|
 TM
There's No One Right Way to Travel to China
By Frank Johnson
 A traveler might wonder where to begin in a foreign country
that is slightly smaller than the size of the United States with over 5,000
years of recorded history. The wonderful advantage to traveling China is that
there is no right or wrong place to start. China's fascinating past is written
all over its 23 provinces,* 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities. The
Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau are also part of China's
government under a "one country, two systems" law.
Greater Than the Great Wall: Travel to China's Many Wonders
{place picture number one here}
China is a mecca for human-made and natural wonders. The southern Tibetan border
is home to the world's tallest peak, Mt. Everest. Take in the inspiring
Himalayan view then head north and travel through the majestic Three Gorges, a
120-mile stretch of plummeting cliffs along the Yangtze River. Stand in the
middle of the largest plaza in the world, Tiananmen Square, at the heart of the
capital city, Beijing. While in Beijing, visit the Imperial Palace and find out
why it is known as the Forbidden City. Then, venture south to discover a true
artistic Qin Dynasty treasure in Xian, where over six thousand Terracotta
Warriors are arranged in battle formation on 14,000 square meters of land.
Hong Kong and Macau: Another Way to Experience China
These two regions are governed with a significant degree of
political and commercial autonomy and are China's most prominent examples of the
fusion of cultures brought about by colonialism. While travel to these provinces
provides a very different experience from the rest of China, they are by no
means lacking in worldly wonders or the authentic Chinese lifestyle.
Hong Kong came under British rule in 1841 after centuries of British involvement
in the silk and tea trade. The expansion and modernization of this global port
city attracted commercial and cultural influences from all corners of the world.
China regained sovereignty over the British colony in 1997 but agreed to leave
the democratic government structure intact. What has resulted is an unparalleled
bastion of progressive ideas, pioneering technology and architectural phenomena
like the world's three longest bridges.
Thirty-five miles west of Hong Kong across the Pear River delta, the enclave of
Macau is perched on a peninsula surrounded by small islands. Portugal had
established sovereignty over Macau in 1887 after a history of heavy trade and
navigation in the region. The Portuguese finally ceded all authority back to
China in 1999. The sophisticated blend of Chinese and Portuguese art,
architecture and cuisine define Macau's truly enchanting character. In Macau it
is commonplace to enjoy an espresso and pastry for lunch and Dim Sum for dinner,
accompanied by a fine Portuguese wine.
Be sure to set aside ample time to explore Hong Kong and Macau as part of your
itinerary to travel China!
* It should be noted that China considers Taiwan to be its 23rd province;
however Taiwan essentially functions as an independent nation and is not easily
accessible from mainland China.
Back to TravelLady Magazine |
|