China Travel Blog

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

 

 

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

 

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!

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

Ladies and Gentleman, the moment has arrived! Today we announce the 2012 AsiaTravel Explorer Finalists. One of these three will be chosen and the winner will be announced in early January 2012!

The AsiaTravel Explorer Grant is an annual grant of up to USD 3,000 that is awarded to adventurers seeking to push the boundaries of responsible, off-the-beaten-path travel in China. Last week, AsiaTravel Founder Zhang Mei and the expert panel sat down to lunch at one of Beijing’s nicest hideaways– Capital M— to discuss the finalists.

The panel– Ed Wong of The New York Times, Li Bo of Friends of Nature and Yu Hui of National Geographic Traveler China– were blown away by the caliber of applications.  The panel mulled over amazing trekking trips in Gansu province by former Bowdoin College graduates, professional photographers who saught to travel to Jiangxi Province to learn more about Wuyuan County and a world famous journalist and author who desired to venture to Poyang Lake, the last wintering area for nearly all of the world’s critically endangered Siberian Cranes and some 400,000 other water birds.  We were so impressed.

However, tough decisions needed to be made.  And this is what the judges decided:

Announcing The 2012 AsiaTravel Explorer Grant Finalists…

Finalist # 3:  Yachen Monastery & Tibetan Buddhism: Exploring the lives of Tibetan Nuns by Yasmin Cho.

Yasmin, a former graduate student in Cultural Anthropology at Duke University, conducted preliminary field research over two summers focused on building relationships with non-Tibetan nuns and lay practioners. Yasmin is passionate about this subject as there has been no international coverage of the thousands of young Tibetan nuns who congregate in the Yachen monastery practicing Buddhism.  Yasmin hopes to explore the social impacts of this population in China.

Finalist # 2: Venturing to Ganzi Prefecture in Sichuan Province by Zhang Shanghua (张上华).

Ganzi Prefecture in Sichuan Province is some of the wildest parts of China. There are no roads, no cars and very few people.  As a result, Mr. Zhang wants to travel to experience this “primitive natural beauty and the most authentic religious atmosphere.” Mr. Zhang plans to use 25-30 days to explore in-depth this area to share with the outside world. Mr. Zhang lives in Chengdu Sichaun and works as a scientist at Chengdu ChemPartner Co., Ltd.

Finalist # 1: Trekking China’s Wilderness: Scouting a Route Along the Backbone of Ailao Shan & Connecting Routes by William Bleisch and Yan Lu.

With experiences such as the Program Director of China Exploration & Research Society, World Wildlife Federation China, Fauna & Flora International China Programme Office and Harvard University, this team of William and Yan is pretty dynamic.  In 2012, William and Yan propose to scout a route along the backbone of the Ailao Shan in Yunnan, through the nature reserves and up on to Dali where the route would connect with existing trekking routes.

Stay tuned to learn more about each of the explorers.  We will be doing a short feature on each of them in the coming weeks. One of these three will be chosen and the winner will be announced in early January 2012!

———–

For more information on the AsiaTravel Explorer Grant, please click here.

Here is a recent blog from Chelin Miller, AsiaTravel’s own yummy mummy blogger.  Here she talks about a fantastic new book on Tibetan Arts and Artisans.  Makes everyone at AsiaTravel want to add a Tibetan rug to their Christmas wish list!

———-

Living Hands: Tibetan Arts and Artisans, a book by Chris Buckley is an inspiring book. It gives an insightful description of the various aspects of Tibetan Arts and Crafts, about which there is so little written.

 

 

From weavers, dyers, metalworkers and thangka painters to mask makers, sculptors and carpenters. We can appreciate Chris Buckley’s passion for Tibet not only in the beautiful images (both by the author and by Mimi Kuo), but also in the knowledgeable description of each craft. But Living Hands is much more than a book about crafts. Because by portraying the artisans’ personal stories and anecdotes, their art comes to life; we feel closer to understanding their history, traditions and emotions. What drives them to create such beautiful objects: necessity, divine inspiration? Where do they source their materials? How did their techniques evolve through time and changing circumstances? What were these objects used for? How are modernity and globalisation affecting their traditional way of life?

 

I’ve had the privilege of meeting Chris Buckley personally and attending some of his talks about Chinese antiques in Beijing. He is one of the friendliest people I have ever come across, who will open up his home and share his collections, expertise and love for art and tradition. He is also an excellent photographer, designer and researcher, with a humanitarian drive to promote the preservation of Tibetan artisan products. To this end, in 2005 he established the Tanva Weaving workshop in Lhasa, helping to enhance the quality and value of rugs produced and sold by Tibetan weavers.

 

In September 2011 his gallery in Beijing, Torana, received a design award from Elle Decoration magazine for their colorshade rug range.  Living Hands: Tibetan Arts and Artisans is currently available direct from Torana Gallery in Europlaza, Beijing. The book will soon be available through Amazon.

 

———

For additional questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch at info@wildchina.com.

Earlier today, we sat down with some of the AsiaTravel team and asked them what they were thankful for this Thanksgiving.  Today we share with you some of their  thoughts on what makes them thankful in 2011.

Gloria Guo, one of AsiaTravel’s most sought after travel consultants, is thankful for her recent trip to Tibet.  She spent close to two weeks using her AsiaTravel travel grant (a grant for employees who have worked at AsiaTravel for 3 years) to explore Lhasa as well as remote mountain regions.  Her travels took her to see Mt. Everest, an experience she will never forget!

 

 

Max Stein, one of AsiaTravel’s Princeton-in-Asia fellows, is thankful for his opportunity to move to Beijing following his graduation from Colorado College. Max has assisted in leading AsiaTravel trips to locations such as Henan province to take kungfu classes at the Shaolin Temple and to Yunnan Province where he assisted with one of AsiaTravel’s newest trips, Abujee: Tibetan Trek in Yunnan.

 

 

Fred He, one of AsiaTravel’s super star guides, is thankful for his family and the support that they give him. Fred travels on AsiaTravel trips for much of the year, and he is glad that he always has someone checking in on him.

 

 

From everyone at AsiaTravel, Happy Thanksgiving.

The following post was written by a student from Concordia International School Shanghai who traveled with AsiaTravel to Abujee in September 2011.

———-

Trekking amidst the tranquility and nature that is Abujee, a sacred region in Shangri-la, Yunnan, was a rewarding experience that garnered many new friends and beautiful memories. On this trip, our group studied aspects of Buddhism through a visit to a monastery and a private meeting with a lama, a spiritual leader. Interaction with the local horsemen also allowed us insight into Tibetan culture and lifestyle. On a particular night, we were warmly welcomed into the home of a Tibetan friend of our guides’ for dinner, where we sampled the delightfully explosive yak butter tea and enjoyed their traditional song and dance, which we reciprocated with a hilarious rendition of the “Hokey-pokey”.”

 

After chilling in town and a “leisurely” hike on the first day, we began our trek on the barely-touched-by-foreigners path to Abujee. The physical demands of the trail called for mutual encouragement and individual strength that drew the group closer, both to each other and to the majestic terrain of Shangri-la. Through sweat, burning muscles, and the amazing leadership of Jeff “The-Guy-with-the-hair” Fuchs, Sonam “Beast” Geleg, and AsiaTravel’s David and Max, many of us surprised ourselves with our own ability to push onward and succeed.

 

Amidst games of Big Two, sing-offs, campfires, and appalling encounters with monstrous bugs, we laughed and learned and grew. Thus were born “Goat-girl”, “Sugar-boy”, “Falcwynn”, and the sophisticated and refined game of “Abububall”.

On that dreaded last day, each one of us looked wistfully at the distant mountains, waving goodbye with a bittersweet smile and a heavy heart, reluctant to leave the place that would henceforth cause us to smile fondly.

And so, I ruefully conclude that the trip was a lot like this passage—a process both fun and funny, albeit a tad trying at times, and regretfully, much, much too short.

———-

This young student traveled with AsiaTravel in September of 2011.  For journeys to Abujee, check out our website here or contact us at info@wildchina.com.

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)

 

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