Liuzhou

The Li River boasts the largest and most beautiful scenic area in China and attracts thousands of visitors each year.The 83-kilometer-long waterway which goes from Guilin City to Yangshuo County is like an artist’s masterpiece. The landscape is decorated with startling hills, steep cliffs, fantastic caves and farming villages, and is lined with bamboo. I http://www.cnto.org/destination/guilin-2/attractions/

The cave got its name from the verdant reeds growing outside it, with which people make flutes. Inside the cave is a spectacular world of various stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations created by carbonate deposition. Illuminated by colored lighting, the fantastic spectacle is found in many variations along this 240-meter-long cave. http://www.cnto.org/destination/guilin-2/attractions/

The Longji Rice Terraces are located in Longsheng County, about 100 km (2 hours drive) from Guilin city. The most popular are Ping An Rice Terrace and Jinkeng Rice Terrace. The terraced fields are built along the slope winding from the riverside up to the mountain top, the highest part being 880 m in elevation while the lowest part is 380 m. http://www.cnto.org/destination/guilin-2/attractions/

Shamian Island is Guangzhou's scenic foreign settlement, and ranks as one of the best tourist attractions in Guangzhou and is a treat for fans of architecture and history alike. Tree-lined quiet pedestrian-only roads make for a wonderful place to visit for a stroll, and the area is a quiet reminder of Guangzhou's colonial European period. Sightseers will notice that structures in one area of the island have more of an English style and that one area has more of French style, which is a result of Guangzhou's tumultuous history on this island. While walking around Shamian Island, there are lots of incredible buildings to be seen, and there is a lot of opportunity to try different cuisines including the local Cantonese cuisine. It's a great place for a stroll, and you'll find many old official embassy buildings, cathedrals, churches, as well as shade walking along the greenery. Lady of Lourdes Chapel, a big French cathedral, stands out as one of the most interesting buildings on the island. It was built in 1892. There is also the British Protestant Church, Christ Church Shameen, which was built in 1865 and makes for an interesting sight. Tourists appreciate the island as a quiet place to get away from the crowds and noise of the city, and you'll find various bronze statues around depicting life on the island in earlier times. Traffic is controlled to keep the island quiet, so it is partly pedestrian only. https://www.chinahighlights.com/guangzhou/attraction/shamian-island.htm

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street in Liwan District, Guangzhou, is one of the busiest commercial pedestrian streets in China. Located in the old town of Xiguan, the 1,218-meter-long street is lined with more than 300 shops. http://www.china.org.cn/top10/2011-03/14/content_22137978.htm

Bright Filial Piety Temple has a long history of more than 1700 years. It is a temple with the longest history and largest scale in Lingnan area. It was originally built as the residence of Zhao Jiande, an offspring of Zhao Tuo, the Nanyue King in the Western Han Dynasty. In the period of the Three Kingdoms, Yu Fan, a lord in the Wu State, when he was relegated to the Southern Sea, he gave lectures here and hence the Guangxiao Temple was called "Yu Yuan" at that time. The temple was also called "He Lin" because of a great many myrobalan trees there. After Yu Fan's death, his family denoted the residence as a temple and made a slab saying "Zhizhi", and that was the very beginning of the Guangxiao Temple. Bright Filial Piety Temple has a long history and therefore there are a lot of antiques. The Grief Bell which was first set up in the 2nd year of Baoli in the Tang Dynasty (826 A. D.) is in the shape of mushroom and is made of stone with Hercules' embossments around. Those embossments are vivid in facial expressions and well shaped and elegant in postures so that they completely represent the soul of Buddhism. https://www.chinahighlights.com/guangzhou/attraction/bright-filial-piet-temple.htm

Guangzhou White Cloud Mountain is a famous historic attraction in Guangzhou, with lots of splendid scenery and places of interest, elected as the historical and new Eight Attractions of Guangzhou. https://www.chinahighlights.com/guangzhou/attraction/white-clouds-mountain.htm

Yuexiu Park, named after Yuexiu Mountain, built in 1952, is the biggest comprehensive sight-seeing park. https://www.chinahighlights.com/guangzhou/attraction/yuexiu-park.htm

The cathedral, 35 meters wide, 78.69 meters long, and its twin towers 58.5 meters high is the largest Roman Catholic church in the Gothic style in China and Southeast Asia. It is sometimes referred to as 'Notre-Dame de Paris' in the East. Sacred Heart Cathedral, or Stone House, a Roman Catholic cathedral, is one of the oldest churches in Guangzhou and the largest of its kind in Southern China. Located on the north bank of the Pearl River, the church stands in the heart of the busy old town. The cathedral was consecrated in 1888 after 25 years of construction. The construction of the cathedral turned out to be very challenging. None of the Chinese workers at that time had seen a western cathedral before, let alone built one. It was also tough for them to communicate with the French clergy who commissioned the building. http://www.china.org.cn/top10/2011-03/14/content_22137978_4.htm

The Canton Tower (also know as Guangzhou TV & Sightseeing Tower), the landmark of Guangzhou City, is one of the world's most spectacular new buildings. It is a facility for radio and television transmission, but it is also one of Guangzhou's most popular tourist highlights with restaurants and observation decks on top of it. The tourists can enjoy an unobstructed view of Guangzhou City. Standing upon the tower, tourists can have a bird's-eye view of the beautiful scenery of the Guangzhou New City and the Pearl River. At the base of the tower, you can get information about Guangzhou's history, culture, economy and tourist attractions. There is a tourist information room. Many tourist service facilities such as restaurants are at the bottom. At the top, there are fine restaurants, entertainment facilities and a viewing platform. https://www.chinahighlights.com/guangzhou/attraction/canton-tower.htm

Guangzhou Chimelong (长隆) Holiday Resort is Guangzhou's top tourist attraction. The scale and variety and quality of its many attractions makes it unique in China. It is China's 3rd most popular theme park, and it might be worth a special trip even from Hong Kong or Macau if you really enjoy animals, circuses or fun rides. It is quite unusual to have two or three world-class entertainment and amusements, the big safari park, a world-class circus, and a large waterpark together with other interesting sections of the park all in one big place. Most tourists consider the safari park/zoo and the circus among the best in Asia! https://www.chinahighlights.com/guangzhou/attraction/guangzhou-chimelong-holiday-resort.htm

Halong Bay, simple a natural wonder Halong's bay is located in northern Vietnam, near the border with China. It is a World Heritage for UNESCO since 1994 and is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Halong Bay is located in the Gulf of Tonkín and reaches 1,500 square kilometers. It is full of numerous formations of limestone rocks, which form around a set of 1,600 islands and islets, as a giant teeth, which emerge from the water creating a kind of maze of Ensenadas and Canals. The amazing Bay is consists of a dense group of about 1,600 limestone monolithic islands in the Gulf of Tonkín. Each of these stones is crowned with thick jungle vegetation, which rises spectacularly from the ocean. Several of the islands are hollow, with huge caves. Hang Dau Go (wooden stakes cave) is the largest grotto in the Halong area. French tourists visited at the end of the 19th century and called the Grotte des Merveilles cave. Its three great cameras contain numerous stalactites and stalagmites (as well as French graffiti of the nineteenth century). There are two larger islands, Tuần Châu and Cart Bà, which have permanent inhabitants, as well as tourist facilities that include hotels and beaches. There are several beautiful beaches on the smallest islands. Source: https://www.vietnameseprivatetours.com/halong-bay

The Pearl River is the third longest river in China with a length of more than 2,000 kilometers. The river is composed of four separate river systems, which join up in Guangzhou, flow for about 70 kilometers, and then pour into the South China Sea. http://www.china.org.cn/top10/2011-03/14/content_22137978_2.htm

Located in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam, Ha Giang is a mesmerizing destination that will leave you in awe of its stunning landscapes. It is situated near the border of China. With its rugged mountains, cascading rice terraces, and winding roads, Ha Giang is a perfect escape for adventurous travelers seeking to experience the natural beauty of Vietnam.Top destinations:Ha Giang offers numerous destinations that are worth exploring.Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a diverse range of rock formations, geological features, and ancient fossils.Lung Cu Flag Tower is a patriotic landmark that marks the northernmost point of Vietnam and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.Ma Pi Leng Pass is a must-visit destination, which offers stunning views of the Nho Que River and the majestic mountains of Ha Giang.Quan Ba Heaven Gate is the perfect spot to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges Activities in Ha Giang:Ha Giang is an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts who enjoy trekking, hiking, and exploring. The province offers various trekking routes that take you through remote villages, ethnic communities, and natural wonders. You can also explore the local markets, sample traditional cuisines, and immerse yourself in the unique cultures of the ethnic minority groups in the region. Don't forget to check out the traditional weaving and embroidery workshops, where you can learn about the intricate crafts of the local people.Weather:The climate in Ha Giang varies throughout the year, with distinct seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The best time to visit Ha Giang is from September to November, when the weather is cool and dry, and the rice terraces are ripe for harvest.From December to February, the temperature can drop to freezing levels, and roads may be impassable due to snow and ice.From March to May, the weather is pleasant, with clear skies and cool temperatures, making it a great time for outdoor activities.From June to August, the region experiences heavy rains, and landslides are common, so it's not the best time for trekking or outdoor activities.

The ongoing 90 million yuan ($14.48 million) Haibin Beach renovation encompasses Lovers Post Office, Happy Hour Pagoda, Watch Tower, support-service facility, Happy Square at the main entrance, Music Fountain and more. The beach is a more-than-ever romantic venue for wedding photographs. http://www.cityofzhuhai.com/2016-04/20/c_51428.htm

Located north of Guancun, Jida, and in the valley of Southeast Banzhang Mt, Bailiandong Park is famous as the home of an ancient monk who lived in seclusion and planted white lotuses everywhere. A relic of the Paleolithic Period, the park was built during the Reign of Emperor Ch’ien-lung (Qianlong) (1735-96) and is the first cave museum in China. It contains a large number of fossils from ancient humans and mammals. The fossils of relics suggest that the White Lotus caveman made clothes and used fire to cook some 50,000 years ago, framing the White Lotus Cave Culture. With clear streams flowing down to a central lake and the lush green mountain, curiously shaped rocks, caves, pavilions and barbecue site, the park is an ideal venue for Chinese and western anthropologists to do scientific research and for visitors to go on outings on the weekend or exercise at any time. http://subsites.chinadaily.com.cn/zhuhai/2016-04/28/c_51739.htm

Shenzhen Safari Park is China's first zoo that lets animals live in natural habitats. There are nearly 10,000 wild animals of more than 300 species, most of which are rare and protected species, including eight tigons and ligers. http://english.sz.gov.cn/tis/201608/t20160830_4383184.htm

Established in 1889, Dong Xuan Market is housed within a four-storey Soviet-style building on the northern edge of Hanoi Old Quarter. It’s also known as Hanoi’s largest indoor market, offering a wide range of goods such as fresh produce, souvenirs, accessories and clothing, as well as electronic and household appliances. Similar to most markets in Southeast Asia, Dong Xuan Market has a bustling wet market section on the ground floor, where locals shop for seafood, meat, and vegetables while the back section sells an array of pets (cats, dogs, and fish) and fresh flowers from all across Vietnam. If you’re looking to shop for souvenirs, head to the upper levels, where you can find numerous stalls selling tee shirts, fabrics, school uniforms, handbags, handicrafts, all of which are sold at wholesale prices. http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hanoi/shopping/dong-xuan-market.htm

Bach Ma Temple is believed to be the oldest temple in Hanoi. This Buddhist temple was originally built in the ninth century by King Ly Thai To in honour of Bach Ma. According to a sign inside the temple, originally the site of the temple was Long Do Mountain. The temple was moved to its current location in the Old Quarter of Hanoi in the 18th century, during the Ly Dynasty, to guard the east side of Thang Long. The translation of Bach Ma is ́White Horse ́ and this refers to a story behind the construction of the Temple. King Ly Thai To had been struggling to build the temple as its walls kept collapsing. It is said that a white horse delineated the best area to build the temple with its hooves to help the king in constructing the temple. http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hanoi/attractions/bach-ma-temple.htm

The world-famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi has its roots in an art form that dates back to the 11th century. The tradition of water puppet theatre stems from a time when rice paddy fields were flooded and villagers would make entertainment by standing in the waist-deep water with the puppets performing over the water. Using large rods to support the puppets it appeared as if they were moving across the water with the puppeteers hidden behind a screen. This tradition is unique to North Vietnam but has recently found fame on stages all over the world; so it’s a rare treat to see the puppets perform in their original location at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Performances are accompanied by a Vietnamese orchestra playing traditional music using drums, wooden bells, horns, bamboo flutes and cymbals. There are also authentic Vietnamese operatic songs telling the story that is being acted out by the puppets. Most of the shows recount Vietnamese folk tales and legends with topics including the celebration of the rice harvest depicted in a humorous fashion. http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hanoi/water-puppet-theatre.htm

Held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Hanoi Weekend Night Market is a busy, bustling gathering of roadside stalls and local food vendors that brings huge crowds of locals and tourists. It runs through the Old Quarter district from 19:00 onwards, starting from Hang Dao Street and running north to the edge of Dong Xuan Market. Pedestrian streets and historical sites within the area are illuminated with decorative lights, making this a popular spot for travelling photographers. Shopping-wise, the fashion items on sale won’t turn many heads as you will find the usual array of inexpensive t-shirts, handicrafts, accessories, shoes, sunglasses and souvenirs at Hanoi Weekend Night Market. However, the overall environment is very lively and bargaining is a way of life here - a good start is to offer about 75 per cent off the opening price. http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hanoi/shopping/hanoi-weekend-night-market.htm

Ngoc Son Temple was built in the 18th century on Jade Island in the centre of the ‘Lake of the Returned Sword’ or Hoan Kiem Lake. Legend describes how an emperor was once given a magical sword which helped him defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty and in doing so saw the return of the Golden Turtle God to the lake. Today ‘Turtle Tower’ stands close to the lake in memory of this legend. There are also endangered large soft-shell turtles swimming in the lake, and to see one of these gentle giants is considered very auspicious. The name of the temple translates to ‘Temple of the Jade Mountain’ and is predominately dedicated to war hero General Tran Hung Dao who defeated an armed force of 300,000 soldiers sent by Mongolian Emperor Kublai Khan in the 13th century to invade Vietnam. Also inside the pagoda are a large bronze bust and other deities. There are altars dedicated to Tran Hung Dao, some ancient artefacts including ceramics and a preserved specimen of a giant turtle found in the lake weighing 250kg. http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hanoi/hoan-kiem-lake.htm

To West Lake (Ha Noi), visitors can admire the charming scenery and have the opportunity to join Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding – a water sport originated from Hawaii and imported into Viet Nam for about 3 years. http://hanoi.tourism.vn/english/index.php/item/133

The beautiful Hanoi Opera House was built in 1911 by the then ruling French. It’s a phenomenal piece of neo-classical French architecture featuring Gothic themes on the doors and domes with pillars, shuttered windows, balconies and a glass room. Musicians, actors and dancers play to a 600-strong audience delivering powerful operatic and classical performances, making it a very popular theatrical attraction. The Hanoi Opera House is the biggest theatre in Vietnam and speaks volumes as historical and cultural evidence of Vietnam under French rule. The interior is even more magnificent than the exterior with many arguing it is aesthetically even more appealing than the Paris Opera House. Visitors today will be entertained at this architectural landmark which features a range of events including local Vietnamese opera, traditional folk music, ballets and many international concerts. http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hanoi/hanoi-opera-house.htm

Bat Trang, traditional porcelain and pottery village with a history of seven centuries is an interesting attraction in Hanoi that tourists should not ignore. Bat Trang, the seven-century old pottery village, is an interesting attraction in Hanoi that tourists should not ignore. Bat Trang ceramics are produced for daily household use (bow, cup, plates, pot, bottle…), worshipping, or decoration purposes. Nowadays, the pottery artists bring into ceramics many innovations in production techniques, and creativity in products’ features, hence many new products have been born, and even daily household items may have the beauty like decoration ones. Visiting Bat Trang, tourists can take a walk or join a buffalo tour for sightseeing and shopping. Besides many ceramic stores along the road in the village, tourists should visit Bat Trang Porcelain and Pottery Market where they can directly make pottery products by themselves. Many youngsters and foreign tourists are interested in in this pottery- making experience, and spend a whole day in the market to make a gift for family or friends. https://www.vietnamonline.com/attraction/bat-trang-porcelain-and-pottery-village.html

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, is an intriguing relic of Vietnam’s history and, signifying its historical and cultural importance, was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Also known as the Hanoi Citadel, many artefacts and items dating back to between the 6th and 20th centuries were excavated in 2004, including foundations of old palaces, ancient roads, ponds and wells. On top of these discoveries, archaeologists also found bronze coins, ceramics and pottery from China and many places in Asia, all of which demonstrate a close trading relationship in the area. Visitors should head for the display room that features interesting excavated items and mock-ups of the citadel itself. http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hanoi/imperial-citadel.htm

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square is one of the most visited attractions in Hanoi. It is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the most iconic and popular leader of Vietnam, known to his people as ‘Uncle Ho’. His body is preserved here in a glass case at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in central Hanoi (albeit against his wishes). For visitors, a trip to Uncle Ho’s final resting place can be an extraordinary experience as it is not just an average attraction; it’s a part of a unique history. Started in 1973, the construction of the mausoleum was modelled on Lenin's mausoleum in Russia and was first open to the public in 1975. The granite building meant a great deal for many locals as it ensures that their beloved leader ‘lives on forever’. Security is tight and visitors should dress with respect (no shorts, sleeveless shirts and miniskirts) and everyone has to deposit their bags and cameras before getting in. Visitors are not allowed to stop and hold the constant queue up as the place is constantly busy. Uncle Ho’s remains are sent yearly to Russia for maintenance therefore the mausoleum is closed usually from October onwards. It’s best to recheck with your hotel tour desk before visiting. Admission is free but donations are accepted. http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hanoi/hochiminh-mausoleum.htm

Maison Centrale in Hanoi, also known as Hoa Lo Prison and the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ housed Vietnamese revolutionaries and American POW during the Vietnam War. The fortress was once a vast colonial-style prison, most of which was torn down in the 1990s. Visiting today you will find the small southern section resting alongside a hotel and office complex. The prison is still a popular tourist attraction for those on the war history trail. Official records claim inmates numbered in their hundreds although it was not unknown for up to 2,000 prisoners to be crammed into a space reserved for 600 inmates. Around 200-300 inmates were captured American pilots brought to Maison Centrale for interrogation and torture, it was the American prisoners who sarcastically gave the jail its nickname ‘Hanoi Hilton’. Hoa Lo Prison today portrays a different side of the horror stories told by former inmates despite the prominently displayed shackles hanging on the walls. Much of the emphasis is on the Vietnamese revolutionaries some of whom were executed at the prison. The American POWs have well documented their own experiences, little of which is available at Maison Centrale today. http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hanoi/hanoi-maison-centrale.htm

The Temple of Literature is often cited as one of Hanoi’s most picturesque tourist attractions. Originally built as a university in 1070 dedicated to Confucius, scholars and sages, the building is extremely well preserved and is a superb example of traditional-style Vietnamese architecture. This ancient site offers a lake of literature, the Well of Heavenly Clarity, turtle steles, pavilions, courtyards and passageways that were once used by royalty. Visiting the Temple of Literature you will discover historic buildings from the Ly and Tran dynasties in a revered place that has seen thousands of doctors’ graduate in what has now become a memorial to education and literature. Originally the university only accepted aristocrats, the elite and royal family members as students before eventually opening its doors to brighter ‘commoners’. Successful graduates had their names engraved on a stone stele which can be found on top of the stone turtles. http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hanoi/temple-of-literature.htm

As China's biggest privately owned green porcelain museum, it is located in Luohu District and houses more than 2,000 pieces from the Shang to Qing Dynasty, fully presenting ancient China's porcelain history. http://english.sz.gov.cn/tis/201608/t20160830_4383184.htm

Enter a magical kingdom inspired by fairy-tale dreams and explore 7 lands—Adventureland, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, Toy Story Land, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Main Street, U.S.A.—filled with beauty, excitement and Disney Characters. In this Disneyland you can sail around the world and rocket into outer space, blast through mines, explore brave exotic jungles and take a tour to mysterious museum. Or you can catch beloved Disney Characters on parade and terrific life shows packed with music and laughter. You can also celebrate the Chinese New Year, Halloween and Christmas season in this setting bursting with holiday magic! https://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/

Chung Ying Street (also named Zhong Ying Street) is located at Shatoujiao Town in Yantian District of Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. It lies at the border of Mainland China and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/guangdong/shenzhen/chung-ying-street.htm

If there is only one thing you can do in Hong Kong, go to The Peak. If you have many things to do here, still go to The Peak. The highest point on Hong Kong Island, this has been the city’s most exclusive neighbourhood since colonial times — back then it was the cooler air that attracted the rich and famous; in the post air-conditioning era, the views of one of the world’s most spectacular cityscapes keep them coming. http://www.discoverhongkong.com/in/see-do/highlight-attractions/top-10/the-peak.jsp