Tag Archives: Tours

Hong Kong Airlines to purchase ten A380s

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Helen Li| Leave a comment

With many people currently thinking about booking their holidays for the year they may want to consider the option of flying to China.

Holidays to China can be anything the potential tourist wishes to make of them, as the country has some of the planet’s greatest natural wonders, a rich cultural history and thriving cities.

Soon it will be even easier to plan oriental tailor made trips, as Hong Kong Airlines, one of the area’s premier carriers, will boost its fleet by ordering ten Airbus A380s, reports the BBC.

The airline will spend £2.5 billion on the aircraft, which is the world’s largest passenger jet, as it sees business growing in the future.

Kenneth Thong, the company’s corporate governance head, told Bloomberg television in Hong Kong: “We think the business connection between Asia and Europe is going to be very exciting for the next couple of years, after the current [economic] crisis is over. We are planning for the aftermath.”

The emergence of China as a world super power and popular tourist destination has meant that Hong Kong Airlines is continuously looking at options to help it cope with the increased demand.

This latest news comes after the firm purchased several A330s to transport passengers from European cities to Hong Kong.

Once at the bustling metropolis, those on a China holiday will find no shortage of things to do and places to visit.

Hong Kong was recently named in TripAdvisor’s list of the top ten destinations in the world and the site stated that tourists should not miss out on the opportunity of seeing Victoria Peak, Star Ferry Pier and the Ngong Ping 360.

Those who would rather give their taste buds an experience to remember could opt to try a Hong Kong egg tart, which CNN GO states is one of the best 50 culinary delights on the planet.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , ,

When people are trawling websites and flicking through their brochures to find an ideal tropical island to spend two weeks of rest and relaxation on, they may not immediately think of China as the country for them. The nation is perhaps more associated with its stunning cultural attractions, rich heritage and, latterly, its bustling and thriving cities. But those on a holiday to China can enjoy exactly the same kind of tropical island fun normally seen in commercial retreats such as the Maldives or the Caribbean. According to Xinhuanet, the island of Hainan is experiencing a large surge in popularity as China becomes more accommodating to tourists. The news agency reported that visitor numbers in the tropical paradise have increased by 21 per cent over the course of the past 12 months, with 800,000 overseas tourists visiting the area. Currently, Russian tourists are most aware of the secret of Hainan. One such visitor called Natascha told Xinhuanet that she had fallen in love with the island since she was brought there by her parents as a youngster. “I can still remember the warm feeling experienced here that I never enjoyed before. Hainan is such a memorable place,” she added. The island is particularly popular with older, more affluent tourists who find it one of the easiest places to go in China due to its visa-free entry policy, which means travellers can register just one day before they want to travel. An elderly Japanese tourist said that the winter sun made it the perfect location to escape the colder temperatures back home and he and his wife often stayed on the island for two to three weeks at a time. According to China Daily, the beaches of Hainan also offer the perfect place to enjoy a spot of volleyball. World number three pairing Xue Chen and Zhang Xi are honing their skills on the island in preparation for this year’s Olympic Games.

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Helen Li| 1 Comment

When people are trawling websites and flicking through their brochures to find an ideal tropical island to spend two weeks of rest and relaxation on, they may not immediately think of China as the country for them.

The nation is perhaps more associated with its stunning cultural attractions, rich heritage and, latterly, its bustling and thriving cities.

But those on a holiday to China can enjoy exactly the same kind of tropical island fun normally seen in commercial retreats such as the Maldives or the Caribbean.

According to Xinhuanet, the island of Hainan is experiencing a large surge in popularity as China becomes more accommodating to tourists.

The news agency reported that visitor numbers in the tropical paradise have increased by 21 per cent over the course of the past 12 months, with 800,000 overseas tourists visiting the area.

Currently, Russian tourists are most aware of the secret of Hainan.

One such visitor called Natascha told Xinhuanet that she had fallen in love with the island since she was brought there by her parents as a youngster.

“I can still remember the warm feeling experienced here that I never enjoyed before. Hainan is such a memorable place,” she added.

The island is particularly popular with older, more affluent tourists who find it one of the easiest places to go in China due to its visa-free entry policy, which means travellers can register just one day before they want to travel.

An elderly Japanese tourist said that the winter sun made it the perfect location to escape the colder temperatures back home and he and his wife often stayed on the island for two to three weeks at a time.

According to China Daily, the beaches of Hainan also offer the perfect place to enjoy a spot of volleyball.

World number three pairing Xue Chen and Zhang Xi are honing their skills on the island in preparation for this year’s Olympic Games.

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

New York Times names China as one of the must see places this year

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Helen Li| Leave a comment

More and more industry experts are pointing at China as one of the top destinations for a tailor made holiday this year.

The New York Times has become the latest publication to heap praise on the country, as it picked two popular Chinese tour destinations in its list of 45 recommended places to visits in 2012.

Moganshan may be one of its choices that interests those people who are planning a holiday to Shanghai. The quaint mountain hideaway is only around three hours away from the bustling metropolis of China’s second city, yet will offer tourists an experience which is a million miles away from traditional urban life.

The mountain-side resort has been a popular rural retreat for most of the past 100 years. Wealthy overseas visitors first built stone villas in the early 20th century and then the area became a favourite of the rich and influential mob bosses in the 1920s, with many seeing the tranquil vistas as the perfect backdrop for a honeymoon.

Nowadays, Moganshan has been become a rest and relaxation hotspot with the addition of two new luxury properties.

The 121-room Naked Stables could be the highlight of any China tour. The development has tree-top villas which offer tourists the option of sitting in a Jacuzzi on the balcony while enjoying the crisp mountain air.

Alternatively, the Le Passage Moganshan, which only opened to visitors last month, is set in one of the area’s tea plantations and takes its inspiration from the manor homes of the early settlers.

The New York Times’ second choice in the region was Lhasa in Tibet.

Lhasa is the country’s holiest city and the new addition of a 162-room luxury hotel in the vicinity is welcome news for those tourists traipsing the treks and seeing the sights at 12,000 feet.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , ,

China builds new Tibetan airport

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Helen Li| Leave a comment

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.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , ,

Hong Kong becomes a winter wonderland for WinterFest 2011

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Helen Li| Leave a comment

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.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , ,

More flights from UK to China planned

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Helen Li| Leave a comment

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.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , ,

Beijing airport to overtake Atlanta as busiest in world

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Helen Li| Leave a comment

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.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

China offers ‘untold amounts of adventure’

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Helen Li| Leave a comment

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.”

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , ,

The Great Wall of China remains a fundraising favourite

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Helen Li| Leave a comment

It’s long been a definitive Chinese icon and unmissable destination for visitors – no China tour would be complete without witnessing the Great Wall in the north of the country.

The Great Wall, built and developed in various incarnations since the fifth century BCE, is a site of tremendous cultural and historical importance for China, and continues to be a hugely popular choice for charity fundraisers, adventurers and the plain curious alike.

Insurance firm BGL, for example, will take on the Great Wall next year when a group of 30 employees attempts to raise £105,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care in an eight day trek beginning in capital Beijing, as reported in granthamjournal.co.uk.

The sheer scale of the Great Wall is hard to communicate until you’ve witnessed it yourself, with China package tours offering one of the easiest ways to explore the longest man-made object on earth.

While the myth that the historic structure can be seen from the moon has now been debunked, NASA claims the wall can still be vaguely distinguished from low earth orbit, and photographs seem to back this up.

Suffice to say the Great Wall stretches a staggering 5,500 miles according to the first detailed official survey published in 2009.

To put that into perspective, it’s 500 miles further than the distance Bath native Paul Coyle recently travelled in order to propose to girlfriend, charity fundraiser Liza Harwood, as reported by thisisbath.co.uk.

The edifice reaches from Shanhaiguan in the east to Jiayuguan Pass in Gansu Province in the west, traversing a breathtaking array of deserts, plateaus, grassland and mountains, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.

Along with Beijing’s Forbidden City and the world famous Terracotta Warriors, the Great Wall of China undoubtedly deserves the attention of any visitors to the country.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , ,

Wales looks to establish direct air route to China

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Helen Li| 1 Comment

Wales has embarked on a preliminary campaign to increase travel to China among local citizens.

The country’s first minster Carwyn Jones looking into whether it will be possible to establish a direct airline route from Wales to China in order to facilitate easier travel between the two countries, reports Wales Online.

As part of the campaign to foster easier travel between Wales and China, the Welsh government is looking to identify possible airlines that will be able to operate such a direct route.

The Welsh government has taken part in a series of discussions with a number of airlines to operate a direct route to China.

As part of any deal, the Welsh government may be called upon to provide a level of financial commitment to help protect a chosen airline from incurring any losses within the first few years of operation while it tries to build up a reliable consumer base.

Mr Jones said a direct air link between Wales and China would be instrumental in attracting more Chinese investment opportunities to Wales and allowing local businesses to explore various export options in China.

A direct air route would also help increase the popularity of China tours and make it easier for people based in Wales to travel to China on holiday.

“It is important we create trade opportunities through links between Wales and western China,” Mr Jones told Wales Online.

“However, it has got to be relatively easy to be able to travel between western China and Wales and making sure that happens is a key priority for us.

“There are currently no direct links at all between Chongqing and the UK. It is at an early stage, but we are moving forward on this.”

China’s biggest airline Air China recently announced that it has introduced a new in-flight Wi-Fi internet service for its passengers.

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , ,