China Discovery: Xian, Beijing, Shanghai, Yangtze River, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Hong Kong

Where were you half a million years ago?

Well, if you were Peking Man, you were right here, in what is now known as Beijing. For literally thousands upon
thousands of years, this has been the heart of commerce and political power in China. So when the folks here talk about having a sense of history, you can be sure they know that of which they speak.

You will be able to taste just a bit of that history-but oh, how rich the sample will be. There is Tiananmen Square, the Imperial Palace, the Great Hall of the People, and Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, just to mention a few. An excellent way to see the city is to do as the locals do get on a bicycle and wend your way through the Beijing most tourists miss. It’ll be an unforgettable experience.

Nestled amid fantasy-like landscapes of unsurpassed beauty. Day cruise on the Li River, the Reed Flute Cave, the Elephant Trunk Hill are some of the tourist attractions.

No wonder they built a city here! The harbor. The cliffs. The duty-free shops (well, those came later). Referred to as the beautiful city in the World by many, Hong Kong has a lure all its own. Once you visit, you will want to return.

There is nothing like Hong Kong and the bustle of commerce, of enterprise, of fortunes being made. And there’s nothing like her duty-free shops and colorful markets to explore both on land and afloat in Victoria Harbour.

An intriguing blend of old China and the modern world, this venerable British Crown colony reverted to Chinese sovereignty on June 30, 1997. Lying at the southern area of Mainland China and the China Sea, it serves as a major sea port and access point to southern China. It is has ferry and plane service to Maccau and the many outlying islands,
many that offer excellent vacation opportunities.

Shanghai is China’s most cosmopolitan city (this due to the influence of the port, which brings a steady stream of international visitors). Many of the buildings are European in design, as is the layout of the wide boulevard known as the Bund. In the mornings, you will see the locals performing their tai-chi movements here. Be sure also to visit the Number One Department Store, your best bet for bargains in this region.

Behind the Bund you will find another Shanghai, this one filled with low houses, winding alleys and mysterious looking courtyards. It’s worth exploring if you have the time.