China, Including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan
Stunning sights & astounding antiquity
China has embraced an incredible pace of development yet remains one of the most diverse and exotic countries in the world, with unique cultures and peoples, stunning vistas, tropical beach resorts and iconic attractions. Whether your clients choose to explore the historic and Olympic city of Beijing in the north, post-colonial and vibrant Hong Kong in the south, Shanghai the home of the 2010 World Expo in the east, the classic attractions of Guilin, Xi’an or Kunming, a cruise on The Yangtze River or poolside relaxation at Sanya on Hainan Island, it is now possible to visit every part of China in comfort and style with excellent air connections and quality hotels.
Taiwan
The beautiful island
It is a surprise to many that Taiwan is incredibly diverse. Sunny beaches, richly forested mountains and sleepy villages in the countryside, contrast with the hustle and bustle of modern Taipei. There are temples and monuments, high-rise cities with shopping and sightseeing, and neon nightlife that keeps going till dawn. Taiwan lies off across the Taiwan Straits from mainland China. Blessed with about 18,400 species of wildlife on the island, among these are the land-locked salmon, Taiwan mountain goat, Formosan Rock monkey and the blue magpie.
A popular destination for Taiwan visitors is Sun Moon Lake, the largest fresh water lake in the country and so called because its northern end is shaped like the sun and its southern end is shaped like a sickle moon. The lake is surrounded by mountains and is famous for its wonderful scenery and tranquility. Scenic Taroko Gorge is also very popular. Taiwan is an incredible destination but also a fascinating combination with Thailand, Hong Kong and mainland China.
Hong Kong & Macau
Asian’s dynamic city
Hong Kong is one of the world’s most exciting and vibrant cities with a unique blend of East and West cultures, with traditional Chinese temples, British colonial heritage, and high-tech skyscrapers set against the mountain backdrop of Hong Kong Island or the rural New Territories. The economic success of this dynamic destination means that Hong Kong offers amongst the greatest variety of shops and shopping on earth, together with a myriad of cuisines, and cultural and sporting events, including the famous Dragon Boat Festival. The efficient public transport including an excellent underground system and double-decker trams makes getting around the city easy and interesting, whilst the Star Ferry crossing makes for a cheap yet spectacular harbor crossing. The weather is at its coolest and driest October to April. Hong Kong is the travel hub of Asia and especially China, and its impressive airport and excellent connections makes this fascinating city an ideal city destination or stopover for any Far East trip.
History, culture, atmosphere & charm
Macau is just 43 miles southwest of Hong Kong., located on the south coast of mainland China, in the Pearl River delta region. The former Portuguese colony is easily reached by air or by fast ferry. The city is renowned for the Portuguese influence that began in the mid-1500s and the culture, architecture, cuisine and history is still clearly evident today. The ‘Historic Centre of Macau’ is a UNESCOWorld Heritage site, and the iconic Ruins of St Paul’s, Senado Square, the Guia Fortress, Lighthouse and the A-Ma Temple, Macau’s oldest building, contrast with the tranquil countryside of the small islands of Taipa and Coloane. There are of course fabulous deluxe hotels and resorts, entertainment and world class casino resorts. Shop ‘til you drop in the local markets, boutiques and state of the art malls and a trip to vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf is recommended. Macau is a gourmet’s paradise offering an eclectic mix of cuisines and flavors from around the world. Local ‘Macanese’ dishes borrow tastes from China, Africa, South America and India, all fused by a common Portuguese heritage. It is hard to find another city, which offers so many restaurants with such a variety of cuisines to suit everyone’s tastes and budget. No-one ever goes hungry in Macau!
Mainland China (PRC)
China’s capital the fabled city of Peking, built in ancient times by Kublai Khan, and is now the thriving and major metropolis of Beijing. Much of the city’s impressive historic architecture remains, blended with the modern skyscrapers and transport system, including the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace which dates from the 14th century Ming and Qing Dynasty. The GreatWall of China can be visited as a day trip from Beijing. Exploring the old city Hutongs give a glimpse of the traditional way of life. The huge expanse of Tiananmen Square and Chairman Mao’s mausoleum are also popular attractions. The Silk Street market, the shops of Wangfujing and modern malls are on hand for souvenir and bargain hunters alike. Xi’an, an ancient capital, is located in central China, and is the site of the tomb of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di, guarded by the impressive Terracotta Army. On the banks of the Li River, Guilin is a picturesque city in the south of the country set in a landscape of pointed limestone mountains rising from rice paddies, revered by Chinese painters over the centuries. To the East is the historic city of Shanghai, now the economic and commercial capital, which is split in two by the Huangpu River with the older town on the west bank known as Puxi and swanky Pudong on the east side. Explore the shops of Nanjing Road and The Bund on the riverfront in Puxi and visit the Jade Buddha Temple, famous for two rare statues of Buddha and the 16th Century Yu Yuan Gardens, the inspiration for willow pattern. Shanghai is a perfect point from where to take a cruise up the Yangtze. For perfect beachside bliss there is no need to leave China. Sanya on the tip of Hainan Island, just off the mainland, is often referred to the Hawaii of China with temperatures of 30ºC, wide golden sandy beaches at Yalong and Sanya Bay, warm seas, palm trees and superb beach hotels. The island can be reached from Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an and is an ideal beach ending to a cultural tour of China. Closer to Bangkok than Beijing, and often combined with both, Kunming, is in Southwest China and is an excellent base from which to explore the scenery of the cultural melting pot of Yunnan Province. Benefiting from a temperate climate and known as the City of Eternal Spring, sightseeing includes a visit to the impressive limestone landscape known as the ‘Stone Forest’. China offers incredible sightseeing and we include a small selection of the tours we offer.
