ANOTHER SIDE TO LOVE

RE DISC OV E R
S E E
T H E
L A N D
O F
T H E
D R A G O N
C HINA
A N E W
ANOTHER SIDE
TO LOVE
There’s more to the Middle Kingdom than the Forbidden
City and the Great Wall. Whether your passions lie in art and
architecture, adventure or cultural immersion, Singapore Changi
Airport and its travel partners make it a breeze to pick your next
Chinese destination by offering you easy flight connections and
inspiring itineraries. You can also opt for a customised package
to cover everything on your bucket list – make sure it includes
spots that will enrich your experience by fulfilling one or more
of these criteria sought after by travellers:
ARTS ALERT
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IN CROWD
ON A GUILIN
HIGH
Calling all
adventurers: The
ancient scenic
spot scales new
heights
OF MOUNTAINS
AND WATER
Huangshan and
Hangzhou boast
scenery straight
out of traditional
landscape paintings
ART
LOVER’S
PARADISE
Zhangjiajie, the
Three Gorges and
Chongqing
CULTURAL
BUY-IN
What to take to
Yunnan: an open
mind and an
empty bag
CULTURE CLUB
PHOTO OP
ONE LAST
LOOK
DINE IN
SHOP STOP
Get up close
with endangered
creatures and
cultures in
Chengdu
CULTURAL
COCKTAIL
Take a sip of the
heady mix that is
Harbin in winter
Win prizes and score
great travel deals at the
Rediscover China exhibition
held at Changi Airport from
Sept 7-27! Scan this QR
code, or find out more on
the last page.
C O M P L I M E N TA R Y W I T H H E R W O R L D , O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5
GUILIN
HUANGSHAN & HANGZHOU
O F M OU N TA I N S A N D WAT E R
W
WANT TO VI EW SC ENES THAT BR I NG TR AD IT IONAL PAINT INGS TO
L
LI FE? THEN YOU NEED TO VI SI T HUANGS H AN AND H ANGZH OU,
A
AND ALL THEI R QUAI NT WATER TOWNS .
IMPRESSION LIU
SANJIE SHOW
Created by acclaimed
Chinese director Zhang
Yimou and performed
on the Li River after
dark, it features a cast of Zhuang minority
villagers, and uses songs, colourful
costumes and lighting to tell the story of
Liu Sanjie, a Zhuang girl whose legendary
singing won her great admiration.
West Lake is renowned for its
scenery, by day or night.
Elephant Trunk
Hill in Guilin.
A N A DV E N T U R E TO
REMEMBER
DON’T JUST SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE
SCENERY. PACK YOUR HIKING BOOTS AND
SPORTSWEAR, AND GET READY FOR THE
MOUNTAINS, CAVES AND GULLIES OF GUILIN.
Y
ou may be surprised to learn that
China is a top destination for
adventure lovers. Places like Guilin
in northern Guangxi province are of
course famous for their breathtaking
natural scenery and dramatic
landscapes, but they are also popular
for their outdoor activities and extremesports offerings. So pack your hiking
boots and sportswear, and get ready
to challenge yourself in the mountains,
caves and gullies of Guilin.
Once you are in Guilin, a visit to
the Tianmenshan National Park Scenic
Area in Ziyuan is definitely in order.
Taking its name from Tianmenshan
(Heaven’s Door Mountain), it doesn’t
have an easy route up. You’ll need to
hike to the Zijiang river to reach the
cable car station. Then, walk from the
cable car end-point station, midway up
the mountain, to the peak. It requires
effort, but the view from the top is your
reward. Visit the glass platform lookout
– the gutsy ones among you will get a
huge thrill out of “walking in the sky”
and taking in the views through the
glass flooring.
From Ziyuan, you can move on to
Longsheng County, little more than
a three-hour drive away. Check into
Datang Bay Cottage for an overnight
stay. This resort is located in a remote
mountain area that is home to the
minority Longsheng people, and is an
excellent base from which to explore
the tranquil natural surroundings, and
enjoy the cuisines of the minority
groups living in the region.
Shutterbugs, don’t miss the
The famously photogenic
Longsheng Rice Terraces.
opportunity to photograph the
highlight of this area – the Longsheng
Rice Terraces. Also called the Dragon’s
Backbone Rice Terraces, this vast
expanse of rice paddies situated about
27km south-east of Longsheng County
dates back 650 years. It is a sight to
behold, with verdant layers stacked one
on top of the other around a massive
mountain, and it is also where the
minority Yao and Zhuang people live
and work.
Get your feet wet – literally – with
a trip up the Li River on a bamboo
raft! Bamboo rafting is very different
from boating – it allows you to truly
feel the river currents, so you’re
more connected to the surroundings.
Just make sure you don sandals, or
waterproof shoes. The waters here are
relatively calm, and a leisurely cruise
offers spectacular views of the everchanging landscape, from the limestone
mountains to waterfalls and sparkling
lakes. Don’t want to be ferried up
and down the river? Kayaking is fast
gaining popularity as an activity in the
river’s lower reaches – rent a kayak and
paddle to your heart’s content.
If that’s still not enough to set your
pulse racing, the Yangshuo Mountains’
karst topography makes it an exciting
place to indulge in extreme sports.
Cycling tours are popular with visitors,
and the trails will get you zipping
around no matter what your level of
cycling proficiency. Yangshuo is also
among the top spots in Asia for rockclimbing, abseiling and zip lining – just
some of the more rugged activities that
are bound to please adrenalin junkies.
Get your heart pumping while taking in
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8 DAYS
T’S
LE O!
G
Guilin + Yangshuo + Li River
+ Datang Bay + Ziyuan
Tianmenshan
Includes exclusive stay at
Datang Bay Cottage and
cruise along the Li River.
the gorgeous mountain views!
Once night falls and you have to
coil up your ropes, Yangshuo’s West
Street offers adrenalin-boosting action
of a different kind. Popularly known
as Foreigners’ Street, it is packed with
shops, bars and restaurants, making it a
favourite with visitors and expats who
want to unwind at the end of a long
day of sightseeing, or tuck into some
Western food.
After recharging with dining,
drinking and shopping, you’ll be ready
for another quick trip to a natural
attraction. Just 5km from downtown
Guilin is the Reed Flute Cave, which
got its name from a type of reed that
grows at its entrance. Such reeds can
be made into melodious flutes. This
240m-long grotto was carved out of
the karst limestone mountains over
millions of years, but you can explore it
in less than an hour. Inside, wonder at
the numerous stalactites, stalagmites,
stone pillars and rock formations that
were created by carbonate deposits, all
stunningly highlighted by multicoloured
lighting. It’s a surreal, almost otherworldly experience. Alternatively, you
can explore another of Guilin’s most
popular natural spots – the Silver Cave,
just 18km out of Yangshuo. Named for
the silvery stalactites in it, the cave has
a 2km circular route that runs through
no fewer than 12 mountains.
YANGSHUO
LOCAL MARKET
This is where the locals
shop for food and
household goods, and
gather to chat with one
another. Open daily, the colourful and
lively market is the place to get souvenirs
and local handicrafts like silk fans, textiles,
embroidery and jewellery.
PHOTOS CORBIS/CLICK PHOTOS
On the Li River
in Guilin.
PHOTOS CHINA NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE & CORBIS/CLICK PHOTOS
NANSHAN ROAD
I
t’s only fitting that China’s
many natural attractions are the
centrepieces of numerous highly
acclaimed traditional paintings over the
centuries. No Chinese landscape painting
is complete without awe-inspiring peaks
and serene bodies of water. You’ll see
these paintings spring to life when you
combine Mount Huangshan (also known
as the Yellow Mountain) and Hangzhou
in one itinerary. Take in the panoramic
mountain views, soak in the soothing
hot springs, and observe life along the
picturesque waterways.
To get the most of the gorgeous views,
ascend Mount Huangshan by cable car. Stay
the night at the five-star Xihai Hotel, which
is at the top the mountain and commands
breathtaking views. The hotel can be
reached on foot from the cable-car station
and is just minutes away from the sunrise
observation site, the place from which
where you’ll want to watch the muchvaunted sunrise in the morning.
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FOR TWIN-ROOM SHARING.
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in use even today. It connects five great
rivers: the Hai River, the Huai River, the
Yangtze River, the Yellow River and the
Qiantang River.
On the lower reaches of Qiantang
River is China’s “romance capital”,
Hangzhou. A must-see here is the West
Lake, which Marco Polo once described
as “charming”. It has been designated
a Unesco World Heritage Site, and for
good reason too – poets, scholars and
artists have all sought inspiration here.
The place is renowned for its traditional
Chinese aesthetic, and numerous
romantic legends about it have sprung
up over the millennia. A stroll along the
banks of the West Lake is the perfect
opportunity to unwind and recharge
when visiting this city.
BROKEN BRIDGE
Numerous movies and TV
serials have been made
about the famous folk
tale, Legend of the White
Snake, and its titular snake
spirit, Madam White. But did you know
that the story was set in Hangzhou? The
protagonist, Xu Xian, supposedly stood on
the Broken Bridge and vomited immortality
pills into the lake. The white snake living
in the lake then swallowed them, kickstarting what is oft-regarded today as an
epic love story transcending the boundaries
between the human and spirit realms.
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the bathing areas to
cater to travellers.
Bring your bathing
suit and take a dip,
or go for a whole
spa experience. The
mineral-rich waters
are said to beautify
the skin, prevent
diseases and even
improve health.
Other water-rich
areas worth packing
into your itinerary
are the rural Hong
Village and Nanxun
Stunning vistas of
Ancient Town. The
Mount Huangshan
include willows and
former is nestled in
seas of clouds against
the mountains and
the rocky cliffs.
accessible by coach.
Many artists love
visiting this Unesco
If you fancy a more rejuvenating
World Heritage Site to paint its many
slant to your holiday, Mount Huangshan
glistening ponds and traditional
is also famous for its hot-spring baths,
buildings. Even Hollywood has been
about 650m above sea level at the foot
captivated by its beauty, filming some
of Purple Rock Peak. The springs have
scenes of Oscar-winning movie
an average temperature of 42.5 deg C
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon at this
and are favoured by mountain climbers.
location. As for the charming water town
Many villas such as the Huangshan Hot
of Nanxun, it features picture-perfect
Spring Hotel were developed around
canals that have made it a popular spot
for tourism from as far back as the Ming
and Qing Dynasties.
FERMENTED
Another famous water feature
MANDARIN FISH
to check out is the world’s oldest
and longest man-made canal. A vast
Insist on trying this
waterway system running from Beijing
pungent Huangshan
in the north all the way to Zhejiang in
speciality that is
the south, The Grand Canal is a Unesco
representative of Anhui
World Heritage Site. Its construction
cuisine. The fish is fermented in salt for
began in the 5th century BC, and, prior
seven days, so it isn’t for the faint-hearted
to the Industrial Revolution, it was
– some claim it even trumps fermented
considered the world’s most extensive
beancurd in the stink stakes. However,
feat of civil engineering. The canal
“smelly fish”, as it’s called in Mandarin, is
was used to transport goods and
said to be mild in flavour and surprisingly
food between cities, and remains
pleasant to eat.
Make sure you visit the
vibrant Nanshan Road
in Hangzhou, a vital part
of the West Lake Scenic
Area. Nicknamed “Bar
Street” because of the wealth of watering
holes lining it, it stretches 4.3km and
borders the town and lake. If drinking
and clubbing are not up your alley, take
a seat at a teahouse by the lake and
enjoy the night scenery over a cuppa.
TA109
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8 DAYS
T’S
LE O!
G
Mount Huangshan + Nanxun
Ancient Town + Hong Village
+ Hangzhou + Wuyuan
Includes stay at Xihai Hotel
on Mount Huangshan, and
hot-spring experience at
Huangshan Hot Spring Hotel.
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FOR THE SECOND
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OF TRAVELLERS.
VALID FROM SEPTEMBER
TO DECEMBER 2015.
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YUNNAN
ZHANGJIAJIE, THE THREE GORGES & CHONGQING
A RT LOV E R ’ S PA R A D I S E
CALLING ALL CULTURE VULTURES AND ARTISTS AT HEART: DISCOVER
A TREASURE TROVE OF INSPIRATION ALONG THE YANGTZE RIVER.
CHONGQING
ART GALLERY
The easy-to-find
Chongqing Art Gallery
(Jiefangbei Guotai Arts
Centre) boasts an exterior
that is a sculptural artwork in itself. Its
collection comprises mostly the works of
home-grown artists – a great way to get a
peek into the local art scene.
Also consider dropping by the Sichuan
Fine Arts Institute. Established 64 years
ago, it is one of the five most prominent art
academies in the country, offering courses
in traditional Chinese painting, oil painting
and more.
transport wares by boat as they have
for generations. Even the alleys hark
back to olden times, with their ancient
paved paths.
If you’re a movie buff, you’ll want to
make Zhangjiajie your next stop. Also
located in Hunan province, the city was
given its present name in 1994 to draw
more attention to its huge Zhangjiajie
National Forest Park, a Unesco
World Heritage Site. So surreal is the
scenery that it inspired the floating
mountains in the James Cameron
The Yangtze River passing
through Chongqing.
MIAO
MEMENTOS
Phoenix Ancient City is
home to the Miao ethnic
minority. The blue Miao
skirt is said to be a popular
souvenir item for women visitors. And
the elaborate jewellery and vibrant batik
paintings not only evoke the colourful
traditions and culture of the people, but also
make excellent keepsakes.
blockbuster movie, Avatar. The park
is home to the newly opened Grand
Canyon Glass Bridge – a glass-bottomed
architectural feat suspended over
the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. At an
impressive length of 430m, it makes for
a heart-stopping walk across the abyss
that yawns 300m below.
To add another highlight to your
itinerary, board a river cruise through
one of the Three Gorges to see the
Three Gorges Dam – the world’s
largest hydropower project, opened
in 2003. Despite the controversy
surrounding the dam due to the
enormous areas that had to be flooded
in its construction, the structure is
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8/10 DAYS
T’S
LE O!
G
Yangtze River Cruise +
Zhangjiajie + Chongqing
Includes stay at local five-star
hotels throughout, and Yangtze
River cruise to visit the Three
Gorges Dam.
JINSHA
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
SITE
Archaeology enthusiasts
should visit this site
in Chengdu, Sichuan.
Discovered in 2001, it features more than
800 graves alongside artefacts dating back
as far as 3,000 years and sheds light on the
Shang and Zhou dynasties, the Spring and
Autumn Period, and the ancient Shu State.
The incredible landscape of
Yuanyang’s rice terraces.
L US H, L U X E A N D
LOTS
L
TO B U Y
SHOP
TI LL YOU DR OP I N YUNNAN, HOME
S
TO
T SOME OF C HI NA’S MOST DI VER SE
ETHNI C MI NOR I TI ES.
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& GETTY
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IMAGES
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T
he Yangtze River has many names
and is no stranger to superlatives.
Also known as Chang Jiang, or
“Long River”, it is the longest river in
Asia, and the third-longest in the world.
What’s less known about the waterway
is that it’s also a fantastic route by
which to seek out art, archaeological
and architectural attractions. If
artefacts, culture, design and history
get your heart racing, meander down
the river to Zhangjiajie, the Three
Gorges and Chongqing to feed your
curiosity and spark your imagination.
Kick off your adventure in Hunan’s
Phoenix Ancient City. Accessible by
coach from Changsha, the city is sited
amid green mountain slopes along
one of the Yangtze River’s major
tributaries – the Tuojiang River. Legend
has it that its beauty so entranced two
phoenixes which flew over the town
that the mythical birds were reluctant
to leave, thus giving the town its name.
As you walk along the river, you will
see the wooden Tujia stilt houses, built
according to an ancient design meant
to keep the residents safe from spring
floods. Life here still has a traditional
feel to it – the locals wash their clothes
and fish for food in the river, and
The hospitable Bai ethnic
minority honours guests
with San Dao Cha, or
Three-course Tea, in
a unique welcome
ceremony consisting of 18 procedures. It
poetically symbolises the process of going
through hardship before experiencing joy
and undertaking reflection. You will first
be served a cup of bitter tea, followed by a
sweet one, then a spicy, ginger-enhanced
third cup that leaves a strong aftertaste.
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One of Zhangjiajie’s
breathtaking views.
considered a masterpiece of Chinese
engineering.
Disembark from the river cruise
in Chongqing to visit one of the
best places to learn more about the
dam: the Three Gorges Museum, also
known as the Chongqing Museum.
The modern, glass-domed building is
designed to resemble a large dam and
boasts bronze sculptures and large
reliefs. Inside, you will find displays of
Chinese art, artefacts saved from the
construction work at the Three Gorges
Dam, and even dinosaur skeletons that
were uncovered in nearby provinces.
After that look into the area’s past,
get a glimpse into its future at the
Chongqing Planning Exhibition Gallery.
The upper floor covers the history of
Chongqing’s urban development and
more about the Three Gorges project.
The piece de resistance of the massive
exhibition centre, however, is an 892 sq
m scale model of Chongqing that details
what the city will look like in 2020.
Various rooms display how different
parts of it will be developed, along with
futuristic showpieces of monorail lines
and super-tall skyscrapers.
While you’re in western Chongqing,
don’t miss Ciqikou Ancient Town.
Sometimes called Porcelain Town, it
has a long history in the manufacture
and trade of ceramics and traditional
embroidery. While away an afternoon
observing artisans at work in a typical
artist atelier and shopping for intricately
crafted souvenirs in the former market
and trade town.
SAN DAO CHA
K
unming, the capital city of
Yunnan, appears frequently on
lists of China’s “most liveable”
cities. One frequently cited reason is
its mild climate, which contributes to
an abundance of flora and fauna – a
shutterbug’s paradise. For instance,
the photogenic Dongchuan Red Land,
Yuanmou Clay Forest and Yuanyang
Terraced Fields promise to get even the
most reticent photographer in a snaphappy mood. In spring, you can venture
out to Luoping County instead, a threeand-a-half-hour drive from Kunming,
to see the fields of golden canola
flowers. The 10-tier Kowloon Waterfalls,
or Nine-dragon Waterfalls, are also a
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THE CITY OF
FLOWERS
Unique to Kunming,
The City of Flowers is an
unusual mall selling all
kinds of fresh and dried
flowers. It also boasts a perfume museum
and flower greenhouse.
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SAIZHUANG
FESTIVAL
If you time your visit
for January, try to
catch the Yi minority’s
Saizhuang Festival (“Attire
Competition” Festival) held yearly in Zhiju
Village, in Yongren County. Dating back
more than 1,000 years, it is arguably the
world’s oldest fashion show. Locals dress up
in costumes and sing and dance on stage.
The costumes – complete with headgear
– are colourful and elaborate, with tassels,
interesting prints and embroidery.
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favourite scenic spot with visitors.
The scenery is not the only thing
that has earned accolades for the City
of Eternal Spring. No city could hope
to qualify for the “most-liveable” tag
without a sterling shopping directory,
and Kunming is no different.
Shopaholics will be thrilled to know that
a host of luxury labels and big names,
from Chanel, Hermes and Versace
to Burberry and Louis Vuitton, have
opened in the upscale Gingko Shopping
Centre. And many local stores in
Kunming specialise in gems such as
jade, rubies and sapphires.
But that’s not all there is to buy
in Yunnan. Traditional handicrafts,
including ornate costumes, jewellery
and homewares are plentiful in this
part of China, where 51 out of 55 of the
country’s ethnic minorities live. The
fashion, accessories and ornaments
sold make great shopping finds for
discerning, style-conscious travellers
and home-decor enthusiasts, so pack
an extra bag and fill it up with items
you won’t find anywhere else.
One way to learn more about
these unusual cultures and their
tribal fashions is to visit the Yunnan
Nationalities Village – a theme-parkstyle attraction on the north-eastern
shore of Dianchi Lake, conveniently
accessible by taxi or bus, and only
a short distance from Kunming city
centre. Alternatively, the Dynamic
Yunnan Folk Song & Dance Show
serves as a crash course. This largescale musical showcase fuses primitive
and rural dance concepts with folk
songs that are fast disappearing from
the world, and uses real tribal costumes
and accessories.
You’ll also find plenty of ethnic
arts and crafts with which to decorate
your home – think woodcarvings,
paintings and other ornaments – and
an array of tailor-made silk clothing
and silver accessories that would be
perfect for your work wardrobe.
Retail mission complete? Head
out of Kunming for some rest and
relaxation. The surrounding areas have
luxury accommodation to make the trip
extra-special.
For modern villa-style luxury, head
to the Banyan Tree Lijiang at the foot
of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain near
Lijiang. If you have a penchant for
uniquely gorgeous lodgings, try the
Tibetan-style lodges of the Banyan
Tree Ringha in the Ringha Valley. These
luxurious rural retreats reflect the local
culture in their design and decor.
Or check into one of the old Qing
dynasty-style mansions that have
been converted into boutique hotels in
Heijing, a town once known for its salt
wells. Enjoy visiting the salt workshops,
and try your hand at drying your own
salt souvenir with your name carved
into it.
8 DAYS
T’S
LE O!
G
Yunnan + Red Land +
Yuanyang
Includes visit to Yunnan Red
Land, Yuanmou Clay Forest,
and Yuanyang Terraced
Fields Scenic Area.
Dongchuan Red
Land, Kunming.
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HEILONGJIANG & JILIN
CHENGDU
are home to more than 100 Tibetan
and Mutuo Qiang families. The villagers
still wear their traditional dress and
retain their old customs. As agriculture
is not allowed in this Unesco Man and
Biosphere Reserve, many of the villagers
work for the park itself or in the nearby
hotels. One way to learn more about
their cultures is through the local music
and dance shows commonly staged
in the hotels in the area. The Tibetanthemed performances feature amazing
colourful costumes, ethnic music and
traditional dances.
MOUNT EMEI
Portrayed in movies and
novels as the abode of
beautiful nuns highly
skilled in martial arts,
Mount Emei is just two and
a half hours from Chengdu. Long regarded
as a sacred Buddhist site, it is one of four
holy mountains in China and is particularly
striking in autumn. The Golden Summit
Temple at the top boasts impressive views
as well as extravagant statues. If you’re not
keen to climb or take the cable car up, visit
Baoguo Temple at the foot of the mountain.
O N E L A S T LO O K
THERE’S NO BETTER TIME TO SEE CULTURES,
WILDLIFE AND NATURAL PHENOMENA THAT
ARE FAST DISAPPEARING.
CHENGDU
EAR-CLEANERS
Get your ears cleaned by
a practitioner of a dying
trade. Sit in any teahouse in
Chengdu long enough and
you should eventually hear the flick of long
tuning fork tongs – one of the Chengdu earcleaners’ many tools, along with little scoops
and goose-feather brushes.
In the middle of the street is a large
stage where classic Sichuan operas are
performed. At the end of the street, you
will find stands and restaurants selling local
snacks such as dried persimmon and boiled
dumplings. If you’ve always harboured
thoughts of travelling back in time, here’s
a great place to get a taste of it.
the Nine Villages. These villages are
scattered throughout the valley and
LESHAN GIANT
BUDDHA
It’s difficult to fully
appreciate the 71m-high
sculpture, also known as
Da Fo, unless you take
a cruise out to see it. It
was begun in the year
713 in the Tang Dynasty,
and finished in the year
803, purportedly to
calm the turbulent waters that plagued
the shipping vessels travelling down the
river. It took the people working on it
more than 90 years to carve the statue out
of the cliff face of Lingyun Hill.
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C o m p l i m e n ta r y w i t h H e r W o r l d , O C t o b e r 2 0 1 5
S
ay Harbin – the capital city
of Heilongjiang in China’s
northernmost province – and the
first thing to come to mind could be the
biting-cold winters. Less well known is
the fact that it is a relatively new city
that isn’t at all typically Chinese, thanks
to heavy foreign influences throughout
the history of the area.
The name of the city is derived
from a Manchu word meaning “a place
for drying fishing nets” – tribute to its
beginnings as a fishing village. It was
in this same location that the Jurchen
Wanyan tribes, eventually known as the
Manchu people, established the capital
of the Jin dynasty (1115-1234). In the
late 19th century, Russian engineers
built a railroad into the city and its
infrastructure was developed to cater to
the growing Russian community. Later
captured by the Japanese who set up
BOOK THIS
8 TO 10 DAYS
T’S
LE O!
G
Jiuzhai Valley + Mount Emei
+ Leshan
Includes visit to Leshan
Giant Buddha, Mutuo Qiang
village and Giant Panda
Breeding Research Base.
$799
PER COUPLE
VALID FROM AUGUST
TO DECEMBER 2015.
TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY.
w w w. h e r w o r l d p l u s / t r av e l / c o p e n h a g e n . c o m
a puppet state called Manchukuo, the
place has seen a highly international
mix of influences. Today, many of the
old, Russian-style structures remain,
and visitors flock here annually to
admire the stunning architecture as well
as partake in the winter festivities.
VOLGA MANOR
Stay at Volga Manor.
Built in 1899, the
themed resort reflects
the colourful history of
Harbin, with its Russianstyle buildings, landscaped gardens,
wetlands, art exhibitions and performances.
The Russian influence in Harbin
is exemplified by the Saint Sophia
Cathedral. Construction on this
Byzantine-style
structure began in 1923,
and it is the largest
Eastern Orthodox
Church in the Far
East. The church is no
longer used as a place
of worship, however; it
was turned into an art
gallery about 20 years
ago, and today, one can
admire the thousands
of beautiful pictures
that adorn its walls.
You can also appreciate
the Europeanstyle architecture
– from Baroque and
Renaissance to Art
Nouveau – along the
famous Zhongyang
Pedestrian Street.
This 1.45km-long
cobblestoned street is
lined with restaurants,
and shops selling
Russian products.
For more interesting
architecture and a
lesson or two on
local history, check
out Shenyang Mukden
Imperial Palace and the
Museum of the Imperial
Palace of the Manchu State. The former,
built in 1625, was the imperial palace
of the early Qing emperors before
the capital was moved to Beijing.
The palace now houses a museum
showcasing ivory and jade art, musical
instruments, furniture, and Ming and
Qing paintings. The latter attraction, on
the other hand, used to be the home
of Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, and
has now been converted into a centre
of cultural entertainment.
Its location way up in the north
of China means that Harbin is
exceptionally cold during the winter.
This is why it is often called Ice City.
Locals celebrate the season in a
number of ways, with events like the
annual Harbin International Ice and Snow
Sculpture Festival, as well as activities
on the frozen rivers. This period is
also when Harbin’s ski resorts come
to life, and the locals indulge in winter
Since 1972
TA106
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foods such as dumplings, di san xian (a
vegetarian dish of potatoes, eggplant
and sweet peppers), guo bao rou
(sweet and sour pork), and ice cream
popsicles. If you fancy a drink, you
can choose to have the experience of
sipping on one in any of the trendy
igloo-like ice bars in the area.
WUSONG ISLAND
To see rime ice, a kind
of hard frost that is
sometimes called “frozen
fog”, venture out to
Wusong Island, 40km from
Jilin City. The locals celebrate the beauty of
this natural phenomenon with the annual
Jilin Rime Ice and Snow Festival. Activities
include snow sports, colourful lantern
displays, fireworks and even a barge parade.
Winter is also the perfect time to
try out the saunas and bathhouses of
Harbin. These can be found all over the
city and are a favourite with the locals.
For a brush with nature, head to
Harbin Polarland, a polar-themed park
with animal shows and polar land
scenes, and the Siberian Tiger Park – the
largest natural park that breeds and
houses the endangered big cat, also
known as the king of the forest.
Harbin International Ice and
Snow Sculpture Festival.
BOOK THIS
6481-1181
PACKAGES START
AT
Autumn in Heilongjiang.
Wusong Island: one
of the best places to
see rime ice.
Glimpse the reclusive giant pandas
at the Giant Panda Breeding
Research Base in Chengdu.
6533-7377
TA490
HAR BI N, LI KE MANY OF C HI NA’S NORTH E R N
CC I TI ES, I S A HEADY, WELL-MI XED TI PPLE , TOP P E D
WI TH WI NTRY TR EASUR ES.
W
PHOTOS CORBIS/CLICK PHOTOS & DREAMSTIME
PHOTOS CORBIS/CLICK PHOTOS & DREAMSTIME
M
odernisation definitely has its
advantages. Unfortunately, it
also leads to the displacement
of peoples and the gradual erosion
of minority cultures, and even the
disappearance of natural habitats. This,
in turn, has affected China’s wildlife
and natural phenomena. One place to
appreciate these endangered cultures
at close quarters is Sichuan province,
especially in the areas of Jiuzhaigou
and Chengdu.
For a start, visit Jiuzhaigou National
Park. The sprawling park, covered in
virgin forest, is on the Qinghai-Tibetan
plateau about 400km from Chengdu,
the provincial capital of Sichuan.
Besides sparkling lakes, springs,
waterfalls, streams and rivers, the park
is home to nine Tibetan villages. In fact,
the name Jiuzhaigou means Valley of
Chengdu is also a great place to
observe rare wildlife. The national park
is home to some 300 rare species,
such as giant pandas, lesser pandas,
takins – heavily built goat-antelopes –
cloud leopards and golden monkeys,
and thousands of endangered plants,
from precious pine trees to medicinal
herbs. To see giant pandas, visit The
Giant Panda Breeding Research Base.
It is an excellent place to observe these
reclusive creatures feeding, playing and
resting. Find out more about black-andwhite giant pandas and red pandas, and
learn more about what is being done to
protect them.
With rising temperatures
threatening glaciers the world over,
don’t miss the chance to take in the
beauty of Hailuogou Glacier Forest
C U LT U R A L C O C KTA I L
Park (Hailuogou means Conch Gully)
on the eastern side of Gonggar
Mountain, about six hours away from
Chengdu. The park has an oceanic
glacier with impressive ice falls, a virgin
forest, as well as hot and cold springs.
At a length of 14.7km, the Hailuogou
glacier is the longest among the 71
glaciers of Gonggar Mountain and one
of the few that can be visited at low
altitudes (3,000–5,000m) throughout
the year. Thought to have been formed
16 million years ago, it protrudes
from the virgin forest – a rare feature.
Experts claim it has retreated 1.8km
in the 20th century alone and are
studying the impact of global climate
change on this and other glaciers.
What does it mean for you? Make sure
you visit before it melts away!
To check out something that is within
our power to conserve, take a stroll
down Jinli Ancient Street. One of the
oldest streets in Chengdu, its history can
be traced back to the Three Kingdoms
Period, more than 1,800 years ago.
Lining the narrow street are old-world
stores selling local products like Shu
embroidery, lacquered items, calligraphy,
paintings, and folk handicrafts.
PHOTOS CHINA NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE, CORBIS/CLICK PHOTOS, DREAMSTIME & GETTY IMAGES
PHOTOS CHINA NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE, CORBIS/CLICK PHOTOS, DREAMSTIME & GETTY IMAGES
Jiuzhaigou’s natural
scenery is often hailed
as a fairyland of wonders.
8 TO 10 DAYS
T’S
LE O!
G
Harbin Ice World
Includes visits to Harbin Sun
Island International Snow
Sculpture Art Expo, as well
as complimentary hat, scarf,
glove and Christmas gift.
PACKAGES START
AT
$1,188
VALID FOR DEC 20, 21
AND 22, 2015 ONLY.
TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY.
TIME OUT
ADVANCE
PARTY
Been there, done that?
Just when you think
you’ve seen all that Beijing,
Shanghai and Guangzhou
have to offer, these hip
strips make you want to
take another look.
SHOT SPOTS
BEIJING: 798 ART ZONE
Located in the Dashanzi area in Central
Beijing, this lively art enclave boasts
numerous international galleries,
design studios and exhibition spaces,
and hosts several important art
exhibitions annually. It’s also known for
its trendy cafes, restaurants, bars and
shops. Even prime ministers, royalty
and movie stars make this a stop on
their itineraries.
SHANGHAI: SOUTH
BUND FABRIC MARKET
For fast fashion, look no
further than this massive,
three-storey fabric market
with hundreds of tailor
shops, each specialising
in a particular kind of
garment and/or fabric.
Whether you need a
business suit, tailored
shirt, cheongsam, velvet
dress, cashmere coat, or
chic denim skirt, the tailors
here can produce a madeto-measure outfit in just a
few days. Visit with a clear
idea of what you require
so that you don’t get
overwhelmed by the sheer
variety of choices.
GUANGZHOU:
XIAOZHOU
VILLAGE
When artists in
Xiaoguwei left
their city in 2002
because of urban
development, many
settled here, a small
village in the Haizhu
district of Guangzhou. Factors that drew
many of the artists were the village’s natural
beauty and ancient architecture – think old
banyans, ancestral temples, stone-slab paths,
and quiet streams. Today, this quaint-looking
village is packed with galleries, workshops,
art spaces, cafes and shops, and the talented
artists have a new place to call home.
GREAT NETWORK
With more than 300 weekly services operated by 10 airlines linking Singapore
to a multitude of major Chinese cities, zipping off on that dream vacation is a
breeze. Changi Airport is currently connected to 28 cities in China, with more
city links to be introduced in the coming months.
If you’re an avid shutterbug or
film fanatic who loves tracing your
favourite stars’ steps around the
world, add these 10 photography
spots and film locations to your
must-visit list.
–– 5 TOP MOVIE SPOTS ––
GO: Qiao Family
Compound WHERE:
Shanxi SEEN IN: Zhang
Yimou’s Raise the Red
Lantern, starring Gong Li.
GO: Shunan Bamboo
Forest WHERE: Shunan
Zhuhai National Park,
Sichuan SEEN IN: Lee
Ang’s Crouching Tiger,
Hidden Dragon, starring
Zhang Ziyi, Michelle Yeoh
and Chow Yun Fatt.
GO: Shidu Scenic Area
WHERE: Fangshan,
Beijing SEEN IN: John
Woo’s Red Cliff, starring
Tony Leung, Takeshi
Kaneshiro, Lin Chi-ling
and Vicki Zhao.
GO: Chongqing Wulong
Karst WHERE: Wulong
National Geological
Park, Chongqing SEEN
IN: Transformers 4: Age
of Extinction and Zhang
Yimou’s Curse of the
Golden Flower.
GO: Yalong Bay Earthly
Paradise Bird’s Nest
Resort WHERE: Sanya,
Hainan SEEN IN: If You
Are the One, starring Shu
Qi and Ge You.
Shenyang
Tianjin
Dalian
Beijing
Yinchuan*
Qingdao
Jinan
Lanzhou
Zhengzhou
Xi’an
Nanjing
Wuxi
Wuhan
Chengdu
Shanghai
Chongqing
Hangzhou
Ningbo
Changsha
Fuzhou
Quanzhou*
Guilin
Kunming
Xiamen
Guangzhou
Shantou
Nanning
Shenzhen
Haikou
Sanya
*To be launched in Oct 2015
GO: Tianshan Tianchi
Lake WHERE: Urumqi,
Xinjiang SNAP: Rugged,
forested valleys with
gorgeous glacier plains
in the background.
GO: Danxia Landform
Geological Park WHERE:
Zhangye, Gansu SNAP:
The striking red cliffs
and multicoloured
ridges of the “rainbow
mountains”.
GO: Detian Waterfall
WHERE: Guangxi
SNAP: The multilayered
stone waterfall, best
seen at dusk when it
resembles a shimmering
silver curtain.
GO: Panjin Red Beach
WHERE: Panjin,
Liaoning SNAP: The vast
stretches of sand that
are crimson in autumn,
due to the red seaweed
that grows in the soil.
GO: Mount Wuyi
WHERE: Fujian SNAP:
Serene water against
imposing cliffs, ancient
cliff tracks and the ruins
of numerous temples
and monasteries.
C o m p l i m e n ta r y w i t h H e r W o r l d , O C t o b e r 2 0 1 5
w w w. h e r w o r l d p l u s / t r av e l / c o p e n h a g e n . c o m
PHOTOS CHINA NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE, CORBIS/CLICK PHOTOS, GETTY IMAGES & TPG/CLICK PHOTOS
–– 5 TOP PHOTO SPOTS ––