Mosque in Guangzhou China Review

Located in the south of China, Guangzhou has played an important role as one of the main port cities for the Sea Silk Road with a long history of more than 2,000 years. With the development of the sea trade, Guangzhou is recorded to have business connections with countries form the Arab region in the far ancient Sui and Tang Dynasties. Guangzhou is recorded to be the place has the earliest introduction of Islam into China in the history.
When Muslim businessmen from the Arab region travel to Guangzhou to do business in the Tang Dynasty, they started to build mosques when they settled down in Guangzhou. The Guangzhou Huaisheng Mosque constructed in the Tang Dynasty is recorded to be the oldest mosque in China.
Later more mosques are built because of the increasingly religious needs. The existing major mosque in Guangzhou China include Huaisheng Mosque, Xianxian Mosque, Xiaodongying Mosque and Haopan Mosque.
Guangzhou Huaisheng Mosque

Huaisheng Mosque, also called as Guangta Mosque or Light Tower Mosque, is located in Guangzhou city. It is one of the oldest mosques in China and is one of the four most notable mosques in China with the other three being Yangzhou Crane Mosque, Quanzhou Kylin Mosque and Hangzhou Phoenix mosque.
Huaisheng Mosque was constructed in the purpose to the memory of the prophet of Islam, Mohammed. As its name suggesting, Huaisheng means “remembering the saint" in Chinese. Huaisheng Mosque was firstly constructed in Tang Dynasty (618-907) and was rebuilt several times.
It covers a total area of 3,000 square meters with buildings of the main hall, Wangyue Building, east and west galleries, scripture-stored room, stele pavillion, Xuanli tower(Guangta or Light Tower) and other facilities.
Facing south, Huangsheng Mosque was built in the symmetrical layout of Chinese traditional style with styles of West Asia in the decoration and colors. Its main hall, which is situate din the center of the courtyard, occupies an area of 400 square meters.
What stands the mosque most is the Light Tower. The marnet is constructed with Arabic styles with a height of 36 meters. The tower was built with green bricks in a round bottom and coated gray sands in the surface. There are small holes in the body of the tower for lighting. This light tower was used for the service of navigation for ships on the Zhujiang River when sailors climbing up the tower for the observation of weather conditions.
Even with a history of thousand years, Huaisheng Mosque still plays an important role. It welcomes thousands of Muslims every year and it is where the Guangzhou Islamic Association seated. Tourists are allowed if they are Muslims.
Address, No. 56, Guangta Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Location, Near Zhongshan Sixth Road and Jiefang Road
Telephone, 0086-20-83333593
Guangzhou Xianxian Mosque

Guangzhou Xianxian Mosque, located in Guihuagang, is a famous Islamic historic site. It was first constructed during Tang Dynasty (618-907), now it has a history more than 1,300 years. Xianxian Mosque covers an area of 1,860 square meters with a construction area of 1,077 square meters.
Xianxian Mosque is also called HuiHui Cemetery. It is actually a cemetery for the honor 40 famous Arabic Muslim missionaries who were buried in this cemetery.
The Guangzhou Xianxian Mosque is a cemetery in garden style. It was surrounded with walls with prayer hall, square pavilion, and wing-room inside. The three wing-rooms are located in the west and the prayer hall situated in the north. There are planted many trees and flowers inside the mosque. The cemetery was constructed in arch style in the roof, resembling a hanging clock. Whenever Muslims or tourists coming here to honor missionaries, sound would be loud when talking or chanting and praying.
Xianxian Mosque has a two-storeyed prayer hall, which is capable to hold a capacity of 3,000 people to do prayer. Those halls and other facilities inside the cemetery are all built in the style of Ming Dynasty. Today, Xianxian Mosque still stands as a popular site for Muslims.
Address, 901 Jiefang North Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Location, Near Guihuagang
Telephone, 0086-20-86692743
Guangzhou Haopan Mosque

The Guangzhou Haopan Mosque is one of the oldest existing mosques in Guangzhou. It is situated in Haopan Street, Renmin Middle Road of Guangzhou. Haopan Mosque covers an area of 1,491 square meters. It was enlisted as a city and county level cultural relics protection unit in 1993.
Haopang Mosque was constructed in Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). This mosque was built in the Southern garden style. But the existing buildings of the mosque are the main hall and the gate. The gate was built to face the south while the main hall was constructed to face the east with a width of 18.8 meters and depth of 19.6 meters.
In the Southern garden style, the Haopan Mosque is quite outstanding in architecture. There are exquisite carving in the pillars and beams inside the hall. Haopan Mosque was used to serve as a public place for Muslims to attend religious activities. Now it is only open to Muslims.
Address, 378 Rennin Middle Road, Happen Street, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Telephone, 0086-20-68924279
Guangzhou Xiaodongying Mosque

Guangzhou Xiaodongying Mosque is one of the four mosques in Guangzhou located in Xiaodongying Street of Guangzhou. It was first constructed in the Chenghua Period of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and was renovated two times at Qing Dynasty. Xiaodongying Mosque covers an area of 530 square meters with a main hall of 153 square meters.
Xiaodongying Mosque has an excellent cultural tradition as it has made great contribution and provided ultra convenience for the development of Islam. It has served as a place for church education since its construction. Xiaodongying Mosque has set up Guangzhou Muslim YMCA and other organizations. It also provides the service for funeral ceremony for Muslims.
Built in Chinese traditional style, the main hall of Xiaodongying Mosque was constructed in Chinese palace-style. Now the mosque contains 100 households of Muslims and has a total population of 300 people.
Address, 1, Xiaodongying, Yuehua Road, Guanghzou
Location, Near Guangzhou City Hall and Yuexiu Park
Telephone, 0086-20-3333593
More muslim Guangzhou vacation package information here.

Delicious Food Along Silk Road Travel

A Silk Road tour not only provides experience of mysterious, cultural, historical and exotic to meet physical and psychological needs, it also has abundant tasty food to satisfy your appetite and stomach. Xi’an food, Lanzhou food and Xinjiang food would make you never stop. Now let’s get a close look at those classic and popular delicious foods during Silk Road travel.
Xi’an Food
Saozi Noodles
When mentioning Xi’an food, I think Saozi Noodles should be at the top of the list to be mentioned. Flavorful also colorful, Saozi Noodles has been the must taste food when travel Xi’an. The Saozi noodles are made with diced and fired ingredients like carrot, wood ear fungus, tofu, eggs and garlic bolts. This is why you see a bow of colorful noodles with mellow soup.

Roujiamo
I think no one would resist the temptation of Roujiamo when in a Xi’an tour. Roujiamo is also called Chinese hamburger as it also has two pieces of baked pancake with meat stuffed between. The meat stuffed between could be pork, mutton and beef. The La Zhi Rou Jia Mo is the one of the most popular Roujiamo with the special gravy and flavor.

Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup
Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup is another kind of unique Xi’an food which has a long history and also very hot among local people and tourists. Fragrant and mellow soup with rich nutritious ingredients and chopped lamb to be cooked, the split the pita bread into pieces and soak them in the lamb soup to cook until all the ingredients have a mixed overflowing fragrant smell and taste. Here is a bow of appetizing soup. Not only savory, the pita bread soaked in lamb soup always gives a refresh feeling.

Besides these three classic Xi’an foods, there are many other popular Xi’an snacks to try like dumplings with sour soup, cold rice noodles, Biangbiang Noodles and so on.
Lanzhou Food
Sweet Potato Caramel
Sweet Potato Caramel is a must try when coming to Lanzhou, especially for those tourists who have a sweet tooth. Use the local produced potatoes as the ingredient, put the previous fried potatoes into the melted sugar and stir the potatoes until they become connected with sugar and get the golden bright color. Sweet potato caramel has a golden amber color. It is sweet, crispy and delicious, and become very popular.

Starch Noodles
Starch Noodles should be one of the hottest dishes in summer in the area of Gansu Province. It is featured with fresh, sour and spicy. Also starch contains several enzymes that are beneficial to reduce summer heat and whet appetite. This is why starch noodles are the must eat in summer in Lanzhou.

Mutton eaten with hands
As Lanzhou is a city habited many Hui people, beef and mutton are main ingredients for many dishes. And mutton eaten with hands is one of famous beef and mutton dishes. Characterized with light color but original mellow flavor, fresh and tender, fragrant and savory, Mutton eaten with hands is always the must try dish when in Lanzhou.

Hong Kong Victoria Harbour Overview

Victoria Harbour is the port and water between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula, built by the British to commemorate the British Queen (Victoria), and is the largest harbor in China, as well as the worlds third largest after the United States’ San Francisco and Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro. The broad waters of Victoria Harbour and beautiful scenery, daytime clear water and blue sky and white clouds, boats and ton ships out of harbor without disturbing each other, to the night will be more bright lights, creating a spectacular night view of the “Pearl of the Orient”. Hundred years, the role of Victoria Harbour is far beyond a normal port, it is one of the important natural resources, and is a part of the life of Hong Kong people, and was also the first stop I went to visit Hong Kong.

In fact, the Avenue of Stars which is located in the east of Tsim Sha Tsui, Victoria Harbour is a waterfront promenade following the example of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in recognition of the outstanding personalities of the Hong Kong film industry.
Hong Kong's famous martial arts director Tsui Hark and International martial arts superstar Jet Li are another sightseeings.
International martial arts star Bruce Lee's statue, where there are always a lot of foreign tourists to come to photos.

The sea water of Victoria Harbour is very clean.
Star Ferry Pier and Clock Tower

The Clock Tower was built in 1915, and was the original part of the old Kowloon - Canton Railway train station. Now it has been listed as a declared monument of Hong Kong.
After nightfall, Victoria Harbour, lighted, and embraced. Both sides of the night scene are one of the world famous tourist spots, considering it one of the five world's three night view (along with Japan’s Hakodate, and Italy’s Naples).
Night view of Victoria Peak, but unfortunately that day is not transparent. More information about cruise in Hong Kong here.

China High Speed Trains

China is a vast country and has many great destinations.The destinations are always far from each other.It’s very expensive taking an airplane but regular trains spend too much time.In order to solve this problem, the high-speed rail network is developed and cover most of the country.Now it’s very convenient, time-saving and feasible to take long-distance trips by High-speed trains.

High-speed trains include D Category Trains,G Category Trains and C Category Trains which are much more faster than regular trains. High-speed trains can reach a speed of 400km/h and only work under the advanced technological communication systems.
Seats on High-Speed Trains
Second Class Seats
This kind of seats is the cheapest and most common seat on the high-speed train.It's like the economy class on the plane.Even it's cheap,you still have enough leg space and a tray table infront.
In the second class carriage,there are total five seats in a row.Three at one side and two at the other side of the aisle.
First Class Seats
First class seats are better and more expensive than the second class seats.With larger seat size and more personal space,passenger can have a more enjoyable travel time.
In the first class carriage,there are four seats in a row and each said of asile has two.
Business Class Seats
Like the first-class on the plane,business class seats are the most comfortable,luxurious and expensive seats on the high-speed trains.In Business class carriage,there are three seats in a row,one side has one and the other of asile has two.
Facilities on High-Speed Train
Baggage Holder
There are two kinds of baggage holder in high-speed trains.One is luggage racks which are above the seats on both sides of a carriage.You can put the normal size bags and suitcases.The other is luggage closets which are located at the junctions of two carriages.It's for large-sized trolley suitcases.
Battery Charging
There are power points under every seat on the high-speed train.It's mainly for both two-blades and three-blades plugs.It's very convenient to recharge your phone or computer during your journey.
Dining & Hot Water
Water heater can be found at one end of each carriage and boiled water is available during your whole journey.There are also trolleys in the aisles selling refreshment,drinks and hot meals ever half hour. You can also have meals at the dining car.
On some trains, free meals and beverages are served for the passengers in the business (sightseeing) class, super class and first class carriages.You can also have Halal food on some trains.
Currently the main four North-South HSR lines of China trains are Beijing-Shanghai, Beijing-Guangzhou, Beijing-Harbin, Hangzhou-Fuzhou-Shenzhen, and the main four East-West HSR lines are Qingdao-Taiyuan, Shanghai-Wuhan-Chengdu, Xuzhou-Lanzhou, Shanghai-Kunming.

Guide to Jieba Village in Tibet

You would be somewhat surprised when you get to Nyingchi area, this is true even if you have already been to Lhasa or Mount Everest. The simple and old primitivity is also a point where bring people into the interesting part of Ba Songcuo Lake. The quiet courtyards in Tibetan-style as of their personal gardens are framed by the field of bright flowers and green leafy trees in deep elegant seclusion.

As you wake in any morning in Jieba Village, if you live in the house laying out against the slope of a knoll, you would just enjoy an excellent view of snow mountain only need to raise your eyes, which is considered as the most extravagant happiness.
People are saying that Tibetans who live in Gongbu Jiangda County generation after generation are named "Gongbu People,” which means that people who live in the valley, somewhat different from those people that live in other regions of Tibet. Gongbu People boast sets of costumes on their own, landscape architecture with its unique spots and a wide variety of festivals, even their language differs greatly from other Tibetan people.

The peaceful beauty of the picturesque village remote from the city seduced for a little one not much given to the vague and poetic, which held forth the charms of storied and poetical association. Jieba Village is believed to be a Tibetan-style village with primitive Gongbu flavor, which has over 80 households and seems to be a big village in the local place.

As the story goes, there're still a few families of polyandry within the boundaries of the village. Crowds of men and women prefer to wear such a kind of woolen long gown made from Pulu. The womankind of Jieba Village all put on silver bands on the waist, wear a variety of jewelers and wrap around a peaudesinge waistcoat across the back.

You would be received the warmth and courtesy of the welcome as long as you push through the door of any household. There're fireplace, stone pot, aluminium pot and many more in the house, which can be now widely used for cooking and heating. The artificial light is one kind of densata hanging on the air, and the burning woods are European beech common of excellent quality.

Surrounded by the beautiful lake and hills, Jieba Village was like something out of Grimm. The countryside in the Jieba Village was bathed between the high snow mountains and the vast expanses of green water. The fields under the brilliant sunshine in the early morning, the cottages gleaming in the wood, the most innocent village members and children are seen everywhere.

The crowing of cocks, the barking of dogs and the calls of vendors carried a long distance so that they could be heard from afar, rather like the cries of cranes coming down from the sky. A little cottage nestling amidst the wayside trees, the corkscrew of smoke curing upward from kitchen chimneys against the green and a bower of roses round the door. More informaiton traveling in Tibet.

The Method to Ease Tibet Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness (also known as acute mountain sickness) is a body reaction to the low pressure of oxygen at high altitude. Normally it occurs above 2400 meters. Tibet’s average altitude ranges from 4000 to 5000 meters. So you are likely to encounter altitude sickness when you travel there. The symptoms include headache, short of breathe, nausea, anorexia, light fever, dizziness and lacking in strength. Commonly speaking, men have bigger chance in suffering from altitude sickness than women; people who work out regularly will be affected more easily than those who don’t.

There are medicines to help you avoid or ease altitude sickness. Hongjingtian (Chinese written: 红景天) and Gaoyuanan (Chinese written: 高原安) are commonly used. You can find them in normal drug stores in China. Hongjingtian should be taken about 10 days before your arrival at Tibet. Gaoyuanan should be taken after your arrival. In addition, ginseng tablets and Nuodikang capsules can deal with fatigue; Bufferin can ease headache caused by high altitude.
When you arrive at Tibet, we advise you not to walk too fast, or run, or do any kinds excessive exercises for the first 1 to 2 days. Eating and drinking too much, alcohol consumption, and smoking should also be avoided during this period.
You should eat more vegetables and fruits, drink adequate amount of water, and keep warm. One very important notice: don’t rely on oxygen inhalers or any similar devices as soon as you feel something wrong. Give yourself time to get used to the high altitude.
Light altitude sickness is better to be overcome by yourself. Rest more, reduce activities, maintain a healthy diet and take medicine. Serious one can be treated by the doctor. In Tibet, big towns and cities are equaled with hospital or health center. In extreme circumstances such as swollen body part, high fever, or pulmonary edema, one must receive treatment in the hospital and is advised to leave Tibet as soon as possible. Lhasa has flights leaving Tibet every day. Commonly, the altitude sickness will be gone in no time when the patient board the airplane or get back to normal altitude.
Generally speaking, adaptive person can overcome altitude sickness in 1 to 2 days. For those who are less adaptive, it will take 3 to 7 days. By the way, buttered tea (a traditional Tibetan drink) is effective against altitude sickness. If you can deal with its taste, try it.
Tibet Railway Company listed 6 types of people who are not suitable to travel to Tibet:
1. People diagnosed with serious cardiovascular diseases.
2. People with chronic respiratory diseases or severe obstruction pulmonary diseases.
3. Patients of uncontrolled diabetes, hallucination, seizures or schizophrenia.
4. Having or recovering from high fever.
5. People used to have high altitude related diseases.
6. Pregnant women close to labor date.
As a matter of fact, unless you are expecting a baby very soon or in serious health condition, you are fit to go Tibet. If you have any doubt, always consult your doctor before travel to Tibet. Further Tibet tour packages here.

Lantau Island Muslim Tour In Hong Kong

Lantau Explorer Tour In Hong Kong.

The travel itinerary of one day 360 Lantau explorer tour.

Pick you up at hotel lobby at around 7:50AM and begin 360 Lantau Explorer Tour. Lantau Island is almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island and is one of the best-loved outlying islands. With the new development ofNgong Ping Cable Car and Ngong Ping Village, the island has become a new attraction in Hong Kong. Join us to nature on this tour and explore Tai O, a quaint fishing village where the housesare on stilts, visit the World's tallest, outdoor, outdoor seated bronze Buddha statue at the PO Lin Monastery and enjoy a great vegetarian meal there.

NGONG PING CABLE CAR

Ngong Ping Cable Car connects Tung Chung and Ngong Ping. The 5.7km cable car journey offers visitors spectacular 360 degree panoramic views of South China Sea, Hong Kong International Airport, North Lantau Country Park and Giant Buddha.

PO LIN MONASTERY

Know as the "Buddhist Kingdom in the South". Po Lin Monastery is the most popular Buddhist temple in HK. The world's largest outdoor Buddha at the Po Lin Monastery becomes a site of Pilgrimage and is visited by Buddhists' from all over the world.

MUSEUM BENEATH THE BUDDHA

There are 3 floors beneath the Buddha statue: The Hall of Universe, The Hall of Benevolent Merit, and The Hall of Remembrance. One of the most renowned features inside is a relic of Sakyamuni, consisting of some of his alleged cremated remains.

VEGETARIAN LUNCH AT PO LIN MONASTERY

At the Po Lin Monastery, here you will be served a Chinese Vegetarian cuisine which is a culture heritage from ancient China. Po Lin Monastery is famous for providing high quality Buddhist vegetarian cuisine in Hong Kong. Nowadays, the chefs can prepare the vegetarian food with a taste similar to typical Chinese cuisine.

TAI O FISHING VILLAGE

Tai O, also known as the " Venice of the East " was once the largest inhabited settlement on Lantau Island. The village's stilt houses on the waterfont, offer a glimpse into Hong Kong's past and provide a striking contrast with the modern city.

THE STILTS HOUSE

A free boat trip ride to cruise around the old fishing village is included. An highlight of the cruise is the stilts house, unusual, interconnected structures on water that form a tightly-knit fishing community for villagers to live in.

NGONG PING VILLAGE

It is set on a 1.5 hectare site on Lantau Island, adjacent of Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal and the Tian Tan Buddha Statue. This amazing cultural themed village has been architecturally designed and landscaped to reflect the cultural and spiritual integrity of the Ngong Ping area.

More Hong Kong muslim package here.