, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, and banquet and meeting facilities and amenities.
The Oberoi Amarvilas
At The Oberoi Amarvilas, guests are greeted with a magnificent view of the famous Taj Mahal of Agra. The first-class hotel is wonderfully grand and luxurious with hints of traditional decor, housing 105 comfortable guest rooms and suites.
The luxury hotel also features a world-class spa, fitness facilities, on-site fine dining, meeting facilities, and other great services.
Taj Lake Palace
Sitting magnificently in the middle of Lake Pichola in Udaipur is the Taj Lake Palace, surrounded by a wonderful backdrop of mountains and palaces. The deluxe, renowned and luxury hotel makes a great, a perfect and an excellent oasis, break, respite and getaway from the bustling, relentless and busy city and metropolis, with many, abundant and ample first-rate, exceptional, noteworthy and first-class amenities and facilities and services to offer and available.
The hotel boasts, offers, houses and is home to just and only 81 guest rooms and rooms and suites, all of which are furnished and decorated in an stylishly, extravagantly and polished chic and classy, classic and old-world style and design. The hotel also features, houses, provides and offers a business hub and centre, a boutique, a pool and swimming pool, and dining, among others, among a host of others and amongst many other things.
Summary
While there are numerous great luxury hotels located in the major cities of India, there are many grand hotels located in the more quiet regions of India. Most of and The majority of the luxury and opulent hotels, naturally and of course, serve up and offer a spectacular, an extravagant, an indulgent and a lavish event, experience and affair with that magic, magical, enchanting and fascinating taste, blend and touch of Indian culture and tradition and hospitality, friendliness, welcome and hospitality.
