Category: Uncategorized

Updated: March 26, 2019

A trip to Sichuan is not complete without seeing China’s cuddly national icon, the giant panda. There are three main options for panda viewing in Chengdu, each with its unique draws. Read on and find out which panda reserve is the best choice for your trip.

Pandas relaxing at the Chengdu Panda Base. Photo by Jessica Clifton.

RELATED READING: The 4 Most Romantic Places in China

Wherever you decide to go, remember that the best time to visit pandas is in the morning – before 9am if you can manage it. This is when pandas are most active and playful.

A quick comparison of Chengdu’s panda centers

 

1. Chengdu Panda Base

Just minutes from downtown Chengdu, the Chengdu Panda Base attracts thousands of visitors every year. This is the best option if you only have an afternoon to spare for your panda visit.

The base began with 6 giant pandas rescued from the wild and after years of successful breeding programs, they now have more than 150 pandas. Visitors will find large, outdoor enclosures which make the center feel a bit less like a zoo. Admittedly, the pandas near the entrance seem a little gloomy under the constant gaze of large groups of tourists, but walk further into the park away from the crowds and you will find contented looking pandas enjoying in their favorite pastimes: sleeping, eating, and occasionally exerting some energy to cheekily push their brother or sister off the branch of a tree.

A rainy afternoon at the Chengdu Panda Base. Photo by M. Perdix

RELATED READING: What to Do in Chengdu: Pandas, Hot Pot, and Lazy Days in the Park

The animals here are well looked after, and once you have taken more than enough pictures of giant pandas doing cute things, you can also visit some of the other endangered animals that the base cares for including red pandas, golden monkeys, and many species of birds. The center promotes the importance of educational tourism, so as you wander around the base and enjoy the on-site museum, you will learn hundreds of interesting panda facts to amuse your with friends when you get home. You can even taste the special, high-protein cakes that the pandas are fed each day.

2. Bifengxia Giant Panda Base 

The Bifengxia Giant Panda Base opened in 2003 and is a two-hour drive outside of Chengdu. You will need to leave a whole day free to make this trip, but it is one of the best places in the world to see this beautiful animal. What awaits you at Bifengxia is a reserve of natural forest coverage and beautiful waterfalls. The pandas are relaxed and happy – getting to chew on bamboo, undisturbed and safe in their own habitat.

A giant panda at the Bifengxia Base. Photo by M. Jong-Lantink

Many of the Wolong Reserve pandas were relocated here after the 2008 earthquake, so Bifengxia now has the largest collection of giant pandas in the world. This site’s main focus is on research. As such, there is much more going on behind the scenes at this base to learn about and care for the pandas. If you enjoy hiking and want to find out more about efforts to reintroduce pandas into the wild then this is panda reserve is an excellent choice. There is also an adorable panda kindergarten where visitors can spend hours enjoying the young panda’s mischievous antics.

Map of Chengdu’s Panda Centers:

3. Dujiangyan Panda Center

Dujiangyan is the newest panda center in the area and is located about 1.5 hours outside of Chengdu city at the foot of Qingcheng Mountain. The base is smaller than the other two, but its natural environment is similar to the Bifengxia reserve, making it a great location to see giant pandas enjoying their day. The site is closer to Chengdu city than Bifengxia too, so it is a good alternative if you are on a tighter schedule.

Dujiangyan has restarted its volunteer program and visitors over the age of six can now pay to become a Panda Keeper for the day. Participants get to prepare food for the pandas, help clean out their cages, and learn more about these furry friends up close.

Panda snacks at Dujiangyan. Photo by L.W. Yang.

RELATED READING: Why Are China’s Giant Pandas So Lazy?

If becoming a panda keeper isn’t enough reason to visit, Dujiangyan is now the home to some movie stars too. Fans of Kung Fu Panda may get the chance to see the panda behind the animated hero.

This reserve is only a leisurely bicycle ride away from the brand new Six Senses Resort and Spa. You could spend your days feeding the pandas and then relax in the evenings with a lovely massage in the spa. Qingcheng Mountain is a beautiful place to do some hiking and the small ancient town of Jiezi is close by. It might be worth spending a couple of days exploring the area and enjoying some time away from the city.

Whichever base you choose to visit, the best tip is to make sure your camera has a fully charged battery. Even people who think they have no interest at all in giant pandas will have changed their minds once they have seen this cheeky creature up close. Also, remember that the main objective of these reserves is to protect these beautiful creatures from extinction. Getting the chance to see a giant panda looking happy and relaxed in its natural environment really is an honor and a memory you will treasure.

A panda turns to go. Photo by M. Jong-Lantink

RELATED READING: China’s Hidden Gems for Rest and Relaxation

Last Updated: March 26, 2019

A journey to Tibet, one of the most remote regions in the world, can be an incredible experience, but you have to be ready to counter the unique atmospheric conditions that characterize the Tibetan plateau. Tibet has an average elevation of 4500 meters, and if you don’t regularly live at high altitude, you altitude sickness could put a real damper on your trip. Here are some things to remember before and during your trip to make your high-altitude Tibet travels more comfortable.

What is altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness occurs when you cannot get enough oxygen from the air because the “air is thinner” at high altitude. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and weariness.

Who’s at risk?

Contrary to popular belief, risk is not affected by training or fitness. Children and adults are both equally susceptible to altitude sickness although travelers over the age of 50 are at slightly lower risk according to the CDC. Note that travelers with heart or lung problems should first consult with their doctor before traveling to Tibet.

5 tips for staying safe

1. Don’t be a hero, get medication

Acetazolamide is a particularly effective treatment for altitude sickness because it does not simply mask the symptoms, but accelerates the body’s acclimatization to high altitude, but it is difficult to obtain in China so we recommend that you visit your doctor in your home country before you travel. There are other medications such as dexamethasone and nifedipine available, but they are usually only recommended by doctors if the patient is allergic to sulfa, a primary ingredient in Acetazolamide. All-natural alternatives such as Ginkgo biloba and Rhodiola rosea do exist but research on their effectiveness is conflicting. For more information on high-altitude medications, visit the CDC or NHS websites.

2. Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills

Don’t do things to make altitude sickness worse. Alcohol and sleeping pills are prime culprits. These are both are respiratory depressants and can make it more difficult for your body to acclimatize. Furthermore, alcohol can dehydrate you and leave you even more vulnerable to the altitude. On that note…

3. Drink lots of water!

Getting dehydrated is probably the worst thing you can do when trying to adjust to a higher altitude, and Tibet’s dry climate makes that an even bigger possibility.  Don’t make altitude symptoms worse – drink up! (and we water!)

4. Don’t forget to eat

Even though altitude sickness can make you loose your appetite, it’s important to keep eating and get your body the energy it needs. Carbohydrates are especially important, as they are a more efficient source of energy than fats or protein and can improve blood oxygenation.

5. Take it easy

This is perhaps the most difficult piece of advice for visitors to follow as there is so much to see and do in Tibet, but on your first couple of days in town, relax. Give your body time to acclimate to its new altitude.

If you have any other questions on traveling to Tibet, contact a AsiaTravel travel designer, and we’ll be happy to help. To begin your journey, view our award-winning Tibet tour.

Over the weekend, The Opposite House played host to AsiaTravel’s inaugural Beshan Gāi bazaar, where artisans converged from around the country to showcase the finest of artisan China. In the lead-up to the event, we met with The Opposite House’s chief host, Area General Manager for Swire Hotels Peter Wynne, to talk art, food, Beijing and strangely…pearl diving.

Let’s start by talking about The Opposite House. What was the inspiration behind the architectural design? It is not your usual, run of the mill hotel.

It was built at a time, before the 2008 Olympics, when hotels were opening all the time and they all looked the same. The architecture was designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and his brief was to design something different, unlike any other hotel.

There are so many elements to The Opposite House. It’s a glass jewelry box that opens up into beautifully designed compartmental rooms. The spaces are engaging and intriguing, aesthetically pleasing but not cliché.

The decor is timeless and not too ‘modern’ that it will become obsolete in a few years. And there are also many Chinese elements that are very much part of the architectural design. I think the idea to use both wood and plexiglass for the medicine drawers was ingenious.

Opposite House Lobby. Photo credit: nicelymadeinchina.com

What is your favorite space in the hotel?

I like them all but I guess the swimming pool is one of my favorite spaces. Shards of light come down through the building to the pool. It’s actually part of the architectural scheme that sunlight lights up the swimming pool even though it’s in the basement. When you stand on the top floor and look down you can see all the way to the pool in the basement. You look down 8 or 9 stories and it’s a masterpiece – Not that I get the chance to go in there very often.

Swimming pool with natural light from above. Photo credit: nicelymadeinchina.com

Why do many high profile guests choose to stay at The Opposite House rather than the many other 5 star hotels in the area?

The hotel has its own personality and that personality comes from the people that live and breathe the hotel – from the staff in the restaurants to the people who greet you at front desk.

We’re very clear about our people philosophy – we always pick people for their particular personality and the things that make them tick rather than their qualifications and work experience. Personality shines through and gets into the wider market place and that’s what these kinds of celebrities really want.

We are also always striving to keep it current. We always have new ideas and propositions and try to make it fun. It’s got to be fun for the customers but also fun for someone who works here. You have to get up in the morning and look forward to coming to work – even if it is Monday!

The Opposite House is well known for going the extra mile and paying attention to the small details. Can you think of a particular example of this?

There are lots of little tricks. I think one good example is when you normally register at a hotel in China you have to fill in a registration form and then you have to hand your passport over to be scanned. It’s a long, laborious task. What we did in the early days was we had an iPad with a camera so the check in process was made so much easier.

Modern comfort of an TOH hotel room

There are other details too. Our mini bar is all complimentary. Why hotels would want to charge $5 for a coke is beyond me. The actual base cost of a can of coke is very low but the goodwill you get from it is almost priceless. The same with wifi. We have the highest possible speed, complimentary for guests because that’s what the modern traveler wants. Charging for slow internet is an easy way to annoy customers and ensure that they don’t come back.

Where do you source the art pieces that define The Opposite House?

Some of the permanent pieces have been here since we first opened. We worked with a number of art consultants who purchased art for the hotel. They did a great job because this was pre-2008 and they managed to find a number of pieces that have become synonymous with The Opposite House.

We also do a quarterly installation that can be found in the foyer and the criteria for these installations are very simple – they are all contemporary Chinese art. We are a contemporary hotel, in China so those are the only two limitations. We have been approached by overseas artists and galleries and although we will always entertain ideas, we wish to keep the space for the local art community.

We’ve done video art, sculpture, and installation art. We are not limited to any one gallery or curator. We work with a number of people who know the art scene very well (much better than we do). Our current installation is one of the edgier that we have featured.

TOH’s latest exhibit, with AsiaTravel Beshan Gāi as the backdrop

How do you think the art installations affect the stay of the guests?

I think it has really been part of our branding. People have grown up in past 8 years with The Opposite House knowing that every time they come back there will be something else to engage them. A whole new visual engagement to have and that’s our DNA.

It happened almost by accident actually. Where those installations are, in the original design are meant to be reflecting ponds. Waterproofing wasn’t great in 2007/2008 so they didn’t hold the water very well. Also, in a residential area where there are kids around they can be a liability – they didn’t work practically. So the idea was to level it out, put some art in its place and keep that revolving. People love it.

TOH’s latest art exhibit, from the Red Gate Gallery

Can you tell us what brought you to Beijing and what keeps you here?

I’ve lived in some pretty remote places. I ran Necker Island for Richard Branson for a couple of years, I’ve worked in the Maldives and in lots of remote, beautiful, idyllic places. These places are perfect for a spending a 2-week honeymoon but it becomes a little more challenging to live there.

In 2004 I got the opportunity to come to Beijing. At the time it seemed like the toughest decision in the world to leave this idyllic island and go to a big city like Beijing, but it was for a hotel that was going to be the host hotel for the Olympics so I couldn’t really say no.

I really enjoy the changes throughout the year in Beijing. You have seasonality here. The city is very creative too and that is something that resonates with the hotel. There has been big progress in art but also technology, fashion and design.

We have a great family life here too. We’ve got three boys and they’re busy, active and love being outside. Beijing is a great place to get that outdoor activity. Beijing is extremely modern, well provided and a great destination. We have a long way to go to get people to engage with the destination – not just the hotels here.

If you weren’t managing The Opposite House what would you be doing and where would you be?

Hmm… I‘ve got about 10 answers to this question.

I would probably be a marine biologist somewhere on a boat. I was a pearl diver in my younger days in Australia and I probably enjoyed that 12 months of pearl diving as much as any other time in my life.

Living on a boat and out to sea for literally months on end. What you experience is completely different to what you see in big cities like Beijing. I don’t get to dive often now but whenever I am near the sea I like to be in the water.

Ah, so that’s why the swimming pool is your favorite space in The Opposite House!

Yep I’m a water guy. I grew up sailing and surfing and later diving so that’s what I like to do. I started traveling when I was 21 with a hospitality degree under my belt and I haven’t really been back since.

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Discover Beijing on a private Beijing tour and check out the latest art exhibit at The Opposite House.

 

Discover the best of Dunhuang with our guide to this ancient Silk Road trading city. Here are our picks for must-see attractions, best things to eat, as well as some AsiaTravel flourishes to make your journey even more memorable.
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For monks, merchants, and artists traveling along the legendary Silk Road, the sight of the small and unimposing city of Dunhuang in northern Gansu, hailed a significant crossroads. For those traveling from the East, Dunhuang was their last rest-stop before venturing into the vast and inhospitable Taklaman desert. For those who had already made the treacherous journey, the city marked a return (for the time being) to safer paths. The traditions, temples and Buddhist art that these travelers left behind make Dunhuang one of China’s most culturally rich travel destinations. Here are our tips for getting the most out of your trip:

Must Visit Sites

The Mogao Grottoes

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987

The tens of thousands of paintings and carvings that fill these caves document hundreds of years of life along the Silk Road. You can trace the development of artistic style over the course of time as you move through the caves, and follow the changing forms of Buddhism practiced in the region. The Mogao Grottoes are home to some of the best preserved cave murals in China along with endless intricately detailed frescoes, sculptures and terracotta statues that date back as early as 400AD.

Why visit with AsiaTravel? Enjoy private access to caves normally closed to the public accompanied by AsiaTravel Expert Director Wang, the director of the Dunhuang Academy.

The Taklaman Desert and the Mingsha Dunes

Marco Polo made the trip so, so should you

Taklamakan translates literally as “Once you go in, you won’t come out!” and for the Silk Road traders, the path they took through the desert was one the most hazardous parts of their journey. Stand upon the 300m sand dunes that Polo dubbed as the ‘Rumbling sands’ and listen to them ‘roar’ as the wind blows.

Barter with one of the local camel herders for a ride to the Crescent Moon Lake, a small oasis amid the sand. Known to locals as the ‘First Lake under heaven’ the natural fresh water lake is believed the have existed for over 2,000 years.

Why travel with AsiaTravel? Watch the sun go down over Marco Polo’s ‘Rumbling sands’ with a glass of champagne in your hand as your AsiaTravel hosts prepare a delicious private BBQ dinner for you in the desert.

The Yumenguan pass (The Jade Gate)

The ancient gateway to Dunhuang

The Yumenguan Pass was located in the westernmost extension of the Great Wall. The wall was built as an ancient stronghold during the Han Dynasty to protect against Hun invasion but the gate came into its own as an important trading post. Every caravan, merchant, trader and their horses traveling to Dunhuang were required to pass through. Today only the small square fortress remains but remnants of the Great Wall can be spotted far into the distance.

Why travel with AsiaTravel? Learn more about the area with AsiaTravel Expert William Lindesay, author of “Alone on the Great Wall” and a leader in efforts to preserve the Great Wall.

Must Eat Food

Langzhou Lamian (Hand-pulled noodles)

The province’s most famous cuisine

You can slurp a bowl full at Dunhuang’s night market which serves them up alongside an engaging slice of local life. Get an insider’s look at Dunhuang culture and breathe in the thick aroma of barbecued lamb kebabs before picking up some local wares – many of which will be hand-made right in front of your eyes.

More time in Gansu?

• • Head south to the Danxia Landform in Zhangye where tectonic activity has created a unique, multi-colored topography
• • Get off the beaten track and visit the Horse’s hoof temple 马蹄寺. These Tibetan style hanging grottoes offer fewer murals than Mogao Caves but also fewer tourists.
• • Make your way down to the south of Gansu province, where you can spend a weekend at the luxury camping site, Norden Camps, for a taste of nomadic life on the plains.

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Join our August 2016 Silk Road Small Group Tour or venture off on your own tailor made tour of the Silk Road.

China in winter is home to many unexpected cold weather wonderlands. Instead of getting the winter blues this year, embrace the season and enjoy unique experiences that rival any of those you could have in the warmer months. 

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For many travelers, winter might not be the preferred time to visit the Middle Kingdom. But, be that as it may, we think there are plenty of reasons to do exactly that: less crowds, lower costs, more space and a greater capacity to fully explore the best parts of the country.

Most importantly, traveling around China during the months of November to January allows you to view and experience the land through a completely new lens. Get inspired for your next big Chinese winter adventure with the following destinations:

Harbin Ice Sculpture
Photo by Tracy Hunter via Flickr

1. Harbin

Of course Harbin is on every winter traveler’s bucket list: The yearly extravaganza of the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is a sub-zero wonderland of icy towers, massive castles and mystical creatures. It’s nothing short of a real-life scene from Pixar’s winter wonderland classic, Frozen.

Be dazzled by the colorful LED lights that brighten up the sculptures at night and lucky for you, climbing and playing on the bigger installations is encouraged.

The lesser known Rime Ice and Snow Festival is also worth a visit and happens around the same time in Jilin, just 260km southwest of Harbin. Rime is a rare occurrence, formed when warm, moist air comes into contact with objects at freezing temperature. Winter in Jilin presents an exceptionally magical scene of trees covered in white crystalline rime.

Beijing Ski Lift
Photo by Chen Zhao via Flickr

2. Beijing

Winter in Beijing is long and dry, but there is a wealth of wintry activities to keep you snug and toasty. Snow is rare, but when it falls, it adds an ethereal texture to the city’s historical streets. Hike up Jingshan Park for an unparalleled view of The Forbidden City, or take a long stroll through Beijing’s hutong neighborhoods.

During winter, the frozen Summer Palace lake is converted into a public skating rink and locals lace up their ice-skates with the whole family in tow. Join them on the rink and try riding a unique Chinese invention – the skating bicycle. In nearby Hebei province there are many ski resorts to visit too. With the impending Winter Olympics, the ski spots are set to grow quickly in quantity and quality, so there’s no better time to visit.

If spending a crisp winter morning wandering through Beijing’s historical hutong alleyways sounds like your kind of thing, inquire about our Beijing’s Past and Future tour.

View of Yellow Mountain
Photo by Chi King via Flickr

3. Yellow Mountain

Huangshan literally means Yellow Mountain in Mandarin, and it’s stunning peaks and deep valleys make for a beautiful view any time of year.  Wrap up warm this winter and ascend the Eastern Steps, passing by frozen mountain streams shrouded by photogenic bamboo forests. The walk is stunning but the pièce de résistance comes as you wake early the next morning to watch Huangshan’s famous sunrise from the top of the mountain.

Feel the warmth of the golden rays as they spill over the clouds and reflect off the glistening snow resting gently on the peaks.

Join us on an adventure to this picturesque land on our Yellow Mountain tour.

Longjing Tea Plantation

4. Hangzhou

Located just a train ride from Shanghai, Hangzhou has long been the prime source of the renowned Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea. Once grown and served exclusively to the imperial family, you can now learn how the green tea is made at Longjing’s tea plantations.

Pay a visit to a private farmhouse where you can sip hot, fragrant tea brewed with tea leaves picked fresh from the farm. Then relax on the terrace overlooking rolling hills of tea bushes coated with a thin layer of silvery-white snow – simply stunning.

Get started with your tea adventure on our Hangzhou: Paradise on Earth tour.

Shangri-La in Snow

5. Yunnan

At the southwestern corner of China, Yunnan’s milder climate makes a comfortable winter. The province has an unsurpassed variety of landscapes, terrain and topography and is home to some of our favorite destinations. Two in particular present a distinct take on the theme of winter wonderlands: Dali and Shangri-Li.

Teetering on the Tibetan border in Shangri-La brings you to the snowcapped peaks of Meili Snow Mountain and the fascinating local mix of Tibetan and Han culture. Here you can visit Ringha Temple and watch thousands of multicolored prayer flags flap in the winter breeze and enjoy a spiritual connection to this ancient land at Songzanlin Lamasery, the largest Buddhist temple in the province. Icy Napahai Lake will offer a tranquil scene full of the wonder and grace of unsullied nature and a hot cup of Tibetan milk tea will warm your bones. Experience this breathtaking escape on our Songtsam Circuit tour and spend your evenings curled up by the fire in world-star retreats.

In central Yunnan, you will find the old town of Dali, home to the Bai minority group. To prepare for winter, the minority families cure ham and pickle vegetables the same way their ancestors have since time immemorial. Satiate your winter appetite and dive into the kitchens of Dali’s artisans our Travels through Dali: with a leg of ham tour.

Nicolas Bourque via Flickr

6. Tibet

Another great place to visit in China in winter is the exotic land of Tibet. With softly rolling mountains covered in powder white snow and beautiful temples crested with colorful flags, winter in Tibet is a sight to behold. Located in China’s far west, Tibet’s altitude will make you feel like you’re in heaven at the roof of the world

Tibetan winters are known for their blue skies and clear days. You can cozy up in your parka as you listen to the monks recite their harmonious sutras in gilded temples. On all sides you’ll be enveloped by the sacred sights and sounds of this land, resplendent with all the trappings of typical Buddhism.

 

If a pilgrimage to this holy land sounds like a cure for your winter doldrums, consider joining us on the Soul of Tibet tour or our Escape to Lhasa tour. It’ll be like chicken soup for the soul.

Winter doesn’t have to stop you from visiting China. In fact, you can enjoy all the best things the cold season has to offer: sipping hot tea by a fire, gorging on steaming cuisine, and taking advantage of the chance to skate on the country’s stunning frozen lakes.

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Convinced that a trip to China could help quell the winter doldrums? Check out some of our best tours for winter: Travels through Dali: with a Leg of Ham, Hangzhou: Marco Polo’s Paradise on Earth, and Beijing’s Past and Future.

Grab your camera and get ready to see our favorite parts of Dali on this self-guided biking tour. Download the map to begin your own Dali adventure.

 

Tucked between Cang Mountain and Erhai Lake, Dali, Yunnan is a Ming-era town that has retained much through the ages. It was once capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom and though the Kingdom fell long ago, the indigenous Bai ethnic minority who comprised its population still accounts for the majority of the residents in both the town and the surrounding villages. As a result, Dali offers rich, colorful traditions and diverse architectural design, set against some of China’s most stunning scenery.

From the cobbled streets of the old town, to the fishing villages on the shores of Erhai lake, grab your camera and embark on our AsiaTravel self-guided bike tour of Dali. The best part? It can be taken completely at your own pace.

Download the Dali Bicycle Tour map

 Directions:

1. 1. Begin your ride at The AsiaTravel Dali House

2. 2. Renmin Road, Dali Old Town Head East and ride through charming Dali Old Town. Explore the town’s traditional Bai architecture before crossing highway 221 and following the small roads heading east until you reach the shore of Erhai Lake.
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3. 3. Caicun Village Caicun village is just one of the communities you will visit along the lake. Continue North and although you will be traveling through farmland, the scenery is well worth the bumpier ride.

4. 4. Fengbei South Line Head West, back towards town, when you reach Fengbei South Line. Be careful when crossing the highways as there are no bike lanes.
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5. 5. The Three Pagodas The last stop before heading home, Dali’s emblematic Three Pagodas are located at the foot of Cang Mountain. Dating from 836AD, the central tower is both the tallest and oldest of the three Buddhist structures.

Want a local AsiaTravel guide to show you the way? Check out our Yunnan tour.

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Photo credits: 1. Jeremy Foster via flikr 2. Jeremy Foster via flikr 3. Alex Keshavjee via flikr

September 2015 marked a landmark anniversary for AsiaTravel – 15 years of pioneering experiential travel experiences throughout China! When deciding how to celebrate, a gala dinner seemed like an obvious choice but we aren’t ones to settle for the ordinary…

Instead, we decided to mark our achievements by celebrating China’s artisans – after all, they were the reason we began our journey and the reason we continue to strive today. We partnered with The Opposite House, one of Beijing’s most chic 5-star hotels, and invited thirty carefully selected artisans from Dongbei to Yunnan to exhibit and sell their handcrafted and cultivated treasures at an up-market boutique bazaar.

The inaugural Beshan Gāi was an Aladdin’s cave of artisan goods. From jewelry to homeware to organic produce, it was a day of fun and discovery for everyone. Over 2,000 visitors attended the event and there were regular musical performances throughout the day from one of Yunnan’s best folk singers. There was even a sugar painter on hand ready to create edible masterpieces for our younger audience. Beshan Gāi 2015 was designed and themed by POP-UP Beijing, and the event was covered in magazines such as Conde Nast China, Bloomberg China, City Weekend and Time Out Beijing (to name just a few).

With outstanding feedback from artisans and visitors alike, this year Beshan Gāi will return as a 4-day moving bazaar across different venues in Beijing and we are looking for artisans to join us.

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BESHAN GAI 2016

When: Saturday September 24^th – Sunday September 25^th

Where: The Opposite House & Taikoo Li North Village

Expected Attendance: 1,000 – 2,000 high end consumers per day

Special showcase for selected vendors:

Showcase 1: Thursday September 22^nd @ The Peninsula Hotel

Showcase 2: Friday September 23^rd @ The Rosewood Hotel

Expected Attendance: VIP & media guests, up to 400 high-end consumers per day

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The benefits of participating in Beshan Gāi

• • You will be part of a carefully themed and curated environment with both entertainment and Food and Beverage zones
• • You will get face-to-face interaction with high-end consumers from both the expat and Chinese community in Beijing
• • You will get face-to-face interaction with high-end media outlets invited by AsiaTravel
• • You will receive exposure to AsiaTravel’s global community through a social media campaign to 25,000+ worldwide
• • You will receive exposure of your brand and product on the official Beshan Gāi website
• • You will receive exposure of your brand and product through our media partner’s distribution channels, both in printed magazines throughout Beijing and online via their website, blog and social media

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The new high-speed rail line to Yunnan makes one of our favorite China destinations that much more accessible. From June 30th 2016, you’ll be able to travel from Shanghai all the way across the country to Kunming, China’s launchpad for outdoor adventure, in just 10 hours.  

The journey from Shanghai to Kunming, Yunnan is now only 10 hours. Photo by Enzo Jiang via flikr

The journey from the port megacity of Shanghai to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan, China’s year-round hub for adventure travel and cultural immersion, was once an 18 hour ride by train. This new line shaves off almost half the time, getting you there in 10 hours flat. For travelers from Beijing, the trip will take only 30 minutes more.

Trains can be one of the best ways to get around China. Check in is much less of a hassle and the new CRH high-speed trains are very comfortable, with more spacious seating than you’ll find on most domestic flights in China. And the best thing of all, you get to enjoy beautiful views of the Chinese countryside that you would completely miss flying overhead.

Where to Go from Kunming

Kunming is the launchpad for all kinds of adventures in Yunnan province. Here are few places to head next when you hop off the platform in Kunming:

Head northwest to the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest river canyons with popular hiking routes and gorgeous views. Photo by Jeremy Foster via Flikr

 

Visit the quaint old town of Dali to explore the local Bai architecture, visit local artisans, and taste some scrumptious locally grown Yunnan specialties. Photo by Jeremy Foster via Flikr

 

Stay at the Aman Hotel right in the heart of Lijiang Old Town. The Amandayan boasts a beautiful garden of local plants and flowers. It’s a lovely setting to spend an afternoon, sitting in a courtyard, drinking tea, and watching the blossom petals fall with the wind. Photo by Amandayan Lijiang

 

Visit Shangri-la, which remains an important center for Yunnan’s Tibetan community. The charming town is located in a broad valley on the Tibetan Plateau at an altitude of 10,500 feet, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, primeval forests, and lakes. 

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See all the Yunnan highlights on our classic Yunnan tour.

Hong Kong: apart from being one of the world’s global financial centers, the metropolitan city ranks highly for top-notch standards in its service and hospitality sectors. Many exciting accommodation choices are available, some of which will take you above skyscrapers with drop-dead vistas of the city. Read on for our top 5 picks for Hong Kong hotels.

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5. Langham Hong Kong

The stunning foyer of the Langham Hong Kong. Photo via Langham Hotels

The Langham Hong Kong recently received the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Rating Award and was named one of Travel + Leisure 500 – World Best Hotels. Located in Tsimshatsui, Hong Kong’s exclusive shopping district, the Langham evokes classical British luxury and provides a perfect blend of past and present. The hotel incorporates fine fabrics and silk drapes into its bespoke design. Guests can enjoy an immersive British “Langham Afternoon Tea ” experience with tailor-made Langham Rose tea ware and a special menu created by culinary experts. To satiate your palate, the Langham houses three well-rated restaurants including the three Michellin-starred T’ang Court which serves authentic Cantonese cuisine reflecting the classic timelessness of the Tang Dynasty. The Star Ferry with sensational views of the Victoria Harbor is a short walk away.

4. Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

Inside the Mandarin Oriental’s top-rated restaurant. Photo via Mandarin Oriental

If you want an awe-inspiring view of Victoria Harbor as you tuck in for bed, look no farther than the Mandarin Oriental. The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is the first and flagship hotel of the Mandarin Oriental hotel group. This iconic hotel is as legendary as the city of Hong Kong itself. It boasts a central location, five-star facilities, and is renowned for its sleek design, impressive service and exquisite blend of luxury and comfort. The style itself is bold and bright, yet retains a cozy charm reminiscent of old Hong Kong. Rooms are well-refurbished and redesigned to maximize space; service is as tip-top as any other luxury hotel in Hong Kong. Gourmands will love the three, Michelin-starred restaurants within the hotel – Pierre, with two stars, the Mandarin Grill and Cantonese restaurant, and Man Wah, each of with one-star. A stay at the Mandarin Oriental is an indulgent getaway from it all.

3. Island Shangri-La

Check-in at Island Shangri’La’s opulent lobby. Photo via Island Shangri-La

Island Shangri-La is all about old-school opulence – 779 Austrian and Venetian chandeliers bedeck its premises; the largest Chinese silk painting in the world can be observed from the bubble lifts while Fragonard drawings hang on some corridors. Elegant rooms are equipped with plush beds and spacious bathrooms – opt for a harbor-view room and you won’t be disappointed. Dining options include Michelin-starred Summer Palace, which serves Cantonese cuisine, as well as Café TOO, loved by locals for their international buffets on weekends.

 

2. Upper House

The modern chic of the rooms at the Upper House. Photo via the Upper House

The Upper House exudes modern Hong Kong style with a uniquely urban feel. The interiors are sumptuously designed by one of England’s top designers and feature bamboo, limestone and plush cushions in warm hues. The rooms, starting from the 38th floor, provide one-of-a-kind views and a respite from the bustling sounds of cars and street vendors down below. Like its sister properties, The Opposite House Beijing and The Temple House in Chengdu, the Upper House perfectly embodies the sleek modernity and urbane cool of the international mega-city. No compromises have been made on the artistic detail of this sophisticated boutique hotel. The Upper House is a great choice for business folk as well as shoppers – the hotel is in the same building as the glitzy Pacific Place mall.

1. Peninsula Hotel

The iconic pool at the Peninsula Hotel. Photo via Peninsula Hotel

• By far the most opulent hotel in Hong Kong, the iconic Peninsula is known as the Grande Dame of the East. This flagship hotel of the Peninsula brand provides guest with a one-of-a-kind, uniquely Hong Kong experience. Upon arrival, guests step into the timeless colonial glamour of a bygone era. Established in 1928, the hotel effortlessly combines the luxury of the past with modern renovations like LED touch wall panels. The spectacular open air Roman-style pool and state-of-the-art fitness center offer unobstructed views of the harbor. Arrive in style in one of the custom “Peninsula Green” Rolls Royces or Mini-Coopers. And our favorite part – AsiaTravel can make you an instant VIP with our PenClub benefits. If all of this luxury hasn’t wowed you yet, take to the air (the Pen is the only hotel with a helipad in Hong Kong) for a world-class view over Victoria Harbor or sightseeing excursions to less visited islands. You’ll never want to leave!

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Want to test out the pillows for yourself? Be our guest on a customized Hong Kong: Pearl of the Orient tour and find your favorite home away from home in Hong Kong.

 

Goldfish, birds, toys, clothes and electronics – there seems to be a street in Hong Kong for just about every type of commodity you might need. Inside the checkered warren of the city’s lanes you will find many great bargains, and interesting slices of local life. Here are some to visit during your next trip to the city:  

Photo by Barney Moss via Flickr

Southern part of Hong Kong Island

Stanley Market

Address: Hong Kong, Stanley, Stanley New St, 赤柱赤柱大街

Set in the seaside town of Stanley on Hong Kong Island’s south coast, Stanley Market is known for its huge selection of bargain clothes, inexpensive Chinese knick-knacks and household goods. At its Western end is Tin Hau Temple. Built by the notorious pirate Cheung Po Tsai in 1767, it remains one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong. An easy 25-minute walk takes you to the beach, where bars, pubs and restaurant line the waterfront.

Opens 10am to 5pm daily.

 

Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon side

Photo by Daniel Chodusov via Flickr

Temple Street Night Market

Address: Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon

Few places in Hong Kong are livelier than Temple Street, a popular street bazaar named after the Tin Hau temple at its center. Stall vendors lay out their wares every night from as early as 4pm, selling trinkets, watches, electronics, leather and menswear. While the stalls are mainly aimed at locals, the market’s popularity with tourists has driven prices up, and you might find better deals in the shops hidden behind the stalls. Fortune-tellers, street doctors, impromptu performances of Cantonese opera and the clack of mahjong tiles further add to the festivity of the market.

Opens 5pm – 11pm daily.

Jade Market

Address: Junction of Kansu Street and Battery Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon

Halfway between Yau Ma Tei and Jordan on Kansu Street is the Jade Market, two solid blocks of flea markets and shops selling everything from high quality jade jewelry and figurines to glass trinkets. Genuine jade can range in color from milky white to a beautiful deep green. Another common hue is a cream color with brown or yellow flecks. Be careful about imitation jade at the market and always start with a bargaining price about 50% of what the vendor offered. The more eager he is to give it away the more you should suspect it is not the real McCoy.

Opens 9am to 5pm daily.

Photo by Mitch Altman via Flickr

Mongkok, Kowloon side

Ladies Street

Address: Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon

This market on Tung Choi Street boasts over 100 stalls of bargain clothing, accessories and souvenirs across a one-kilometer stretch. More popular with tourists, prices here are comparatively higher than other markets. It does offer plenty of haggling fun for cheap souvenirs, ‘I Love HK’ t-shirts, accessories and other curios. Fashion here is often more “auntie” than trendy.

Opens 12pm to 10pm daily.

Photo by Geneva Vanderzeil via Flickr

Flower Market

Address: Flower Market Road, Prince Edward, Kowloon

Immerse yourself among the exotic blooms and scents of Hong Kong’s Flower Market. The 50 or so shops and wholesalers get especially busy during the period before Chinese New Year, as families flock towards the market to buy auspicious flowers and plants for the new lunar cycle.

Opens 7am to 7pm daily.

Bird Market 

Address: Yuen Po Street, Prince Edward, Kowloon       

Designed in the charming style of a traditional Chinese garden, the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden is a pleasant place to witness the old Chinese hobby of bird-keeping. Elderly men gather here, carrying their their feathered friends in intricately crafted bamboo cages. Sweet birdsongs ring out from the stalls selling exotic birds, porcelain water dishes and other related paraphernalia.

Opens 7am to 8pm daily.

Photo by Rob Web via Flickr

Goldfish Market

Address: Tung Choi Street North, Mong Kok, Kowloon

Locals head to the Goldfish Market to buy luck-bringing goldfish, aquarium pets, corals, aquariums, and aquatic ornaments. It is common to see oxygen-sealed plastic bags of goldfish (and other weirdly shaped ones) hung on racks and ready for sale.  You’ll also spot a few amphibians and reptiles crawling about.

Opens 10.30am to 10pm daily.

Shanghai Street

Address: 312-343 Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon

Shanghai Street is one of the city’s oldest thoroughfares; a walk here gives you a glimpse of disappearing Hong Kong, of old Chinese opera houses and beautifully preserved shop-house buildings. It is also a great place to buy affordable kitchenware including handcrafted items like sandalwood fans and bamboo steam baskets used for dim sum usually sold in family-owned shops.

Opens 10am to 10pm daily.

Sham Shui Po, Kowloon side

Photo by Marcel Druck via Flickr

Apliu Street

Address: Apliu Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon

In the heart of Sham Shui Po, vendors at the popular street market sell new and second-hand electronic devices, audio-visual equipment and telecommunications products at bargain prices. Tip: Check the voltage and plug/socket of the item for electronic compatibility.

Opens 10am to 10pm daily.

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Excited to venture out and explore the vibrant markets of Hong Kong? Book AsiaTravel’s Hong Kong: Pearl of the Orient tour.