China, Yangtze River Cruise and Hong Kong

There are so many amazing places to visit in Asia; it will be difficult to pick one destination.

It will be one of your many trips filled with incredible history and unique culture, in this fascinating country called China. It is the third largest country in the world and has five different time zones! Spring and summer traditionally considered the most ideal times to visit China. Can you imagine a population of approx. 1billion and.350million people in this vast land with the fastest –growing major economy in the world!

Beijing is a city of historical treasures. It has the world’s largest square called Tian An Men Square. Experience the Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City. Old Beijing with its narrow alleyways will reveal an old life style still active but generally not in vogue! From Beijing travel to the Great Wall of China to experience stunning views of the mountains and how this 6,700 km long  wall was built nearly two thousand years ago. When you get the opportunity to walk on the wall, the feeling is surreal. Experience this historic moment of true wonder and amazement on what was accomplished during this time.

Fly to Xian to see the famous Terracotta Warriors and Horse Museum. Each individually sculptured warrior and horse may be the archaeological find of the century. This ancient, walled city is also home to China’s space exploration programme. In the evening go to the Tang Dynasty Dance and Music show. Feast on Beijing Duck and dumplings while being captivated by an incredible show of colour, costumes, singing and dancing. You will learn a little about China’s culture, traditions, art and customs.

Begin a short 692 km Yangzte River cruise from Chongqing to Yichang . You sail between great gorges, deep mountain valleys and waterfalls. Change to sampans to visit an ancient village in the Lesser Three Gorge area. Another excursion is to the City of Ghosts, revealing temples and legends over two thousand years old.  Lastly travel the five locks which lower the ship down 412 feet before ending the cruise in Yichang. The Yangzte River is the longest river in Asia and third largest in the world. It plays an important role in transportation. Adding to its function, bridges started to be constructed in the mid-20th century and more recently the first tunnel was built.

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A trip to China has to include Shanghai. It is the largest city and famous for its high end shopping and markets displaying fabulous, colourful woven silk. Many great excursions include visiting the water town of Suzhou called “Venice of the East”, Shanghai Museum, The Bund which is a famous waterfront and regarded as the symbol of Shanghai for hundreds of years.

Always take the opportunity to stopover in Hong Kong, on your way back to Canada. This is an unforgettable city with an amazing harbour in the daytime but especially at night. One excursion that is worth taking is the Harbor Night Cruise and Dinner at Victoria Peak. Dinner is at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company located atop The Peak Tower on Hong Kong’s Victoria Peak. Enjoy the amazing sweeping views of the city and harbor below you while eating grilled fish and Cajun Shrimp.

Stroll along the exciting Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon. Complete the evening by stepping aboard a Chinese junk boat and cruise the harbor to visualize the gorgeous multicolored neon lights reflecting on the water. It is an unforgettable evening in Hong Kong. There is so much to see and do that a minimum of three nights will only just cover the basics. The stores have such beautiful silks and gorgeous leather shoes. It will be hard to keep your baggage at the allowed airline weight!

Put China and Hong Kong on your bucket list. You will never regret visiting such an incredible country, steep in ancient history and unique culture.

Lynda Spriggs,

Lobstick Travel and Tours/Prince Albert.