The Chinese country is considered to be a treasure house of 5000 years of turbulent history. Contradictions are visible in every aspect of the country, from the skyscrapers of Shanghai to the historical monuments of Beijing and from the rural suburbs to the highly mechanized city life. While you may become anxious knowing about the political past, which might be one of the important factors attracting you to visit the alluring landscape washed by the Yangtze River.
The China Tourism draws in our minds the silk route, something, which was an indelible part of the history book pages based on Chinese civilization. It is really no wonder that this country alone is the home of 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And of course, the magical Chinese cuisine, which has found its place into every big and small country of the world.
Being one of the countries of the world looking to be the biggest superpower in the coming years, the China Tourism industry welcomes millions of foreign tourists every year. Like the Great Wall of China cannot be erased from the pages of China Tourism, so also the thoughts of visiting the trail of Marco Polo cannot be overlooked.
History of China
History of China reveals that China is one of the ancient civilizations of the world and the way of life developed here also found its way to the neighboring lands. The ancient history of China reveals that by 4th or 3rd millennium B.C people began to settle down and also made tools for cultivation.
History of China can be seen in the mentioned periods
Origin of the Chinese Civilization (2200 B.C.- 221 B.C.)
From the Shang Dynasty (1766- 1122 B.C.) to the Chou Dynasty (1122- 221 B.C.) things changed for China. The Shang peoples were known for their use of jade, bronze, horse-drawn chariots, ancestor worship, and highly organized armies. The sage Confucius (551-479 BC) developed the code of ethics that dominated Chinese thought and culture for the next 25 centuries.
The Early Empire Phase (221 B.C.- 589 A.D.)
The Chin established the first empire in 221 B.C. The Han Dynasty (202 B.C- A.D. 220) in which the Chinese take great pride and call themselves the Han people. It was during this period under the Chin the Great Wall of China and the Terra Cotta armies were built.
The Second Empire (589- 1644)
History of China saw the establishment Sui dynasty (589 A.D). Things changed again with the coming of Tang dynasty (618 A.D.- 917 A.D.). During the Tang Dynasty China was the largest, richest and most civilized country in the world. Under the Song (Sung) Dynasty (960 A.D.-1276 A.D.) the Chinese sailing ships were the biggest and best in the world, navigating through the use of chart and compass.
During the medieval history of China one finds that the Mongols defeated the Song in the first war where firearms played a significant role. Kublai Khan became the first emperor of the Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty (1276 A.D- 1368A.D.). The Ming Dynasty (1368 A.D.- 1644 A.D.) during this time threatened by both the Japanese and the Mongols -- and later by the Europeans, the Great Wall was extensively rebuilt.
The Birth of Modern China (1644- present)
The next change in the history of China was the establishment Quing dynasty (1644- 1911) under the Manchus. By 19th and early 20th century the country was driven to the brink of collapse. In the 19th century the Europeans forcibly initiated trade with the Chinese and brought a large tract of land under them.
An important historical event in the history of China is 1912 when the Cantonese Dr. Sun Yatsen led a rebellion that ended the Quing Dynasty and established the Chinese Republic.
The modern history of China marks the Cultural Revolution to revive the declining spirit of revolution in China under the leadership of Mao. Industrial production dropped precipitously during the Cultural Revolution -- down 20% in 1967 alone. But in 1979 China's new leader Deng Xiaoping broke Mao's communes into smaller units and allowed a free market for excess crops. In 1971 mainland China joined the United Nations. China was admitted to the International Monetary Fund in 1980.
Culture of China
When one talks of the 'culture' of a nation, the entire historical and traditional heritage of the nation is taken into the scope of the word. On the other hand, a 'cultured' nation is one whose culture indicated towards a well developed civilization. The nation of China is not just a country with a long and rich legacy of 'culture', but also a nation which is 'cultured'. Dating back to 5000 years and more, China boasts of one of the richest and the most diverse heritage not just in the Orient, but also world over.
The Culture of China is a consolidated phrase that comprises of philosophical, academic, artistic, scientific, craftsmanship and political excellence. The culture of china encompasses the departments of Arts and Crafts in China, Architecture of China, Music and Dance in China, Chinese Cuisine, Religion in China, Customs and Traditions in China, Fashion in China and also the Chinese Etiquette. For such a large nation, the Chinese have proved quite a united race. They have shared the same language, though with different dialects; an almost homogenous cuisine; variations of the same philosophical beliefs; and also a common national cause before which all else is negated. It is from this nation that the world has witnessed the rising of philosophies like Confucianism and Taoism; as has the world coveted the unique and rare ceramic wares crafted in the country. The art of calligraphy is also an important part of the culture of China; and of course, every one across the planet has had a taste of the sumptuous Chinese cuisine.
China Popular Destinations
From Shanghai to Beijing, from Hong Kong to Harbin – China Popular Destinations are amongst the most preferred choices of the tourists all over the world. Every destination in China has a story to unfold, and a new face to unveil, with its long history and rich culture. It’s a long list of places and it is a difficult choice to make about where you want to go first or the places you don’t want to miss out.
Many of the cities take the first place in the list of China Popular Destinations. Along with them you might also want to experience the old times with the old towns and the routes like the Silk Road adventures. You might also choose the river cruises to be the cynosure of your itinerary. After all, the beautiful Yangtze and the Li River give you a glimpse of the Chinese village life along with providing you with excellent cruising.
For the trekkers the China Popular Destinations might be the Mt. Taishan in Shandong, Mt. Hengshan in Hunan, Mt. Hengshan in Shanxi Mt. Huashan in Shaanxi and Mt. Songshan in Henanv. Whether you want to spend you time in checking out the adventure sports, or you want to spend all your savings in shopping, China has a place of interest for everybody.
Sightseeing in China
China a multireligious country is the third largest county of this world next only to Russia and Canada. Sightseeing in China represents the vast diversity of the country. The landscape of China shows diversity ranging from the major cities to rural areas and from wide range of terrain to fascinating hills.
A country of Eastern Asia China is bordered by East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea and South China Sea. It is sandwiched between North Korea and Vietnam. Mainly sightseeing in China are its four cities that are popular all over the world and attract thousands of tourists every year.
Sightseeing in China give you an ultimate idea about its significant cities and their attractions.
Sightseeing in China
Beijing
Located at the northern tip of the roughly triangular North China Plain that open to the south and east of the city. Beijing is one of the six ancient cities of the China. It is the political, economic, cultural as well as educational center of the country.
Hong Kong
Located on the eastern side of the Pearl River Delta on the southeastern coast of People's Republic of China facing the South China Sea in the south and bordering Guangdong Province in the north, Hong Kong is one of the highest population density regions of the world. Hong Kong consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories.
Shanghai
Located on the banks of the Yangtze River Delta in East China, Shanghai is the largest city of China and eighth largest of world. Shangahi is regarded as the city of modern economy of China.
Nestled between a flood plain created by 8 surrounding rivers and streams, Xian is the largest and most developed city in the central to northwest China. Xian is also among one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China.
China Festivals & Events
There are a wide variety of traditional and modern festivals and events in China that are based on both lunar and solar calendars. Chinese festivals and events occur throughout the whole year. Festivals of China showcase the rich traditional and cultural heritage of China. All the events and festivals are celebrated with same enthusiasm and play a very important role in Chinese society.
People of all sections of the society participate in all festivals and events with full excitement. Whether it is Dragon festival or Kite festival all festivals of China have their own color and flavor.
Major Festivals and Events of China
Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year is the most exciting and colorful event of China. The religious ceremony is traditionally attached with this festival. Communal feast commonly called as "Weilu" are organized on this occasion. It epitomizes the family unity and tribute the past and present generations.
Ching Ming Festival
This festival is also known as the Grave sweeping festival or the Spring Remembrance festival and is celebrated on 5th April. Ching Ming festival is an ancient festival of China and is dedicated to ancestors' worship.
Tin Hau Festival
This festival is celebrated in the month of April or in early May and is dedicated to Goddess of Sea regionally known as Tin Hau. There are numerous of holy shrines constructed in her glory along the coastal areas of China.
The Dragon Boat Event
This event is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th moon in the month of June. Over the period this event had taken the form of most exciting festival in Hong Kong. The intricately designed, colorfully painted dragon boats are the highlight of this event. Dragon Boat Event is also known by the name of Tuen Ng Festival.
Cheng Chau Festival
Also called the Festival of Bun Hills, Cheng Chau festival occurred in the month of May. The celebrations include parades, opera performances and the breath-taking trait of bun towers-large bamboo structure heaped with sweet buns.
The birthday of Lord Buddha is one of the foremost events of China. It is held on the 8th day of the fourth moon. China's people celebrates birthday of Buddha in Mahayana tradition. On this auspicious occasion thousand of devotees pray for forgiving their sins and for achieving wisdom and peace.
Getting There
Traveling to China by air has been made easy by the presence of Flights to China from all parts of the world. Since, china is an important tourist destinations it becomes quite difficult to get tickets in the season time, so it is advisable to book the tickets form advance. The busiest period for the airlines serving china becomes the Chinese New Year or the period of the Spring Festival and the year end vacations.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China has been carrying out significant airport management reforms as a result 140 China airports has been transferred to the provincial governments while the commercialization of airports according the latest models is being emphasized. The Beijing airport is getting prepared for the Beijing Olympics 2008 and according to Lord Foster, the new airport would outplace the Hong Kong and Heathrow airports.
For the traveler form Japan there is ferry service form Osaka to Shanghai and Tianjin in China. Te journey will take two days. You have to be a little conscious about the day you want to make a trip to china by sea because this service is available only once or twice in a week. In the peak time the service may also be provided twice a week. There is a twice in a week ferry service from Qinghai to Shimonoseki.
What & Where to Eat
Chinese cuisine enjoys a unique reputation in the world of food and its delicious taste, aroma and ethnic presentation style make it popular globally. Vivid, sweet smelling and delicious are the main features of China's varied cuisine. Chinese food normally adorned with three to five colors with huge variety of taste and flavor.
Chinese dishes with stronger aromatic fragrance can stimulate one to eat them even after full appetite. Use of ginger, garlic and chili pepper along with wine and spices adds charm and delicacy to the Chinese dishes.
Noodles are the main part of any Chinese cuisine. Noodles mixed with varied souses and vegetables along with the aromatic flavor are quite popular among the children. Bean Curd also known by the name of 'Tofu' in Western world is very famous Chinese dish. Made by milling soybeans, it generally appeared as a soft cheese and like noodles can easily adopt the taste of the sauces and the ingredients.
Among the foods of China, Dim sum is the unique and popular food of China. Actually Dim sum is the group of small dishes taken during the teatime. In Chinese it is called yam cha. Dim sum is Cantonese in origin and is popular not only in China but also in other Asian countries.
Besides these popular dishes, China also has some erotic foods in the form of Snake meat, Cat meat and Bird's nest. A popular unique dish named Dragon Phoenix Tiger is prepared by using snake, cat and chicken. Soups also played a major role in the Chinese cuisine. The two most popular soups among China's food are the Sharks fin soup and Bird's nest soup. Among the drinks Chinese Tea is the most favored one.
There are numerous of food outlets in China scattered all over the country. Besides of big and expensive hotels, there are large numbers of restaurants that provide good quality of food and offer good guest service also. Among these Don Hee's restaurant is the most popular food outlet for delicious Dim sum.
If you want to taste good quality of Chinese food then your ultimate destination is Herald Street Caffe-Café. Demy restaurant served the Western style of food. Other restaurants where you can enjoy the delicacy of Chinese cuisine at reasonable prices are the Princess Mary restaurant and Mee Wah restaurant.Hotels In China
