June 24, 2015

Shanghai, China: Ride the Maglev Train/Transrapid; things to do

Ride the Maglev Train/Transrapid 


The Maglev Train is the first commercially operated high-speed magnetic levitation line in the world.  Built by German technicians for the Olympics, it cost US$1.2 billion to build and began service in 2004.  With a top speed of 431 kmh/268 mph, this train rides 2 inches above the rails and takes only 8 minutes to travel 19 miles to the airport.  It is very loud outside the train, but very quiet inside, and the train accelerates from zero to 431 kilometers in 3 minutes (it operates at full acceleration only from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.). 

This train connects Shanghai Pudong International Airport and the outskirts of central Pudong, but at $25/person round-trip it isn’t inexpensive.  Access to the new Disneyland opening in 2016 is coming on another track at the station.

June 22, 2015

Shanghai, China: Huangpu River tour; things to do

Huangpu River tour 


The Huangpu River winds north from its source at Dingshan Lake for about 70 miles to Wusong Kou, where it meets the Yangtze River.  It passes through Shanghai in the middle for about 24 miles.  Though narrow and shallow, the river is important to China's international trade, city water supplies, and fishing.  It’s also a popular route for tourist boats to view the skyscrapers of Pudong and the buildings of the Bund, which are especially stunning when they are lit up in the evening.

tour boat for Huangpu River tour in Shanghai, China
tour boat for Huangpu River tour in Shanghai, China


evening skyline from Huangpu River tour in Shanghai, China
evening skyline from Huangpu River tour in Shanghai, China


night skyline from Huangpu River tour in Shanghai, China
night skyline from Huangpu River tour in Shanghai, China


night skyline from Huangpu River tour in Shanghai, China
night skyline from Huangpu River tour in Shanghai, China


night skyline from Huangpu River tour in Shanghai, China
night skyline from Huangpu River tour in Shanghai, China





More things to do in Shanghai.

Best souvenirs of China.

More ideas for exploring Asia and the South Pacific.

images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 


June 19, 2015

Introduction: Shanghai, China + Bund/Waitan; things to do

Shanghai 

China’s most westernized city, Shanghai was very fashionable in the 1930s.  I’ve heard it described as filthy and polluted but didn’t find it so.  It has the world’s longest subway system, and cabs are cheap.  The best weather is in August, but cool, comfortable weather occurs in April.  It is interesting to know that Shanghai was San Francisco’s first sister city and that the two have the longest sister-city relationship between any China-U.S. cities.



Bund/Waitan waterfront

Everyone comes here to the Bund to stroll along the mile-long semi-circular promenade along the Huangpu river and view Shanghai’s famous and stunning skyline, sometimes referred to as a “museum of international architecture.”  Stark modern skyscrapers are across the river on one side, and older British colonial buildings are across the street on the other.  The Chinese “Big Ben” rings out the hour.  While we strolled, we saw two brides in traditional fluffy deep-red wedding gowns posing with their grooms for their wedding pictures.  I also enjoyed just sitting on steps in an open gallery and people watching. 

Bund waterfront skyline in Shanghai, China
Bund waterfront skyline in Shanghai, China


Bund waterfront skyline in Shanghai, China
Bund waterfront skyline in Shanghai, China


Bund walkway in Shanghai, China
Bund walkway in Shanghai, China


Bund walkway step seating in Shanghai, China
Bund walkway step seating in Shanghai, China


Chinese wedding couple on Bund in Shanghai, China
Chinese wedding couple on Bund in Shanghai, China


Chinese wedding couple on Bund in Shanghai, China
Chinese wedding couple on Bund in Shanghai, China


More things to do in Shanghai.

Best souvenirs of China.

Travel articles to inspire and help you plan some spectacular local and foreign getaways.

images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 


June 17, 2015

Xi'an, China: Golden Flower Hotel; hotel review

Golden Flower Hotel  

8 Chang Le Road West, 40-min. from airport, (86 29) 8323 2981-4380.  Fitness center.  Restaurant. 

Situated in the city center, rooms at this newly renovated 5-star hotel are spacious and attractively appointed.

fresh roses at Golden Flower Hotel in Xi'an, China
fresh roses at Golden Flower Hotel in Xi'an, China


check-in desk at Golden Flower Hotel in Xi'an, China
check-in desk at Golden Flower Hotel in Xi'an, China


Some classical Chinese furnishings are used, and original woodcuts by local artist Ding Ji Tang adorn the walls.  

duck woodcut by local artist Ding Ji Tang at Golden Flower Hotel in Xi'an, China
duck woodcut by local artist Ding Ji Tang at Golden Flower Hotel
in Xi'an, China


Quiet one morning, the spacious breakfast was packed the next.  The extensive buffet included exotic fresh fruits, really good French-style pastries, and both dim sum and American bacon and eggs. 

exotic breakfast fruit at Golden Flower Hotel in Xi'an, China
exotic breakfast fruit at Golden Flower Hotel in Xi'an, China


dim sum at breakfast buffet at Golden Flower Hotel in Xi'an, China
dim sum at breakfast buffet at Golden Flower Hotel in Xi'an, China



More things to do in Xi'an.
 
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images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers  

 

June 15, 2015

Xi'an, China: Terracotta Warriors; things to do

Terracotta Warriors


The Terracotta Warriors UNESCO World Heritage Site displays three pits of archaeological excavations.  Pit 1 features an unearthed life-size clay army of men and horses arranged in battle formations.  The army was meant to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who built the Great Wall and also conquered most of China before dying in 210 A.D.  It is astounding that each of the more than 6,000 full-size soldier replicas has a unique hairstyle and facial features.  The tomb itself has not yet been opened, and excavation continues.  The site was discovered in 1974 by local farmers who found pottery pieces while digging a well; the museum opened in 1979.  This immense complex has a popular light-filled, airy restaurant that caters to tour groups.  

Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, China
Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, China


Terracotta Warriors plus horses in Xi'an, China
Terracotta Warriors plus horses in Xi'an, China


lunch dishes in group dining room at Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, China
lunch dishes in group dining room at Terracotta Warriors
in Xi'an, China


Nearby, 

Xi’an Han De Art Work Factory 

No. 6 RuiLin St., LinTong, 0086-029-83891270.

The Xi’an Han De Art Work Factory provides the opportunity to take your picture posed with your head atop the body of a terracotta warrior.  Who dreamed that at this factory you can actually purchase a full size replica warrior and have the head carved to look like you!  I did consider it.  After all, arrangements can be made to ship any items home.  When you first arrive, you will observe workers making reproductions in many different sizes, then you visit the gift shop and are amazed by the array of reproductions that are ready to go.  A vast array of other China souvenirs is also displayed.  Upstairs, you’ll see how lacquer furniture is finished, and observe someone hand-painting it.  New as well as historic pieces are displayed, and most are for sale.

woman in factory reproducing Terracotta Warriors souvenirs in Xi'an, China
woman in factory reproducing Terracotta Warriors souvenirs
in Xi'an, China


gift shop at factory reproducing Terracotta Warriors souvenirs in Xi'an, China
gift shop at factory reproducing Terracotta Warriors souvenirs
in Xi'an, China


man painting design on laqueur table gift shop at factory reproducing Terracotta Warriors souvenirs in Xi'an, China
man painting design on laqueur table gift shop at factory reproducing
Terracotta Warriors souvenirs in Xi'an, China




More things to do in Xi'an. 

Best souvenirs of China.

More ideas for exploring Asia and the South Pacific.

images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers  


June 12, 2015

Xi'an, China: Muslim Quarter; things to do

Muslim Quarter of Xi'an


More than 80 million Muslims live in China.  I don’t think they all live here in Xi'an, but it sort of feels like it as you wander through the tight, mostly pedestrian-only streets and lanes.  (Actually, I checked, and Xi'an was the first city in China to be introduced to Islam, and only 50,000 Muslims live here.)  

pedestrian-only shopping street in Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, China
pedestrian-only shopping street in Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, China


As you explore this atmospheric area, you can visit the Great Mosque of Xi’an (entry fee), shop in an exotic covered bazaar for colorful items from both China and the Middle East,

covered bazaar shopping in Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, China
covered bazaar shopping in Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, China


and indulge in kabobs grilled on fresh tree branches as well as  other enticing street food (we were advised to stay away from the squid and crabs on a stick).

tree brances for kabobs in Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, China
tree brances for kabobs in Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, China


squid and crab kabobs in Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, China
squid and crab kabobs in Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, China


flours and spices in Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, China
flours and spices in Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, China


plump dried plums in Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, China
plump dried plums in Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, China


pulling sesame candy in Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, China
pulling sesame candy in Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, China


rice cake dessert on a stick in Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, China
rice cake dessert on a stick in Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, China


You can also meet woodcut artist Ding Ji Tang, who works daily in his stall in the bazaar and sells his own colorful works as well as those of his students.  The Golden Flower Hotel, where I stayed, displays his art on guest room walls, so I noticed and liked his simple style even before this serendipitous opportunity to see him at work.  My only regret is that I couldn’t decide which piece to buy and so left empty-handed.

woodcut artist Ding Ji Tang in Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, China
woodcut artist Ding Ji Tang in Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, China




June 10, 2015

Xi'an, China: Big Wild Goose Pagoda/Dayan Pagoda; things to do

Big Wild Goose Pagoda/Dayan Pagoda  

2½ mi. S of downtown. 

Built in 652 during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and located in the Da Ci'en Temple complex, this well-preserved ancient pagoda has seven tiers.  The Big Wild Goose Pagoda/Dayan Pagoda complex is a holy place for Buddhists and holds a museum of Buddhist materials from India plus a lovely peony garden that blooms in late spring.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China
Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China


building at Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China
building at Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China
 

buddha in building at Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China
buddha in building at Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China


building detail at Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China
building detail at Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China


toddler visiting Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China
toddler visiting Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China


from India collection at Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China
from India collection at Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China


peony garden at Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China
peony garden at Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China


pretty pink peony in peony garden at Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China
pretty pink peony in peony garden at Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China


teen in park outside Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China
teen in park outside Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China



More things to do in Xi'an.

Best souvenirs of China.

More ideas for exploring Asia and the South Pacific.


images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers  


June 8, 2015

Introduction to Xi'an, China and its City Wall

Introduction to Xi'an, China and its City Wall


The ancient capital of Xi’an is at the starting point of the Silk Road, the road’s eastern end.  Buildings are lower and sparser than in China’s big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, and building restrictions for height and style are in place within the inner wall area of downtown.  The most populous city in northwest China, Xi’an is located in the center of the Guanzhong Plain and is one of the oldest cities in China.

city view of Xi'an, China
city view of Xi'an, China


City Wall South Gate  

This defensive wall was built around the city during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) but has been maintained and upgraded through the ages.  It's the most complete city wall in China and is surrounded by a deep moat.  

view from atop the City Wall
view from atop the City Wall


I think anyone who is disappointed by the Great Wall is going to be quite pleased here.  Located near the Bell Tower in city center, the South Gate—Yongning--is the most beautifully decorated gate and the most popular one with visitors.  The path atop the wall features piped-in Chinese music—annoying at first, but it grows on you--and runs in a flat 8.5-mile square with no climbing.

walking along the city wall in Xi'an, China
walking along the city wall in Xi'an, China


Ramparts—98 of them--offer open “windows” out into a manicured city garden, and the wall’s other side opens onto a view of the inner city, which is poor in this area and also smelly.  I enjoyed looking through the various rampart cut-outs at the groomed park below.  Each rampart provided a new view, and when I leaned in to look, a nice breeze broke the heat.  

view from atop the City Wall in Xi'an China
view from atop the City Wall in Xi'an China


resting street sweeper view atop the City Wall in Xi'an China
resting street sweeper view atop the City Wall in Xi'an China


view from atop the City Wall in Xi'an China
view from atop the City Wall in Xi'an China


Bicycles can be rented at this gate—it takes about 2 hours to “conquer” the wall, as our guide put it—and  riders move along in happy squads and provide gaiety to walkers and sitters.

bicycle rentals atop the City Wall in Xi'an China
bicycle rentals atop the City Wall in Xi'an China


group of bikers atop the City Wall in Xi'an China
group of bikers atop the City Wall in Xi'an China


bikers atop the City Wall in Xi'an China
bikers atop the City Wall in Xi'an China


An electric tram also runs the route.  A cheap thrill is to sit here with a cold beer or ice cream and just relax and take in the scene.  Two free museums operate inside the barbican and the archery tower of the South Gate.



More things to do in Xi'an.  

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Best souvenirs of China.

More ideas for exploring Asia and the South Pacific.


images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers  


June 5, 2015

Beijing, China: Peking Duck; restaurant review

Peking Duck 

is a Beijing area specialty once served only to the royal court. 


Peking Duck preparation in Beijing, China.
Peking Duck preparation in Beijing, China.


Here the duck is hung above an open fire to cook, unlike the more common Cantonese crispy-skin duck which is baked or roasted in an oven.  The skin is crispy with little fat and the meat is lean and tender.

exterior of Quanjude RoastDuck Restaurant in Beijing, China.
exterior of Quanjude RoastDuck Restaurant in Beijing, China


Quanjude RoastDuck Restaurant  

No. 18 Putang Rd., Fangzhuang, 010-67602008.  My tour group ate here.  We were able to watch the chef carve our duck.




It was served with plum sauce and scallions and the traditional pancakes.  It was the star, but only part of the extensive feast we enjoyed. 

feast at Quanjude RoastDuck Restaurant in Beijing, China.
feast at Quanjude RoastDuck Restaurant in Beijing, China.




More things to do in Beijing.

Best souvenirs of China.

More ideas for exploring Asia and the South Pacific.

images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

 

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