While the task may seem nigh-impossible—due to the exodus of similarly-minded Chinese travelling en mass to any of China's many top tourist attractions—finding a quiet place to visit during a Chinese national holiday is possible. Seriously. We don't understand why you're laughing.

Finding a less crowded destination to visit is easier than you may think, and most of them can still provide enough accommodations and attractions to make your visit worthwhile. Sure, no place in China is completely without crowds, but the trick is find places that are either left behind during the mad holiday rush, or are really far away.

The first and most obvious thing you'll want to do if you're not keen on being packed-in with 100,000 of your closest Chinese friends is to avoid the really popular destinations. Cross off Hainan, the Terra Cotta Warriors, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall off of your list. This is one of those times when the nebulous searching for a "real" Chinese cultural experience gets a little bit too real. Second piece of advice? Forget trains and stick to planes. You might have to shell out a bit more, but at least you won't start your vacation with a massive headache.

Now that you're set, here are five quieter places to travel to during national holidays in China.

1) Hohhot
This one is best if you hail from an artic homeland and you don't mind freezing temperatures (highs in the -1 degree range and lows in the -15 degree range on average during winter time). The upside is that many people don't want to handle the weather, so that makes February a low month for tourism in Hohhot. But, hey, who said you wouldn't have to sacrifice for a (relatively) peaceful Chinese New Years? Hohhot does have several unique cultural aspects to make bearing the cold worthwhile.

You'll get to see some of China's most interesting minorities throughout the city affordable China travel packages. Though Han Chinese still make up a majority of the city, the ethnic Mongolian influence is extensive, as well as smaller populations of Hui Muslims and Koreans. Mongolian Buddhism is still present in the city and even during the winter months you will be able to find your way out to the famous Mongolian grasslands without huge tour buses full of tourists trampling all over your Genghis Khan fantasy.?

Due to the smaller crowds you'll also be able to score some significant discounts on plane tickets to the city. Regarding how to get there, Hohhot is connected directly to most major cities in China including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. From those major cities you will be looking at about 1000-2000 RMB.

2) Shanghai
Okay, before you start gnashing your teeth, hear this one out. At any other time of the year Shanghai is a bustling metropolis filled to the brim with people from all corners of China, and the rest of the world. That fact is exactly why Shanghai is so quiet during the holidays—everyone goes home or travelling. Millions of migrants who come to Shanghai (72-hour Chinese visa free) for work take the holiday opportunity to go back and visit with their loved ones in their hometowns. That leaves only the native Shanghainese and foreigners who are too scared to brave the tourist crowds. Granted, that's still a large number of people, but you'd be hard pressed to find Shanghai any more deserted than it gets during national holidays.

Also, unlike Beijing, Shanghai does not have as many culturally significant landmarks for people to swarm over. Of course, there will still be people on the Bund and on East Nanjing road, but in the smaller, less glitzy corners of Shanghai, you can take a break from the hyperactive pace that normally defines Shanghai.

And if nothing else, Shanghai is easy to get in to. Flights from all over the world go into Shanghai's Pudong International Airport. Shanghai's Hongqiao Airport deals with a great majority of domestic flights. Due to the high number of flights running into the city you'll be able to find tickets from as low as 500 RMB depending on where you're starting from.

3) Taipei
Taipei's difficulty of access to mainlanders is its saving grace. While the city, like Shanghai, still has plenty of people, it can seem downright roomy to anybody who has spent the holidays on the mainland. It also helps that there is a mass retreat to the countryside surrounding the city during the holidays, so a fair number of Taiwanese are also gone, giving you a chance to see the quieter side of the city. Granted the train and bus stations may still be swarming with people trying to leave the city, but you should have an easier time if you're trying to get into Taipei.

Also, contrary to the mainland, a number of places in the city will continue to stay open despite the festivities. Finding accommodations at a hotel is comparatively easier, but it would still be wise to book your rooms in advance. Fortunately, like Shanghai, Taipei is very easy to get to since it is a major international hub. There will be no shortage of flights to the island and there will be plenty of hotels and accommodations that will still be open to cater to visitors. Keep in mind that the flight will set you back 2000-3000 RMB due to the fact that it's technically an international flight from the mainland.

4) Kashgar
Way out in the farthest reaches of western Xinjiang lies one of the most unique and culturally interesting cities in China. Few people in China venture out this far west, but those who do are greatly rewarded. Though inhabitants of Kashgar (main destination for Silk Road tours) still celebrate Chinese holidays such as the New Year, due to the majority of Kashgar's inhabitants being Muslim Uyghur they tend to put a greater focus on traditional Islamic holidays. Kashgar also has several interesting day trips away from the city, like Shipton's Arch and the Karakorum Highway.?

The one downside to Kashgar is that you will have to go way out there to reach it. Your best bet to make it there would be to take a flight to Urumqi and take another flight down to Kashgar to avoid the horrifically overcrowded trains. Depending on where you live, the whole trip by flight could take you upwards of six or seven hours, including the transfer in Urumqi. And this trip will be even more expensive than to Taipei, with flights from eastern cities in the 3500-4000 RMB range for round trip tickets.??

5) Beihai
Nestled in the warm southern Guangxi Province, Beihai benefits from two things. First, it's located near the two significantly more tourist-friendly cities of Guilin and Yangshuo; and second, it is comparatively undiscovered (though this is quickly changing). Beihai is also significantly cheaper than nearby Hainan Island, and you'll still be able to enjoy many beautiful beaches that are yet untrampled by the soles of thousands of ocean-loving Chinese tourists.

Beihai is also relatively easy to get to. If you're in the southern part of China consider yourself lucky because there are flights leaving from Guangzhou daily. If you don't live in the southern part of China, you'll need to fly to Guangzhou or Guilin and make the appropriate connections from there. Even if you are coming from Beijing, the tickets to Guilin are still only in the 1000-1750 RMB range, plus the added travel costs of getting to Beihai.

Sometimes, when I tell people where I am from, they are perplexed. But when I explain that I come from the same place as the late Premier Zhou Enlai, most people know what I am talking about.

I was born and raised in Huai'an, hometown of our beloved founding premier of the People's Republic of China. Located in the hinterlands of north Jiangsu province, Huai'an is a peaceful city nurtured by the Grand Canal, Huaihe River Yangtze River tour and Hongze Lake. These waters have likely helped cultivate great people like Zhou, whose name, photos, and statues can be found everywhere in the city. His former residence, his relics' exhibition hall and memorial hall are popular tourist sites.

Huai'an is also the cradle of many other significant historical figures, such as Han Xin, a great military leader from the Western Han (206 BC-AD 24); Wu Cheng'en, author of the Chinese classic Journey to the West, and Peking Opera master Zhou Xinfang.

While Huai'an may appear to be solemn, on account of its great men, the city is essentially a place of relaxation and ease.

To recommend some places to have fun, my first choice is always the park on Cherry Blossom Island. When I was in primary school, I often went to Cherry Blossom Island with my little buddies. The labyrinthine woods gave us a perfect spot to play hide-and-seek, and we used to camp and play games near the cherry trees. The gigantic rockery, refined sculptures of animals, and of course, dazzling cherry blossoms, brought me great pleasure at that time.

Today, Cherry Blossom Island is still a popular hangout for youngsters, and almost every primary school in Huai'an will organize a spring outing to the park China vacation deals.

Another popular park is Bochi (Bowl Pool) Hill Park, featuring fine examples of Taoism architecture. At the foot of the hill stands a 9-m-tall bronze statue of Taoist philosopher Laotzu, whose belly is completely hollow. Inside the hollow part, the script of Tao Te Ching (Dao De Jing), the most influential Taoist text, is carved in the form of the Taoist symbol for yin and yang, as the letters constitute a circle with a curved line down the middle.

It is said if you go into the empty space of the statue to pick up Laotzu's writings, you will become a wise man. Last year, when I took a look at the statue, I found that the hollow belly was crowded with people. And there were still hordes of tourists best tours of China waiting outside, so I had to queue up for a long while to enter and become "smart".

Bochi Hill Park is also a terrific public place to do physical exercise. Many senior residents go there to jog, practice shadowboxing and swim, even on a freezing winter morning.

For local delicacies, I strongly recommend la tang (spicy soup), an appetizer served at any snack bar in the city. Its basic ingredient is wheat gluten, mixed with sliced kelp and coriander leaves that give extra flavor. This humble soup is particularly popular in winter, as it will warm your body and soul.

If you go to a restaurant, don't hesitate to order the famous Huaiyang dish stir-fried fresh water eels. Its soft texture and fragrant smell may encourage you to stay in the city even longer.

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THE season for eating freshwater hairy crabs is upon us. For almost two centuries, it has been an autumn ritual for nearly every Shanghai China vacation deals family to eat da zha xie or hairy crabs when the cold, crisp winds pick up.

While it's easy to cook hairy (or mitten) crabs at home, one of the pleasures of autumn is taking a day trip to a lake where visitors can savor the view and the delicate meat as well as the orange roe of females and the slurpy green-whitish roe of males.

The meat of the females is sweeter and this is the season when most people eat female crabs, especially for their roe. Later, the males' roe is at its best and gourmands go for the boys.

Chongming

Shanghai

Visitors seeking a place close to Shanghai can head to Chongming Island.

The crabs are delectable, but smaller than Yangcheng Lake crabs. Chongming crabs usually weigh no more than 150 grams each.

But the tender meat and pollution-free environment have attracted many gourmands. Locals cook it with nian gao (rice cake) sautéed with red soybean sauce - a traditional Shanghai dish.

With plenty of fresh air and cool breezes, the county contains many village eateries and farm households where visitors can enjoy a meal of crabs as well as local fresh produce. Autumn is also the season for fishing and picking oranges.

How to get there: With the opening of the Changjiang Tunnel-Bridge, travel time from the city center has been shortened to less than an hour.

Shajiabang

Changshu City, Jiangsu Province

The hairy crabs from Shajiabang River, which flows into Yangcheng Lake top China tours, taste as good as those from the lake, though they don't receive the same publicity.

Transport is convenient and the town is much quieter.

The place was famous during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945) when the thick reeds along the river hid soldiers of the New Fourth Army from Japanese invaders.

Near the Shajiabang Park, the Wangsi Hotel has open for more than 100 years, offering authentic Changshu dishes. One story goes that Soong Ching Ling (wife of Dr Sun Yat-sen) wanted to dine there, but there was no table. She had to put two desks together under a maple tree across the street from the hotel to have dinner.

How to get there: Shanghai-Nanjing Highway - Dongbang - Sujiahang Highway - Shajiabang Town

Taihu Lake

Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province

While Yangcheng Lake is crowded and noisy during the crab season, try some other delicious alternatives raised in similar environments.

Visitors who drive to Tai Lake in Suzhou can also dine on hairy crabs and enjoy sightseeing.

Not all of 593-acre Tai Lake is used for raising crabs - only the eastern part near the towns of Jiegang, Dongshan and Xishan. There, the water is clear with the aquatic life abundant.

These crabs are bigger than Yangcheng Lake crabs and are known as "big buddy" for their large, powerful pincers. They have a gray-green shell, white underside and tender meat.

Because of their size, they are more expensive than Yangcheng Lake crabs.

Here too you will find plenty of restaurants, delicious local cuisine and beautiful scenery.

How to get there: Take Shanghai-Nanjing Highway - Suzhou Raocheng Highway - Huan Taihu Lake Avenue - Dongshan Town

Yangcheng Lake

Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province

The best-known and most marketed destination for hairy crabs is Yangcheng Lake in neighboring Jiangsu Province. The crabs are so famous and there are so many counterfeits that Yangcheng Lake growers' association attaches a numbered disc to each crab - of course, these too can be faked.

As part of the East China Sea estuary, Yangcheng Lake has a crab-friendly environment - clean, shallow, sun-drenched waters that promote the growth of the aquatic food the crabs like to eat.

The lake bottom is hard clay, compelling the crabs to use their leg muscles to move around - this develops the muscles, so they become larger and more succulent. The clay also is rich in iron and trace miners, giving the claws a yellowish tint.

And it imparts a slightly sweet taste. Actually, the vegetables grown around the lake, such as carrots and cabbage, also taste a bit sweet due to the soil and water. Chicken eggs too are a bit sweet.

Different parts of Yangcheng Lake produce crabs of different quality.

The best crabs are from the eastern part where the water is only two meters deep with plentiful aquatic life, including fish and shrimp.

The lake draws hordes of crab lovers every autumn, especially from Shanghai travel China guide, which is only an hour's drive away.

Numerous restaurants and hotels are open, especially near the eastern banks. Colorful flags with the character "crab" (xie) are fluttering in the air.

Visitors can dine on the lake in an old-fashioned boat.

Prices are negotiable.

In addition to hairy crabs, a wide variety of Suzhou cooking and local snacks are served. They include pan-fried, salted fish, sauteed green soybeans and steamed free-range chicken.

How to get there: Take the Shanghai-Nanjing Highway and take the Bacheng Exit.

Qin Lake

Jiangsu Province

The muscular hairy crabs from Qin Lake are famous for their ferocity because they have traveled a long way to get there from the Yangtze River.

Qin Lake Park is also much less crowded and noisy than Yangcheng Lake. There's a lush natural environment, rich aquatic life, plenty of fish, vegetables and fruits in the area.

A host of restaurants offer Qin Lake crabs and various local dishes.

After a crab feast, visitors can stroll in the park or take a boat ride on the lake.

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Beijing, being the capital of China, has become more and more popular among tourists from home and abroad which has attracted numerous travelers coming here for a visit. It is a beautiful city characterized by various attractions including historical sites and natural scenic spots with the captivating scenery and charm. Traveling there, you can not only enjoy the amazing scenery but also taste the delicious food there including the Peking roasted duck. If you have never been there before, and if you have only a short China holiday within or about 5 days, you are highly recommended take a visit to the famous city – Beijing, I am sure you will be warmly welcomed by the local people there.

For Beijing tour, your hotel choices there will include Beijing Dongfang Hotel, Days Inn Forbidden City Beijing and Traveler Inn Hua Qiao Beijing for the three stars hotels; Sunworld Hotel Beijing, Beijing Wu Huan Hotel and Holiday Inn Central Plaza Beijing for the four stars hotels; Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing, Beijing Hotel and Prime Hotel Beijing for the five stars hotels. Your nightlife in Beijing during your tour there will be colorful and wonderful with the entertainment activities such as enjoying the show of Peking Opera, Beijing Teahouse, Peking Acrobatics Show and Beijing Kung Fu Show. And your tour in Beijing will satisfy you with the sightseeing of Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City (must-see for China vacation deals), Summer Palace, Ming Tombs, Hutong tour, Temple of Heaven, Sacred Way, Ding Tombs, Beijing Zoo and so on.

For the delicious food popular in Beijing, the Beijing Roast Duck in Bianyifang Roast Duck Restaurant and?Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant, and the Official Dishes of Family Tan along with the Mutton Hot Pot will be the highlights for you during your popular China tours there. Do remember the best time to visit Beijing is summer time and earlier in Autumn.

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The Nujiang River has its origin on the southern side of the Tanggula Mountain Range on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It runs through Tibet and Yunnan China vacation deals in China, and then leaves the country at Dehong Dai and Jingpo Ethnic Minorities Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province. Here it enters Myanmar and gains another name, Salween, which at last empties into the Andaman Sea of the Indian Ocean. The Nujiang River stretches 2,816 kilometers and covers 324,000 square kilometers.

As its water is deep and dark, it is called "Naqu" by Tibetans, which means the black river. The Nujiang River top 10 China tours is divided into three sections. The upper reaches, from the source to the Jiayu Bridge, take up 50% of the total drainage area of the trunk. In the middle reaches, the Gaoligong and Biluo mountains guard the roaring Nujiang River as it forces its way along, forming the majestic Nujiang River Gorge, the second largest gorge in the world. The lower reaches travel from the Lu River to the Andaman Sea.

The Nujiang River is rich in water resources as well as mineral resources such as copper, iron, lead, tin, coal, hydrargyrum, crystal, sulfur, graphite and mica, etc.

You can learn more about China via chinatour.com such as China cities, Beijing attractions, Hong Kong city guide, Xian tour and so on.

In the process of human development, people need at least one kind of medium to record their ancestors' knowledge and experience as well as some inventions. During the time when writing was not invented China tour deals, oral communication was the only means of recording. After the invention of writing, people began to try various kinds of natural material by which to record information.

Historians estimate that the Chinese script first appeared some 6,000 years ago. Initially, it was inscribed on bones, tortoise shells, or stone and later was written on silk or more commonly, inscribed on bamboo or wood.

The earliest Chinese books were made from flat strips of bamboo or wood, inscribed and then threaded together. Heavy and bulky, they were inconvenient for reading and carrying. A man of letters called Dong Fangshuo in the Western Han Dynasty (206BC-24AD, learn more via travel China guide) was said to have presented a suggestion to the emperor written on 3,000 bamboo strips, which had to be carried into the palace by two strong men.

To lighten their reading material, people eventually began to write on silk Silk Road tours, using the newly invented brush and ink. But silk was too expensive to be used often; especially so in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), which saw a proliferation of new schools. Therefore, both students and scholars were in urgent need of something cheaper and more convenient on which to write.

For the abovementioned reasons, paper was eventually invented.

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Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is found within the suburbs of Shanghai City and this is a very interesting place to visit for last minute China travel deals . It is popularly called as Water Town because of the numerous water passageways which run in between homes and infrastructures.

The main reason why this town is surrounded by water is because it sits right in between lakes and mountains.

The history of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is over 1,700 years. Today, it is also known as the “Pearl Stream”. Among the four ancient towns within Shanghai, it is Zhujiajiao Ancient Town which is most preserved. Despite the modernizations which were adapted by the town, it has still successfully kept its traditional beauty which is seen with the antique bridges, age-old willow trees and houses with traditional architecture.

Places to Visit
The Kezhi Yuan or Kezhi Gardens China best tours is one of the most popular attractions in Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. There are three different parts in this destination which is the main hall, the artificial hill area and the garden. The main reason why this is a popular landmark in Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is because it is the tallest structure with its five-storey building. Right on the roof is a beautiful pavilion.


The Qing Dynasty Post Office is more than just a depository of mail. This is very popular for the well-preserved architecture which dates back to ancient Qing Dynasty. This place also has an exhibit of old post cards and letters.

The temples in this location are also interesting to see because of the rich ancient Chinese culture that they resonate and the captivating traditional architecture. The Yunjin Monastery popular China tours is a Buddhist monastery that is found at the northern part of the Caohe Street. On the other hand, there is also the Taoist temple, The Town God Temple or Chenghuangmiao. Its construction is dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Guanyin.

The trip to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is not complete without checking out the ancient bridges. There are more than 30 bridges in this town. The most popular one is the Fangsheng Bridge which spreads up to 70-meter distance.

More others about China: Beijing attractions, Shanghai shopping, Hong Kong city guide and so on

When French architect Paul Andreu set out to design the National Center for the Performing Arts, he envisioned the project as an icon for the city, a distinctly unique structure nestled amidst a landscape of vast history.

Popularly referred to as “The Egg”, the NCPA sits at the center of a rectangular pool, directly west of Tiananmen Square on a prime piece of ancient real estate just adjacent to the entrance of the Forbidden City (must-see for last minute China travel deals).

Construction of the 5,452-seat titanium and glass ellipsoid structure began in December 2001. The main auditorium is flanked by two smaller auditorium spaces encapsulated by a nearly 12,000-sqm dome. The titanium and glass dome measures 212 meters along its east-west axis, and 144 meters from north to south. The main entrance to the center takes visitors beneath the artificial lake, where calm water floats atop a glass roof, allowing light to pour into the main entry space.

From the very beginning of the project’s almost decade long realization from concept to completion, the design fell under severe scrutiny for its starkly modern appearance within its conservatively traditional setting. On countless occasions the design team was challenged to defend their position that the NCPA was intended to be an icon, a structure that would help to define Beijing (don't miss it for your China best tours) as a modern epicenter spanning centuries of development. The muted polish of the titanium, dramatic use of glass, water and trees were carefully used to accentuate their ancient surroundings.

The three major performance spaces include the Opera Hall located at the center of the structure, flanked by a smaller Music Hall and Theater Hall on either side. Initial budgeting priced the cost of design and construction at 2.688 billion RMB, but after subsequent minor changes throughout the design process, the final price tag was more than 3.2 billion RMB.

With tickets available at a range of prices for performances, visiting the NCPA is a wonderful way to experience Chinese culture through the arts. Visit NCPA’s website for information on upcoming performances and events.

You can obtain more via chinatourdotcom such as Beijing attractions, Shanghai shoppings, Kunming tour, Guilin travel guide and Hong Kong scenic spots, etc.

The city of Urumqi has served as an active center of trade for goods from throughout Central Asia, serving as a main point of access along the ancient Silk Road. The center of Urumqi, the capital of west China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (the must-see for your Silk Road tour), is home to Erdaoqiao Market, an energetic trading post that has remained active since its establishment during the late Qing Dynasty nearly 130 years ago.

The market was given a face-lift in 2002 when the Urumqi city government funded renovations of Erdaoqiao and opened a 1.2km shopping street to house the market, a Xinjiang International Bazaar, and a Xinjiang Ethnic Products Street. The area attracts an outstanding number of traders, local shoppers, and wide-eyed visitors on a daily basis.

The area has become known as the "golden shopping district", showcasing ethnic minority goods and handicrafts from China, Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Pakistan and other neighboring countries, serving as a cultural epicenter of trade for various goods unique to Central Asia's minority populations.

Some of the most unique and popular goods that can be found among the markets thousands of stalls include "three treasures of Hotan" jade, hand-woven silk and carpets, copperware, exquisite Yengisar daggers, traditional clothing, Uygur embroidered hats, musical instruments, and cashmere scarves. A variety of locally made dried fruit and herbs is also available here. Be sure to bargain when buying anything at the market; all prices are negotiable and vendors expect you to challenge their prices on everything. The market is an option for China travel deals.

The market is also home to dozens of traditional Xinjiang restaurants and food stalls that provide a much needed boost of energy after a long day of shopping. At nightfall, stall venders illuminate the market with hurricane lamps, transforming Erdaoqiao into a bustling night market enlivened by entertainment, street food, and dancing.

To experience the exciting activity of the market to the fullest, the best time to visit is Sunday, when the market overflows with the daily vendors, as well as other sellers who set up shop only once a week.

You will have a different experience here by comparison with Hong Kong tour or Kunming tour.

Beijing Zoo is located in Xizhimen Street of Xicheng District in Beijing (famous travel city for your affordable China tours). It covers an area of about 90 hectares. It was built in 1906, which is the premier public zoo in China, and the largest one as well. More than 900 different kinds of animal live here, and totally of them is about 20,000. The zoo receives more than 6 million visitors each year, including locals and tourists. Throughout 90 years history, Beijing Zoo becomes hugely influential zoo in Asia even in the whole world by high technology and various kinds of animals.

Beijing Zoo has 16 animal exhibition halls, including Giant Panda, Amphibian and Reptile House, Giraffe, Elephant, Gorilla, Aviary, Nocturnal Animal, Rhinoceros & hippo hall, Golden Monkey, Beijing Aquarium, Antelope & Takin zone, Lion and Tiger zone, Crane Island, Pheasant Garden, and Waterfowl, etc. Beijing Zoo often holds variety of theme activities and volunteer activities. It is not only the Paradise for animals , but also the best place to relax and get close to nature in this big city for your top China tours.

Giant Panda Hall the Giant Panda Hall can be divided into two parts, Asian Game Panda Hall and Olympic Game Panda Hall. The Asia Game Panda Hall was built in 1989, covers an area of about 10,000 square meters, the whole building was built according by Chinese Classical architecture style. It is bamboo shaped, has 11 arch rings like the bamboo joint around each other. 1989 is the year for the eleventh Asian Game held in Beijing, this unique design to show the best wishes for the Asian Game. Giant Panda is the national treasure in China, the number of them is extremely rare. Therefore they belongs to the national fist class protected animals. According to the latest statistics in 2006, the existing wild Pandas in China is only about 1596.
 

When you enter it, through the thick glass, you can find some of them walking slowly around the hall, some of them are sleeping. If you want to take a picture, it probably back toward you or cover its eyes with their paws seems to blame you to broke their sweat dreams. As a national treasure, Giant Panda has been send to many countries as friendship messengers.

Waterfowl lake No matter when you come, you can always see a prosperous scene. Some of them you can recognized easily, but some unusual ones maybe you do not know. More than 30 kinds of water birds are living here, the ones you generally can meet are more than 10 kinds, such as Swans, Mallards, Red Sheldrake, Mandarin Duck, etc. These waterfowl can be divided into two categories, wading birds and swimming birds. The swimming birds have the webbed feet which can help them to swim. Duck, swans and pelicans are belong to this class. Another is called waders, these bird has three common feature, which are long legged, long necked and long beak. They are not good at swimming, usually standing in the Shallow water with their long legs and picking little fishes in the water . White-Napped Crane and Night Heron are belong to waders.

Amphibian and Reptile House Amphibian and Reptile House was founded in 1979, the building area is 4712 square meters. After three times transformation, now it has more than 130 kinds of animals. It is the exhibition hall with most species of amphibians and reptiles in China. It has 6 parts, such as crocodiles, terrapins, frogs, salamanders, lizards, python and snake zone. Here, you can find some animals you never seen, e.g. Thailand crocodile. The adult Thailand crocodile is about three or four meters long, their mouth can swallow a kid definitely. If you observe carefully, you can find several pairs of eyes moved in the dark, a lots of baby Thailand crocodile hidden beneath the calm water, are you scared? There is another disguise king in the house, the green haired terrapin. Different with other terrapin, it fully covered the green algae. If you look down at the water from top, it seems like a bundle of algae grows in the water. With this good disguise, they can avoid predators traces easily, even us have almost been deceived by them.

Beijing Aquarium (an option for your popular China tours) is located in the north shore of the Beijing Zoo. The main building is divided into two layers, the total construction area is about 4,2000 square meters. It is the largest inland aquarium with highest level of modernization in the world. Its appearance is exactly like a big conch. It has six display parts, including the Rain forest Wonders, Touch Pool, submarine travel, sharks, Whale Bay and Ocean theatre.

The Rain forest Wonders is the unique venue with Amazon rain forest characteristics. In this venue you can find over 100 kinds of freshwater fish in rain forest and inland river. One strange thing is a pile of bones in one display tank. These bones related to the gray fish. Those gray fish looks lovely, but actually it is very dangerous. They are Piranhas from Amazon. Its length can reach 15 to 20 cm, with sharp teeth and developed jaw with prickles. The animals which drop into its water field can left nothing but bones in just a few minutes. There is no exception, even people.

Submarine Travel has 32 display tanks to show the most typical, ornamental marine fishes all over the world. You can have a wonderful undersea world traveling without leave Beijing. The one called Bibcock Fish, which is kind of fish doctor in the sea, it can eat the parasites from other fish, and disease their pain. Because these fishes live in different area, so the temperature and salinity of seawater in the display tanks should be different. All the tanks used the artificial seawater, the usage amount of artificial seawater is the largest in the world.

Ocean theater is the largest one in the world, which can accommodate 3000 spectators. It consists of 10 animal stars. Every day you can see wonderful performance. Look, the sea lion on the show, under trainer’s guide, its movement is so cute! It can throw the wasted bottle into the bin, look like it has more environmental awareness than us. Every time the dolphin come on the stage always make people excited, dolphins are the most smart one in the whole marine animal family. According to experts, its intellectual as same as the 3to 4 years old kids. And it very willing to get close to people. Come to see its water ballet show, i am sure you won't disappointed.

Many local families would like to take their kids to visit the Beijing Zoo in spare time. So why not follow them, you can show your kids the lovely animals and their habits. I am sure it will be the unforgettable experience to you and your kids.

Tags: travel to China

1. Shenzhen town - Futian District

I did not take pictures when i was around this town, i somehow kinda scared of getting snatch or something.

The reasons i went to futian district is to get a cheap 2nd hand notebook. i walk around this busy district and there are lots of shopping mall selling electronic stuff. from china brand to a brand you never heard of and goes to very famous brand, the price for the new item is almost the same price i can get in Malaysia, so i did not get the new items as the warranty is not a world wide warranty (only for some items) so i am planning of getting a 2nd hand notebook, so it worth if the warranty is not applicable in my country.

When i was walking around the town for my China tour deals, i only found one mall that selling 2nd hand computer, the rest of the mall selling new items with local warranty. so i decided to get one from the mall, i forgot the mall name but you'll find it just about 2 block from the huaqiang road, its in brown color and the entrance very small too.

2. 7 wonders of the world in Shenzhen

On that day, i woke up very early, it was at 8.30am, I was still tired over dragging my huge luggage and my backpack, it maybe because of my room mate from new york was making a little noise, also it was super bright too. I went there during winter and the day was early, it wasn't that cold on that day but i still carry around my light sweater.

I start my day with proper coffee from starbucks and it was my first coffee since i take off of Malaysia, so it was my 8th days then, i can't live without coffee for a day, it feels like something missing somehow. Then i get some fruits for breakfast and then started going out for sigh seeing. I dont know where i walk, the direction given by the hostel receptionist was not all true, so i was lucky to stop a chinese girl and she speak a little english, i show to her on place i wanted to go and she said it was near by (by short cut path) we had a little conversation along the way, she is so nice and very kind, she told me that there is a 7 wonders of the world that worth of visit. i walk with her and i am being an obvious tourist, i cant stop taking picture, she was waited for me even she was a little late for meeting up with her friends. That was very kind of her. Don't miss this place for your popular China tour package.

She show me the place and she left me there, so i was just walk around and there were a huge fountain with huge naked human effigy all around the 7 wonders park. I did not enter as i have to pay around RMB150/entrance which is almost USD20/entrance. its quit pricey for me so i just walk around the entrance and still had lots to see. Also lots to tells there.

3. Exploring A Soviet Aircraft Carrier in ShenZhen

If you're a regular military buff and interested in the (former) mighty Soviet War machine, then go to this military themed park off the coast of Shen Zhen. There's a huge aircraft carrier over there that has been sold off as scrap during the period of economic uncertainty in Russia. Now, it's been given a new coat of paint and passed off a floating amusement park that comes complete with a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 fighter, armed helicopters, dud missiles and staff dressed up in mock-military uniforms.

Where: Minsk World (Min-Si-Ker) military theme park in Sha tou jiao. It's about a 15min ride from Luohu to Shatoujiao in a cab (80-100RMB)

How much : Admission price is 120 RMB.

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Im a nomad/tourist/student in the Kunming/Lijiang area for the past 8 months! I'll see what I can help a bit here!

here's a recap of what you typed earlier:
Day 1 : arrive Kunming at 3pm to begin Kunming travel. Walk around Kunming town.
Day 2 : morning flight to Diqing (Shangri La). Arrive at 9am. Walk around and spend 1 night.
Day 3 : after lunch, afternoon overland (?) transfer to Lijiang. (Anything to see enroute?) Walk around Lijiang town.
Day 4 : Snow Mountain/Black Dragon Pool
Day 5 : cycling around outlying villages
Day 6 : morning flight back from Lijiang to Kunming.

I think your Day 1 is a bit constrained, but with your time, you can hang around downtown, enjoy some modest spring city weather. There is a temple called "yuantongsi" temple an old buddhist temple closes at 5-6ish. But since your day is limited here and Day 6, there's not much to see but enjoy the flowers. DO NOT GO TO BIRD AND FLOWER STREET. it has no birds. Shilin Stone Forest is one of the attractions of outer Kunming, pricey but a one-time 70% day go is all that's needed. inner Kunming has flowers... esp Cuihu Green Lake.
Shangri-La (must-see for top 10 China tours) is gorgeous.
Lijiang is amazing! I will help you modify a bit on the Lijiang side...
Jade Dragon Yulong Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Lake (Lanyuehu) are near each other, should be good and sunny in April, save that for 70% to a whole day. Ride a yak too! (FYI don't waste money enroute to Jade Dragon on O2 bottles(80rmb) or a big winter jacket rental (40rmb) on ground kiosks if you don't need it. On site, on top of the mountain and a kiosk just before ascent, there sells it for much cheaper (60rmb, 30rmb respectively)
Lijiang Dayan old town, elephant mountain and black dragon pool are closer to each other than the Snow Mountain, so that would save you some time and physical energy. There's a neat Naxi museum near the black dragon pool, among other sites to visit and crawl. You may also like to visit Shuhe Old Town, Shuhe Ancient Town is much quieter than Lijiang old town, so you can hear the peaceful horseclops and river flowing adrift, with a daily dance in the theatre at 730pm (only if it's a good night). BIG but playful dogs happily stroll these streets. (Can you tell which one I like better :P) Located west of the highly anticipated and gorgeous ACCOR GROUP Pullman Resort and Spa [(answers your original #3 question!) (They're open April 1st, so check for their opening promotion ~ i think it's 3 nights, 1 free..)]
Day 5 is further exploration, or you can spend approx 50~80RMB (from Lijiang) to go up to Tiger Leaping Gorge, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to visit from many many foreigners, friends and myself! Go early, or spend the night there too. (It is approximately enroute from Shangri-La to Lijiang, so plan accordingly, if interested.)

Contact me if you'd like. I try to help people here and everywhere.

Cheers on your trip! Make a Story out of Everyday. Share life.

Andrew Ames AKA Darwin
Canadian.

Location: Lijiang

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This morning I got very good news from my lab back in San Diego. A project I’ve been working on for six months just produced the results for which we were hoping. I actually had to fight back tears when I read the news from one of my colleagues. . .our research team has put in so many long hours (12. . .sometimes 15 hours days, month after month after month), working on weekends, missing meals and precious, precious sleep. But it was all worth it in Beijing (always contained in affordable China travel packages). What a great way to start out the day!

The work here is also going really well. We were able solve some big problems today. I feel very confident that this endeavor is going to be productive and successful. Plus there is the added benefit that the people I am working with are so kind and friendly. The girls, Sun and Hong guo (Amy) are planning a trip for us to the Great Wall (must-see for top 10 China tours). This will be Danbo’s first trip to the Great Wall as well. I don’t know if we are taking a guided tour or just exploring it ourselves or both. I’ll do some research and include some of the more interesting facts with the pictures and my blog entry for the day we visit it.

Not much else happened today. . .lots of lab work and different reports to prepare. I did go to a little shop near work to buy some gloves. . .the wind has picked up a bit in the past couple of days and the temperature is around 40oC. . .I don’t know what it is with the wind chill factored in. . .let’s just say it’s cold enough that my finger nails are often blue. I bought the gloves, a bottle of water and a bottle of diet coke for $1.00!!!!

On the way out of the shop there was a little local street dog. . .it was the weirdest looking thing ever. I could not tell at first if it was a dog or an extremely large cat (it looked a lot like the Cheshire Cat in the recent movie Alice in Wonderland). I’ve never seen a creature like it before (I wish I’d snapped a picture. . .seriously. . .this animal was so unique in appearance). In many of the countries I’ve travelled to I’ve seen ‘stray’ dogs. They are mostly local dogs that the restaurants and people in the neighborhood feed but they don’t belong to a specific person. Of course. . .big softie that I am. . .I always want to ‘rescue’ them and bring them home with me. I’m sure my cats would be very unamused.

Okay. . .I’m signing off for today. Take care everyone!

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1. Hu Qing Yu Tang Chinese Medicine Museum

This museum in Hangzhou (famous tourisy city for your China travel deals) is the only state-level professional Chinese medicine museum in China. Hu Qing Yu Tang was a Chinese pharmacy which began business in 1874. People regarded it as the 'King of Medicine' in southern China. Hu Xueyan, the first boss of the pharmacy, was not only a successful businessman but also a high-class official in the imperial court. In China's feudal society, people doing business were widely looked down upon whereas state officials were highly respected.

The museum consists of five parts: the Exhibition Hall, the Medicine Preparation Hall, the Chinese Health Care Clinic, the Restaurant of Medicinal Diet and the Sales Department. The Exhibition Hall introduces the development of Chinese medicine, including its origin, the life of well-known doctors in its long history, famous books of medical science and China's medicine exchange with foreign countries, etc. In the Medicine Preparation Hall, the museum's staff also performs the arts of traditional pharmaceutics. If you are interested, you can even try it yourself. In the Chinese Health Care Clinic, visitors have the opportunity to receive Chinese-style health care served by experienced doctors. The Restaurant of Medicinal Diet provides visitors with numerous medicinal diets which are good for human health. The Sales Department sells Chinese medicine from almost all parts of China.

2. Dreaming Tiger-Dug Spring

It's said that there was a monk living here but there was no water nearby. The monk planed to move out but in one night, he had a dream, in the dream God asked him don't move out and promised to help him to solve the water problem. Then he saw two tigers come and dig on the ground, soon spring water came out. So it's named as Dreaming Tiger-Dug Spring in the new 10 scenes of West Lake (must-see in Hangzhou for your top 10 China tours) in 1980s.

It's said best to drink the Dragon-well tea with the tiger-dug spring water.

On the 2nd photo, it shows it's the third spring in the world. How come is the third in the world? This is named by Emporor, since the emporer came from Beijing. In Jinan, he first saw the Baotu Spring, so he named it as the best spring in the world. Then he named another spring in Wuxi as the second spring. Since whatever the emporor had said could never be changed, so the Tiger-Dug Spring had to be named as the third spring in the world.

3. Yuefei Temple

Since the northern barbarians Jin occupied capital city Kaifeng and captured the emporer and his father, some officials flied south and set Hangzhou as new capital. It's called South Song Dynasty in History.

During the time, there were many famous generals had tried to recover lost norther land. Yuefei is the most famous one among them. He had won many battles with Jin and won a fatal victory in Zhuxianzhen, which is only 20 kilometers from the old capital, Kaifeng. However, at this time, he got 13 consequent orders from the emporer to order him withdraw his troop and go back Hangzhou. As soon as he went back Hongzhou, he didn't get any reward but got executed with his son and another general.

It said before Yuefei join the army, his mum wrote a tattoo on his back, "Jing Zhong Bao Guo", which means "serve the country loyally".

In past thousand years, whenever the country is in crisis, people will remember him and the famous poem he wrote, "Man Jiang Hong".

4. Sunset Glow over Leifeng Pagoda

This scene is also on South of the West Lake, it's in middle of Orioles Singing in the Willows: and Viewing Fish and Lotus Ponds at Flower Pond.
Literally, it means watching sunset over Leifeng Pagoda.
The Leifeng Pagoda got famous also because of the story of Lady White. After Lady white lost the battle to Monk Fa Hai, Monk Fa Hai moved the Leifeng Pagoda on top of her so she won't be able to come out again. In 1924, the old Leifeng Pagoda collapsed due to lack of maintenese. Even though everyone knows the story of Lady White is merely a story, people are still interested to check out if there is Lady White under the pagoda, and most people also rather to believe the pagoda is collapsed because Lady White has gained more strength so she could break the pagoda and freed herself.
The Leifeng Pagoda was rebuilt again in year 2000 and finished on Oct 2002.

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1. Duolun Culture Street

Duolun Road in Hongkou district of Shanghai (where you leave China after affordable China travel packages), north of Suzhou Creek, was home to many of Shanghai's most famous left-wing writers and intellectuals in the 1920s and 1930s. During this time, the road was just outside the formal boundary of the International Settlement, and between 1932 and 1945, under the de facto Japanese military occupation. Consequently, many left-wing writers who lived here felt fairly safe from persecution by the Guomindang government at that time. The road has now been pedestrianised, and most of the historical buildings along it preserved. Some of the more interesting one are: a French-style mansion at no. 145 where the League of Leftist Writers was founded in 1930; the former residence of HH Kung (Finance Minister during the Guomindang government) at no. 250; and the Old Film Cafe at no. 123.

Duolun Road is off Sichuan Bei Lu (Sichuan North Road) in Hongkou. The nearest metro is Dong Baoxing Lu on Line 3.

2. Longhua Temple and Pagoda
 

Longhua Temple (an option for your best tours of China in Shanghai) has a long history and has survived the many turmoils of Shanghai in the past hundreds of years. Its construction, including its wooden pagoda, can be traced back to 997 AD, during the Northern Song dynasty, though earlier versions of the temple may have existed. The temple complex was enlarged in the subsequent Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. It was severely damaged during the Japanese bombing of Shanghai in 1937, and again in 1966 when thousands of Red Guards stormed the temple to destroy its treasures, including Ming dynasty Buddha statues and sacred Buddhist scriptures (all gone). The temple and its pagoda were saved from total destruction due to the intervention of local residents. Today's Longhua temple must be a shadow of its former self, but remains the largest working temple complex in Shanghai. There are several halls dedicated to various deities, separated by tranquil courtyards. Its 7-storey pagoda has striking orange walls and a metal spire at the top. Longhua Temple is located near Longcao Road metro station in southwest Shanghai.

3. Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

The Shanghai Science and Technology Museum located in Pudong is a huge, modern, and exciting museum for people of all ages. This museum has 12 exhibition halls and 4 theatres (including the IMAX theatres). It was one of the best science museums I have ever visited. There are lots and lots of hands-on activities to do, including very fun and meaningful physics experiments. The "World of Robots" exhibition was very cool; you get to communicate with and control robots. There is also an impressive man-made tropical rainforest inside the museum where you will get to learn about bio-diversity, ecology, and genetics. There are lots of live demonstrations and presentations inside the museum like a robot show and an earthquake simulation, so be sure you don't miss them. I strongly recommend this museum. As of summer 2006, admission tickets are 60 yuan per person. The museum is easily reached using Subway Line 2, Shanghai Science and Technology Museum Station.

4. Talk to Chinese people in People's Park

On Sundays a group of Chinese people meet in a corner of People's Park (walk through by the fern flowers and trees at the city end) to talk English. We came across them by accident, just walking through. About twenty of them, all meeting up to talk Enlish to each other - and to any native English speaker who happens to walk by.

It was really nice, everybody very excited, practising their English and enjoying themselves hugely. They had an organiser (who they call the Teacher) who was himself a tourist attraction - big and bouncy, with limitless energy. So if you walk through that corner of the park and a big bouncy man rushes up and asks you to talk with his English students, don't be too afraid - it is genuine, and enjoyable.

5. Fuzhou Lu - Books and Stationary

Between the Nanjingdong Lu pedestrian shopping street and Yuyuan Gardens (must-see for popular China tours), running parallel to Nanjingdong Lu, is Fuzhou Lu. This is side street famous for its bookstores and stationary/office supplies shops. In the pre-Republic era, this place is also famous for brothels. Brothels are gone now, but the bookstores are still around.

Stroll down this street and visit all the specialty stores. Take the side alleys to discover out of the way street vendors. This road connects the southern side of Bund to the east and southern side of People's Park/Square to the west. It is not a large street with a nice mixture of feelings of west and east. It's a nice break from the too westernized parts of Shanghai and from the too touristy Oriental parts of Shanghai.

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All taxi rides we did in Shanghai (famous travel city for China travel deals) were metered and we found them to be quite good drivers (amazingly!) and the prices were very cheap, definitely the easiest way to get around in Shanghai, apart from the subway and walking.

Our worst taxi ride by far was on our way to Guilin airport bound for Shanghai. Tracy was sitting in the front seat, which is not such an intelligent thing to do when you see how crazily they drive! All of a sudden the taxi driver just stops by the side of the road. He gets out and walks over to a big pot of soup, gives it a few stirs then comes back to the car. He then mutters something in Chinese to us and off he goes again. This time he is gone for a good 5 minutes. I told Tracy to beep his horn and she did! Hey, they beep their horns enough, so I figured it was ok for us to beep it! He comes back with a bag of eggs, we presumed this was morning tea! And then, we are on the road again, bound hopefully for the airport.

You see, that is the big disadvantage we have in China for popular China tours when not speaking or reading their language. We get into a taxi, usually with our destination written in Chinese. The driver nods his head and we just presume that he is taking us to our intended destination, when really, he could be taking us absolutely anywhere! When we were in a taxi, bound for somewhere, and we finally saw a road sign in english saying our destination was ahead, we were always like "phew - at least he is going to the right place!"

Taxi drivers never wear seat belts, nor are there seat belts in the back seats. They will always answer their mobile phones at least 10 times during a short trip. They NEVER obey road rules, actually, come to think of it, Im not entirely sure there are any road rules in China! They usually dont speak a word of english and thee taxis are usually pretty filthy dirty. Oh, one taxi driver in Shanghai spoke some english, he just kept repeating "I am a communist - long live Chairman Mao!!!" I was not about to tell him Chairman Mao was dead and the body at his Mausoleum in Beijing is just a wax statue!!! No way, I was not gonna tell him that!

ALWAYS ask your Hotel staff to give you a Hotel card with your destination written in Chinese, and always ask them for a rough idea on the cost to get where you are going, and roughly how long it will take.

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1. shopping streets...

In my opinion there are two main shopping streets in Shanghai (the must-see city along Yangtze River where you can have Yangtze River tour). There is Huai Hai road, where one can find almost anything from books, nice lace bra's, shoes to suits etc. This street seemed to me have a lots of brand shops and the prices were quite high compared to other streets.

The other "main" shopping road is most probably Nanjing Lu, which leaves from the Bund and is kilometres long. There you can find shopping malls after shopping malls and also Mc Donalds in every 100 metres (almost!).

Between Nanjing Lu and Huai Hai road is Shanxi road south, there you can find smaller shops selling mostly clothes and shoes. But if you are not in the area, do not bother, but it is worth a promenade if you're around.

But like in every city, it will be cheaper if you wander away from the mainstreets and look for shops in different areas. The road names I just gave are just few shopping streets in Shanghai but perhaps the most popular ones?

2. ARCHIVED: Xiang Yang Lu Flea Market

LATEST: This flea market has CLOSED PERMANENTLY as part of China's effort to stem out copyright infringements. It's now HISTORY.

This is a very popular flea market that is open both day and night. Popular with locals and tourists who come here for your affordable China travel packages. This is the place to be to hunt for fake goods (especially fake Mont Blanc pens) and pirated CDs, VCDs and DVDs. If you like fake couture, this is one place to be. It is open air though many stalls have canopies to shield shoppers from sun and rain and the flea market is like a maze with its labyrinth of stalls among many alley ways. There are also food stalls interspaced between stalls selling all kind of goods from arts and crafts, souvenirs, antiques etc etc.

What to pay: BARGAIN IS THE ORDER OF THE DAY.
Indication: You can get about 20 fake Mont Blanc pens for about US$7.

3. freshwater pearls

there are plenty small shops selling pearls near Yuyuan garden (must-see attraction in Shanghai for your affordable China travel packages), they all look practically the same..but i would advise you to find that shop and ask for Jin Yu Qin, because our small but greedy for pearls group bought really a lot of all kind of necklaces, earrings, bracelets..sure you could get good discount, just ask her if she remembers a man with his 5 wifes...sure she will remember..:)

What to buy: China is known for its good prices on pearls. Prices range, depending on size, length of necklace, and quality. Negotiations are a must

What to pay: prices starts from 200 usd for a long necklace, but you can easily get it for half this price...and many small nice gifts for free

4. Dong Jia Du Fabric Market: fake Chanel, silk and more silk

it's fabric market, biggest in Shanghai. you can find there traditional chinese costumes, dresses (but you need to gave good eyes to catch really nice good quality stuff among fake designers clothes), all kind of silk, if you are planning to make home decoration..this place is a must ! silk is of incredible beauty, even if you dont need it...you will certainly bye some thinking..it will surely have some usage later...
and the best thing, if you allow local taylors take your measures...they will make for you in 48 hours the dress you want, you can choose silk itself also design...and SUPER BONUS they will deliver it at your hotel, no problem. i asked for a nice red colored dress, and the only problem i had to face...it was cold when i had to take some clothes off...to let take my measures.

What to pay: really nice chinese traditional dress only for 25 USD

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