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China Attractions

The Ancient Observatory

After a while in Beijing the contrast of historic sites and ancient temples against the backdrop of a modern skyline becomes all too familiar. The Ancient Observatory, or Exhibition Hall of Ancient Astronomical Instruments as it is officially known, is typical of the Bei...
After a while in Beijing the contrast of historic sites and ancient temples against the backdrop of a modern skyline becomes all too familiar. The Ancient Observatory, or Exhibition Hall of Ancient Astronomical Instruments as it is officially known, is typical of the Beijing landscape in this regard. That is, upon reaching the top of the tower to view the ancient astronomical instruments, visitors are then afforded and impressive view of the surrounding city and its imposing high-rises.
 
By blocking out the surrounding city view for just a moment, it is easy to get the sense that the eight bronzed instruments, among which are a celestial globe and an ecliptical armilla, are indeed ancient. Located in a former watchtower, the Observatory was built in 1442(allegedly by Jesuit missionaries), making it one of the oldest observatories in the world and therefore a place of great interest for astronomers. 
 
For those with little to no interest in astronomy, one hour should be ample time to comfortably visit the Ancient Observatory.  Simply observe the ancient instruments and visit the exhibition hall in the adjacent building.
 
The Ancient Observatory is conveniently located directly behind Jianguomen subway station.
 
How to get there:
 
Take subway line 2 to Jianguomen subway stop and take Exit C. Once outside the subway station, turn immediately right, then right again. You can’t miss the tower which will be right in front of you.
 
Link:
 

Local bus routes: 1、4、9、10、20、29、37、39、52、120、122、403、420、728、729、802、938, get off at the Beijing Dong Zhan(北京东站).

Ferry

There are several different companies that provide ferry rides up and down the Huangpu River.  The views from the boat of the Pudong district (east of the river) and Puxi district (west) allows for an excellent ...
There are several different companies that provide ferry rides up and down the Huangpu River.  The views from the boat of the Pudong district (east of the river) and Puxi district (west) allows for an excellent impression of these two very different faces of Shanghai.
 
 
Most tourist ferries depart from the west side of the Huangpu River along The Bund.  Last checked (May 2007), the ferry dock on the east side at Dongchang Lu (东昌路) only serviced tour groups.
  
 
For those planning an itinerary for a trip to Shanghai, put the ferry trip down as a “maybe”  due to the city’s smog-condition.  The smog can sometimes become so thick that buildings in the distance are not even visible.
 
Tips
 
Stop by one of the nearby convenience stores to pickup some beverages or snacks before the ride.
 
Bring some extra change if you want to use the toilet before your trip.  Public toilets are nearby.
  
Directions to the Ferry:
 
Many ferries depart around the area of the bund at Jinling Dong Lu (金陵东路).
- Any taxi driver will know how to get there.
- It is a pleasant 15 minute walk from the Henan Zhong Lu (河南中路) subway station located on Nanjing Dong Lu (南京东路).
- It’s possible to take a ferry across the river from Dongchang Lu (东昌路).
 

Traffic Inn

The Traffic Hotel is actually a youth hostel, but it is listed under hotels to avoid confusion. While the Traffic Hotel’s staff and atmosphere isn’t as friendly and personable as other hostels in Chengdu, it does have an unbeatable location. It is adjacent to the Xinnanmen bus st...

The Traffic Hotel is actually a youth hostel, but it is listed under hotels to avoid confusion. While the Traffic Hotel’s staff and atmosphere isn’t as friendly and personable as other hostels in Chengdu, it does have an unbeatable location. It is adjacent to the Xinnanmen bus station, which is where you can catch buses to basically anywhere in Sichuan. Since Sichuan’s railway system is rather inconvenient, you will be riding many buses on your journeys in Sichuan province. The hotel is right along the river, across from Dave’s Oasis and within 30 minutes walk of basically anywhere relevant in Chengdu.

Guests say the rooms and bathrooms are very clean, but the hotel doesn’t have many public areas for travelers to meet and chat. It’s a youth hostel that feels like a hotel. Still, there is laundry, a game room, and a travel desk to book tours and tickets. If you call ahead, the Traffic Hotel can arrange to pick you up at the train station for free. Dorm beds without bathroom are as cheap as Y30-40, while there are double rooms for Y200-240 including bathroom.

Just outside the hotel there is a bulding with a Thai restaurant attached to a low-key bar called the Anchor Bar. A Canadian recently reported finding a bug the size of his thumb in his salad in the Thai restaurant, so be careful.

Directions: The Traffic Hotel is on Linjiang Zhonglu, right along the south side of the river. If you get off the bus at Xinnanmen station, you can’t miss it. If you take bus 16 or 99 from the train station, get off after you cross the river after passing through the center of town. Then walk east along the river, the hotel will be on your right.

Wuhou Shrine

The Wuhou Temple actually features three main sections. The Temple of the Han Dynasty Emperor Zhao Lie, the Wuhou Shrine dedicated to the 50 heroes of the Shu Kingdom, and the Temple of the Three Righteous Men. From the main gate you cross through a courtyard, and then reach another courtyar...

The Wuhou Temple actually features three main sections. The Temple of the Han Dynasty Emperor Zhao Lie, the Wuhou Shrine dedicated to the 50 heroes of the Shu Kingdom, and the Temple of the Three Righteous Men. From the main gate you cross through a courtyard, and then reach another courtyard featuring the 50 heroes of the Shu Kingdom. The 50 heroes are displayed behind glass around the four sides of the courtyard. The seated figures have long hair and traditionally long beards or goatees, and are adorned with colorful robes. Two main figures regarded as the Shu Kingdom's most prominent heroes are featured across the courtyard with larger statues. Liu Bei (161-223 AD), formerly known as Xuande from Hebei province, was the general credited with establishing the kingdom. His strategist and later the kingdom's Prime Minister, Zhu Ge Liang (181-234 AD), is next to him. Mention either of these names to a Chengdu local and they will be very pleased and even impressed that a foreigner possesses such knowledge.

The Wuhou Temple park is actually quite large. Take an entire afternoon or morning to wander around the park and get the most out of the Y60 admission price. The park's vegetation is extremely well-kept and simply gorgeous to look at. The park maintains Bonsai, Peach, Pine, and Bamboo trees just to name a few. There is a turtle pond, a goldfish pond, and of course a few teahouses. Bring a book, some snacks, or some playing cards and bask in the fresh scents of the seemingly endless gardens. 

Directions: The Wuhou Temple is located on Wuhouci Dajie. It is a main street and the temple's large red walls are hard to miss. Take the southbound no. 1 bus from the city center. After you cross the river, just hop off when you see the unmistakable red walls.

Shanghai International Studies University

Shanghai International Studies University (or SISU) was founded in 1949 and is an important school in China. The mission of SISU is to educate and equip its students by cultivating knowledge, skills and international orientation.

The university offers 26 bachelor programs, 19 masters prog...

Shanghai International Studies University (or SISU) was founded in 1949 and is an important school in China. The mission of SISU is to educate and equip its students by cultivating knowledge, skills and international orientation.

The university offers 26 bachelor programs, 19 masters programs, and one PHD award with majors ranging from languages such as Russian, Spanish and Arabic to international trade and journalism.

SISU hosts more than 900 international students giving it one of the largest foreign student communities in Shanghai. Some students take 4 week intensive Chinese language courses whilst others stay to complete bachelors or masters degrees in other subjects. Tuition for one year is around 2200 USD$ with other fees on top. Few other universities in Shanghai allow for students to study subjects other than Chinese making SISU a viable option.

Located in the Hongkou district of Shanghai, SISU offers a low cost of living for Shanghai standards. Its location on the Metro line makes accessibility to downtown Shanghai convenient and affordable. The campus sits in a traditional area of Shanghai, which allows for a more "authentic" taste of the China.

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Top China Tours

$238 Per Day

Private Hangzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train

Take in the highlights of beautiful Hangzhou on a private full-day tour from Shanghai. After hotel pickup and transfer by high-speed train to Hangzhou, your private guide takes you to see some city attractions, such as Faxi temple. Moreover, enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Longjing village. There, learn about the process of farming and producing dragonwell tea, the region’s most famous product. Finally, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on UNESCO World Heritage-listed West Lake before returning to Shanghai.

This is a private, full-day trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou. After you are picked up in your hotel lobby in the early morning, you will take a bullet train to Hangzhou. This is the fastest way to Hangzhou and you can experience train speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. Your tour begins at one of Hangzhou's signature sites, the West Lake. Enjoy a lake cruise to see the top ten West Lake scenic views. You will then be taken to experience the wonderful cuisine of Hangzhou at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will visit Faxi temple, a well-known Temple dating back to the Jin Dynasty. See its famous wooden Buddha. Here, you will see fewer tourists and more locals. Finally, enjoy a cup of green tea when you visit the famous Longjing village to see wild fields of Longjing tea bushes where the locals produce the world famous green tea- Longjing Tea. In the village, all locals are tea farmers and you will see the entire procedure of making the famous tea and will get the chance to taste the best quality emperor tea. Afterwards, you will take the bullet train back to Shanghai and you will be returned to your hotel.


$150 Per Day

Guangzhou

Day 1 Arrive in Guangzhou

Arrive in Guangzhou in the morning, you will be met and transferred to hotel, then visit Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. The Memorial Hall is a very famous historical scenic spot. It is in memory of Sun Yat-sen, the great revolutionary forerunner. After that proceed to visit the Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family. It is a unique site for offering up sacrifices to worship ancestors of 72 Chen families in Guangdong. This ancestral temple is also the largest, best preserved and best decorated ancient architecture existing in Guangdong province.

Day 2 Guanzhou Tour 

After breakfast, you will go to Yuexiu Park first, the largest and the most famous park in downtown Guangzhou. There are three artificial lakes and seven hills of Yuexiu Mountain. Then you will visit Temple of Six Banyan Trees, which is one of the four best Buddhist temples in Guangzhou and located on the Liurong Road (meaning the Six Banyan Trees Road). The Nanyue King Tomb Museum is a must-see Guangzhou attraction, which dates back to 2,000 years ago, is the earliest large scale painted stone chamber tomb ever found south of the Five Ridges. Buried with the tomb owner in a jade shroud are a gold seal and a lot of exquisite jade adornments. It has become a world famous museum. After the day tour you will be transferred to airport for your next destination.

$53 Per Day

Pingyao Highlights Walking Tour

Pingyao Highlights Walking Day Tour

With our guide to know the Ancient Pingyao better!

Our guide will meet you at your hotel lobby at 08:00 or 08:30, then show you the ticket office to get the ticket for the museums we will visit later.

First we will visit the 700 years old City wall, We will climb up from south gate and have a walk on the wall. We are not sure how many km we can walk, because of the renovating of the wall. Normally we will walk from south gate to the Yunlu Exit.

Then visit the Confucius temple, there is a old building named Dacheng Hall which is over 840 years old. From outside, we can see the big wood joints to lift the big roof around the building which is named Dougong. Due to this design, there are less columns inside the hall for giving the big space for the statues and the prayer. We have chance to see the Confucius statue and learn the philosophy of Confucius. If you like, you can pray for you and your children to get better study.

There is the Paper Cutting master named Wentao nearby the exit of Confucius temple. She is very smart and create the new style paper cutting with much more details and good wishes on it. Her products are made by hanks. It is worth to visit and buy as a souvenir from Pingyao. From the table standing and wall hangings. Please remember, take the red one because of red is the traditional and happy color. But the white one is the best. It is really difficult to choose, because of all of them are really nice.

Then you can have coffee break or tea break if you need at Chummy coffee, after this, visit the City god temple (ChenghuangMiao) which is most beautiful temple inside the wall. Because of the roof is covered by the colorful glazed tiles. There is not only city god and also the three money gods, Now you know why pingyao was the financial center.

Next we will visit the Ancient government building, to see the pingyao politics center in the ancient time. It is the complete building with officials bed room, kitchen and private garden. Follow the guide to look the official’s life from the 250km far away from the hometown.

Have a stroll in the alley to the Rishengchang exchange bank, which is the first bank all of china.You can not miss it.

After lunch, walk to the Ming and Qing street, this is the shopping street full of the stores on the both side of street. You can find alot things here , from post card to lacquered boxes, and wall panels. One more place to see, it is the Armed escort agency also named security and transport service for the business man before the bank founded.

Inlcusions

1.private english speaking tour guide servcie

2.bottle water for the tour