China - A.K. Taylor International

China

is a country with vivid tales of wars and riches along the Silk Road and epic adventures of Marco Polo. The endless history, changing dynasties, and stunning landscapes combine to make China a truly rich destination. It seems that each ruling dynasty has left behind unforgettable and unrivalled legacies. Not only is the country home to numerous imperial ruins and other historical marvels, but it is also a land of geographical and cultural contrasts.

Mystical landscapes of towering mountains and vast deserts are the backdrop to Maoist revolutionaries in buttoned-down tunics performing t'chai in Tiananmen Square and cell-phone toting youths. This country is pleasantly astounding with its balance of revolutionary zeal and economic pragmatism, and where age-old ideals from the Cultural Revolution give way to more modern ideals from the western world.

Beijing, the capital of China, embodies both the old China and the new developing China. This transforming city is regarded as the very essence of Imperial China. Here one finds modern buildings that overshadow the old "hutong" villages where people still rely on heating coals to warm themselves.

Even more interesting is the history of the Ming and Qing dynasties in the Forbidden City, the biggest and best preserved cluster of ancient buildings in China. This sprawling complex is filled with lush gardens, courtyards, pavilions, 800 buildings and 9000 rooms. This is where the emperors insulated themselves from the masses and were entertained by beautiful concubines. Their orders were delivered to their peasant subjects by eunuchs, so they did not have to leave the compound. These stunning displays of conspicuous wealth pervaded these dynasties.

The 2000 year old Great Wall is another marvel of the Qing dynasty. It is a short drive from Beijing through hillsides terraced with rock walls and poplar tree lined roads. Look to the far ridgeline and the spectacle of the Wall snaking along the skyline is an awe-inspiring sight. Upon seeing the sheer magnitude of this feat, it will be easy to see why it was such a deterrent to invading Mongolian forces from the North.

Beijing may be the capital of China, but Shanghai is considered to be at the forefront of China's transformation into a modern dynamo. Known as the "Paris of the East," it is a bustling manufacturing and commercial city highlighted with many shiny new buildings. The newly renovated and modern Shanghai Museum is a treasure chest of artwork from China's long history.

The Bund, a waterfront promenade on the banks of the Huang River, is a historic part of Shanghai and is an intrinsic part of the city's character. Known to Europeans as China's Wall Street and an unabashed playground for western business, the Bund is faced with stately buildings resembling those of New York in the neoclassical 1930's with a touch of monumental antiquity. The hustle and bustle of the streets is reminiscent of any major cosmopolitan city, but hidden amongst its alleyways and twisting lanes are the charms of the old Chinese quarter.

In Xian, lies what some refer to as the archaeological discovery of the century. In 1974, a group of farmers stumbled upon the famed Terra-Cotta Warriors within the tomb of the First Emperor of China. The thousands of clay statues are still aligned in battle formation in order to protect the emperor in his next life. The detailed work is mind boggling, as each face is different, with some standing six feet tall and others crouched in archery positions. It is interesting to see the ongoing work of the archaeologists as they continue to uncover this impressive tomb.

While the complex history of China is reason enough to visit, one must not overlook the astounding beauty of this country. The scenic town of Guilin is perhaps the most mystically beautiful place in China. Humpback hills topped with barren rock peaks line the banks of the Li River. The limestone karsts that rise from the mist covered water are the inspiration to the dream-like Chinese scroll paintings that artists have been painting for years.

A trip through the Three Gorges on the Yangzi River will also provide breathtaking views of China's landscape. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but it is also fascinating to see fishing villages that have been there for generations and to stroll through one of these towns to see how the people live. One sees the old China embrace the new China along this river, as the boat passes by the infamous "damn" site with new government buildings which will be the housing for the thousands of people whose villages will be flooded upon the damn's completion. This river trip will undoubtedly leave lasting impressions of both its beauty and intrigue.

POSSIBLE COMBINATIONS AND EXTENSIONS

We recommend an extension to Hong Kong. No trip to China is complete without a visit to this vibrant city. It is considered the bridge between modern life and the traditional folkways of old China. This city has an aura that is truly unique, from booming nightclubs to "Tea at High Noon" at the Peninsula Hotel. Hong Kong, like the rest of China, is a place of exhilarating contrasts that is able to engross one for days.

For more information or questions, please contact us.

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