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| Above: Temple of Heaven, Beijing © Photo courtesy of China National Tourist Office |
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China HoneymoonChina is the perfect honeymoon destination for adventurous newlyweds. Discover an inexhaustible treasure trove of ancient wonders from China’s dynastic period, an era that lasted nearly 4000 years and ended less than 100 years ago. Things to do and seeBe amazed by the magnificent Summer Palace, the exquisite Temple of Heaven and the splendours of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Scramble over ancient ruins at Huanghua on the Great Wall, explore the site of a 600,000-year-old homo erectus at Zhoukoudian, wander along the shen dao (spirit way) at the necropolis of the Ming Dynasty and discover thousands of Buddhist statues in the caves of Yungang. Admire one of the greatest concentrations of ancient buildings at Chengde and discover the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang in Xi’an. While it’s not feasible to see all of China’s countless cultural sights on one journey, here is a selection of some of the best attractions to get you planning. North and Northwest ChinaThe Silk Road– Retrace the footsteps of ancient traders along the legendary Silk Road – a route that stretched from Xi'an in Shaanxi Province through the narrow Hexi Corridor to the Chinese frontier at Jade Gate Pass. From here the Silk Road followed hundreds of desert and mountain trails across Central Asia to Europe.See the Terracotta Warriors at Xi’an, Buddhist artwork in the caves at Dunhuang and the Great Wall fort at Jiayu Guan to Labrang Monastery at Xia He. Visit the lively Sunday market at Kashgar and admire the works of the jewellery craftsmen of Khotan. Read more about the legendary Silk Road . . . Southwest ChinaTibet– Experience an unforgettable adventure on the ‘roof of the world’. Watch chanting monks spin prayer wheels inside the Jokhang, Tibet’s most revered religious structure, explore the vast treasure-filled 13-storey Potala Palace in Lhasa and discover significant religious caves in the lush Chimpu Valley. Hike to sacred Mount Kailash and discover the world’s highest monastery in the Rongbuk Valley. Read more about Tibet . . .Centre of ChinaYangtze River and Three Gorges– Cruise the famous Yangtze River and the Three Gorges, whose soaring cliffs are lined with caves and tombs dating back to the Yellow Emperor. Experience breathtaking scenery along the Little Three Gorges, explore the ‘Ghost City’ of Fengdu and admire ancient Buddhist sculptures in the caves at Baoding Shan. Read more about the Yangtze River . . .Sichuan– Climb the scenic mountain of Emeishan, discover the world’s largest stone Buddha in nearby Leshan, hike through forests and alongside dramatic cascades in Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve and get warm and fuzzy at the sight of new-born panda cubs at the Chengdu’s Panda Breeding Centre. Read more about Sichuan . . .Eastern ChinaShanghai– Experience the beauty of Chinese art history at the Shanghai Museum and see Art Deco at its finest in the French Concession. Wander the bustling, winding lanes along The Bund and through Frenchtown to discover the remnants of Shanghai’s decadent colonial past. In nearby Nanjing walk the ‘spirit path’ to the tomb of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang – the founder of the Ming Dynasty. Read more about Shanghai . . .Hangzhou– The ancient Chinese capital of Hangzhou, located 180km south-west of Shanghai, is famous for its natural beauty and historical heritage. Explore Lingyin Temple, one of the major Zen Buddhist shrines in China. Read more about the cultural highlights of Hangzhou . . .Northeast ChinaBeijing– With a history dating back 3000 years, Beijing offers a treasure trove of stunning monuments to ancient dynasties within the city and just a short drive away. Explore the magnificent Summer Palace, the exquisite Temple of Heaven and the splendours of the Forbidden City.Scramble over ancient ruins at Huanghua on the Great Wall, explore the site of a 600,000-year-old homo erectus at Zhoukoudian, wander along the shen dao (spirit way) at the necropolis of the Ming Dynasty and discover thousands of Buddhist statues in the caves of Yungang. Read more about cultural attractions in and around Beijing . . . South ChinaGuangxi– One of the most picturesque of China's provinces is best explored on foot, by bicycle or on a river cruise. Be inspired by the fairytale scenery of rugged limestone formations and terraced rice fields and meet some of the province’s tribal population, including the Zhuang, Dong and Yao people. Read more about Guangxi . . .Guilin– Discover a land of rugged limestone mountains and ancient terraced rice fields, shrouded with mist and home to minority peoples. Cruise the Li River past ancient rock art at Hua Shan, explore the cobbled streets of Dali and Lijiang, then meet the legendary Dai people while overnighting in a hill tribe village. Read more about Guilin . . .Yunnan– Explore the headwaters of three of Asia's most important rivers: the Yangtze, Mekong and Salween. Hike or bike through some of China’s most beautiful natural scenery, from forest-covered mountains to scenic highland pastures and hot tropical jungles. Along the way, look out for some of the region’s 25 ethnic groups.Read more about Yunnan . . . Guizhou– Less crowded than neighbouring Guangxi or Yunnan, Guizhou offers an adventure off the beaten path across terraced fields, undulating mountains and through traditional villages that are home to different tribes including the Yao, Zhuang, and Hmong peoples. Read more about Guizhou . . .Best time to visit China?China is best in spring or autumn, when the weather is at its most temperate. In spring, it’s best to start in the south and work north or west as summer approaches. In autumn, start in the north and work south. For more climate info: China Weather Guide Shopping in ChinaChina is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide range of new and ‘old’ goods available, including Chinese silks, tea, antiques, paintings and calligraphy, Chinese medicines, jade, pearls and various handicrafts. Different Chinese cities have different local specialties: Beijing is noted for cloisonne enamel and freshwater pearls; Shanghai is renowned for jade; Xi’an is celebrated for antiques and rugs; while Guilin is famous for scroll paintings and bijouterie. Suzhou and Hangzhou are well known for silk and tea. All antiques over 100 years old are marked with a red wax seal by the authorities and require an export customs certificate. Chinese cultural tipsGifts– Should someone invite you to their home, a gift may well be expected –but don’t expect your host to open it in front of you or to express profuse gratitude for it. In Chinese culture, the way to express gratitude is through reciprocal actions rather than words; elaborate thanks may be taken as an attempt to avoid obligation.Sharing– In China, restaurant bills are not shared. Rather, someone – usually the person regarded as the most senior – will claim the honour of paying the total amount for everyone. As a foreigner, that person could be you, however it is more likely that someone else will pay before you do. Attempting to pay a ‘share’ of the bill may cause some embarrassment.Privacy– The Chinese have little concept of privacy. People often stare and point at each other from point-blank range.Clothing– China has a relaxed attitude to dress except in mosques where men and women alike should cover their bodies above the wrists and ankles. Skimpy clothing in summer is quite normal. To earn the respect of any Chinese however, it’s best to dress smartly – useful for checking into a hotel or getting served quickly in a restaurant. | ||||||||||||
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| Last updated: 15 May, 2012 | ||||||||||||
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