Discover The World

Archive for March, 2010

China being one of the oldest civilizations on Earth houses numerous spectacular historical monuments and destinations. This is probably the reason why China has been voted as one of the most visited tourist destinations on Earth. Among the different types of individual tours and tour packages China heritage tour is perhaps the most popular one. These tours not only attract adults but children too find interest in exploring the history and culture of the old Chinese civilization.

Since heritage tours are so popular among foreign tourists as well as citizens, all China travel service providers put extra emphasis on making these tours special and more attractive. Because of the tough competition, each of the China tour companies tries to come up with some new ideas which would make them popular and keep them above the rest of the travel companies. These tours are generally categorized according to regions or types of destinations. As the fourth largest country with a rich history, China is full of such historical monuments and architechtural marvells. To experience the true tradition and culture of the country one must go for the best China heritage tour packages that are available at affordable prices.

To introduce tourists to the ancient China and its intriguing history, culture, tradition and hospitality, heritage tour operators take them to all the historical cities in the country, which includes Beijing, Luoyang, Xian, Kaifeng, Zhengzhou, Chengdu and Nanjing. Some of the historical wonders across these cities are the Buddhist temples, ancient Chinese architectures like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the White Horses Temple and the Shaolin Temple, Longmen Grottoes, the Terra-Cotta Warriors, the Ming tomb in Nanjing and many more.

Popular China Heritage Tours

* Tour to the Middle Kingdom – this 7 to 8 days China heritage tour is extremely poplar among tourists. Beijing – Luoyang – Xi’an – Beijing is the route covered in this tour.
* North Ancient Towns Tour – this 10 to 11 days and nights tour covers the following cities – Beijing, Datong, Pingyao, Xi’an and Shanghai.
* China Architectural Exploration Tour – this tour generally takes 15 days as it covers architectural marvels across 10 cities – Beijing, Datong, Pingyao, Xi’an, Shanghai, Wuzhen, Xiamen, Nanjing, Xiamen and Hong Kong.

Apart from these long tours there are several other small China heritage tours operated by local tour operators covering local historical and architectural wonders in and around the region.

Shanghai is blessed with the ocean on one side and the waters of the Yangtze river on the other. Throughout history, this city has been well known in China due to its cultural and religious significance. Currently Shanghai is the heart of China’s economy and famous for its port, the Pudong skyline and most definitely the Grand Theatre.

Musicians, ballerinas, actors and dancers from all over the world, yearn to perform upon the glamorous platforms of the Grand Theatre. The opening of the Theatre in 1998 symbolized the revival of performing arts in China and its cultural bonds with the world. The most notable feature of the theatre is its style; the white cupped roof is the architect’s stroke of genius , and is said to denote Shanghai’s broad mindedness in appreciating the arts of the world.
The theatre consists of three halls, namely; the Lyric Theatre, the Drama Theatre and the Studio Theatre. The lyric theatre plays host to symphonies, ballets and musicals including acoustics. The drama theatre is meant to stage chamber music, while the studio theatre is for song and dance dramas as well as operas. All three of these are equipped with the very latest in technology and are capable of housing a considerable number of artists and audience members. They are also underpinned by the services of 12 rehearsal halls, make-up rooms, scene setting rooms, gymnasiums, banquet halls, car ports and cafes.

If you are a keen follower of theatrics and performing arts, this is one venue you would not want to miss.

Feel at home at a Shanghai serviced apartment while you journey through an entire world of music, dance and drama. Shanghai serviced accommodation also gives you a chance to reside at the center of Shanghai’s coveted city of Pudong. Ascott The Residence Huai Hai Road Shanghai in particular emerges as a base that will heighten your experience of the art and beauty that is infused into city-life in Shangahi.

Melbourne is always an exciting city to visit any time of the year. Melbourne hotelsare renowned throughout the country for offering a variety of styles and budget options for the most fastidious travellers to the most budget oriented.

Here we are going to whet your appetite by suggesting some unusual alternatives as well some of the more popular destinations in the central business district. Of course, hotels do not suit every holidaymaker and for that reason there are also some suggestions about unusual and a little out of the way places to stay that will add a bit of variety to your travel and maybe even make your trip more memorable.

* If you want to stay in the CBD you have plenty of choices. There are a couple hotels you might want to consider.
* The Windsor Hotel. This is a landmark hotel in Melbourne and is one of the great hotels of the world. The architecture reflects the glory of a bygone era and this hotel is the epitome of style. You can choose from standard rooms right through to 2 or three bedroom suites that are fastidiously decorated in the Victorian style. Naturally, the facilities are first class and you will remember your stay here forever.
* The Sofitel. Located at the top end of Collins Street this is one of the most modern and luxurious Melbourne hotels. If you are looking for sleek clean lines in a great location, you need look no further.
* Outside the CBD, one of the most popular locations for a short stay is St Kilda. This is just a short tram ride from the city and the beach provides a great retreat from the summer heat. In winter you can always lounge around the fabulous cafes and restaurants in Acland Street, which is famous for cake shops that sell a huge variety of styles to suit every dietary need.
* The Carlisle Street Apartments offer budget style accommodation just around the corner from Acland Street and Luna Park. This is a great choice for families and couples alike.
* Here you will find studio accommodation that has every luxury appointment you could want. The apartments are cosy and comfortable and with two-bedroom apartments available, make an ideal state from family.
* Queenscliff offers a fabulous alternative away from the central business area. You can choose from a range of Caravan and camping facilities as well as the famous Beacon Resort. This is where many Melbourne come to take a short break, and it is a great base for you to explore the great Ocean Road, one of the the most popular tourist destinations in Victoria.

As you can see from this list, there are many Melbourne hotels to choose from and this sampling should be enough to get you started. But don’t forget to consider some other options outside the city area. The transport in Melbourne is first rate and you will find it easy to get to almost any part of Melbourne on the tram or train.