About
China
With a history that stretches back 40 centuries, the People's Republic
of China has been ruled under many different dynasties and ruling systems,
and with recent improving ties with the West, is poised to be a major
component to the world's economic future. China's
1.2 billion people (the highest of any country in the world) are mostly
spread throughout the eastern and southern part of the country, including
its major cities, Beijing, Shanghai
and Guangzhou
and Hong Kong (thanks to its recent independence from Britain). Go!
China Tourism Great
Wall of China (North of Beijing): 4,163 mile wall (from east to west)
built to defend against invasions. Construction started in the 7th century
BC and continued on and off up through the 17th century. Has over 10,000
beacon towers used for housing troops, weapons and for communicating
with other towers via fire and smoke signals.
Imperial
Palace (Beijing): Located in the Forbidden City, Gugong, this palace
housed 24 emperors, from the Ming to the Puyi Dynasties. Over 8,000
lived in this 8,706 room palace, including numerous concubines, servants
and eunuchs, who were ideal for guarding the living quarters of women.
Yu
Gardens Bazaar (Shanghai): The Yu Gardens is a classic Chinese rock,
pond, fish garden area built between 1559 to 1577 during the Ming Dynasty.
The Yu Gardens Bazaar is an area of souvenirs hops and food stands located
just outside.
Six
Banyan Temple and Flowery Pagoda (Guangzhou): Cherished Buddhist cultural
site built in 537 AD. Contains 1,000 year-old bronze statue of Zen Master
Huineng and 3 gold Buddhas. 184 ft. pagoda provides 17 story views.
Jade
Buddha Temple (Shanghai): Contains 6-foot tall seated Jade Buddha, carved
from a piece of white jade in Burma and brought to China
in 1882.
The ideal time to travel to China, in terms of weather and affordability,
is during the spring (March - April) and fall months (September - October).
Click
Hereto find cheap flights to China, including Beijing, Shanghai,
Guangzhou, Harbin and Hong Kong. Remember to set your arrival/departure
dates for Monday through Thursday which are the cheapest days of the
week to fly.
China
Average
Temperatures
January: 40°
F
April: 59° F
July: 83° F
October: 66° F in
Shanghai, China