CHINA
BEIJING
King Wu was the first to declare Beijing the capital city in 1057 BC. Subsequently, the city has gone by the names of Ji, Zhongdu, Dadu, and finally Beijing when the Ming Dynasty Emperor ChengZu chose the name in 1421. Before 1949, Beijing was known as Peking by the Western world. After 1949, the city's name returned to Beijing, as it is known today. Since the early 1980s when China initiated economic and market reforms under the late Deng Xiaoping, Beijing has become a truly modern, international city.
Beijing City is an independently administered municipal district. She is situated in the north eastern part of China at an elevation of 43.5m above sea level. The climate in Beijing is of the continental type, with cold and dry winters and hot summers. January is the coldest month (-4 Celsius), while July the warmest (26 Celsius).
Beijing is one of the most visited cities in the world. There are hundreds of attractions in Beijing. The Forbidden City (the Palace Museum) was the home of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). There are five sections of the Great Wall of China that are on the outskirts of Beijing, namely Badaling, Juyongguan, Simatai, Mutianyu, Simatai, Jinshanling.
I found Beijing a wonderful experience and the people were very friendly and always very helpful. I was I must confess somewhat apprehensive on this my first visit to China however I soon discovered these foolish concerns on my part were needles, they were soon dissipated by the warmth of hospitality shown by the people I met. I found the experience of visiting China has had a profound effect on my life and my attitude regarding China has consequently changed to one of immense respect and admiration for this swiftly changing nation.
SHANGHAI
Shanghai, Hu for short, is a renowned international metropolis drawing more and more attention from all over the world. Situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, Shanghai serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, cultural, science and technology centre in East China. Also it is a popular tourist destination, visitors can sense the pulsating development of modern China.
I was just blown away by this remarkable city and I must confess the buildings in the financial sector amazed me and along the banks of the Yangtze other buildings architectural design was absolutely stunning.
One day on a stroll along the Bund I found myself talking to two young female students from the north of China, their conversational English was impeccable and so I congratulated them on this fact and said I would love to learn Chinese but I felt I was to old now. They swiftly rounded on me and told me it was never to late to learn anything and promptly gave me a lecture on the importance of learning. I often think of these two wonderful students and their attitude and smile in the knowledge that if they and many others of their generation are the mindset behind the future of China then what an exciting and exhilarating ride it will be as this nation reinvents itself as it were in the new world! I for one hope it keeps one foot very firmly in its old cultures and traditions as well.
HONG KONG
Hong Kong is a kaleidoscope of life; a sophisticated fusion of East and West; a city of diversity where new and old meet at every turn. It is a unique experience shaped by a distinctive past and dreams of the future; an age-old synthesis of cultures and traditions that opens a window into what will be, while embracing what has passed.
Hong Kong covers more than 1,000 sq km with over 70% of it rural with these areas consisting of rolling hills and mountains, coastal landscapes, rock formation, sea views and distinctive outlying islands.
There's a reason why The Peak is one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong: It is absolutely incredible! Looking down from The Peak you'll be amazed by the spectacular view of the surrounding city skyline, the world-famous Victoria Harbour and Kowloon, towering skyscrapers and peaceful green hillsides.
Getting there is an unforgettable trip. There's nothing in the world like the Peak Tram. Pulled by steel cables, the tram climbs 373 metres (about 1,200 feet). It's so steep that the buildings you pass look like they're leaning! Whether you're going up or coming down, you'll love this trip.
Victoria Harbour is one of Hong Kong's greatest assets, a jewel that people marvel at, no matter how many times they visit the city. People come from all over the world to see and admire it.
If you have an opportunity to visit Hong Kong then my advice would be to grab it with both hands the trip I made to the world's tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha, along with the Po Lin Monastery it was a simply wonderful experience.
China is a country I would love to return to and spend far more time photographing in some of its stunning rural locations. With hindsight had I been clever enough I should have asked the two students I met on the Bund to provide me with e-mail contact address and then secured them as my future guides and asked them to show me more of their beautiful country. Then they could have taught me Chinese as we travelled!!
King Wu was the first to declare Beijing the capital city in 1057 BC. Subsequently, the city has gone by the names of Ji, Zhongdu, Dadu, and finally Beijing when the Ming Dynasty Emperor ChengZu chose the name in 1421. Before 1949, Beijing was known as Peking by the Western world. After 1949, the city's name returned to Beijing, as it is known today. Since the early 1980s when China initiated economic and market reforms under the late Deng Xiaoping, Beijing has become a truly modern, international city.
Beijing City is an independently administered municipal district. She is situated in the north eastern part of China at an elevation of 43.5m above sea level. The climate in Beijing is of the continental type, with cold and dry winters and hot summers. January is the coldest month (-4 Celsius), while July the warmest (26 Celsius).
Beijing is one of the most visited cities in the world. There are hundreds of attractions in Beijing. The Forbidden City (the Palace Museum) was the home of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). There are five sections of the Great Wall of China that are on the outskirts of Beijing, namely Badaling, Juyongguan, Simatai, Mutianyu, Simatai, Jinshanling.
I found Beijing a wonderful experience and the people were very friendly and always very helpful. I was I must confess somewhat apprehensive on this my first visit to China however I soon discovered these foolish concerns on my part were needles, they were soon dissipated by the warmth of hospitality shown by the people I met. I found the experience of visiting China has had a profound effect on my life and my attitude regarding China has consequently changed to one of immense respect and admiration for this swiftly changing nation.
SHANGHAI
Shanghai, Hu for short, is a renowned international metropolis drawing more and more attention from all over the world. Situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, Shanghai serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, cultural, science and technology centre in East China. Also it is a popular tourist destination, visitors can sense the pulsating development of modern China.
I was just blown away by this remarkable city and I must confess the buildings in the financial sector amazed me and along the banks of the Yangtze other buildings architectural design was absolutely stunning.
One day on a stroll along the Bund I found myself talking to two young female students from the north of China, their conversational English was impeccable and so I congratulated them on this fact and said I would love to learn Chinese but I felt I was to old now. They swiftly rounded on me and told me it was never to late to learn anything and promptly gave me a lecture on the importance of learning. I often think of these two wonderful students and their attitude and smile in the knowledge that if they and many others of their generation are the mindset behind the future of China then what an exciting and exhilarating ride it will be as this nation reinvents itself as it were in the new world! I for one hope it keeps one foot very firmly in its old cultures and traditions as well.
HONG KONG
Hong Kong is a kaleidoscope of life; a sophisticated fusion of East and West; a city of diversity where new and old meet at every turn. It is a unique experience shaped by a distinctive past and dreams of the future; an age-old synthesis of cultures and traditions that opens a window into what will be, while embracing what has passed.
Hong Kong covers more than 1,000 sq km with over 70% of it rural with these areas consisting of rolling hills and mountains, coastal landscapes, rock formation, sea views and distinctive outlying islands.
There's a reason why The Peak is one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong: It is absolutely incredible! Looking down from The Peak you'll be amazed by the spectacular view of the surrounding city skyline, the world-famous Victoria Harbour and Kowloon, towering skyscrapers and peaceful green hillsides.
Getting there is an unforgettable trip. There's nothing in the world like the Peak Tram. Pulled by steel cables, the tram climbs 373 metres (about 1,200 feet). It's so steep that the buildings you pass look like they're leaning! Whether you're going up or coming down, you'll love this trip.
Victoria Harbour is one of Hong Kong's greatest assets, a jewel that people marvel at, no matter how many times they visit the city. People come from all over the world to see and admire it.
If you have an opportunity to visit Hong Kong then my advice would be to grab it with both hands the trip I made to the world's tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha, along with the Po Lin Monastery it was a simply wonderful experience.
China is a country I would love to return to and spend far more time photographing in some of its stunning rural locations. With hindsight had I been clever enough I should have asked the two students I met on the Bund to provide me with e-mail contact address and then secured them as my future guides and asked them to show me more of their beautiful country. Then they could have taught me Chinese as we travelled!!
