Archive-name: travel/china-guide/part1
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CHINA - Peter M. Geiser's Hotel and Travel Guide
China is a superb tourist destination with a rich history and an
enormous number of sights. Home to numerous different ethnic groups,
it offers a cultural variety that is not found elsewhere. China's
major cities Beijing, Shanghai, Xian and Guangzhou are all worth a
trip alone.
But China is not only a giant of tourism, it is in the middle of an
economic boom that makes China one of the leading nations in the
world.
Places
Beijing
Chang Cheng (Great Wall)
Chang Jiang (Yangtse)
Chengde
Chengdu
Chongqing
Dali
Emei
Forbidden City
Guangzhou (Canton)
Guilin
Hangzhou
Hekou
Huang Shan
Jiuzhaigou
Kashgar
Khotan
Kunming
Lijiang
Luoyang
Nanjing
Qingdao
Shanghai
Shaolin Monastery
Shenzhen
Suzhou
Urumqi
Wuhan
Xian
Yangshuo
Literature and Other Information
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Travel Reports
Language
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Biographies
History and Politics
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For recommended books, please check out the web version at
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china
General Information
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Geographical Information
Health
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Transportation
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Bus
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Copyright (c) 1995 - 2003, Peter M. Geiser
http://www.pmgeiser.ch
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BEIJING
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/beijing.htm
Beijing, a city of more than 10 million people, has been the capital
of China for over 800 years. The first records of the city date back
over 3000 years.
On the web version, you will find an interactive map of Beijing.
Sights
Beijing offers such a wide array of attractions that one can easily
spend weeks without getting bored. Some of the main attractions are
listed below.
Tiananmen Square
'The Square of the Gate of Heavenly Peace' is reportedly the largest
square of the world, with 1 km2. It is framed by the 'Great Hall of
the People' on its west side and the 'Museum of Chinese History' and
'Museum of the Chinese Revolution' on the east. On the south part is
'Chairman Mao's Mausoleum'.
At the north side is the entrance to the
Forbidden City
Jinshan Park
Just behind the Imperial Palace is the Jinshan Park. On top of the
hill is a pagoda where you get a good view over the Imperial Palace
and the city.
Bei Hai Park
Located just west of the Forbidden City, this park is set on the
shores of a nice lake. Its bright white pagoda on top of a hill is
visible quite far and dominates the park.
Temple of Heaven (Tian Tan)
The best time to see this park is when it opens at 6:30. It is a good
place to see Chinese people doing their numerous morning activities
like Taiqi, martial arts, ballroom dancing, playing musical
instruments, Mahjiang and Chinese Chess.
The entrance is CNY 30.
Tibetan Lama Temple (Yong He Gong)
Located in the north of the city is the Tibetan Lama Temple.
Summer Palace (Yu He Yuan)
The summer palace has been built be the mother of the last emperor, Xi
Qi. It is a pleasant garden with numerous imperial buildings on the
shore of a lake. The whole garden has been built out of taxes raised
for building a marine for China. o that nobody could accuse her of not
building any ships, the Emperor Dowager built one marble ship at a
jetty.
It takes about an hour from the center to the Summer Palace. The
entrance is CNY 35.
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C -5 -2 5 12 20 25 26 25 20 13 4 -2
F 23 28 41 54 68 77 79 77 68 55 39 28
max C 1 4 11 20 26 30 31 29 26 19 10 3
min C -10 -7 -1 7 13 18 22 20 14 7 -1 -7
Rain mm 76 76 76 102 152 203 305 254 178 152 102 76
in 3 3 3 4 6 8 12 10 7 6 4 3
days rain 2 3 4 5 6 10 14 13 7 5 4 2
Hotels
Beijing New Century Hotel, 6 Southern Road, Capital Gym, Haidian DistrictRates: USD 93-129,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Beijing/Beijing_New_Century_Hotel.asp
Capital Hotel, 3 Quin Men East StreetRates: USD 65-122,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Beijing/Capital_Hotel.asp
Courtyard New World Beijing Hotel, 3 Chong Wen Men Wai StreetRates: USD 87-114,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Beijing/Courtyard_New_World_Beijing_Hotel.asp
Crowne Plaza Beijing Hotel, 48 Wangfujing AvenueRates: USD 100-143,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Beijing/Crowne_Plaza_Beijing_Hotel.asp
Grand View Garden Hotel, 88 Nan Cai Yuan StreetRates: USD 56-75,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Beijing/Grand_View_Garden_Hotel.asp
Guangzhou Hotel, No. A3, Xidan heng er tiao, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, ChinaRates: USD 100-114,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Beijing/Guangzhou_Hotel.asp
Holiday Inn Lido Hotel, Jichang Road, Jiang Tai RoadRates: USD 112-143,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Beijing/Holiday_Inn_Lido_Hotel.asp
Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong, 26 Jian Guo Men Wai StRates: USD 87-171,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Beijing/Hotel_New_Otani_Chang_Fu_Gong.asp
Jianguo Hotel, Jianguomenwai DajieRates: USD 87-135,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/China/Beijing/Jianguo_Hotel.asp
Jianguo Qianmen Hotel, 175, Youngan RoadRates: USD 54-75,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Beijing/Jianguo_Qianmen_Hotel.asp
Jing Guang New World Hotel, Hujia Lou Chao Yang QuRates: USD 93-135,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Beijing/Jing_Guang_New_World_Hotel.asp
Novotel Peace Hotel Beijing, 3 Jinyu Hutong, WangfujingRates: USD 65-108,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Beijing/Novotel_Peace_Hotel_Beijing.asp
Novotel Xinqiao Hotel , 2 Dong Jiao Min Xiang, Dong Cheng DistrictRates: USD 58-93,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Beijing/Novotel_Xinqiao_Hotel.asp
Palace Hotel, 8 Goldfish Lane, Wangfujing Rates: USD 143-235,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/China/Beijing/Palace_Hotel.asp
Prime Hotel, 2 Wangfujing Avenue, Dongcheng DistrictRates: USD 97-134,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Beijing/Prime_Hotel.asp
Shangri-La Beijing Hotel, 29 Zizhuyuan Road Rates: USD 131-178,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/China/Beijing/Shangri-La_Beijing_Hotel.asp
Sheraton Great Wall Hotel, 10 North Dong San Huan Road Chaoyang DistrictRates: USD 87-150,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/China/Beijing/Sheraton_Great_Wall_Hotel.asp
Songhe Hotel, 88 Dengshikou, Dongcheng DistrictRates: USD 60-82,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Beijing/Songhe_Hotel.asp
The St. Regis Hotel, 21 Jian Guo Men Wai Da JieRates: USD 225-279,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Beijing/The_St_Regis_Hotel.asp
Traders Hotel, 1 Jianguomenwai Avenue Rates: USD 87-143,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/China/Beijing/Traders_Hotel.asp
Zhongcai Hotel, 48 Guang An Meng Nan Rd, Xuanwu MenRates: USD 50-65,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Beijing/Zhongcai_Hotel.asp
Restaurants
Most big hotels have international style restaurants.
Near the budget hotels are many cheap and quite nice restaurants.
There are many vendors selling excellent pancakes on their bicycle
kitchens.
Bars
Around the Sanlitun diplomatic area there are numerous bars and
nightclubs.
Jazz is big in Beijing. Many bars feature live Jazz music. Some places
are:
CD Cafe Jazzbar, East Third Ring Road, south of the Agriculture
Exhibition Center. Tel 6501-8877 ext. 6156. Fr - Sa, 9:30 pm -1:30 am,
free entry. Featuring the Liu Yuan Quintet, the quintessential Beijing
lineup.
Great Wall Sheraton Atrium, 10 East Third Ring Road North.
Tel 6500-5566. Sunday brunch only, free. Live jazz.
Guys-Shadow Cafe, 31 Kexueyuan Nanlu, Haidian District.
Tel 6261-8587. Th, Fr, Sa, 10 pm, free entry. Some of Beijing's top
musicians offer traditional jazz with Chinese elements.
Moon Shanghai (Shanghai Nights), 4 Gongti Beilu.
Tel 6506-9988. Th to Sa, 9 pm - 12:00 pm. Main room free. The house
band of retired music professors offers jazz from the 1920s and '30s.
San Wei Bookstore, 60 Fuxingmennei Dajie. Tel 6601-3204.
Fr 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm, 30 renminbi ($3.60). The Wide Angle Jazz Band
starring Liu Xiaosong, one of Beijing's top drummers.
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CHANG CHENG (GREAT WALL)
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/changcheng.htm
The Chinese Wall or Great wall was built as a protection against the
Mongols from the north. It has been built in several stages and was at
its prime time more than 8000 km long. Today, most of it is in a state
of bad disrepair, and at some stretches even nearly invisible.
However, the Chinese government has recognised its value as a tourist
attraction and a place of historical significance, so it's starting to
restore at least part of it. There are several spots to visit it.
Ba Da Ling
The most famous and best known is Ba Da Ling. It is located 70 km
northwest from Beijing and easily reachable by tours. The wall is well
restored, but also extremely crowded.
There is a cable car going up on the wall, close to Hao Han Po.
Ming Ling
Less impressive than Ba Da Ling, but also less crowded.
Mu Tian Yu
Less crowded than Ba Da Ling, this place is very scenic.
Tours and Transport
There are several tours from Beijing to the Great Wall (mostly
Badaling). CITS charges USD 30 for transport, tickets to both the
Great Wall and the Ming Tombs, Lunch and Shopping (they will bring you
to a tourist shop where you are supposed to buy overpriced goods, so
that the driver gets a commission.) It should be possible to get
cheaper tours. Check out the ticket stands on Tienanmen Square or the
small restaurants near the Qiao Yuan Hotel in Beijing.
Several hotels offer tours for USD 30 to 50, which is still not
exactly cheap.
Another possibility is to go by subway to Xizhimen station and then by
train to Badaling. This should cost about USD 2. Going by train you'll
miss the Ming Tombs but you will have more time at the Great Wall.
The cheapest possibility is of course to take the public bus.
It is possible to walk along parts of the wall. You have to get permission
if you want to go astray the usual tourist spots. If you bring a
sleeping bag with you, you can even sleep on the wall. In theory you'd
have to get permission to camp outside (but you're probably better off
not mentioning your plans.)
One possibility to experience the Great Wall is to ride a mountain bike
over at least part of it. Getting permission requires a _lot_ of red tape
with the government. Since the wall is not too well preserved for most of
its lenght you will have to bring more than enough repair material with
you. Your tires are likely to get punctured more than 20 or 30 times a
day.
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CHANG JIANG (YANGTSE)
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/changjiang.htm
The Chang Jiang is Chinas longest river. The new dam has now finally
been completed 40 km upstream of Yichang, at Xiling Gorge. This dam will
put the Three Gorges between Yichang and Chongqing under water. But you
still can enjoy the wonderful view of all the breathtakingly sheer
cliffs. One wonders who built the houses on long stilts trying to
hold on to the shore as well as possible.
There are four classes on the regular boats: second to fifth. In
communist China there is no first class, as this is considered
bourgeois. Second class is a double room and public showers and
toilets that are lockable (in contrast to the other showers and
toilets that are in one big room with everybody watching everybody
else.) Third class is in an eight berth room, while fourth class is in
14 berth rooms. Fifth class is no berth at all and probably not quite
official.
When I took the boat I was bold enough to use the second class shower
and toilet and most of the time stayed in the second class part
anyway. Since I was a foreigner nobody dared to say something (or they
didn't know that I stayed in third class.)
The more touristy boats are run by companies such as Regal China
Cruises. They take four days from Chongqing to Wuhan, and are thus not
only much slower than regular boats, but more expensive as well. For
all that extra money you get all-day Chinese music blaring from
loudspeakers. The 130 m long ships hold 258 passengers,
air-conditioning, private bathrooms, television, refrigerator and
24-hour service. There are shows every evening and a lot of on board
entertainment, so that the trip resembles the average cruise through
the Caribbean Sea.
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CHENGDE
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/chengde.htm
Located some 250 km northeast of Beijing, this mountain city offers a
nice, cool alternative to the summer heat of the capital.
Sights
Bihushanzhuang
In 1703 the Qing emperor Kang Xi built a summer palace and gardens,
calling his summer residence Bihushanzhuang (fleeing-the-heat mountain
hamlet). Under his grandson Qianlong it had grown to the size of
Beijing's Forbidden City and Summer Palace combined, and was
surrounded by a 10 km long wall and covering 590 hectares. Qianlong
built many pieces of minorities architectures, especially Tibetan.
Putuozongsheng (Potala) Palace
The largest and most impressive of the Chengde palaces was built in
1790 by Qianlong for his 60th birthday.
Xumifushou Temple
This temple was built in 1781 in honour of the sixth Panchen Lama. It
is an imitation of a temple in Shigatse and combines Tibetan and Han
architecture. The highest point features a hall with eight copper
dragons, giving the roof an impressive look.
Pule Temple
Built in 1776 for visits of minorities, among them Kazaks, this temple
features an unusual Round Pavillion that resembles Beijing's Temple of
Heaven.
Puning Temple
The Puning Temple was built by Qianlong to commemorate his victory
over the Mongols. A stele describes the events in Chinese, Manchu,
Tibetan and Mongol. The temple itself is modeled on a Tibetan temple.
It features a 22 m high Buddha, Avalokitesvara, with 42 arms and an
eye on each palm.
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C -5 -2 5 14 20 25 26 25 20 13 4 3
F 24 29 41 57 68 77 79 77 68 55 39 37
Rain mm 76 76 76 102 152 203 305 254 178 152 102 76
in 3 3 3 4 6 7 12 10 7 6 4 3
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CHENGDU
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/chengdu.htm
The capital of Sichuan is a beautiful city with some wide streets and
many nice old houses and streets. There are several markets worth
visiting.
In the western outskirts of the city is the Thatched Hut of Du Fu, a
famous Tang dynasty poet. It is set in a large, beautiful park with
bamboo grooves, tea houses, and many relaxing places to sit down and
enjoy the scenery.
Hotels
Crowne Plaza Chengdu: Rates: USD 73 - 171
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=169097&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Minshan Hotel: Rates: USD 61 - 212
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=200007&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Sichuan Hotel: Rates: USD 42 - 145
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=207774&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Tibet Hotel Chengdu: Rates: USD 35 - 143
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=191159&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Yinhe Dynasty Inter-Continent: Rates: USD 90 - 104
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=139655&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Yun Long Hotel: Rates: USD 29 - 155
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=206012&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Sichuan Huayang Garden City Hotel: Rates: USD 38 - 145
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=150953&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Restaurants
Between the main road Renmin Nanlu and the bus station there is a nice
footpath along the Nanhe River with many cheap restaurants. These
restaurants also offer excursions to various attractions all over
Chengdu, like visiting factories, a traditional Chinese hospital and
Sichuan Opera (where you can dress up like an actor and sometimes even
take part) in the opera.
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C 7 10 15 20 23 26 29 30 25 19 14 11
F 45 50 58 67 73 78 84 86 77 66 57 51
Rain mm 15 20 38 99 142 180 142 122 150 112 48 20
in .6 .8 1.5 3.9 5.6 7.1 5.6 4.8 5.9 4.4 1.9 .8
**************************************************************************
CHONGQING
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/chongqing.htm
Chongqing is one of the biggest cities in China and also one of the
most polluted cities in the world (it made the top ten!). It is one of
four administrative cities in China.
It is situated on a hill at the confluence of the Chang Jiang and the
Jialing Jiang. To get a beautiful view you can take the cable car
across the Jialing river.
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C 7 10 15 20 23 26 29 30 25 19 14 11
F 45 50 58 67 73 78 84 86 77 66 57 51
Rain mm 15 20 38 99 142 180 142 122 150 112 48 20
in .6 .8 1.5 3.9 5.6 7.1 5.6 4.8 5.9 4.4 1.9 .8
Hotels
Marriott Chongqing Hotel, 77 Qing Nian Road, Yu Zhong District,Rates: USD 108,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Chongqing/Marriott_Chongqing_Hotel.asp
**************************************************************************
DALI
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/dali.htm
Wedged between the Erhai Lake and the Cang Shan Mountains at an
altitude of 1975 m above sea level, Dali is one of the main tourist
hangouts in China. Dali has a mild climate, with an annual mean
temperature of 15 C and only about 56 days of frost and an average
annual rainfall or 1100 mm.
Already inhabited during neolithic times, Dali became an important
market place just off the Burma road during the time of the Han
dynasty. As early as 109 BC, the Han Emperor Wu Di set up
administrative institutions. The King of the Menshe tribe founded the
state of Nanzhao (Southern Princedom) in 739. Nearly two centuries
later, in 937, Duan Siping, chief of the Bai, overthrew Nanzhao and
founded the Dali kingdom, which lasted until Kublai Khan conquered it
in 1253 and integrated it into Yunnan province.
In the region of Dali live mostly Bai. Especially the women dress in a
very colourful style. A good time to visit is when one of the many
festivals is due.
Festivals
The San Yue Jie (Third Moon Street Fair) is held between the 15th and
21st day of the third lunar month (usually April.) Originally a
Buddhist festival, nowadays there are dances, races and singing, and a
big market with many goods to trade or buy.
During the Rao Shan Lin (Walkabout Festival), from the 23rd to the
25th day of the fourth lunar month, people dance and sing from one
temple to another.
In the height of the summer, on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month,
the Huo Ba Jie (Torch Festival) is held. There are dragon-boat races,
and in the evening fireworks are displayed and people carry blazing
torches around the town and its surroundings.
Sights
Zong Sheng San Ta (Three Pagodas)
Built in the 9th century, these three pagodas are just outside Dali.
Guanyin Tang (Temple of the Goddess of Mercy)
Five km south of the city, the Guanyin Temple is built on top of a
huge boulder. Legend has it that the Lady Guanyin has placed it there
to protect Dali from an invading army.
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C 10 11 14 18 19 20 20 20 18 16 13 10
F 49 52 58 64 67 67 68 68 65 60 55 50
Rain mm 8 18 28 41 127 132 196 198 97 51 56 15
in .3 .7 1.1 1.6 5.0 5.6 7.7 7.8 3.8 2.0 2.2 .6
Transportation
There are excellent mountainbikes for rent at the Red Camelia Hotel
for CNY 10 per day.
On Mondays, tourbusses depart for the Shapin Market for CNY 13. The
public bus is CNY 6 one way.
The taxi to the airport is CNY 80 and the ride takes about 40
minutes.
Hotels
The Red Camelia Hotel, also known as the No 2 Guesthouse has double
rooms for CNY 30 and CNY 90 with showers and CNY 180 for the luxury
suites. Dormitory beds are CNY 10.
The No 1 Guesthouse has rooms for CNY 110, CNY 200 and CNY 240.
**************************************************************************
EMEI
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/emeishan.htm
South of Chengdu, this is one of the four sacred mountains of China.
You can be sure that there are scores of tourists, mostly Chinese. The
typical tour is to get up one day, spend the night at the monastery on
top, view the sun rise on top of the mountain and then get back down
again.
There are several cheap hotels. You can also try your luck at one of
the monasteries, usually the cheapest places, but also the most
crowded.
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C 7 10 15 20 23 26 29 30 25 19 14 11
F 45 50 58 67 73 78 84 86 77 66 57 51
Rain mm 15 20 38 99 142 180 142 122 150 112 48 20
in .6 .8 1.5 3.9 5.6 7.1 5.6 4.8 5.9 4.4 1.9 .8
**************************************************************************
FORBIDDEN CITY
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/forbidden.htm
The imperial palace of the former emperors of the Ming and the Qing
dynasty is commonly known under the name 'Forbidden City'. This name
is derived from the fact that nobody was allowed inside the city,
except the emperor himself, his wifes and concubines and the eunuchs.
The official name is now "Gu gong bo wu yuan" (Palace Museum) or short
just Gu gong.
Construction started in 1406 when emperor Yang Le dispached officials
to the provinces to orgranise building materials. The first palace was
completed in 1420, only to have the three main halls destroyed by fire
the next year. Fire soon became somewhat common. Every couple of years
some building or other burnt down, but as you can see, it was always
rebuilt. Many of the buildings have changed name over time. In this
guide I shall use the name that was last used and is still the one
that is commonly known.
The complex is huge, covering 961 m from north to south and 753 m from
east to west. It is surrounded by a moat, called the "Tube River".
Just inside are very impressive walls that are 7.9 m high, 8.62 m
thick at the base and 6.66 m wide at the top. The walls are formed by
three layers of bricks on both the inside as well as the outside of an
earthen core. To complete the wall, more than 12 million bricks
measuring 48 cm x 24 cm x 12 cm and weighing 24 kg were needed.
Map of the Forbidden City
In the Web-version of the Internet Travel Guide at
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/forbidden.htm
there is a map of the forbidden city with explanation of the
details.
Descriptions of Selected Buildings
The main entrance is the Meridian Gate, a forbidding structure
enclosing three sides of a rectangle with 12 m high walls with a huge
hall on top of these walls. Just beyond the Meridien Gate is a
courtyard covering 26'000 m². It is divided by the beautifully curved
Inner Golden River, which can be crossed by five bridges.
The Gate of Supreme Harmony leads to the center of the Forbidden
City, consisting of the three main Palaces elevated on a three-tired
terrace 8.13 m high. The first and largest (60 m wide and 33.33 m
deep), the Hall of Supreme Harmony, towers 35.05 m high. In the
middle of the hall is the ornately carver imperial throne. During the
Ming and Quing dynasties it was the centre of the court activities.
All the important ceremonies such as cownings, imperial birthdays,
royal weddings, etc. held place.
Just behind the Hall of Supreme Harmony is the Hall of Complete
Harmony. It was used by the empreror to acknowledge respects of
various court officials and to read memorials. Its square shape with
24 m side length is dwarved by the other two halls.
The third hall, the Hall of Preserving Harmony was used to hold the
imperial examinations, the highest ranking civil service examinations.
It houses another throne, but not as intricately carved as the
imperial throne. Leading from the Hall of Preserving Harmony down into
the courtyard is a huge slab of marble (16.57 m long, 3.07 m wide, and
1.7 m thick), weighing more than 250 tons! It displays beautifully
carved dragons.
Behind that courtyard is the Inner Court. This was the residential
area of the emperor and the imperial household. Its main structures in
order are Gate of Heavenly Purity, Palace of Heavenly Purity,
Hall of Union, Palace of Earthly Tranquility, and Gate of Earthly
Tranquility. Beyond that gate is the Imperial Garden. Both, the
Palace of Heavenly Purity and the Hall of Union house other
thrones. Beside the one in the Hall of Union is a beautiful water
clock.
Practicalities
The entrance fee is CNY 60.
There are tapes with an audio tour, available in about 30 languages.
With witty texts and spoken by people native to the respective
language, it is easy to understand and certainly worth the CHY 20 that
is costs. This tape guides you through a very narrow strip of the
Imperial Palace, and if you are not careful you find yourself suddenly
at the back and outside the Place, and there is no way back in except
buy another ticket. If you would like to explore the more hidden
places, make sure you quit the tour (i.e. stop the tape) before the
end.
Guidebooks
Order the following books to get more information about the Forbidden
City as well as many beautiful pictures.
**************************************************************************
GUANGZHOU (CANTON)
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/guangzhou.htm
In former times the foreigners were confined to their trading outpost
on Shamian Island where they hung up plates stating that dogs and
Chinese were not allowed on it. Nowadays, everything is Chinese and
foreigners are welcome everywhere as long as they bring money.
Sights
Market
Cantons market is an experience in itself. There is a saying about the
Cantonese that they eat everything that flies, except a plane,
everything that swims, except a ship and everything with four legs,
except a car. So you'll be likely to find every imaginable kind of
food somewhere around.
If you consider buying a pet, the market is the place to get it. But
do make sure you get it alive. There is a story (nobody knows if it is
really true, but it's a nice story anyway.) of a British student who
was thinking of buying a puppy to keep her company. After finally
agreeing on a price, the Chinese selling it wanted to be nice and
helpful and, to the horror of the student, started to prepare it!
Liurong Temple
The 'Temple of the Six Banyan Trees' was built in 537. Originally
known as Baozhangyan Temple, it received its present name from the
famous Song dynasty poet Su Dongpo who was strukc by the presence of
six banyan trees on the temple ground. There is nine-storey pagoda.
Yuexiu Park
Guangzhou's largest park covers 93 hectares. It includes the Sun
Yatsen Memorial Hall, the Zhenhai Tower and the Sculpture of the Five
Rams.
Orchid Garden
This pleasant garden, constructed in 1957, shows over 100 variants of
orchids.
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C 13 14 18 22 26 27 28 28 27 24 20 15
F 55 57 64 71 78 81 83 83 81 75 68 59
Rain mm 152 203 254 279 381 508 457 406 330 203 152 127
in 6 8 10 11 15 20 18 16 13 8 6 5
Rainy days 8 11 14 15 19 20 16 16 13 7 6 6
Hotels
Dong Fang Hotel, 120 Liuhua RoadRates: USD 93-385,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Guangzhou/Dong_Fang_Hotel.asp
Gitic Riverside Hotel, 298 Yan Jiang Zhong RdRates: USD 69-208,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Guangzhou/Gitic_Riverside_Hotel.asp
Hotel Landmark Canton, 8 Qiao Guang Road, Haizhu SquareRates: USD 62-232,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Guangzhou/Hotel_Landmark_Canton.asp
Marriott China Hotel, Liu Hua Lu GuangdongRates: USD 114-474,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Guangzhou/Marriott_China_Hotel.asp
Plaza Canton Hotel, 348 Jiang Nan Da Rd, CentralRates: USD 62-224,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Guangzhou/Plaza_Canton_Hotel.asp
White Swan Hotel, 1 Southern Street, Shamian IslandRates: USD 110-325,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/China/Guangzhou/White_Swan_Hotel.asp
This is one of the best and most famous hotels of China. Since its
opening on 6 Feb 1983, it has received over 40 heads of state,
including Queen Elizabeth II, President Bush and Chancellor Kohl. Even
if you don't stay there, make sure you visit its stunning entrance
hall.
Restaurants
A speciality of Guangzhou are its Dim Sum, little snacks eaten
whenever one feels like it. A good place to sample a wide variety is
the Taotaoju (Abode of Tao Tao) restaurant. On its three (or were it
four?) floors you select the Dim Sums directly from trolleys wheeled
about as you are going on with your meal.
On Shamian Island there are many small restaurants where you can eat
well and quite cheap.
**************************************************************************
GUILIN
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/guilin.htm
Guilin is in the middle of one of the world's most stunning
landscapes. There are innumerable hills jutting out of the flat earth
at random.
Sights
Duxiu Peak (Solitary Beauty)
Located right in the middle of Guilin, this steep pinnacle offers
stunning views over Guilin and nearby Lijiang River. The top can be
reached by 306 steps.
Elephant Trunk Hill
One of the mountains in the center of the town is aptly named
'Elephant Trunk Hill' (or just Elephant Rock). It indeed resembles an
elephant with its big trunk hanging over a small part of the river. It
is at the confluence of Lijinag River and Taohua (Peach Flower) River.
On the northern side is a Ming dynasty built pagoda.
Ludi (Reed Flute) Cave
One of Guilin's main tourist spots, the Reed Flute Cave appeals
perfectly to the Asian taste of kitsch. It is lit by neon lights in
all possible colours. However, it is still worth a visit. There is a
500 m long trail laid out for tourists.
Night Market
The night market is colourful indeed and an attraction that shouldn't
be missed. It can be combined with a pleasant stroll along the
tree-lined bank of the Li River.
Tours
There are tours on the Li River to Yangshuo where you can admire the
beautiful landscape. Apart from being not too cheap, these tours are
very touristy and a general hassle. People on the boat are walking
money bags to the local population, so the motto is: beg or sell as
good as possible in the short time the money is close.
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C 9 10 13 19 24 24 28 28 27 22 16 11
F 49 49 56 66 75 75 83 82 80 72 60 52
Rain mm 33 56 97 160 206 193 160 178 84 43 38 38
in 1.3 2.2 3.8 6.3 8.1 7.6 6.3 7.0 3.3 1.7 1.5 1.5
Hotels
Guilin Bravo Hotel, 14 South Ronghu Road Rates: USD 78-114, http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/China/Guilin/Guilin_Bravo_Hotel.asp
Guilin Fubo Hotel , 121 Binjiang RoadRates: USD 51-58,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Guilin/Guilin_Fubo_Hotel.asp
Guilin Park Hotel, No.1 Luosi HillRates: USD 63-82,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Guilin/Guilin_Park_Hotel.asp
Guilin Royal Garden Hotel, Yan Jiang RoadRates: USD 75-107,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Guilin/Guilin_Royal_Garden_Hotel.asp
Sheraton Guilin Hotel, Bing Jiang Nan RoadRates: USD 98-135,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/China/Guilin/Sheraton_Guilin_Hotel.asp
The Sheraton is located in the heart of the city, directly on the
tree-lined bank of the beautiful Li River. It is conveniently near to
the night market, the Elephant Trunk Hill and the Seven Star Caves.
**************************************************************************
HANGZHOU
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/hangzhou.htm
Hangzhou is a pleasant town with many parks lying at the shore of the
beautiful West Lake. Within the lake there are some island connected
by causeways.
Founded in 589, was Huangzhou one of the six old capitals of China.
It was capital of the Wuyuw state from 907 until 978 and then again
from 1129 and 1279 of the Southern Song dynasty.
In old China Hangzhou was famous for the beauty of its women.
Sights
West Lake
The West Lake is Hangzhou's main attraction. Covering an area of 5.6 km²
(3.3 km x 2.8 km), it is beautifully surrounded by green hills. In its
middle are three artificial islands, Xiaoyingzhou, Huxinting, and
Yuangongdun. The largest is accessible over two bridges and a causeway
crosses the lake from north to south.
Longjing
A short bus ride away from Hangzhou is the tea village Longjing
(Dragon Well). When I was there, a nice woman was showing me the tea
plantation and how she processed tea in her own house. Of course there
was a higher motive to this tour: she wanted to sell me some of her
tea. Since the tea was very good and fresh, and the price was ok, this
was a good deal.
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C 4 5 9 15 21 24 29 28 24 18 12 6
F 38 40 49 59 69 75 84 83 75 64 54 43
Rain mm 254 254 330 330 305 356 279 279 305 254 203 178
in 10 10 13 13 12 14 11 11 12 10 8 7
Hotels
Dragon Hotel Hangzhou, 7 Shuguang RoadRates: USD 114,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Hangzhou/Dragon_Hotel_Hangzhou.asp
Hangzhou Continental Hotel, No. 2, Pinghai RoadRates: USD 107,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Hangzhou/Hangzhou_Continental_Hotel.asp
Wanghu Hotel, 2 West Huancheng RoadRates: USD 60-80,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Hangzhou/Wanghu_Hotel.asp
**************************************************************************
HEKOU
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/hekou.htm
Hekou is situated at the border to Vietnam, in the south of Yunnan.
Hotels
The hotel just opposite the bridge at the border costs CNY 240 for a
single and CNY 360 for a double room.
The Hekou hotel, reached by walking to the left from the bridge and
taking the first turn right, has rooms for CNY 50, 60, 100 and 150.
The later have aircon and hot water.
**************************************************************************
Huang Shan
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/huangshan.htm
Huang Shan, the "Yellow Mountain", designates a vast area in South
Anhui, covering more than 1200 m². The region consists of 72
mountains, the highest being 1860 m high.
Main Mountains of Huang Shan
Above-the-Clouds Peak
Arhat Peak
Ascending Peak
Beginning to Believe Peak
Bookcase Peak
Boyu peak
Bright Top Peak
Candle Peak
Celestial Capital Peak
Cloud Gate Peak
Cock Peak
Cuiwei Peak
Eyebrow Peak
Fairy Capital Peak
Fairy Maiden Peak
Floating Mound Peak
Flying Dragon Peak
Flying Over Rock
Frog Peak
Immortal Peak
Incense Burner Peak
Lion Peak
Lotus Peak
Lotus Staments Peak
Millstone Peak
Nine-Dragons Peak
Pagoda Peak
Peach Blossom Peak
Pen Rack Peak
Pillow Peak
Purple Cloud Peak
Purple Stone Peak
Red Cloud Peak
Rong Cheng Peak
Rose Peak
Sheng Quan Peak
Stalactite Peak
Standing Horse Peak
Stone Column Peak
Stone Figure Peak
Taoist Priest Peak
Terraced Screen Peak
The Eighteen Arhats Worshipping at South Sea
The Flower Grown out of a Writing Brush Rock
The Immortal Pointing the Way
Threading Needle Peak
Toad Peak
Turtle Peak
Watching Fairy Peak
Wo Yun Peak
Xuanyuan Peak
Yunji Peak
Famous pictures show Huang Shan from the top of a mountain with the
valley covered in mist.
At the southern end is a hot spring area.
Climate
Huangshan is in the northern part of the sub-tropical zone and has a
mild, wet climate. Temperatures vary greatly between mountain top and
valleys.
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C -3 -2 3 8 12 15 18 17 14 9 4 -1
Transport
Huang Shan is connected by flight and train with all the major cities
in China.
There are many beautiful walks in throughout the region.
There are three funiculars, to Red Cloud Peak, to White Goose Range,
and to the Jade Screen Hotel.
**************************************************************************
JIUZHAIGOU
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/jiuzhaigou.htm
This beautiful nature resort in northern Sichuan closest resembles
Alpine regions with snow covered mountains, beautiful lakes and many
waterfalls. There are many Tibetan settlements. The altitude is about
3000 m warranting cold nights and temperatures could drop below zero
degrees. Bring along warm clothes!
To make the trip, count at least five days, better a week or more. If
you have more money than time, you might also consider flying with a
helicopter from Chengdu.
There is an entrance fee of several USD. Inside the park, cheap
accommodation is available. Make sure you bargain!
**************************************************************************
KASHGAR
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/kashgar.htm
Long time ago the center of the silk road and an important trading
point, Kashgar nowadays is a moderate center with some 120000
inhabitants. It makes an excellent starting point for trekking.
The bus to Khotan is CNY 54 and can be purchased half an hour before
departure of the bus. Take some water with you, this is desert land
with 60 km and more without a drop of water!
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C -4 -1 8 15 21 25 27 26 21 14 5 -3
F 25 31 46 60 70 77 80 78 70 57 42 28
Rain mm 15 3 13 5 8 5 10 8 3 3 5 8
in .6 .1 .5 .2 .3 .2 .4 .3 .1 .1 .2 .3
**************************************************************************
KHOTAN
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/khotan.htm
In Khotan there are still many Uigurs. It certainly is one of the more
off-the-beaten track towns.
**************************************************************************
KUNMING
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/kunming.htm
Situated at an altitude of 1890 meters near the pleasant Lake Dian,
the capital of Yunnan offers a mild climate all year round. Yunnan is
the sister town of Zuerich in Switzerland.
There have been nice, old buildings around the Wucheng Lu market
street, but they are currently torn down. However, the market remains
and is still worth a visit. Old style houses can still be seen around
Dongsi Jie.
Stone Forest
Some way outside Kunming is the Stone Forest, a collection of stone
pillars remotely resembling trees. It is a bit touristy, but if you
walk past the masses of Chinese group tourists that mingle in the
northern part, you will be able to enjoy a bit of what it must have
been a long time ago when nobody came here.
There are daily tours leaving Kunming sometime around 7 to 8 am. The
bus takes about 3 hours one way. The bus costs CNY 40, and the
entrance to the Stone Forest is another CNY 33.
Bamboo Temple
This Tang Dynasty temple is twelve km north-west of the city. The
current structure is not that old, however. After burning down in the
15th century it had to be rebuilt. During a major renovation between
1833 and 1850 some 500 life-size figures. Entrance is CNY 10. There
are direct busses to the temple.
Climate
Kunming is also called the town of eternal spring. The climate is mild
all year round.
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C 10 11 14 18 19 20 20 20 18 16 13 10
F 49 52 58 64 67 67 68 68 65 60 55 50
Rain mm 8 18 28 41 127 132 196 198 97 51 56 15
in .3 .7 1.1 1.6 5.0 5.6 7.7 7.8 3.8 2.0 2.2 .6
Hotels
Harbour Plaza Kunming Hotel, 20 Hong Hua QiaoRates: USD 78-90,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Kunming/Harbour_Plaza_Kunming_Hotel.asp
Golden Dragon Hotel, 575 Beijing RoadRates: USD 44-49, http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Kunming/Golden_Dragon_Hotel.aspReserve now!
Restaurants
Excellent Sichuan pork is available in the Yunnan Typical Food
restaurant. Between it and the Camelia hotel are several nice cafes
that sell beer. The draft beer is more expensive than the bottle.
The Nanlaisheng Coffee Shop at Jinbi Lu is recommended for its
excellent coffee and for its real bread.
**************************************************************************
CHINA - Peter M. Geiser's Hotel and Travel Guide
Copyright (c) 1995 - 2003, Peter M. Geiser
http://www.pmgeiser.ch
http://www.pmgeiser.com
http://www.mineralwaters.org
http://www.dussy.ch
**************************************************************************