Trip to Beijing Shichahai

For Beijing, there are so many tourist attractions with culture and beautiful sceneries waiting for you to explore, although the air in Beijing is not that good, but still in control. In reality, one needs time as well as energy to discover the real behind the imagined in a city, just as one does with a person. Today I would like to introduce you the Shichahai. Take it into your one day private tour Beijing next time.
Located in the northwest part of Beijing, Shichahai is a famous scenic area that includes three lakes, surrounding places of historic interest and scenic beauty, and remnants of old-style local residences, Hutong and Courtyard. Shichahai consists of the following three lakes, which are Qianhai, Xihai and Houhai. In imperial times it was called the Riverbank.

With Beihai Lake becoming an imperial backgarden, some 20 temples were built in the area of Shichahai Lake. It was said that these temples were established for the convenience of women to leave the imperial families. "Cha" refers to a small temple while "shi" can mean "tens", hence the name of Shichahai.
Its history can be traced to as far back as the Jin Dynasty (1115 - 1234). During the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368), it was the terminal point of the Great Canal, which was a main reason for its prosperity. In the period of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), when the channels ceased to be as smooth as they used to be, it changed from a bustling hub to a place of leisure where people could stroll around to admire the vast scenery or enjoy the cool shade under williow trees.
The greatest point of interest in it today is its residences, Hutong and Courtyard. Visiting Hutongs by pedicab has become a popular activity for visitors from China and abroad. The most famous is Jin Si Tao, which actually includes 18 hutongs and keeps the original layout. Another one is Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street (Yandai Xiejie), meaning an oblique street which looks like a long-stemmed pipe.
This street used to be a famous street selling long-stemmed pipes. In the east area, South Gong and Drum Lane (Nanluogu Xiang) is an interesting hutong renowned for its long history, culture, specialty stores and distinctive foods.
Around the lake there are also ten famous Taoist and Buddhist temples and several formal royal mansions and gardens. The most well known are the Prince Gong Mansion and the Prince Chun Mansion.
At night, Bar street becomes a good destination for many youngers. Compared with the hustling-bustling scenes during the daytime, Shichahai is quiet at night. The small bars here are exquisite although they don't have showy names.
They attract those people who know how to enjoy the tranquility of night.
Grey courtyard walls, lush and green willow trees, quiet water,...all this displays the generosity of this city. Different from other famous attractions in Beijing, Shichahai has its own features. Maybe it's not so well-known, but the scenery there never fail to make your trip regretful.
More Beijing travel guide from China Tour Advisors.

Ski Resorts China Wiki

The north part of China had already snowed. The skiing season begins from now to March in next year, we have listed the top 10 ski resorts in China, for you choosing one and do some skiing this winter.

Top 1. Yabuli International Ski Resort, Harbin, Heilongjiang
Yabuli Ski Resort is situated in Harbin of Heilongjiang Province and has the reputation for being the best ski resort in China. The Yabuli resort has the longest ski run in China and has the longest history and was once the imperial hunting grounds during the Qing dynasty. The resort has the longest Alpine ski slope in Asia and is suitable for skiers of different levels with a range of courses and slopes. For those who want to enjoy some winter activities Yabuli Ski Resort has the longest toboggan run which is 5km and is the longest in the world. What’s more you can also catch the Harbin Ice & Snow Festival if you plan to travel in January.
Ski Season: November until March (approximately 150 days).
Temperature: Average -10 degrees, lowest temperature -44 degrees
Top Itinerary:
> Harbin 5 Days Tour
Top 2. Changbaishan Wanda International Resort, Baishan, Jilin
Within Wanda International Resort is Asia’s best facilitated ski resort, winter outdoor sports/facilities, hot springs, luxurious hotels, Shaman culture center, Changbaishan Theatre and a resort town filled with entertainment. The ski season at Wanda begins at the end of November until the end of March with an average of 120 days of skiing. The ski resort was designed by Winter Olympic design company Ecosign who created a 43 ski routes and a ski run of 30 kilometers and a ski resort that can accommodate 8,000 skiers.
Tips: For first time skiers we advise you hire an instructor so you can familiarize yourself with the sports and don’t forget to wrap up warm as the temperature can plummet to below -40 degrees!
Temperature: Average 4 degrees, lowest temperature -42.2 degrees
Top Itinerary:
> Changbaishan Ski Resort 5 Days Tour
Top 3. Nanshan Ski Resort, Beijing
The Nanshan Ski Resort first opened its doors to ski lovers in 2001 and has since been one of the largest ski resorts in northern China. The ski resort currently has 21 trails suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers. Nanshan ski resort also has the latest technology keeping the snow on the ski slopes in top tip condition for skiers that includes 20 snow making machines and four snow groomers. For those who want to have snow fun other than skiing on the slopes the resort also has sledding and an imported luge track all the way from Germany. What’s more the Nanshan resort has 2 quadruple chair lifts, a double chair lift, 13 drag lifts and 3 magic carpets making it convenient for skiers to get to the slopes.
Ski Season: December until February.
Temperature: Average -10 degrees, lowest temperature -15 degrees
Top Itinerary:
> Essence of Beijing and Nanshan Ski 5 Days Tour
Top 4. Erlongshan Ski Resort, Harbin, Heilongjiang
The ski resort was built in 1999 and continues to be one of the most popular ski resorts in Heilongjiang Province. The highest altitude is a staggering 266 meters and the resort covers 780,000 square meters.
There are 8 trails for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers, with 6 trails totaling 5,600 meters for alpine skiers with slopes ranging from 3 degrees to 30 degrees. The ski period is approximately 170 days. The Erlongshan Ski Resort reportedly has the deepest snow and best skiing conditions for winter.
Ski Season: November until March.
Temperature: Average -20 degrees.
Top Itinerary:
> Harbin 4 Days Tour
Top 5. Jade Dragon Mountain Ski Resort, Lijiang, Yunnan
The Jade Dragon Mountain Ski Resort is the highest ski resort situated 4,700 meters above sea level. Although the mountains are covered in snow all year round the prime season is from November until May. The scenery from the mountain is absolutely amazing and you can have a complete view of Lijiang from the resort’s ski slopes and not to mention after the skiing is done you can make time to explore the magical and ancient Lijiang.
To get to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Ski resort, tourists can take a flight from Kunming Wujiaba International Airport to Lijiang and then take the shuttle to the resort.
Ski Season: November until March.
Temperature: Average -3 degrees.
Top Itinerary:
> Colorful Yunnan 6 Days Tour
Top 6. Xiling Snow Mountain Resort, Chengdu, Sichuan
Xiling Snow Mountain Resort in Chengdu is famed for its alpine ski slopes and opens for the ski season in December. The resort has gained the name "The Oriental Alps" and remains one of the most popular destinations for skiing. Xiling resort has 7 international ski trails for skiers who love a challenge and attracts visitors from across the globe with its ideal scenery. For those who want to tour Chengdu to visit some of the best tourist attractions then make Xiling Snow Mountain as part of your trip!
Temperature: -6 degrees.
Top Itinerary:
> Xiling Snow Mountain and Anren Ancient Town 3 Days Family Tour
Top 7. Alshan Alpine Ski Resort, Ulan Hot, Inner Mongolia
The Alshan Alpine Ski Resort is known for its forest mountain landscapes and, it's natural oxygen bar providing visitors with refreshing air. The slopes cover an area of 6,000 square meters and can accommodate 4,000 skiers. The training center was constructed based on international competition standards and was one of the training bases for the Chinese Olympic skiing team.
The resort is separated into two sections: The West Hill Ski Terrain for ski racing and training, the East Hill Terrain is for leisure. The West Hill Terrain is built in accordance with the standards for international ski racing and is ideal for advanced skiers. This part covers around 5.5 square kilometers with several alpine and cross country trails.
Ski Season: November until April
Temperature: -4 degrees
Top 8. Beidahu Ski Resort, Changchun, Jilin
The highest peak of the Beidahu Ski Resort stands at 1,357 meters high and has some of the most beautiful scenery. The resort located is located in Changchun and has a total of three alpine trails and with a forest trail that is fit for the Olympic standards skiers should be rest assured that their trip will be top notch. The resort has a total of 6 lifts and 6 trails and is suitable for skiers of all levels.
Temperature: Average -10 degrees, lowest temperature -30 degrees.
Top Itinerary:
> Essence of Beijing Harbin Changchun Shenyang and Shanghai 9 Days Tour
Top 9. Wanlong Ski Resort, Zhangjiakou, Hubei
Wanlong Ski Resort is one of the newest skiing resorts in China. The resort has 22 trails for skiers of different levels, including 5 for advanced skiers, 10 intermediate and 7 beginners. There are 5 chairlifts trails to meet the needs of visitors.
Wanlong Ski Resort is one of the earliest to open to skiers annually due to its geographical location in the high mountains that is influenced by cold air from Siberia. Each September, the temperatures drop to below zero. Wanlong Ski Resort has introduced an international standard snowmaking system that consists of 13 snow making machines.
Ski Season: November until February.
Temperature: -12 degrees.
Top 10. Jihua Ski Resort, Harbin, Heilongjiang
Jihua Ski Resort is also known as Jihua Changshou Mountain Ski Resort and is located in Binxi National Forest Park of Harbin. The resort is one of the best with its amazing surrounding and mountain scenery. There is an estimated 150 days of snowfall each year and the best time to visit is between January and February. The ski resort is located approximately 30 kilometers from Harbin city which will take approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to reach by driving.
Ski Season: December until March.
Temperature: -20 degrees.
Top Itinerary:
> Harbin Snow World 4 Days Tour
Reference, Top 10 Ski Resorts in China from China Tour Advisors.

China Prince Gong's Palace Day Tour in Beijing

Colorful traditional culture as well as small crowds make winter the perfect time to travel around Beijing. As we all known, Beijing is an ancient city with countless old temples, gorgeous palaces and classic gardens. So hurry up and we will guide you around the best-kept Princely mansion – Prince Gong's Palace.

Prince Gong's Palace, situated in the Western Street of Qian Hai, occupies about 61000 square meters in the center of Beijing City. In Chinese, Prince Gong's Palace is also called "Gongwangfu"(恭王府,Gōng wángfǔ) by many people since it is a princely mansion owned by Prince Gong. The history of Prince Gong's Palace can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty and it is known as the largest and best-preserved Princely mansion of Beijing up till now. The host of Prince Gong's Palace – Prince Gong (Heshen) is the China's first "foreign minister", who contributed a lot to some calamitous events of Qing Dynasty. He is so handsome and excellent that is soon promoted to a high position. Although he gained a lot of reputations in the early period of his life, he finally acquired great wealth and became one of the most perfidious Manchu Qing officials. In the past, the Prince Gong's Palace heavily guarded, but today it has become a popular tourist resort, attracting thousands of visitors every day.
In fact, Prince Gong's Palace is consisted of 2 parts, the living quarter and garden. Both of them are famous for the classic and magnificent architecture style. As a typical courtyard house, the living quarter in Prince Gong's Palace can be divided into 5 courtyards from south to north. Among those 5 coutyards, Qing Yi Hall is the most famous one with the hook connection structure, which is very similar to Ningshougong in Forbidden City. Inside the hall, a superb-designed heating stove can be found there, huge and spacious. If you stand on the central line, you can easily figure out the main hall, the rear hall and the other rooms.
As for the garden in Prince Gong's Palace, part of it is located in the northern side of the living quarter. Like most of Chinese traditional garden, it has pavilions, rockeries, corridors, pools, fountains and so forth, which are in elegant and special layout. In many people's eyes, it is a perfect illustration of ancient Chinese courtyard and recognized as the "The Grand View Garden” in reality. Actually The Grand View Garden is not existed in our real life, but a majority of visitors believe that Xueqin Cao`s description of it must has something to do with Prince Gong's Palace. By the way, when you take a trip to Prince Gong's Palace, you may also have an opportunity to taste local snacks and listening to Beijing Opera. It seems that you pass through to the ancient times and become a prince as Heshen.
A tour to Prince Gong's Palace can not only let you experience the lifestyle of the privileged classes in Qing Dynasty, but also help you to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural value of China.
Reference, Perfect Winter Trip--Prince Gong's Palace
More China 6 day tour in Beijing information from China Tour Advisors.

Hong Kong Wetland Park Packages

* Departure time: Daily except Tuesdays.
* Morning Departures
* Pick up point: 9:00AM at Holiday Inn Golden Mile or Tsim Sha Tsui.
Highlights
- Admission ticket
- Location map of HK Wetland Park
- MTR Tourist Day Pass
- Daily depart except Tuesday
Attractions & Activities:
Hong Kong Wetland Park

Detailed Itinerary:
Departure time: Daily except Tuesday
Morning Departure
Pick up point: 9:00AM at Holiday Inn Golden Mile, Tsim Sha Tsui
Transportation: MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station - Take West Rail Line to Tin Shui Wai Station - Change to route 705 Light Rail - Get off at Wetland Park Station (approx. 40 mins)
Highlights Today:
WETLAND RESERVE:
A 60-hectcare wetland reserve where visitors can appreciate the beauty of nature and explore the amazing wildlife. Facilities include Stream Walk, Succession Walk, Mangrove Boardwalk and three Bird Hides situated next to the fish pond, mudflat and riverside where visitors may explore different wildlife such as egrets, heorns, ducks and globally endangered black-faced spoonbill.
WETLAND INTERACTIVE WORLD
The interactive facilities, models and live animals inside indoor exhibition galleries of Wetland Interactive World featuring the importance of wetland on biodiversity.
HOTEL PICKUP LIST
We pickup from hotels in Hong Kong Island, and hotels in Kowloon.
More detailed information here http://www.muslim2china.com/muslim-tour/Hong-Kong-Wetland-Park-One-Day-Package-486.html
With 10 years experience in managing China tours for Muslim clients, muslim2china has successfully organized many tours that incorporate the Islamic ethos. Having satisfied Muslim customers from Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia and other parts of the world. Their tour packages are designed and tailored to meet your expectations, no matter if you choose to view the panoramic skyline of Hong Kong Disneyland packages, experience the bicultural history of Macau or venture into the spectacular scenery of mainland China, muslim2china can provide the just for you.

History of Halal Food in China

Halal food history can be traced back to the early stage of Tang Dynasty, when the trading activitieswere frequent between China and overseas countries, especially western countries. Many Arab businessmen came to China through the Silk Road (landroad) and the Spice Road (water road), meanwhile, they brought theMuslim unique dining customs and taboos of food and drink.

Afterwards, some people moved to north China, Yunnan and other places. As the increase in the number of Chinese Muslims, the cuisines and food dishesespeciallyfor Muslims had quickly developed. At the same time, because of its unique flavor, the Halal dishes were widely welcomed by a lot of non-Muslims.
The earliest book that documented the Halalfood was written in Yuan Dynasty. At that time, the Islamic food still retained more characteristics of western Arab countries food. Since the Ming and QingDynasties, Halal dishes not only appeared more types, but also basically formed its own unique style.
Especially the appearance of the "All-Sheep Banquet"in the Qing Dynasty was highly praised by people. Yuan Mei, a poet in Qing Dynasty, had praisedthe "All-Sheep Banquet" as a battle thatneeds superior skills in one of his poems. The banquethas as many as 72 kinds of dishes, and all the dishes are cooked with mutton. What is more surprising is that the flavor of all the 72 dishes is different from each other. It serves to show that cooking techniques of Halal food have reached a very high level at that time.
Due to historical reasons, China's Halal food did not have detailed systematic written records. Its inheritance and preservationwas only through word-of-mouth by the Muslim chefs generational. This unfortunate situation got fundamental change not until the establishment of the new China.

Since 1952, relevant departments have successively excavated, tidied and published dozens of recipes of Halal dishes, such as China Halal Menu, Hui Menu, Halal All-Sheep Menu, Beijing Snacks, etc. All the recipeswere compiled by famous Muslim chefs from different places. Among the recipes, there are traditional famous dishes, as well as their improvements and innovations. These tidying and publishing of the recipes is a sign that the cooking skills of China's Halal food have developed into a new phase. They not only enrich the life of all ethnic groups, but also have very good effect on the development of cultural exchanges between various ethnics.
Reference, http://www.muslim2china.com/halal-Food-China/Chinese-Islamic-Cuisine-History/
More Shenzhen muslim tour information from muslim2china.

Zhuhai Hong Kong Macau Package Itinerary

This tour is ideal for families who want to escape the summer heat! The 6 day tour incoporates sightseeing, theme park and shopping.
Route: Hong Kong > Zhuhai > Macau > Hong Kong

Highlights
- All land transfers by coach or ferry
- 5 set menu dinner meals & 1 Macau meal coupon & 4 breakfasts
- 4 nights accommodations
- Sightseeing as listed in itinerary
- Service of English & Chinese speaking guide
- 144 hours group visa to Guangdong Province
Day 01, Arrive in Hong Kong
Seleted Hotels:
Panda hotel ***Tourist or similar 4*
Detailed Itinerary:
You will be picked up by your English speaking tour guide from Hong Kong airport and transferred to the hotel.
Day 02, Hong Kong to Zhuhai
Seleted Hotels:
Xiang Quan hotel or similar ***Tourist
Attractions & Activities:
Bruce Lee Museum, Aberdeen Fishing Village, Repulse Bay, Victoria Peak, Gongbei Underground Shopping Mall
Meals:
Hotel Buffet Breakfast & Chinese Lunch
Detailed Itinerary:
This morning you will have a Dim Sum breakfast. Then you will visit Bruce Lee Museum, Hong Kong Repulse Bay, Aberdeen Fishing Village and Victoria Peak (include one way peak tram).
Visit Stone Street, which is the shooting spot of Chongqing Forest and Infernal Affairs. Then proceed to visit Asia's longest Escalator Pound Lane Escalator System. Then you will be transferred to Zhuhai for shopping at Gongbei Underground Shopping Mall. Then you will check in to your hotel.
Aberdeen Fishing Village: Aberdeen Fishing Village is a fishing village located in the south coast of Hong Kong Island. It is home to hundreds of people living on fishing junks.
Repulse Bay: Repulse Bay is located in the south of Hong Kong Island, to the east of Deep Water Bay, it is the most spectacular bay in Hong Kong.
Victoria Peak: Victoria Peak is one of Hong Kong's famous sightseeing, where you will enjoy the amazing spectacular view of the surrounding city skyline, the world-famous Victoria Harbour and Kowloon, towering skyscrapers and peaceful green hillsides.
Gongbei Underground Shopping Mall: A shopper's paradise
Day 03, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom Zhuhai
Seleted Hotels:
Xiang Quan hotel or similar ***Tourist
Meals:
Hotel Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
Detailed Itinerary:
Today you will be transferred to the new top class theme park Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. There are a total of 8 different theme areas, including:
1) an aquarium with more than 15,000 sea creatures swimming in the size of 50% larger than The Georgia Aquarium's, Excited Amazon Jorney, Penguin World and Walrus Castle
2) 9 thrill rides, featuring Ocean Adventure, Pirate Island, Glacier Adventure, etc.
3) 3 major theatre performances with each lasting about 30 minutes:
(1) Polar Theater - performance of white whale and white dophin featuring acrobats with polar view stage;
(2) Hunting In Dessert Island - Aerial acrobatics performance with tropical volcanic island view stage;
(3) Sea Lion Legend - An ever comic performance played by Sea Lion, Walrus, Otter and the stutmen.
19 Restaurants providing various cuisine, including Chinese food, Western food, Japanese food, South-east Asian food and Cantonese food.
Day 04, Zhuhai to Macau
Seleted Hotels:
Grandview hotel or similar ***Tourist
Attractions & Activities:
The New Yuanming Palace, Macau Tower, Fisherman Wharf
Meals:
Hotel Buffet Breakfast & Chinese Lunch
Detailed Itinerary:
This morning you will visit the famous theme park---New Yuanming Palace. After lunch you will be transferred to Macau where you will check in to your hotel. Then enjoy your free leisure time.
You can go on a open top bus, visiting attractions such as Macau Ferry Terminal → Fishman Wharf → Science →Hotel Lisboa → VIP DAY →Macau Tower → A-Ma Temple → Ponte→Red Market → Macau Ferry Terminal. Or you can enjoy your time at the Venetian.
The New Yuanming Palace: Located at the foot of the Lanpu Dashilin mountain, covering an area of 1.4 square kilometers, the New Yuanming Palace is a reproduction of the imperial Yuanming Palace in Beijing, one of the favorite gardens of the late emperors of the Qing dynasty.
Day 05, Macau to Hong Kong International Airport
Meals:
Hotel Buffet Breakfast
Detailed Itinerary:
After your hotel breakfast, you are free for your own leisure until you are transferred to Hong Kong International Airport by ferry.
More detailed information here http://www.chinatouradvisors.com/chinatour/Chimelong-Ocean-Kingdom-and-Hong-Kong-5-Days-Tour-1135.html
More Macau package from China Tour Advisors.

Mount Wuyi and Xiamen Muslim Tour Itinerary

On this amazing 5 day muslim tour Xiamen and Mount Wuyi, you can enjoy all the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Fujian Province. What's more you will also visit the romantic Gulangyu Island.
Highlights
- Private Transfer Throughout Tour
- Private English Speaking Guide
- Romantic Gulangyu Island Visit
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Day 01, Arrive in Xiamen
Seleted Hotels:
Pan Pacific Hotel *****Luxury
Fortune Hotel ****Deluxe
United Hotel ***Tourist
Attractions & Activities:
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
Detailed Itinerary:
Once you arrive in Xiamen you will be greeted by your tour guide at the airport or train station. A comfortable vehicle with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will assist you with check in. You are free for the rest of the day to explore the city.
Day 02, Xiamen City Tour
Attractions & Activities:
Hulishan Fortress, South Putuo Temple, Tan Kah Kee Memorial Park
Meals, Hotel Buffet Breakfast & Muslim Lunch
Detailed Itinerary:
After your hotel breakfast you wil pay a visit to Hulishan Fortress, an internationally recognized historical and cultural site. You will then proceed to visit South Putuo Temple, which was built in Tang Dynasty. It is the most famous Buddist temple, and has the most visitors in the southern region. You can see many historical Buddist statues as well as monks who are worshiping.
You will then visit Jimei Tan Kah Kee Memorial Park, which was built in memory of Mr. Tan Kah Kee, a patriotic overseas Chinese.
Day 03, Xiamen Gulangyu Island Tour
Attractions & Activities:
Gulangyu Island, Crag of Sunlight, Shuzhuang Garden
Meals, Hotel Buffet Breakfast & Muslim Lunch
Detailed Itinerary:
Your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby after your hotel breakfast. You will then be transferred to take a ferry to Gulangyu Island, you can walk around and enjoy the food and the old foreign buildings.
You can also pay a visit to Crag of Sunlight, the highest peak on the Gulangyu Island. Then visit Shuzhuang Garden, a boutique garden with typical southern China style and unique Minnan Characteristics. It was built upon the seashore in Qing Dynasty with about 100 years history.
Day 04, Xiamen to Wuyi Mountain (By flight)
Seleted Hotels:
Yeohwa Hotel Wuyishan *****Luxury
Baodao Hotel ****Deluxe
Yili Hotel ***Tourist
Attractions & Activities:
Mount Wuyi
Meals, Hotel Buffet Breakfast & No Pork No lard Lunch
Detailed Itinerary:
After the hotel breakfast, you will be transferred to Xiamen airport where you will take flight to Mount.Wuyi.
Your guide will meet you at Mount Wuyi airport. You can then enjoy the day at Mount Wuyi.
Day 05, Depart from Wuyi Mountain
Attractions & Activities:
Xiamei Ancient Village
Meals, Hotel Buffet Breakfast
Detailed Itinerary:
After your hotel breakfast you will be transferred to visit Xiamei Ancient Village, a quintessential village in the Wuyi area. After visit, transfer to Wuyi Mountain airport to take flight to your next station.
More detailed information here http://www.muslim2china.com/muslim-tour/Xiamen-and-Wuyi-Mountain-5-Days-Tour-911.html