Tag Archives: Holidays

Shanghai favourite gets refurbishment

Trips to China are often associated with fantastic natural landscapes such as those seen in the Hainan province, or impressive feats of human perseverance like the Great Wall of China, but the country is becoming a byword for luxury.

As many economies in Europe falter, China has made huge commercial improvements during the past decade or so and now its cities have some of the best amenities and infrastructure on the planet.

The latest world-class site to open its doors to the country’s growing amount of overseas visitors is the Renaissance Shanghai Yangtze Hotel.

Situated in the lavish business district of the city, the accommodation has been a favourite of executives for over two decades and the hotel has recently undergone a comprehensive refurbishment so it now offers tourists even more facilities.

“I would call this hotel almost like an institution, since the hotel has been well-regarded in the city for more than 20 years. This is a big plus for its property,” said Juergen Sterkau, general manager of the building.

Rooms now feature many high-tech gadgets including a plug-in iPod connection, which will enable guests to use the speakers in the room to play their own music.

Downstairs, the hotel has been improved by the addition of new banquet facilities and an extra ballroom.

Mr Sterkau said the philosophy to a good stay was simple.

“Take good care of your associates. They will take good care of the customers and the customers will return again and again,” he explained.

Those on a trip to China who decide to use the Renaissance Shanghai Yangtze Hotel as their base will be perfectly situated to enjoy a wide range of attractions.

Most stays in the city involve a trip to see the Bund. The area is a famous waterfront and has been regarded as the symbol of Shanghai for hundreds of years. Buildings exhibiting Gothic, Baroque, Classicism and Renaissance architecture can all be found on the banks for the Huangpu River.

China builds new Tibetan airport

Travelling in China is set to be even easier in the future due to the development of a new airport.

The site at Tibet’s Nagqu county will be the highest aviation facility on the planet, as it will sit at an altitude of 14,219 feet above sea level, according to the Xinhua news agency.

Work on the airport will begin in 2012 and it is expected to improve the transport links to the region. Tibet already has five civilian airports, but the extreme and often spectacular weather conditions in the area mean some are only open for a few months of the year, sometimes preventing those on a China tour from seeing the many treasures of Tibet.

According to the China Tibet Tourism Bureau, the destination has a rich history which predates the rule of Songtsan Gampo and the earliest capital city of Tubo.

These days there are many attractions in Tibet for those on a China tour to enjoy.

Visitors can take part in the Festival of Tibet, the Shoton celebrations or the Woman’s Day events, or, alternatively, discover the artistic and cultural influences of Buddhism in the area.

Other transport links in to and out of the region are also earmarked for improvement. The Chinese government is investing in new roads and rail infrastructure to promote tourism and improve living standards in the area.

The construction of the new airport is part of a new approach to tourism in China. In recent months the country’s authorities have embarked on a multibillion dollar initiative to improve the transport links at some of the nation’s many popular landmarks.

As well as the plans to build new airports, many older ones have been targeted for redevelopment and it is hoped that this will allow some of the more remote regions in the county to be more accessible to those on a holiday to China.

China ‘is the third-most popular tourist destination’

China is now the third-largest tourism market in the world, according to a report issued by the National Tourist Administration.

It is hardly surprising that many people are now viewing the country as a top holiday destination and looking at China tours as the most effective way of experiencing all the diverse attractions in the nation.

China’s newfound openness to tourism has been beneficial all-round, with visitors to the country finding it easier than ever to travel across the diverse landscapes and local authorities and businesses gaining economic advantages.

According to the report, between 1994 and 2010 total tourism revenue in China increased 11-fold.

China is now the most popular destination for Asian travellers and is the third-most popular global destination for overseas visitors.

The Chinese authorities have a Five Year Plan which has helped to create nearly 14 million jobs in the tourism industry.

“Tourism has progressed economic development in rural areas, last year over 400 million people visited the Chinese countryside. Rural tourism has benefited about 20 million farmers,” said Shao Qiwei, director of the National Tourism Administration.

Those on a holiday to China may want to see some of the attritions of the countryside for themselves.

The idyllic landscapes of the Sichuan Plain, could allow many tourists from the UK to sit back and relax and take life at a more leisurely pace. The region is famous for its quaint homes and tasty countryside food which is produced by the local farmers.

Alternatively, the Yezizhai Village in Qionghai City may be the perfect Chinese experience.

In the coconut village tourists can stay in typical farmer accommodation and work as agricultural helpers alongside the local communities. People will find themselves emerged in the local Li culture as they use bamboo hats, coir raincoats and eat the locally sourced fruits.

New Shanghai flight options available

Now that Christmas is over and the January blues are setting in, many people may be thinking about booking a holiday to give them something to look forward to.

Those looking to plan a luxurious trip to some of the world’s most exotic and breathtaking locations have been aided by a new announcement from Air Mauritius.

The company is now increasing its capacity on its flights to Shanghai, which means that those thinking about trips to China have another flight option available to them. People who regularly holiday in Mauritius may also want to take advantage of the airline’s new schedule and extend their vacation by adding a China tour.

From March 26th, Air Mauritius will change the aircraft on its Shanghai flights from an Airbus A330 to the larger A340. This will allow the carrier to increase annual capacity from 14,300 to 31,200 – a rise of more than 100 per cent.

Travelling to China will also be easier as the new flights will no longer have a stopover in Kuala Lumpur.

“Our decision to fly non-stop will allow us to provide more capacity on the route and improve the product. We will also provide connections to Reunion, Madagascar and South Africa. We now look forward to a renewed engagement of our tourism partners and promotion agencies so that we all tap on the great potential of China,” said Air Mauritius’ acting chief executive officer Andre Viljoen.

The new schedule means the airline will now have six weekly flights to China, as it already runs three trips to Hong Kong.

This comes after Air China recently announced that it is to resume its popular Paris to Shanghai route. To celebrate the return of the direct flight option, the carrier hosted a gala event. French minister for transport Thierry Mariani and Chinese ambassador in Paris Kong Quan attended the function.

Hong Kong becomes a winter wonderland for WinterFest 2011

The enchanting city of Hong Kong has long been recognised as a melting pot of eastern and western tradition, and travellers in search of a particularly memorable Christmas and New Year should consider attending Hong Kong WinterFest as part of their China tour.

The annual event takes place between November 25th and New Year’s Day 2012, and promises visitors a unique blend of the old-fashioned western Christmas celebration and eastern passion for festivals.

Those who enjoy the finer things in life can expect to be spoilt for choice, as the world famous Victoria Harbour is adorned with a glorious Tiffany & Co. Christmas tree on one side and a luxury ice-skating experience known as the Ice Wonderland on the other.

What’s more, the entire city has been transformed into one big festive fantasy for WinterFest, complete with dazzling Christmas illuminations, colourful carnivals and plenty to explore. And with temperatures currently at around 15 degrees Celsius, you can probably afford to leave the gloves and scarf at home.

Shopaholics and foodies will also find plenty to indulge in across what has been described as Asia’s world city, with seasonal delicacies to sample and a large variety of winter sales to entice them into some retail therapy.

Stick around for New Year’s Eve and you can even dance the night away along Hong Kong’s amazing harbour front as the city state throws an enormous party to mark the start of 2012.

Since Britain handed Hong Kong to China in 1997 its reputation as a culturally-unique melange of eastern and western influences has only become stronger.

A global flashpoint for business and entertainment, the city is also one of the most densely populated areas on earth, boasting the most skyscrapers and a captivating view of the skyline at night along Victoria Harbour.

With flights to Hong Kong available on multiple airlines from both London Gatwick, Heathrow and most other UK airports, this winter is an ideal time to add it to the itinerary for your visit to China.

More flights from UK to China planned

Some great news has surfaced for those considering a China tour, as the UK will offer more flights to the country in 2012.

It has been widely reported that Air China will fly from London Gatwick to Beijing for the first time next year, joining Heathrow as the second UK airport to offer direct flights to the Chinese capital.

The national airline will offer four flights a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from May 2nd 2012.
“The new services mean that Air China will operate to both Heathrow and Gatwick airports,” a spokesman said.

“Air China will not only offer more flight options to the passengers, but also make it easier for passengers to make transfers in Beijing as a hub.”

Beijing has long been recognised as one of the world’s major cultural and historic hubs, and is now a bustling metropolis at the heart of China’s meteoric growth.

The Chinese capital is an integral part of most China package tours, with the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the ‘Bird’s Nest’ Olympic Stadium offering some truly magnificent landmarks.

Visitors can also embark on a short trip for a Great Wall of China Tour, as one of the wall’s most impressive sections, known as Badaling, is located about 45 miles north-west of the city.

Alternatively, those who want to get the most out of Beijing can enjoy a multitude of gorgeous parks, stunning architecture, world-class shopping and museums and many more spellbinding attractions.

In addition to the new Gatwick flights, it has been reported by BBC News that Scotland’s first minister Alex Salmond is also in talks to start direct flights from Edinburgh to China.

The development indicates the growing friendship between the two nations, also symbolised by the recent ten year loan of giant pandas Tian Tian and Yung Guang to Edinburgh Zoo.

At a time when China’s economic fortunes are rapidly developing, those looking for a taste of the nation’s vibrancy owe it to themselves to visit Beijing.

Beijing airport to overtake Atlanta as busiest in world

When it comes to picking out a travel destination for your China tour, there’s certainly a buzz in the air in Beijing.

According to the latest research from the Centre for Pacific Aviation (CAPA), Beijing Airport is set to overtake Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson as the busiest in the world in 2012.

The body stated it is ‘only a matter of time before Atlanta is dethroned’ as the most busy airport worldwide, while airline analyst OAG Aviation also stated that only 400,000 monthly seats now separate Atlanta and Beijing.

Beijing’s rise to becoming one of the most cutting-edge cities in the world makes for fascinating reading, and is a testament to China’s ambition to become an increasingly powerful player on the world stage.

Rapid economic development in the 1990s and at the turn of the millennium, spurred by the reforms of statesman Deng Xiaoping, saw large scale privatisation across the nation, with nearly half of China’s state enterprises being liquidated and sold between 2001 and 2004.

Beijing was getting hungry; gradually, the farmland surrounding the city became part of its fabric as new commercial and residential areas started to spiral upwards.

Enormous building projects saw expressways and skyscrapers burst forth, modernising the metropolis in a matter of decades.

The decision to grant Beijing the Olympics in 2008 added fuel to the fire, resulting in the creation of architectural marvels like the ‘Bird’s Nest’ Beijing National Stadium and cementing the Chinese capital as a tourist hotspot in the eyes of the world.

The 2008 Olympics are regarded by many to be the most expensive ever held, with estimates of the amount spent ranging between $15 billion and $40 billion dollars, and the legacy of the event is still a must-see for those going on China package tours.

With China’s ascendancy has come a energised capital that is at the very cusp of change, offering visitors more grandeur and excitement than ever before.

Chinese island Hengqin set to become tourist hotspot

Hengqin, an island located off the southern coast off China, is fast becoming a tourism hotspot.

The island is becoming China’s latest holiday destination resort, with a number of major companies such as Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide investing in the region, reports Reuters.

After China announced plans to turn the island into a tourist destination two years, a number of developments have been springing up in Hengqin.

Starwood Hotels has announced that it is planning to build Sheraton and St Regis properties in Hengqin, complete with luxury rooms and top quality amenities.

Within the next year, a number of recreational facilities are scheduled to open up, including a massive shark and whale aquarium, which, at 22,000 cubic metres, is reported to be the largest in the world.

The island will also be the site of the biggest aquatic theme park in Asia and an international business district spanning 5.8 square kilometres.

In addition, developers are working on a large-scale water and land transportation network that will include multiple highways. An undersea tunnel from Macau to Hengqin is expected to be unveiled in 2012.

Although no gambling will be allowed on the island, the destination is expected to be a major draw for foreign visitors planning tailor made holidays to China.

Neighbouring region Macau is expected to benefit from the development of Hengqin into a seaside tourist resort, as it strives to gain more revenue from mass market holidaymakers and reduce its reliance on business travellers.

Zhao Zhen Wu, a Chinese government official working on the development of Hengqin, told Reuters: “In the coming year there will be big changes.

“Hengqin’s investment philosophy is geared to the world, particularly Hong Kong and Macau. We welcome foreign investment, especially from Fortune 500 companies.”

Hengqin, which is a free trade zone, is expecting to attract some 200 billion yuan (£20 billion) in investment by 2015.

China offers ‘untold amounts of adventure’

China has been hailed as an exciting and adventurous honeymoon location for couples who want to explore more than the traditional honeymoon beach resort.

Journalist Michael Greenwood said he and his new wife opted to embark on a holiday in China for their honeymoon because they wanted to explore the vast country and exploit the adventure it offers.

Writing in the Mirror newspaper, Mr Greenwood said his holiday began via the island of Hong Kong, where he and his wife stayed at the luxury InterContinental Hotel for three nights.

He explained that the hotel belied the sense of luxury within and hailed the “pampering palace” for its beautiful infinity pool located on the roof on the building.

The InterContinental Hotel offers a range of sumptuous rooms that afford stunning views of the surrounding cityscape. Couples on a honeymoon who call ahead can get an upgrade to a mini suite.

“With world-class shopping, spectacular bars and restaurants and even a horse racing track in the city, we could see why many people spend their whole honeymoon in Hong Kong,” Mr Greenwood said.

After an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong, Mr Greenwood and his new bride ventured on to mainland China, arriving at the capital city Beijing.

The couple marvelled at the beauty of the city and took in a range of traditional tourist sites and attractions, such as the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, while sampling the delicious and varied cuisine Beijing has to offer.

“You can’t go to Beijing, once known as Peking, without eating duck,” Mr Greenwood said. “We enjoyed the pricey but spectacular Da Dong restaurant.

“The highlight of Beijing is a visit to the Great Wall. Avoid the section nearest Beijing city – it’s packed with tourists. Instead, take a three-hour bus trip to Simatai, where the wall is crumbling in places.”

China to launch new tourism zone

A new national tourism zone is set to be launched in north-west China in a bid to promote China tours among foreign visitors.

The Chinese government granted permission for the Dingjun Mountain National Tourism Vacation Zone to be created in the Dingjun mountain region of Mianxian County, Shaanxi Province, on Sunday November 20th, reports the City Channel of CRI Online.

The tourism region is the first of its kind in the north-west part of China and boasts a rich history. It is the site of a well-known battle during the Three Kingdoms period (220 to 280 AD).

Liu Bei, the founder of the Shu Kingdom, won a battle against Cao Cao, the founder of Wei Kingdom in the region, and rose to prominence thereafter.

It is hoped that the new tourism zone will attract the attention of foreign holidaymakers who are interested in improving their knowledge about China’s ancient cultural past.

As well as the historical aspect to the Dingjun Mountains, the region also includes the Moon River hot spring wellness area, which will appeal to those interested in improving their health and fitness in relaxing surroundings.

In addition to this, the area also features the Yanghe River sightseeing area and the Tiandang Buddhism cultural area.

The Dingjun Mountain National Tourism Vacation Zone has earned support from the National Tourism Administration and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Proposals for the Dingjun Mountain National Tourism Vacation Zone were put forward by Mianxian County in July 2010 and now permission has been granted, the zone is expected to help develop the local tourism industry.

China’s first national tourism vacation zones were set up in 1992 after permission was granted by the state council. In total, 12 vacation zones were initially set up, including Taihu Lake in Jiangsu Province and Yalong Bay in Sanya, in Hainan Province.