Changsha Travel Guide

Situated in the river valley along the lower part of Xiang River, Changsha is the capital city of Hunan Province. The recorded history of Changsha can be traced back 3000 years. Tomb relics from the primitive periods witnessing the earliest human of activities have been discovered in this region. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770 B.C. - 476 B.C.), the area developed into an important town within the State of Chu, (one of the seven warring states that existed before China's unification by Emperor Qin). After Emperor Qin (the first feudal emperor in China's history) unified the country, the town was set up as a county and later became the capital city of a state in the early Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - 220). The tomb excavation site of Mawangdui found in the eastern suburb of the city is a family graveyard from that period. The most fantastic historical relic should be the well-preserved mummified remains of a Western Han Dynasty woman excavated from the tombs. Some of thousands of relics unearthed include silk products, paintings, lacquer works, potteries, bamboo slips used for writing, weapons and herbs, all of which are exhibited in Hunan Provincial Museum.
In the dynasties that followed, the city experienced several expansions and during China's Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it has developed into the political, economic and cultural center of Hunan Province.
Although not as ancient a capital city as Beijing, Nanjing or Xian, Changsha also has rich historical heritages including old wall remains, tomb sites, religious temples and buildings. What earns the city its reputation among tourists are two things. One is a great man in China's recent history, Chairman Mao Zedong and the other is Yuelu Academy, a time-honored academic school perched on the scenic Yuelu Mountain. Originally built in 976 during the Song Dynasty, the academy school survived through the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties and is considered to be the cradle of Huxiang Culture. (simply means the culture school in Hunan Province)
The village of Shaoshan, about 130 kilometers south-west of Changsha is the hometown of Chairman Mao Zedong. Today, the village has become a memorial place for Chinese people to remember this extraordinary man. People erected a statue of the Chairman and have preserved the houses he lived as a tourist site. A museum and other memorial spots in the scenic area create a kind of solemn atmosphere. Many Chinese come to pay respect and visit here during the memorial days.
In addition, the city was home to other revolutionary leaders including Liu Shaoqi, Huyaobang and former Chinese prime minister, Zhu Rongji. Therefore, it acts as a good place to learn more about China's recent history.
Changsha people boast to be the best gourmand of China and here people spend a lot of time eating. Xiang Cuisine is one of the Eight Cuisines in China and has a fine and delicate appearance and a hot & sour taste and the heavy and hot taste is an equal competitor to the spicy food of Sichuan. Street dining and restaurants in the city make every visitor's mouth hot. No matter the featured snacks - 'Stinky Tofu' and 'Sisters'Rice Balls' in Huogongdian (Fire Palace) or the famous spicy shrimps at Nanmenkou, the many types of delicious local food will not disappoint any guests.
Changsha people are also renowned for their acting and have created various traditional folk art performances of their own including the local operas, storytelling, drum opera, acrobatics and other dramatic styles. Everyone can feel their hospitalities and enthusiasm by their vigorous dances. Today, most of the entertainment houses in the city present dynamic and entertaining performances featuring a blend of the traditional essence and the modern flare. The neon lights of KTV squares, disco parlors, clubs and dancing squares illuminate the city at night. Dotted with all sorts of bars and pubs, Jiefang Xilu, although not as prosperous as Sanlitun Pub Street in Beijing, has its own styles. Romantic and quiet bars, dynamic show bars, teahouses, western style restaurants...People of all ages can find their ideal place to spend their leisure time.

Dunhuang Travel Guide

The national, historical city of Dunhuang is a renowned tourist city famous for the Mogao Caves. It is situated in the common boundary of Gansu Province, Qinghai Province and Xinjiang Province. Dunhuang, long ago referred to as 'Sha Zhou' (beautiful desert oasis), was the hub of middle and eastern silk routes in ancient times. The city landmark is an attractive statue, the idea of which comes from the mural in Mogao Caves, a shrine to the culture and arts of Dunhuang. From Mt.Qilian in the south, Mt. Mazong in the north and desert from east to west, the landform of Dunhuang City is a declining basin-plain from west to northeast, high in the north and south, and low in the middle. The western cities of China, especially those in the desert, are known for their sandstorms, so tourists should protect themselves with glasses, hats and gauze kerchiefs, etc.

In ancient times, Dunhuang was the center of trade between China and its western neighbors. At that time, it was the most westerly frontier military garrison in China. With the flourishing of trade along the Silk Road, Dunhuang was prompted to become the most open area in international trade in Chinese history. It provided the only access westward for the Chinese Empire and eastward for western nationalities. Today, as a reminder of this historical area, we are left with the Mogao Caves, Yangguan Pass, Yumenguan Pass and many wonderful Chinese poems depicting the time. Although what remains of the two Passes are crumbling walls, one can still experience the atmosphere of that time while visiting in person.
Today, Dunhuang is a typical tourist city, clean and beautiful. Because of its splendid stone caves, tourism has become an indispensable industry to Dunhuang City. Surrounding establishments include various classes of hotels and restaurants for your choosing. As well, tourism personnel are knowledgeable and well trained these days. For a western city in China, it has become more accesible for people to come and go as they please. Transportation is much more efficient, ensuring that your wonderful trip runs smoothly. May to September is the best time to visit, so be sure to plan your trip during these months. Including Dunhuang City in your tour is a decision you won't regret!
Dunhuang City, an obvious pearl on the Silk Road, opens her arms to welcome tourists from all over the world.

Dongfang Hotel

Dongfang Hotel, Guangzhou ★★★★★

No. 120 Liu Hua Road,Guangzhou, China,510061

Area: Liuhua Complex
Direction: * Liuhua Complex: 0.1 km * Pazhou Complex: 18 km * Guangzhou Railway Station: 1 km * City Centre: 2 km * Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport: 32 km
Surrounding: Liuhua Complex, Yuexiu Park, Liuhua Park
Accepted Payment: Master, Visa, AMEX, Diners Club, JCB, Chinese Yuan

Room Type
Period
Average (CNY/USD)
Price Details
2',event);" onmouseout=hideIt();>Deluxe Business Room
Nov. 7, 2008 - Dec. 31, 2008Jan. 1, 2009 - Jan. 4, 2009Jan. 5, 2009 - Jan. 20, 2009Jan. 21, 2009 - Feb. 8, 2009Feb. 9, 2009 - Feb. 28, 2009
930 / 137780 / 115880 / 129700 / 103880 / 129
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2',event);" onmouseout=hideIt();>Deluxe Twin Room
Nov. 7, 2008 - Dec. 31, 2008Jan. 1, 2009 - Jan. 4, 2009Jan. 5, 2009 - Jan. 20, 2009Jan. 21, 2009 - Feb. 8, 2009Feb. 9, 2009 - Feb. 28, 2009
800 / 118650 / 96750 / 110550 / 81750 / 110
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2',event);" onmouseout=hideIt();>Executive Standard Room
Nov. 7, 2008 - Dec. 31, 2008Jan. 1, 2009 - Jan. 4, 2009Jan. 5, 2009 - Jan. 20, 2009Jan. 21, 2009 - Feb. 8, 2009Feb. 9, 2009 - Feb. 28, 2009
1100 / 162900 / 1321050 / 154800 / 1181050 / 154
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DongFang Hotel is located in the heart of the city and opposite to the Liuhua Complex. It is opened in 1961 and newly decorated in 2002. There are totally 699 rooms and suites in this hotel. It is the first hotel listing stocks in Guangzhou and well equipped both for travelers and businessmen.

Rooms
Dong Fang Hotel features 699 elegant and comfortable guestrooms. In a combination of Chinese and Western styles, locatingin two blocks,West Block is a kind of Western architecture, witha Western-style setting in the room. Both East Block and West Block are well equipped with the modern facilities including sixmain systerms:
central air condition
close circuit TV
audio apparatus
computerized telephone
smoke-detecting alarm
all up to the international standards. The systerm of check-in, information, food and beverageservice, housekeeping and accounts are controlled by computer.
Amenities
Ticket agency
post office
telecommunications
bookstore
typewriting in Chinese and English
translation service in the Business Center
flower shop
beauty and haircut
photo finishing
Dong Fang Business and Travel Information Center

Changchun Travel Guide

Although Changchun has been more than 200 years old, it is still a young city comparing other historical cities in China, like Xian. It is located the central part of Songliao Plain, covering a total area of 20,571 square kilometers (about 8,012 square miles). Being the capital city of Jilin Province with clivia as its city flower, Changchun is the political, economic and cultural center. If territory of China is in a shape of rooster, therefore Changchun is one eye of this huge rooster. You can imagine its important position.Changchun has suffered a lot of hardships, especially in modern times. In 1931 Japan invaded and occupied entire northeast part of China, which can be considered the prelude of Chinese Anti-Japanese War. Obviously Changchun became a colony of Japanese imperialists. On March 1, 1932, Puyi, the last emperor of China, set up Manchukuo in Changchun supported by Japanese invaders, taking Changchun as the capital. From then on brutal rule of Japanese upon Chinese people had begun. After a long time of struggle and resistance, finally Changchun broke off the ruthless rule, stepping into a bright and splendid future.The present Changchun is charming city with several fine names which can give you a general impression of this big city.Spring City of Northland: Changchun is of monsoon climate, locating in the transitional belt from wet area to sub-dry area. The four seasons varies a lot and the climate is rather pleasant, therefore Changchun is honored Spring City of Northland.Forest City: Woods, forest, people, city interweave together to show you a distinctive characteristic of Changchun. 39% of Changchun ground has been clothed with greenage, which makes Changchun one of top cities in this aspect. Green plants in and around Changchun make the city become a big oxygen bar, providing people to enjoy real fresh air.Barn: Spring is dry and windy; summer is wet and rainy; autumn is sunny and cool; winter is cold. Generally speaking rain and heat come in the same season. Besides, favorable climate and enough sunshine provide very good condition for the growth of crops. Changchun teems with corn and soybean; therefore it is praised as barn.City of Automobiles: Changchun is the cradle of Chinese automobile industry, a famous auto city in China. On July 13, 1956, a truck branded with Jiefang was produced, which opened a new age for Chinese auto industry. This truck was the first automobile entirely made by Chinese. Famous and Changchun International Automobile Fair makes Changchun a real City of Automobiles.City of Films: Changchun Film Studio was the first one after the found of People's Republic of China. It is praised as the cradle of Chinese film industry. For dozens of years, a great many excellent domestic films and dubbed films were produced here which gained a good fame for Changchun Film Studio both at home and abroad. As a calling card of Changchun, ceremonious Changchun Film Festival has enhanced its honor City of Film. Film is an intermedium. People outside Changchun have known more about this city through film; while Changchun has presented more of itself by films.It is undeniable that Changchun is also a good travel destination. The natural sceneries of Changchun lie in lakes and forests. Nanhu Park (South Lake Park), Jingyuetan National Forest Park are good places for you to enjoy the pleasure given by nature. Especially in winter the whole Changchun city will give you a real enjoyment of genuine winter. Besides, there are colonial vestiges, such as Puppet Emperor's Palace, Badabu. Still Changchun Film Studio and Changchun Movie City provide you another different kind of enjoyment comparing with simply watching movies in cinemas. As the fast development of tourist industry, those related tourist facilities in Changchun are also in a quick growth. Nowadays there are more than 30 star-rated hotels in Changchun, among which three hotels are five-star rated. 51 trains begin or pass by Changchun Railway Station everyday; more than thirty domestic airlines and four international lines of Changchun Longjia International Airport provide you much convenience of transportation. Four main speedways have connected Changchun with many parts of China. At present there are four special tourist trains having been in use, Changchun to Xianghai (for watching lovely birds), Changchun to Changbai Mountain (for enjoying Heavenly Lake), Changchun to Jilin (for tasting real ice and snow) and Changchun to Hunchun (for feel exotic flavor of Russia).Nightlife of Changchun is not as colorful and romantic as that of other big cities in China, such as Shanghai, Beijing, however, it has its own distinctive flavor which can be only known after you taste it in person. Various kinds of pubs, coffee bars, teahouses and other amusement centers will make you feel at ease.

Sichuan Travel Guide

Sichuan Province, located in southwest China, is one of the largest and most inaccessible provinces in the nation. This province covers an area of 485,000 kilometers (187,000 miles) and boasts the largest population in China, with 87 million people.

When to go

Sichuan is bordered by the Tibetan Plateau in the west and by the Three Gorges and the Yangtze River in the east. The eastern part of the Sichuan basin is ringed by lofty mountains and experiences a subtropical and humid climate. The western part is considered the highland area and experiences frequent fog with intense sunlight, but low temperatures. The annual rainfall in this province is 1000 millimeters and the average annual temperature is 16.5C.

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan and is the cultural and industrial center for the agricultural Chengdu Plain. Chengdu was one of the first centers of printing in China and has been famous for its luxurious satins, brocades, and lacquer ware since the 13th century.

Chengdu is also home to the Chengdu Giant Panda Research Base, one of the most important centers in the world for the captive conservation of the Giant Panda. The Research Centre has evolved into China Panda City. Panda City encompasses a museum, as well as the Chengdu Zoo.

Sichuan is known as the 'Land of Abundance' and has three places on the World Cultural and Natural Heritage List: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, Huang Long Valley (Yellow Dragon Valley) and Mount Emeishan including Leshan Giant Buddha. Visitors to this province can experience a wide variety of beautiful landscapes including plateaus, mountains, ravines, basins, hills, plains, rivers, lakes, hot springs, waterfalls and limestone caves. In addition, tourists can visit important historic relics and taste the delicious spicy Sichuan Cuisine.

What to see

Mt. Emeishan

Emeishan is one of the four most sacred Buddhist Mountains in China. Local legend has it that the mountain derived its name from two peaks that face each other and resemble eyebrows. The undulating peaks, covered with lush forests and green bamboo occupy an area of more than 300 square kilometers (116 square miles) in southwest Sichuan Province.

Mt. Emeishan draws many types of visitors, from pilgrims making sacred journeys to climbers attempting to scale the magnificent heights. Most of the monasteries and temples on Mt. Emeishan were built during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220AD), while others were added later. As a well-known Buddhist sanctuary, Mt. Emeishan once had more than 100 monasteries. The mountain is known for its steep cliffs, lofty peaks, roaring waterfalls, gurgling springs, towering trees and fragrant flowers.

Mt. Qingcheng

Qingcheng Mountain is located just southwest of Dujiangyan. Mt. Qingcheng is also known as Green City Mountain because the towering peaks covered with a dense forest of ancient trees are thought to resemble city battlements. Nestled among the lofty trees are 108 monasteries, temples and pavilions with the highest peak, Laoxiaoding (Old Heaven Top), rising 1,600 meters (5,250ft) above sea level.

Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area

Jiuzhaigou is a deep valley of stunning natural beauty, approximately 620 square kilometers (240 square miles) and is located in north Sichuan. It is a national park and has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The name Jiuzhaigou refers to the 9 Tibetan villages that are situated in the valley. The valley has a variety of natural scenery - lakes, waterfalls, snowy mountains and lush green forests. There are also more than 100 lakes of various sizes and shapes that sparkle with color in the flickering sunlight.

Huang Long Valley (Yellow Dragon Valley)

Huang Long Valley has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. In 1992 it entered 'China World Cultural and Natural Heritage List'. It covers an area of about 700 square kilometers (270 square miles) and has two parts: Huang Long and Muni Gorge.

Huang Long has unique scenery, rich natural resources and a primeval forest. The majestic and unrivalled emerald lakes, layered waterfalls, colorful forests, snow peaks and Tibetan folk villages blend harmoniously into the mountains and sparkle like jewels. Huang Long is known as a 'mountain fairyland.'

Dujiangyan Irrigation Project of China

The Dujiangyan Irrigation Project was completed around 250 BC during the Warring States Period. Prior to its construction, the Chengdu plain was prone to flooding in the winter and drought in the summer.

Libing, a governor of Shu in the Qin state, created the system. Libing employed a method of channeling and dividing the water to harness the Minjiang Rivers. This was accomplished by separating the project into two main parts; the headwork and the irrigation system. The project effectively controls flooding and provides a method of irrigation.

Leshan Giant Buddha

Leshan Giant Buddha is an enormous statue carved into the side of Lingyun Mountain. The Buddha is over 71 meters (230 feet) tall and is wide enough for more than 100 people to sit between its feet.

The massive carving began in 713 AD during the Tang Dynasty and was completed in 803 AD. The Buddha overlooks the confluence of the Min, Qingyi and Dadu rivers and is reputed to be the largest carved stone Buddha in the world. A local saying says, 'The Mountain is a Buddha, the Buddha is a mountain'.

Folk Customs

As one of the largest provinces, Sichuan has more than 15 minority ethnic groups living side by side with the Han people. Among these are the Yi, Hui, Quian, Tibetan and Miao people. Each of these minorities has its own charm, ethnic style and folk customs.

Each of the minorities also has its own festivals. Some of the local festivals are; the Leshan Giant Buddha International Tourist Festival, Southland Ice and Snow Festival, Liangshan Yi Ethnic Minority Torch Festival and Zigong Lantern Festival.

What to eat

Sichuan Cuisine is one of the Eight Great Cuisines in China and is famous all over the world for its richness and variety. Characterized by spicy and pungent flavors, Sichuan Cuisine, with a myriad of tastes, emphasizes the use of chili, red hot peppers and garlic. Sichuan food is known for being 'spicy' hot! It's said that one who doesn't experience Sichuan food has never reached Sichuan. Typical menu items are: Hot Pot, Smoked Duck, Kung Pao Chicken, Twice Cooked Pork and Mapo Dofu.

Guangzhou Travel Guide

Guangzhou, the South Gate of China, is a prosperous metropolis full of vigor.
Guangzhou is the capital city of Guangdong, and the center of its political, economic, scientific, educational and cultural life. Sui (Ears of Rice) is short for Guangzhou and the City of Ram (Yang Cheng) is also an alias of Guangzhou. The kapok is the city flower and the kapok tree is the city tree of Guangzhou.
Guangzhou is located in the middle south of Guangdong Province, north of the Pearl River Delta. It lies close to the South China Sea, Hong Kong, and Macau. Zhujiang (The Pearl River), the third largest river of China, runs through Guangzhou and is navigable to the South China Sea. Situated in such an excellent geographical region, Guangzhou is called China's South Gate.

Covering an area of 7434.4 square kilometers (2870 square miles), Guangzhou is home to more than 11 million people, including a 3.7 million transitory population. With the opening of China to the outside world, a large number of people from other regions of China swarmed into Guangzhou, one of the first 'open' cities in China. This has accelerated its economic development.
Guangzhou is a famous historical city. In ancient days, Guangzhou was the capital city for three Chinese dynasties: the Nan Yue (South Yue), the Nan Han (South Han) and the Nanming (South Ming). Thus it was put in the list of the 24 most famous historical cultural cities and became a tourist destination. You can not understand most Chinese cities deeply until you know their history. This is true of Guangzhou. Many historic sights: the Western Han Nanyue King's Tomb Museum, the Zhenhai Tower and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall tell us the 2,000-year history of Guangzhou.
Today, Guangzhou retains its ancient customs, but is also a large city full of vigor and current fashions. You can find something worth taking home in Shangxia Jiu Lu, Beijing Lu and Di Shi Fu Lu.
Trying Yue Cai (Cantonese Cuisine), one of eight Chinese famous cuisines, is definitely a must in Guangzhou! Eat delicious food with ingredients you have never heard of.
Hotel facilities and service in Guangzhou are fine. A word of warning: Do make a reservation beforehand if you decide to visit Guangzhou during the Canton Fair. For visitors, especially those plan to attend the Canton Fair, transportation in Guangzhou is more and more convenient. You can choose plane, train, ship or bus.
Guangzhou is famous as a hometown for overseas Chinese. It boasts the largest population of overseas Chinese people. These overseas Chinese do a great deal of good for Guangzhou: opening international markets, bridging Guangzhou and the rest of the world, and establishing many schools, hospitals, nurseries, kindergartens and rest homes in Guangzhou.