Highlights
Shanghai
Highlights
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Standing at a towering height of 468 meters (1,536 feet), the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is not only the tallest TV tower in Asia but also the third tallest in the world. It ranks behind the 553.3-meter-high CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, and the 540-meter-high Ostankino Tower in Moscow, Russia. Located in the heart of Pudong’s Lujiazui district, the tower has become a symbol of Shanghai, drawing both locals and tourists alike. Its unique design, featuring 15 spheres of varying sizes at different heights, creates a striking and futuristic appearance.
The tower's design is said to be inspired by a famous Chinese poetic line, "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate," evoking an image of pearls scattered across a jade surface. From its observation deck, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the bustling city, the Huangpu River, and beyond. The revolving restaurant and the expansive sightseeing platform can accommodate up to 1,600 people, offering an unparalleled experience in the sky.
Construction of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower began in 1992, with an initial investment of 50 million Yuan from the government. An additional 150 million Yuan and 10 million US Dollars were raised through bank loans from 44 banks. The tower was completed and opened to the public in 1994. It is affectionately known in China as "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl," a reference to its striking design, with two massive spheres at the base and a large pearl-like structure at the top.
In 1995, the tower began broadcasting, hosting nine television channels and 10 FM radio stations. Over the years, it has become a major hub for media and telecommunications, in addition to being a top tourist destination.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower offers a wide range of amenities for visitors. At a height of 263 meters, the observation deck provides breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline. You can also visit the futuristic "Space City" exhibition hall and the Shanghai Municipal History Museum, located in the tower's base. This museum showcases the history of the city, including its transformation from a small fishing village to one of the world’s leading metropolises.
The large lower sphere of the tower features various attractions, including the "Science Fantasy City" and the "Recreational Palace." On a clear day, visitors can enjoy a view stretching all the way to the Yangtze River from the sightseeing hall. In addition to the observation areas, the tower houses a hotel with 25 elegant rooms in the smaller spheres, offering a relaxing place for visitors to stay.
At the very top of the tower is a large pearl-shaped structure, home to a rotating restaurant, shops, and additional viewing platforms. This iconic structure provides guests with a unique dining experience while enjoying Shanghai’s spectacular skyline.
Over the past decade, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower has welcomed more than 25 million visitors, including 295 overseas heads of state and dignitaries. This immense popularity has made it one of the most profitable TV towers globally. In fact, its annual revenue has exceeded that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
According to the World Brand Lab, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower ranked 96th among the 500 most valuable Chinese brands, with a brand value of 5.148 billion Yuan (approximately 6.2 billion USD). It has consistently been one of the top 20 most influential Chinese brands on the global stage in recent years.
The tower’s combination of cutting-edge technology, breathtaking views, and cultural significance has made it a must-visit attraction in Shanghai and a proud symbol of China's modern achievements.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower stands as a monumental achievement in both architecture and engineering, symbolizing Shanghai's vibrant future while honoring its rich history. Whether you’re marveling at the panoramic views, exploring the interactive exhibits, or dining in the sky, the tower promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Children’s Palace
The Bund
No. 12, The Bund, is also known as No. 12 Zhongshan East Road. It was once the location of the famous Hui Feng Bank. Built in 1923, this square-shaped building has five vaults and features a distinctive circular roof in the style of ancient Greece, with a half-spherical dome on top. The building is made of steel and is elaborately decorated, including a specially designed reception hall. The British builders of the structure were immensely proud of this creation, with some even calling it “the most exquisite building from the Suez Canal in the east to the Persian Gulf in the west.”
Walking along Zhongshan East Road, you can feel the grandeur and solemnity of the area, as if the Bund is a showcase of architectural excellence. Some say that the Bund is, in fact, "an architectural exhibition." If the architectural district of the Bund were a gallery, the rest of the area would be a showroom. In the early mornings, the Bund becomes a place for locals to exercise and enjoy the fresh air. By day, the historic buildings stand in harmony with the scenic beauty of the Huangpu River and the futuristic skyline of Pudong, making it a favorite spot for tourists. At night, the city lights bathe the Bund in a vibrant glow, enhancing its beauty. The old buildings along the riverbank stand in contrast to the modern skyline, which includes iconic structures such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Jin Mao Tower, creating a stunning view that never fails to leave visitors in awe.
On the eastern side, the Bund borders the Huangpu River, while on the west, 52 buildings line the street, each with its own architectural style—Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Renaissance, Classical, and a fusion of Eastern and Western elements. Although these buildings were constructed at different times and in varying styles, their overall design is remarkably harmonious, with each structure complementing the others.
The Bund, named after the desolate beach that once lay outside the old city of Shanghai, has become one of the city's most iconic landmarks. If you haven’t visited the Bund, then you haven’t truly seen Shanghai. The Bund symbolizes the city itself; it is a microcosm of Shanghai's history and growth.
The Huangpu River
The Huangpu River is a landmark waterway in Shanghai, stretching approximately 113 kilometers (about 70 miles) in length with a width ranging from 300 to 770 meters (about 984 to 2526 feet). Its drainage basin covers an area of 24,000 square kilometers (approx. 5,930,530 acres).
The river originates from Dianshan Lake in Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, which receives water from the upper reaches of the Taihu Lake basin. From there, the river flows downstream to Wusongkou, where it meets the Yangtze River before flowing into the East China Sea. Over the course of thousands of years, the river has carved its path, with the upper reaches running east to west, and the middle and lower reaches turning north to south, effectively dividing the city of Shanghai into Puxi (West of the Huangpu River) and Pudong (East of the Huangpu River). On either side of the river, Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks have risen: the historic Bund on the west bank and the modern financial district of Lujiazui on the east.
During a visit to the river, tourists can admire the Yangpu Bridge, the Nanpu Bridge, and the Oriental Pearl Tower, which stands in the heart of the city. The two bridges, resembling two giant dragons stretching across the Huangpu River, frame the Oriental Pearl Tower in the center, creating a stunning visual metaphor of "two dragons playing with a pearl."
On the west bank of the Huangpu River, visitors are greeted by a collection of grand, foreign-style buildings, known for their diverse architectural influences from around the world. On the east bank, in stark contrast, towering modern skyscrapers rise into the sky, symbolizing Shanghai’s rapid development into a global financial hub.
Wusongkou, located at the mouth of the river, marks the point where the Huangpu River converges with the Yangtze River and the East China Sea. During high tide, one can witness the famous "Three-Water Convergence" phenomenon, where the Huangpu River’s bluish-gray waters, the muddy yellow waters of the Yangtze, and the green waters of the East China Sea mix together, creating a striking display of yellow, green, and blue hues.
The Huangpu River serves multiple functions: it is vital for shipping, water supply, drainage, irrigation, and tourism. As one of the world’s most renowned rivers, it is both a product of nature’s transformative power and a testament to humanity’s successful practice of harnessing the river’s natural flow to serve the needs of a growing city.
Yu Garden
The garden was originally established as a private estate by Pan Yunduan, a distinguished official from Sichuan, to provide his retired father, Pan En, with a serene and tranquil retreat. After over two decades of meticulous planning and construction, Yu Garden was completed in 1577. The name "Yu" symbolizes peace and tranquility, reflecting the garden's purpose of offering solace and serenity to Pan En during his retirement years. By the late Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden had gained recognition as one of the most exquisite gardens in Southeast China.
Yu Garden exemplifies the classical Jiangnan garden style, characterized by its intricate and refined design that seamlessly integrates natural and architectural elements. The garden boasts meandering pathways, exquisite pavilions, stunning rockeries, tranquil koi ponds, and ancient trees all thoughtfully arranged to create a serene and contemplative atmosphere. Additionally, it houses an impressive collection of cultural treasures including Ming and Qing dynasty furniture, renowned calligraphy and paintings, elaborate brick carvings as well as traditional stone sculptures.
The Yulinglong Stone, one of the renowned rocks in Jiangnan, and Dianchuntang, which served as the headquarters during the Taiping Rebellion in 1853, are among the prominent features of this garden. Additionally, visitors can explore the adjacent City God Temple and vibrant shopping streets, further enhancing its appeal as a popular tourist destination.
Yu Garden opened to the public in 1961 and was designated a national key cultural heritage site in 1982. Today, it remains a must-visit attraction for those seeking to experience the beauty and tranquility of traditional Chinese garden design.
The Jade Buddha Temple
Known for its vibrant spiritual atmosphere, the Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most visited and beloved temples in Shanghai. While Longhua Temple is known for fulfilling wishes related to career success, and Jing'an Temple is sought for blessings of peace, the Jade Buddha Temple is famous for helping people with wishes for wealth and love. A visit to the Jade Buddha Temple wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its treasures—the Jade Buddha and the Sitting Buddha, which have been prized by visitors since their arrival from Southeast Asia over a century ago.
At the heart of the temple is the magnificent Jade Buddha, a serene and life-sized statue carved from a single block of jade. Alongside it, visitors can find five other Buddha statues, each radiating peace and grace. The Jade Buddha Temple has undergone multiple restorations and expansions over the years, including the relocation of the Grand Buddha Hall and the construction of the Bell and Drum Towers. These additions have enriched the temple’s cultural and artistic legacy.
Occupying an area of approximately 11.6 acres, the Jade Buddha Temple features a layout based on traditional Chinese temple architecture. The temple’s main axis is home to three grand halls, with additional structures on both the east and west sides. The temple not only holds a special place in the hearts of Shanghai’s Buddhist community but is also a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. It is recognized as one of the top ten tourist attractions in Shanghai and is listed as a key Buddhist site and a protected city monument.
In 1918, the temple was rebuilt on its present site under the guidance of Master Kecheng from the Linji school. The new structure, designed to emulate the architectural style of Song Dynasty temples, was completed after ten years of dedicated work. The complex includes a Buddha hall, pagodas, kitchens, and other traditional temple buildings, with over 200 rooms in total.
The original Jade Buddha Temple was established in 1900, near the Wusong River Bay Railway Station, under the leadership of Master Ben Zhao, a disciple of Huigen. However, the temple was destroyed during the upheaval of the 1911 Revolution, leaving only the precious Jade Buddha untouched. For a time, the statue was housed in a villa on Shendan Road (now Weian Road), before the decision was made to rebuild the temple at its current location.
Founded in 1882 by Master Huigen, the temple originally housed five jade Buddhas brought from Myanmar by the master himself. Of these, two were enshrined in Shanghai, and it is these statues that have made the temple famous.
Nestled at 170 Anyuan Road in the Putuo District of Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple is one of the city’s most revered spiritual landmarks. As its name suggests, the temple is home to the sacred Jade Buddha, a symbol of serenity and wisdom. Belonging to the Linji school of Chan Buddhism, the temple is not only a place of worship but also a center for meditation and spiritual practice.
Shanghai Museum
The Shanghai Museum is a preeminent institution in China, celebrated for its vast collection of over 120,000 invaluable cultural artifacts. Its extensive and exceptional assortment, particularly in the areas of bronze ware, ceramics, calligraphy, and painting has garnered international recognition.
Founded in 1952, the museum initially operated at 325 Nanjing West Road. In 1959, it relocated to a more spacious venue at 16 Henan South Road, where it continued its progressive growth and development. In 1992, the Shanghai government made the strategic decision to construct a new museum in the heart of the city, situated in the prime location of People's Square. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new museum building took place in 1993 and it was officially inaugurated on October 12, 1996.
The new building of the Shanghai Museum spans a total area of 39,200 square meters and stands at a height of 29.5 meters. The distinctive combination of a round dome and square base, symbolizing the concept of "Heaven is round and Earth is square," creates an aesthetically captivating effect. The design seamlessly integrates traditional cultural elements with modern architecture, establishing it as a truly unique and iconic structure among global museums.
The museum accommodates 11 permanent galleries and three exhibition halls. The architectural layout encompasses six functional areas, including exhibition spaces, storage facilities, academic and research zones, management offices, and supporting amenities. Within the premises are 12 thematic exhibition rooms showcasing a wide array of treasures such as bronze artifacts, ceramics, calligraphy masterpieces, and paintings. Additionally, the exhibits encompass coins, jade pieces, sculptures, seals as well as crafts from various ethnic minorities.
The museum's total exhibition space is 12,000 square meters, distributed across four floors. The first floor features the Ancient Chinese Bronze Gallery, Ancient Chinese Sculpture Gallery, and Exhibition Hall. The second floor showcases the Ancient Chinese Ceramics Gallery and the temporary Ceramics Gallery. The third floor is dedicated to the Calligraphy Gallery, Painting Gallery, and Seals Gallery. The fourth floor exhibits the Ancient Chinese Jade Gallery, Coin Gallery, Ming and Qing Furniture Gallery, and the Ethnic Minority Craft Gallery.
Shanghai Jinmao Tower
Standing proudly at 88 Century Avenue in the heart of Shanghai’s Lujiazui Financial District, the Shanghai Jin Mao Tower is a true marvel of modern engineering and design. Located in the bustling center of the city, the tower offers breathtaking views to the east over the Pudong New Area, to the west over downtown Shanghai and the Huangpu River, and to the south toward the vibrant commercial hub of Zhang Yang Road. To the north, it overlooks the expansive 100,000-square-meter central green space.
The Jin Mao Tower occupies 24,000 square meters of land, with a total building area of 290,000 square meters. The towering 88-story main structure rises to a height of 420.5 meters, with approximately 200,000 square meters of space. Its sleek, modern design features a stunning tapering shape, symbolizing both architectural elegance and strength. The tower’s six-story podium covers 32,000 square meters, while the three underground levels span 57,000 square meters. The building’s striking exterior is enveloped in an aluminum alloy lattice, giving it a contemporary yet timeless appeal.
Inside, the Jin Mao Tower is as spectacular as its exterior. The first two floors house the grand lobby, while floors 3 to 50 feature expansive, column-free office spaces with a ceiling height of 4 meters and a net height of 2.7 meters. The upper floors—51 to 52—house essential mechanical and electrical systems, while the 53rd to 87th floors are home to a luxurious hotel. The 88th floor boasts an observation deck, offering panoramic views of the city and beyond.
Designed by the renowned Chicago-based architectural firm SOM, with Adrian Smith as the lead designer, the Jin Mao Tower combines cutting-edge global architectural trends with traditional Chinese design elements. The building is an engineering masterpiece, with a vertical deviation of only 2 centimeters and the ability to withstand winds of up to level 12 and earthquakes of magnitude 7.
The tower’s exterior is characterized by large glass panels that reflect ever-changing hues—shifting from silver to shades of blue and green. Between the two layers of glass, a low-temperature conductor ensures the interior remains insulated from the outdoor elements.
Inside, the grand lobby features a striking archway design and walls clad in Mediterranean-style perforated marble for both aesthetic and soundproofing purposes. The polished marble floors gleam without being overly shiny, while the main hallway leading to the banquet hall is an artistic corridor showcasing Chinese calligraphy and copper reliefs that depict the evolution of Chinese script, from ancient oracle bone inscriptions to modern-day characters.
At the top of the Jin Mao Tower, the 88th floor offers the “Cloud Walk”—a 60-meter-long, 1.2-meter-wide transparent skywalk, the highest of its kind in the world. This glass walkway allows visitors to experience Shanghai from a breathtaking 340.1 meters above ground level, walking in the clouds and enjoying an unparalleled view of the city below.
Since its completion, the Jin Mao Tower has garnered numerous accolades, including the Illinois World Architecture Award in 1998 and the Shanghai Classic Architecture Gold Award in 1999. It also achieved LEED-EB certification in 2013 and was named one of the "Top Ten New Landmarks in Shanghai" in 2020.
A true symbol of Shanghai's dynamic growth, the Jin Mao Tower remains a must-see destination for those who wish to experience the cutting-edge of modern architecture while soaking in the rich cultural and historical essence of one of the world’s most exciting cities.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Standing at a towering height of 468 meters (1,536 feet), the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is not only the tallest TV tower in Asia but also the third tallest in the world. It ranks behind the 553.3-meter-high CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, and the 540-meter-high Ostankino Tower in Moscow, Russia. Located in the heart of Pudong’s Lujiazui district, the tower has become a symbol of Shanghai, drawing both locals and tourists alike. Its unique design, featuring 15 spheres of varying sizes at different heights, creates a striking and futuristic appearance.
The tower's design is said to be inspired by a famous Chinese poetic line, "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate," evoking an image of pearls scattered across a jade surface. From its observation deck, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the bustling city, the Huangpu River, and beyond. The revolving restaurant and the expansive sightseeing platform can accommodate up to 1,600 people, offering an unparalleled experience in the sky.
Construction of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower began in 1992, with an initial investment of 50 million Yuan from the government. An additional 150 million Yuan and 10 million US Dollars were raised through bank loans from 44 banks. The tower was completed and opened to the public in 1994. It is affectionately known in China as "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl," a reference to its striking design, with two massive spheres at the base and a large pearl-like structure at the top.
In 1995, the tower began broadcasting, hosting nine television channels and 10 FM radio stations. Over the years, it has become a major hub for media and telecommunications, in addition to being a top tourist destination.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower offers a wide range of amenities for visitors. At a height of 263 meters, the observation deck provides breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline. You can also visit the futuristic "Space City" exhibition hall and the Shanghai Municipal History Museum, located in the tower's base. This museum showcases the history of the city, including its transformation from a small fishing village to one of the world’s leading metropolises.
The large lower sphere of the tower features various attractions, including the "Science Fantasy City" and the "Recreational Palace." On a clear day, visitors can enjoy a view stretching all the way to the Yangtze River from the sightseeing hall. In addition to the observation areas, the tower houses a hotel with 25 elegant rooms in the smaller spheres, offering a relaxing place for visitors to stay.
At the very top of the tower is a large pearl-shaped structure, home to a rotating restaurant, shops, and additional viewing platforms. This iconic structure provides guests with a unique dining experience while enjoying Shanghai’s spectacular skyline.
Over the past decade, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower has welcomed more than 25 million visitors, including 295 overseas heads of state and dignitaries. This immense popularity has made it one of the most profitable TV towers globally. In fact, its annual revenue has exceeded that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
According to the World Brand Lab, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower ranked 96th among the 500 most valuable Chinese brands, with a brand value of 5.148 billion Yuan (approximately 6.2 billion USD). It has consistently been one of the top 20 most influential Chinese brands on the global stage in recent years.
The tower’s combination of cutting-edge technology, breathtaking views, and cultural significance has made it a must-visit attraction in Shanghai and a proud symbol of China's modern achievements.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower stands as a monumental achievement in both architecture and engineering, symbolizing Shanghai's vibrant future while honoring its rich history. Whether you’re marveling at the panoramic views, exploring the interactive exhibits, or dining in the sky, the tower promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Children’s Palace
The Bund
No. 12, The Bund, is also known as No. 12 Zhongshan East Road. It was once the location of the famous Hui Feng Bank. Built in 1923, this square-shaped building has five vaults and features a distinctive circular roof in the style of ancient Greece, with a half-spherical dome on top. The building is made of steel and is elaborately decorated, including a specially designed reception hall. The British builders of the structure were immensely proud of this creation, with some even calling it “the most exquisite building from the Suez Canal in the east to the Persian Gulf in the west.”
Walking along Zhongshan East Road, you can feel the grandeur and solemnity of the area, as if the Bund is a showcase of architectural excellence. Some say that the Bund is, in fact, "an architectural exhibition." If the architectural district of the Bund were a gallery, the rest of the area would be a showroom. In the early mornings, the Bund becomes a place for locals to exercise and enjoy the fresh air. By day, the historic buildings stand in harmony with the scenic beauty of the Huangpu River and the futuristic skyline of Pudong, making it a favorite spot for tourists. At night, the city lights bathe the Bund in a vibrant glow, enhancing its beauty. The old buildings along the riverbank stand in contrast to the modern skyline, which includes iconic structures such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Jin Mao Tower, creating a stunning view that never fails to leave visitors in awe.
On the eastern side, the Bund borders the Huangpu River, while on the west, 52 buildings line the street, each with its own architectural style—Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Renaissance, Classical, and a fusion of Eastern and Western elements. Although these buildings were constructed at different times and in varying styles, their overall design is remarkably harmonious, with each structure complementing the others.
The Bund, named after the desolate beach that once lay outside the old city of Shanghai, has become one of the city's most iconic landmarks. If you haven’t visited the Bund, then you haven’t truly seen Shanghai. The Bund symbolizes the city itself; it is a microcosm of Shanghai's history and growth.
The Huangpu River
The Huangpu River is a landmark waterway in Shanghai, stretching approximately 113 kilometers (about 70 miles) in length with a width ranging from 300 to 770 meters (about 984 to 2526 feet). Its drainage basin covers an area of 24,000 square kilometers (approx. 5,930,530 acres).
The river originates from Dianshan Lake in Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, which receives water from the upper reaches of the Taihu Lake basin. From there, the river flows downstream to Wusongkou, where it meets the Yangtze River before flowing into the East China Sea. Over the course of thousands of years, the river has carved its path, with the upper reaches running east to west, and the middle and lower reaches turning north to south, effectively dividing the city of Shanghai into Puxi (West of the Huangpu River) and Pudong (East of the Huangpu River). On either side of the river, Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks have risen: the historic Bund on the west bank and the modern financial district of Lujiazui on the east.
During a visit to the river, tourists can admire the Yangpu Bridge, the Nanpu Bridge, and the Oriental Pearl Tower, which stands in the heart of the city. The two bridges, resembling two giant dragons stretching across the Huangpu River, frame the Oriental Pearl Tower in the center, creating a stunning visual metaphor of "two dragons playing with a pearl."
On the west bank of the Huangpu River, visitors are greeted by a collection of grand, foreign-style buildings, known for their diverse architectural influences from around the world. On the east bank, in stark contrast, towering modern skyscrapers rise into the sky, symbolizing Shanghai’s rapid development into a global financial hub.
Wusongkou, located at the mouth of the river, marks the point where the Huangpu River converges with the Yangtze River and the East China Sea. During high tide, one can witness the famous "Three-Water Convergence" phenomenon, where the Huangpu River’s bluish-gray waters, the muddy yellow waters of the Yangtze, and the green waters of the East China Sea mix together, creating a striking display of yellow, green, and blue hues.
The Huangpu River serves multiple functions: it is vital for shipping, water supply, drainage, irrigation, and tourism. As one of the world’s most renowned rivers, it is both a product of nature’s transformative power and a testament to humanity’s successful practice of harnessing the river’s natural flow to serve the needs of a growing city.
Yu Garden
The garden was originally established as a private estate by Pan Yunduan, a distinguished official from Sichuan, to provide his retired father, Pan En, with a serene and tranquil retreat. After over two decades of meticulous planning and construction, Yu Garden was completed in 1577. The name "Yu" symbolizes peace and tranquility, reflecting the garden's purpose of offering solace and serenity to Pan En during his retirement years. By the late Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden had gained recognition as one of the most exquisite gardens in Southeast China.
Yu Garden exemplifies the classical Jiangnan garden style, characterized by its intricate and refined design that seamlessly integrates natural and architectural elements. The garden boasts meandering pathways, exquisite pavilions, stunning rockeries, tranquil koi ponds, and ancient trees all thoughtfully arranged to create a serene and contemplative atmosphere. Additionally, it houses an impressive collection of cultural treasures including Ming and Qing dynasty furniture, renowned calligraphy and paintings, elaborate brick carvings as well as traditional stone sculptures.
The Yulinglong Stone, one of the renowned rocks in Jiangnan, and Dianchuntang, which served as the headquarters during the Taiping Rebellion in 1853, are among the prominent features of this garden. Additionally, visitors can explore the adjacent City God Temple and vibrant shopping streets, further enhancing its appeal as a popular tourist destination.
Yu Garden opened to the public in 1961 and was designated a national key cultural heritage site in 1982. Today, it remains a must-visit attraction for those seeking to experience the beauty and tranquility of traditional Chinese garden design.
The Jade Buddha Temple
Known for its vibrant spiritual atmosphere, the Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most visited and beloved temples in Shanghai. While Longhua Temple is known for fulfilling wishes related to career success, and Jing'an Temple is sought for blessings of peace, the Jade Buddha Temple is famous for helping people with wishes for wealth and love. A visit to the Jade Buddha Temple wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its treasures—the Jade Buddha and the Sitting Buddha, which have been prized by visitors since their arrival from Southeast Asia over a century ago.
At the heart of the temple is the magnificent Jade Buddha, a serene and life-sized statue carved from a single block of jade. Alongside it, visitors can find five other Buddha statues, each radiating peace and grace. The Jade Buddha Temple has undergone multiple restorations and expansions over the years, including the relocation of the Grand Buddha Hall and the construction of the Bell and Drum Towers. These additions have enriched the temple’s cultural and artistic legacy.
Occupying an area of approximately 11.6 acres, the Jade Buddha Temple features a layout based on traditional Chinese temple architecture. The temple’s main axis is home to three grand halls, with additional structures on both the east and west sides. The temple not only holds a special place in the hearts of Shanghai’s Buddhist community but is also a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. It is recognized as one of the top ten tourist attractions in Shanghai and is listed as a key Buddhist site and a protected city monument.
In 1918, the temple was rebuilt on its present site under the guidance of Master Kecheng from the Linji school. The new structure, designed to emulate the architectural style of Song Dynasty temples, was completed after ten years of dedicated work. The complex includes a Buddha hall, pagodas, kitchens, and other traditional temple buildings, with over 200 rooms in total.
The original Jade Buddha Temple was established in 1900, near the Wusong River Bay Railway Station, under the leadership of Master Ben Zhao, a disciple of Huigen. However, the temple was destroyed during the upheaval of the 1911 Revolution, leaving only the precious Jade Buddha untouched. For a time, the statue was housed in a villa on Shendan Road (now Weian Road), before the decision was made to rebuild the temple at its current location.
Founded in 1882 by Master Huigen, the temple originally housed five jade Buddhas brought from Myanmar by the master himself. Of these, two were enshrined in Shanghai, and it is these statues that have made the temple famous.
Nestled at 170 Anyuan Road in the Putuo District of Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple is one of the city’s most revered spiritual landmarks. As its name suggests, the temple is home to the sacred Jade Buddha, a symbol of serenity and wisdom. Belonging to the Linji school of Chan Buddhism, the temple is not only a place of worship but also a center for meditation and spiritual practice.
Shanghai Museum
The Shanghai Museum is a preeminent institution in China, celebrated for its vast collection of over 120,000 invaluable cultural artifacts. Its extensive and exceptional assortment, particularly in the areas of bronze ware, ceramics, calligraphy, and painting has garnered international recognition.
Founded in 1952, the museum initially operated at 325 Nanjing West Road. In 1959, it relocated to a more spacious venue at 16 Henan South Road, where it continued its progressive growth and development. In 1992, the Shanghai government made the strategic decision to construct a new museum in the heart of the city, situated in the prime location of People's Square. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new museum building took place in 1993 and it was officially inaugurated on October 12, 1996.
The new building of the Shanghai Museum spans a total area of 39,200 square meters and stands at a height of 29.5 meters. The distinctive combination of a round dome and square base, symbolizing the concept of "Heaven is round and Earth is square," creates an aesthetically captivating effect. The design seamlessly integrates traditional cultural elements with modern architecture, establishing it as a truly unique and iconic structure among global museums.
The museum accommodates 11 permanent galleries and three exhibition halls. The architectural layout encompasses six functional areas, including exhibition spaces, storage facilities, academic and research zones, management offices, and supporting amenities. Within the premises are 12 thematic exhibition rooms showcasing a wide array of treasures such as bronze artifacts, ceramics, calligraphy masterpieces, and paintings. Additionally, the exhibits encompass coins, jade pieces, sculptures, seals as well as crafts from various ethnic minorities.
The museum's total exhibition space is 12,000 square meters, distributed across four floors. The first floor features the Ancient Chinese Bronze Gallery, Ancient Chinese Sculpture Gallery, and Exhibition Hall. The second floor showcases the Ancient Chinese Ceramics Gallery and the temporary Ceramics Gallery. The third floor is dedicated to the Calligraphy Gallery, Painting Gallery, and Seals Gallery. The fourth floor exhibits the Ancient Chinese Jade Gallery, Coin Gallery, Ming and Qing Furniture Gallery, and the Ethnic Minority Craft Gallery.
Shanghai Jinmao Tower
Standing proudly at 88 Century Avenue in the heart of Shanghai’s Lujiazui Financial District, the Shanghai Jin Mao Tower is a true marvel of modern engineering and design. Located in the bustling center of the city, the tower offers breathtaking views to the east over the Pudong New Area, to the west over downtown Shanghai and the Huangpu River, and to the south toward the vibrant commercial hub of Zhang Yang Road. To the north, it overlooks the expansive 100,000-square-meter central green space.
The Jin Mao Tower occupies 24,000 square meters of land, with a total building area of 290,000 square meters. The towering 88-story main structure rises to a height of 420.5 meters, with approximately 200,000 square meters of space. Its sleek, modern design features a stunning tapering shape, symbolizing both architectural elegance and strength. The tower’s six-story podium covers 32,000 square meters, while the three underground levels span 57,000 square meters. The building’s striking exterior is enveloped in an aluminum alloy lattice, giving it a contemporary yet timeless appeal.
Inside, the Jin Mao Tower is as spectacular as its exterior. The first two floors house the grand lobby, while floors 3 to 50 feature expansive, column-free office spaces with a ceiling height of 4 meters and a net height of 2.7 meters. The upper floors—51 to 52—house essential mechanical and electrical systems, while the 53rd to 87th floors are home to a luxurious hotel. The 88th floor boasts an observation deck, offering panoramic views of the city and beyond.
Designed by the renowned Chicago-based architectural firm SOM, with Adrian Smith as the lead designer, the Jin Mao Tower combines cutting-edge global architectural trends with traditional Chinese design elements. The building is an engineering masterpiece, with a vertical deviation of only 2 centimeters and the ability to withstand winds of up to level 12 and earthquakes of magnitude 7.
The tower’s exterior is characterized by large glass panels that reflect ever-changing hues—shifting from silver to shades of blue and green. Between the two layers of glass, a low-temperature conductor ensures the interior remains insulated from the outdoor elements.
Inside, the grand lobby features a striking archway design and walls clad in Mediterranean-style perforated marble for both aesthetic and soundproofing purposes. The polished marble floors gleam without being overly shiny, while the main hallway leading to the banquet hall is an artistic corridor showcasing Chinese calligraphy and copper reliefs that depict the evolution of Chinese script, from ancient oracle bone inscriptions to modern-day characters.
At the top of the Jin Mao Tower, the 88th floor offers the “Cloud Walk”—a 60-meter-long, 1.2-meter-wide transparent skywalk, the highest of its kind in the world. This glass walkway allows visitors to experience Shanghai from a breathtaking 340.1 meters above ground level, walking in the clouds and enjoying an unparalleled view of the city below.
Since its completion, the Jin Mao Tower has garnered numerous accolades, including the Illinois World Architecture Award in 1998 and the Shanghai Classic Architecture Gold Award in 1999. It also achieved LEED-EB certification in 2013 and was named one of the "Top Ten New Landmarks in Shanghai" in 2020.
A true symbol of Shanghai's dynamic growth, the Jin Mao Tower remains a must-see destination for those who wish to experience the cutting-edge of modern architecture while soaking in the rich cultural and historical essence of one of the world’s most exciting cities.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Standing at a towering height of 468 meters (1,536 feet), the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is not only the tallest TV tower in Asia but also the third tallest in the world. It ranks behind the 553.3-meter-high CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, and the 540-meter-high Ostankino Tower in Moscow, Russia. Located in the heart of Pudong’s Lujiazui district, the tower has become a symbol of Shanghai, drawing both locals and tourists alike. Its unique design, featuring 15 spheres of varying sizes at different heights, creates a striking and futuristic appearance.
The tower's design is said to be inspired by a famous Chinese poetic line, "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate," evoking an image of pearls scattered across a jade surface. From its observation deck, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the bustling city, the Huangpu River, and beyond. The revolving restaurant and the expansive sightseeing platform can accommodate up to 1,600 people, offering an unparalleled experience in the sky.
Construction of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower began in 1992, with an initial investment of 50 million Yuan from the government. An additional 150 million Yuan and 10 million US Dollars were raised through bank loans from 44 banks. The tower was completed and opened to the public in 1994. It is affectionately known in China as "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl," a reference to its striking design, with two massive spheres at the base and a large pearl-like structure at the top.
In 1995, the tower began broadcasting, hosting nine television channels and 10 FM radio stations. Over the years, it has become a major hub for media and telecommunications, in addition to being a top tourist destination.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower offers a wide range of amenities for visitors. At a height of 263 meters, the observation deck provides breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline. You can also visit the futuristic "Space City" exhibition hall and the Shanghai Municipal History Museum, located in the tower's base. This museum showcases the history of the city, including its transformation from a small fishing village to one of the world’s leading metropolises.
The large lower sphere of the tower features various attractions, including the "Science Fantasy City" and the "Recreational Palace." On a clear day, visitors can enjoy a view stretching all the way to the Yangtze River from the sightseeing hall. In addition to the observation areas, the tower houses a hotel with 25 elegant rooms in the smaller spheres, offering a relaxing place for visitors to stay.
At the very top of the tower is a large pearl-shaped structure, home to a rotating restaurant, shops, and additional viewing platforms. This iconic structure provides guests with a unique dining experience while enjoying Shanghai’s spectacular skyline.
Over the past decade, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower has welcomed more than 25 million visitors, including 295 overseas heads of state and dignitaries. This immense popularity has made it one of the most profitable TV towers globally. In fact, its annual revenue has exceeded that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
According to the World Brand Lab, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower ranked 96th among the 500 most valuable Chinese brands, with a brand value of 5.148 billion Yuan (approximately 6.2 billion USD). It has consistently been one of the top 20 most influential Chinese brands on the global stage in recent years.
The tower’s combination of cutting-edge technology, breathtaking views, and cultural significance has made it a must-visit attraction in Shanghai and a proud symbol of China's modern achievements.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower stands as a monumental achievement in both architecture and engineering, symbolizing Shanghai's vibrant future while honoring its rich history. Whether you’re marveling at the panoramic views, exploring the interactive exhibits, or dining in the sky, the tower promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Children’s Palace
Huangshan
Highlights
Mt. Jiuhua
Jiuhua Mount together with Wutai Mount in Shanxi Province, Putuo Mount in Zhejiang Province and E-mei Mountain in Sichuan Province is member of the mountains that are known for the Buddhist culture. Deep inside the steaming mountains, 78 old temples are lying peacefully beneath towering trees with smokes curling up above the roofs.
Jiuhua Mountain consists of nine peaks, of which make a circle just like a lotus. Precious animals like giant salamander and rarely seen plants like Zamioculcas zamiifolia are one of the treasures here. Clear streams originating from Jiuhua Mountain are running down to different directions, forming a pleasant scene around. The curtain-like waterfalls are flying down from the cliffs, providing another kind of splendid landscape for you.
Throughout the ages, such celebrities as poets, painters and calligraphers have been attracted by the marvelous sceneries. Libai (701-762), a famous poet in Tang Dynasty, once came to visit the mountain. The verse slipped out when he was intoxicated with the scene of lotus blooms-like peaks of Mt. Jiuhua, 'From the azure skies above descends a jade-like flow, and nine fascinating lotuses rise out of the hills below'. Later, poet Liu Yuxi (772-784) in Tang Dynasty, litterateur Wang Anshi (1021-1086) in North Song Dynasty and many other scholars, politicians and monks also made the journey to the mountain.
The picturesque natural landscapes together with the wonderful human landscapes won a name as the Most Wonderful Mountain in Southeastern China for Jiuhua Mountain. Sunrise, sunset, seas of clouds, soft rime and Buddha’s Light are too beautiful to forget.
Opening Hours: the whole day
Ticket Price:
95 CNY for the kids
190 CNY for the adults
Location: Chizhou City, Anhui Province
Transportation: Public Bus No. 7 will bring you here
Tunxi Ancient Street
For people who love Chinese paintings, the famous painting, Riverside Scene on the Pure Brightness Festival, must be a way to learn about the Chinese art, because it describes the most prosperous scene of the ancient China. While, Tunxi ancient town is praised as the real scene of that painting. From which, can you tell how wonderful this ancient town is?
It is the best-preserved commercial street with the styles of Song, Ming and Qing Dynasty. The architectures around the old town are not too large but exquisite in designs. The white walls and blue Chinese-style tiles of the orderly located buildings are giving out a strong breath of elegance and antique. The Hui-style gates with delicate wooden carving on can be one of the symbols.
Built in Song dynasty, about 700 years ago, Tunxi Ancient Street, became a distribution center for goods and materials to Huizhou during Ming and Qing dynasties. With shops, it looks densely and compactly. The shops, workshops and residences form an organic whole, keeping the characteristic and operation layout of ancient store. They are simple and elegant, magnificent and clean. The lane along the old town is paved with red flagstones. With clear grain after a rain, it is as clean as a picture. Whether you are wandering along the old bridge, visiting the fish beside the river, finding shoots of bamboo on the slope, or standing under a tree and listening to the birds whistle, it is easy to rest and attain mental tranquility by getting back to the nature.
With the mountain in the north and the clear stream in the south, this ancient town possesses an advantaged location, making itself a wonderful place throughout the ages. It should be a good choice to come here for the exploration of the Chinese Ancient culture and customs.
Opening Hours: the whole day
Ticket Price: free
Location: Tunxi Zone, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
Transportation: Bus No. 1 and 12 from Huangshan City will bring you here
Mountain Huangshan Scenic Spot
Four wonders of Mt. Huangshan
Four seasons in Mt. Huangshan
Scenic Areas of Yellow Mountain
The Scenic Spots Areas of Yellow Mountain are the reason why the Huangshan City is so popular with the visitors near and far. Yellow Mountain is praised as the most fantastic mountain in China for the Four Wonders it embraces, namely the odd-shaped pines, spectacular rocks, pleasant hot springs and varied seas of clouds.
In the past centuries, numerous celebrities have visitor and left behind their masterpieces made for praising those beautiful sceneries around.
Hot Spring Scenic Area
It is a thousand years old hot spring with an average temperature of 40℃ that has been enjoying a high reputation near and far, and never run dry during the most severe droughts nor over-flown in rainy season. It is hailed as scared spring for its therapeutic effects for metabolic disorder, cardiovascular disease, malfunctions of digestive and nervous systems.
With marvelous sceneries around, the hot spring scenic area will come to live when the tourism season falls. The most amazing one is the waterfalls rushing down from the 50 meters high cliff, which, because of being split into two branches, looks from a distance like a Chinese character “人”.
Jade Screen Scenic Area
The sceneries around the Jade Screen Pavilion include the three picturesque Islands, the steep Aerial-ladder-like Stone Stairs and the mysterious Big Turtle Cave. On the peak of the mountains, bizarre pines and lifelike Buddha statues make this area more attractive.
With the height of 1,864 meters, the Lotus Mountain, the peak of the Mountain Huang, has appealed to numerous celebrities, like Chairman Mao, General Zhu De and General Liu Bocheng.
Beihai Scenic Area (North Sea Scenic Area)
Splendid mountains make up this special scenic spot, where will provide you different angles for those fantastic landscapes around Mountain Huang. Among those steaming mountains, the odd-shaped pines, spectacular rocks and varied seas of clouds will catch your eyes, therefore here is praised as the window of the Mountain Huang.
There is a platform at the top of Lion Mountain named Qingliangtai where is the best place for you to enjoy the sunrise and the seas of the clouds.
White Cloud Scenic Area (Baiyun Scenic Area)
A fantastic landscape of odd-shaped pines, bizarre rocks, roaring waterfalls and chirping steams is really a sumptuous feast of eyes.
The West Sea, long known as the Mystery Valley for the many clusters of peaks and the fathomless depth of the valley has been opened up as the White Cloud Stream Scenic Area. As the highest falls in the Yellow Mountains, Qianxun waterfall has a drop of 140 meters, and is ice-free all the year round. The falls thunder can be heard at Swan Rock near the brook and one can also have a near look on the Immortal Walking on Stilts.
Songgu Scenic Area (Pine Valley Scenic Area)
After the completion of the mission of climbing up the stone stairs over 6,500 steps leading to the peak of the Furong Mountain, beautiful landscapes made up by steaming forests, flying waterfalls, chirping steams, peaceful ponds, mysterious temple and exotic plants are waiting for you.
Here peaks are green and water is clear around the year. Beautiful scenic attractions include Old Dragon Pool (Laolong Tan), Green Dragon Pool (Qinglong Tan), Black Dragon Pool (Wulong Tan), White Dragon Pool (Bailong Tan) and Emerald Pond.
Yungu Scenic Area (Cloud Valley Scenic Area)
Situated between Arhat Peak and Incense Burner Peak, the 890 meters high Cloud Valley Temple is half way between the North Sea and the Hot Spring along the mountain as well as the departure station of the cable car route to the North Sea. This area does not lose out to other scenic areas for beauty. The major sights of this area are the Cloud Valley Villa, oddly shaped rocks, old trees and the Nine-Dragon Waterfall and the Baizhang Spring.
Descending the mountain path to the left of the Cloud Valley Temple and going through the bamboo grove, tourists can watch the Nine Dragon Falls four kilometers away. The Nine-Dragon Waterfall plunges all of 300 meters from the cliff top between the Incense Burner Peak and the Arhat Peak. The waterfall has nine leaps, each leap forms a waterfall and each fall feeds a pool.
Opening Hours: the whole day
Ticket Price:
230 CNY from March 1 to November 31
150 CNY from December 1 to February 28
Half fare for the student, soldiers, teachers, retired and the people over 60 years
Location: Nanshan City, Anhui Province
Transportation: Tour bus available every 15 minutes from Tourism Transportation Center in Tangkou Town, Huangshan City will bring you here (13 CNY)
Guide to the Cableways
Looking down from the cableway, you will see some different and amazing landscapes.
Cloud Valley Cableway (Cableway 1)
Cloud Valley Cableway with a length of 2,666 meters has been put into operation since the year 2007. It is supported by the world’s most sophisticated to ensure the safety and comfortableness. With a high difference of 775 meters, this cableway can provide you a different but splendid view of many landscapes with a bird’s view. A speed of 6 meters each second makes it takes only 8 minutes to get to the peak.
Opening Hours:
At weekend: 6:30 -- 16:30
Monday to Friday: 7:00 -- 16:30
Ticket Price:
80 CNY
Free for the kids below 1.2 m
Half Fare for the kids between 1.2 and 1.4
Taiping Cableway (Cableway 2)
Spanning 3,709 meters, Taiping cableway is the longest cableway in Asia. With a high difference of 1,014.5 meter, it can provide you an amazing bird’s view of such fantastic sceneries as Songgu Temple, Jade Pond and Moya Inscription, which seems like a 3D picture.
Opening Hours:
At weekend: 6:30 -- 16:30
Monday to Friday: 7:00 -- 16:30
Ticket Price:
65 CNY
80 CNY on Chinese public holidays
Free for the kids below 1.1 meter tall
Half fare for the kids between 1.1 and 1.3 m
Jade Screen Cableway (Cableway 3)
Spanning 2，176 meters, Jade Screen cableway with a high difference of 1,014.5 meters can take you go through the seas of clouds, provide you an amazing bird’s view of such fantastic sceneries as white-ribbon-like streams and take you to the wonderful and magical landscapes.
Opening Hours:
At weekend: 6:30 -- 16:30
Monday to Friday: 7:00 -- 16:30
Ticket Price:
65 CNY
80 CNY on Chinese public holidays
Free for the kids below 1.1 meter tall
Half fare for the kids between 1.1 and 1.3 m
Wildlife in Yellow Mountain
Deep inside this flourishing and peaceful mountain, wildlife of various kinds have been leading a harmonious life, making the mountain full of vigor. Owing to the mild climate, wildlife here enjoys a pleasant living environment.
Plants
Huang Mountain is a mini eco-system with wild plants and animals of various kinds living a harmonious life here. According to the Directories of Plants in Huangshan, Huangshan scenic spots have about 1446 species of protophyte in 155 orders, 193 species of hemerophyte in 51 orders. The protophyte include 187 species of bryophyte in 114 genera and 127 species of pteridophyte in 57 genera. These rare and ancient plants are of great viewing value and of scientific research significance. They can serve as important materials and experiment sites for probing into origins and history.
Various plants of different colors will address the Huang Mountain in different covers, making here a wonderful resort all year round.
Animals
The flourishing forests and the pleasant weather are the ideal environment for the precious wild animals of more than 300 species. Among them, there are 176 kinds of birds in 17 orders and 40 families, 48 kinds of reptiles, 21 kinds of amphibious animals, 24 kinds of fishes and 54 kinds of beasts. You will feel like walking into a paradise of animals here.
When the dawn comes, Mountain Huang will come to live with chirping birds’ seeking for foods, lovely monkeys jumping around, deer dancing, shy animals doing the hide-and-seek and other animals taking the morning walk.
Mt. Jiuhua
Jiuhua Mount together with Wutai Mount in Shanxi Province, Putuo Mount in Zhejiang Province and E-mei Mountain in Sichuan Province is member of the mountains that are known for the Buddhist culture. Deep inside the steaming mountains, 78 old temples are lying peacefully beneath towering trees with smokes curling up above the roofs.
Jiuhua Mountain consists of nine peaks, of which make a circle just like a lotus. Precious animals like giant salamander and rarely seen plants like Zamioculcas zamiifolia are one of the treasures here. Clear streams originating from Jiuhua Mountain are running down to different directions, forming a pleasant scene around. The curtain-like waterfalls are flying down from the cliffs, providing another kind of splendid landscape for you.
Throughout the ages, such celebrities as poets, painters and calligraphers have been attracted by the marvelous sceneries. Libai (701-762), a famous poet in Tang Dynasty, once came to visit the mountain. The verse slipped out when he was intoxicated with the scene of lotus blooms-like peaks of Mt. Jiuhua, 'From the azure skies above descends a jade-like flow, and nine fascinating lotuses rise out of the hills below'. Later, poet Liu Yuxi (772-784) in Tang Dynasty, litterateur Wang Anshi (1021-1086) in North Song Dynasty and many other scholars, politicians and monks also made the journey to the mountain.
The picturesque natural landscapes together with the wonderful human landscapes won a name as the Most Wonderful Mountain in Southeastern China for Jiuhua Mountain. Sunrise, sunset, seas of clouds, soft rime and Buddha’s Light are too beautiful to forget.
Opening Hours: the whole day
Ticket Price:
95 CNY for the kids
190 CNY for the adults
Location: Chizhou City, Anhui Province
Transportation: Public Bus No. 7 will bring you here
Tunxi Ancient Street
For people who love Chinese paintings, the famous painting, Riverside Scene on the Pure Brightness Festival, must be a way to learn about the Chinese art, because it describes the most prosperous scene of the ancient China. While, Tunxi ancient town is praised as the real scene of that painting. From which, can you tell how wonderful this ancient town is?
It is the best-preserved commercial street with the styles of Song, Ming and Qing Dynasty. The architectures around the old town are not too large but exquisite in designs. The white walls and blue Chinese-style tiles of the orderly located buildings are giving out a strong breath of elegance and antique. The Hui-style gates with delicate wooden carving on can be one of the symbols.
Built in Song dynasty, about 700 years ago, Tunxi Ancient Street, became a distribution center for goods and materials to Huizhou during Ming and Qing dynasties. With shops, it looks densely and compactly. The shops, workshops and residences form an organic whole, keeping the characteristic and operation layout of ancient store. They are simple and elegant, magnificent and clean. The lane along the old town is paved with red flagstones. With clear grain after a rain, it is as clean as a picture. Whether you are wandering along the old bridge, visiting the fish beside the river, finding shoots of bamboo on the slope, or standing under a tree and listening to the birds whistle, it is easy to rest and attain mental tranquility by getting back to the nature.
With the mountain in the north and the clear stream in the south, this ancient town possesses an advantaged location, making itself a wonderful place throughout the ages. It should be a good choice to come here for the exploration of the Chinese Ancient culture and customs.
Opening Hours: the whole day
Ticket Price: free
Location: Tunxi Zone, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
Transportation: Bus No. 1 and 12 from Huangshan City will bring you here
Mountain Huangshan Scenic Spot
Four wonders of Mt. Huangshan
Four seasons in Mt. Huangshan
Scenic Areas of Yellow Mountain
The Scenic Spots Areas of Yellow Mountain are the reason why the Huangshan City is so popular with the visitors near and far. Yellow Mountain is praised as the most fantastic mountain in China for the Four Wonders it embraces, namely the odd-shaped pines, spectacular rocks, pleasant hot springs and varied seas of clouds.
In the past centuries, numerous celebrities have visitor and left behind their masterpieces made for praising those beautiful sceneries around.
Hot Spring Scenic Area
It is a thousand years old hot spring with an average temperature of 40℃ that has been enjoying a high reputation near and far, and never run dry during the most severe droughts nor over-flown in rainy season. It is hailed as scared spring for its therapeutic effects for metabolic disorder, cardiovascular disease, malfunctions of digestive and nervous systems.
With marvelous sceneries around, the hot spring scenic area will come to live when the tourism season falls. The most amazing one is the waterfalls rushing down from the 50 meters high cliff, which, because of being split into two branches, looks from a distance like a Chinese character “人”.
Jade Screen Scenic Area
The sceneries around the Jade Screen Pavilion include the three picturesque Islands, the steep Aerial-ladder-like Stone Stairs and the mysterious Big Turtle Cave. On the peak of the mountains, bizarre pines and lifelike Buddha statues make this area more attractive.
With the height of 1,864 meters, the Lotus Mountain, the peak of the Mountain Huang, has appealed to numerous celebrities, like Chairman Mao, General Zhu De and General Liu Bocheng.
Beihai Scenic Area (North Sea Scenic Area)
Splendid mountains make up this special scenic spot, where will provide you different angles for those fantastic landscapes around Mountain Huang. Among those steaming mountains, the odd-shaped pines, spectacular rocks and varied seas of clouds will catch your eyes, therefore here is praised as the window of the Mountain Huang.
There is a platform at the top of Lion Mountain named Qingliangtai where is the best place for you to enjoy the sunrise and the seas of the clouds.
White Cloud Scenic Area (Baiyun Scenic Area)
A fantastic landscape of odd-shaped pines, bizarre rocks, roaring waterfalls and chirping steams is really a sumptuous feast of eyes.
The West Sea, long known as the Mystery Valley for the many clusters of peaks and the fathomless depth of the valley has been opened up as the White Cloud Stream Scenic Area. As the highest falls in the Yellow Mountains, Qianxun waterfall has a drop of 140 meters, and is ice-free all the year round. The falls thunder can be heard at Swan Rock near the brook and one can also have a near look on the Immortal Walking on Stilts.
Songgu Scenic Area (Pine Valley Scenic Area)
After the completion of the mission of climbing up the stone stairs over 6,500 steps leading to the peak of the Furong Mountain, beautiful landscapes made up by steaming forests, flying waterfalls, chirping steams, peaceful ponds, mysterious temple and exotic plants are waiting for you.
Here peaks are green and water is clear around the year. Beautiful scenic attractions include Old Dragon Pool (Laolong Tan), Green Dragon Pool (Qinglong Tan), Black Dragon Pool (Wulong Tan), White Dragon Pool (Bailong Tan) and Emerald Pond.
Yungu Scenic Area (Cloud Valley Scenic Area)
Situated between Arhat Peak and Incense Burner Peak, the 890 meters high Cloud Valley Temple is half way between the North Sea and the Hot Spring along the mountain as well as the departure station of the cable car route to the North Sea. This area does not lose out to other scenic areas for beauty. The major sights of this area are the Cloud Valley Villa, oddly shaped rocks, old trees and the Nine-Dragon Waterfall and the Baizhang Spring.
Descending the mountain path to the left of the Cloud Valley Temple and going through the bamboo grove, tourists can watch the Nine Dragon Falls four kilometers away. The Nine-Dragon Waterfall plunges all of 300 meters from the cliff top between the Incense Burner Peak and the Arhat Peak. The waterfall has nine leaps, each leap forms a waterfall and each fall feeds a pool.
Opening Hours: the whole day
Ticket Price:
230 CNY from March 1 to November 31
150 CNY from December 1 to February 28
Half fare for the student, soldiers, teachers, retired and the people over 60 years
Location: Nanshan City, Anhui Province
Transportation: Tour bus available every 15 minutes from Tourism Transportation Center in Tangkou Town, Huangshan City will bring you here (13 CNY)
Guide to the Cableways
Looking down from the cableway, you will see some different and amazing landscapes.
Cloud Valley Cableway (Cableway 1)
Cloud Valley Cableway with a length of 2,666 meters has been put into operation since the year 2007. It is supported by the world’s most sophisticated to ensure the safety and comfortableness. With a high difference of 775 meters, this cableway can provide you a different but splendid view of many landscapes with a bird’s view. A speed of 6 meters each second makes it takes only 8 minutes to get to the peak.
Opening Hours:
At weekend: 6:30 -- 16:30
Monday to Friday: 7:00 -- 16:30
Ticket Price:
80 CNY
Free for the kids below 1.2 m
Half Fare for the kids between 1.2 and 1.4
Taiping Cableway (Cableway 2)
Spanning 3,709 meters, Taiping cableway is the longest cableway in Asia. With a high difference of 1,014.5 meter, it can provide you an amazing bird’s view of such fantastic sceneries as Songgu Temple, Jade Pond and Moya Inscription, which seems like a 3D picture.
Opening Hours:
At weekend: 6:30 -- 16:30
Monday to Friday: 7:00 -- 16:30
Ticket Price:
65 CNY
80 CNY on Chinese public holidays
Free for the kids below 1.1 meter tall
Half fare for the kids between 1.1 and 1.3 m
Jade Screen Cableway (Cableway 3)
Spanning 2，176 meters, Jade Screen cableway with a high difference of 1,014.5 meters can take you go through the seas of clouds, provide you an amazing bird’s view of such fantastic sceneries as white-ribbon-like streams and take you to the wonderful and magical landscapes.
Opening Hours:
At weekend: 6:30 -- 16:30
Monday to Friday: 7:00 -- 16:30
Ticket Price:
65 CNY
80 CNY on Chinese public holidays
Free for the kids below 1.1 meter tall
Half fare for the kids between 1.1 and 1.3 m
Wildlife in Yellow Mountain
Deep inside this flourishing and peaceful mountain, wildlife of various kinds have been leading a harmonious life, making the mountain full of vigor. Owing to the mild climate, wildlife here enjoys a pleasant living environment.
Plants
Huang Mountain is a mini eco-system with wild plants and animals of various kinds living a harmonious life here. According to the Directories of Plants in Huangshan, Huangshan scenic spots have about 1446 species of protophyte in 155 orders, 193 species of hemerophyte in 51 orders. The protophyte include 187 species of bryophyte in 114 genera and 127 species of pteridophyte in 57 genera. These rare and ancient plants are of great viewing value and of scientific research significance. They can serve as important materials and experiment sites for probing into origins and history.
Various plants of different colors will address the Huang Mountain in different covers, making here a wonderful resort all year round.
Animals
The flourishing forests and the pleasant weather are the ideal environment for the precious wild animals of more than 300 species. Among them, there are 176 kinds of birds in 17 orders and 40 families, 48 kinds of reptiles, 21 kinds of amphibious animals, 24 kinds of fishes and 54 kinds of beasts. You will feel like walking into a paradise of animals here.
When the dawn comes, Mountain Huang will come to live with chirping birds’ seeking for foods, lovely monkeys jumping around, deer dancing, shy animals doing the hide-and-seek and other animals taking the morning walk.
Mt. Jiuhua
Jiuhua Mount together with Wutai Mount in Shanxi Province, Putuo Mount in Zhejiang Province and E-mei Mountain in Sichuan Province is member of the mountains that are known for the Buddhist culture. Deep inside the steaming mountains, 78 old temples are lying peacefully beneath towering trees with smokes curling up above the roofs.
Jiuhua Mountain consists of nine peaks, of which make a circle just like a lotus. Precious animals like giant salamander and rarely seen plants like Zamioculcas zamiifolia are one of the treasures here. Clear streams originating from Jiuhua Mountain are running down to different directions, forming a pleasant scene around. The curtain-like waterfalls are flying down from the cliffs, providing another kind of splendid landscape for you.
Throughout the ages, such celebrities as poets, painters and calligraphers have been attracted by the marvelous sceneries. Libai (701-762), a famous poet in Tang Dynasty, once came to visit the mountain. The verse slipped out when he was intoxicated with the scene of lotus blooms-like peaks of Mt. Jiuhua, 'From the azure skies above descends a jade-like flow, and nine fascinating lotuses rise out of the hills below'. Later, poet Liu Yuxi (772-784) in Tang Dynasty, litterateur Wang Anshi (1021-1086) in North Song Dynasty and many other scholars, politicians and monks also made the journey to the mountain.
The picturesque natural landscapes together with the wonderful human landscapes won a name as the Most Wonderful Mountain in Southeastern China for Jiuhua Mountain. Sunrise, sunset, seas of clouds, soft rime and Buddha’s Light are too beautiful to forget.
Opening Hours: the whole day
Ticket Price:
95 CNY for the kids
190 CNY for the adults
Location: Chizhou City, Anhui Province
Transportation: Public Bus No. 7 will bring you here
Tunxi Ancient Street
For people who love Chinese paintings, the famous painting, Riverside Scene on the Pure Brightness Festival, must be a way to learn about the Chinese art, because it describes the most prosperous scene of the ancient China. While, Tunxi ancient town is praised as the real scene of that painting. From which, can you tell how wonderful this ancient town is?
It is the best-preserved commercial street with the styles of Song, Ming and Qing Dynasty. The architectures around the old town are not too large but exquisite in designs. The white walls and blue Chinese-style tiles of the orderly located buildings are giving out a strong breath of elegance and antique. The Hui-style gates with delicate wooden carving on can be one of the symbols.
Built in Song dynasty, about 700 years ago, Tunxi Ancient Street, became a distribution center for goods and materials to Huizhou during Ming and Qing dynasties. With shops, it looks densely and compactly. The shops, workshops and residences form an organic whole, keeping the characteristic and operation layout of ancient store. They are simple and elegant, magnificent and clean. The lane along the old town is paved with red flagstones. With clear grain after a rain, it is as clean as a picture. Whether you are wandering along the old bridge, visiting the fish beside the river, finding shoots of bamboo on the slope, or standing under a tree and listening to the birds whistle, it is easy to rest and attain mental tranquility by getting back to the nature.
With the mountain in the north and the clear stream in the south, this ancient town possesses an advantaged location, making itself a wonderful place throughout the ages. It should be a good choice to come here for the exploration of the Chinese Ancient culture and customs.
Opening Hours: the whole day
Ticket Price: free
Location: Tunxi Zone, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
Transportation: Bus No. 1 and 12 from Huangshan City will bring you here
Chengdu
Highlights
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
With two clean rivers running through and two green hills decorating, Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Historic Interest Area, an ancient town full of ancient cultural architectures and custom, appeals to an increasing number of tourists from near and far. Huanglong Historic Interest Area consists of three charming parts that are free for visiting, namely the Custom Street, the Dragon Street and the core zone.
Along the Custom Street, various magnificent architectures built in different times will be a sumptuous art feast for the eyes, and the beautiful and yummy local snacks will increase your appetite greatly and make you reluctant to leave. Having traveled around the Custom Street, you will be attracted by the next station--Dragon Street, where there is a clean stream zigzagging through just like a water dragon. Along the both banks of the dragon stream, teahouses, local restaurants and specialties stores rank orderly like a comb.
Crossing the stone bridge, you will reach the core zone where the most shinning cultural heritages are waiting for you. The fish-skeleton-like lanes, the centuries-old dock and the ancient temples with old banyans around and street full of ancient local customs will be a memorable experience in your expedition. If you come here on the local festivals, the lovely local celebrations will amaze you a lot.
Opening Hours: 9:00 -- 16:30
Ticket Price: free
Location: 40 km (25 miles) away from the city center of Chengdu
Transportation:
Shuttle bus from New South Gate (xin nan men) Station will bring you here directly (10 CNY).
Emei Mountain
Consisting of four mountains with the peak of 3099 meters and covering 154 square km, E-mei Mountain is praised as the finest mountain under heaven for the rarely seen picturesque landscapes in the precipitous topography. With two rivers circling, E-mei possesses marvelous scenes--the long peaceful valley, the curtain-like rushing waterfalls, the flourishing trees and blooming flowers—together with which the Buddhist temples form a beautiful picture.
Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base
Speaking of the panda, the phrase “National Treasure of China” will hit our minds. Panda is a kind of precious wild animal species that requires a demanding living environment. Therefore, China set up many Breeding and Research Bases to provide an ideal and most suitable natural living circumstance for the Chinese Giant Panda, the base in Sichuan Province is included.
Leshan Giant Buddha
As the largest stone sculpture of Buddha in the world, the Leshan Giant Buddha, sitting at the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers, costs 90 years to complete. The idea of the creation of the giant Buddha sculpture is out of the popularity of the Buddhist in Tang Dynasty.
Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage
Du Fu, a celebrated poet in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), has left behind over 200 masterpieces of peoms for the later generations. Du Fu is known for the patriotism and his brilliant in poem. The most important factor of all about his work is compassion, which was especially inspirational for his fans.
As its name implies, the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu was Du Fu’s home a thousand years ago, while it is not so much a cottage as a museum that attracts numerous visitors. The exhibits here include a brief account of Du Fu's life and some of his original calligraphy and poems. The complex also contains three imposing statues of some of China's greatest poets; Du Fu, Li You and Huang Tingjian (the latter two were Song dynasty poets). Today, this is a pleasant site to visit, with nice buildings dotted about, teahouses and pleasant bamboo gardens to wander and explore. This site is also home to the Chengdu Du Fu society. The Thatched Cottage of Du Fu stretches out its arms to welcome visitors from all over the world.
A garden-like museum full of cultural breath is for showing people how brilliant and celebrated Du Fu is and for making your amazing expedition meaningful.
Opening Hours:
8:00 -- 18:00 (in winter)
7:30 -- 19:00 (in summer)
Ticket Price:
60 CNY for adults
30 CNY for students
Free for the people holding the local Older Card and the non-local people older than 70
Location: No. 38, Tsinghua Road, Chengdu City
Transportation: Bus No. 17, 35, 82, 84 and 301 will bring you here directly.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System, constructed in Qin Dynasty around 2,200 years ago, is a shinning pearl in the irrigation development of China, which is also praised as the “Originator of the Culture in Irrigation Work”. As the earliest irrigation work without dam in the ancient China, Dujiangyan has been making the greatest contribution to the development of the economy in Chengdu--the land of abundance.
Having witnessed centuries’ changes, the gorgeous Dujiangyan likes a record of the history attracting a growing number of tourists with the picturesque and splendid landscape. On November 29, 2000, Dujiangyan was listed as the world cultural heritage by UNESCO. Nowadays, Dujiangyan is not only the irrigation work, but also a popular scenic spot with many charming sceneries around--just like many stars twinkling around the moon.
The characterized members of the stars are the fish-mouth-like dyke--can solve the problem of irrigation in drought seasons, the bottle-neck-like sluice gate--can control the volume of inflowing water, the vent-like Feishayan--can release flood and silt from waterway to outer river, the 500-meter-long Anlan Suspension Bridge (called Couple’s Bridge)--has experienced hundreds years’ history since Song dynasty (960-1234), the garden-like Erwang-Temple with peaceful environment, and the 1800-year-old Dragon-Taming Temple.
Opening Hours: 09:00 -- 17:50
Ticket Price:
90 CNY for adults
45 CNY for kids between 1.1-1.4 meter, people between 60-69 years, the disabled and the students
Location: West Dujiangyan City, Sichuan
Transportation: Shuttle buses, subway and bus No. 1 to No. 17, 101, 102, 103, 201 and 202 will bring you here directly.
Wangjiang Pavilion
Wangjiang Pavilion with a height of 39 meters is the most shinning architecture in the Wangjiang Park that covered by green bamboo woods. Wangjiang Pavilion, built in Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), was designed as an octagonal shape with the overhanging eaves, sharp golden roof, and various exquisite figure carvings and clay sculptures of animals decorating each floor. Located on the bank of Jinjiang River, Wangjiang Pavilion provides an ideal angle for river viewing, from which it derived the present name “Wangjiang Lou”.
This splendid pavilion was built in memory of Xue Tao, a brilliant female poet in Tang Dynasty who has left behind many great poems. There are more than 100 kinds of bamboo around the Wangjiang Pavilion for Xue Tao has a passion for bamboo in her life. Around the Wangjiang Pivilion, out lay a group of memorial buildings including Wuyunxiang Hall, Quanxiang chamber, Pipa pavilion among which there are house a large amount of steles, paintings, calligraphy, inscribed couplets and poems.
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 17:00
Ticket Price: 20 CNY
Location: Wangjiang Road, Chengdu City
Transportation: Bus No. 3, 18, 19, 31 and 35 will bring you here directly.
Wuhou Memorial Temple
Covering 37,000 square meters, Wuhou Memorial Temple was built in the year of 233 in memory of Zhuge Liang, the most brilliant military counselor in the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). Inside the temple, the magnificent and exquisitely designed buildings are hiding in the flourishingly towering pine trees, creating a historic environment with a strong breath of history.
In the exhibition zone, there are a lot of valuable historic relics, including the well-known couplets created by Du Fu, exquisite carvings and sophisticated stone inscriptions, the precious works of calligraphy and painting, the statuses of the celebrities in Three Kingdoms Period as well as the room with the original appearance in which Zhuge Liang lived. The exhibitions may cause an amazing feeling likes being back to the Three Kingdoms Period.
The temple displays the suppleness of the Chinese garden. There are numerous historical relics like horizontal cribbed boards, couplets, inscribed tablets, penmanship, furnaces, Chinese tripods, etc. The SanZui (Three-Best) horizontal inscribed board, Zhuge Liang's Lung Gun couplets, Chu Si Biao and the tomb of LiuBei are the most famous one. Today the Wuhou Temple is the most famous tourist attraction of Chengdu city. It is not only a site for people to commemorate Zhuge Liang, but also serves as a museum to the history of the Three Kingdoms Period.
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 18:00
Ticket Price: 60 CNY
Location: No. 231, Wuhouci Street, Chengdu City
Transportation:
Bus No.1, 10, 57, 82, 301, 334, 335, 503, 521, 901 and 904 will bring you here directly.
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
With two clean rivers running through and two green hills decorating, Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Historic Interest Area, an ancient town full of ancient cultural architectures and custom, appeals to an increasing number of tourists from near and far. Huanglong Historic Interest Area consists of three charming parts that are free for visiting, namely the Custom Street, the Dragon Street and the core zone.
Along the Custom Street, various magnificent architectures built in different times will be a sumptuous art feast for the eyes, and the beautiful and yummy local snacks will increase your appetite greatly and make you reluctant to leave. Having traveled around the Custom Street, you will be attracted by the next station--Dragon Street, where there is a clean stream zigzagging through just like a water dragon. Along the both banks of the dragon stream, teahouses, local restaurants and specialties stores rank orderly like a comb.
Crossing the stone bridge, you will reach the core zone where the most shinning cultural heritages are waiting for you. The fish-skeleton-like lanes, the centuries-old dock and the ancient temples with old banyans around and street full of ancient local customs will be a memorable experience in your expedition. If you come here on the local festivals, the lovely local celebrations will amaze you a lot.
Opening Hours: 9:00 -- 16:30
Ticket Price: free
Location: 40 km (25 miles) away from the city center of Chengdu
Transportation:
Shuttle bus from New South Gate (xin nan men) Station will bring you here directly (10 CNY).
Emei Mountain
Consisting of four mountains with the peak of 3099 meters and covering 154 square km, E-mei Mountain is praised as the finest mountain under heaven for the rarely seen picturesque landscapes in the precipitous topography. With two rivers circling, E-mei possesses marvelous scenes--the long peaceful valley, the curtain-like rushing waterfalls, the flourishing trees and blooming flowers—together with which the Buddhist temples form a beautiful picture.
Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base
Speaking of the panda, the phrase “National Treasure of China” will hit our minds. Panda is a kind of precious wild animal species that requires a demanding living environment. Therefore, China set up many Breeding and Research Bases to provide an ideal and most suitable natural living circumstance for the Chinese Giant Panda, the base in Sichuan Province is included.
Leshan Giant Buddha
As the largest stone sculpture of Buddha in the world, the Leshan Giant Buddha, sitting at the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers, costs 90 years to complete. The idea of the creation of the giant Buddha sculpture is out of the popularity of the Buddhist in Tang Dynasty.
Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage
Du Fu, a celebrated poet in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), has left behind over 200 masterpieces of peoms for the later generations. Du Fu is known for the patriotism and his brilliant in poem. The most important factor of all about his work is compassion, which was especially inspirational for his fans.
As its name implies, the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu was Du Fu’s home a thousand years ago, while it is not so much a cottage as a museum that attracts numerous visitors. The exhibits here include a brief account of Du Fu's life and some of his original calligraphy and poems. The complex also contains three imposing statues of some of China's greatest poets; Du Fu, Li You and Huang Tingjian (the latter two were Song dynasty poets). Today, this is a pleasant site to visit, with nice buildings dotted about, teahouses and pleasant bamboo gardens to wander and explore. This site is also home to the Chengdu Du Fu society. The Thatched Cottage of Du Fu stretches out its arms to welcome visitors from all over the world.
A garden-like museum full of cultural breath is for showing people how brilliant and celebrated Du Fu is and for making your amazing expedition meaningful.
Opening Hours:
8:00 -- 18:00 (in winter)
7:30 -- 19:00 (in summer)
Ticket Price:
60 CNY for adults
30 CNY for students
Free for the people holding the local Older Card and the non-local people older than 70
Location: No. 38, Tsinghua Road, Chengdu City
Transportation: Bus No. 17, 35, 82, 84 and 301 will bring you here directly.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System, constructed in Qin Dynasty around 2,200 years ago, is a shinning pearl in the irrigation development of China, which is also praised as the “Originator of the Culture in Irrigation Work”. As the earliest irrigation work without dam in the ancient China, Dujiangyan has been making the greatest contribution to the development of the economy in Chengdu--the land of abundance.Having witnessed centuries’ changes, the gorgeous Dujiangyan likes a record of the history attracting a growing number of tourists with the picturesque and splendid landscape. On November 29, 2000, Dujiangyan was listed as the world cultural heritage by UNESCO. Nowadays, Dujiangyan is not only the irrigation work, but also a popular scenic spot with many charming sceneries around--just like many stars twinkling around the moon.
The characterized members of the stars are the fish-mouth-like dyke--can solve the problem of irrigation in drought seasons, the bottle-neck-like sluice gate--can control the volume of inflowing water, the vent-like Feishayan--can release flood and silt from waterway to outer river, the 500-meter-long Anlan Suspension Bridge (called Couple’s Bridge)--has experienced hundreds years’ history since Song dynasty (960-1234), the garden-like Erwang-Temple with peaceful environment, and the 1800-year-old Dragon-Taming Temple.
Opening Hours: 09:00 -- 17:50
Ticket Price:
90 CNY for adults
45 CNY for kids between 1.1-1.4 meter, people between 60-69 years, the disabled and the students
Location: West Dujiangyan City, Sichuan
Transportation: Shuttle buses, subway and bus No. 1 to No. 17, 101, 102, 103, 201 and 202 will bring you here directly.
Wangjiang Pavilion
Wangjiang Pavilion with a height of 39 meters is the most shinning architecture in the Wangjiang Park that covered by green bamboo woods. Wangjiang Pavilion, built in Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), was designed as an octagonal shape with the overhanging eaves, sharp golden roof, and various exquisite figure carvings and clay sculptures of animals decorating each floor. Located on the bank of Jinjiang River, Wangjiang Pavilion provides an ideal angle for river viewing, from which it derived the present name “Wangjiang Lou”.
This splendid pavilion was built in memory of Xue Tao, a brilliant female poet in Tang Dynasty who has left behind many great poems. There are more than 100 kinds of bamboo around the Wangjiang Pavilion for Xue Tao has a passion for bamboo in her life. Around the Wangjiang Pivilion, out lay a group of memorial buildings including Wuyunxiang Hall, Quanxiang chamber, Pipa pavilion among which there are house a large amount of steles, paintings, calligraphy, inscribed couplets and poems.
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 17:00
Ticket Price: 20 CNY
Location: Wangjiang Road, Chengdu City
Transportation: Bus No. 3, 18, 19, 31 and 35 will bring you here directly.
Wuhou Memorial Temple
Covering 37,000 square meters, Wuhou Memorial Temple was built in the year of 233 in memory of Zhuge Liang, the most brilliant military counselor in the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). Inside the temple, the magnificent and exquisitely designed buildings are hiding in the flourishingly towering pine trees, creating a historic environment with a strong breath of history.
In the exhibition zone, there are a lot of valuable historic relics, including the well-known couplets created by Du Fu, exquisite carvings and sophisticated stone inscriptions, the precious works of calligraphy and painting, the statuses of the celebrities in Three Kingdoms Period as well as the room with the original appearance in which Zhuge Liang lived. The exhibitions may cause an amazing feeling likes being back to the Three Kingdoms Period.
The temple displays the suppleness of the Chinese garden. There are numerous historical relics like horizontal cribbed boards, couplets, inscribed tablets, penmanship, furnaces, Chinese tripods, etc. The SanZui (Three-Best) horizontal inscribed board, Zhuge Liang's Lung Gun couplets, Chu Si Biao and the tomb of LiuBei are the most famous one. Today the Wuhou Temple is the most famous tourist attraction of Chengdu city. It is not only a site for people to commemorate Zhuge Liang, but also serves as a museum to the history of the Three Kingdoms Period.
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 18:00
Ticket Price: 60 CNY
Location: No. 231, Wuhouci Street, Chengdu City
Transportation:
Bus No.1, 10, 57, 82, 301, 334, 335, 503, 521, 901 and 904 will bring you here directly.
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
With two clean rivers running through and two green hills decorating, Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Historic Interest Area, an ancient town full of ancient cultural architectures and custom, appeals to an increasing number of tourists from near and far. Huanglong Historic Interest Area consists of three charming parts that are free for visiting, namely the Custom Street, the Dragon Street and the core zone.
Along the Custom Street, various magnificent architectures built in different times will be a sumptuous art feast for the eyes, and the beautiful and yummy local snacks will increase your appetite greatly and make you reluctant to leave. Having traveled around the Custom Street, you will be attracted by the next station--Dragon Street, where there is a clean stream zigzagging through just like a water dragon. Along the both banks of the dragon stream, teahouses, local restaurants and specialties stores rank orderly like a comb.
Crossing the stone bridge, you will reach the core zone where the most shinning cultural heritages are waiting for you. The fish-skeleton-like lanes, the centuries-old dock and the ancient temples with old banyans around and street full of ancient local customs will be a memorable experience in your expedition. If you come here on the local festivals, the lovely local celebrations will amaze you a lot.
Opening Hours: 9:00 -- 16:30
Ticket Price: free
Location: 40 km (25 miles) away from the city center of Chengdu
Transportation:
Shuttle bus from New South Gate (xin nan men) Station will bring you here directly (10 CNY).
Emei Mountain
Consisting of four mountains with the peak of 3099 meters and covering 154 square km, E-mei Mountain is praised as the finest mountain under heaven for the rarely seen picturesque landscapes in the precipitous topography. With two rivers circling, E-mei possesses marvelous scenes--the long peaceful valley, the curtain-like rushing waterfalls, the flourishing trees and blooming flowers—together with which the Buddhist temples form a beautiful picture.
Guangzhou
Highlights
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees (Liurong Temple) has gone through 14 centuries’ changes of changes since its completion in the Southern Dynasty (420-479). Such a well-known ancient temple has ever appealed to many celebrities, like the famous calligrapher Su Dongpo in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and the distinguished poet Wangbo in Tang Dynasty (618-907).
There is a pagoda, named Flower Pagoda for the gorgeous multicolor on it, standing appealingly inside the temple. With 17 floors inside and 9 floors outside, this 57-meter-tall pagoda is one of the ancient tall architectures that are few in number. The sight of the entire Guangzhou can be caught from the peak of this pagoda.
At the east of the pagoda, there are four palaces, while at the west there are 3 big bronze statues of Buddha, which are regarded as the biggest ancient bronze Buddha statues, all of them are 6 meters and 10 tons. Therefore, it is safe to say that in the Liurong Temple, which is surrounded by the flourishing woods and full of cultural relics, your expedition for the Chinese culture and Buddhism history can be met.
Opening Hours: 08:30 to 17:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: One hour
Ticket Price: 5 CNY for the entrance 10 for the Pagoda
Location: No. 87, Liurong Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Transportation: Subway No. 1 and bus No. 56 and 58 can bring you here directly.
Western Han Nanyue King's Tomb Museum
Discovered in the year of 1983, Western Han Nanyue King's Tomb is the ancient imperial in the south area of the Five Ridges that with the largest scale and the most abundant burial articles, and it is the only dolmen in China that is made up of colorful murals.
Experts have discovered over 10,000 pieces of precious cultural relics in this tomb that is 20 meters (65.6 feet) deep under the ground and covers 17,400 m2, among which the Imperial Jade Seal, gold bowls, jade cups, silver boxes, ceramic pillows and a lot of special historic articles are included. Each discovery is like a mirror that reflects the particular customs and culture in that time.
The architecture style of this imperial tomb is one of the highlights, which, the experts claimed, is superior to that of in many other imperial tombs. Besides, foreign articles excavated in the mausoleum indicate that Guangzhou was an ancient Marine Silk Road starting point. For example, there are five African elephant trunks, a silver box featuring Western Asian silver wares, and bronze incense burners and frankincense from Southeast Asia.
Opening Hours: 9:00 -- 17:30 (No ticket after 16:45)
Note: It is open all the year round except February 28 and August 31 and guides fluent in English, Japanese, French, German and Spanish are here for your service.
Recommended Time for a Visit: One hour
Ticket Price: 12 CNY for adults
5 CNY for students in primary and middle schools out of Guangzhou, all the college students, postgraduates, and people between 65 and 69.
Free for the Cantonese over 65, all the people over 70, the disabled, the soldiers and all the students in primary and middle schools in Canton.
Location: No. 867, North Jiefang Road, Guangzhou City
Transportation: Subway No. 2 and Bus 7, 29, 33, 203, 273, 552, 543 and 211 will bring you here.
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, one of the representative architectures of Guangzhou, has been completed in the year of 1931, costing 3 years to build. With an octangle shape and an oval golden roof, this magnificent and gorgeous building covers 3,700 m2 and stands uprightly to 49 meters. In addition to the Mall, there is a spacious yard, including which the entire mall site covers 12,000m2 in total.
White Cloud Mountain
Be praised as the most marvelous mountain of Guangzhou, White Cloud Mountain consists of over 30 peaks, among which the highest one is 382 meters high. The gorgeous name of White Cloud is derived from the beautiful spectacle that can be seen when it drizzles around the late spring.
White Cloud Mountain has been enjoying the reputation as one of the most Spectacular Scene of Guangzhou for hundreds years. Presently, it is still one of the most popular scenic spots for its serene mountains, green trees, fresh air and beautiful scenery.
Composed by 7 scenic spots, White Cloud Mountain attracts a growing number of tourists from near and far. In the summer, people will come here to climb up to the peak to catch the sight that sun shines on the mountains forming a wreath of airy clouds and sometimes the rainbow. On the Double Ninth Festival in autumn, people come here in groups to climb to the peak for fun. The lively and bustling crowd is a special scene of the Ram City.
Opening Hours: 06:00 -- 17:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: Half a day
Ticket Price:
10 CNY for entrance
30 CNY for cable car
15 CNY for each single scenic spot
Free for the people over 65 years old
Location: South Baiyun Ave. Guangzhou City
Transportation: Tour Bus No. 1 and Bus 17, 32, 35, 46, 60, 127, 175, 179, 199, 223, 240, 241, 257, 285, 298, 540, 543, 615, 617, 841 and 891 can bring you here directly.
Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family
Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family (Chen Clan Academy), built in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), consists of a group of 19 architectures among which each single building is isolated but interconnects with each other.
This temple was a temporary accommodation for the Chen families in Guangdong who was going to take the imperial examination. That is where the name Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family (Chen Clan Academy) derives. Surprisingly, the furniture and decorations have been preserved exactly as what they were, thus you can come here to experience and image how the Chinese ancient scholars made their preparation of the imperial examination.
This architecture group is featured by its distinctly exquisite decoration designs. The architects have applied various exquisite crafts into the decorations, including the woodcarving, stone carving, tile carving, ceramic sculpture, plaster sculpture, painting and bronze statues, which makes the temple more gorgeous and shinning.
Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family is praised as one of the Top Eight Scenic Spots in Guangzhou in 2002 and the symbol of the Cantonese culture in 2004.
Opening Hours: 08:30 -- 17:20
Recommended Time for a Visit: 45 minutes
Ticket Price:
10 CNY for entrance
free for students and the people over 65 years old
Location: Zhongshan Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou
Transportation: Subway No. 1, Tour Bus No. 1 and 2 and Bus No. 17, 85, 88, 104, 107, 109, 114, 125, 128, 193, 204, 205, 233, 250, 286 and 413 can bring you here directly.
Bright Filial Piety Temple
Bright Filial Piety Temple (Guangxiao Temple) is the temple with the longest history and grandest construction in Guangzhou. As the historical document shows, the construction of this temple was before that of the Guangzhou City and it was designed for the grandson of the King of Nanyue Kingdom (220-265) as the dwelling.
Located in one of the four flourishing forests, Guangxiao Temple is an ideal resort as well as a popular pilgrim holy land. It is one of the original places where the exchanges of Buddhism culture between China and India were held. The well-preserved Buddhist cultural relics and classic scriptures appeale to an increasing number of Buddhists and tourists.
Bright Filial Piety Temple is of great significance in the development of the Buddhism as well as in the development of the architecture in South China. The distinctive and special architecture style together with the magnificent and exquisite design makes it shinning and unique. There are 3 towers, 6 halls and 11 palaces, in which important Buddhist relics and heritages can be seen, such as the statue of the founder of Buddhism and tablet inscriptions.
Two iron towers, the East Tower and the West Tower built in the Five Dynasty (963), around the temple are the towers with the longest history in China. The towers with the green banyans and myrobalan trees as the background are very special.
In August the suitable time for visit, when the banyans and myrobalan are in the flourishing mood, the most solemn ceremony of the Buddhism will be held here. Wait for your visiting.
Opening Hours: 06:30 to 17:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: Half an hour
Ticket Price: 5 CNY ( Free for the Buddhist )
Location: No. 109, Guangxiao Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Transportation: Subway No. 1 and bus No. 4, 31, 36 and 102 can bring you here directly.
Yuexiu Park
Speaking of the natural sights, the Yuexiu Park, which is reputed for its pretty water and hills, is in the number. The interests in Yuexiu Park include the stone sculpture of the Five Rams, Zhenhai Tower, the site of the Ming Dynasty City Wall, and Square Cannon Site etc.
Guangzhou is also named City of Rams, because ram is highly regarded as the gods who has ever brought the rice for the Cantonese to help them go through the famine. The sculptures of five rams carrying the ear of rice in mouth may catch your eyes and touch your heart.
Zhenhai Tower with the deep red coat is a shinning part of the cultural sites in Guangzhou. With a height of 28 meters and a scope of 31 meters, this tower is praised as the most spectacular scene in the south area of Five Ridges. It was the tallest building in Guangzhou in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), from where the entire sight of Guangzhou city, the splendid Pearl River and the grand mountains, can be caught.
There are three artificial lakes inside the Yuexiu Park, the East lake, South Lake and the North Lake, all of which are good places to go for different purposes.
East Lake provides the Children’s playground and barbecue field for the people to kill the leisure time, while the South Lake is a paradise for fishing and painting because there is a lawn of 5,000 m2, and the North is an ideal resort for boating where is also equipped with the specified zone for the aged people.
Opening Hours: 06:10 -- 21:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: 45 minutes
Ticket Price: free for entrance
Location: No. 988, North Jiefang Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Transportation: Subway No. 2, tour bus No. 1 and bus No. 5, 6, 7, 10, 42, 87, 184, 191, 219, 220, 66, 101, 103, 105, 108, 109, 110, 113, 180, 182, 185, 203, 211, 21, 24, 265, 284, 519, 528, 555, 556 and 211 can bring you here directly.
Huaisheng Mosque
As one of the four ancient mosques in China, Huaisheng Mosque (also named Shizi Mosque or Guangta Mosque) is the well-preserved oldest mosque in China. It was under the donation of the Arab traders in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) that this magnificent mosque has been built in memory of the sage Mhammedan, which is where the Chinese name that means to commemorate the sage, derived.
The design of this mosque is of classic flavor, which is simple but exquisite. This magnificent building is surrounded by the railings and the roads inside are paved with the slab-stones on each of which various figures are carved--just as that of the Forbidden City.
Inside the mosque spot, there is a cylindrical brick pagoda named Guang Pagoda, which is treated as a relic with remarkable architecture value. As the research shows, except for the part in the ground that is several meters, the pagoda is as tall as 35.7 meters.
Opening Hours: 06:10 -- 17:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: Half an hour
Ticket Price:
free for the people over 65
full fare for adults and children over 1.5 meters
Location: No. 56, Guangta Road, Guangzhou City
Transportation: Bus No. 8, 56, 58 and 88 can bring you here.
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees (Liurong Temple) has gone through 14 centuries’ changes of changes since its completion in the Southern Dynasty (420-479). Such a well-known ancient temple has ever appealed to many celebrities, like the famous calligrapher Su Dongpo in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and the distinguished poet Wangbo in Tang Dynasty (618-907).
There is a pagoda, named Flower Pagoda for the gorgeous multicolor on it, standing appealingly inside the temple. With 17 floors inside and 9 floors outside, this 57-meter-tall pagoda is one of the ancient tall architectures that are few in number. The sight of the entire Guangzhou can be caught from the peak of this pagoda.
At the east of the pagoda, there are four palaces, while at the west there are 3 big bronze statues of Buddha, which are regarded as the biggest ancient bronze Buddha statues, all of them are 6 meters and 10 tons. Therefore, it is safe to say that in the Liurong Temple, which is surrounded by the flourishing woods and full of cultural relics, your expedition for the Chinese culture and Buddhism history can be met.
Opening Hours: 08:30 to 17:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: One hour
Ticket Price: 5 CNY for the entrance 10 for the Pagoda
Location: No. 87, Liurong Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Transportation: Subway No. 1 and bus No. 56 and 58 can bring you here directly.
Western Han Nanyue King's Tomb Museum
Discovered in the year of 1983, Western Han Nanyue King's Tomb is the ancient imperial in the south area of the Five Ridges that with the largest scale and the most abundant burial articles, and it is the only dolmen in China that is made up of colorful murals.
Experts have discovered over 10,000 pieces of precious cultural relics in this tomb that is 20 meters (65.6 feet) deep under the ground and covers 17,400 m2, among which the Imperial Jade Seal, gold bowls, jade cups, silver boxes, ceramic pillows and a lot of special historic articles are included. Each discovery is like a mirror that reflects the particular customs and culture in that time.
The architecture style of this imperial tomb is one of the highlights, which, the experts claimed, is superior to that of in many other imperial tombs. Besides, foreign articles excavated in the mausoleum indicate that Guangzhou was an ancient Marine Silk Road starting point. For example, there are five African elephant trunks, a silver box featuring Western Asian silver wares, and bronze incense burners and frankincense from Southeast Asia.
Opening Hours: 9:00 -- 17:30 (No ticket after 16:45)
Note: It is open all the year round except February 28 and August 31 and guides fluent in English, Japanese, French, German and Spanish are here for your service.
Recommended Time for a Visit: One hour
Ticket Price: 12 CNY for adults
5 CNY for students in primary and middle schools out of Guangzhou, all the college students, postgraduates, and people between 65 and 69.
Free for the Cantonese over 65, all the people over 70, the disabled, the soldiers and all the students in primary and middle schools in Canton.
Location: No. 867, North Jiefang Road, Guangzhou City
Transportation: Subway No. 2 and Bus 7, 29, 33, 203, 273, 552, 543 and 211 will bring you here.
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, one of the representative architectures of Guangzhou, has been completed in the year of 1931, costing 3 years to build. With an octangle shape and an oval golden roof, this magnificent and gorgeous building covers 3,700 m2 and stands uprightly to 49 meters. In addition to the Mall, there is a spacious yard, including which the entire mall site covers 12,000m2 in total.
White Cloud Mountain
Be praised as the most marvelous mountain of Guangzhou, White Cloud Mountain consists of over 30 peaks, among which the highest one is 382 meters high. The gorgeous name of White Cloud is derived from the beautiful spectacle that can be seen when it drizzles around the late spring.
White Cloud Mountain has been enjoying the reputation as one of the most Spectacular Scene of Guangzhou for hundreds years. Presently, it is still one of the most popular scenic spots for its serene mountains, green trees, fresh air and beautiful scenery.
Composed by 7 scenic spots, White Cloud Mountain attracts a growing number of tourists from near and far. In the summer, people will come here to climb up to the peak to catch the sight that sun shines on the mountains forming a wreath of airy clouds and sometimes the rainbow. On the Double Ninth Festival in autumn, people come here in groups to climb to the peak for fun. The lively and bustling crowd is a special scene of the Ram City.
Opening Hours: 06:00 -- 17:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: Half a day
Ticket Price:
10 CNY for entrance
30 CNY for cable car
15 CNY for each single scenic spot
Free for the people over 65 years old
Location: South Baiyun Ave. Guangzhou City
Transportation: Tour Bus No. 1 and Bus 17, 32, 35, 46, 60, 127, 175, 179, 199, 223, 240, 241, 257, 285, 298, 540, 543, 615, 617, 841 and 891 can bring you here directly.
Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family
Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family (Chen Clan Academy), built in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), consists of a group of 19 architectures among which each single building is isolated but interconnects with each other.
This temple was a temporary accommodation for the Chen families in Guangdong who was going to take the imperial examination. That is where the name Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family (Chen Clan Academy) derives. Surprisingly, the furniture and decorations have been preserved exactly as what they were, thus you can come here to experience and image how the Chinese ancient scholars made their preparation of the imperial examination.
This architecture group is featured by its distinctly exquisite decoration designs. The architects have applied various exquisite crafts into the decorations, including the woodcarving, stone carving, tile carving, ceramic sculpture, plaster sculpture, painting and bronze statues, which makes the temple more gorgeous and shinning.
Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family is praised as one of the Top Eight Scenic Spots in Guangzhou in 2002 and the symbol of the Cantonese culture in 2004.
Opening Hours: 08:30 -- 17:20
Recommended Time for a Visit: 45 minutes
Ticket Price:
10 CNY for entrance
free for students and the people over 65 years old
Location: Zhongshan Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou
Transportation: Subway No. 1, Tour Bus No. 1 and 2 and Bus No. 17, 85, 88, 104, 107, 109, 114, 125, 128, 193, 204, 205, 233, 250, 286 and 413 can bring you here directly.
Bright Filial Piety Temple
Bright Filial Piety Temple (Guangxiao Temple) is the temple with the longest history and grandest construction in Guangzhou. As the historical document shows, the construction of this temple was before that of the Guangzhou City and it was designed for the grandson of the King of Nanyue Kingdom (220-265) as the dwelling.
Located in one of the four flourishing forests, Guangxiao Temple is an ideal resort as well as a popular pilgrim holy land. It is one of the original places where the exchanges of Buddhism culture between China and India were held. The well-preserved Buddhist cultural relics and classic scriptures appeale to an increasing number of Buddhists and tourists.
Bright Filial Piety Temple is of great significance in the development of the Buddhism as well as in the development of the architecture in South China. The distinctive and special architecture style together with the magnificent and exquisite design makes it shinning and unique. There are 3 towers, 6 halls and 11 palaces, in which important Buddhist relics and heritages can be seen, such as the statue of the founder of Buddhism and tablet inscriptions.
Two iron towers, the East Tower and the West Tower built in the Five Dynasty (963), around the temple are the towers with the longest history in China. The towers with the green banyans and myrobalan trees as the background are very special.
In August the suitable time for visit, when the banyans and myrobalan are in the flourishing mood, the most solemn ceremony of the Buddhism will be held here. Wait for your visiting.
Opening Hours: 06:30 to 17:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: Half an hour
Ticket Price: 5 CNY ( Free for the Buddhist )
Location: No. 109, Guangxiao Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Transportation: Subway No. 1 and bus No. 4, 31, 36 and 102 can bring you here directly.
Yuexiu Park
Speaking of the natural sights, the Yuexiu Park, which is reputed for its pretty water and hills, is in the number. The interests in Yuexiu Park include the stone sculpture of the Five Rams, Zhenhai Tower, the site of the Ming Dynasty City Wall, and Square Cannon Site etc.
Guangzhou is also named City of Rams, because ram is highly regarded as the gods who has ever brought the rice for the Cantonese to help them go through the famine. The sculptures of five rams carrying the ear of rice in mouth may catch your eyes and touch your heart.
Zhenhai Tower with the deep red coat is a shinning part of the cultural sites in Guangzhou. With a height of 28 meters and a scope of 31 meters, this tower is praised as the most spectacular scene in the south area of Five Ridges. It was the tallest building in Guangzhou in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), from where the entire sight of Guangzhou city, the splendid Pearl River and the grand mountains, can be caught.
There are three artificial lakes inside the Yuexiu Park, the East lake, South Lake and the North Lake, all of which are good places to go for different purposes.
East Lake provides the Children’s playground and barbecue field for the people to kill the leisure time, while the South Lake is a paradise for fishing and painting because there is a lawn of 5,000 m2, and the North is an ideal resort for boating where is also equipped with the specified zone for the aged people.
Opening Hours: 06:10 -- 21:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: 45 minutes
Ticket Price: free for entrance
Location: No. 988, North Jiefang Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Transportation: Subway No. 2, tour bus No. 1 and bus No. 5, 6, 7, 10, 42, 87, 184, 191, 219, 220, 66, 101, 103, 105, 108, 109, 110, 113, 180, 182, 185, 203, 211, 21, 24, 265, 284, 519, 528, 555, 556 and 211 can bring you here directly.
Huaisheng Mosque
As one of the four ancient mosques in China, Huaisheng Mosque (also named Shizi Mosque or Guangta Mosque) is the well-preserved oldest mosque in China. It was under the donation of the Arab traders in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) that this magnificent mosque has been built in memory of the sage Mhammedan, which is where the Chinese name that means to commemorate the sage, derived.
The design of this mosque is of classic flavor, which is simple but exquisite. This magnificent building is surrounded by the railings and the roads inside are paved with the slab-stones on each of which various figures are carved--just as that of the Forbidden City.
Inside the mosque spot, there is a cylindrical brick pagoda named Guang Pagoda, which is treated as a relic with remarkable architecture value. As the research shows, except for the part in the ground that is several meters, the pagoda is as tall as 35.7 meters.
Opening Hours: 06:10 -- 17:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: Half an hour
Ticket Price:
free for the people over 65
full fare for adults and children over 1.5 meters
Location: No. 56, Guangta Road, Guangzhou City
Transportation: Bus No. 8, 56, 58 and 88 can bring you here.
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees (Liurong Temple) has gone through 14 centuries’ changes of changes since its completion in the Southern Dynasty (420-479). Such a well-known ancient temple has ever appealed to many celebrities, like the famous calligrapher Su Dongpo in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and the distinguished poet Wangbo in Tang Dynasty (618-907).
There is a pagoda, named Flower Pagoda for the gorgeous multicolor on it, standing appealingly inside the temple. With 17 floors inside and 9 floors outside, this 57-meter-tall pagoda is one of the ancient tall architectures that are few in number. The sight of the entire Guangzhou can be caught from the peak of this pagoda.
At the east of the pagoda, there are four palaces, while at the west there are 3 big bronze statues of Buddha, which are regarded as the biggest ancient bronze Buddha statues, all of them are 6 meters and 10 tons. Therefore, it is safe to say that in the Liurong Temple, which is surrounded by the flourishing woods and full of cultural relics, your expedition for the Chinese culture and Buddhism history can be met.
Opening Hours: 08:30 to 17:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: One hour
Ticket Price: 5 CNY for the entrance 10 for the Pagoda
Location: No. 87, Liurong Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Transportation: Subway No. 1 and bus No. 56 and 58 can bring you here directly.
Western Han Nanyue King's Tomb Museum
Discovered in the year of 1983, Western Han Nanyue King's Tomb is the ancient imperial in the south area of the Five Ridges that with the largest scale and the most abundant burial articles, and it is the only dolmen in China that is made up of colorful murals.
Experts have discovered over 10,000 pieces of precious cultural relics in this tomb that is 20 meters (65.6 feet) deep under the ground and covers 17,400 m2, among which the Imperial Jade Seal, gold bowls, jade cups, silver boxes, ceramic pillows and a lot of special historic articles are included. Each discovery is like a mirror that reflects the particular customs and culture in that time.
The architecture style of this imperial tomb is one of the highlights, which, the experts claimed, is superior to that of in many other imperial tombs. Besides, foreign articles excavated in the mausoleum indicate that Guangzhou was an ancient Marine Silk Road starting point. For example, there are five African elephant trunks, a silver box featuring Western Asian silver wares, and bronze incense burners and frankincense from Southeast Asia.
Opening Hours: 9:00 -- 17:30 (No ticket after 16:45)
Note: It is open all the year round except February 28 and August 31 and guides fluent in English, Japanese, French, German and Spanish are here for your service.
Recommended Time for a Visit: One hour
Ticket Price: 12 CNY for adults
5 CNY for students in primary and middle schools out of Guangzhou, all the college students, postgraduates, and people between 65 and 69.
Free for the Cantonese over 65, all the people over 70, the disabled, the soldiers and all the students in primary and middle schools in Canton.
Location: No. 867, North Jiefang Road, Guangzhou City
Transportation: Subway No. 2 and Bus 7, 29, 33, 203, 273, 552, 543 and 211 will bring you here.
Sichuan Cuisine and Cantonese Cuisine are the most well-known Chinese food among overseas gourmets. Sichuan and Cantonese cuisines' restaurants can been easily seen all over the world. During this tour, pay a visit to Huangshan Mountain first and degust the Hui Cuisine. Then flight to Chengdu to taste spicy delicious food. Chengdu Giant Panda Researching and Breeding Base will also be visited. This tour ends in Guangzhou, be amazed at how many materials are used in the Cantonese cuisine. Welcome to tasting delicious Sichuan Cuisine and Cantonese Cuisine with us.
Itinerary
In the morning we will take a flight to Huangshan City and we will arrive there by dinner time. After that we can have the food of Hui cuisine style as our dinner, which is one of the eight famous cooking styles in China. Anhui Cuisine chefs pay attention to the temperature in cooking and are good at braising and stewing. Besides, hams will be added to improve taste and sugar candy is also added into it. We will have dinner in a local restaurant to [savor the Huangshan food], and the dish of strange flavor fish, stone chicken, sesame seed cake are the most famous.
Stay overnight at Huangshan Mountain.
Meals included: Dinner
Early this morning we will [take cable to climb the Huangshan Mountain], appreciating the spectacular view along the way to the top is a pleasant experience for most visitors. Odd-shaped pines, grotesque rock formation, seas of clouds and crystal-clear hot springs are the most outstanding features of Mt. Huangshan. Climbing Mt. Huangshan is the highlight of your outdoor activities, since there is an old saying goes” you won't want to visit any other mountains after seeing wu yue (Five Great China Mountains), but you won't wish to see even wu yue after returning from Mt. Huangshan”. How beautifull and unique Mt. Huangshan is! In the afternoon, we take cable downwards and take our car/van/bus going back to Huangshan City. In the evening, take a flight to Shanghai.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning is free at leisure. After lunch, we take a flight to Chengdu. Our tour guide will meet you at airport and you are transferred to the hotel to have a rest. There are many local products including goods ranging from snakes and snails to fortunes and foot scrubs in the street markets. So it really a wonderful place for you to get some bargains. And walking along the street will make you impressive by the vigor of this small city. It is a very pleasant city to do just this: feast on some great food and soak up some of the mellow atmosphere in one of the thousands of tea houses dotted about the city.
Stay overnight in Chengdu.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Chengdu is also a well- known Chinese cultural city, endowed with unique natural conditions, beautiful environment and profound history. And we will go to experience Chengdu City after a relaxed breakfast. We will have a city tour to the [People’s Park] and [Kuanzhai Alley] where we can experience local people’s leisure life, feeling the relaxing pace of this southwestern city that boasts “Heaven of Abundance”. Many visitors dreamed to have taste of food of Sichuan Cuisine on their trip to Chengdu. Sichuan Cuisine is considered as the four major style of cooking in China, it's famous for the spicy taste. A hotpot dinner is very common in Chengdu, so we should also experience it ourselves. There are more than 400 kinds of dishes such as Sautéed Pigeon Breast in XO Sauce, Stir-Fried Duck Tongues with Sichuan Chili, Kung Pao Chicken, as well as 2000 kinds of snacks such as Sichuan Style Wonton, Tangyuan (Glutinous Rice Balls) in Fermented Glutinous Rice Soup. Besides, Sichuan brocade, embroidery and lacquer ware are famous keepsakes.
Stay overnight in Chengdu.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
[Chengdu Giant Panda Researching and Breeding Base] is the center where you can enjoy the fun brings by the cute black and white bears. Make sure that you go to visit them during feeding time, 8.30 to 10am in the morning. If you fail to visit them in the right time, the bears will be indulging in their favorite pastime, sleeping! In local restaurant, we have the opportunity to savor the variety of delicious foods. And we will go back to Guangzhou by plane in the afternoon. Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel and relax.
Stay overnight in Guangzhou.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
"Eat in Guangzhou" is a famous saying in China. Yue Cai (Cantonese Cuisine), one of eight Chinese famous cuisines, is definitely a must in Guangzhou! The ingredients of Cantonese Cuisine are abundant and you eat delicious food with ingredients that you have never heard of before. The morning time is at your own disposal, but we will head to a local restaurant famous for its Guangdong style :Wenchang chicken, fish maw and mushroom soup, stewed abalone with fish maw. [Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family] and the [Museum of Nanyue King's Tomb] are popular destinations for visitors, and we will we go to visit them after lunch. Built between 1890 and 1894 during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty, the Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family is the largest, best preserved, and best decorated ancient architecture existing in Guangdong province. In the seafood restaurant, you can go to the glass bowl to choose swimming fish, crab, lobster, and others and the waiter will take them to the kitchen; so the food is really fresh and healthy. You can have seafood for your dinner. And you can spent a relaxed time drinking tea when waiting for the juicy and delicious seafood.
Stay overnight in Guangzhou.
Meals included: Breakfast
Guangzhou is a well-renowned cultural city with a history of over 2,000 years and the starting point of China's contemporary and modern revolution. After breakfast, we will head to visit the [Yuexiu Park] where we can see the [Statue of Five Goats], the symbol of Guangzhou City. Next we will to the summit of this city, the top of [Guangzhou Tower], which is the highest TV tower in Asia. There are various fashionable clothing and commodities displaying in shops on each side of the [Shangxiajiu commercial street], so it is an excellent place for you to get some traditional products of Guangzhou. Here you can not only purchase some at good prices but also can see the traditional building style-Qi building. Of all the regional varieties of Chinese cuisine, Cantonese is renowned both inside and outside China. For many traditional Cantonese cooks, the flavors of a finished dish should be well-balanced, and never cloying or greasy. Our later lunch (Xiawucha) is arranged at Tao Tao Ju Restaurant which is located at the Shangxiajiu Street or Panxi Restaurant which is in a garden. They are considered great places for dim sum that is the most typical Cantonese snack.
Stay overnight in Guangzhou.
Meals included: Breakfast
The morning time is at your own disposal and you can relax until you are transferred to Guangzhou airport for the flight back to Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing & Accommodation
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US Dollar -
Euro -
GB Pound -
CA Dollar -
AU Dollar -
HK Dollars -
Renminbi
| 1 person | 2-5 persons | 6-9 persons | ≥10 persons | Single Room Supplement | |
| First Class Tour | $2800 | $2300 | $2000 | $1700 | $700 |
| Comfortable Tour | $2400 | $2100 | $1800 | $1500 | $500 |
| Standard Tour | $2200 | $1900 | $1600 | $1300 | $300 |
* Price in every box above is for each person.
* The default currency is in US dollar. Please use the Currency Converter to see the equivalent quote in your currency. Price is for references only, it may vary according to your actual travel itinerary, travel time, hotel price rise or fall, US dollar exchange rate fluctuation, car fuel price change and government tax adjustment, etc..
* The price is only for your reference and it is subject to seasons, high or low.Please send us your inquiry if you are interested.
* The differences between First Class Tour, Comfortable Tour and Standard Tour are mainly reflected in the hotels we use. For First Class Tour, we use mostly 5 star hotels (or hotels corresponded to 5 star ones), 4 star hotels for Comfortable Tour and 3 star hotels for Standard Tour. But there’re exceptions when there come home stay experience, remote destinations and other specified circumstances in the itinerary.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Attraction Entrance Fees
- Centrally Located Hotels
- Authentic Chinese Food
- Private Experienced Guides
- Private Cars/Van with Drivers
- Internal Flights/Train(s) in China
- Luggage Transfers
- Airport Taxes and Fuel Fees
- Service Charge & Government Taxes
- Travel Insurance
Exclusions:
- International Airfare to Enter/Leave China
- China Entry Visa Fees
- Excess Baggage Charges
- Personal Expenses
- Single Room Supplement
- Tips or Gifts to Guides/Drivers/Bellmen
Important Information
How to Pack up
We suggest that each person packs up one rollable suitcase with the weight under 20 kg/44lb. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like iPods and mobile phones.
Checklist
It's only for reference and you may not need all of them. Choose from below according to the tour you pick up:
Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travelers checks
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
ChinaExpeditionTours vouchers and trip dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Day pack for daily personal items
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Water bottle and Plastic mug for train journeys
Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts for summer months (June – September)
Long pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for Nov-April. Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves
Umbrella or waterproof jacket
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
Camera, film and memory chip
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Local Dress
Generally speaking, the dress standard is more conservative in China than it is in western countries. Things also changes quickly, nowadays the young Chinese share the same hobbies with their western counterparts. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of summers. In predominately Buddhist and Muslim regions we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Spending Money
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to internet for the recent exchange rates. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and MasterCard and other credit cards in most Chinese cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travelers checks in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in big shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. For the small shops and the street venders, they take cash (either Chinese Yuan or US dollar) only.
Meals
Eating is a big part of your traveling in China. Travelling with ChinaExpeditionTours, you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally breakfasts and lunches are included except dinners to give you the flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Your group leader or local guide will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip.
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an "emergency" fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control, necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Tipping
It is customary to tip service providers in travel industry in Asia, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $6-$10 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service, for driver, it could be half. If necessary, ask your tour leader or call your ChinaExpeditionTours tour advisor for specific recommendations based on the circumstances. If you have a tour leader for the whole tour, at the end of the trip if you felt he/she did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference. However as a guideline $6-10 USD per person, per day can be used.
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are all e-tickets. They are issued locally and you will be given the information of them prior to the flight departure.
Laundry
Generally laundry facilities are offered by our hotels for a charge. You also can go to a laundry service center near your hotel to have your clothing washed at a lower cost. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Safety and Security
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' checks, cash and other valuable items. Many of the hotels we cooperate with have safety deposit boxes which are the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. When travelling on a trip, please note that your group leader or local guides has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader or local guides will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader or local guides will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of China but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is not acceptable for ChinaExpeditionTours travelers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. Use of illegal drugs is completely contrary to this philosophy and local law. Our group leader or local guides has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or used.
Health
If you want to fully enjoy your trip abroad, a good health and confidence in physical strength are important. This trip may contain a fair amount of walking up and down steps in towns or climbing mountains. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders or local guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In China pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting a tour please carefully read the itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travelers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is highly suggested to bring forth. ChinaExpeditionTours reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader or local guides they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Medical Form
It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an "average level of fitness and mobility" is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own bags at a minimum. Travelers over the age of 70, or travelers with a pre-existing medical condition, are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that senior travelers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders or local guides work hard to ensure that all our travelers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. You must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for medical costs associated with hospitalization, emergency travel and repatriation back to your home country. Please take your insurance policy with you when you travel. You may take other cover, of course, but we require you to be adequately insured before we can allow you to participate in our programs. Your ChinaExpeditionTours leader or local guides will need to see and record your policy details at the pre-tour briefing at the starting city, so please bring a copy along to the meeting. If you arrive without travel insurance your tour leader or local guide will require you to purchase a policy before you continue your journey with us.
If you are covered by a policy arranged through your credit card company you will be asked to provide evidence of this cover, as well as a 24-hour emergency contact number. Many credit card companies do not provide an insurance policy number. In this instance, the tour leader or local guides will need to record your credit card number, as this is required to activate any request for emergency assistance. You should also bring along the travel insurance information booklet provided by your credit card company. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the requirements set out by your credit card company in order to be effectively covered and that the cover offered is of a suitable standard.
Passport & Visas
Well before travelling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate photo, that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport.
Please note that visas for China and Hong Kong are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. Americans, British, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders do currently require a visa for China. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your government. For the most up to date information please check your governments' foreign ministry website. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travelers there will probably have an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. Please note if you are travelling from China, into Hong Kong then back into China, you will need a double entry Chinese visa. Note that on some occasions people transiting through China on way to Hong Kong have been made to go through immigration and had their single entry visa stamped making this invalid. Do not allow your visa to be stamped if you are only going through transit.
Keeping in Touch
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the country, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travelers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact us so we can get into touch with your tour leader or local guide quickly by their cell phone and they can pass their cell phone to you! We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change.
Feedback
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Per Person
