Travel Destinations in China

I want to dedicate this post to my friends at Custom Royal Countertops & Tile, who support my traveling!

Since the world first learned about China through the traveller Marco Polo’s writings more than 700 years ago, it has been seen as the personification of all that is enigmatic and strange.Even after decades of economic growth, this vast country has not lost its allure. Indeed, the contrast between ancient Chinese customs and the emerging ultra-modern state has only heightened interest in a culture that dates back millennia.

It’s a culture that the Chinese cherish, as evidenced by the preservation of significant historic sites like Beijing’s Forbidden City and Summer Palace, both of which recall the days of China’s emperors. Then there’s the famous Great Wall, which stretches 6,700 kilometers from the Yellow Sea to Central Asia, with countless shrines exuding the spirit of ancient Eastern religions.

As a tourist destination, China provides limitless opportunities for exploration due to its size. No matter if you choose to take a luxurious cruise ship down the scenic Yangtze gorges, visit a bustling city, or seek out the peace of an ancient temple, this country is bursting with great experiences and sightseeing opportunities.

1. The Great Wall of China

“Nobody can be a true hero unless he has been on the Great Wall,” says a famous Chinese proverb, emphasizing the significance of this unique ancient monument.

The magnificent Great Wall of China stretches more than 6,000 kilometers from the fortresses of Shanhaiguan in the east to Jiayuguan in the west, passing through Hebei, Tientsin, and Beijing – where the best-preserved sections of the wall can visit – Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, and Gansu.

The wall contains multiple battlements and watchtowers, and its height ranges from six to eight meters on average but can reach 16 meters in some areas. The earliest defenses on the wall date to the seventh century BC and the best-known portions were added when its numerous parts were brought together in 210 BC.

The stretch of the wall that receives the most visitors nowadays is located northwest of Beijing, close to Badaling Pass, and is easily reachable by organized tours or public transit. Other restored units worth seeing include those near Gubeikou, 130 kilometers from Beijing, and Mutianyu, 70 kilometers northeast of Beijing.

2. The Forbidden City & the Imperial Palace, Beijing

China’s largest and most significant structure, the Forbidden City (Zjnchéng), also known as the Imperial Palace, is a must-see for anybody travelling there. A large portion of the structure was constructed between 1406 and 1420 under the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). 24 Ming and Qing Emperors lived in this vast complex, which was only accessible by the imperial family and their courtesans because to their presence.

This massive complex, covering 720,000 square meters and protected by a 10-meter-high wall with watchtowers and a wide moat, consists of ceremonial and administrative areas and the emperor’s private residence. Highlights include the five white marble Golden River Bridges; the 35-meter-tall Hall of Supreme Harmony, which houses the imperial throne; and the exquisite emperor’s banquet hall (the Hall of Preserving Harmony). The Palace Museum houses an abundant collection of art and artifacts from the Ming and Qing dynasties (English-language museum tours are available).

Other notable attractions in the Imperial Palace’s vicinity include Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven, one of the country’s most important religious sites dating back to the 15th century.

3. The Terracotta Army, Xi’an

In the 1970s, farmers digging wells on the outskirts of Xi’an discovered what would become China’s most important archaeological find: the Terracotta Army. The discovery, which was spread across three large underground pits and built to guard the tomb of the First Emperor, included over 8,000 life-size warriors, 520 horses, and more than 100 chariots, as well as a large number of other non-military figures from around 280 BC.

Although some were severely damaged over time, many unearthed statues have been painstakingly reassembled and stand as a testament to the emperor’s and the afterlife’s importance. One of China’s most popular tourist locations is part of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum Site Park. It offers visitors the unique experience of standing in front of this group of soldiers and horses as though watching a centuries-old parade. There are guided tours offered in English.

4. Cruising the Li River, Guilin

Guilin, located in the northeast corner of Guangxi, has some of the most beautiful countryside in China and is known for the Li River, which passes through the town and surrounding karst mountains. While this unique scenery has attracted poets and artists for hundreds of years and has been the subject of countless fairy tales and legends, it is now popular with tourists worldwide who want to see this natural splendor up close.

A cruise down the Li River is the best way to experience the area. The river meanders peacefully through some kilometers of remarkable rock formations and caves with romantic names like the Mount of Unique Beauty, Elephant Trunk Hill, and Reed Flute Cave on its most famous stretch, which runs from Guilin to Yangshuo. Trips can last from a few hours to several days, depending on the type of boat used (from a tourist cruise ship to small bamboo punts).

5. The Summer Palace, Beijing

The sumptuous Imperial Summer Palace (Yhé Yuán), located just 15 kilometers from Beijing, is set among more than 700 acres of beautiful parkland and is one of China’s most visited attractions. While the palace was constructed in 1153, the large lake was added in the 14th century to complement the Imperial Gardens.

The magnificent Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (Renshou Dian), complete with the throne, and the beautiful Great Theatre, a private three-story structure built in 1891 to satisfy the imperial family’s love of opera, are both highlights. This historic venue is still used for traditional Chinese plays and musical events and is well worth a visit for a performance or show.

The Hall of Happiness and Longevity, with its exquisite gardens and courtyards, as well as miles of picturesque paths and walking trails, are additional highlights. Visit the Old Summer Palace’s ruins, once one of the nation’s most ornate and elegant palaces, if time permits. Sadly, this once-impressive building was destroyed by colonial forces in the middle of the 1800s.

Top 3 Reasons to Visit Jamaica

According to CNN’s Lonely Planet`s Best in Travel List 2023, Jamaica is one of the ideal locations to unwind in 2023. What are some of the reasons that make this Caribbean island a world-class unwinding destination?

First, Jamaica has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. James Bond Beach and Seven Mile beach in Negril are two of the most famous Caribbean beaches. Yes, they are both in Jamaica. And yes, the Very first of the James Bond series, Dr. No (starring Sean Connery) used the former beach as the backdrop for the movie. 

Second, Jamaican truly have mastered the art of having a great time. After all, Jamaica is the birthplace of reggae as well as dancehall. So it is not surprising that from the beaches to the fancy restaurants, and every corner of the city, there is always music. Music performances last from late in the evening to the early hours of the morning.

Additionally, Jamaica is a haven for divers and sea adventure seekers. There are various tours and schools for divers, both beginners and experienced divers. For those who prefer to enjoy sea adventures from the land, the Sea Life Centre has a wide collection of sea life from all over Jamaica. …

Is Brazil Safe for Me to Visit?

More than 3 million people visit Brazil annually to take part in the adventure that is the Brazilian lifestyle. According to the U.S. Department of State (Bureau of Consular Affairs), a vacation to Brazil will require increased caution. Regions surrounding Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay in particular require tourists to exercise an increased level of caution. 

While families (especially those with young children) might not be inclined to visit, Brazil is a thrill for those seeking adventures. 

A typical vacation in Brazil is marked by an abundance of fun outdoor activities and lots of parties. There is a popular saying among travel agencies, “there is no introvert in Brazil”. So for those seeking outdoor thrills, Brazil is perfect. The country is designed to help visitors break out of their shells. 

A major tourist attraction in brazil is its popular beaches. Beach parties are a regular occurrence in Brazil. Beach activities and water sports can always be enjoyed. 

Brazilian cuisine is one that always leaves first-time visitors wanting more. From the exquisite culinary delights to the smooth cocktails and party delight, there is so much to taste.

So if planning to visit Brazil, ensure to exercise extra caution (especially at night). But do not forget to have a great time.…

Is Brazil Overhyped?

It might be a bit hotter than most people are used to, but it is the perfect time to break out of those lovely summer wear. Brazil is a temperate region and could reach temperatures as high as 43°C. But most times the temperature ranges from the mid-20 degrees to the late 30s. perfect for working on your tan, but do not forget to pack your sunblock. 

Brazilians are mostly quite hyper, but those guys sure know how to have a good time. Festivals and carnivals are essential aspects of their lifestyle. So if you are a party person, Brazil is definitely for you. While these large carnivals and festivals do not occur year-round, there is always a party you could check out. 

Another awesome reason to visit Brazil is that most of its cities are coastal. This means that even if the temperatures are fiery, there is always a beach not too far away. Beaches are an excellent way to relax on really hot days and meet people. 

There are also a lot of fun outdoor activities to explore. Hiking, mountain climbing, forest explorations, and many more are popular tourist attractions. Brazil could be described as an outdoor world and is not the best place for introverts. 

So if you’re looking for a good time, Brazil is perfect for you.…

Top Must See Attractions in Bali, Indonesia

Bali is known as one of the best holiday destinations in the world. Thousands of travelers from over the world come to visit this small island in Indonesia because there are so many exciting tourist attractions in Bali.

These tourist attractions aren’t just the wonderful beach of Kuta, but there are also incredible landscapes that can be found all around Bali and the exotic culture of Balinese people.

If you choose Bali as your next traveling destination, then you must read this post because you’ll find exciting main tourist attractions in Bali and Bali is one of the best attractions in Indonesia.

1. The Iconic Temple of Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot is widely known as the place of the most iconic Temple in Bali. This temple is located on the top of a big rock which is surrounded by the sea.

You’ll impress yourself when you see this temple for the first time. The sound of the waves crashing on the base of the big rock will be the background music that calms your mind. Moreover, you’ll see the best sunset view in your life from this place.

2. Uluwatu Temple

Aside from The Temple of Tanah Lot, Uluwatu temple is another iconic temple in Bali that is worth a visit. Standing on the cliff edge in southwestern Bukit peninsula, this temple has attracted many tourists to come and enjoy a beautiful blue ocean landscape from this temple. Uluwatu temple is also the best place to view a beautiful sunset.

3. Besakih Temple

The largest temple in Bali that is also known as ‘the mother of temples’ by the local people is another place that is worth visiting when you come to Bali. It’s located in Mount Agung, the famous mountain in Bali.

What makes this temple more unique than other temples are that there are eighteen separated sanctuaries which belong to a different caste. And there are three main temples which are dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

4. Monkey Forest in Ubud

Visiting Bali isn’t always meant to enjoy the beautiful beach, tanning your skin under the tropical sun, or visiting the exotic temple. There is a sacred forest which is called Monkey Forest in Ubud.

Just like its name, many monkeys live in this forest. You’ll get a unique experience when visiting this forest. There are a lot of long-tailed gray monkeys that welcome you and want to play with you.…

Bali – The Paradise of Indonesia

Indonesia has managed to carve a niche for itself in the world of tourism. The official motto of the Indonesian Tourism Department for Bali, an island renowned among those who love the sun and sandy white beaches, is Glorious Bali Island. However, those who have never visited Indonesia hardly know anything about this beautiful and magical place.

Bali is truly a paradise for people who love to spend their holiday on a beach. Here you can relax during the day basking in the sun or swimming in the clean waters and at night you can get a glimpse of Bali’s culture from the numerous cultural shows that take place on the beach.

On a full moon night, be prepared to enjoy different types of beach games that are organized by the locals themselves. You can even see a traditional Balinese funeral and be amazed at the way the people dance and enjoy themselves.

Bali has tropical temperatures right round the year. At any given time, the temperature will not be over twenty-six degrees Celsius. However, it does have different seasons. The dry season here starts in April and lasts through September, while the wet season begins in October and runs through March. This means that the best time to visit this Indonesian paradise is from May until August when the sun is out and the intermittent rain tends to keep the temperatures down.

There are numerous activities that you can opt for in Bali, including scuba diving, snorkeling to get a view of the coral reefs and its inhabitants, river rafting on Ayung River, mountain cycling, and taking a stroll through the paddy fields. The place where you can see some of the best corals in the world is Nusa Penida. So, make sure you go there.

Bali is occupied by mostly Hindus. So, all the Hindu festivals are celebrated and also the Hindu traditions and customs are followed. You can enjoy delicious Indian food here. However, if you do not like Indian curries, you can opt for Malaysian cuisine, Chinese cuisine, Moroccan cuisine or Mexican cuisine. One thing that you should not miss is the Balinese grilled lobster served with a unique and delicious sauce.…

The Scuba Diving in Indonesia

How many times did you envy the men in black diving suits carrying tanks and exploring the deep blue seas while you remain glued to your T.V sets watching them? Yes we are talking about the Scuba divers. The word “scuba” stands for self contained underwater breathing apparatus, which helps the divers to breath under water during their marine expeditions.

Scuba Diving is now-a-days a very popular adventure sport with people loving adventure, while some enjoy it merely as a recreation, others take it more seriously and even undergo professional training. One of the best things about diving is that anybody of any age group, physique or nature can learn and enjoy this without burning a big hole in your pocket. If you are to enjoy underwater beauty, then diving is the best option. There are many exotic diving sites around the globe, especially these in Indonesia.

The sites for scuba diving in Indonesia are undoubtedly the finest ones. Stretching across 3,500 miles of Pacific Ocean from East to West, with 17,000 islands Indonesia’s water kingdom is the habitat for many diverse marine creatures from the huge whale sharks to world’s tiniest seahorses. The biggest attraction of Indonesia for the scuba divers is the rich and vibrant coral reefs.The offshore reef creates exotic diving sites. If anybody is interested in scuba diving, they may visit Indonesia for a lifetime experience. These sites are really mesmerizing.

There are ample opportunities for the beginner to learn scuba diving in Indonesia from certified agencies such as PADI, SSI, and NAUI offering various certification courses on scuba diving for all. The fun filled training includes all the knowledge regarding the safety signals, precautions of this sport. But it is advisable to do thorough research before selecting an agency. So stop dreaming about underwater and go to Indonesia for an enthralling and fulfilling experience.…

How To Enjoy Your Trip When Visiting Birmingham

Birmingham is well-connected by road, water and air. In fact, it has a dense network of canals developed in earlier years for trade purposes. Today, it has emerged as a great shopping and popular tourist destination. Here’s a list of attractions that will make your stay in this British city the best vacation ever. Take a look and make your reservations in time.

1. The National Sea Life Centre – For Lovers of Nature

The National Sea Life Centre at Brindleyplace promises a glorious undersea voyage. The one-million liter ocean tank with a transparent tunnel accommodates a multitude of aquatic animals such as giant green sea turtles, sea horses, piranhas, black tip reef sharks, sea horses, tropical reef fish, rays and many others.

2. Cadbury World – For Chocoholics

Cadbury World reminds you of Willy Wonka. It is located in the village of Bournville. While it is structured like a museum explaining the history and stages of making chocolate, the place will make all chocoholics drool with delight. There are displays of chocolate-making machines, chocolate themed-rides and a few free bars to take home.

3. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery – For Connoisseurs of Art

There are numerous arts galleries and museums in Birmingham however; Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery stands out in the crowd. It is known for its Pre-Raphaelite paintings. It also has a fine collection of metalwork, jewellery, ceramics, ethnography and archaeology, local and industrial history.

4. The Custard Factory – For Shopaholics And Night Owls

Located on Gibbs Street, the colorful Custard Factory catches the eye immediately. The building was constructed by custard mogul Sir Alfred Bird. Custard factory houses restaurants and independent shops run by locals. Here you can shop for clothes, baubles, shoes, leather items and a lot more. The Vintage flea market organized on Saturday attracts large crowds.

Birmingham nightlife offers endless entertainment options. You can get a taste at Custard factory itself. It organizes club nights on weekends and selected weekdays. Other places that promise you a good time to party animals include Broad Street, the Mail Box, the Arcadian and the Star City.

5. Grand Prix Karting – For Adrenaline Junkies

Lovers of sport and action should make a trip to Grand Prix Karting motor sport center. It is only a mile from Birmingham City Centre. The necessary equipment is provided to you.

Although our list seems to be complete, offering something for every type of tourist, it is in reality incomplete. The city of Birmingham has so much to offer its locals and tourists that it is difficult to put it down in the article restricted by words. A few more suggestions we could not include in the list above but believe deserve a place in your itinerary are the Warwick Castle, Back to Back Housing, Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, Museum of Jewellery Quarter, Pen Room Museum, Winterbourne House and Garden, Stoneleigh Abbey, Twycross Zoo, Solihull and St. Paul’s Gallery.

Visiting Birmingham

Britain’s second city with around a million inhabitants, Birmingham is located almost centrally in the country. It is a diverse city with plenty of things to see and do when you visit.

There is a long tradition of brewing beer in the Birmingham and although most of the younger population drink lager, traditional British ales are readily available in the city’s many Victorian pubs and bars, including the Old Crown in Deritend, which dates back to around 1450.

Birmingham has a massive network of canals – surprisingly, it has even more canals than Venice. These formed the early transport network but nowadays they are mainly used for leisure and you can take short breaks on the waterways to explore almost undiscovered parts of the city.

Brindley Place has recently been the subject of a multi million pound redevelopment. It features many canal-side pubs and restaurants and is centrally located, so you’ll be able to reach it easily from your hotel when you stay in the city. The general area also features large open spaces, theatres and art galleries. The large Central Square often features open air arts events and is home to the annual Arts Fest.

There is plenty to do in Birmingham for children and adults alike. Whether you are looking for modern spectacles such as Sea World or earlier and more esoteric places such as the Botanical gardens.

The author J R R Tolkien was born in the city and it is rumored that a number of scenes in his classic novel The Lord of the Rings were inspired by regions such as Moseley bog and Perrott’s Folly. The folly is a 96 foot tall tower that was built during the mid 1700’s and is clearly visible above the local houses and businesses.

If you’re looking for nightlife in Birmingham, you should concentrate on both Brindleyplace and Broad Street. There are plenty of stylish pubs, clubs and restaurants to keep you occupied late into the night. Alternate years see the Birmingham International Festival taking place. This is a Caribbean style carnival with plenty of floats and colourful costumes to keep spectators interested.

Cinema fans won’t be disappointed – Birmingham is home to the UK’s oldest working cinema, the Electric Cinema, found on Station Street. The Odeon chain started its life in the city during the 1920s. The local listing magazines will give you full information about the mainstream and independent films that are being shown during your stay in the city, although if you want to watch a current movie in complete comfort then the Star City complex is well worth a visit.

Famous Birmingham residents now have their own Walk of Stars, inspired by Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Here you can find stars dedicated to famous Birmingham residents as diverse as Ozzy Osbourne and the comedian Jasper Carrott. Slade fans won’t be disappointed either – Noddy Holder has been honoured with a star as well!

Music fans of every taste are able to find something in Birmingham. From the massive concerts held at the nearby National Exhibition Centre through to small local venues featuring everything from jazz to heavy metal music and all points in between.…

Shopping in Bristol – Weekend Breaks in England

If you’re looking for a girlie weekend in England, then why not try Bristol? Bristol is the perfect place for a group of girls because it’s got some great places to shop! You might need to save some money and clear out some space in your wardrobe before you go, because it’s impossible to visit Bristol without coming back with hundreds of new clothes!

The newest shopping centre in Bristol is called Cabot Circus. Cabot Circus was opened in September 2008 and turned Bristol into one of the best shopping locations in the UK. It has over 120 high street fashion stores including Urban Outfitters, American Apparel and of course TopShop. Cabot Circus also has plenty of parking, which costs £1 per hour and only £2 for the whole day on Sunday.

There is a second part of Cabot Circus called Quakers Friars which is where you will find all the top end designer stores like Harvey Nics, Kurt Geiger and Reiss. There is also a restaurant located in the centre of Quakers Friars called Brassiere Blanc, this restaurant is in what used to be a 13th Century Monastery. This is one of the best restaurants in Bristol because all the chefs working here have been personally trained by Raymond Blanc himself, which also makes it one of the pricier ones!

Before you start to get worried that you haven’t seen a Primark, Bristol is home to one of the larger ones in the England which only opened in Summer 2009! It is just in Broadmead, which is opposite Cabot Circus. If you want some more boutique shops then the best place to go is Park Street, don’t be put off that it’s on a very steep hill because the shops will distract you from this! The shops on Park Street include Motel, Uncle Sam’s Vintage Clothing and BS8. There are also plenty of cafes and pubs to take a break at before carrying on with your shopping spree. If you’re looking to get dinner on Park Street there are a number of restaurants, but my personal recommendation would be The Bristol Ram. The Bristol Ram serves the best and biggest burgers in the city!

Bristol – The City For Tourists

The City of Bristol is situated in South West England covering 110 square kilometers accommodating a population of nearly 420,000. It is one of the first cities to adjust to town twinning and was twinned with Bordeaux and later with Hannover. Comparatively the city is considered as a moderate city having average temperature ranging between 3°C and 23°C.

In the past, Port of Bristol, situated towards West of the city, was used for business on which the city relied until it became more convergent towards creative media and electronics which made the Port idle. Therefore, it became a cultural sport where a variety of events take place and hotels and restaurants have established their business to pull customers to have food with a view of river.

Because Bristol is the only largest city in the region it organizes events and festivals which attract people from within and outside the city. Ashton Courts organizes the annual hot air ballooning event in the city which is one of the biggest events in Britain. Bristol also organizes various other events that support musical acts, short-films, debates, etc.

While visiting Bristol, be it a business trip or a holiday trip, the restaurants and hotels are there to offer you the perfect packages to add color to your visit. The hotels and restaurants facilitate with clean environment, friendly service and extensive menu of British, American, Chinese, Indian and Mexican food to name a few. Most of the restaurants offer special seasonal deals with a relaxing ambience for a mid-day snack, a drink after a tiring day or a dinner with friends and family.

Restaurants and hotels sited in Port of Bristol area give a calm view of the harbor while you view it from your hotel room balcony or enjoy your food in your favorite restaurant.

The rail and road system is well maintained with easy access to public transport to travel between places specially the shopping malls. Other than public transport, car rental companies are also well-established in Bristol that offer extended services for renting a car or a van if you plan to visit the city as a tourist and give special offers like hiring car for one-way trip or last minute booking discounts etc.

Fitness and health is not left unattended in the city either. Health fitness clubs are well established and offer state of the art gyms, pools, locker rooms and mini bars and cafes. Whether you have got a target to achieve or desire to maintain the body in shape the gym management selects the most fitting trainer for you who can help you out with a schedule and diet plan.

A wonderful city to live in, a scenic place for tourists and a city with history are a few words that define the City of Bristol.…