China Address Locator Map
Map of China > China Locator Map • China Travel Guide • China Relief Map • Beijing Map
In southern China, a cruise through Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor on one of
the green and white ferries that have been operating since 1898 affords
unmatched views of Hong Kong's skyline, which is most magical at
dusk. In close proximity to Victoria Harbor lies
Victoria Peak,
boasting the world's steepest funicular railway. It climbs to 1,805
feet where you can view the world's busiest harbor and 235 outer islands,
as well as enjoy beautiful landscaped gardens and walking paths.
Although the railway runs year round, the best time to go is from
September through December.
A cruise down the Li River in the Guangxi province of southern China
affords views of breathtaking scenery as it winds its way through
landscapes with names such as Bat Hill and Painting Brush Peak. The
50 mile cruise begins in Guilin, a city featuring lush vegetation and
natural caves, and ends in the small town of Yangshou, where most of the
locals speak English. An hour bike ride from Yangshou to the small
riverside village of Xingping passes through striking emerald green
landscapes abounding with rice paddies. Although cruises run year
round, the best time to go is from October through April, when visibility
is not compromised by the rainy season. A 1.5 hour bus ride returns
travelers from Yangshou back to Guilin. Guilin can be reached via a
1 hour flight from Hong Kong or a 2.5 hour flight from Beijing.
Hangzhou, in eastern China's Zhejiang province, offers a glimpse of old
China, especially at sunrise. The shores of Hangzhou's West Lake
are lined with pagodas, teahouses, and landscaped gardens lush with
willow trees. Seasonal flowers include lotus blossoms,
orange-scented acacia, plum and peach blossoms. Travel by hired
boat to the Island of the Hill of Solitude, which features the 150 year
old Louwailou restaurant. Enjoy a stay at the luxurious Shangri-la
Hotel located on the northwest bank of West Lake. Hangzhou can be
reached via a 2 hour flight from Hong Kong or Berlin, or via a 3 hour
train ride southwest from Shanghai. While in Hangzhou, be sure to
check out the 22-mile long Hangzhou Bay Bridge, the longest sea-crossing bridge in the world.
In far western China can be found the city of Kashgar, in the Xinjiang
province of China. Despite its remote location, Kashgar features
what is Asia's, if not the world's, largest outdoor market. This
weekly market takes place every Sunday and has been ongoing for over 1,000
years. The Sunday Market in Kashgar is attended by roughly 100,000
to 150,000 people who come to trade, sell, and haggle over various
animals and wares, including horses, cattle, sheep, spices, fruit, fur
hats, daggers, and carpets. Tours following China's
Silk Road often
start in Xi'-an and end in Kashgar. It can also be reached via
flight from Hong Kong or Beijing to Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang
province, and an additional two hour flight from Urumqi to Kashgar.
If you wish to see more of the countryside, Kashgar can also be reached
by a three day train ride from Hong Kong or Beijing.
China's history dates back thousands of years, and much of its charm and culture can still be discovered alongside more technologically modern urban centers. China truly provides something to discover for every traveler.