Category: Uncategorized

AsiaTravel would like to offer one complimentary night’s stay at your hotel in Beijing or Shanghai for travelers who book select themed journeys by December 31, 2011 (11:59 EST).

The following journeys apply:

China for Foodies: Explore China with local guides and a AsiaTravel Culinary Host. Learn to make all-time favorite, kungpao chicken, in a private kitchen. Take in the sights and sounds of Xi’an’s bustling night market, where savory lamb skewers roast over coals and sweet glutinous rice steam in bamboo. Learn how to select specialty red chilies and peppercorns after witnessing professional chefs artfully prepare Sichuanese dishes. Save these authentic recipes as treasured souvenirs.

Departures: Apr 14-25, May 12-23, Sep 8-19, Oct 20-31, 2012

Chinese Treasures: AsiaTravel Founder Mei Zhang handcrafted this itinerary for her closest friends in 2009. Travelers will explore the imperial capitals of Beijing and Xi’an, gaining access to an emperor’s childhood home at the Forbidden City, a largely un-restored section of the Great Wall and the famed Terracotta Warriors Museum. We then go off the beaten path, visiting villages and glaciers in the famed Tibetan area of Shangri-La and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lijiang. Our journey ends in China’s bustling financial center of Shanghai – the “Paris of the East.”

Departures: Apr 11-23, Oct 12-24, 2012

Ancient Tea and Horse Road: The most daunting trade route in the world, passing through the mightiest mountain range on Earth, the Ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Road linked the fertile emerald teas of Yunnan and Sichuan to the arid landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau, serving as a vital route for isolated tribes who referred to it as the “Eternal Road.” Remaining a virtual mystery to the West for over a millennium, the Road, its history and cultures are now at long last revealed in all of its stunning diversity. Expert led by Canadian explorer Jeff Fuchs

Departure: Apr 11-20, Apr 11-23, Sep 12-21, Oct 12-24 2012

———-

Promotion applies to additional nights pre- or post-journeys listed only.  Departures for all journeys leave in spring and fall of 2012. To take advantage of this offer, please contact your AsiaTravel travel consultant or e-mail us at info@wildchina.com.
First and third photo by Michael Mudd

Featured in the January 2012 issue of Travel + Leisure as one of the “Hottest Travel Destinations for 2012“, AsiaTravel’s journey in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan made the cut!

 

Xishuangbanna (pronounced she-shwang-ban-na), in the southern part of China’s Yunnan Province, is in many ways overlooked by the Western tourist, cowed by the gems of Lijiang and Shangri-la to the north. In fact, Xishuangbanna is one of the province’s hidden gems.

Nestled between Laos and Myanmar in Yunnan’s south, Xishuangbanna seems a world away from the popular tourist destinations in the north. Home to a wide variety of tea plantations, and boasting the oldest tea tree in the world, Xishuangbanna was once the beginning of the ancient Tea and Horse caravan road, which brought tea from southern Yunnan up to Tibet. Tea production and cultivation has been part of Xishuangbanna’s history for hundreds of years, which can be seen throughout the minority villages that dot the countryside.

 

 

When traveling to Xishuangbanna and planning your trip, there are a few important highlights to keep in mind. First and foremost, it is important to get a sense of the minority culture in the region through visiting minority villages and interacting with the people. The largest ethnic minority in the area are the Dai people, and there are many easily accessible villages around the capital of the region, Jinghong. The region offers miles of excellent hiking through tea plantations between villages, and homestays can be arranged in various villages, for a more authentic experience. Another of Xishuangbanna’s highlights are the markets that dot the villages and towns. These range from animal markets, fruit and vegetable markets, and areas to buy goods. Just meandering through the aisles of these markets is an eye opening experience, as is purchasing some of the fares and sampling the local cuisine (anything from dried chilies to local pastries, to various cooked meats). AsiaTravel is thrilled

with the opening of the Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa and cannot wait to send guest there!

Trips can be arranged in Xishuangbanna any time of year, with spring, winter, and autumn being the best times to visit – just email info@wildchina.com for more information!

 

———-

Interested in traveling to Xishuangbanna? Take a look at Pushing China’s Southern Boundary: Trekking in Xishuangbanna, a six day trips that starts and ends in Jinghong or Ancient Tea and Horse Road, an expert led trip by Jeff Fuchs. If you book Ancient Tea and Horse Road before December 30th, 2011 (11:59 PM EST) you will receive a fantastic promotion!

It’s that time of year.  The holidays, mulled wine, time with family and, of course,  recapping the highlights of the past 12 months.  Everyone at AsiaTravel could not resist the opportunity to create our own “Best of 2011 China,” so we sat down earlier this week to compile a few of our favorite things from 2011.

As an early holiday present, we present to you AsiaTravel’s Best of 2011…

Best Themed Journey: Ancient Tea and Horse led by Canadian explorer Jeff Fuchs leverages Fuchs’ vast knowledge of Yunnan’s rich tea culture and his vast local connections.  Living in remote Shangri-la for many years definitely has it’s upsides, and all of our travelers who journey with Jeff benefit from his insider access into local Tibetan communities along this trip.

 

Best Nightlife: With Beautiful people, divine champagne cocktails and an atmosphere that couples East-West glamour, The Glamour Bar in Shanghai is our favorite watering hole in Shanghai.  We are looking forward to stopping by in March when we will be in town for the M on the Bund Literary Festival.

 

Best Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventure: Few have ventured to Abujee in Yunnan province, a sacred mountainous region near Shangri-La. Tibetan-style trekking through nomadic villages acclimates adventurers to life above the treeline at over 4,000 meters. The exhilarating challenge rewards sojourners with snow-capped dolomite peaks, lush forests, and crystal clear alpine lakes.

 

Best Culinary Experience: Dali Courtyard in Beijing is the best place in town to bring out of town visitors. The food is so delicious that even AsiaTravel Founder & Yunnan native Zhang Mei head to this restaurant when she has cravings of home! Try their Yunnan cheese– you will not be disappointed.

 

Best Special Event: This past year, AsiaTravel organized a wow team-building event in Dunhuang, Gansu.  We took 20 corporates out into the desert to compete in an Amazing Race style event with challenges including dune buggies and desert camping.

 

Best Culturally Immersive Experience: A private Beijing opera viewing is all the more memorable when you can be a part of it! Clients had the opportunity to try on traditional opera wardrobe and have complete make-over, with faces painted just like the local professionals. Let’s just say that this experience makes for a very different holiday card for your family!

 

Best Educational Experience: Moving away from the mainland for the first time this year, clients were particularly excited about our new educational trip, Taiwan Treasures.  The great thing about Taiwan is that you can spend the morning soaking in the ancient culture and history of Taipei and then easily venture out of the city in the afternoon for a great hike to stretch your legs.  Don’t even get us starting on the fantastic night markets!

 

Best AsiaTravel Spiritual Experience: Looking to do a bit of cleansing of the soul in the upcoming year? The combination of piercing blue skies and devoted worshippers who throng Lhasa’s streets to pay homage to the sacred Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple make this destination the most spiritually rich place in China.  Visit Tibet On the Roof of the World: A Family Adventure

 

We hope you enjoyed a few of AsiaTravel’s highlights from 2011.

———-

Photos: First photo by Jeff Fuchs, final photo by Bruce Bai

 

Last of the 2012 AsiaTravel Explorer Grant Finalists, we have Mr. Zhang Shanghua, a scientist at Chengdu ChemPartner Co., Ltd.  Mr. Zhang wants to travel to experience this “primitive natural beauty and the most authentic religious atmosphere” and share his findings with the outside world. Here are a few spots he plans to explore…

———-

With a population density of less than 4.4 people per square kilometer, the natural beauty and the local cultures of Baiyu County in the Garze Tibetan autonomous prefecture of Sichuan province are extremely well-preserved. My journey to explore these areas can be divided into three phases: east, north and south.

The eastern region of Baiyu County is home to the Yaqing Monastery and the Chaqingsongduo Nature Reserve.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that AsiaTravel Explorer Grant finalist Ms. Yasmin Cho is also looking to explore this area.  Without her expertise in the religion of this area, my perspective at the Yaqing Monastery, in contrast, will simply be that of an observer.

Surrounding this area is also stunning biology —  The Chaqingsongduo Nature Reserve houses two-thirds of the world’s population of white-lipped deer or Thorold’s deer, the second largest glacier in the prefecture (the largest is Hailuoguo glacier in Luding County), and the sources of numerous streams and rivers, and the peak of the mighty Mount Gongga. Due to the limited transportation infrastructure in this region, the cliffs and peaks of this range have been traversed by very few.

On the second portion of the journey, the northern region, I plan to visit the Baiyu and Kathok Monasteries, some of the oldest sites of Tibetan Buddhism. The sacred allure of these holy places is something I can’t resist – the classic debates of ancient texts, the huge scale of the property, the rich history of Tibetan handicrafts in the area are all waiting to be discovered.

 

On the last section of my planned exploration of Sichuan, I’ll begin by leaving Mount Menggu 4,900 meters high down into the Fire Dragon abyss and the villages along Jinsha River. Because this area is so inaccessible, it was not until the late Qing Dynasty that it was officially placed under Chinese government jurisdiction. In present day, the influence of the old, local tribes is still dominant.

In all of these places, I hope to talk to local people, access the un-explored naturaly beauty and document my experience so that more people from around the world can have a better understanding of this hidden part of China.

———-

Photos and post by 2012 AsiaTravel Explorer Grant finalist Mr. Zhang Shanghua, translated by AsiaTravel

 

 

AsiaTravel, alongside Outpost Magazine, Revo, Mountain Hardwear, and ZoomerMedia, is sponsoring a once-in-a lifetime journey, The Kawa Karpo Expedition.  Leaving next week, AsiaTravel expert & good friend, Jeff Fuchs will be leading this expedition.

Fuchs, a longtime resident of Shangrila and Explorer Club member, has a longtime fascination with lost trade routes and sacred Tibetan mountains.  With this journey to Kawa Karpo, Fuchs, alongside Bill Roberts of Zoomermedia, aim to immerse in “a journey along an ancient pilgrimage-trade route, a journey to recapture and peek into an ancient route when mules and men (and mountains) were inseparable. ”

Speaking to Fuchs on the phone earlier today, he is hard at work putting on pre-expedition pounds and eagerly awaiting the arrival of Roberts and videographer Roberto Gibbon Gomez.  At the moment, Fuchs imagines the expedition will take 9-12 days to complete, depending on weather.

Stay tuned right here on the AsiaTravel blog to track the Kawa Karpo Expedition. Fuchs will be sending photos and stories via sat phone while on the trail!

———

If Jeff Fuchs’ journey sounds right up your alley, AsiaTravel is offering an expert-led trip with Fuchs exploring The Ancient Tea and Horse Caravan from April 11-20, 2012. Sign up now!

It has been an exciting year for AsiaTravel. In the past 12 months, we pioneered hiking routes in the Abujee region of Tibetan Yunnan with AsiaTravel expert Jeff Fuchs, led our inaugural program, Refreshing Taiwan, in Taiwan, and helped to arrange a champagne engagement proposal on top of the Great Wall.

In our industry, hours are long and cell phones are never off so we can answer any questions our guests might have for us.  As such, the +1,000 emails we received telling me how AsiaTravel helped you experience a ‘real’ China let us know that we are doing our job well–and nothing could make us happier.

This year, AsiaTravel is thrilled to be nominated for Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards.  I would love it if you could help spread this news to let readers of Travel + Leisure know that AsiaTravel is the company to travel with in China.  I owe it to my guides and wonderful team to show them that people around the world think that they are doing an exceptional job.

Many of you have asked how you can help.  One way would be to vote for AsiaTravel before March 31, 2012.  To do so, just follow these simple steps:

1. Go to http://tlworldsbest.roiresearch.com/home.aspx?OJZrlUYH=1
2. Select YES or NO; then click ENTER.
3. Fill in the Tell Us About You
4. Select Tour Operators/Safari Outfitters
5. Select AsiaTravel
6. Complete the survey & submit!

 

Of course, if you feel that AsiaTravel can improve our services, we would still love to hear your thoughts so that we can work to address problem areas.  Please send your comments to feedback@wildchina.com.

Many thanks for your continued support.

Mei Zhang

Founder of AsiaTravel

 

Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup 2012 was hosted at China’s coastal city of Tianjin from 4 -12 February. The final, won by Hong Kong (China) against South Africa was played at the luxury resort Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club. Twelve of the best teams in the world took part, including England, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia and Brazil.

With this year’s Snow Polo World Cup in St Moritz being cancelled due to thin ice on the lake, this World Cup in Tianjin acquires even more importance. And, as the organisers stated: no sport can enjoy comprehensive development without the participation of China.  As we all know, the lack of natural snow in Tianjin is no impediment for the tournament to go ahead, the Chinese will guarantee an abundance of it by making a total of 4,000 cubic metres of snow over the arena, a process that started in late December.

Regular services by bullet train from Beijing South Station take you to Tianjin in under 30 mins, and from there a 25 min taxi drive to the luxurious Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club, the largest polo club in China.

The emerging sport of snow polo was first introduced in 1985 at the resort town of St. Moritz, Switzerland, by a handful of men attracted by the passion and excitement of polo and the extremity of the conditions. Since then it has grown from strength to strength into a recognised winter sport enjoyed among the elites worldwide.

Snow polo is very similar to traditional polo: but games are played on a snow-covered arena. The teams are made up of three players and each game consists of four six-minute chukkas (periods). The horses wear special cleated shoes to provide better traction. The ball is larger and lighter than in grass polo, and bright orange, to make it easier to see against the snow.

Polo has always been synonymous with the finer things in life, attracting affluent, sophisticated high-achievers. Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club provides an exquisite location for impeccable wine dinners through its close relationships with world famous winemakers and chateaux: Chateau Latour, Mouton Rothschild and others. The resort boasts indoor and outdoor training facilities for both the young and adults and comes with a dazzling Clubhouse, spa and leisure facilities on par with any top international resort. Staffed by well-known names in the equestrian and polo world, the Club offers a luxurious venue to relax and entertain.

———-

Is riding a passion? Take a look at the AsiaTravel product Tibetan Camping Retreat

Content + photos by AsiaTravel’s Chelin Miller

Tang’ Roulou was founded in Beijing in 2007 as a brand of clothes and accessories for children. French designers Amélie Peraud and Pierre-Yves Babin, have a passion for all things Chinese and this is reflected in their authentic, hand-crafted, unique creations. Together, Amélie and Pierre-Yves form a perfect creative symbiosis, they understand and complement each other and work harmoniously seeking perfection. Their products are a true reflection of their passion and love for beauty and craftsmanship. As I looked around their boutique shop in Sanlitun, Amélie told me the inspiration behind some of the items. Each design is created with patience and tender love and care, in an attempt to revive the timeless traditions that our grandmothers used to live by.

It all began when Amélie started making very personal gifts for her friends in France: She designed blankets for their babies, which she had sewn here in China by a local seamstress. Her designs were very well received and Amélie felt very encouraged, so Tang’ Roulou was born. The same attention to detail from the starting days is carried on to the present.

“Dragons, phoenix and goldfish from Asian imaginary dance joyfully in a setting of dots, stripes and flowers, enhanced with a retro touch – sometimes daring but always elegant”.

Inspired by their travels and observations – from Beijing’s traditional hutongs to remote rural villages – Tang’ Roulou translates their designs into the most adorable children’s clothes and accessories: Shanghai traditional Qipao dresses, crochet handmade jewelry, cuddly blankets, Lama-monk-style reversible bags and my personal favourite: embroidered notebook covers. These products are special: They are not mass produced items that you will find in a supermarket or department store. Each garment and accessory is made individually, making sure that even the last polka dot in the seam matches perfectly. They are made mostly of cotton prints, personally chosen by Amélie and Pierre-Yves, not only in Beijing, but also on their travels around China.

Tang’ Roulou has two workshops in Beijing where their products are hand-made by local seamstresses The embroidery details come from Baihua (Hundred Flowers), a women’s cooperative in North West China. Excellence and elegance are the key elements in Tang’ Roulou’s precious treasures.

Now Tang’ Roulou’s retro-chic products can be bought online. There is an ordering hotline if you don’t speak Chinese.

You can also find them at the following outlets:

BEIJING:
Tang’ Roulou – Sanlitun North Road No. 30 – Phone: 010-6416-9761
Brand New China – Sanlitun North Road – NLG-09a –
The Orchard – Cuigezhuang – Hegezhuang village –
Wuhao curated shop – Maoer hutong n˚35
SHANGHAI:
L’Atelier Mandarine – Tai Kang Lu 210 / n˚3 Room 318 – Phone: 021-6473-5381

———-

Are you a keen shoper? There is definitely more to shopping in Beijing than the Pearl Market and Silk Street.  Antiques, gorgeous Tibetan rugs, funky up-and-coming Chinese designers and gorgeous cashmere scarves abound. Want some more tips? Get in touch at info@wildchina.com.

Photos by Chelin Miller (1&3) and Tang’ Roulou (2)

 

Whether your goals for the Year of the Dragon are to eat your way through China through China for Foodies or to take the most memorable family vacation yet, AsiaTravel can help plan your journey. Highlights for the new year include new small group programs that feature intimate groups of just 16 travelers, with a dedicated AsiaTravel Tour Director throughout the journey.

AsiaTravel will shortly be launching some exciting cross-border trips. Stay tuned for a trip that travels from Guizhou in southern China into lush northern Vietnam as well as a trip that travels overland from Mongolia’s grasslands into China’s capital city.

 

Everyone at AsiaTravel is anticipating that Yunnan will be one of our most sought after travel destinations.  What we like about Yunnan is that there a bit of something for everyone. You are an avid hiker looking for a change of pace and a challenge? Take a look at Yunnan: South of the Clouds. Looking to travel on an ancient trade route to deepen your knowledge of tea? You will definitely drool over Ancient Tea and Horse Road. And our friends over at Travel + Leisure agree that Xishuangbanna is definitely one of the Hottest Travel Destinations of 2012.

 

We look forward to sharing another exciting year with you.  From everyone at AsiaTravel, hope 2012 is off to a great start!

———-

Photo credit (for 2nd photo): iLearn Culture

Earlier this week, The New York Times posted “The 45 Places to Go in 2012.” Everyone at AsiaTravel was excited to see that Lhasa, Tibet (#9) and Moganshan, a village outside of Shanghai (#18),  made the list!

Even if you have not yet traveled to Lhasa (which you should), mental images of dramatic Himalayan peaks, devout Buddhist worshipers and piercing blue skies immediately spring to mind.  If you have traveled to this wild part of the world, I am sure you can remember your first savory bite of a yak dumpling, known in Tibetan as momo. Yum.

In recent years, large luxury hotel players such as St. Regis Lhasa have entered the Tibetan landscape and the InterContinental Resort Lhasa Paradise and the 284-room Shangri-La are set to follow in 2013. We will make sure to keep you posted on who has the best breakfast…

Those less familiar with China may scrunch up their eyebrows and say, “Moganshan? What’s that like?”

 

A quick three hour zip out of Shanghai, Monganshan is a fantastic getaway from city living.  For guests who are already in the area, we often suggest including a restorative and romantic stay in Moganshan– especially while on AsiaTravel’s Chinese Classical Gardens, a trip that winds through Suzhou, Wuzhen and other beautiful water towns along the Grand Canal.

Whether your 2012 travel plans include Lhasa or Moganshan, you cannot go wrong!

———-

For more information on traveling to Moganshan and/or Lhasa, please contact info@wildchina.com

Photo credit: (2nd) myALN, (3rd) Naked Stables