Jetshing's Blog

While China isn’t widely known for its beautiful beaches, a growing number of travelers are making tracks in the sand for the shores of Hainan. The tropical island province has been dubbed “The Hawaii of China” and is today the No 1 domestic vacation destination among Chinese. It hosted 18 million travelers in 2007, up 15 percent from the previous year, of which nearly 6 million were foreigners, a staggering 63 percent increase from 2006, according … Read entire article »

In 199 BC, the Han Dynasty’s central government believed the land on which Jiangsu province’s Yancheng city is built was – in the truest sense of the term – worth its salt. So it sent officials to create and oversee a salt industry in the coastal area. The new settlement rapidly swelled to become a prosperous city, replete with banks, teahouses and opulent mansions. Back then, Yancheng was known as Yandu county – “yan” meaning salt and “du” referring to the river it was shipped along. Today, the city’s name, which literally translates as “Salt City”, is the only one in China that includes the character yan (salt). In addition, 18 local villages’ names contain the character tuan (referring to local salt production organizations); six towns’ and 85 villages’ monikers include the character for … Read entire article »

Local tourism agencies in Hunan province have designed travel routes starting from the capital Changsha with different themes: Changsha-Yiyang-Changde -Zhangjiajie: A route centered on classical themes. Yiyang is famed for its country landscape and rural customs, Changde is known for the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420) story Peach Blossom Land – or Tao Hua Yuan – that depicts a Shangri-la wonderland, while Zhangjiajie is internationally acclaimed for its natural beauty. Changsha-Yueyang: A route that highlights history and local culture. Yueyang is rich in historical sites including the Miluo River where ancient patriot Qu Yuan drowned himself, Zhangguying Village with its well-preserved ancient buildings and Yueyang Tower, subject of an essay by renowned Song Dynasty (960-1279) writer Fan Zhongyan. Changsha-Shaoshan- Huaminglou-Niaoshi: A route connected with New China’s first generation of leaders. Shaoshan, Huaminglou and Niaoshi are the hometowns … Read entire article »

The best time to see the Islamic culture of Xinjiang is during the Islamic holidays: Eid ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (usually called Qurban Festival in China), when celebrations take place throughout the cities and countryside. In 2009, the Eid ul-Fitr will be around Sep 21, and Eid al-Adha around Nov 28. The high tourist season in Xinjiang is from July to September. In the low season, accommodation rates and airfares usually drop sharply. Transportation in Xinjiang includes air, railway and road. While railways only reach the eastern (like Turpan and Hami) and southwestern parts (like Kuqa, Aksu and Kashgar) of Xinjiang, roads are well developed. Major cities in Xinjiang, such as Yining, Kashgar and Hotan, are connected with Urumqi by air. To go to less popular spots like Tuyugou, you need to … Read entire article »

Looking for a hotel that really stands out from the crowd?Here come up ten of the top 30 best new hotels of 2008. 1. Banyan Tree Maldives Madivaru (beach hotel) Banyan Tree, accessible by seaplane, is built in safari style: elaborate tents, a jungle setting, and its own aquarium lapping from the shore. The price is steep, but this is a camping trip without comparison with staff to indulge your every whim. 2. J.K. Place Capri, Italy (beach … Read entire article »