Introduction

Xi'an, is the capital of Shaanxi province, located in central-northwest China, records the great changes of the country just like a living history book. Called Chang'an (meaning the eternal city) in ancient times, it is one of the birthplaces of the ancient Chinese civilization in the Yellow River Basin area. As the eastern terminal of the Silk Road and the site of the famous Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty, the city has won a reputation all over the world. More than 3,000 years of history including over 1,100 years as the capital city of ancient dynasties, have endowed the city with an amazing historical heritage. Visitors marvel at the numerous historical sites and cultural relics in and around the city. Read more about History. Known as the leading city of China's Western Development Drive Program since 1990s, Xi'an is an important economic, cultural, industrial and educational center of the central-northwest region, providing visitors with modern and convenient facilities.

Terracotta Army
Chinese Name: 兵马俑 (Bīng Mǎ Yǒng)
Literal Meaning: funerary statues of soldiers and horses
Location: Lintong, 40 km (25 mi) northeast of Xi'an
History: over 2,200 years
Scale: 25,380 square meters (6.3 acres); 8,000 sculptures
The Terracotta Army in Xi'an, aka Terracotta Warriors and Horses, is a super large collection of life-size terra cotta sculptures in battle formations, reproducing the mega imperial guard troops of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259 - 210BC), the first emperor of the first unified dynasty of Imperial China. Being the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Terracotta Army is no doubt a must-see for every visitor to Xi'an. Originally the ancient funerary project for Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the Terracotta Warriors China are now displayed in a live museum built on the site, officially named Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, showing the life stories of the emperor and the once powerful Qin Empire (221 – 207BC) in those days of pomp and vigor.

Xi'an City Wall
Xi'an City Wall is the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.
Location: Around the city center of Xi’an
How Long is the Xi'an City Wall: 13.7 kilometers (8.5 miles)
When Was the Xi'an City Wall Built: 1370
Four Main Gates: East Gate (Changle Gate), West Gate (Anding Gate), South Gate (Yongning Gate), North Gate (Anyuan Gate)
Ways of Visit: Walking, Sightseeing Battery Car, Riding a Bike
When Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), captured Huizhou, a hermit named Zhu Sheng admonished him that he should 'built high walls, store abundant food supplies and take time to be an Emperor,' so that he could fortify the city and unify the other states. After the establishment of the Ming dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang followed his advice and began to enlarge the wall built initially during the old Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), forming today's scale of Xi'an City Wall.
After the extension, the wall now stands 12 meters (40 feet) tall, 12-14 meters (40-46 feet) wide at the top and 15-18 meters (50-60 feet) thick at the bottom. It covers 13.7 kilometers (8.5 miles) in length with a deep moat surrounding it. Every 120 meters, there is a rampart which extends out from the main wall. All together, there are 98 ramparts, which were built to defend against the enemy climbing up. Each rampart has a sentry building, in which the soldiers could protect the entire wall without exposing themselves to the enemy. Besides, the distance between every two ramparts is just within the range of an arrow shot from either side, so that they could shoot the enemy, who wanted to attack the city, from the side. On the outer side of the wall, there are 5,948 crenellations, namely battlements. The soldiers can outlook and shoot at the enemy. On the inner side, parapets were built to protect the soldiers from falling off.

Bell Tower of Xi'an
Location: at the city center of Xi’an
Height: 36 meters (118 feet)
First Built in: 1384
Number of Stories: Two
The Bell Tower, is a stately traditional building, that marks the geographical center of the ancient capital. From this important landmark extend East, South, West and North Streets, connecting the tower to the East, South, West and North Gates of the City Wall of the Ming Dynasty. The wooden tower, which is the largest and best-preserved of its kind in China, is 36 meters (118 feet) high. It stands on a brick base 35.5 meters (116.4 feet) long and 8.6 meters (28.2 feet) high on each side. During the Ming Dynasty, Xi'an was an important military town in Northwest China, a fact that is reflected in the size and historic significance.
The tower was built in 1384 by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang as a way to dominate the surrounding countryside and provide early warning of attack by rival rulers.It has three layers of eaves but only two stories. Inside, a staircase spirals up. The grey bricks of the square base, the dark green glazed tiles on the eaves, gold-plating on the roof and gilded color painting make the tower a colorful and dramatic masterpiece of Ming-style architecture. In addition to enhancing the beauty of the building, the three layers of eaves reduce the impact of rain on the building.On the second floor, a plaque set in the west wall records the relocation of the tower in 1582. When it was first built in 1384, it stood near the Drum Tower of Xi'an on the central axis of the city, and continued to mark the center of the city since Tang Dynasty and the following the Five Dynasties and the Song and Yuan Dynasties. As the city grew, however, the geographical center changed. Therefore, in 1582, the tower was moved 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) east of the original site. Except for the base, all parts are original, and history tells us that the relocation was accomplished quickly and inexpensively, making it a truly notable achievement in the architectural history in China.

Introduction

Sanya is superior in geography climate and natural resources. It is known as “the oriental Hawaii" and “Sunshine City” because of its special tropical scenes as well as its attractive nature. Sanya's tourist resources, richly endowed by nature, are not only special in China, but also rare in the world. It is a most fashionable place where tropical marine tourist resources are closely concentrated and lovers of swimming can enjoy their holidays in winter. Within the city, well-known tourist spots are dotted everywhere--the national Yalong Tourist Area, the Tianyahaijiao, the Great Eastern Sea, the Luhuitou Peninsula, Sanya Bay and the Luobi Grotto. Besides these, there remain the ancient Yazhou City and relics and a sculpture of the Monk Jianzhen of the Tang Dynasty, who landed ashore to avoid the storm when he was sailing eastwards to Japan.

Wuzhizhou Island
Wuzhizhou Island, in Haitang Bay, has an area of some 148 hectares (366 acres). With an irregular butterfly-like shape and a total coastline of 5.7 km (3.5 miles), the island is about 38 km (24 miles) north-east of Sanya City. The island was known as Guqizhou Island in ancient times and the earliest records date from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), when a temple was built to commemorate the originator of Chinese characters, Cang Jie. Following the Qing Government's fall from power, the villagers rebuilt the temple to honor the Goddess Matsu, who bestowed good fortune on the local fishermen. From 1949 this island became an important strategic defense zone. However, from the 1990s, the island began to enjoy a completely new role as a romantic place for holiday and leisure.
As Wuzhizhou Island is in a tropical marine zone, the climate is temperate and pleasant all year round. It is an ideal place for vacation, winter swimming as well as entertainment. There are over 2,700 plant varieties on the island, including the tall trees and dense bushes. The eastern and southern parts of the island are hilly and two high mountains connect to form a peak about 79.9 meters (262 feet) high. In the west and north, the terrain is level. Soft white sand stretches as far as the eye can see beside a crystal clear blue sea, where protected coral reefs are rich in conches, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and tropical fishes of various colors.

Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone
Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone, which lies at 18°N in Sanya, Hannan Island, yields tropical landscapes and fruits. Characterized by tropical rain forests, serene valleys, waterfalls and springs, and herbal SPA, it is an ideal place to escape to. It is a summer resort that makes one pleasantly cool. Yanoda Rainforest is where visitors breathe fresh air, go camping and stream trekking, and experience local Li Nation hospitality. Its name “Yanoda”, which means “one, two, three” in local dialect but means “Hello” locally, evokes an imagery of a beautiful place populated by happy and friendly people.

Dream Valley
Take the shuttle bus and about ten minutes later you will arrive at Dream Valley, a world of waterfalls of which Yingbin Waterfall, Tianmen Waterfall, and Lian’en Waterfall are the largest. It has unique geographical structure, abundant medicinal materials and rocks arranged in different shapes. Treading on the flagstone road, among waterfalls pouring down and eyeful picturesque landscapes, visitors are given a treat. With interesting sports activities, Dream Valley allows for group participation. If you come with a bunch of strong and energetic friends, Stream Trekking is a good choice. Put on straw sandals and helmet then you can get started. It is a challenging activity that consists of crawling under a net without wetting clothing, walking on a net over the water, walking on the balance beam and climbing against pouring waterfall. It calls for not only strength and courage but also teamwork and cooperation, which makes the excursion to Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone worthwhile.

Rainforest Valley
There is no doubt that in Rainforest Valley you will see rain forest plants such as towering banyans, big Lingzhi mushrooms, upas trees, and sugar palms. With a profusion of trees blotting out sky and sunshine, Rainforest Valley is a natural oxygen bar. There are so many attractions that your trip is well worthwhile. Chinese Rock is a rock with the pattern of Chinese land mass on it. What astonishes tourists is that the pattern is formed by nature over the years. Tong Pavilion is surrounded by Ormosia Hosiei whose fruits symbolize missing the one you love. Over thirty kinds of orchids are identifiable in Orchid Pavilion. And Waailu Sea Watching Platform commands a great view of the surging sea stretching as far as eye can see.
If time permits, you can camp in Rainforest Valley, where evening barbecue and folk dancing are regular. Early risers will spot the sun as it rises. Computer game lovers can play real CS in the rain forest in combat fatigues. And adventurous visitors simply have to try Rainforest Zip-line, which is 745 yards (680m) long from Sightseeing Stand to Tong Pavilion. During two-minute breathtaking soaring one gets a bird’s view of the splendid rain forest.
Apart from these stunning natural landscapes and thrilling outdoor activities, there are orchards with almost every kind of tropical fruit you desire, an aquarium of colorful fishes, and stage performances of the Li Nation’s fork arts.

Introduction

Located in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in south China, Guilin is considered to be the pearl of China's thriving tourist industry on account of the natural beauty and historic treasures. Covering an area of about 27,800 square kilometers (10,734 square miles), the city is rather compact when compared with other major tourist cities in the country. The stunning landscape in which the city is situated has a kind of magic that is all its own. The strangely shaped hills or karsts, with the verdant vegetation ranging from bamboos to conifers together with crystal clear waters and wonderful caves make the city such an appealing destination. It is also an important cultural city with a history of more than 2,000 years. The city has been the political, economic and cultural center of Guangxi since the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).

Li River（漓江）
The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the centerpiece of any trip to northeastern Guangxi Province. Gorgeous Karst peaks give you surprises at each bend of the limpid river under the blue sky. Water buffalo patrol the fields, peasants reap rice paddies, school kids and fisherman float by on bamboo rafts. With its breathtaking scenery and taste of a life far removed from the concrete metropolis, the scenery along the river become one of China's top tourist destinations.

Reed Flute Cave
2 yards) deep; the maximum height 18 meters (59 ft); the widest point 93 meters (102 yards)
Tour length: about 500_5 kilometers (3 miles) northwest of downtown GuilinSize
240 meters (26 meters (550 yards) long
What’s inside: a spectacular world of various stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations
How old: around 700,000 years old
When discovered: in 1959
As a brilliant Karst cave marked on almost all travel itineraries, Reed Flute Cave got its name from the verdant reeds growing outside it, with which people make flutes. Actually, inside this water-eroded cave is a spectacular world of various stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations created by carbonate deposition. Illuminated by colored lighting, the fantastic spectacle is found in many variations. Walking through the serried stone pillars, tourists feast their eyes on changing spots, feeling they are in a paradise where the Gods live.

Elephant Trunk Hill
Chinese name: 象鼻山
Location: Guilin, China
Height: 200 meters (656 feet) above sea-level
Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan) is the landmark of Guilin. Located in Elephant Hill Scenic Area (Xiangshan Park) at the confluence of Taohua River and Li River, it has been a famous tourism destination since the Tang Dynasty(618 – 907). The hill looks like a giant elephant drinking water from the river. There are not only many spectacular natural scenes around the hill, but also some ancient constructions, such as Puxian Pagoda, Yunfeng Temple, and Sarira Dagoba.

Water Moon Cave
Water Moon Cave is a semicircular cave between the elephant's legs and trunk. At night, the cave and its reflection together form a bright moon on the river. Although Guilin is studded with hills and caves, it is still unbelievable to see such a cave through which a river can flow. The cave is not very large, but there are more than 50 inscriptions on the wall, with the earliest one dating from the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279). There is another cave on the hillside. Because of its special location, it is taken as the eyes of Elephant Hill.

Introduction

Bangkok, the city once known as Siam, remarkably known to be exotic and rich in culture, is the cultural, economic and political capital of Thailand. The city features both old-world charm and modern convenience. Amidst the gleaming skyscrapers of Bangkok, one would still see traditional architectures such as temples, illustrating the retention of its identity whilst being a cosmopolitan city. Bangkok is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep. The city occupies 1,568.7 square kilometres (605.7 sq mi) in the Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand, and has a population of over eight million, or 12.6 percent of the country's population. Over fourteen million people (22.2 percent) lived within the surrounding Bangkok Metropolitan Region at the 2010 census, making Bangkok the nation's primate city, significantly dwarfing Thailand's other urban centres in terms of importance.

Bangkok City, Temples & Grand Palace: Bangkok has hundreds of temples, but this particular tour is a must-do because it introduces you to Wat Pho, home of the Reclining Buddha, and Wat Phra Kaew, otherwise known as The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, a spiritual icon carved from jade that towers above all others in its holiness. What’s more? It also takes you to Thailand’s foremost historical and cultural landmark.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: The pioneer of all floating markets, Damnoen Saduak continues to offer a delightful experience despite its increasingly touristy atmosphere. Imagine small thin canals teeming with longboats piled high with fresh produce, each one jockeying for position, and paddled by a lady ready to stop and bargain at a moment’s notice. This visual vibrancy, as well as its popularity, ensures Damnoen Saduak's iconic status.

Thonburi Klongs and Grand Palace Riverside: Bangkok’s ‘khlongs’ (canals) aren’t mere remnants of the past. Many are still functioning transport arteries that play a significant role in city life. This morning tour focuses on the scenic waterways of Thonburi. A long-tailed speedboat glides you past floating kitchens, glittering temples and all kinds of colourful river scenery, before you step onto dry land to explore Thailand's most famous landmark and former seat of the king, The Grand Palace.

Ayutthaya: A day trip to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya is the perfect counterbalance to the up-to-the-minute hustle of Bangkok, and this day tour allows you to see many of the majestic ruins from the comfort of a river cruise. This full-day tour starts with a 1 hour 30 minute coach journey to this peaceful town, before you spend the day exploring temples and finding out all about this proud period of Thailand’s past. 

Introduction

Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province, is known as 'the City of Eternal Spring' for its pleasant climate and flowers that bloom all year long. With a history of more than 2,400 years, it was the gateway to the celebrated Silk Road that facilitated trade with Tibet, Sichuan, Myanmar, India and beyond. Today it is the provincial political, economical and cultural center of Yunnan as well as the most popular tourist destination in southwest China. The city center is an attraction with its two squares (Jinma Biji Square, Dongfeng Square) and five intersecting roads (Dongfeng Road, Jinbi Road, Zhengyi Road, Renmin Road and Qingnian Road). Of these, Jinma Biji Square (also known as Jinbi Square) has the most eye-catching archways and stylish architectures. Qingnian Road, Zhengyi Road and Renmin Road are the main commercial areas. The most popular pedestrian streets are Nanping Street, Jingxing Flowers & Birds Market, and Jinma Biji Fang. The city is also the focal point of Yunnan minority culture. Some 26 ethnic minorities such as Yi, Bai, Miao, Dai, and Hani inhabit this region.

Dianchi Lake Scenic Area（滇池景区）
The Dianchi Lake Scenic Area is located in the southwest part of Kunming City. Dianchi Lake is, beyond question, the center of the resort. There are numerous attractions along the lake captivating tourists. Among these are the Yunnan Nationalities Village, Grand View Park (Daguan Park), White Fish Park (Baiyukou Park), Haigeng Bank, Kwan-yin Hill, Western Hills Forest Park, temples and pagodas. Towns, big or small near the lake provide visitors with an opportunity to experience customs of the local people.

Dianchi Lake
Measuring about 300 square kilometers (74,132 acres), Dianchi Lake or Dian Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province and the sixth largest one in China. With picturesque scenery and its location on the Yungui Plateau, the lake has a reputation as 'A Pearl on the Plateau'. Unfortunately, the lake has been badly polluted. Although efforts have been made to save the lake, they have been largely unsuccessful.
The lake is crescent-shaped, about 39 kilometers (24 miles) in length and 13 kilometers (8 miles) in width at its widest. Its natural banks are formed by mountains on all four sides. More than twenty rivers nurture the lake which has a shoreline of 163.2 kilometers (101 miles). Four surrounding hills contribute to the picturesque landscape, making visitors intoxicated and linger around. You may appreciate the beauty of the lake and hills from a boat, and explore this cradle of Yunnan culture.

Stone Forest, Kunming
Location: Shilin Yi Nationality Autonomous County, 120 kilometers (75 miles) and 3 hours’ drive from Kunming.
Area: 400 sq km (150 sq mi)
Major Attractions: Greater & Lesser Stone Forests, Naigu Stone Forest, Zhiyun Cave, Long Lake, Moon Lake, Dadie Waterfall, Qifeng Cave, Guishan Mountain
Kunming Stone Forest, Shilin in Chinese, is a spectacular set of limestone groups and the representative of south China’s karst landscape. Known since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) as the 'First Wonder of the World', it is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan. An old local goes that if you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.
The magnificent, strange and steep landscape creates countless labyrinthine vistas, including:
Greater Stone Forest, Lesser Stone Forest and Naigu Stone Forest, all of which feature stones in various formations. Animals, plants, and even human figures can be found here. Some are elegant, some are rugged, and each is lifelike with its own distinguishing characteristics.
Subterranean Stone Forest in Zhiyun Cave, distributed underground among several caves and occupying a total area of about three square kilometers (720 acres).
Qifeng Cave, composed of Penfeng Cave, Hongxi Spring and an underground river. From August to November, gales lasting two to three minutes sweep out of the cave every 30 minutes.
Long Lake is a karsts lake that is three kilometers (two miles) long but only 300 meters (zero point two miles) wide. The lake features underwater stalagmites and stalactites and a small island in the center of the water.

Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park)
Green Lake Park, aka Cuihu Park, situated almost in the city center and facing Yunnan University, is one of the most beautiful parks in Kunming city. It is at the foot of Luofeng Mountain and on the west side of Wuhua Mountain. Green Lake itself occupies 15 hectares (37 acres) in the 21-hectare (52 acres) Green Lake Park and used to be a part of Dianchi Lake, but has become an independent lake now because of the water level decreasing of Dianchi. Now the park is for daily leisure and playing with seagulls in winter for locals and travelers in Kunming.
Green Lake Park has five gates, four in four directions and one in northwest side, and two causeways. Divided by the two causeways, it has five main sections, Mid-lake Islet (Hu Xin Dao), Goldfish Islet (Jin Yu Dao) in the southeast, Bamboo Forest Islet (Zhu Lin Dao) in the northwest, Palm Garden (Zong Lv Dao) in the southwest and the Mid-sea Pavilion (Hai Xin Ting).

Introduction

Located at the southeast coast of China, Xiamen is a tourist city of Fujian Province famous for its attractive seascape. As one of the major seaports since ancient times, it boasts a wide gulf with deep water but without freezing and silting. The name was consequently given, which means 'a gate of China'. As one of the forerunners of the special economic zones of China, the city mainly consisting of Xiamen Island, Gulangyu Island, the north bank area of the Jiulong River and Tong'an County, is connected with the mainland by the Gaoji Seawall, Xiamen Bridge, etc. The city has been called the Egret Island because of the hundreds of thousands of egrets inhabiting there. This is due to the beautiful natural scenery, the fresh air and the clean environment of the city.

Gulangyu Island （鼓浪屿岛）
Gulangyu Island PicturesGulangyu Island is located just southwest of Xiamen City. Visitors can reach it by steamship from Xiamen City in about 5 minutes. This scenic area is renowned for its delicate natural beauty, its ancient relics, and its varied architecture. The island is on China's list of National Scenic Spots and also ranks at the top of the list of the ten most-scenic areas in Fujian Province. In July 2017, it was listed as a world heritage site by the UNESCO.

Sunlight Rock
Located in the south-central part of Gulangyu Island, Sunlight Rock is the island's highest point with an altitude of 92.7 meters (304 feet). Though it may not rank with high mountain peaks, it appears superb and grand when seen from afar. The name comes from a sun-shaped formation in the granite. When the sun rises, the morning light illuminates the granite in Sunlight Temple and the rocks are bathed with sunlight.
At the foot of Sunlight Rock stands the Memorial Hall of Zheng Chenggong, built in honor of the hero's feats which include expelling the Dutch colonists and re-occupying Taiwan. Wandering up the steep rock path, visitors will see many profound inscriptions left by poets, the oldest of which dates back to over 400 years. This is the main cultural sight on the hill. Continuing on, you will see the preserved training grounds of Zheng Chenggong's troops. Near the field is a huge rock bridging two cliffs, forming a natural entrance to a cave. This is called 'Old Summer Cave' (Gu Bishu Dong) where you can feel a pleasantly cool breeze. It's the perfect viewing spot to appreciate the scenery of Gulangyu Island. A fantastic panorama of Xiamen City, including Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen University, and Hulishan Battery is within view.

South Putuo Temple
South Putuo Temple PicturesSituated at the foot of Wulaofeng (Mountain of Five Old Men) and facing the sea, South Putuo Temple is deemed to be one of the must-go tourist places in Xiamen, Fujian Province. Even if you are not interested in Buddhism, you will find the place a scenic area providing you with a refreshing experience. This Buddhist temple was once called Puzhao Temple (Universal Grace Temple). It was first built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and was later destroyed in the warfare during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). During the reign of Qing Emperor Kangxi (1662-1722), a naval general ordered it to be rebuilt into a Buddhist Temple and named it Nanputuo Temple.
South Putuo Temple covers 30,000 square meters (36,000 square yards) with four main buildings on the north-south axis. The buildings include Devajara Hall (the Hall of Heavenly Kings), Mahavira Hall (Daxiongbaodian), Dabei Hall (the Hall of Great Compassion) and a Pavilion built in 1936 in which Buddhist scriptures, Buddha images from Burma, ivory sculptures and other works of art are stored. The many rooms flanking the main buildings include dormitories, libraries and study rooms for monks.

Hulishan Fortress
Xiamen is a pretty coastal city in Fujian Province. It is characterized by a beautiful beach, ample sunshine and mild climate. Hulishan Fortress aka Hulishan Cannon Fort is one of the most exciting attractions of Xiamen. In the Scenic Spot, the Hulishan Fortress and the Rongguang Museum are the main attractions. Hulishan Fortress lies to the south of the Xiamen Island. Construction began in 1894 during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) and ended in 1896. It covers an area of more than 70,000 square meters (about 17 acres) and is composed of barracks, a tunnel, a magazine and other fortified buildings, all surrounded by a granite wall. The ground on which the battery is built is quite solid because it is made of a mixture of ash, mud and sand with glutinous rice and brown sugar. Two large cannons once guarded the east and the south sides, but only one remains. These cannons, produced in 1886, were bought from a German arsenal at a cost of 80,000 taels of silver each. The remaining cannon is more than 13 meters (about 42.7 feet) long and weighs 50 tons. It has a range of 1,600 meters (about one mile). It is the largest and oldest 19th century breechloader in existence. Additionally, there are more than 50 iron cannons made during in the Ming (1368 - 1644) and the Qing Dynasties on the grounds. Between the eastern and the southern batteries is a tunnel in which 29 cannonballs are now on display. At the exit of the tunnel are the barracks. Hulishan Fortress was an important defensive factor during the war against Japanese aggression in 1900 and 1937.
In the Rongguang Museum of Hulishan Fortress, tourists can see ancient firecrackers, guns, swords and unusual natural stones from around the world. Exhibits include the world's smallest cannon, which was made by the Portuguese in the 13th century. It has a length of 11 centimeters (about 4.33 inches) and a weight of 0.22 kilograms (about half a pound). Its diameter and caliber are 22 centimeters (about 8.67 inches) and 0.8 centimeters (about 0.31 inches) respectively. Included in the exhibit of stones are two unusual ones. The first is a Burman stone with a weight of 2.5 tons, which has a long, wavy stripe from the northeast to the southwest that looks like 'a picture of huge amount of water pouring from the sky'. The second one is even more interesting; it bears an astonishing resemblance to a piece of meat with skin, fat and muscle. Around Hulishan Fortress, there are many other attractions, including Wanggui Platform and Pangui Platform from which tourists can see Dadan Island and Erdan Island through a telescope. All in all, the Hulishan Fortress is worth your visit.

Introduction

Chongqing is the largest municipality in southwest China. It is a modern port city on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. With an area of 31, 800 square miles (82,400 square kilometers), it shares borders with provinces of Hubei, Hunan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Shaanxi. As China’s fourth municipality after Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin, Chongqing has maintained rapid economic development while preserving a wonderful natural environment. Known as the 'Mountain City', it has a wavy terrain and encompasses a wealth of water reserves, mineral resources, dense forests, and abundant flora and fauna. The city attracts visitors from home and abroad for its natural wonders and cultural heritage. As a common starting port for the Yangtze River cruise, tourists can go for a downstream tour to the magnificent Three Gorges.

Hongya Cave (Hongyadong)
Hongya Cave has a history of over 2,300 years. It was a military fortress from the ancient Ba State (1046 B.C. - 256 B.C) to the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911), and was also the site of the earliest and most developed pier of ancient China. The site now houses a large-scale stilt house complex built alongside a steep cliff on the bank of Jialing River. It has become a popular destination for visitors to experience Bayu culture - a Chinese ethnic culture, gaze over the river, and taste delicious food. The stunning night view is a highlight and should not be missed.
Hongyadong is an 11-storey, 75 meters (245 feet) stilt house abutting a steep cliff. It is popular with tourists because it has a similar appearance to a building in Spirited Away - a masterpiece of a famous Japanese cartoonist, Hayao Miyazaki. It is incredible that the 1st floor and the 11th floor are accessible by two different roads. Visitors can take an elevator to each level where various bars, café and restaurants are arranged. Visitors can also see the symbolic Hongya Dripping on the 2nd floor, which is a small waterfall cascading down the cliff-face. It is regarded as one of the 12 Bayu Sites.

Wulong Karst National Geology Park
Wulong Karst National Geology Park, an important part of South China Karst, is situated at the lower reaches of the Wujiang River in southeast Chongqing. It was named as a world natural heritage by UNESCO in 2007. Wulong Karst features spectacular karst landscapes, including the three main parts of Furong Cave, Three Natural Bridges, Houping Giant Doline (Houping Tiankeng) and other scenic spots. Wulong Karst is a valuable treasure that nature created. It is a cluster of several karst landscapes, consisting of gorges, natural bridges, caves, eroded dolines, shafts and underground streams. These karst landforms developed in the carbonate rocks, vividly recording the development and evolution of karst terrain in the Three Gorges area since Pleistocene Era. Furong Cave, Three Natural Bridges and Houping Giant Doline are the three representative karst landforms, developing under the condition of intermittent uplifting movement of the earth.
Each of the three karst systems standing alone forms a spectacular landscape. Furong Cave, literally Lotus Cave, abounds with various karren sediments forming many splendid natural wonders. The limestone sediments are also of great significance in scientific study. The three natural bridges constitute the largest natural bridge cluster in Asia, and the natural karst bridges are quite high and grand, a sight rarely seen anywhere in the world. Houping Giant Doline is the prime example and the largest tiankeng cluster formed by erosion in the world, and the longest underground cavern system in Asia.

Jiefangbei CBD
Located in the center of downtown Chongqing, Jiefangbei CBD, also known as Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street or Jiefangbei Square, is the busiest and most prosperous business district in West China. The whole pedestrian street, taking an area of 36,000m2 (approximately 43,055 sq yd), centers on the People's Liberation Monument, or Jiefangbei in Chinese and includes Minquan Road, Minzu Road and Zourong Road. It's now a must-go destination for tourists to Chongqing, where one can enjoy shopping and various delicious foods.
In 1997, Chongqing government built the first business pedestrian of West China, Jiefangbei Central Shopping Square, in the 24,000m2 (about 28,700 sq yd) area around People's Liberation Monument. Then in 2000 and 2001, the pedestrian street was further expanded to Bayi Road and Minzu Road. Today this CBD is the hard core of Chongqing economy. It has accomplished social consumption retail amount of 41.4 billion Yuan, thus is known as CBD with the best investment value in China. 47 of the Fortune 500 companies set up branches here.

Introduction

Benefiting from Dujiangyan Irrigation Project which was constructed in 256 B.C., Sichuan Province is reputed as the Heavenly State, Tian Fu Zhi Guo in Chinese, literally a place richly endowed with natural resources. Chengdu, as the capital, is extremely productive. Traveling or living in Chengdu can be a great fun. Besides the amazing places of interest, the city offers a lot inviting activities for visitors and expats. Sampling the famous Sichuan food is a must here. The hot and spicy dishes and varied tasty snacks are sure to whip up your appetite. Go shopping at the Chunxi Road, spend a leisurely afternoon in a teahouse, and watch a Sichuan Opera performance at night – this would be a perfect day giving you a deeper understanding of this charming city.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Located just 10 km (6 miles) away from downtown, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding has been created and imitated the natural habitat of giant pandas in order that they might have the best possible environment for rearing and breeding. The giant pandas are not only a Chinese national treasure but are also beloved by people the world over. They are found only in Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces. In total there are fewer than 2,000, of which 70% are distributed within the territory of Sichuan Province. Therefore, when visitors from home and abroad come to Chengdu, Sichuan, one of their main objectives will be to see this lovely animal for themselves.
The base cares also for other rare and endangered wild animals with an area of 560 mus (92 acres), 96% of which is verdure. Giant pandas, lesser pandas, black-necked cranes, white storks as well as over 20 species of rare animals are fed and bred there. Verdant bamboo, bright flowers, fresh air, a natural hill scene and a beautiful artificial view are merged ingeniously at the base. The necessary facilities have been completed and include a fodder room, sleeping quarters and a medical station. Additionally there is a museum together with research laboratories and a training center.
A great number of plants and as many as ten thousand clumps of bamboos and bushes have been cultivated to provide for the animals' diet and habitat. The base is planned to be expanded by another 3,000 mus (500 acres) of land on which to simulate a natural environment in order to prepare the giant pandas bred for release into the wild. The Giant Panda Museum was opened in 1993 to further scientific education and to improve public awareness of the protection of both wild creatures and their environment. This is the world's only thematic museum for rare and endangered animal species. The three main exhibitions are in the Giant Panda Hall, the Butterfly Hall and the Vertebrate Hall. The exhibits include all kinds of precious pictures, more than 800 materials and show more than 2,140 different samples gathered in Sichuan. These include examples of animals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects as well as fossils and models. The resources held in store at the museum include up to ten thousand samples as well as a library of thousands of books and documents. This excellent and comprehensive museum provides a wonderful venue for all who are interested in seeing something of the propagation and protection of the region's natural bio-diversity.

Chunxi Road
Chunxi Road in ChengduIf one travels to Chengdu for the first time, Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street is a place that should not be missed. Located in Jinjiang District, this road in a broad sense covers an area of about 200,000 square meters (2,150,000 square feet). It stretches to the east of Beixin Street, the west of Hongxing Road, the south of Zongfu Road, and the north of East Street. The street was originally built in 1924 to connect two commercial centers, the East Street and Mercantile Corporation. After nearly 100 years of evolution, it is now not only the center of fashion in Chengdu, but also a place that brings together delicious snacks from all over the country.
At the north end of Chunxi Road, stands a group of bronze statues. An old man dressed in traditional Chinese garments holds a snuff bottle in his hand. Not far from him a modern young lady in fashionable clothes is walking in a hurry. A stone clock statue is between them, with the time showing 00:00 on February 10, 2002, the date when the reconstruction was completed. The statue of the old man represents the businessmen of Chunxi Road from the past, while the stylish lady represents modern young people. The contrast between them reflects the development of this road.
Walking along the street, you can see a granite-built wall carved with relief sculptures which present eight scenes of Chengdu in the Tang Dynasty (619-907): a temple fair, a flower fair, the Lantern Festival, planting hibiscus, picking mulberry leaves, rinsing brocade, weaving brocade, and brewing alcohol. In front of this wall, are another group of colorful statues imitating tourists from different regions.

Introduction

Shanghai, Hu for short, is a renowned international metropolis drawing more and more attention from all over the world. Situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, it serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, and cultural center in East China. Also it is a popular travel destination for visitors to sense the pulsating development of the country. In addition to its modernization, the city's multicultural flair endows it with a unique glamour. Here, one finds the perfect blend of cultures, the modern and the traditional , and the western and the oriental. New skyscrapers and old Shikumen together draw the skyline of the city. Western customs and Chinese traditions intertwined and formed the city's culture, making a visitor's stay memorable.

The Bund Shanghai （外滩）
Location: on the west bank of Huangpu River, in Puxi Area, Shanghai
Length: 1,500 meters (0.93 miles) stretching from the Waibaidu Bridge to East Jinling Road
Highlights: best night view in Shanghai, sightseeing waterfront, western style building clusters
Light Opening Hours: 19:00-23:00 from May to October, 18:00-21:00 from November to April
Time Needed for a Visit: 1 - 2 hours
The Bund, also called Waitan, is a famous waterfront on the west bank of Huangpu River and regarded as the symbol of Shanghai. Here, the charm of Shanghai as a bustling metropolis combining the century-old history and flourishing future is fully presented, making the Bund Shanghai a must-see attraction. Local people often start a day by doing exercise at the Bund. Here you can see them walking, jogging, practicing Tai Chi or flying kites. Getting up early and joining them is a pleasant thing to take in the real lifestyle of locals. The most classic route to explore the Bund is either to wander from the north end to the south or the contrary way. Along the way, you will see the most famous and attractive sight in the Bund, namely 26 colonial-era buildings of different western architectural styles, which give the Bund Shanghai China the fame as a 'museum of international architecture'.

Nanjing Road
China's premier shopping street, the 5.5-km-long (3.4-mile-long) Nanjing Road, starts at the Bund in the east and ends in the west at the junction of Jing'an Temple and West Yan'an Street. Today it is a must-see metropolitan destination attracting thousands of fashion-seeking shoppers from all over the world. As a century-old shopping street in Shanghai, Nanjing Road was a witness of the city's history. Over time, it has been restructured, undergoing significant changes. Big traditional stores no longer dominate the market since modern shopping malls, specialty stores, theaters, and international hotels have mushroomed on both sides of the street. For shopping convenience, its eastern end has an all-weather pedestrian arcade.

Shanghai Disneyland Park
Shanghai Disneyland Park, located inside the Disney Resort in Chuansha New Town of Pudong New Area, has been open since June 16th, 2016. It covers a construction area of 116 hectares (287 acres). As the sixth in the world and the first in mainland China, Shanghai Disneyland Park creates many records among the existing Disney parks. It has the tallest theme castle: the Enchanted Storybook Castle, the first garden-designed zone and the first pirate-themed garden. It also combines movie figures with Chinese elements, like the Chinese Zodiac Murals in the Gardens of Imagination. There are altogether seven theme attractions inside the park.

Introduction

Being capital of the People's Republic of China, Beijing is the nation's political, economic, and cultural center. Located in north China, close to the port city of Tianjin and partially surrounded by Hebei Province, it also serves as the most important transportation hub and port of entry. As one of the six ancient cities in China, Beijing has been the heart and soul of politics throughout its long history and consequently there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight and intrigue travelers as they explore the city's ancient past and exciting modern development. Now it has become one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, with about 140 million Chinese tourists and 4.4 million international visitors in a year.

Great Wall in Beijing
Beijing is the best destination to admire the Great Wall of China. Most famous Great Wall sections are located in its suburban areas, including the well-preserved Badaling and Mutianyu, the renovated Juyonguan, Jinshanling and Simatai, and wild Jiankou and Gubeikou. They are all not far from downtown Beijing, 1-2 hours’ driving away. In Chinese history, Beijing was not only one of the ancient capitals, but also one of the most strategic cities in the north. To defend their territory, many rulers have actively ordered to build Great Wall here. The Great Wall in Beijing totals 573 kilometers (356 miles). Those from Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the last dynasty engaged in Great Wall construction, amount to 526 kilometers (327 miles). They are distributed in Pinggu, Miyun, Huairou, Yanqing, Changping, and Mentougou.

Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, and Gu Gong in Chinese, lies at the city center of Beijing, and once served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911). It was first built throughout 14 years during the reign of Emperor Chengzu in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Ancient Chinese Astronomers believed that the Purple Star (Polaris) was in the center of heaven and the Heavenly Emperor lived in the Purple Palace. The Palace for the emperor on earth was so called the Purple City. It was forbidden to enter without special permission of the emperor. Hence its name 'The Purple Forbidden City', usually 'The Forbidden City'.
Now known as the Palace Museum, it is to the north of Tiananmen Square. Rectangular in shape, it is the world's largest palace complex and covers 74 hectares. Surrounded by a 52-meter-wide moat and a 10-meter-high wall are more than 8,700 rooms. The wall has a gate on each side. The distance between the south Meridian Gate (Wumen) and the north Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwumen) is 961 meters (1,051 yards), while the distance between the east and west gates is 753 meters (823 yards). There are unique and delicately structured towers on each of the four corners of the curtain wall. These afford views over both the palace and the city outside.

Tiananmen Square
Located at the center of Beijing City and the midpoint of Chang'an Avenue is the remarkable Tiananmen Square, where you can visit the Tiananmen Tower, Monument to the People's Heroes, Great Hall of the People, Chairman Mao Zedong Memorial Hall and see the national flag raising ceremony. Thousands of people come to the Square every day. It is the must place to visit in Beijing City.

Tiananmen Tower
At the north end of the Square is Tiananmen Tower. Initially built in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty (1368 A.D.- 1644 A.D.), the Square was the front door of the Forbidden City. The most important use of it in the past was to declare in a big ceremony to the common people who became the emperor and who became the empress. Until 1911 when the last feudal kingdom was over, no one could enter the Tower except for the royal family and aristocrats.

Monument to the People's Heroes
The granite Monument to the People's Heroes is just at the center of Tiananmen Square. Built in 1952, it is the largest monument in China's history. ' The People's Heroes are Immortal' written by Chairman Mao is engraved on the monument. Eight unusually large relief sculptures show to the people the development of Chinese modern history. Two rows of white marble railings enclose the monument, simple and beautiful.

Great Hall of the People
West of Tiananmen Square is the Great Hall of the People. This building, erected in 1959, is the site of the China National People's Congress meetings and provides an impressive site for other political and diplomatic activities.Twelve marble posts are infront of the Hall which has three parts--the Central Hall, the Great Auditorium and a Banqueting Hall.The floor of the Central Hall is paved with marble and crystal lamps hang from the ceiling. The Great Auditorium behind the Central Hall seats 10,000. The Banqueting Hall is a huge hall with 5,000 seats.

Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao
Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao is at the south side of Tiananmen Square. This Hall is divided into three halls and our dear Chairman Mao's body lies in a crystal coffin in one of the halls surrounded by fresh bouquets of various famous flowers and grasses.
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