China Highlights: Beijing, Shanghai & Hong Kong

About the destination: Located in the northern part of China, Beijing serves as the capital of the People's Republic of China, the world's most populated country. With over 21 million residents, it ranks as the country's second-largest city, following Shanghai. Beijing is a modern city, boasting impressive new urban and commercial developments, while maintaining a strong connection to its imperial history. Beijing is famous for its extravagant palaces, ancient temples, and massive stone walls and gates. Its wealth of art and significant government and cultural institutions have long established the city as a hub of culture and art in China. The city's heart and most notable landmark is Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. The Tiananmen Gate separates the square from the Forbidden Palace, a must-see attraction in the city. The Forbidden Palace served as the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, it is known as the Palace Museum and is considered one of the wonders of ancient China. Other main attractions in Beijing include The Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, and the ancient alleyway neighborhoods, or Hutongs, which showcase traditional Beijing architecture. Beijing also serves as an excellent starting point for visiting major Chinese landmarks like the Great Wall of China and the Ming Tombs. With its world-renowned cultural and heritage sites, vibrant nightlife, top-notch sporting facilities left over from the 2008 Olympic Games, delicious food like Peking Duck, and entertaining options such as the Beijing Opera, Beijing is a captivating city that offers a wealth of experiences to its visitors.

About the destination: Shanghai is a contemporary city situated just south of the mouth of the powerful Yangtze River and divided by the Huangpu River. It is one of the largest metropolises in China and is regarded as the most cosmopolitan, sophisticated, and forward-thinking city in mainland China. Shanghai is an excellent destination for those wishing to get a glimpse of China's future. A whole new city of skyscrapers has been constructed in its Pudong district, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, which has become one of the city’s landmarks and is one of the tallest structures in Asia, and the Shanghai World Financial Center, the third largest building in Asia and the world. On the west side of the Yangzi River is the Puxi area, the older central part of the city. Puxi has a rich history and it is here where you will find many of the city’s old buildings and attractions, such as the French Concession, the Bund, the Yuyuan Garden, the Jiu Qu Bridge, the Huxin Pavilion, and the Temple. Shanghai is China’s cosmopolitan center of finance and culture. Shanghai possesses a unique oriental allure and a fresh western style that appeals to everyone. It is also an excellent starting point for exploring the more rural and traditional sights of the nearby Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.

About the destination: Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. This bustling harbor city is one of Asia's primary financial hubs. It is composed of Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the New Territories, and over 260 smaller islands. Hong Kong Island, with its striking skyline, is the main attraction for most visitors. Hong Kong is a blend of the ocean, islands, modern skyscrapers, ancient temples, and fishing villages. The city's heart is Victoria Harbor, which both separates and unites Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. The most renowned view of Hong Kong is from Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island, accessible via the Peak Tram. Other key attractions in Hong Kong include the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island, the old colonial buildings of Central juxtaposed with the uniquely modern and mirrored towers, intriguing museums, the densely populated areas of Kowloon and Mong Kok, and the scenic, tranquil areas of Stanley and Aberdeen. A city brimming with energy and spirit, Hong Kong provides a buzzing atmosphere, a lively cultural scene, delectable cuisine, shopping, thrilling nightlife, and many more surprises that will astonish even the most discerning tourist.