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| Kuoni Travel — China 2008 |
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 | Beijing, Chengde and Xian (12 pages) |
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Two cities that typify the essence of Imperial China from their stunning palaces and regal gardens to ancient temples and historic monuments.
beijing & chengde
palaces & temples
Together Beijing and Chengde constitute one of the most historical corners of China. Bustling Beijing boasts 3,000 years of tumultuous history which has left an indelible mark. As the city modernises in the build up to the 2008 Olympic Games, grandiose palaces, ornate temples, lush gardens and quaint Hutongs remain, each beguiling visitors with their individual breathtaking beauty. Within easy reach of Beijing are the incomparable Great Wall of China, one of the greatest iconic images in the world, and the 18th Century imperial resort of Chengde, renowned for its regal gardens and the spectacular Imperial Summer Resort.
in a word
With its great direct flight connections to the UK, abundance of cultural treasures and proximity to the Great Wall, little wonder many visitors make Beijing their first destination in China. As the dynastic capital of China since the 13th Century, 24 Emperors have left behind a fascinating wealth of ancient and historical sights. Today's Beijing is much more modern, surprising many who arrive expecting streets drowning in a sea of bicycles. As we approach the Olympics in 2008, it has updated and renovated, meaning improved transportation and hotel standards for you to enjoy. Although a large sprawling city, the metro makes it surprisingly easy to navigate and brings so many historic attractions within easy reach. Beijing's major shopping street, Wangfujiung, is an essential stop on any visit. By day it is a veritable treasure trove of shops and malls, by night framed by a maze of side streets filled with tempting traditional food stalls. Reached via a four hour train or a shorter road journey, the compact city of Chengde's principle attraction is the vast Imperial Summer Resort, a huge 590 hectare palatial garden bound by an imposing miniature `Great Wall'. See our Chengde City Tour experience on p69 for more details.
1 Great Wall of China 2 Ornate carvings, Beijing 3 Forbidden City, Beijing 4 Monks in Chengde 5 Chengde architecture 6 Guanghua Temple, Beijing
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