/countries/show/china/3.rss en-us Stretching nearly 4,000 miles, China's Yangtze river is the third longest river in the world and the longest in Asia. As the central dividing line between north and south China, the Yangtze river has played an important cultural and economic role throughout the country's long history. While the big tourist spots in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xian can be maddeningly crowded with tours moving at a hectic pace, taking a Yangtze river cruise gives you a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Chinese countryside at a more leisurely pace. Most Yangtze river cruises begin in the small city of Yichang and end in Chongqing, taking you through the Three Gorges of Hubei province. The controversial Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world, was completed in 2008 after displacing over 1 million local residents. Yangtze river cruise passengers have the opportunity to tour the Three Gorges Dam and learn about its many economic benefits. As your ship makes its leisurely way along the vast river, you'll pass through each of the Three Gorges. On misty mornings and rainy afternoons, the mountains to either side of the river take on a mystical aura. No matter the weather, the Three Gorges area is considered one of the most scenic spots in China. Other popular stops along the Yangtze river include the ghost town of Fengdu, where visitors can explore the old temples dedicated to demons and spirits of the dead, and the Shanndong river, a small scenic tributary of the Yangtze. As you disembark in the city of Chongqing, the largest municipality in the world, you'll be in the perfect place to sample spicy hot pot, the local specialty, before continuing on your travels. Fri, 18 May 2012 02:31:09 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/yangtze-river-cruise http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/yangtze-river-cruise You can’t walk down a street in Suzhou without coming across a silk store. Suzhou (also known as Soochow) is one of the top destinations in China for authentic classical gardens, complete with rock gardens, pagodas, glimmering pools full of goldfish, towering bamboo, and intricately carved wood buildings. It is easy to see how the Chinese city has garnered a reputation for being “paradise on earth”. As you stroll along the garden walkways, it’s easy to imagine a time when the gardens catered to silk-clad Chinese ladies carrying dainty parasols, and somber calligraphers dressed in black, enjoying the fresh air. In the midst of this idyllic atmosphere, a vibrant Chinese silk industry flourishes, making Suzhou one of the hubs for the textile industry in China. Grab a ride on a pedicab and ask the driver to take you to one of the popular silk stores on Renmin Street, the main drag, or a silk store on pretty much any major street in town. The Suzhou No 1 Silk Factory is a major attraction. As you enter the store, glimpses of ethereal Chinese silk scarves, shimmering silk gowns, and delicate comforters greet your eyes. In most of the major silk factories in Suzhou, you’ll be treated to a demonstration of how the silk products are made. Silkworm cocoons are dipped into boiling water to kill the silkworm inside. The clean silk cocoons are then pulled and stretched out by hand to spread the fibers. One popular item that most tourists buy in Suzhou is a silk comforter—a comforter stuffed full of fluffed-up silk fibers. The comforters have a reputation for breathability and warmth, and are certainly a luxury item. To doll up the cotton cover of your silk comforter, you can buy a smoothly woven silk duvet cover in a variety of prints; these silk covers can cost more than the silk comforter itself due to the quality of the weaving and dying. You might also want to pick up some Suzhou silk embroidery, silk fans, and other handicrafts. If by any chance you happen to be on the lookout for a wedding gown, head over to Tiger Hill, where an enormous bridal district caters to brides across China. Here you can snag a well-made bridal gown for a bargain price—often just $100 to $200 (USD). Dozens of other stores create custom dresses and sell veils, shoes, and other accessories. Even if you’re not planning a wedding, the wedding district is a sight to see. Grooms and other visitors who are uninterested in the bridal shopping can check out Tiger Hill Pagoda or the canals and streets nearby. After a day of garden-hopping and silk-shopping, you’re sure to be tired. Luckily, Suzhou is a major tourist destination and boasts its fair share of excellent hotels, many of which cater to foreigners. If you’ve got the money, the Sheraton and Holiday Inn are a good bet, and if you’re on a budget, there are several international youth hostels in the center of the city. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:16:31 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/suzhou-silk-factory http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/suzhou-silk-factory China is a veritable foodie's paradise with a unique culinary tradition in every province. Beijing is no exception. One of the best ways to sample some traditional Chinese street foods is at the Donghuamen Night Snack Street in Beijing. The long stretch of road is lined with vendors selling everything from the mundane noodles to the strange, unusual, and sometimes a bit disgusting, but all for a good price. Once the sun goes down, join the throngs of Chinese and international tourists who flock to Donghuamen to fill their bellies or to simply catch a glimpse at some of the strange things people will eat. The red and white striped vendor carts and strings of Chinese lanterns lining the street give Donghuamen market a welcoming glow. The often boisterous vendors happily offer up advice on what to eat and how to eat it. Go hungry and the smells of grilling meats lure will lure you into the Donghuamen market crowd. Being somewhat of an adventurous eater with a personal motto of "I'll try anything once," I dove right into the weird stuff. Within a period of 20 minutes and an expanse of 30 feet, I'd sampled deep-fried crickets, scorpion, bee larvae, starfish, grilled snake, and a variety of pig innards served kabob style. Some of the chinese street food lived up to the less than pleasant expectation I'd built up in my head, filling my mouth with strange flavors and textures that I hope to never revisit. Others, like the bee larvae, offered a nice surprise. I founnd myself enjoying the mild honey flavour and crispy texture. For less adventurous eaters visiting the Donghuamen night market, dine on spring rolls, steamed pork dumplings, crab cakes and traditional Chinese barbecued meats. Sip on fresh squeezed fruit juice with pieces of dry ice dropped in for the added misty effect, and finish off the meal with skewers of cubed fruit coated in a glassy sugar shell, a traditional sweet treat found in street markets throughout China. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:47:22 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/donghuamen-market http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/donghuamen-market All those physics lessons in high school might have been wasted in explaining how an acrobat can teeter on a chair, with the bottom edge precariously balanced on the back of another, when you witness a Beijing acrobatic show. And so the chairs continue, forming a staircase that seems in imminent collapse. Meanwhile, the acrobat balanced on top pirouettes on her feet, while another acrobat clambers over the chairs and leaps to the top of the pile. Props such as Chinese plates and bamboo poles might come out at this point. Though the trappings of Chinese acrobatics are different from Western ones, seeing a Beijing acrobatic show when you visit China will inspire the same awe in the human body. Chinese acrobats are part of a 2000-year-old tradition, which was well developed by the Tang Dynasty. Since acrobats often performed in the streets, simple everyday props were often used, including chairs, tables, cups, plates and wicker rings. This remains true today. The other ubiquitous symbol of China, the bicycle, is also used in almost every major acrobatic show in Beijing. Great spirals of tens of bicycles join together in choreographed movements, while the acrobats control the bike with only one hand, with their feet are up in the air performing a dance. Or perhaps you may find twenty acrobats mounted on one bike more impressive. There are also the more familiar feats at an acrobatic show in Beijing, such as swallowing swords and fire - which despite their familiarity, never become mundane. Since acrobatics have such a long history in China, every major city has performances sometime throughout the year. Beijing hosts various shows year-round, with some shows combining acrobatics and kung-fu, and others just focusing on one or the other. The best Beijing acrobatic shows are hosted at the Chaoyang Theater and the Universal Theater. Prices range from 180 to 480 Yuan (approx. $30 - $80), but can be bought at discounted prices from tour operators. The more expensive Beijing acrobatic show tickets usually include complimentary CDs and pamphlets. Shows are hosted nightly from 7:15 PM. For those on a budget, less famous venues have cheaper tickets for acrobatic shows in Beijing. Chinese acrobatics are a visual spectacle, a tribute to China's history, and a challenge to the human body. Take an evening out, and enjoy the show. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:49:59 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/beijing-acrobatic-show http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/beijing-acrobatic-show Tai Shan is the most revered of China’s five sacred Taoist mountains, known as the Wu Yueh. If you are in the mood for history and culture with a bit of exercise, a trip to Tai Shan is a grand opportunity for thrills and knowledge. Located in the Shandong province, Mt. Tai towers over the captivating scene, and has an elevation of 1,545 meters above sea level. It is a national scenic treasure. UNESCO-listed Mt. Tai became a World Natural and Cultural Heritage in 1987. Tai Shan is considered "a partial miniature of Chinese culture" according to Guo Moruo, a modern Chinese scholar. Mt. Tai's extremely rich cultural heritage has been incorporated with the natural landscape, which is why people consider it a very precious legacy. Tai Shan is considered one of the origins of Chinese civilization, and archeological evidence of human life dates back to over 400,000 years. Around 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, during the Neolithic times, Tai Shan became a major cultural hub with two diverse cultures thriving. The Dawenkou occupied the north, while the Longshan occupied the south. For more than 3,000 years, Chinese emperors and men of reverence from different dynasties considered pilgrimages to Mt. Tai a necessary ritual. Along the years, these activities gained political significance. There are records in stone tablets, rock inscriptions, and temples that provide proof of such pilgrimages. Mt. Tai is also regarded as a centre for religious movement for both Taoism and Buddhism. Several religious temples had been set up in Tai Shan. In BC 351, a famous monk called Lang came to the holy mountain and built the Lang and Divine Rock temples. Throughout 420-589 AD, more temples were set up in the sacred mountain. These temples, including the Jade Spring Temple, Pervading Light Temple and God's Treasure Temple, were set up during the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Moreover, the Divine Rock Temple was regarded as the first of the four temple wonders of China by Prime Minister Li Jiefu of the Tang Dynasty. Currently, Tai Shan was given the designation “World Geo Park” in 2006. This title was awarded to Tai Shan because of its impressive views—astonishing and tranquil with ragged cliffs, canyons and gorges, strange rock formations, lavish flora and a string of flowing springs and waterfalls. The sight of the rising sun over Tai Shan is one of the many natural sights that attract visitors from half a globe away. Hence, the mountain is also known for its jade coloured skies and the unusual phenomena of illumination apparent on the Bixia (Azure Cloud) Temple. There are two well-known routes that can be followed to reach the Tai Shan summit. The central route is the more popular one because you can witness a lot of cultural and historical relics, bridges, pavilions, carvings and stone inscriptions along the way. The central path is the location where Confucius started his ascent to pay honour to Mt. Tai Shan. Normally, it takes six hours to reach the summit if you hike on a regular pace. The western course is more of a scenic route than a historical and cultural route, with more natural sights to see than the central route. However, it lacks the cultural highlights. The two routes come together with the main or central road which then takes you to the Midway Gate. Along the routes, there are a number of tea houses, restaurants and shops that you can visit. If ever your load is too weighty to carry, there are porters (“tiaofu”) who can help you in carrying your stuff. Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:40:38 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/tai-shan http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/tai-shan The Xintiandi district of Shanghai is where the trendy, well-heeled and in-the-know go to dine, shop, and be seen. This award-winning district is located near the French Concession of Shanghai, in the heart of Shanghai's expatriate-friendly dining and nightlife area. Walking through Xintiandi (which means “New Heaven and Earth”) is a strange but charming juxtaposition of old and new. One of the first lifestyle centres to be deliberately renovated and designed in Shanghai, Xintiandi is composed of renovated shikumen (traditional stone gate houses) that have now been turned into art galleries, restaurants, and shops. These stone houses, shikumen, were enormously popular in Shanghai in the 1860s, and are comprised of stone townhouses that line narrow stone alleyways. They were known for their strong stone doorways with large stone lintels demarcating the entrance to the house. Throughout the 1920s, they were common residential houses in Shanghai. A small shikumen museum is located in the heart of Xintiandi, if you'd like to learn more about the traditional houses. Today, however, the happening district of Xintiandi is everything but traditional. Restaurants here are priced like Western restaurants, and you won't get the feeling that you're in the “real China”. Of course, what is the real China? Isn't the “real China” the modern as well as the traditional? In that case, Xintiandi embodies much of what Shanghai is becoming as it steps out onto the world stage. This is especially true when you consider the hundreds of people who were relocated in the building of Xintiandi, a widespread phenomenon among the rapid development of Shanghai. There are a few excellent restaurants here that offer the best of Shanghai cuisine. I often go to Xintiandi to visit Bellagio, a Taiwanese restaurant that offers innovative and modern Asian dishes, such as celeriac salad, and durian shaved ice. Din Tai Fung has one of their branches in Xintiandi, and this excellent noodle and dumpling restaurant has some of the best “xiao long bao” (steamed soup buns), in the city. These dumplings, a Shanghai specialty, have thin, tender skins steamed to perfection, filled to bursting with succulent meat and fragrant soup. Ye Shanghai is another great restaurant for upscale Shanghainese cuisine. For more familiar Western food, the patisserie at Paul's offers excellent pastries and coffee. As for shopping, you can find a branch of global fashion brand Shanghai Tang here, as well as various shops specializing in local artists' products. If your goal is to experience traditional Chinese culture, Xintiandi probably won't be at the top of your must-visit list. However, if you want to see how urban Chinese centers like Shanghai are evolving, in the style of trendy global hot spots like Soho in New York and Lan Kwai Fong in Hong Kong, Xintiandi is the perfect place to go. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:18:45 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/xintiandi-in-shanghai http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/xintiandi-in-shanghai Amid the glittering skyscrapers of Shanghai, Yu Yuan Garden is an enclave of traditional Chinese architecture and a classical garden. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Shanghai, Yu Yuan Garden is worth a visit for the garden and teahouses, especially if you don't get a chance to go to the nearby garden cities of Suzhou and Hangzhou. But beautiful as it is, the true attraction for many who visit Yu Yuan Gardens is the enormous bazaar that extends from the central area and the entrance to the garden, to the outskirts of the local neighborhood. Here, great deals on all sorts of things can be found, from embroidered slippers, “new” antiques, lucky charms, fake paper money to burn for your ancestors' ghosts, parasols, and other knickknacks. The Yu Yuan Garden and Bazaar in Shanghai is a great place to souvenir shop for friends, and an ideal place to find key chains commemorating the 2008 Beijing Olympics, for example, and paraphernalia featuring “Beibao”, the Gumby-esque mascot of the 2010 World Expo. There is also a wide assortment of items made from Chinese silk, such as cushion covers, purses, table runners, placemats, and ready-made traditional Chinese dresses known as “qipao”. Foot-tall replicas of the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an, so-called “antique” postcards and posters featuring the iconic “beautiful girls” of Shanghai in the pre-Communist days, custom-carved stone chops (the red stamp you see on a lot of Chinese paintings), and hundreds of Mao's little red books, are all kitschy but fun souvenirs of China. The key to getting a deal at the Yu Yuan Bazaar is being a hard-nosed bargainer. None of the items have pre-set prices, and if you're a foreigner, you're an obvious target to be overcharged. Generally speaking, you can expect that the price quoted to you has been inflated by at least 200 percent; so when you're asked to name a price, try to bargain for a third to half the value of the original quoted price. Never, ever accept the first price you're quoted. If the seller isn't giving in on the price, simply shrug, smile, and walk away. Nine times out of ten the seller will call you back and give you the price you want. That being said, as a tourist, it makes it a more pleasant experience if you give in a little bit on your price too. It’s better to pay a dollar or two more and leave the transaction with both of you smiling. Keep in mind that the majority of the items at the Yu Yuan Bazaar in Shanghai are cheaply-made, so don't fall into the trap of paying hundreds of dollars for jade or pearl jewellery. Most of the time, the jade and pearls are of low quality and are not worth much as precious stones, although they make pretty accessories. If you're a smart shopper with a good eye for quality, you can have a great time at the Yu Yuan Bazaar and Gardens, and come away with some interesting cheap souvenirs that will wow your friends back home. Thu, 12 May 2011 03:38:09 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/yu-yuan-gardens http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/yu-yuan-gardens Climbing Tibet’s Potala Palace at 3,700 m (12,100 ft), is a difficult task indeed. The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, made famous as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama until 1959, was first built by a Tibetan king in AD 637, and used primarily as a meditation retreat. Potala Palace was rebuilt in 1645 to be used as the fifth Dalai Lama's seat of government. Today, Potala Palace is situated between two major monasteries in old Lhasa, and is a museum housing thousands of shrines, statues and manuscripts within its countless rooms. Clearing the last turn on the last set of stairs, you will be greeted by panoramic views of the city of Lhasa.The altitude affords unlimited visibility, and the azure skies, dabbed with a few delicate clouds, is an ideal backdrop for any photographer. Even point-and-shoot cameras make postcard-perfect photos. The Potala Palace in Tibet was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, and has emerged largely unscathed from the Tibetan uprising and the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Today, thousands of tourists visit the Potala Palace in Lhasa each day, often led by tour guides spewing facts and figures while herding their charges through the narrow halls and steep ladder-like staircases. The Potala Palace’s thirteen stories and inwardly inclined walls house the White Palace: the Dalai Lama's personal living quarters; and The Red Palace, devoted to religious meditation and study. Also included are four main chapels and the ornate tomb of the thirteenth Dalai Lama, containing treasures of gold, jewels and pearls. After being led from one incense-rich room after another, your Tibetan guide will describe statues of benevolent bodhisattvas and religious artwork. Often former monks themselves, the guides’ accented descriptions combine with the heady aroma of yak butter, and will fill your head with visions of old Tibet. After the last statue and room has been given its due, you’ll emerge out into the sunshine, and make the long decent down paths of crimson and white, lined with slowly revolving prayer wheels. Many famous landmarks in the world are disappointing after all the appearances in literature or movies. But Tibet's Potala Palace in Lhasa dominates the physical and cultural landscape, and is filled with history and layered with tradition. You’ll be catching your breath in more ways than one. Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:52:19 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/potala-palace http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/potala-palace China is the fourth largest country in the world, but when travelling through rural China, with combined train and bus journeys often lasting up to 36 hours, it can feel like the largest country in the world. Although this can be a test in personality and patience, put away those dark parts of your soul and remember that it’s about the journey, not the destination. Okay, maybe in China it actually is about the destination. My intrepid travel partner and I made the trip one hour east of Yongding to explore the world of the Hakka, (meaning “guest people”), an ethnic minority who migrated from northern China during times of war. For one night, we were to live as they do, in a tulou. Although there is debate about when the first tulou was built, the Hakka have been living in these massive roundhouses since at least the 18th Century. As of 2008, UNESCO deemed the tulou a World Heritage Site. While the younger generation is beginning to seek cleaner, more modern apartments, older generation Hakka continue to live in the thirty thousand tulous scattered between the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Jiangxi and Fujian. Most tulous can be found in Yongding County in the western part of beautiful Fujian province. A tulou resembles a giant fortress, which is the point of these unique dwellings as the Hakka built them for protection from bandits, wild animals, famine, and persecution. Multi-generational families live in communal style, and share cooking, basic survival chores, and tend to livestock. Because the Hakka have not integrated into local Chinese culture, and continue to speak their own dialect, there is great dependency on one another. The largest tulous can accommodate up to six hundred people. While the first tulous were rectangular, more modern tulous are circular. The walls are made of mud, rice, adobe and bamboo. Standing in the middle of a tulou feels like being in a bullring or a Greek amphitheatre with the sky large and full above you. The rooms in which families dwell encircle the courtyard vertically, and can be up to five storeys high surrounded by wooden balconies and laundry hanging to dry. The courtyard is the communal area with storage rooms, a well, cooking houses, and livestock such as pigs, chickens and goats. It is also where the Hakka cook, perform chores, eat, entertain, and pray to a central clan shrine. Arriving in Liulian after two days of travel, we were instantly met by a local who mimed the action for sleep and led us across the street to the rustic Huangxin Lou: a very old and traditional tulou still housing many Hakka. We were led through the courtyard and up several rickety staircases to our very basic lodging. It consisted of a bare room with a light bulb, wooden boards for beds, blankets, a padlock for security, and a bucket for our business—all at the low price of $2. There is no running water at Huangxin Lou, however the Backpacker’s Station across the street allows you to shower. After having a few beers to muster up some liquid courage, we retired to our room later that night. Although somewhat eerie, extremely dark, and definitely not the comfort of The Four Seasons, our stay was strangely quiet except for the loud beating of our hearts. The Hakka were preparing for a celebration and, unfortunately, we missed out on the pre-party while touring neighbouring tulous that included Zhencheng Lou: thought to be the perfect roundhouse. We awoke early the following morning and left among our guests who were performing their daily chores with little notice of our presence. One piece of advice: when the huge bolted tulou door closes at 10 p.m… they definitely don't mean 10:01pm. Sun, 02 Jan 2011 05:08:28 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/hakka-tulou http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/hakka-tulou For those of us whose idea of modern China consists of crowded, hectic cities and growing pollution, the experience of visiting Yellow Mountain, or Huangshan, is a welcome relief from the frenetic pace of modernization. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Yellow Mountain in Anhui province is the most famous natural tourist attraction in China, and has the sweeping mountain views, bamboo forests, and ancient pine trees that inspired the cinematography of movies such as “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” which was filmed on location at Yellow Mountain. The unexpected majesty of Huangshan is truly awe-inspiring as you gaze out at the huge peaks and boulders of the mountain range around you while riding in comfort up the slopes of Yellow Mountain on a gondola. You can't have a tourist attraction in China without a gondola ride, but you can, of course, hike up and down Yellow Mountain if you prefer a more rugged experience. Some of the ancient pine trees are over 1,500 years old, such as the “Ying Ke Song,” or “Welcoming Guest Pine,” one of Yellow Mountain’s most iconic features. The most popular activity at the peak is to watch the sunrise in the wee hours of the morning. Although the best spots for doing so are usually crowded with tourists, you can easily find a more secluded location. Many of the rock formations have been named, and your tourist map will identify monkeys, dragons, and other fantastic creatures. However, you may perhaps enjoy the scenery better if you just look and absorb the beauty. One of the most famous views at the Yellow Mountain Range is the “Sea of Clouds”. With extremely variable weather, mists constantly flow around the mountain peaks. If you're lucky, these mists will settle around the peaks so that the mountains seem to be jutting out of a sea of clouds: a popular subject in traditional Chinese paintings. Rivers, lakes, and hot springs are also plentiful around Yellow Mountain, and visits to these can easily fill up a couple of days in addition to visiting the mountain. The village of Hongcun nearby, at the foot of the Yellow Mountain, is a popular stop. This traditional village looks much as it did a thousand years ago, and the village scenes of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” were filmed here. Today, Hongcun has surprisingly retained much of its period charm, with local villagers washing clothing in the clear channels of water flowing through the streets of the village, building wooden boats by hand, and selling quaint handmade handicrafts and local teas. Hongcun is a wonderful place to stay for the adventurous traveller. Guest rooms can be found at extremely reasonable prices, offering you the priceless experience and romance of sleeping in a traditional village. Fri, 31 Dec 2010 03:54:37 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/huangshan-mountain http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/huangshan-mountain The toboggans are lined up and released in groups of four or five. The road ahead is a smooth metallic ride of twists and turns with occasional straights for momentum gaining speed. The air is crisp, the view is hilly and like any downward ride, the end comes about way too quickly and you just want to go back up and go again. The difference is, there is no snow capped peaks or even ski resort landscape, in fact the location is China and I am tobogganing down the Great Wall. Well not literally, but close enough. The Mutianyu Great Wall crosses the mountain ridges connecting Juyongguan Pass to the west and Gubeikou to the east. It is located in the Huairou County northeast of the Beijing urban area. Mutianyu is a section of the Great Wall of China which is situated 70km northeast of Beijing. First built in the mid 6th century, it is one of the oldest sections of the wall. In 1569 , the Mutianyu Great wall was rebuilt and today most parts of it are well preserved. The wall is built mainly with granite and is 7-8 metres high and 4-5 metres wide. This part of the wall has 22 watchtowers along the 2,250 metre long stretch. Both the outer and inner parapets are crenelated with merlons, so that shots could be fired at the enemy on both sides - a feature very rare on other parts of the Great Wall. From the car park, a short walk past the enthusiastic store holders takes you to the base of this section of the wall. There are some choices to reach the wall. The cable cars are very scenic, but don’t take this option if you are afraid of heights. Hikers choose to ascend up the many stairs. Your cable car ticket will take you back down again after you have explored the views and marveled at the architecture of this structure, or on the same ticket, you can literally, hop on a toboggan and slide down the Great Wall of China. Fri, 06 Aug 2010 02:51:38 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/great-wall-toboggan http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/great-wall-toboggan Early morning wake-up calls to beat the rising sun. Forty minute hikes up steep and slippery steps, with camera bag and tripod, to reach a vantage point over the terraced rice fields, as well as the hotel stop for the night. Constantly thinking about what aperture, angle, what light the day has to offer for the potential ‘money shot’. The rewards can be unbelievable. A single moment of calm, the perfect symmetry of a mountain, the glassy glaze on the river in the early morning light. A photo adventure tour can and will provide all this and more. China is a stunning country, especially in the desirably photographic and often complimented province of Guanxi, along the Li River. As a solo amateur photographer, without local knowledge, the challenge of capturing it would be overwhelming, but a photo tour provides a combination of local knowledge and professional photographer experience as well as fellow photographers to share the experience with. In a new country with long days and challenges to meet, be it lack of sun, long travel days or just ravenous mosquitoes, the camaraderie of a photo group is definitely a lifeline. Share a lens, an idea, or just a bottle of wine at the end of a long, tiring shooting day and the photo experience becomes more than just a portfolio update or treasured shot to hang on the bedroom wall, it becomes an adventure and group of memories never replaced, and always at the heart of the resulting photos. At times, it can be tempting to be a tourist and take snapshots in such an amazing and different location. The photo tour helps you to focus on the task at hand and continue to challenge yourself to take technically strong photos and not fall into the tourist snapshot trap. For anyone who loves landscape and wants to expand their photographic skills, photo tours provide a unique way to combine travel and photography. The workload can be challenging. Typically a five day shoot involves three or four early morning rises to selected locations and light dependant evening shoots as well. Snap visions of terraced rice fields, misty valleys, river side mountains and ancient temples. The key is always in the flexibility, sometimes new opportunities arise at the last minute, weather conditions change or you can choose to take downtime to edit photos or rest. One day is usually dedicated to detail work, taking that step back from the sweeping landscapes to capture the very essence of a town, or country in its often hidden details. There is also plenty of time for photo review and feedback and of course opportunity to taste the local cuisine and brew. Memories are captured in the carefully crafted and created photos that you take away on your memory card at the end of the trip and... you will want to go back for more. Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:56:53 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/china-photography-course http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/china-photography-course The history of roasted duck in China dates back to the Southern and Northern dynasties when this delicacy, originally named “Shaoyazi” was traditionally only available to the emperor. What is now known as Peking Duck was fully developed during the Ming Dynasty and remains today both a delicacy and a tradition in China. Many renowned chefs, including British Chef Jamie Oliver have put their own spin on this recipe, but the opportunity to try Peking Duck in its country of origin really should not be missed. “You have to try Peking Duck in Beijing” were the words resonating in my mind as I stepped into one of the many fine restaurants in Beijing offering this cuisine. The distant memory of a previous ‘bad duck dining’ experience making me only slightly hesitant as my fellow diners bowled through the door in anticipation of this taste sensation. The preparation of the duck for this meal actually commences with the breeding process. Ducks are bred specially with a set breeding timeframe and they are killed seasoned and cooked using a very specific preparation process, details of which are generally guarded by the chef. Traditionally they are roasted in an enclosed oven or hung oven and slowly cooked. The subsequent presentation of the Peking duck is just as important. In our private dining room, the process of serving began to unfold after our Jasmine tea and a few initial appetisers swung around on the lazy Susan for full Chinese dining effect. The Peking Duck is prized for its thin crispy skin and the mark of authenticity is the chef himself carving the morsel at the table. What I didn’t actually realise was that this dish is most often eaten with small Mandarin pancakes, crisp spring onion and a hoisin sauce. This self preparation of lovingly folding the duck stuffed pancakes without losing their filling and then letting these tastes blend together in your mouth didn’t fail to please. The remaining duck is never wasted, with it usually made into broth, stir fry or in our case, offered as bone heavy morsels to chew on...not really for the faint hearted this bit but receiving excellent feedback from those who choose to partake. I can’t really imagine an emperor gnawing on duck bones, but I do see the attraction of such a lovingly prepared rich meat, definitely fit for a king...or a traveller. Fri, 16 Jul 2010 05:02:36 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/peking-duck-beijing http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/peking-duck-beijing Many traditions are changed or lost over time. Hunting and gathering cultures have long been replaced by online, fast paced and immediate. China a country of contrast, is a busy metropolis around many corners, but in some regions of Guangxi like Guilin and Yangshuo, it still hangs on to some of its traditional conventions. The Cormorant fishermen of China are a small example of this. Once a successful industry in both China and Japan, more efficient fishing techniques have subsequently been developed so that Cormorant fishing is now primarily sustained by the tourism industry. Thankfully foraging forward, it provides visitors with a glimpse into this ancient ritual and leaves us in wonder of such a process. Dressed in traditional costume, the fishermen ride on small bamboo rafts lined with Cormorant birds. Lit by a simple lamp the Cormorant fishermen of the Li River (Lijiang River) paddle out slowly and then use a pole to encourage the birds into the water, where they dive for fish. A small snare is placed around the throat of the birds so that they cannot swallow any large fish, which then enables the fishermen to remove the catch from their throats when they return to the raft. It is a traditional fishing technique that does initially seem to have a small element of the cruelty to it, as the birds are dunked into the water to do their job and then dutifully re-appear with their catches without being able to feed. Like any such process, the Cormorant birds are trained and well kept to produce the most efficient results. With a history spanning over 1300 years, the practice of Cormorant fishing along the Li River yields large catches that provide not only a feast for spectators but for some hungry consumer later. Guilin and Yangshou, where Cormorant fishing is still practiced, provides some spectacular landscape photography opportunities. As morning unfolds along the Li River the limestone hills reveal themselves, flawlessly blending the Cormorant Fishermen against the ancient landscape. As morning light grows, the birds grow weary and the fishermen are keen to wrap things up. Birds frolic amorously with each other on the raft, showing no signs of discomfort and proud of their morning’s work. Gathering up the catch of fish, calmness is broken by the unnatural sound of blaring music. It's just a mobile going off ... the Cormorant fishermen need to stay in touch too. It's just not quite like the old days! Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:53:24 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/cormorant-fishing http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/cormorant-fishing Hong Kong is one of the world’s most vibrant cities, and for the uninitiated can seem overwhelming. The crush of crowds in Causeway Bay, the polished skyscrapers in Central, the local eateries where servers rush to and fro shouting in Cantonese, the never-ending rush to shop, shop, shop – it all begins to blur a little after a day or two of sightseeing. One excellent way to enjoy local culture and experience a moment of serenity in the middle of the city is to take the Star Ferry across Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour in the evening. One of the city's icons, the Star Ferry ride is cheap, has local flair, and offers a great view of the Hong Kong skyline and harbur front illuminated at night. The Star Ferry has been in operation by the Kowloon Ferry Company since 1888, making it one of the oldest tourist attractions in the heart of the glittering, modern Hong Kong harbour front. The most famous route is between the areas of Central, on Hong Kong Island, and Tsim Sha Tsui, across the harbour on the Kowloon side. You may recognize the distinctive ferries from the 1961 film, “The World of Suzie Wong”. Riding the Star Ferry has been incorporated into Hong Kong’s convenient mass transit system, and with a swipe of your Octopus card (the transit card that can be used on the subway, on buses, and even at 7/11s), your fare of about 2 Hong Kong dollars is deducted (about $0.26 USD). From there, join dozens of locals and foreigners as you walk down to the loading area. Once on the boat, choose a seat, preferably near the side, and gaze as the view of the Hong Kong skyline passes quietly by. On the Central side, you can see the Bank of China Tower lit up in jagged lines – the dagger-like building supposedly flings negative feng-shui energy at its neighbour, the HSBC building (which in turn is reputed to have the best feng-shui energy in Hong Kong). Don’t forget to take a look at the International Finance Center Tower, popularly known as IFC, the tallest building in Hong Kong. If you happen to be taking the Star Ferry at 8pm, you may catch the Hong Kong Symphony of Lights show, which lights up the Central skyline with a phenomenal display of LED lights, lasers, and on special occasions, fireworks. The Hong Kong Symphony of Lights show is the world's largest permanent light show, with performances every evening along Victoria Harbour front. It is better to try and watch the light show while standing on the Tsim Sha Tsui side, however, as you will have an unobstructed view as you watch the 14-minute show. Tue, 25 May 2010 15:17:59 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/star-ferry http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/star-ferry The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival in China is a fascinating cultural experience. Strolling along the waterfront in Xiamen, a small coastal city in southern China, it's exciting to witness celebrants lighting sky lanterns and watching them float up into the dark sky like red and orange stars. These Mid-Autumn festival paper lanterns are roughly balloon shaped, with a bundle of rags tied underneath them. When the rags are set aflame, the balloons begin to fill up with hot air until they float up into the night sky. While these sky lanterns can’t be very safe (we once witnessed a burning pile of rags dropping down from the sky and just missing a couple of girls on a motor scooter), they are certainly a fun and beautiful way to celebrate the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival—a harvest festival celebrated in many Asian countries. In China, the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, takes place on the eve of the first full moon during the 8th month on the lunar calendar. The Festival traditionally celebrates the harvest, and a major part of the festivities centre on admiration of the moon, which at this time of year is usually round and yellow, like a giant egg yolk. Eating foods that resemble the moon is popular during this time, and many families eat pomelos (a large, sweet Asian grapefruit), persimmons (fruit of the tomato family), and of course round mooncakes. Mooncakes are enormously popular at this time of year with their cookie crust filled with sweet lotus paste and a round salted duck’s egg yolk. Families often cut the mooncake into wedges, and share its rich sweet flavour as they admire the moon. A curious folktale surrounds the tradition of eating mooncakes. Apparently, many years ago, Ming dynasty revolutionaries who were fighting against the Mongolian Yuan dynasty conquerors, smuggled messages to each other baked inside the mooncakes. This worked because the enemy, who did not have the custom of eating mooncakes, did not intercept the messages. In addition to lighting sky lanterns, many people will light colourful paper lanterns and carry them on the end of a stick. In China, skilled artisans make huge lanterns in the shape of animals and buildings, lighting them from the inside with electric lights, resulting in fantastic and elaborate displays of awesome colour. Other traditional celebrations of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival include dragon dances, where acrobatic dancers will don dragon costumes in a ceremonial dance. In some parts of China and other Asian countries, residents will put on traditional Chinese clothing to celebrate the Festival. Oftentimes, performances are held that depict the story of the legendary Chang’e (the Moon Goddess), and her image is commonly featured on boxes of mooncakes. According to ancient legend, Chang’e was the beautiful wife of a famous hunter. When she discovered a hidden immortality pill among her husband’s belongings, she accidentally swallowed it and floated up into the sky; thus becoming an immortal living on the moon with her companion, the Jade Rabbit. Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:22:56 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/mid-autumn-festival http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/mid-autumn-festival Jiayuguan Fort in China's northwestern Gansu Province is one of the most exotic, faraway places you can visit in the world. Jiayuguan is a small town whose name means "excellent valley pass" and is home to the last outpost of the Great Wall of China. Gansu Province is a land of vast desert, jutting snow-capped mountains, flaming hills, secret caves filled with Buddhist grottoes, camels, sand dunes, and the last mud remnants of the western end of the Great Wall. This culminates at Jiayuguan Fort, a huge trapezoid-shaped fort that once marked the final boundary of the Chinese empire. As legend has it, when a citizen was banished, they were required to exit through the Jiayuguan gate into the west, never to return. Jiayuguan Fort is an immense structure. The walls, which are made of brown mud, rise menacingly out of the hard desert dirt, dwarfing most similar structures in eastern China. From the ramparts of Jiayuguan Fort, it’s possible to see south to the majestic Qilian Mountain. Even in the piercing heat of August, the mountain peak remains capped in snow. Local vendors set up stands here where you can try your hand at shooting a bow and arrow off the ramparts. At the far end of the Fort, a small group of nomads also offer camel rides. A dusty museum close by provides loads of information about the Great Wall—far more than I'd ever found before or since. A highlight of the Great Wall Museum is a huge scale model of the Great Wall, which contrary to popular belief, is actually a series of walls that extend across northern China. They begin in Shanghaiguan at Qinghuangdao in the east, and end at Jiayuguan. The Jiayuguan Fort was constructed during the Ming Dynasty, as early as 1372, and it is considered to be the oldest intact military building from ancient China—a superlative not easily earned. From the Jiayuguan Fort, shuttle over to the “Overhanging Great Wall,” a restored section of the Wall that connects the Fort with nearby Black Mountain. It is at the Overhanging Great Wall that you can actually climb the Wall in the traditional sense, getting an intense view of the surrounds from the steep steps of the Great Wall that lead up the mountainside. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:17:41 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/jiayuguan-fort http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/jiayuguan-fort Cruising down the Li River in the Guilin area of China is one of the most memorable ways to experience the natural Chinese landscape. Imagine floating down a peaceful river, ice-cold drink in your hand; while around you, rising up on the banks of the jade-green river, countless karst peaks tower into the sky—majestic renderings of a classical Chinese landscape. Bamboo rafts fitted with chairs and steered by oarsman cruise down the many tributaries of the Li River. Skillfully plying a long bamboo pole through both deep and shallow waters, you are able to relax, forget your worries, and enjoy the misty jade and emerald-hued Guilin landscape. The surrounding karst mountains are curiously eroded and worn into fantastic shapes; their ancient limestone peaks carved with hidden caves and gullies. Guilin is one of the most famous areas of natural beauty in China, and an especially prized jewel of Southern China. Of course, no Li River cruise is complete without food and drinks, and various floating restaurants and shops on our route offered ice-cold beers, soft drinks, snacks, and even digital photos of us cruising on our bamboo rafts. Whenever the weather gets to hot to bare, you can jump right into the fresh water for a refreshing swim. A Li River cruise offers great perspective into Guilin’s limestone mountains which were formed hundreds of millions of years ago, when the entire area was underwater in a shallow salty sea. Over time, the salt water dissolved and wore away at the limestone floor, creating peaks and valleys. As the earth’s crust shifted over many millions of years, the karst mountains were raised above sea level and subsequent erosion by wind and waves sculpted the hills into the unique topography we can see today in Guilin. The town of Yangshuo (not Guilin City, as might be expected) is the jumping-off point for many Li River cruises. In addition to rafting, Guilin tours can be arranged to some of the impressive limestone caves hidden in the mountains—with amazing stalactite and stalagmite formations, as well as hot springs and mud baths—available to explore. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:54:08 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/li-river-cruise http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/li-river-cruise Qingdao, a picturesque coastal city on China's eastern seaboard, boasts an interesting past and a groovy seaside atmosphere. Once colonized by Germans, Qingdao (sounds like "ching daow") is the venerable home of China's most iconic beer: Tsingtao. The name Tsingtao is an earlier Romanized spelling of the same Chinese word: "qing dao," which means “green island.” Although not actually an island, Qingdao is now a major seaport city, and in 2008, it hosted the Beijing Olympic Sailing competition in its scenic bay. The World of Tsingtao is the main brewery and museum of Tsingtao beer, located right in Qingdao City. Tickets to Tsingtao Brewery give you access to the museum, which highlights the history of Tsingtao beer from its founding in 1903 by German settlers. These settlers colonized the city between 1898 and 1922, and founded most of the city's earliest infrastructure. You also get a chance to see how the beer is actually brewed, including which ingredients are special to Tsingtao beer, and how it is bottled and distributed. One of the best parts of Tsingtao Brewery is a raised viewing platform that runs above the bottling plant. Here, you can watch the bottles running along a conveyor belt maze: to be filled, capped and inspected. If you're there at the right time, you might get a glimpse of one of the Tsingtao inspectors checking for broken or damaged bottles as they run their course through the conveyor. Past the bottling plant, a tasting room gives visitors a chance to sample Tsingtao beer at its freshest. The tasting room is modelled on similar rooms in Western breweries. A dark wooden bar counter, high tables and soft lighting, give it a true pub-like feel. And the beer that comes out of the tasting room taps is perhaps the finest sample of Tsingtao beer you'll ever taste. Having learned so much about the history and brewing process of Tsingtao beer, you are simply dying for a pint. Luckily, the entrance ticket to Tsingtao Brewery includes a free pitcher of beer at the end of the brewery tour. A large German-style beer hall concludes the tour and provides a cozy resting place to quaff your free pitcher. Afterwards, if you still have a taste for more, explore the 'Beer Street' (pijiu jie) just outside. The scattergun of small Chinese restaurants along this road all have Tsingtao beer taps, and some offer rarer styles of Tsingtao, including Tsingtao Dark Beer and Tsingtao Green Beer. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:52:07 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/tsingtao-brewery http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/tsingtao-brewery When the clock hit 7 p.m. on our first evening in Shanghai, we had just finished eating dinner at a large tourist-friendly restaurant somewhere in the suburbs. Along with my Chinese teacher and a few dozen volunteers, we were touring Shanghai after teaching a three-week summer camp in a nearby city. This was our chance to let loose in China's main metropolis, and I had truly never seen anything like Shanghai. As the tour bus drove us around the city earlier that day, we were mesmerized by the tall tower blocks that seemed to reach up to the sky in every direction around us. And as evening fell, the city quieted down and geared up for its big night ahead. After leaving the restaurant, our tour bus dropped us off at the top of Nanjing Road East, and we set off toward the Bund—Shanghai's number one sightseeing spot. Nanjing Road, a pedestrian shopping street, is known for its vast collection of shimmering neon lights that brighten the street to near daytime light each evening. As we walked along, touts and shopkeepers beckoned us to buy their goods: "Hello, lady. You want watch? DVD? Hello?" Ignoring their catcalls we pressed on down the street, eager for what awaited us at its far end: the Bund. A historic row of 19th-century European-style buildings set along the Huangpu River, the Bund was once the city's primary meeting point for international merchants, sailors, bankers and floggers. In the old days, ships used to dock at wharves along the shores of the Bund, where today a huge raised concrete walkway allows visitors to take in the length of its views. Every night, visitors crowd in along the walkway to catch a glimpse of the historic brick buildings aglow in orange light. As I climbed the stairs and reached the platform, I was hit by a stream of light from across the river. There, the shiny skyscrapers of Shanghai's modern district, Pudong, stand like a dazzling array of computer generated neon towers. I inched through the throngs of people and parked myself right at the wall where the ethereal glow of the bright pink orb on the Pearl TV Tower gleamed across the murky river below. Farther in the distance, animated LCD displays brought to life walking giraffes, who stride across the side of a huge building only to disappear into the beyond. Neon signs blinked in every edge of my periphery, advertising Nikon, LG, Aurora, Toyota and a whole host of exotic Chinese characters. Just like the other tourists around me, I grabbed my camera and began snapping photos; trying unsuccessfully to capture the awe-inspiring scene before me. Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:38:52 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/bund-shanghai http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/bund-shanghai The classical Chinese landscape of the West Lake has drawn visitors to Hangzhou for the past thousand years, and we were no exception. Strolling along the Su Causeway and its six bridges, built by the famous Song Dynasty poet-governor, Su Dongpo, we drank in the sight of restored classical pagodas, lakeside pavilions, and newly opened lotuses swaying in the breeze. Willow trees gracefully draped their branches towards the water, and wooden pleasure boats floated peacefully on the lake. Although we had been to Hangzhou before, this visit was a new revelation in enjoyment as we walked through gardens we had not seen before, filled with lush greenery, and wandered through stands of towering bamboo. The highlight of our visit, however, was our afternoon hike among the green tea fields south of the West Lake, a sight slightly off the beaten track, but greatly enriching and worthwhile. We left the crowds of tourists behind and a short bus ride found us at the entrance to the Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies hiking trail, a well paved path snaking through hillside tea villages and sloping valleys planted with row upon row with striking green tea plants. Following a smaller path through one of the tea fields, we found ourselves surrounded on all sides by trees and lush bushes of tea leaves. It was hard to believe we were in a country of 1.4 billion people, as we couldn't hear a single sound except for our own footsteps in the underbrush, the chirping of crickets, and the distant call of birds. Only a solitary tea farmer here or there was to be found, pruning the bushes by hand. The tea fields surrounding the Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies trail just south of the West Lake produces the famous West Lake Longjing Tea, and many a villager here come out to greet you and to offer you tea in their family-run teahouse. The Longjing tea village was a particular delight to witness, as it contained charming houses built in classical Hangzhou style, with whitewashed walls, latticed windows, and black tiled roofs. As for the “nine creeks” and “eighteen gullies” themselves, we quickly lost count of how many we crossed. Apparently, the numbers “nine” and “eighteen” are symbolic, signifying “many” creeks and gullies. In addition to the myriad of natural beauty and delicious tea stops the trail had to offer, we also passed the Li’an Temple where hikers came to take refreshment at the temple tea house and whose abbot had a reputation as a tiger-tamer. A quiet stroll through the temple grounds restored our energy as we continued on our way through the flourishing tea countryside. The Chinese term for a beautiful landscape painting is “shan-shui hua”, or “mountain-water picture”, both of which were plentiful throughout the stunning sprawls of West Lake countryside. Located in the fertile Yangtze river delta region, Hangzhou has an ancient history as one of the historical capitals of China and has been a center for art, literature and culture through the ages. Marco Polo, on his visit in the 13th century, called it “the finest and the noblest in the world”. One of the legendary places of beauty throughout Chinese history, it boasts some of China's finest poets and is the setting for many famous works of literature. Hangzhou is one of the must-see sights on your visit to China. As the old Chinese saying goes, "Above is Heaven; below are Suzhou and Hangzhou." Now who wouldn't want to visit heaven on earth? Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:45:20 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/west-lake-hangzhou http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/west-lake-hangzhou A hiss of steam from the kettle accompanies the fragrance of Oolong tea leaves, as our host scoops a small green mound of tea into a bowl. After a quick rinse and refill, the young woman pours the tea into a small jug with a flourish, and portions out the tea into our tiny, delicately painted teacups. The first whiff is delicious, but the first sip, even more so. This is not your average Lipton brew, but whole Oolong tea leaves of the finest local quality. A perfect blend of full tea flavour with a hint of sweetness, infused with natural spring water. If China is a tea-obsessed country, Gulangyu Island, a short ferry ride from the city of Xiamen in Southern Fujian province, is a tea-lover’s paradise. Even in a nation of tea addicts, the Southern Fujianese people have refined tea drinking into a highly distinguished art. No matter what their station in life, rich or poor, the inhabitants of Gulangyu have one common fixture in their home, a Fujianese tea set. A set consists of a covered teapot resembling a tall bowl, a jug for pouring, a set of miniature handle-less teacups, wooden scoops, and a bamboo or wood tray to catch spillage. These tea sets range in price from a few dollars to a few hundred. Fujianese tea ceremony is a variation of Gongfu tea ceremony, most popularly practiced in the South of China. Unlike a Japanese tea ceremony, which prizes social ritual and precision, a Gongfu tea ceremony focuses on the taste of the tea itself, and all the controllable factors that can influence it. Therefore, particular attention is given to the temperature of the tea, the quality of the tea leaves, having the tea pot warmed before filling, the method of infusing the tea (the second infusion is the best), and sometimes even the material of the tea pot can play an influencing factor. Pouring the tea alike requires an equally special circular motion to ensure that each of the tiny teacups contains a balanced concentration of the beverage. The Chinese tea ceremony is less formal than its Japanese counterpart, and is an important part of traditional hospitality. Gulangyu Island is a perfect place to experience this quintessential part of Chinese culture, with its clean beaches, colonial architecture, and motor-vehicle ban. A foreign concession in the 1800s, Gulangyu is now a charming mix of Victorian manors in various states of disrepair, and traditional Chinese culture. Here, teashops and teahouses mingle with beachfront cafés. Long rambles in the hills and classical Chinese gardens lead to lovely views over the South China Sea. In addition to its natural beauty, Gulangyu also enjoys a reputation for music appreciation as the hometown of several famous Chinese pianists. It purportedly has more pianos per capita than any other place in the country, which has earned it the moniker, "Piano Island". One of the few tourist attractions in China that could properly be termed “laid-back”, or “relaxing”, Gulangyu is a beautiful place to spend a few days hanging out on the beach, absorbing the culture, and enjoying a fresh cup of tea. Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:29:12 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/chinese-tea-ceremony http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/chinese-tea-ceremony The giant panda lives in a few secluded mountain ranges in Sichuan China, but due to forest clearing and farming, it is a conservation-reliant endangered species. The Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries are home to 30% of the species remaining world population and is the prime location to catch the giant pandas in their natural habitat. Made up of 7 Nature Reserves and 9 Scenic Parks, this habitat is not only integral for the preservation of the endangered giant pandas, but it also serves to protect many other species such as the snow leopard, red pandas, and clouded leopards. Spanning over 9245 km², the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries is the largest remaining contiguous habitat for the giant panda bear. The most popular parks to see the giant pandas within the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries is in the Wolong Panda Reserve, located in Wenchuan County. The Wolong Panda Reserve has four main terrains: mountain forests mixed with bamboo, river and valleys, high alpine slopes homes to wildflowers and yaks, and massive glacier covered mountain peaks. Located in the Wolong Valley, the Wolong Nature Reserve is the perfect spot to see the giant pandas relax as only they know how. The unique array of stunning sights is sure to impress, but a quick stop by the pandas nursery and you've just sealed the deal. The Chengdu Panda Research Base is located about 7 miles north of downtown Chengdu is another great place to get familiar with giant pandas through with an explanatory museum, hospital, and information center. Founded in 1987, the Chengdu Panda Research Base has grown from its founding 6 pandas to 83 pandas, and participate in variety of knowledge sharing and enhancing practices. Mon, 28 Jul 2008 01:56:18 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/wolong-panda-reserve http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/wolong-panda-reserve Rooted deep in the center of Beijing, the Forbidden City dates back to an era where the Ming and Quing dynasties ruled for centuries, and functioned as the epicenter of both religion and politics. Built between 1406 and 1420 the Forbidden City architecture culminated with a mix between classical Chinese and East Asian flair, having proved to by quite influential for later structures both locally and nationally. Surrounded by a 10 meter high outer wall and encircled by a 6 meter deep moat, the Forbidden City boasts over 980 surviving buildings with over 8,707 bays of rooms and spans some 720,000 square metres. The Forbidden City complex can be divided into two sections, the southern part also known as the Outer Court where political power was enforced, and the northern part, also known as the Inner Court where the Royal family lived. Now more currently referred to as the Imperial Palace, it wasn't until following the expulsion of the last emperor of the Quing Dynasty in 1924, did the status of the Forbidden City change. Prior to this only Royalty, political officials, concubines and servants were allowed into the gated surroundings of the palace, no commoners were allowed unless given express permission. Now a days people roam the intricate complex freely enjoying the lovely designs reminiscent of ancient Chinese dynasties. A common colour featured throughout the the design is yellow, the colour of the Emporer. Several accents, walls, courtyards, and roofs reflect this theme. Visitors today are also able to explore the Palace Museum which houses a collection based on the Qing dynasty, comprised of ceramics, paintings, jade pieces, palace artifacts and bronze ware. Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:52:29 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/forbidden-city http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/forbidden-city The whimsical cliffs of Wulingyuan jut up from a carpet of lush green forest and flow with the cool waters of countless beautiful rivers and waterfalls. Over 3000 spectacular sandstone peaks stretch upwards of over 800 meters high in some cases at Wulingyuan, and are scattered amongst several intriguing ravines and caves. The most famous cave to visit is the Yellow Dragons Cave, as it is lined with several impressive stalactites. Housed in north west mountains of Hunan Province, Wulingyuan has remained untouched due to its remoteness. Savoring the scenery is easily done as your eyes sway from intricate mountain slopes to the spectacular clinging trees, creating the ultimate tranquil retreat. Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:51:48 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/wulingyuan http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/wulingyuan