Great Wall Adventure Club Official Blog
www.greatwalladventure.com
Great Wall Hiking, Beijing Tour, China Tour Blogs: Great Wall Adventure Club

Get a leg up on the competition with the iCarnegie Summer Program in Wuxi!

http://china.outhope.com/TouristCities/UploadFiles_6093/201005/20100527225352225.jpg

Our iCarnegie Summer Camp is the perfect way for burgeoning students to a leg up on the competition in the technology field. The institute is a joint venture between Carnegie Melon University and the Chinese Government, and at the Wuxi Carnegie Institute you will receive instruction and guidance on all the latest trends and developments in China’s ever evolving high tech industry. The length of the trip is completely customizable and up to your discretion, as it can be designed to run for 10-14 days or for as long as 21 days. In addition, you will also be given interactive instruction and lessons on a wide range of vital Chinese subjects:  Chinese language and characters, calligraphy, cooking, martial arts, recreational games, and more!

 

In addition to the knowledge you’ll gain at the institute, you’ll also get to venture out to China’s cultural and commercial capitals. You’ll first arrive in Beijing, where you’ll get to visit China’s political center in Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, and you’ll then set out for Jiangsu province, the engine that is driving China’s dramatic growth. You’ll spend time in Nanjing and Suzhou, both of which have much to offer in the way of attractions, both ancient and modern. You’ll end your tour in Shanghai, China’s largest city and commercial capital.

 

Another valuable component of this program are the personal contacts and connections you’ll make. During your stay at the iCarnegie Institute you’ll collaborate and interact with your Chinese counterparts, granting you key insight into the Chinese educational system. Of course, you’ll also have the opportunity to make new friends as well as network with China’s technological elite.


For more information, please contact us at www.newchinatours.com

Wang Family Courtyard: A Chinese Castle

http://traditions.cultural-china.com/chinaWH/images/exbig_images/5e1467a71cdb224530a08b1130546622.jpg

Wang family courtyard is an example in handing down and inheriting the five thousand years' old Chinese civilization and a peak-usurping masterpiece of Chinese civil residence architecture of Qing Dynasty. It was built by the Wang family in Jingsheng, the posterities of Taiyuan Wang family, which in history had been one of the four large families in Lingshi county. It was successively built in the periods of Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong and Jiaqing in Qing Dynasty. The architecture has a magnificent scale with five alleys, five forts, and five ancestral temples. Besides, the courtyard layout of the five ancient forts were respectively compared to designs of five lucky animals of “dragon, phoenix, tortoise, kylin and tiger”.

The three architectural complexes of Gaojiaya, Red-gate Fort, and Chongningbao are all full closed fortress architectures on the Yellow High Land (loess high slope), which are closely connected with each other through bridges. They appear grand and harmonious with the surrounding environment and comply with the terrace in both the form and meaning. While in the inside, cave houses and tile built houses get connected artfully and excellently.

The two main courtyards of Gaojiaya architectural complex are 3-year Siheyuan (quadrangles), which have separate kitchen yard and home school yard with private tutor as well as common classics-learning academy, flower yard, long-term hired farm-laborer yard and enclosed yard (servant yard), in addition to the sacrificial ancestral hall at high place and the embroidering buildings on both sides.

The Wang's Museum set up in Red-gate Fort will be the study, exhibition, collection and development centre of Wang's culture and also the historical destination of the overall image of Wang's family. It is the only museum of Wang’s family culture at home and abroad. The overall layout of Chongningbao architectural complex is similar to that of Red-gate Fort.

For more information about the Wang family courtyard. head on over to www.newchinatours.com

Haikou: Capital of Hainan province

http://www.travel-china.net/imagesen/home/haikou1.jpg

Haikou, known also as the ‘Coconut City’, is the capital of Hainan Province , China’s second largest island. The city is the provincial administrative center of Hainan as well being the focus of the local economy, culture and transportation. Haikou stands at the northern end of Hainan Island, on the west bank of the Nandu River estuary. This river is the longest on the island and the city’s name appropriately means ‘Mouth of the Sea’.

With the sea on three sides Haikou enjoys a long coastline that features excellent bathing beaches and sea side resorts. Holiday Beach is the most popular of these, while Xixiu Beach is where the National sailing and windsurfing teams train and hold competitions.

The downtown area of the city has an excellent environment with streets lined with coconut palms. Here there are modern and convenient public transport facilities and all that is best in a tropical seaside city that is pollution free and that meets the needs of the tourist in a friendly and welcoming way.
Besides its natural resources, Haikou has a number of important sites of historical interest. The Wugong Temple (The Five Official’s Temple), the Tomb of Hai Rui and the Xiuying Emplacement each serve as reminders of the historical importance of Haikou.



No trip is complete without the opportunity to savor tempting local food and shopping opportunities. It goes without saying that for anyone coming to Haikou, seafood is definitely a must. However, the city is also famous for its other prized dishes. There are four to delight the gourmet and should not be missed. They are Wenchang Chicken, Dongshan Mutton, Jiaji Duck and Hele Crab. The climate means there is an abundance of fresh local fruits such as mangos, pineapples, jackfruits, coconuts and carambola, betelnuts, pawpaw, longan and lichee, loquat, naseberry and passion fruit. Maybe some of these will be new to you but we are sure that if you try them you will want to take come home!

As for transportation, don’t worry! Hainan Meilan Airport, railway station, ship and expressway links cities of China and the whole world.

For more information about Haikou, as well as all of our Hainan programs, head on over to www.newchinatours.com

Jianfengling: China's tropical rain forest

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20091123/000d87ad3cdd0c743c040b.jpg

Ranked as "One of Top Ten Most Beautiful Forests in China", Jianfengling National Forest Park is the largest and best preserved primeval tropical forest in China. ith a diverse range of tropical vegetation and a beauty unspoiled by human intervention, this preserve is considered one of the rare ecological treasures of China. Comprised of mountains, river valleys, and lush tropical vegetation, the park is a place of undeveloped natural beauty. With over 2800 types of vascular plants and 4300 species of animals, Jianfengling National Forest Park is regarded by scientists as a natural genetic treasure-trove. Here you can find the reclusive cloud leopard and the black crowned gibbon and so on (the latter found only in Hainan ).

 

Like the Amazon tropical rain forests of South America, the tropical rain forests of the Congo River Valley, and the tropical rain forests of Indonesia and Malaysia, there are many natural wonders and mysteries to discover within Jianfengling National Forest Park.


For more about Jianfengling, as well as our other Hainan programs, check us out at www.newchinatours.com


See China in full bloom!

http://cdn.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/778599103_1-528x295.jpg

Xian, ancient capital of 13 dynasties, will host the 2011 World Horticultural Expo. The World Horticultural Expo’s theme is “Tian-Ren Chang’an and Creative Nature—Harmony between Urbanity and Nature.”

 

“Tian”, which means “heaven” in Chinese, stands for Nature, while “Ren” means human. “Chang’an”, which has the meaning of long-lasting prosperity, is also the ancient name of Xi’an during the prosperous Han (202BC-220AD) and Tang dynasties(618-907AD). Therefore, “Tian-Ren Chang’an”reflects the traditional Chinese philosophy of harmony between human and nature as well as the modern concept of ecological balance. It embodies the historical significance and modern pursuit of the host city.

 

A special site for the expo was built in Chanba District, between the airport and downtown area. The design by Plasma Studio Architects based in London, UK, is called Flowing Gardens and takes ‘circulation’ as its key concept. The site will contain a lake as well as three main buildings – an entrance gate, an exhibition hall overlooking (and overlapping) the lake and a horseshoe-shaped greenhouse that plays with the whole idea of centre. By focusing on ecological civilization, the Exposition is intended to reveal the historical and cultural highlights of Xi’an and, in the meantime, demonstrate the novel concepts and creations based on the harmonious coexistence between man and nature as well as city and nature. The venue of the Exposition covers a land area of 418 hectare, including 188 hectares of water area, and will for sure become the largest one of its kind.

 

Being the starting point of the Silk Road and home to Terracotta warriors – Xi’an will again be the focus of the world’s attention. This is the third time- after Kunming in 1999 and Shenyang in 2006 that the World Horticultural Exposition has come to China!

 

From April 28 to Oct 22 2011, people will visit and appreciate the brilliant interpretations of a variety of gardening and landscaping techniques and designs, marvel at the vibrancy of Chinese history and culture, be awed by cutting-edge science and technology of advanced ecological environmental protection, and discover the modern wonders of Xi’an. The 2011 World Horticultural Expo will be a world-class event that manages to bring together the economic, cultural, scientific, and technological diversification that our planet needs in order to stay green!


For more information about the expo please head on over to http://newchinatours.com/


Qingdao: A little piece of Europe in China

http://www.mh-jy.com/Learn_img/city_qingdao01.jpg

Qingdao
is situated at the foot of Lao Shan Mountain and on the shore of the Yellow Sea. Its climate is pleasant and its scenic spots are very beautiful. Qingdao is a famous garden city in China and its coast has many lovely inlets. Qingdao's architecture presents a characteristic European style and is very harmonious on the whole. Red roof tiles, green trees, azure seas and blue skies mirror the beautiful manner of Qingdao. Its crimson reefs, gentle waves, colorful sailing boats and golden beaches help to make up the beautiful scenery.

Qingdao's history, religion, natural conditions, native customs and its festivals constitute the city's tourism culture. There are also some old buildings where famous figures in China's modern history once lived. The city's construction on the whole is a combination of European and traditional Chinese styles. Qingdao has two nicknames: "Oriental Switzerland" and "Asian Geneva". Qingdao, like a Shandong girl, is open and frank. The air is very clean in the city and the streets are very clean too. Houses along both sides of the street look bright against the background of the total clearness of the city. A person will feel very comfortable when leisurely walking along the streets of Qingdao.

For more about Qingdao, as well as our other China travel programs, check out our new homepage at www.newchinatours.com

Qufu: The hometown of Confucius

http://wikitravel.org/upload/en/thumb/f/f9/QufuCityWalls.jpg/400px-QufuCityWalls.jpg

With a history of more than five thousand years, Qufu is the legendary birthplace of many Chinese sages such as Confucius and Mencius. In order to memorize these great sages, temples and cemeteries were built by local people. Later, these temples and cemeteries were open to tourists as attractions. The most famous attractions are Temple of Confucius (Kong Miao), Cemetery of Confucius (Kong Lin) and Kong Family Mansion (Kong Fu) which now called the Three Kongs. And the Three Kongs were listed in the World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1994 with a comment that said: "The Qufu complex of monuments has retained its outstanding artistic and historic character due to the devotion of successive Chinese emperors over more than 2,000 years." If you are interested in Chinese culture and history, or if you want to search the spirits and wisdoms of ancient oriental sages, Qufu is a must-visit city.

For more about Qufu, as well as our other China adventure tours and programs, check out our new homepage at www.newchinatours.com

Shangri-La: A little piece of heaven on Earth

http://www.phototravels.net/china/china/photo-china-d-075.2.jpg

The extravagances of love and fear of the finality of death are the theme of Lost Horizon, a novel by the British author James Hilton. It is a tale of four travellers crash-landing in a beautiful mountain utopia, the harmonious Buddhist kingdom of ‘Shangri-La’ where man lives to twice the normal age. (The name Shangri-La probably comes from Shambhala, a mystic Buddhist paradise).

All indications are that the setting for this tale is in the mountains in the Eastern Tibet or Kham, where Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet meet. The book describes a beautiful fertile valley below the snow-capped peak of ‘Mt. Karakal’, where travellers reached by going “southwest from Peking for many months…where Chinese coolies from Yunnan transfer their loads of tea to the Tibetans”. For centuries the brick tea of Yunnan was transported through these mountains by coolies along the ancient trade route from Yunnan to Lhasa.

All that ‘Shangri-La’ has come to mean can be experienced here ---- the magnificence of snow capped peaks and towering mountain ranges plunging down to deep gorges, along with turquoise rivers tumbling out of the snows of Tibet. Here the vast high grasslands of the nomads are carpeted in flowers throughout the summer. Remote umber coloured monasteries are perched on hillsides, their golden roofs reflecting the sunshine in crystal clear air. Lamas counsel their people to respect all aspects of life. Considered to be holy, the mountains and rivers remain pristine, and the whole area has a rich variety of flora ranging from rare alpine plants to semi-tropical ones.

In spite of the extremes of temperature, a simple diet of tsampa (roasted barley flour) and salt-butter tea provides enough nutrition for the Khampa people who are tall with a strong physique. Harshness and simplicity are central to this traditional Tibetan way of life. Highland people live in villages of enormous fortress-like houses built of rammed earth whilst the nomads roaming the grasslands live in black yak-hair tents, tending their huge herds of yak, ponies and sheep. The Khampas are a proud and high-spirited people with a great sense of humor and a love of singing and dancing. Women adorn their heavily plaited hair with ornaments and precious stones while the handsome Khampa men have a red silk tassel wound into their braided hair, with their chubas worn carelessly over one shoulder, and a silver sword in their belt. Equestrian skills are learnt from an early age and are put to the test at the annual Horse Festivals when the Khampa horses are decorated with bells and colourful ribbons, whilst their owners parade in gorgeous costumes appropriate to their region.

Buddhism and its disciplines cannot be seen as merely a religion. They are the core of existence to these people who strive to live harmoniously, in tune with their surroundings, always reaching for purity in their lives and the blissful state of Nirvana.

To find out how you can travel to Shangri-La. along with our other exciting destinations, head on over to our new homepage at www.newchinatours.com

Travel to the "Rooftop of the World"!

http://www.savetibet.org/files/images-old/MountEverest.jpg

Tibet is a land where the sky, the mountains and the rivers, possess awe-inspiring power. Typically, Tibet has cloudless and bright azure skies. Its mountains are imposing in their magnitude, each rising over 4,000 meters above sea level. However, once on the Tibetan Plateau, these massive ranges are surprisingly approachable because they rise only a few hundred meters from the plains and valleys. These weather-beaten sandy mountains exhibit beauty in its unearthly nobility. The rivers of the plateau may be raging torrents when snow melts, or else, slow meandering currents with clear blue waters.

The people of Tibet are self-confident. This confidence is shown in their belief that they are the first on the earth to see sunrise and the last to see sunset. Such confidence is justified by the Tibetan comprehension of nature and life over many generations. They are courageous enough to give up this life for the next one in prolonged pursuance of nirvana. All over Tibet, pilgrims can be seen doing repetitive prostrations in worship along their pilgrimage routes in pursuance of this goal.

Tibetans believe all suffering in the world originates from man’s greed, hatred and ignorance, so they are committed to the purification of their minds and the elimination of these vices.

Tibetans wear their wealth as highly decorative adornments of gold, silver and precious stones. Many of these may also be donated to adorn the statues of temples and monasteries, and the stupas of the countryside. Here we can also see colorful prayer flags and “manis” stones with inscribed mantras fluttering their prayers to the wind.

To find out how you can to this mystical land, as well as our other China travel programs, check out our homepage at www.newchinatours.com

Hainan Daytrip Activities with China Advenutre Club!

http://a34.idata.over-blog.com/0/00/79/01/divers-2/5-1-hainan-island.jpg

Different from other provinces, Hainan is the second largest ocean island and the smallest land province in China. Thanks to its natural beauty, Hainan has gained a glowing reputation among visitors. People call it "the Oriental Hawaii".

Hainan Island has a wide range of environments and opportunities that are just begging to be explored. We offer trips created to fit different age ranges, and different needs from half days packed with adventure to more culturally focused trips.


Biking through Binglang village (Easy)

 

This biking route combines a scenic interpretive guide through an enriched cultural area. The road ride is on flat ground and great for families or inexperienced riders. The day comprises of transportation to Binglang village and biking around the rural area stopping off to experience traditional Li minority clothes weaving and a short museum visit. Lunch is provided on route.

 

Depart From:             Pick from Hotel/Resort (Sanya Area)

End At:             Drop off to the Hotel/Resort (Sanya Area)

Pick up Time:             9:00 am

Finish Time:             Depends on you - How fast do you ride? 3-4pm

Duration:             All day

Departure Days:             Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday

Biking Grade:             Easy flat Roads

Transportation:             10minutes from Sanya

Meals: Fruit snack, additional water, lunch

Please let us know one day in advance if you have special dietary requirements

What to Bring:             Hat, sunscreen, repellent, camera, comfortable closed toe shoes and water bottle

What is Included:             Foreign & Chinese guide, first aid kit, meals, bike, Helmet

Not Included:             Personal Insurance recomeneded

 

Sea kayaking and snorkeling (Easy/moderate difficulty level)

 

A fun excursion that tours the coastal aspect of Luhuitou Peninsula via sea kayaking. Travelers will be trained in the use of two man sea kayaks by an experienced guide, after which they will be led to a secluded cove for snorkeling. After this the group will proceed along the coast to Xiao Donghai town. This is a great trip for individuals interested in marine life with the chance to observe animals above and below the water.

 

Depart From:             Pick from Hotel/Resort (Sanya Area)

End At:             Drop off to the Hotel/Resort (Sanya Area)

Pick up Time:             9:00am, 12:00pm

Finish Time:             1:00pm, 4:00pm

Duration:             4-5hrs

Departure Days:             Everyday

Kayaking Grade: Easy flat seas

Transportation:             10 minutes from Sanya

Meals:                       Fruit, snacks, additional water.

Please note one day in advance if you have special dietary requirements

What to Bring:             Hat, sunscreen, repellent, camera, comfortable walking shoes and water bottle

What is Included:             Foreign & Chinese guide, first aid kit, drinks and snacks, kayaking and snorkeling equipment

Not Included:             Personal Insurance recommended

 

 

Hiking and tea plantation tour (Easy/Moderate)

 

At the foot of Wuzhishan mountain lies an idyllic green tea plantation, its tiered terraces decorating the gently rolling hills. Also nearby are several traditional villages, of which the Miao minority group makes up the main residents.  This hike will take travelers through the rice paddies that fringe the tea plantation, eventually leading to the tea terraces. A guide will accompany the group and provide facts along the way. Lunch will be provided at a local village.

 

Depart From:             Pick from Hotel/Resort (Sanya Area)

End At:             Drop off to the Hotel/Resort (Sanya Area)

Pick up Time:             7:30 am

Finish Time:             Depends on you.  3-4pm

Duration:             All day

Departure Days:             Mondays, Wednesday and Saturday

Hiking Grade:             Easy hiking

Transportation:             2.5 hrs driving from Sanya

Meals: Fruit snack, additonal water, lunch

Please let us know one day in advance if you have special dietary requirements

What to Bring:             Hat, sunscreen, repellent, camera, comfortable walking shoes and water bottle

What is Included:             Foreign & Chinese guide, first aid kit, transportation, meal.

Not Included:          Personal Insurance recommended

 

 

Learn to Surf (Easy/Moderate)

 

Hainan Island is an ideal location to learn to surf, offering gentle small waves to start you out right. Without proper instruction, learning on your own can appear to be impossible, not to mention very dangerous. China Adventure Club offers lessons on learning to surf as well as our dedicated kids surf camp. The day will comprise of transport out to the surf break, detailed lesson, catching waves, looking cool, meals and snacks.

Depart From:             Pick from Hotel/Resort (Sanya Area)

End At:             Drop off to the Hotel/Resort (Sanya Area)

Pick up Time:             9:00 am

Finish Time:             4:00 pm

Duration:             All day

Departure Days:             Everyday

Transportation:             45min driving from Sanya

Meals:               Fruit snack, additional water, lunch

Please note one day in advance if you have special dietary requirements

What to Bring:             Hat, sunscreen, repellent, camera, comfortable walking shoes and water bottle

What is Included:             Foreign & Chinese guide, first aid kit, meal and surf equipment.

Not Included:          Personal Insurance recommended

 

For more of our China adventure tour programs, head to our homepage at www.newchinatours.com

Recent Posts

Calendar

January 2012
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031