CHINA

HONGKONG

Hong Kong is divided into four main areas – Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. Kowloon and the New Territories are on a peninsula of the Chinese mainland, on the northern side of Victoria Harbour; Hong Kong Island is on the southern side of the harbour facing Kowloon; the Outlying Islands simply refers to any of the other 234 islands. The New Territories has a 20km (12mi) land border with China proper.

The city itself is centred around Victoria Harbour. The main business district is Central, on Hong Kong Island. East of Central lies the Admiralty commercial district; Wan Chai, known for restaurants and clubs; then Causeway Bay, a major shopping area. Towering above it all is the Peak, Hong Kong’s premier scenic outlook and residential district, which happily has plenty of public green space. In Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui (on the southern tip), Jordan and Yau Ma Tei are busy hotel and shopping areas, while Mong Kok is a bustling residential and shopping area.

Language: Chinese and English are the official languages with Cantonese most widely spoken. English is spoken by many, particularly in business circles.

Religion: Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist, with Christian and Muslim minorities, but there are also places of worship for most other religious groups.

Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HK$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of HK$1000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of HK$10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 cents.

CLIMATE

Hong Kong experiences four distinct seasons, with the climate influenced in winter by the north-northeast monsoon and in summer by the south-southwest monsoon. Summers are very hot, with the rainy season running from June to August. Spring and autumn are warm with occasional rain and cooler evenings. Winter can be cold, but most days are mild. There is a risk of typhoons from July to September.

Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens are worn during warmer months, with warmer clothes for spring and autumn evenings. It should be noted that even during the hottest weather, a jacket or pullover will be required for the sometimes fierce air-conditioning indoors. Warm mediumweights are best during winter. Waterproofing is advisable during summer rains.

When to Go

Many prefer to visit Hong Kong during November and December when there are pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. January and February are okay months, but the temperature can drop to below 10�C (50�F). Warmer temperatures make March and April pleasant months to go, but as the year progresses into May the air becomes uncomfortably sticky and humid, and by September you can expect typhoons. Hotels tends to offer substantial discounts outside the high seasons of March-April and October-November. Travel can be difficult during Chinese New Year, late January/early February.

ATTRACTIONS

Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong Island is the glitzy big brother of Kowloon – a tightly packed, towering paean to market capitalism that hasn’t been dented one jot by Chinese rule. The bustle of people living and working is the biggest attraction on the island, although many visitors head around to Aberdeen, on the southern side of the island, where 6000 people live or work on junks anchored in the harbour. Sampan tours of the Aberdeen Harbour are definitely worth the expense. The other major draw is the floating restaurants.

The most popular beach is Repulse Bay, also on the southern side of the island, but it gets extremely crowded on weekends. Stanley, with its laid-back atmosphere, is another good spot for escaping Hong Kong’s hustle and bustle, although it is the hustle and bustle that brings people here in the first place – if you want real solitude, you’ve come to the wrong place. City attractions include the Central Market, which visitors will have no trouble finding (just sniff the air), the old Man Mo Temple and the Zoological & Botanic Gardens. Hong Kong Island is steep, so if your’e heading away from the harbour, do as the locals do and ride the 800m (870 yards) outdoor escalator.

Kowloon

Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of the Kowloon Peninsula, is the territory’s tourist ghetto. It consists of one sq km of shops, restaurants, pubs, topless bars and camera stores. However, Kowloon is also home to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Space Museum, the famous Peninsula Hotel and the Museum of History.

The Promenade, in East Tsim Sha Tsui, is a great place for a stroll, and has wonderful views of Victoria Harbour, particularly at night. The liveliest night market in the territory is on Temple St in Yau Ma Tei.

Victoria Peak

If you’re in Hong Kong, you’d be mad to miss a trip to the top of Victoria Peak, 552m (1810ft) above sea level. The views are giddyingly beautiful in every direction, with the vista of the business district, Victoria Harbour and Kowloon especially grand. In true Hong Kong style the main viewing deck is on the roof of a large shopping mall.

Join the throng of snap-happy tourists – you won’t be disappointed. If you have time, it’s worth making the trip to the top both in daylight (ideal to get your bearings) and at night, when the mass of lights around the harbour will take your breath away and make you wish you had a better camera. The actual peak is a ten-minute walk west and up.

FOOD & DRINK

Hong Kong is one of the great centres for international cooking. Apart from Chinese food, which is superb, there are also many Indian, Vietnamese, Filipino, Singapore/Malaysian and Thai restaurants. It is the home of authentic Chinese food from all the regions of China , which may be sampled on a sampan in Causeway Bay, on a floating restaurant at Aberdeen, in a Kowloon restaurant, in a street market or at a deluxe hotel . Hotels serve European and Chinese food but there are also restaurants serving every type of local cuisine.

Chinese regional variations on food include Cantonese, Northern ( Peking), Chiu Chow ( Swatow), Shanghai, Sichuan and Hakka. Cantonese is based on parboiling, steaming and quick stir-frying to retain natural juices and flavours. The food is not salty or greasy and seafoods are prepared especially well, usually served with steamed rice. Specialities include Dim Sum (savoury snacks, usually steamed and served in bamboo baskets on trolleys). These include Cha siu bao (barbecue pork bun), Har gau (steamed shrimp dumplings) and Shiu mai (steamed and minced pork with shrimp). The emphasis in Northern food is on bread and noodles, deep-frying and spicy sauces. Specialities include Peking duck and hotpot dishes. Shanghainese food is diced or shredded, stewed in soya or fried in sesame oil with pots of peppers and garlic. Chiu Chow is served with rich sauces and Hakka food is generally simple in style with baked chicken in salt among the best dishes. Sichuan food is hot and spicy with plenty of chillies. A speciality is barbecued meat.

The Chinese do not usually order a drink before dinner. Popular Chinese wines and spirits are Zhian Jing (a rice wine served hot like sake), Liang hua pei (potent plum brandy), Kaolian (a whisky) and Mao toi. Popular beers are the locally brewed San Miguel and Tsingtao (from China ) with imported beverages widely available

NIGHTLIFE

There are many nightclubs, discotheques, hostess clubs, theatres and cinemas. Cultural concerts, plays and exhibitions can be seen at Hong Kong’s City Hall which also has a dining room, ballroom and cocktail lounge. The Hong Kong Cultural Centre, including a 2100-seat Concert Hall, 1750-seat Grand Theatre, a studio theatre with 300-500 seats and restaurants, bars and other facilities, has become the major venue for cultural concerts, plays and operas. Hong Kong Art Centre in Wan Chai supplements the City Hall’s entertainment with culture in the form of Chinese opera, puppet shows, recitals and concerts. American, European, Chinese and Japanese films with subtitles are shown at a number of good air-conditioned cinemas. Two daily papers, the Hong Kong Standard and the South China Morning Post , contain details of entertainment. An unusual event to watch is night horse-racing held Wednesday nights from September to May. For further details, contact the Hong Kong Tourism Board

SHOPPING

Whether one is shopping in modern air-conditioned arcades or more traditional street markets, the range of goods available in Hong Kong is vast. Many famous-name shops have opened in Hong Kong, bringing the latest styles in great variety. Places that display the QTS sign (Quality Tourism Services) are the best guarantee of satisfaction. Bargaining is practised in the smaller shops and side stalls only. There are excellent markets in Stanley on Hong Kong Island, which is in a beautiful setting in a small village on the coast, and in Temple Street, Kowloon, which is a night market. Tailoring is first class. Except for a few items, such as liquor and perfume, Hong Kong is a duty-free port.

Shopping hours: Hong Kong Island (Central & Western): 1000-1900 (1000-2000 along Queen’s Road). Hong Kong Island ( Causeway Bay & Wan Chai): 1000-2130. Kowloon (Tsimshatsui & Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok): 1000-2100. Many shops are open Sunday. Shopping hours may vary greatly.

SHANGHAI

Introduction

Set on the mouth of the Yangtze River on China ‘s east coast is Shanghai, former and future financial gateway to China and one of the most populous cities in the world.

This dynamic and booming centre is undergoing huge change and drawing millions with the promise of that elusive quick buck. Between the glitzy 21st Century skyscrapers, there are many reminders of the decadent days of a century ago. The grand European buildings of The Bund lend this city an air of sophistication, something it is keen to recapture on its own terms.

There is a lot to Shanghai and plenty to explore even if it does lack the scope of ancient cities such as Beijing. Still, most will come away happy after a 3 to 4 day trip. The most progressive and exciting of China ‘s cities, and indeed the most open-minded, Shanghai is without a doubt poised to become a major international metropolis in the coming years.

Attractions

Shanghai ‘s prosperous and flamboyant past is most evident at The Bund . This picturesque stretch saw the great trade of the Tai Pan’s and earned Shanghai the title ‘The Paris Of the East’. The European promenade stands bold and proud and is now a much-loved tourist spot with unrivalled views across the Huang Pu River to space age Pudong. Among the grandeur is the original Hong Kong Shanghai Bank, still guarded by 2 bronze lions to ward off evil spirits or robbers.

One of the world’s tallest TV towers, Oriental Pearl TV Tower pierces the sky with its huge needle-like structure. Gigantic viewing platforms are shaped to resemble pearls and it looks more like a prototype rocket for a mission to mars. Tickets are available for all platforms but if you’re tight in the pocket you can go for the mere middle stage but still enjoy a commanding view over the bund and local areas. Within the highest viewing platform there is a museum of local history, which is quite interesting if you manage to get that high up.

The surrounding Pudong Financial District , with wide tree lined avenues and commuters jammed into buses, has modern skyscrapers scattered about in every shape and size. The dominating TV Tower and Jinmao Tower are among China ‘s tallest. The Public Parks of Mingzhu and Lujiazui are great vantage points to gaze up at the many modern skyline but lack the character of some of the other city parks. Shanghai’s newest and most modern district is good for a few snaps but not really an attraction as such.

In contrast to the spanking new district of Pudong are the remnants of the old French Concession . The tree-lined avenues coupled with appealing well-preserved architecture make for a nice stroll.

Pre-colonial Shanghai was a typical walled fishing village up until the 1840’s, and the only remaining place to catch a glimpse of the Chinese past is the Old City . An interesting maze of knick-knack shops, foodstalls and restaurants. Small temples are scattered about in every nook and cranny among pokey shops selling incense and candles. Count on getting lost no matter how many maps you have.

The old Yu Yuan Garden is an authentic Chinese water garden with many indigenous plants and flowers and strategically positioned traditional halls, and is the perfect spot to enjoy a pot of Chinese tea in the teahouse. Carps swimming around the ponds are a symbol of good luck and prosperity and the gardens possess enhanced feng shui.

Not far away a striking piece of modern architecture resembling a UFO on a launch pad houses the Shanghai Museum . It is a very impressive presentation and a far cry from the listless museums one usually encounters in China . Worthy exhibits include porcelain, bronzes and ethnic pieces.

Shanghai has never been famed for its religious or spiritual strengths but one of the few temples worth a trip is the Jade Buddha Temple . Inside is an impressive 2 metre high white jade Buddha coated with jewels and gold. The temple houses four halls – Hall of the Heavenly Kings, Grand Hall, Reclining Buddha Hall and Jade Buddha Chamber. Photos of the halls are allowed but not of the religious figure.

Located on the outskirts in a new development zone, is the rather drab Shanghai Zoo . Although the zoo is somewhat dilapidated, it does boast a pair of giant pandas. Hopefully this ageing tourist attraction will get a face-lift. In the meantime it’s not really worth the time.

HAINAN

Introduction

Hainan is located at south end of China , and occupies an area of 35,000 square kilometers (13,510 square miles). Its administrative regions are Hainan Island , Xisha archipelago, Zhongsha archipelago and Nansha archipelago . Its neighboring countries are Philippines towards the east, Malaysia and Brunei towards the south, Indonesia ( Natuna Islands) towards the southwest, and Vietnam towards the west. The surrounding sea area totals 2,000,000 square kilometers (772,000 square miles). Due to the mild climate and favorable environment, Hainan is regarded as a long life island. The young often travel to Hainan seeking a return to nature and the old would rather live there to enjoy their lives. Hainan now has a population of 7.11 million, among which about one million are ethnic minorities.

Weather

Hainan is an ideal place for you to be away from the cold winter. In January and February, the average temperature is 16� C to 24� C, and 25� C to 29� C is in July and August. The rainy seasons are from May to October. The best time to visit Hainan is between November and March the next year. I suggest those who are fond of swimming had better come to Hainan. It’s an excellent swimming and bathing place all the year around, and far away from the crowded cities, it is your best choice for relaxation and entertainment.

Local Attractions

Haikou Harbour This is arguably the best place in all of China to see sailing junks, which have sadly disappeared from most other parts of the country. Shipyards here welcome visitors interested in traditional boat-building methods.

Qiongtai Academy Qiongtai Academy is situated about five kilometres southeast of Haikou. Built 270 years ago during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, it is now the site of Qiongtai Normal School. It is believed that the Academy was built to commemorate Hainan’s leading scholar, Qiu Jun (also known as Qiong Tai). It was once the highest institute of learning in Qiongzhou ( Hainan), a stepping-stone for every scholar in ancient times.

Five Officials Memorial Temple Located on the edge of Haikou City and Qiongshan municipality, this complex of ancient buildings includes the Five Officials Memorial Temple and Su Dongpo’s Memorial Temple. The Five Officials Memorial Temple is the principal building in the complex and is regarded as a cultural treasure on Hainan. This temple was built in honour of five famous officials – Li Deyu, Ligang, Zhao Ding, and Hu Quan – who were banished to Hainan in the Tang and Song Dynasties.

Ma’an Ridge Volcanic Crater The crater lies about 10 kilometres from Haikou, some 200 metres above sea level. The east and west ridges rise abruptly, forming a horse saddle in between (“ma’an” is Chinese for “horse saddle”). An American geologist praised it as one of the most exotic sights in the world. The crater is said to be one of the best-preserved inactive volcanic craters in the world.

Mangrove Forest The first mangrove forest protection zone in China , this has been the base for scientific studies by researchers from around the world and is a favourite tourist spot. The red trees found here account for 90 percent of the species in China . The area has another, more evocative name of “forest under the sea”.

Hairui Tomb The Hairui Tomb is located in Bin Ya Village, five kilometres west of Haikou. It was built in 1589, during the Ming Dynasty. A well near the tomb is said to have been discovered by Hairui, a famous official renowned for his integrity, when he was young. For more than 400 years, this well has never run dry.

Tonggu Mount Its 388-metre-high peak is the best place from which to watch the sun rise. The mountaintop also affords views of historic temples and stone houses. One intriguing spot for visitors is a huge 20-tonne stone which stands three metres high on the ridge.

Dongjiao Coconut Grove Visitors can see locals climb 20-metre-high trees to pick coconuts, and then refresh themselves with the delicious coconut juice. This is also a good place for swimming, fishing and camping.

Holiday Beach Visitors can enjoy the sun and sand at Holiday Beach, a 20-minute taxi ride from Haikou town. Jet skis and a variety of other water sports are available.

Scenic Wonders in Eatern Hainan

• The Five-official Memorial Temple
• Hainan Deer Farm
• Coconut Trees
• Nanli Lake
• The Wanquan River
• Guantang Hot Spring Center
• Baishi Range
• Dongshan Range
• Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden
• Nanwan Monkey Island
• Xinglong Tropical Garden
• Southeast Asian Cultural Village
• Yalong Bay
• Dadonghai
• The Deer Looking Backward
• The End of the Earth and the Corner of the Sea
• Sanya Tropical Marine Zoo
• Nanshan Cultural Tourist Area
• Haishan Wonders

Scenic Wonders in Central Hainan

• Tomb of Hai Rui
• Crater at Ma’anshan
• Dongshan Lake Tropical Zoo
• Fengmu Deer Farm
• Mt. Wuzhi
• Hainan National Museum
• Hainan Chinese National Cultural Village
• Seven-Fairy-Maiden Range Hot Springs

Scenic Wonders in Western Hainan

• Holiday Beach
• Dongpo Academy
• Yangpu Harbor
• Tropical Botanical Garden
• Lanyang Hot Spring

Shopping

The local products in Hainan include coconut and shell carvings, pearls, crystals, tropical fruit drinks, coconut products, and cashew nut.

• Haixiu Rd. E in Haikou – the busy commercial center
• Jiefang Rd. in Haikou – the old, commercial district
• Markets on Bo’ai Rd. in Haikou – aquatic and local products
• The Commodity Street tit Sanya – special arts and crafts
• Shopping Village tit the End of the Earth and the Corner of the Sea, Sanya – special arts and crafts, local products
• Xinglong Hot Spring Tourist Area. Warming – coffee. pepper

BEIJING

Introduction

Beijing has been the capital of China since the 13th Century through the course of many dynasties. Located in the far north of mainland China , the name Beijing, also pronounced ” Peking”, literally means “Northern Capital”. The city stands on the site of ancient settlements, and its symmetrical design has been retained since the Ming Dynasty. Among the many famous monuments and places of interest are: The Great Wall, which is more than 6,000kms in length and is ranked as one of the greatest achievements in human history; the Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City, which provides a glimpse into the history of Imperial China; and Behai Park, with the Bridge of Perfect Wisdom at its centre. Other famous landmarks include the Museum of Chinese History, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and the Ming Tombs, all within easy reach of central Beijing.

Visitors can savour regional dishes from every corner of China in the city’s numerous restaurants, while top Western cuisine can also be found in many international hotels in the city. For shopping enthusiasts, Beijing’s teeming shops and markets contain merchandise from all of the country, including handicrafts, silk, precious gems, reproduction antiques, paintings and much more.

Climate

Beijing lies in the continental monsoon region in the warm temperature zone and its climate represents as hot and rainy in summer and cold and dry in winter.

The four seasons in Beijing are distinct. It is dry, windy and sandy in spring and hot and rainy in summer. Autumn is the best season in a year when the sky is blue; the air is crisp, mild and humid. However, winter is cold and dry with little snow. The average temperature throughout a year is 11.7�. The average temperatures of the hottest month, July and the coldest month January range from 27� and -4.6�. The shorter seasons, spring (usually from February to April) and autumn (usually from August to October) are better seasons for visiting Beijing when it is sunny and warm with few tourists crowding in the attractions.

If you come to Beijing in spring, you could wear a thin sweater, a pair of sweat pants, and a coat. But sometimes it may be a good idea to bring a warm cap because it is windy and sandy during this period though it is not cold. In summer the temperature could reach as high as 30�C. When you go out, you could take an umbrella along with you if it doesn’t bother you much, because a downpour may come unexpectedly at evenings from July to August. Autumn is the most beautiful season, but after October you may feel the constant changes of the weather and you may encounter light rains at any moment. So it is better to bring some heavy clothes with you. In winter, you need a heavy woolen sweater, and a long wind coat or a down jacket. Generally there will be two or three heavy snowfalls each winter, so it is always wise for you to have anti-skidding shoes with you when you come. Lastly, don’t wear light-color clothes in winter.

Bilingual weather information can be obtained if you dial 121 in Beijing.

Local Attractions

• The Great Wall Measuring 6000 km in length, it ranks among the greatest ancient projects in human history. The original wall was built in the Qin Dynasty, by China ‘s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang (221 – 206 B.C.). It was reinforced, reconstructed and extended over the centuries. The wall at Badaling, near Beijing, dates from the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644), and is one of the best-preserved and most impressive sections of the Great Wall.
• The Imperial Palace This vast complex also known as the Forbidden City strongly evokes the grandeur and power of Imperial China. The site was originally chosen by the Mogul Emperors of the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368), but the palace was completely rebuilt by the Ming Emperor Yong Le (1403-24) between 1406 and 1420. After the overthrow of the Ming Dynasty by the Manchus, who founded the Qing Dynasty, it was restored by the Qing Emperors to its former magnificence. The palace consists of a vast series of pavilions, audience chambers and private quarters.
• Beihai Park This park is one of the most beautiful in Beijing. In its grounds there are formal Chinese-style gardens, surrounding a lake. A famous landmark is the Bridge of Perfect Wisdom, which provides access to Qionghua Island on which stands the very distinctive White Pagoda, built in classic Tibetan-style.
• Museum of Chinese History Situated on the eastern side of the Tiananmen Square, this museum displays Chinese culture through the ages.
• The Temple of Heaven The Temple of Heaven is one of the most elegant buildings in China and dates from the 15th Century. In Imperial China it played a vital part in the Emperor’s rituals. On the day of the winter solistice the Emperor would pray here for good harvests.
• Summer Palace Constructed in 1888 by the Empress Dowager Cixi, the Summer Palace is situated on a large lake. The sprawling complex contains halls, temples, audience chambers, an opera theatre, and the Imperial family’s private apartments.
• Ming Tombs Thirteen tombs of the Ming Emperors are located in peaceful countryside, and reached by a Sacred Way, part of which is an Avenue of Stone Animals. The excavated tomb of the Emperor Wan Li (1573-1602) is open for inspection.

Food

In Beijing you can experience cuisine from every corner of China. Top western cuisine can be founded in restaurants in Beijing’s many international hotels.

Quanjude (Beijing Roast Duck)
32 Qianmen Dajie
(86-10) 65112418

Bianyifang (Beijing Roast Duck)
2A Chongwenmen Wai Dajie
(86-10) 6712 0505

Beijing Ah Yat Abalone Restaurant (Cantonese)
1A Jianguowen Wai Dajie
(86-10) 6508 9613

Horizon Cantonese Restaurant (Cantonese)
1/F Kerry Center Hotel
(86-10) 6561 8833 ext.41

Donglaishun Restaurant (Hot Pot)
5/F Xin Dong An Plaza,Wangfujing Dajie
(86-10) 6528 0932

Huangcheng Laoma (Cantonese)
39 Nanqing Hou Jie,Dabeiyao
(86-10) 6779 8801

Afanti (Muslim/Xinjiang)
2A Houguaibang Hutong, Chongyangmennei Dajie
(86-10) 6527 2288

Kaorouji (Muslim/Xinjiang)
14 Qianhaidongyan
(86-10) 6404 5921

Shopping

Beijing has a spectacular variety of shops selling merchandise from all over the country – handicrafts, silk, precious stones, reproduction antiques, paintings and so much more. Beware of buying antiques in an open market. First, they may not be genuine, and if they are and don’t have the official red wax seal and government shop receipt, they will be confiscated by customs.

Beijing Friendship Store
No.17 Jianwai Dajie
(86-10) 6500 3311

SOGO
No.8 Xuanwumen Wai Dajie
(86-10) 6310 3388

Youyi Shopping City Beijing Lufthansa Center
Liangmaheilu
(86-10) 6465 1188

SCITECH Plaza
No.22 Jianguomenwai Dajie
(86-10) 6512 4488