Luxury Travel Secrets

January 10, 2011

Singapore Top 10 Sightseeing

Filed under: Sightseeing — Tags: — admin @ 8:30 am


1. National Icon – Merlion Park
Getting there: Walk towards the Esplanade after alighting at Raffles Place MRT station (NS26 / EW14)

The eight-meter high Merlion statue that stands at the mouth of Singapore River has been recognized as its national icon. This half lion half fish mythical creature is said to symbolize the courage, strength and resilience of Singapore people. And Singapore’s foremost arts venue – The Esplanade – just sits opposite to the Merlion statue.


2. Sentosa
Getting there: Alight at HarbourFront MRT Station (NE1 / CC29), then take direct bus or Sentosa Express at VivoCity (Lobby L, Level 3)

Sentosa is undoubtfully one of the must-see places in Singapore. It’s an attraction not only for tourists but the locals as well. The newly opened Casino and Universal Studio definitely draw more attentions for this lovely island.

3. Singapore Zoo
Getting there: Take a taxi or buses departure from major hotel

This is the only and extraordinary zoo in Singapore, famous in Southeast Asia both for its variety of animals and excellent pedigree. You’ll see everything from pandas to orang utans to white tigers. Certainly worth a visit if you are interested in animals and the Night Safari (a night tour of the zoo) is as interesting.


4. Little Indian
Getting there: Alight at Indian MRT Station (NE7)

It’s a good place to experience the Indian culture. You’ll encounter from traditional temples to the culinary delights of the Indian curry or textiles. Having a walk along the Indian style colorful little houses, it’s a must-visit for tourists.


5. Clarke Quay
Getting there: Alight at Clarke Quay Station (NE5)

Clarke Quay is at the upper side of the Singapore River. Within this area, you can enjoy a decidedly festival atmosphere while hunting for shopping bargains. There are many air-conditioned shophouses and push carts selling never-seen-before mementos and curios. You will also find bars, discos and restaurants too.


6. Chinese Garden
Getting there: 1 Chinese Garden Road, alight at Chinese Garden MRT Station (EW25)

This garden is designed in a northern China imperial style and is built in a way to integrate and in harmony with the nature. The Suzhou style Bonsai Garden is a pearl in this garden. And through the “White Rainbow Bridge”, you will reach the nearby Japanese Garden.


7. Marina Bay
Getting there: Alight at the last stop of the MRT red line (NS27)

This area is the home to many steamboat restaurants that offer cheap and decent seafood. There is also a bowling alley. Lots of open space for kite flying, it is indeed an escape from the bustling city area.


8. Botanic Garden
Getting there: Take public bus via Holland Road (SBS 7, 105, 123, 174 / SMRT 75, 77, 106) or Bukit Timah Road (SBS 48, 66, 151, 153, 154, 156, 170 / SMRT 67, 171)

This is a green haven away from the crowded Orchard Road. There are also performances on weekend. Pack some sandwiches and have a picnic there. Noted the Garden opens from 5 to 24 daily, however, the Orchid Garden inside only opens from 8:30 to 19:00 and the last ticket sale at 18:00.


9. East Coast
Getting there: Take bus No. 401 from Bedok Bus Interchange, or take a taxi

East Coast Park, which is about 20 km long, is one of the largest parks in Singapore. You will find tents and BBQ setups crowd along the beach every weekend. And it is of lots of fun to watch the sunrise / sunset. If fond of activities, you can bring your rollerblade or rent bicycles in shops around.


10. Singapore History Museum
Getting there: 5-minute walk from Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station (NS24 / NE6) / Bras Basah MRT Station (CC2)

It sits in a building constructed in the mid-1800’s and houses artifacts and artwork dating as far back as the 14th century. Exhibits within the museum portray the development of Singapore from the time it a mere fishing village, through British rule, and finally through its opening its doors to immigrants throughout the mid-1900’s. The History Gallery is open from 10:00 to 18:00 and the Living Gallery is 10:00 to 20:00 daily.

August 24, 2010

Red Sea

Filed under: Beach Escapades, Sightseeing — Tags: — Jean @ 10:16 am

What color would you use to describe a Sea?
? ? ?
In my dictionary, sea used to mean blue, light blue, dark blue, crystal blue… Until I went to Pan Jin, Liao Ning Province, China, I never know sea can be related to such striking color – RED! I was shocked by what in front of me…

In Pan Jin, there is a famous National Nature Reserve called Red Sea. It is one of the greatest and the best-preserved red sea in the world. 

Why & How?
      The sea-blite covers the alkaline beach as millions corals, dyeing the entire beach red. The sea-blite is a wild plant; they will come out the ground in April. In the beginning sea-blite is light red and later get dark red in September and turn to purple in October.

Tickets: RMB$40.00 (for red beach only)
                    RMB$ 80.00 (inclusive other sightseeings around)
Sightseeing: Reed Marshes and Bird Paradise

Accommodation:
      Actually there is no hotel inside the Red Sea scenic spot. But there are some hostels near the site. We stayed in a triple room RMB $103.00 per night. Definitely the environment cannot compare with standard hotel, but least it’s clean and convenient.

Recommendation Foods:
      Water Crab: In September, the water crab is the best around the year. You can find famers selling fresh crab by the wayside. It would be lovely to get them steam several fresh crabs for you. And they definitely tastes better than restaurants’.

“虾爬子””(Braised Shrimp) is a special cuisine in Pan Jin, and you may not find it elsewhere.

How to get there:
     There are special vehicles from Pan Jin to Red Sea Scenic Spot everyday. Also, you can get transfer online or from local agencies.
      Rent a mini bus if you travel in group. And drivers are available if you can’t drive or not familiar with the local road. There is also train service directly to Red Sea Scenic Spot during peak season. It is advised to book your tickets in advance.

Website for Pan Jin Red Sea:
www.honghaitan.com/docc/index.asp

August 23, 2010

Wild China 2 — Shangrila

Filed under: Sightseeing — Tags: , , — admin @ 7:33 am

 

    “Wild China” is a nature series produced by BBC.

    This video is about Shangrila, Yunnan, which lies at southwest of China. Hidden beneath billowing clouds, Yunnan perhaps possesses the richest natural treasures in all China.

    Immense rivers carve their way south below towering peaks. The wind-swept slopes are home to the highest-living primates in the world and hidden in the valleys below are jungles with a diversity of wildlife comparable to those around the Amazon.

    Jewel-coloured birds and ancient tribes share forests where wild elephants still roam. The mystery is that Yunnan’s remote forests stretch into northern territories where deserts would normally be found. How can these northern forests exist? The rugged landscape holds the key.

    Book a comfortable accommondation for yourself and start the journey to explore and find out the answer.
 
 
Related Articles:

Wild China 1 – Heart of the Dragon
Wild China 2 – Tibetan
Wild China 3 – Land of the Panda

July 16, 2010

West Lake, Hangzhou

Filed under: Sightseeing — Tags: , , — admin @ 10:49 am

“Ripping water shimmering on sunny days;

Misty hills shrouded the rain;

West Lake shall be compared to Lady Xizi,

No matter she is dressed gaily or plain.”

 

These words are from Su Dongpo (960 – 1127), a famous poet during Song Dynasty. He compared the West Lake to Xizi, a beauty in ancient China and these poetic sentiments leave one in no doubt of the glory of the scenery that inspired them.

Initially a sea inlet, this famous West Lake came into being all because of the laying down of silt. However, the surrounding hilly peaks and crystal water made this water wonderland a nice retreat. And it’s only 5 km from Xixi National Wetland, another popular attraction in Hangzhou.

There are a number of sites well worth a visit. Such as the “Little Oceans” which embraces four small lakes. Also it’s a perfect place to view the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon when at night candles are lit in stone lanterns jutting out of the night of the water thus creating the scene of reflection of three moons. And the scene is terrific on the night of the Autumn Moon Festival.

“Solitary Hill Island” is a ideal spot to have a overview of the vista. “Two Peaks Embracing the Sky” is another impressive sight when paddling across the lake.

Near the lake is Ling Yin Temple in its woodland and Fei Lai Feng which exactly as its name stated – the peak flown from an unknown place. Further inside, you will find “Mausoleum of General Yue Fei” (a monument to a patriot who was murdered), the “Six Harmonies Pagoda” and National Silk Museum, ect.   

When you tired with your daily life, Hangzhou West Lake can be a cool rescue.

July 14, 2010

Nanshan Buddhist Culture Tourism Zone

Filed under: Sightseeing — Tags: , , , — Jean @ 5:32 am

Tree Houses

  

    Have you ever imagined that you can experience the tree house just like the lead role in movies? Now in Nanshan buddhist culture tourism zone, San Ya, HaiNan province, China. you can find your dream tree houses in reality.  

    These tree houses are located in the fruit tree forest’s natural protection area. Time is ignored in that area; it is an exciting way to get close to nature. Listening  to birds singing, breathing the extraordinary fresh air and enjoying every wonder that presented by nature.  

Opening time: 9:00 a.m. — 10:30 a.m / 4:30 p.m. — 5:30 p.m
Tel:                         (+86)0898– 88837888  

Nanshan Temples

  

    The temples are another attraction here and the southern most temple in China. You can see a 108-metre statue of the bodhisattva Guan Yin, sited on the south coast of China’s island province – Hainan. This awesome handcraft statue is recognized as national treasure in China. It is a statue of Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) with three-aspects . One side faces China’s mainland and the other two face the South China Sea, in the hope of spreading its blessings and protection all over the world.  

    This village is located in the east side of Nanshan Buddhist culture tourism zone. The design based on the natural village and add some more man made sceneries. The whole village is surrounding one theme, that’s longevity.  

     Are you interested to test how long the life you have? Then maybe you can find out the answer from Hundreds of Longevity Garden. It said that there are more than hundreds “寿” (This is a Chinese word which the same meaning with longevity) inside the garden. The more “寿” you find the longer life you are.  

     Thousands years old’s fairy is always appearing in the Chinese fantasy novel, people believe that longevity will give the life being some magical power. Maybe this Six Thousands years old’s pine tree which in the garden is listening what the people talking about it and thinking. would you like to communicate with it?  

     You got some question about longevity? Then you probably need to ask the talent in this area he is “无量寿佛” (Amits-Buddha). This 4-metre of height’s 无量寿佛 statue is located inside the garden, try to penetrate what you want from his serene face.

Longevity Village

  

    This village is located in the eastern side of Nanshan Buddhist culture zone. It was built based on the original village and added some man-made sceneries. The whole village focuses on one theme – longevity.

     If you are interested in knowing how long your life is, then you can go for answer in the Longevity Garden. It is said that there are more than hundreds of “寿” ( This is a Chinese character of “shou” which means longevity) inside the garden. The more “寿” you can find out the longer you life is. 

     Thousands-year-old fairies often make appearance in the Chinese legends. People believe that longevity will come along with some magical power. Maybe this 6-thousand-year-old pine tree in the garden is listening to and thinking of what people under it are talking about. would you like to communicate with it? 

     Do you have any question about longevity? If you do, you will probably need to ask the expert in this field, he is “无量寿佛” (Amits-Buddha). This 4-metre high statue of Amits-Buddha is located inside the garden, try to read his advice from his serene face.

Thirty Three Guan Yin statues Sanctuary

    The scale of this Guan Yin Crowd has been listed on Guinness World Records. The 4.3 metres high statue of Guan Yin  is called “乘龙观音”（Guang Yin on Dragon ）and this is also the main Guan Yin statue in this Sanctuary.  The other Guan Yin statues are all at a height of 2.3 metres. 

    Skillful processing and combine with the advanced materials to created this Buddhist grant occasion. 

*Interesting Gife Shop*

  These cute Clay handcraft products are found from “Nanshan Yu Family clay studio”. The shop owner is Miss Yu who is the famous artist in China. She is growing up in a clay art’s family, as she said she is wallow in clay art. In her studio we can see there are many workers making such products. And the interesting part is the different appearance has different meaning.

    These two Chinese style clay dollars “Hehe & Meimei” are the best sell in the studio. It means all your family member will respect and love each other.

     Today what we know is the brilliant side of this industry, however, in the past this kind of art was nearly gone forever. Lucky there are artists like Miss Yu to keep their passion on these amazing small handcrafts, let the yong generations can still see and touch this art.

The clay products are sold at Large Size: CNY 580.00 / pair

                                             Small Size: CNY 108.00 / pair

July 13, 2010

Xixi Wetland, Hangzhou

Filed under: Sightseeing — Tags: , — admin @ 10:33 am

Located in the western Hangzhou, within 5 km from West Lake, Xixi Wetland is a rare urban wetland. It consists of two parts – Xixi National Wetland Park and Hangzhou Botanic Garden. And Xixi National Wetland Park that lays left hand of Fu Causeway is the more popular one.

There are three entrances: the front door is on Zhoujia Zhuang, each side door is on Gao Zhuang and Hezhu Jie.

And they also have electronic boats run clockwise around the park. You can disembark and re-embark at any stop, just do carefully keep your boat tickets.

Tips: The disembarking and embarking ports may differ, do check before you land.

Recommended Land Route:

Zhoujiazhuang Village (main entrance) –> Plum and Bamboo Cottage (housing most of Xixi’s 3,000 plum trees) –> Bo’an Thatched Hut –> Fog and Water Fishing Village –> Xiaogu Bridge –> Depp Pool Mouth (a port for boats used in the annual Dragon Boat Festival) –> West Corridor of the Deep Pool Port –> Reserve Area of Shrimp and Dragon Sands –>Xixi Plum Villa (nice view of plum blossoms). The whole route is about 8km long and takes about 4 to 5 hours.

Recommended River Route:

Zhoujia Dock –> Plum and Bamboo Cottage –> Xixi Water Pavilion (a place for book collecting, reading and meeting friends) –>Qiuxue Hut –> Zhoujia Dock. You can either take an electric boat or row a boat by yourself. A perfect visit of Xixi should involve a combination of land and river route. Just enjoy your time.

July 6, 2010

Top 10 Tourism Desitinations in U.S.

Filed under: Sightseeing — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 10:03 am

Here is the list of top 10 most visited tourist destinations in America according to Forbes. 

1. Times Square, New York City, N.Y

 

Times Square, the most bustling square of New York, is known for its many Broadway theatres, cinemas and super signs,

2. The Las Vegas Strip, Nevada

 

Las Vegas is the most populous city in the state of Nevada, the seat of Clark Country, and an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and entertainment.

3. National Mall and Memorial Parks, Washington, D.C.

 

National Mall & Memorial Parks contains some of the oldest protected park lands in the National Park Service.

4. Faneuil Hall Maekrtplace, Boston, MA

 

Faneuil Hall Marketplace consists of four historic places in one location – Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market, all set around a quaint cobblestone promenade where jugglers, magicians and musicians entertain the visitors. Even better, there are more than 100 places to eat, shop and drink at this historic site.

5. Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, FL

 

This Magic Kingdom has managed to maintain its charm and appeal over years. It has stayed true to its original vision, a place where families could gather in a clean and safe environment to enjoy the time they spend together. There also are some nice hotels for families around. Can read more hotel reviews on our hotel page.

6. Disneyland Park, Anaheim, CA

Walt Disney’s original theme park features eight themed lands with classic Disney characters, favorite attractions, live entertainment, and parades.

7. Niagara Falls, N.Y.

The Falls, which straddle the U.S. – Canadian border, have been a tourist mecca since the mid-19th century. And its visitors are approximated at 12 million a year. 

8. Universal Studio Orlando / Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando, FL

Unlike its rival Disney, Universal houses what is called a “destination complex” in Orlando, where two theme parks, Univeral Studio Orlando and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, can be visit in one time.

** The Wizarding World of Harry Potter  was opened up on 18th June. 

9. San Antonio River Walk, Texas

 

The Riverwalk is one of the most visited places in all of Texas and the greater San Antonio area has a world of fun and exciting things to do and see. It is a network od walkways around the San Antonio River, linking several major attractions one story beneath downtown San Antonio, Texas. Lined by bars, shops and restaurants.

10. Grand Canyon, AZ

 

The canyon is the most famous natural attraction in the USA and possibly in the world. The Grand Canyon is a steep-side gorge carved by the Colorado River in the U.S. state of Arizona. It is largely contained within the Grand Canyon Natonal Park one of the first national parks in the United States. Tourists have arrived at a much quicker rate since the canyon achieved National Park status in 1919.

July 5, 2010

Shalom in Shanghai

Filed under: Sightseeing — Tags: , , — admin @ 6:10 am

**Special Thanks for Amy’s share**

Hello! The Chinese man at the ticket counter greets us in English.
Two, please.
OK.  Can I ask, are you Jewish?
I am, I reply.
Shalom! A huge grin comes across the man’s face.

Of all the countries I’ve traveled to, China isn’t one where I expected to be greeted in Hebrew.  Sure, for Jews in the States, Chinese take out and Christmas Eve go hand in hand, but that’s usually where the connection between Jews and China ends.  Amazingly, it was at the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum where I received this warm welcome.  We have come to see the site of the former Ohel Moshe Synagogue, where Jewish refugees gathered for religious rites during World War II.  The guidebooks had warned us not to expect much, but like a lot of what we experienced in China, the guidebooks were completely out of date. 

The Museum consists of the former Synagogue and two very recently renovated exhibition halls that describe the history of the Jews in Shanghai and testimonials of many of those who lived and worshiped there.

< Ohel Moshe Synagogue

The Synagogue is at the center of the Shanghai Jewish Ghetto, an area of approximately one square mile in the Hongkou District of what was Japanese-occupied Shanghai. Approximately 30,000 Jews fleeing the atrocities in Europe found a safe haven here, one of the few places in the world accepting Jewish refugees without visas. Despite orders from the Nazis to exterminate the Jews of Shanghai, the Chinese and Japanese protected this small Jewish community and most survived the harrowing wartime conditions.  The stories of narrow escapes from tragedy are juxtaposed with awkward Bar Mitzvah photographs and tales of friendships and romances between the Jewish refugees and local Chinese residents that bloomed in the 1940s.

The Chinese government recently resorted the Synagogue using the original blueprints, which are on display in the former sanctuary.  The Museum also contains works of art celebrating the relationship between the Jews and the Chinese, including this print of two Jewish scholars deep in discussion as they stroll in front of a pagoda.

While most Jews left Shanghai during the Cultural Revolution in 1949, the brief history of the Jews in Shanghai is a small but fascinating tale of survival that is elegantly told at the Museum.  It is well deserving of a place on any itinerary in Shanghai.

July 2, 2010

Shanghai Expo

Filed under: Sightseeing — Tags: , , , — admin @ 10:56 am

Do you want to have a glance of the whole world in one shoot? Go to Shanghai when the Expo is still on (1 May – 31 Oct). More than 190 countries and more than 50 international organizations have participated in this Expo. This Expo is the largest World Expo ever both in size and number of participants.

 < China’s Pavilion 

This event is being held on both banks of the Huangpu River in the city of Shanghai, and expecting to serve 70 million visitors worldwide. They also offer tours to enjoy art performances given in the Expo Site during prescribed hours and along prescribed routes every day.

Tickets

  

Pavilions of this Shanghai World Expo are making another headline. Some of them are really GOOD, while some others I would hardly agree with…

 UK’s Pavilion – “Seed Cathedral”

This can be the most impressive pavilion in this expo. No wonder it won the RIBA Lubetkin Prize.

Sweden’s Pavilion

 

Their effort is finally paid off. Lots of angles, arty, well and really cool looking.

Turkey’s Pavilion

 

Not quite sure what is this. A cheese inside a beehive or something like Cappadocia? Either way, memorable.

Peru’s Pavilion

 

Do not judge people by their appearance seems not work here. When I look at it, I just can’t help to. The good thing about it is there is a restaurant inside and it has a really good reputation. 

South Korea’s Pavilion

 

Sure it’s something from South Korea. Lots of layers, lots of colors, cute and sweet always. 

Kazakhstan’s Pavilion

 

Really confused what are you trying to say?

Cambodia’s Pavilion

 

Overheard an interesting comment, “Ankor Wat wallpaper. What every good home needs.” LOL! 

What’s this …?

 

Yes, it wins! I got nothing to say…

The good

 

The little Mermaid, which is the highlight in this pavilion, came all the way from Copenhagen, Denmark.

USA Pavilion

 

I have long been expecting something unexpected from US, but it turns out to be this? Still believe, Uncle Sam could have done better.

Netherland Pavilion

 

Netherland gives us a good example on how to make the best of every land. The concept of a new living style by cramming a lot into such a small space.

Above is just a small selection of pavilions, if you want know more or see more, can check out our travel guide or book a hotel from our site to see more in Shanghai personally^.^

June 25, 2010

Heaven on Earth

Filed under: Sightseeing — Tags: , , — maggie @ 10:16 am

It’s not Provence in France, It’s Ili in Xinjiang, China

When talking about lavender, the two world-famous lavender producing places may just pop into your mind – Provence in Southeast France and Furano in Hokkaido, Japan. However, Provence and Hokkaido are a bit far for me. And there is another home of lavender that takes up 3,000 sq mi in Northwestern China. It has been called – Ili (Yili in Pinying).

There is a saying that you’ve no idea of how large China is until you go to Xinjiang and you shall not know how beautiful Xinjiang is without going to Ili.

The climate of Ili is similar to Provence. And its lavender fields is about 90% of the total lavender planting area in China. Every July, Ili will just become a sea of lavender!

The Crystal blue sky is hanging over waves of purple lavender. And the white poplar is the symbol of Xinjiang.

I thought heaven is somewhere far far away, but it turns out that I am actually in heaven…

 

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