Archive-name: travel/china-guide/part2
Url: http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china
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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
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Classics
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Books on Shanghai
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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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Copyright (c) 1995 - 2003, Peter M. Geiser
http://www.pmgeiser.ch
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LUOYANG
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/luoyang.htm
Founded in 1200 BC, Luoyang is one of the oldest Chinese cities. It
was home to 10 dynasties, until the Jin moved their capital to
Kaifeng. After being destroyed by Jurchen invaders from the north, it
sunk into insignificance. Nowadays, it is a rather glum industrial
center.
Baima Si (White Horse Temple)
13 km north of the city is the Baima Si. It was founded after two
monks sent as early as 67 to India to fetch holy scriptures returned.
It is the first Buddhist temple in China, and the first translations
of the Holy scripts from Sanskrit into Chinese were don here.
Hotels
Luoyang Friendship Hotel:
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=200631&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Luoyang Peony Hotel:
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=200632&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C 0 2 8 15 21 26 28 25 21 15 8 2
F 32 35 46 58 71 80 82 79 69 59 46 35
Rain mm 13 18 18 23 51 102 178 76 25 18 15 13
in .4 .7 .7 .9 2 4 7 3 1 .7 .6 .4
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NANJING
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/nanjing.htm
Nanjing was the old capital in the south (hence its name which means
'South Capital'). It is one of the most beautiful cities in China,
with wide tree lined avenues.
Sights
Ming City Wall
During the Ming dynasty, Nanjing was in its prime and numerous
reminders of that time can be found in and around the city. The most
impressive is probably the remains of the Ming city wall. Once having
measured 33 km, it was the longest city wall in the world. It took
over 200'000 people to build it during 1366 - 1386. Bricks from five
provinces were used and each brick has been stamped with the origin,
the overseer's name and rank, the bricklayer's name, and sometimes the
date. If a brick broke, it had to be replaced. The average height is
12 m and the top is about 7 m wide. Today, about 20 km is still
standing.
Ming City Gates
Of the 13 city gates that originally gave access to the city, only
some remain. The most impressive, the Zhonghua Gate in the south once
garrisoned 3'000 soldiers who lived in the vaults. The northern gate,
the Heping Gate is used as military barracks.
Ming Palace
Except for the Five Dragon Bridges, made of marble, and the Wu Men
gate, nearly nothing remains. The palace was destroyed by bombardment
during the Taiping rebellion.
Chang Jiang (Yangtse) River Bridge
When the Chinese wanted to build a bridge in the fifties, they
naturally looked for help towards the Sowjet Union. But it was about
the time that relations became increasingly distorted, so that China
instead turned to the Americans. After some studies, they declared it
impossible to build a bridge over the Chang Jiang. So the Chinese,
stubborn as they were, started to build by themselves. Finally, after
many years of constructions, the bridge could be opened on 23 December
1968. It is a double-decker, with a 4500 m long road on the upper
floor and a 6700 m long railway below. In one of the bridgeposts is a
museum, depicting this triumph of Chinese communism over American
capitalism.
Nanjing Museum
The Nanjing Museum, although not big, houses a beautiful collection of
artefacts from Neolithic times until the Communist period. There is a
wonderful burial suit, made of small, rectangular jade pieces held
together with silver thread. It dates from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25
- 220 AD).
Taiping Museum
Nanjing was the center of the Taiping rebellion. Its leader, Hong
Xiquan, had built a palace, which was destroyed during the
bombardement of the city in 1864. The only remaining piece is a stone
boat in an ornamental lake.
Tomb of Hong Wu
This Ming emperor tomb lies east of the city on the southern slope of
Zijin Mountain. It was built between 1381 and 1383 but was unused
until the emperor died in 1398 at the age of 71. As with the Ming
tombs near Beijing, the alley leading to the tomb is lined by stone
statues of animals (lions, camels, elephants, horses) and officials.
In the inner of two courtyard is the "Soul Tower" or "Altar Tower"
which can be climbed. Behind the courtyards, the 350 m mound of Hong
Wu's grave can be seen.
Sun Yatsen Memorial
A short way further is the memorial to the father of the modern China.
A huge stairway that is 323 m long and 70 m wide leads up to the Ming
style burial temple. The temple itself is divided into two chambers,
the memorial ceremony chamber and the coffin chamber. There are
ruomours that state that the body of Dr. Sun Yatsen is no longer in
his grave, but has been carted off to Taiwan be the Guomindang.
Linggu (Soul Valley) Park)
Further east is the Linggu Park, host to various sights of different
quality. One of the most interesting building, the Beamless Hall,
is the remains of a temple that was moved from the site of Hong Wu's
tomb when the emperor needed the place to build his grave in 1381. The
building is made entirely of bricks with a vaulted ceiling. The
Linggu Temple has a memorial hall to Xuan Zhang, a Buddhist
monk that travelled to India and brought back the scriptures (which is
"commemorated" in the story of the Monkey King. See section on
Classics). Nearby is the Linggu Pagoda, with 60 m / 9 storeys
offering a nice view over the surrounding area. It was built in the
1930s by an American architect as a memorial to Guomindang members who
died in the 1926-1928 revolution.
Nanjing tower is a 310 m high television tower.
History
The area of Nanjing has been inhabited for more than 5000 years, and
many preshistoric sotes have been discovered. During the Warring
States Period (475 - 221 BC), Nanjing was host to numerous battles,
which came to an end when the State of Qin (221 - 207 BC) finally
united the nation. From this time, Nanjing grew as the administrative
and cultural centre of the region.
In 220 AD, after the collapse of the Eastern Han, Nanjing became the
capital of the state of Wu when the emperor moved his court here.
The 6th century brough many desasters to the city, floods in 507 and
533, a great fire in 521, a pestilence in 529 and several pesant
rebellions in 533, 541, 542, and 544. In 548, the army of General Hou
Jing planned to overthrow the southern emperor and sacked the city,
only to be victime of yet another palace intrigue.
In 589, the first emperor of the Sui Dynasty, Wen Di, destroyed
Nanjing nearly completely. During the Tang dynasty, it enjoyed a
period of prosperity, but graudally faded into obscurity.
Yet another peasant rebellion, led by Zhu Yuanzahng, restored Nanjing
to its former glory as the capital. After having captured Nanjing in
1356 and Beijing in 1368 and overthrowing the Yuan Dynasty, Zhu took
the name Hong Wu and established Nanjing as the new capital of the new
Ming Dynasty. Huge city walls, that still can be seen, an enormous
palace and other important buildings were built. The city grew to the
administrative, cultural, and economic metropolis of the country. In
1420, the next Ming emperor, Yong Le, moved the capital north again to
Beijing while Nanjing declined once again.
In 1842, Nanjing became world famous when some 80 Brithish war ships
threatened to bomb the city. The resulting "Treaty of Nanjing", the
first of the "Unequal Treaties" opened several Chinese ports to the
West and established the colony of Hong Kong.
From 1851 until 1864, the Taiping rebellion had its centre in Nanjing.
A Quing army helped by British and American forces finally managed to
supress this Chinese Cristian army after heavy bombardment of Nanjing
for seven months.
In 1922, Dr. Sun Yatsen established the Chinese republic, first with
the capital in Bejing, and later in Nanjing. The city was captured by
the Japanese in 1937, and nearly exterminated the population. The real
figure of dead during the "Rape of Nanjing" is unknown, but official
numbers are around 300'000 to 400'000. After the defeat of the
Japanese in 1945, the Guomindang moved their capital back to Nanjing
and in the two following years peace talks between them and the
Communists were held.
Hotels
Central Hotel Nanjing: Rates: USD 80 - 80
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=200634&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Centre Hotel: Rates: USD 71 - 71
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=200614&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Crowne Plaza Nanjing: Rates: USD 52 - 110
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=196511&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
International Conference Hotel:
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=208092&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Jinling Hotel:
One of the leading hotels of China, this high-rise hotel offers all
the amenities for a luxurious stay. It is located right in the center
of Nanjing. Rates: USD 114 - 560
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=145040&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
New Century Hotel: Rates: USD 62 - 71
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=200617&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Ramada Intl Plaza Nanjing: Rates: USD 60 - 193
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=170001&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Shangri La Dingshan Nanjing: Rates: USD 75 - 140
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=196188&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Sheraton Nanjing Hotel And Towers: Rates: USD 66 - 242
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=143066&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Xuanwu Hotel Nanjing: Rates: USD 56 - 56
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=185819&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Zhongshan Hotel: Rates: USD 55 - 59
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=200621&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C 5 6 11 17 23 25 30 30 25 19 13 7
F 41 43 52 63 73 78 85 85 78 67 56 45
Rain mm 152 152 203 279 304 381 254 203 178 178 152 127
in 6 6 8 11 12 15 10 8 7 7 6 5
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QINGDAO
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/qingdao.htm
Qingdao is most famous for its beer. In 1897, Germany occupied the
city on Shandong peninsula and introduced German style brewing, a
tradition that still survives. In recent years, Qingdao's wine has
become famous as well, although it is more on the sweet side.
Among the Chinese, Qingdao is a favorite spot for swimming. The 21
Beach is 500 m long and 20 m wide and coverd with fine sand. There is
anet some 300 m out in the sea as protection against sharks. On warm,
sunny days, its six beaches, numbered from one to six, are crowded (up
to 250'000 for Beach 21 alone!)
Hotels
Grand Regency Hotel: Rates: USD 90 - 90
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=200633&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Cambridge Business Hotel:
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=207917&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Crowne Plaza: Rates: USD 60 - 120
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=189717&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Gloria Inn Qingdao: Rates: USD 48 - 130
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=144175&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Hotel Equatorial Qingdao: Rates: USD 55 - 190
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=186007&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Kylin Hotel:
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=207625&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Shangri La Hotel Qingdao: Rates: USD 71 - 250
http://www.travelnow.com/index.jsp?pageName=hotAvail&cid=60610&hotelID=135416&hotnetrates=true&requestKey=&isCondos=false&isHotels=true&mode=1&location=&star=null&showInfo=true
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C -0.7 -0.4 4.7 10.5 15.9 20.0 23.8 25.2 21.5 16.1 8.9 2.0
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SHANGHAI
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/shanghai.htm
Shanghai is the new rising star in the East. It is a gigantic bustling
city with a lot of cunning entrepreneurs. Being the largest city in
China, it hosts over 16 million inhabitants. It's famous Nanjing Lu is
the best known shopping street in China.
The center is dominated by colonial buildings, culminating in 'The
Bund'. Shaghai is in the process of rebuilding itself. More than
15. million construction workers help to shape the city into one of
the world's most modern cities with dozens of the latest-fasion
high-rise glass and steel buidings of the same internationality found
all over the world.
To glimpse an excellent view into Shanghai's history, read
Sights
The Old City
The old part of the city was the Chinese part during the occupation
and during the daytime is transformed into a market selling everything
that a tourist might want to buy. Recently, it has been renovated.
The Bund
The Bund is the beautiful waterfront dominated by the huge buildings
of the banks and former trading houses. Get a view of it in the
evening when it is beautifully lighted and the river front bustles
with live.
Yu Yuan
The Yu Yuan is probably the most beautiful and certainly the most
famous of all the gardens in China. Address: 132 Anren Street in the
heart of the old Chinese city. Opening hours: 8:30 - 17:00. In front
of it is the famous tea house in the middle of a small, artificial
lake.
Jade Buddha Temple
There are two reasons to visit this temple: its two white Buddha
figures, and the active community of monks. There are two while Buddha
figures, a small reclining one, and a large, 19 meters high, complete
with robes and precious stones, and imported from Burma. During the
Cultural Revolution, a clever abbot saved the temple by hanging
pictures of Mao a the bolted gates. In order to enter, the Red Guards
would have had to tear down the pictures, a political crime that would
have been punished by death. Interestingly enough, except in the Jade
Buddha's room, photography is permitted. There is a vegetarian
restaurant. Address: 170 Anyuan Road, Opening Hours: 8:00 - 12:00 and
13:00 - 17:00.
People's Park
The People's Park started its carreer as the race course, before horse
races were considered bourgeois. While the park itself is not exactly
nice, you'll meet literally dozens of people wanting to practice their
language skills on you at the English Corner.
The Red Dream Mansion
Located in the suburb of Shanghai, it is a theme park for the
classical novel "The Red Dream Mansion". Characters, scenes, and
buildings from the book are on display.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen's Former Residence
The founder of the Repoublic of China lived with his wife in Shanghai
from 1918 to 1924. In his home he has not only written many works that
establish him as the father of modern China, but has initiated the
first co-operation betwenn the Chinese Communist Party and the
Guomindang. His house has been kept as it was and has been turned into
a museum. It is open from 9:30 - 11:00 and 14:00 - 16:30. Address: 7
Xiangshan Road.
Yangpu Bridge and Nanpu Bridge
Only recently finished, they are the world's fourth longest and
largest cable-stayed suspension bridges. Both of them have sidewalks
and elevators for sightseers. Opening hours: Yangpu Bridge: 8:30 - 18:30,
Nanpu Bridge: Jun - Sep: 8:30 - 22:00, Oct - May: 8:30 - 18:30.
Pamela Yatsko describes the renaissance of Shanghai and its incredible
change over the last few years.
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air
average C 3.5 4.9 8.2 13.7 18.6 23.4 28.0 27.6 23.5 17.8 12.5 6.5
F 38.3 40.8 46.8 56.7 65.5 74.1 82.4 81.7 74.3 64.0 54.5 43.7
min C -9.4 -7.9 -5.4 1.1 7.0 12.5 19.4 19.6 12.5 1.7 -3.8 -6.2
F 15.1 17.8 22.3 34.0 44.6 54.5 66.9 67.3 54.5 35.1 25.2 20.8
max C 19.8 22.9 27.6 31.7 33.1 36.9 38.3 38.9 37.3 29.3 28.0 23.3
F 67.6 73.2 81.7 89.1 91.6 98.4 101 102 99.1 84.7 82.4 73.9
Rain mm 44 63 81 111 129 157 142 116 146 47 54 39
in 1.7 2.5 3.2 4.4 5.1 6.2 5.6 4.6 5.7 1.8 2.1 1.5
Rainy days 9 11 13 13 15 14 12 10 12 8 8 8
Transportation
On 1 October 1999, fitting for the 50th birthday of the People's
Republic of China, the new PuDong airport went operational. It is
located about 45 km East of the city center. It has a 4000 x 60 m
runway. The old airport, the Hongqiao Airport is about 6 km West of
Shanghai.
Traffic in Shanghai is one enormous nightmare! Traffic jams are
frequent, so reserve enough time to go to some place.
There are two kinds of Taxis. The smaller version is not
air-conditioned, and has anti-robbery partitions. The larger, more
comfortables have air-conditioning. Prices range from USD 0.15-0.20
per kilometer. It definitely helps if you know where you want to go
and can give the driver directions (use a map!)
A taxi from the Hongqiao airport to Nanjinglu or the Bund costs about
USD 5 (if you take a red mini-cab instead of a Volkswagen Sedan.)
Shopping
There are many shopping facilities in Shanghai, and the selection of
available goods is nearly the same as that of any international city.
Nanjing Lu, China's best known (and arguably most worthwile) shopping
street cuts from East to West through Shanghai and offers everything
imagineable. Many bookstores can be found parallel to Nanjing Lu, in
Fuzhou Lu.
If you are more into kitsch and souveniers, you definitely have to go
into the old city, near Yu Yuan. Well worth a visit and often good for
a bargain are the numerous department stores, and for more expensive
products, there are also shopping centers, operated by international
companies like Carrefour or Makro. However, the best place to buy the
best and freshest food, or just to satisfy your curiosity, one should
definitely visit the street markets.
Hotels
Equatorial Shanghai Hotel, 65 Yanan Road WestRates: USD 90-115,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/China/Shanghai/Equatorial_Shanghai_Hotel.asp
Hilton Shanghai Hotel, 250 Hua Sahn RoadRates: USD 155-196,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/shanghai/Hilton_Shanghai_hotel.asp
Holiday Inn Downtown Shanghai Hotel, 585 Heng Feng RoadRates: USD 58-87,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Shanghai/Holiday_Inn_Downtown_Shanghai_Hotel.asp
Hua Ting Hotel & Towers, 1200, Cao Xi Bei LuRates: USD 90-101,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Shanghai/Hua_Ting_Hotel_and_Towers.asp
Jin Jiang Tower Hotel, 161 Changle RoadRates: USD 103-134,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Shanghai/Jin_Jiang_Tower_Hotel.asp
Merry Hotel, 396 Yanan Road WestRates: USD 59-62,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Shanghai/Merry_Hotel.asp
Pudong Shangri-La Hotel, 33 Fu Cheng Road, PudongRates: USD 172-228,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Shanghai/Pudong_Shangri-La_Hotel.asp
Regal International East Asia Hotel, 516 Hengshan RoadRates: USD 129-185,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Shanghai/Regal_International_East_Asia_Hotel.asp
Shanghai Hotel, 505 Wulumuqi Road N - ShanghaiRates: USD 79-87,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Shanghai/Shanghai_Hotel.asp
Shanghai JC Mandarin Hotel, 1225 Nan Jing Xi LuRates: USD 157-185,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Shanghai/Shanghai_JC_Mandarin_Hotel.asp
Sofitel Hyland Hotel, 505 Nan Jing Road EastRates: USD 107-157,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/China/Shanghai/Sofitel_Hyland_Hotel.asp
Swan Cindic Hotel, 2211 Sichuan bei RoadRates: USD 51-60,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Shanghai/Swan_Cindic_Hotel.asp
The Peace Hotel, 20 Nanjing RoadRates: USD 112-132,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/China/Shanghai/The_Peace_Hotel.asp
The Peace Hotel is at the beginning (or the end) of Nanjing Lu,
right at the bund. You ask which side of the road? Well, on both sides
of course ;-) The Peace Hotel is easily distinguishable by its tower
with the pyramidal roof. Since the beginning of the century, it is the
most distinguished place to be. During World War II, the partying
continued, even when Shanghai was under siege. The Westerners did not
believe that something could ever happen to them. This all changed,
when a bomb was dropped on the hotel, whether by a Japanese or a
Chinese plane was never really clear.
During Communist times, the Peace Hotel remained the place for
distinguisehed guests. When the stock market reopened in 1990, trading
took place in one of its rooms. Probably the most famous feature of
the Peace Hotel is its Jazz-Band playing in the beautiful
English-style bar. Some of the band members have been playing for more
than 60 years and have even witnessed the Japanese invasion.
The Portman Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 1376 Nanjing Xi RoadRates: USD 175-215,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Shanghai/The_Portman_Ritz-Carlton_Hotel.asp
Restaurants
A good place to look for restaurants is in the small streets just
north of Wusong River. Another place is Hankou Lu, just north of the
Park Hotel.
Generally recommended is the 50 Hankou Road Bar and Restaurant. It
serves neoclassical continatal cuisine in a very unique ambience.
Seafood is famous in Shanghai, so don't miss it. Try Fortuna Seafood
Restaurant at 3F 111 Tian Mu Xi Lu, East China Hotel. Tel 6317 5999.
The largest aquarium at Shanghai is to be seen at the Forum Palace
Seafood Restaurant at 4F 188 Huai Hai Zhong Lu. Tel 6382 608,
Fax 6358 5377.
To sample Dim Sum, have a look at Fu Lin Xuan Restaurant at 37 Si Nan
Lu. Tel 6358 3699, 6372 1777.
Hot Pot is served in Meiqi Restaurant at 210 Wu Lu Mu Qi Zhong Lu.
Tel 6433 5985.
A real Chinese restaurant where you even have to order in Chinese
(well, you could just point out the most beautiful characters) is the
Lulu Restaurant at 69 Shi Men Lu. Tel 6258 5645.
The Gap (Ground Floor, Jing Ming Building, 8 Zun Yi Nan Lu, Hongqiao,
Tel 6278 2900, 6278 0248, 6278 0249) and the Gap II (127 Mao Ming Nan
Lu, Tel 6433 9028) serve good Chinese food in nice surroundings. They
feature live music on weekends.
The first Indian restaurant in Shanghai, the Tandoor Restaurant serves
authentic traditional Indian food. Adr: Jin Jiang Hotel, 59 Mao Ming
Nan Lu. Tel 6258 2582-9301, 6472 5494.
Favored by many foreign student of Fudan University is Mister Pizza at
260 Zheng Tong Lu. Tel 6549 2381.
One of the best Italian restaurants (two in fact) with decent prices
is the Pasta Fresca da Salvatore. There are two outlets, one at 115
Chang Shu Lu, Tel 6248 1705 and the other in the Hongqiao Friendship
Shopping Center at No. 6 Zunyi Nan Lu, Tel 6270 4693.
The Jurassic Pub features a Tepanaki grill. It also has a good bar.
Address: 8 Mao Min Nan Lu. Tel 6258 3758.
Germans might prefer Ch Euro's which serves German dishes. There are
many special events. Inquire. Location: 1800 (S2) Zhng Shan Lu.
Tel 6439 6010, Fax 6439 6285.
The small, but nice Red Rhino is a French-style bistro, serving both,
French and Chinese dishes. Adr: 1354 Yan'an Zhong Lu, Tel 6217 4021.
For authentic Mexican snacks and decor, have a look at Ay Caramba, at
280 Cao Xi (N) Lu. Tel 6438 6700 ext 503.
Another Mexican restaurant is the inexpensive Badlands, at 939 Yanan
Zhong Lu. Tel 6273 9334.
The Viva Elpopo also serves Mexican food. Adr: 12, Lane 19. Gubel New
Area.
An American Restaurant specializing in spare ribs is the Tony Roma's
in the Shanghai Center at 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu.
Of course there is also a Hard Rock Cafe in Shanghai. It serves dinner
until 10 pm. There is also a bar and a disco. Address: Shanghai Center
Retail Plaza, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu.
Bars and Pubs
The most famous place is the Old-Time Jazz Bar of the Peace Hotel,
where the same band still plays after many decades! This place should
not be missed.
My favorite place is Sally's at 4 Xiang Shan Lu. The former English
pub is now more of an American bar. You can play darts and pool and in
the basement a life band is playing and there is a small dance
floor. Drinks are not exactly cheap though, a small beer sells for
CNY 35 and a large one for CNY 80. Tel 6327 1859.
One of the first international bars, opened in 1994, is Malone's
American Cafe at 257 Tong Ren Lu. It is very popular. Tel 6247 2400.
For good live music go to Blues and Jazz at 44A Si Nan Lu.
Tel 6327 2474, Fax 6358 9735. Open every Friday and Saturday night
from 9:30 pm.
The O'Malley's Irish Pub at 42 Tao Jiang Lu is typical Irish with a
beer garden and daily live music. Rob, who runs the show, formerly
operated Shanghai Sally's. Tel 6437 0667.
Judy's Too, at 176 Mao Ming Nan Lu is a colonial style restaurant with
music and dance on weekends.
The Long Bar in the Shanghai Center is very American. A good place to
start the evening, it features live Jazz music every Sunday afternoon.
1276 Nanjing Xi Lu.
Rick's Cafe at 2F Yan An Xi Lu also serves curry dishes. Tel 6283 2638.
The Manhatten Bar, at 231 Hua Shan Lu. is preferred by some to be
visited before the Sunday Brunch in the Hilton...
Tequila Mama, 24A Rui Jin Road, Tel 6433 5086.
Penthouse Bar, top floor of Shanghai Hilton, Tel 6255 0000.
Cotton Club, corner of Huaihai Lu and Fuxing Lu.
There are several breweries in Shanghai that have their own restaurant
and bar where you can taste their own fresh brew.
The newest and most authentic is the Paulaner Brauhaus at 150 Fenyang
Lu. It has three floors, with the upper two being galleries where you
can look down onto the stage where a Phillippine band is performing.
There is a small dance floor. The beer is brewed in traditional German
style by a German brewmaster. It also serves German food and for a
snack you should try the Bretzel. Tel 6474 5700.
The Shanghai Bavaria Brauhaus Co. Ltd. is at No. 66-68 Xinhau Lu.
Tel 6280 2364.
The Babylon Fresh Beer City at 168-172 Yuyuan Lu also serves food and
has a disco.
Discos
The most trendy disco in Shanghai is the New York Disco at 140 Hu Qiu
Lu. Entrance is CNY 35 during the week and CNY 70 on weekends, when a
drink is included. Tel 6321 6097.
Another trendy disco is the L. A. Cafe at 5F, 188 Huai Hai (M) Lu.
Tel 6358 097, Fax 6358 5377.
Time Disco, 550 Huai Hai Zhong Lu, Tel 6327 5566, Fax 6327 9205.
Ying Yang, Basement, 125 Nanchang Lu, Tel 6431 2668.
A late night place (after midnight) is D.D's Club at 298 Xing Fu Lu.
Tel 6280 8670.
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SHAOLIN MONASTERY
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/shaolin.htm
The Shaolin monastery is said to have been the home of monks that
developed the Shaolin Kung Fu. Nowadays it is one of the big tourist
attractions with Chinese spurred on by recent movies set in this
monastery.
Nowadays, there is a school for martial arts in the surrounding
buildings. When I was there, I was astonished at the huge number of
classes full of eager students learning martial arts. There must be
several hundreds, if not thousands, at any one time.
The easiest way to go to this monastery is to use one of the many tour
busses from Zhengzhou.
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SHENZHEN
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/shenzhen.htm
Shenzhen is Chinas boomtown with a growth rate of over 40%. While it
had only 30'000 people a few years ago, it boasts of a population of
over 2 million! It is the fastest changin city in China and the
Chinese have even coined the phrase "Shenzhen Speed" to replace "speed
of lightning"!
The most famous building of Shenzhen is the Diwang Building with about
80 floors. It contains some exclusive shopping arcades.
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
Transportation
If you use a taxi, make sure the meter is turned on. If you leave the
town, however, you must negotiate the price.
A taxi to Guangzhou costs about CNY 300 and takes about 2 hours. In
the evening, many taxis from Guangzhou will return home, so you can
bargain quite a bit. These taxis gather on Nanhu Lau, near Jiabin Lu.
There are many coaches between Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Departure is
next to the train station.
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SUZHOU
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/suzhou.htm
Also called 'The Venice of China', this town of 2500 years indeed
resembles its counterpart in Italy. There are many canals laid out in
checkerboard style throughout the city.
Suzhous main attraction are its many beautiful gardens. Some of the
biggest and best known are: Zhouzheng Yuan (a humble administrator's
garden), Shizilin (Lion's Grove), Changlangting (Surging Wave
Pavilion), Yiyuan (Garden of Harmony), Hanshan Si (Cold Mountain
North Temple
Located in the north of the old part of Suzhou is the North Temple
with its nine story pagoda. There is also a museum of traditional
handicraft.
Silk Factory
Suzhou is famous for its silk production. It is possible to visit a
factory and see how the silk is processed from the silk worm to the
final woven cloth. At the end of the tour you'll be able to buy the
final products in the factory shop. Make sure you check the prices,
they indeed have special prices as announced, but especially high for
foreigners.
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C -1 2 8 14 19 25 27 26 19 14 7 1
F 30 35 47 56 67 77 80 78 66 56 44 33
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
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URUMQI
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/urumqi.htm
Urumqi is a boom town profiting from the railway. There are no big
sights, but the city itself has a unique atmosphere. Apart from the
Han Chinese, Urumqi is also home to the Uygurs.
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C -15 -12 1 11 19 23 26 24 17 8 -3 -12
F 5 10 33 51 66 74 78 75 63 47 27 10
Rain mm 15 8 13 38 28 38 18 25 15 43 41 10
in .6 .3 .5 1.5 1.1 1.5 .7 1.0 .6 1.7 1.6 .4
Hotels
There are hotels with dorm beds for CNY 30.
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WUHAN
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/wuhan.htm
The capital of Hubei province, this city actually composes of three
former cities, Wuchang, Hankou and Hanyang, divided by the Chang Jiang
and the Han rivers and linked by the big Yangtse Bridge in 1957.
Sun Yatsen Park (Zhongshan Yuan)
Opened from 5:00 to 19:30, this park offers relaxation as well as
entertainment. There are several small lakes and a public swimming
pool. The small zoo is home to more than 60 rare species, including
the giant panda.
Guiyuan Buddhist Temple
Dating from late Ming, this temple has a large 105-ton Buddha
sculptured of white stone. The Buddha was a gift from Burma in 1935.
Gui Shan (Tortoise Hill)
This hill offers a good view over the Yangtse.
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C 3 5 10 16 21 26 29 28 24 18 11 6
F 37 41 50 61 70 80 84 83 75 64 53 42
Rain mm 152 152 203 279 305 381 254 203 178 178 152 127
in 6 6 8 11 12 15 10 8 7 7 6 5
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XIAN
http://www.pmgeiser.ch/china/places/xian.htm
The region of Xian has been inhabited as far back as 6000 years. At
that time the now rather barren plains were much greener and ideally
suited for farming. The first emperor of the unified China, Qin
Shihuang founded the capital of Xianyang, which is a bit west of Xian.
Following the Qin was the Han dynasty that moved the capital further
east, to the plain where Xian now is. In 528 the Sui built the new
capital of Changan that was to ecome the greatest city in the world at
that time, with about 2 million people. It was enclosed by a wall
stretching 8 km north-south, and nearly 10 km east-west.
Nowadays it is only a small part of its former self. As a reminder of
the old importance as a center of commerce with many trading partners
as far west as Persia and the Arabian world, there are still many
Muslim.
Sights
Bell Tower
Originally from the 14th century, this huge tower was relocated in
1739. It is possible to go to the top.
Drum Tower
Smaller than the Bell Tower, it is just near the Great Mosque and
marks the entrance to the Muslim quarter.
Great Mosque
One of the largest mosques in China, this building dates back to the
18th century. The mosque is still regularly used, with several prayer
services each day.
City Walls
Built on the remains of the Tang's Forbidden City during the Ming
dynasty, the wall has a total length of 14 km. It is about 12 m high,
and about the same width at the top.
Big Goose Pagoda
A bit south of the city wall is the Big Goose Pagoda. It was built in
652 after the holy monk Xuan Zhang returned from his journey to India
where he fetched the holy scriptures. This journey has found its way
into the great Chine classic 'The Journey to the West'. Xuan Zhang
translated the whole scriptures into 1335 volumes of Chinese text. It
is 64 m high and built out of wood and brick. It is possible to climb
to the top.
Little Goose Pagoda
With 43 m high smaller than it's big brother, the Little Goose Pagoda
is not far away. It was built in 707, also to hold holy scriptures
brought back by another monk. Although its top has been destroyed by
an earthquake in the 16th century, it is still possible to climb to
the top.
Banpo Neolithic Viallage
Discovered in 1953, the remains of a village inhabited at the time of
about 4500 BC to 3750 BC by the earliest settlers in the area are
beautifully displayed with labels in both, Chinese and English.
A trip to this village is often combined with a visit to the
Terracotta Warriors.
Terracotta Warriors
In 1974, some peasants digging a well by chance uncovered one of the
greatest archaeological sites in the world. During his reign (from 247
BC until July 210 BC), Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of China built
himself a mausoleum with more than 8000 terracotta warriors guarding
his dead body, not two of them looking the same.
There were two walls around the mausoleum, the inner was 1355 m long
and 850 m wide, with a circumference of 3870 m. Originally a hill of
150 m, the mausoleum itself is now (2200 years after it has been
built) still 50 m high. It covered an area of no less than 350 x 345 m2;.
There are three main pits with terracotta warriors inside.
Pit 1 is 230 m long and 62 m wide, and is the main battle formation.
Pit 2 is in the shape of an L, 96 long east-west and 84 m long
north-south, making up another battle formation of mixed arms. Pit 3
is U-shaped. It is generally believed that pit 3 is the commando post
for the battle formations of pit 1 and 2.
A fourth pit has been found during June and July 1978. It is shaped in
the fashion of the Chinese character zhong (middle). In December 1980
two bronze chariots with four horses has been found. They are half
life size, with one chariot being 3.17 m long and 1.06 m high. It
weighs 1241 kg and is made of 3462 components, of which 1742 are of
bronze, 988 of silver and 732 of gold, and is beautifully painted. The
horses are 91 and 93 cm tall and 110 to 115 cm long.
There are four main category of figures, chariot warriors, infantry
men, cavalrymen, and horses. There are generals, middle ranking
officers, lower ranking officers, ordinary soldiers and armoured
warriors. The latter can be further divided, according to their
headgear into warriors with a square scarf, a cylindrical bun, a flat
bun and kneeling warriors (crossbowmen). All in all, there are over
130 battle chariots, more than 500 chariot horses and some 116 cavalry
horses. The horses are 2 m long and 1.72 m high.
The entrance fee is exorbitantly high (for Chinese prices), but still
worth it. It is possible to buy small replica of the figures for a
couple of Yuan. Remember to barter.
There are several good articles with beautiful photographs in
magazines of the National Geographic Society, the latest October 1996.
Order your free issue from Magazine Outlet.
See also the section on Literature.
Tours
Many hotels offer tours to the Terracotta Warriors and other sights
around Xian. However, prices differ considerably, as does quality. Ask
if the entrance tickets to the sights are included or not. Also, be
careful if the guide offers to buy tickets for you, since some try to
charge you more than what you would pay at the ticket booth. Of
course, you may be lucky, and the guide buying you Chinese tickets
saves you some money.
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C -1 2 8 14 19 25 27 26 19 14 7 1
F 30 35 47 56 67 77 80 78 66 56 44 33
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 3 5 7 8 8 8 11 11 12 8 6 4
Hotels
Bell Tower Hotel, 1 Nan Da JieRates: USD 54-68,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Xian/Bell_Tower_Hotel.asp
Grand New World Hotel, 48 Lian Hu Lu,Rates: USD 75-80,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Xian/Grand_New_World_Hotel.asp
Jianguo Hotel, 20 Jin Nan RoadRates: USD 68,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Xian/Jianguo_Hotel.asp
Sheraton Xian Hotel, 12 Feng Gao RoadRates: USD 72-114,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&hotels/China/Xian/Sheraton_Xian_Hotel.asp
Xian Garden Hotel , 4 Yan Yin Road, Da Yan TaRates: USD 63-81,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Xian/Xian_Garden_Hotel.asp
Xian Hotel, 36 North Section Changan RoadRates: USD 62-75,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Xian/Xian_Hotel.asp
Xian Lee Garden Hotel, 8 Laodong South RoadRates: USD 59-72,
http://www.planetholiday.com/a.asp?pholiday&1267&a.asp?pholiday&1267&Hotels/China/Xian/Xian_Lee_Garden_Hotel.asp
Restaurants
One of Xian's specialities are the excellent dumplings. There is a
famous restaurant at Jiefang Road. Or then, of course, you could try
the food stalls located at Dong Shi Er Dao Xiang (the 12th Lane East.)
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CHINA - Peter M. Geiser's Hotel and Travel Guide
Copyright (c) 1995 - 2003, Peter M. Geiser
http://www.pmgeiser.ch
http://www.pmgeiser.com
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