China

If you’ve turned on the TV at all last summer, no doubt you’ve caught a glimpse of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. And, if you’ve watched for more than a few hours, you had a chance to see how beautiful China is. Maybe by now you’re even thinking that you’d like to visit China.

But how do you get there? You may want to take a guided tour such as those offered by Brendan Vacations. Spend up to 10 days touring China with knowledgeable guides. Transportation, hotel stays, and some meals are often included. Check with your travel agent for more information on guided tours.

If you decide against a guided tour, you may want to hire a private tour guide and driver. Guides are available for reasonable fees, for varying lengths of time and outings. Most privately guided tours are completely customizable.
Places to go and things to see in China:

Beijing

• Tiananmen Square – Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square, lies in central Beijing and was the sight of many key events in Chinese history. Today, it is famous for its monuments and museums. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a holiday, you will see the whole square covered in fresh flowers.
• the Forbidden City – Serving as the Chinese imperial palace from the mid-Ming Dynasty to Qing Dynasty, the Forbidden City was once the political center of the Chinese Government. Today, the Forbidden City houses the Palace Museum, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With nearly a thousand buildings on the grounds, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore this historic wonder.
• the Summer Palace – The Chinese name for the Summer Palace literally means “Gardens of Nurtured Harmony”. Built in 1750, this beautiful palace on the shore of Kunming Lake is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that should not be missed. The Summer Palace has been called a “masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design”.
• the Great Wall of China – This Chinese icon, built in the 6th Century BC to keep out invaders, spans nearly 4,000 miles. Part of the wall is open to visitors in Beijing. For a truly memorable experience, take some time to walk along the Great Wall.
• Hutong (old town) area – Beijing’s hutongs are historic neighborhoods with residences separated by alleys and courtyards. Take a rickshaw tour of this area and visit a kindergarten, local home, and local shops for a true cultural experience.

Shanghai

• Shanghai – This is China’s largest city. A modern metropolis, home to branches of 300 of the world’s 500 largest enterprises; Shanghai is truly the epitome of east-meets-west culture. From modern skyscrapers to ancient history museums, Shanghai has something for everyone.
• Tiger Hill – While in Shanghai, do not miss the Tiger Hill gardens. This spectacular grounds feature lush foliage and traditional Chinese architecture. Make sure to bring your camera!
• Tailors – Shanghai is a shopper’s paradise. If you are a fan of fine fabrics like silk and cashmere, visit one of Shanghai’s fabric and tailor markets. Get custom clothing at unbelievable prices. One of our Fox World Travel agents got 2 cashmere blazers custom made for $62 USD!
• Pearl Markets – Stop by Shanghai’s famous pearl markets for a great deal on pearls and semi-precious stones. Pick the grade, color, and strand length, and watch your jewelry be made while you wait.
• Zhuijiajiao - Jiangnan Ancient Town – This town, known as Shanghai’s Venice, is famous for its bridge with five openings. Purchase a goldfish and throw it over the Fangsheng (setting-fish-free) Bridge for good luck. Visit the old post office, monastery, silk museum, pharmacy, and gardens.

Of course these are only the sights in China’s biggest cities; there are so many more than those listed here. If you are interested in learning more about China, contact the travel experts at Fox World Travel.