Archive for September, 2010

I have been driving in the bus window, although Snow Grains and the rain had soaked through my sleeve.

When you see the long head knock them, I waved heartily. They then erected just to see me, waving me to be as solemnly. So, my camera has left the landscape in this picture.

When they use their own flesh and blood from an altitude of 6050 meters of snow on a knock off, when they Daxian mountain Congjiang knock over a small village, when they segment from Bomi mud cliffs next to the worth of knock-off time. What am I doing? I’m the capital Beijing to do?

Three of them and all those who are on the road towards the people in Lhasa as Tibetan prayer knock thousands of miles deep space clouds spelling over the team could not rule; they feel like a baby look like the mother’s breast, an inch and an inch of the earth with the body and close to getting close to the mother that their souls are longing for the place; all sides of the queue so they arranged to form the shape of the sun light radiation. Only the light near the holy city of Lhasa is inch by inch, in their minds the sun.

They each have their own fingers, wrists, double Zhou, spine, knee, foot and body control with hundreds of muscle and joint protection of its outer skin, together with this structure made of flesh and blood pro-life, close to the earth peristalsis to Lhasa. It sounds like a bug only hopeful, stupid stupid creep in the spring noon on sunny days.

Back in Beijing the second night, I stood across the glass floor of Sanlitun in the street to see dozens of neat and rapid step moving the leg. Young men and women who have looked their electronic counter, I do not know the foot of the gear have led them to wear long distance move.

But this time, the Tibetan Plateau between the trees do not know if that hook meniscus has illuminated the road to Lhasa.

I wish them the same stretch their legs towards the gym that day with the cool air with the local machine, set foot on Tibetan soil.

Perhaps these men and women move in Lhasa when the three knock who also happens to get there. They are the surging blood with the body, with their mouths do not know how long to stay with the language of the body with their hands over this support to offer itself, and offered to the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple offering to the Buddha before. When night falls, they will live in Lhasa, far away country is absurd.

Who among them might one day before the Jokhang Temple without any sense of shame reach out to any others, just as heroes do. That is not begging. That is to pick up a glass of wine to Lhasa and dry.

And this is their feeling that time.

This is a heroic feelings.

I remember that day morning, coach Lin Zhao autumn rain had just fallen out of the Dege County. 500 meters outside the town yesterday, full wall or Qiuhong has been snow-covered cliff. A few hours later, I sat in the bus also squeeze into the queue as the convoy stopped at the Que mountain covered with snow, the drivers are installed the summit of 4,916 m snow chains.

Like the way the three of them do not know how many times to go through. They may not like me to vent in the snow from the days when under the infinite praise the scenery. Just their bodies from the ice-bound soft knock off the thick snow, they will also knock on the amount of the long head again and again when the fall will be stained and the cold snow.

Car is a second ticked away and I pulled away from Lhasa, it looked so I kept looking back.

They do not. They are prepared for today’s travel and waiting as long as several years or even decades of pilgrims. They each filled a Chien Wai, such as clean water, heart. They face the front of the mountains a few thousand dollars is not urgent, but doing silent prayer every knock, fell to the ground with every Qianpu shorten the distance with the holy city of Lhasa.

In this way, thanks to those who knock their day in the snow hail clouds and rain of a thousand miles with Li own way to purify the soul. That I worship in Lhasa to see those who knock when they were pregnant and everyone’s eyes and shot stood with a unique light. The light seems like the eyes of a newly born baby as flawless once they opened the light emitted by all the people present would marvel.

Every time I sat in the car and the roadside when they pass, they are often impressed by the kind of peace of piety.

When people from the aircraft to fly to Lhasa saw kowtowing TV lens, in addition to praise and understand there will be a different kind of think outside of it?

Moreover, climb to the Jin Mao Tower standing on the roof layer 87 or between the lift bars in the Fleet of Foot in the underground train tunnel people on it. They make a living sitting in a wide variety of machines to be quickly shipped to be delivered to, how could they have some free time to perceive that lost in the mountains among the herdsmen with flesh and blood Kham knock it on the long journey to Lhasa feeling it?

People’s situation is so different. Different life and death at the same time different place in the universe that already very small volume of soil ball.

Attractions :
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding-Wenshu Temple-tea house-Jinli Old Street

Tour Price: from US $190 /per adult

Tour Feature:

DAY 1
Destinations: Arrive in Chengdu

Today’s Activities: Upon arriving in Chengdu, your personal guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel for a rest before you are taken out for a delicious dinner of Sichuan cuisine at a local restaurant.
Meals: Chinese Lunch + Sichuan cuisine Dinner

DAY 2

Destinations: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding-Wenshu Temple-tea house-Jinli Old Street
Today’s Activities: On this day, you will visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, followed by a trip to the Wenshu Temple where you can spend some time sitting in its tea house enjoying a cup of traditional Chinese tea and absorb the special atmosphere of Chengdu and Jinli Old Street.
Afterwards, come back to hotel.
Meals: Breakfast + Chinses Lunch

DAY 3

Destinations: Departure Chengdu

Today’s Activities: You will be free until your local guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to your next destination.
The memorable tour ends.
Meals: Breakfast

Price Includes:
1. Transportation:
Transportation services between tour cities in the itinerary including air fare, all airport taxes, trains, buses, etc
Local transportation services in every tour city
2. Hotels in the itinerary, all based on two persons sharing one standard room
3. Meals specified in the itinerary:
Western breakfast in hotels
Chinese lunch and dinner in local restaurants
4. Sightseeing
All arrangements mentioned in the itinerary will be covered
All first admission/entrance fees in the itinerary
5. Tour guide: In every tour city of China, each tour is conducted by a professional tour guide
6. Free baggage allowance:
Passages holding adult-fare air tickets are entitled to free baggage allowance of 40kg for first class, 30kg for business class, and 20kg for economy class. No free baggage allowance is granted to infants
Free baggage transfer between airport and hotel

Price Excludes:
1. Chinese visa
2. International or domestic air tickets which are not listed in the itinerary.
3. Meals not specified in the itinerary.
4. Tips for guides and drivers
5. Personal expenses: phone bills, laundry, optional tours, postage, excess baggage charge, entertainment fees out of the itinerary, etc
6. Single room supplement
7. Travel insurance
Inquiry
This is the place for people to ask questions and get answers about Chinese culture, history, festivals, news, and tourism. In this spot you can ask me anything you would like (no personal questions please). If I don’t know the answer I will find the answer. Being a westerner, I can answer questions from a westerner’s perspective. I’ll always be truthful and will not lie.

No. 55, Section 2 Renmin Nan Avenue,

Chengdu, Sichuan,

China, 610016

Hotel Facilities:

Conference Room Gym Bar And Lounge

Restaurant Swimming Pool

About Chengdu Minshan Hotel Chengdu (4 Star)

Located in the center of Chengdu, the 4-star Minshan Hotel is appointed with a variety of advanced facilities. A wide range of services is designed to meet your needs.

Minshan Hotel has 411 guestrooms and suites. Besides standard rooms, it also has deluxe suites and business rooms. They are designed to offer a cheerful privacy and an air of relaxed sophistication.

Taibai Chinese Restaurant offering traditional snacks and essence of Sichuan Cuisine. The Western Restaurant serving you flavors of multinational cuisine.

Minshan Hotel is equipped with complete set of business facilities. With the International Conference Hall equipped with simultaneous interpretation system for 150 persons and 4 meeting rooms capable of 15 to 40 persons respectively, it serves the perfect venue for international conferences and business talks.

From January to July, 2010, the total border-trade volume of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) hit 208 million dollars, up 83.26% year on year, taking up 55% of the total export-import volume.

According to the Commerce Department of TAR, border trade has developed into a pillar industry of TAR to push forward Tibetan foreign trade, especially the export of self-made Tibetan products.

From January to July, the export volume of local Tibetan products amounted to 27.28 million dollars, up 62.8% compared with the same period of 2009.

In addition, the structure of exported products has also optimized by replacing ibetan raw materials and preliminary processing products by quite a percentage of products with local featuressuch as highland beer and mineral water.

Meanwhile, with an advantageous location neighboring with India and Nepal, TAR has sped up the development of its border trade market by making full use of its fund for the promotion of foreign trade and conducting 10 projects.

The Himalayan country of Tibet remains a mystery to many around the world. The holy land of Buddhist tradition, this mountainous nation is known for its unique arts and crafts including an accessory that will bring great imagination and harmony to any home – Tibetan rugs.

The designs of Tibetan rugs are as varied as the facets of the universe. While technically “oriental” rugs, these floor coverings differ greatly from the intricate, jewel-toned patterns of Persian, Turkish or Chinese rugs also called orientals. Rugs from Tibet and its neighbor Nepal share an unusual, highly refined technique of hand-knotting. The craftsmanship of this method, combined with their distinctive colors and designs, combine to make these rugs truly unique among floor coverings.

A deep sense of spiritual purpose lies behind genuine Tibetan rugs, as with rugs crafted by Navajo artisans and other cultures for which making beauty is essential to their beliefs. One of the reasons these rugs are so luxurious to see and touch is the painstaking care with which the makers create with the system of Tibetan knots. The makers use natural silk fibers and the softest refined wool. Cotton, canvas, or wool fabric are used to create the rug backing, and then the knots are pulled through and snipped. This technique results in rugs with textures of varying pile lengths, chosen by the artist.

Tibetan rug makers aren’t the only artisans that use hand-knotting to create their rugs. However, this culture’s particular refinement of the technique sets it apart from others because of the motifs and patterns that result. The artists that create these unusual rugs draw inspiration from many Asian cultures, incorporating into their designs plant motifs that have deeply significant symbolism. For example, patterns representing renewal and long life are commonly seen in bamboo rugs. In addition, designs feature plum blossoms and forsythia branches as symbols of beauty, grace and the passage of time.

These sophisticated approaches make Tibetan rugs seem contemporary, but in reality the makers are drawing upon ancient symbols and methods. Rug designs often are intended to elicit a certain mood, from serenity to excitement. Sometimes geometric shapes are woven into the rug so that intriguing patterns within patterns result, similar to the effect of infinity created by hanging two mirrors opposite one another.

At other times, Tibetan rugs are woven in such an understated way that it can be hard to discern a pattern. Many rugs of this type are meant for meditation purposes, so that observers can literally get lost in the rug’s weave and thus allow the cares of the workaday work to drift away. Nonetheless, this type of rug also can work well in Modern or Contemporary decor where minimalism is a valued quality, or to simplify a room style that has become too busy or cluttered.

One of the most prized characteristics of this style of rugs – and one that makes them ideal for any decor – is the skillful combination of wool and silk in the same weave. The result of this sophisticated method is a rug with a luminescent sheen that catches and reflects light in ever-changing waves.

Tibetan rugs have come into their own recently as both exquisite accessories for many decor styles and as highly collectible ornaments. Some dealers think that Tibetan rugs with their timeless beauty may soon catch up with classic Persian rugs as valued heirlooms worthy of being handed on to successive generations.

Sarah enjoys offering her wealth of creative tips on home decorating with a Tibetan flair. And her most popular secret is her online place for oriental rugs and natural flokati rugs.

Altitude Sickness in Tibet 
A land with an elevation of more than three thousand meters is defined by scientists as a plateau. The climate of a plateau differs greatly from the climate of a plain. The former features low oxygen pressure, oxygen shortage, and high radiation.

When you enter such an environment, your body needs an important adjustment to be accustomed. Therefore, you must be well-prepared in different aspects against possible acute high altitude sickness. Before you undertake such a trip, you need a whole-body physical examination. Do not ignore the potential risk and go to Tibet if you have some trouble in your heart, lung, brain, liver, or kidney, or if you suffer from severe hypertension, heart disease, or anemia. If you have mild breathing problems, you can go there, but it would be a better idea to take oxygen along with you.

Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region, has an elevation of 3600 meters, where oxygen content of air is only 70 percent of that in plains and atmospheric pressure is low. When you get there, you may feel chest distress, short of breath, or breathing difficulty. These symptoms result from oxygen deficit. You may suffer from a series of disorder, such as a headache, muscle ache or insomnia. Take it easy. It doesn’t mean that you cannot be adapted to the plateau climate. The disorder is a normal reaction. If you are well-informed about how to correctly protect yourself, you will get rid of the discomfort in a day or two.

Remember not to walk too fast, run or do physical work, when you arrive there the first time. It will be best for you to have a complete rest for half a day. On the first night of your stay, sleep earlier than before to get enough rest. Efficient sleep can strengthen your body. Some visitors, who felt fairly well and comfortable when they landed, assumed there was no such thing as altitude sickness. They ignored the suggestions given by their guides and did whatever they liked instead of taking a rest. Eventually they suffered from serious altitude sickness. Thus, you need to follow your guides’ suggestions.

Amine Rahal is a Travel Expert working for Absolute China Tours ltd, a CNTA-approved China Travel Agency. Find more travel information about Chinese cities in our China Travel Guide. You can also find more travel tips about Tibet in our Tibet Travel Information page.

Entering June, it’s possible to imagine a deep blue sky and plateaus covered in tall grass blowing in the wind, this is one of the most special and most untouched parts of China. One wishes that they could awake amongst thend and looming mountains amidst a field of lush grass next to a river. Let’s go to the beautiful western China!

Previously the western plain was one of China’s poorest regions. However, after years of development and reform, this area has flourished and has given birth to the now thriving industry of eco-tourism.

At present, western China boasts wild and boundless vistas and panoramas of unparalleled natural beauty as well as a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and unique culture, making it an attractive destination for tourists who want to venture off the beaten-track. Travel to western China is also currently extremely affordable; but a word of warning: the increased exposure of western China to foreign tourists is not only pushing up the cost of travel but also altering the natural experience. This article will introduce some of the must-see locations around the vast land which is west China in the hope that you can travel there in the future.

Yunnan – The land above the clouds

1. Classic travel routes

Since ancient times Yunnan (clouds in the south) has been called the land above the clouds to describe the mystical Yunling Plateaus. Firstly, scenery aside, Yu Nan is home to 26 different ethnic minorities each with their own different language, culture, education, festivals, religion, dress and marriage customs. Among the most renown of these minorities include the Naxi people, Dali’s Bai people, and the Yi people in Beima. Yu Nan also has annually celebrates the unique Water-Sprinkling Festival, the flare festival and the cutter bar festival.

The classic travel route typically take by tourists includes Li Jiang, Da Li, Lugu Lake, Shangri-La and Xishuangbanna. Many tourists take this tour more than once, there’s simply too much to see. Spring is the best time to travel in Dali, Lijiang and Xishuangbanna are suitable all year round and Shangri-La and Lugu Lake are best to visit during late spring or early summer.

2. Exploration Tours

1) Nu River

People say that Lijiang invokes the romantic and consumerist side of people, the Nu River does neither, it is a perfectly unspoiled haven of serenity. Located in the Northwestern Corner of Nujiang, Lisu Ethnic Minority Prefecture represents an amazing cross-road both geographically and culturally, Yun Nan to the North and Tibet to the West and the main channel to and from Burma. With the world heritage listed “three parallel rivers”, this is really one of China’s premier eco-tourist scenic spots and a key stop on the Shangri-La ecological tour route.

The Nu River originates the Tanggula Mountain range flowing right through Yunnan including the Mt. Fu Gong and Mt. Lu Shui and the finally meeting the Indian Ocean, one of the more amazing features of this river is a 300km canyon that runs through parts of Yunnan. This fertile yet rugged river valley has created a unique cultural melting-pot of different ethnic minorities, including the Bai people and Tibetan people, the rich mix of cultures and minorities seems as varied and colorful and the landscape that surrounds them.

Hot locations: Bing Zhong Luo Basin

While the Nujiang River gushes from the peaks of the Tibetan plateau to the Indian Ocean the Bingzhongluo River meanders and winds its way like a length of Chinese silk.

In the Bingzhongluo area, there live several ethnic minorities, including that of the Nu people, the DuLong people, the Lisu people and the Tibetan People. The river links these regions and seems to bring together a mix of different religions as well as a plethora of different unique animals and plants. The traditional architecture of these minorities is also something to be appreciated. This is really a region of amazing diversity which seemingly plays host to both man and spirit, who coexist together.

Horse caravan is a unique form of transportation in Yunnan; the Bingzhongluo River has traditionally been a pathway that leads these horse caravans from deep inside Yunnan to the lofty windswept plateaus of Tibet.

Hot locations: Nu River Canyon

Between the Nu River, the Lan Cang River and the Du Long River, the Nu River Canyon is the most breathtaking scenic location. Nu River Canyon is the longest, most mystical and most magnificent canyon in the world. The Nu River Canyon in ancient times was channel used by the emperor to travel through Yunnan to the Bingzhongluo River, with a length of 600 kilometers and 3,000meters at its deepest point this canyon is truly spectacular. Trips along the Nu River are so visceral because of the clean, glassy water, the sweet smell of flowers and the thick virgin forests which cover both banks, in the winter the forests are dusted in pure white snow. As a poet once quoted: “ten miles of every changing climate, a mountain of ten thousand different things”.

The backpackers can get to the Gong Mountain by bus first and then hike to the Bingzhongluo district along the Nujiang River.

Unknown plateau with rivers and lakes-Eryuan West Lake

2) Eryuan West Lake

On the journey from Dali to Lijiang, you will pass through the Eryuan reservoir, 60 kilometers from Dali. The Eryuan West Lake boasts a magical pond and a vast plateau of rivers and lakes, a truly remarkable panorama of breathtaking views, its views are unparalleled but this area remains hidden for most tourists.

Sisters of Bai Ethnic Group on Eryuan West Lake As a fresh lake on plateau, the Eryuan West Lake is comprised of West Lake, Jiangwei, Luoping Mountain and Snail River. In these parts the water is always inky blue with Chinese water reeds gently being tugged at by lapping waves on the lakeside. Most amazing there are minority communities who live on islands in the middle of these lakes, it’s as you’ve wandered into a painting. There is not only the unique architecture of the Bai people to marvel at but also their unique and rich culture heritage to enjoy.

The Eryuan Wetland also in Yunnan represents the second biggest wetland in China and has a diversity of fish and birdlife, the temperate climate helps these species survive there all year round.

3. Current Season Information

Shangri-La Indian azalea

June is the season when the Shangri-La Indian azalea comes into bloom; there are over one-hundred varieties of this flow across the rugged terrain of Yunnan. These fragrant and colorful flowers bloom in such numbers that they block of the sky with an explosion of vibrant color. Purace Park is a great destination for tourists in Shangri-la because it has a myriad of different bird and animal species (i.e. squirrel); it truly is a haven of natural beauty!

Amazing Tibet 1. Classic Travel Route

Traveling to Tibet always takes courage and the loss of inhibition. Sitting on the South-West border of China Tibet is a mix of natural beauty and mystical cultural uniqueness. It doesn’t matter which one of Tibet’s world famous landmarks you visit, whether it be Mount. Everest, Yaluzangbu Canyon, some sacred lake, the Potala Palace or the Virgin Forest all are unique to Tibet. As Tibet has been isolated from China for such a long time it still possesses highly unique culture and heritage.

Tibetan man dancing happily on the Tibetan Kangba Art Festival

2. Exploration Tours

1) Northern Tibet Plateau

The best time to visit the Northern Tibet Plateau is in summer.

The Northern Tibet Plateau is often referred to within China as the QiangTang Prairie. Here weathered herdsmen making living by herding yaks and sheep. The wool from these animals spun to a high quality and then sold. Nylon tents with five colors are available here: red, blue, yellow, green and white. Ancient rock carvings and the skeleton of a wooly mammoth all exist in this amazing landscape.

Tibet festival clothing is noticeably unique especially amongst young to middle aged girls; these expensive garments include a full gown and several bronze and brass ornaments hanging from it. The unique sound of a ringing bell can be heard across Tibetan plateaus during festive holidays.

2) Grand Nianqing Tangla Snow Mountain

In the place 100 kilometers from Tibet, there lies the world-famous Nianqing Tangla Snow Mountain, bordering Namucuo Lake to the north. The 7117-meter high mountain is covered with snow all year around, surrounded by mists, full of mysterious atmosphere.

The Nianqing Tangla Mountain and Namucuo Lake is both the most attractive holy mountain and lake in Tibet and age-depend couples. They attract thousands of visitors every year and have become the largest religious holy land and scenic spot. Well worth visit. It’s well worth a visit.

3 Current Season Information

Sagadawa Festival of Tibet

In sunny June of Tibet, the most ceremonious annual religious festival of Tibetan-Sagadawa Festival is coming. During the Sagadawa Festival, activities to memorize the Buddha Sakyamuni are quite a lot and offerings will be given to the poor. Visiting Tibet during this season is surely a good opportunity to experience the unique Tibetan flavor.

Travel Tips

Transportation: There is direct flight between Guangzhou and Lhasa.

Accommodation: Hotels are quite easy to find in Lhasa. There are lots of hotels for accommodation from budge hotel to luxurious 4-star hotel.

Food: The food in Lhasa mainly includes Tibetan Cuisine and Sichuan Cuisine. Nepal and India restaurant can also be found in Lhasa. You can try some traditional Tibetan food, such as Zanba, dried beef and mutton, barley wine and Buttered Tea.

Custom: Since there are many people attending the Sagadawa Festival for receiving offering. You should prepare enough small changes. When taking photos of people, please respect the subject.

For more information, please view the information on tibetantours.net. VisitOurChina (http://www.tibetantours.net) is networked with 173 other China tours operators from within China and all parts of the world. We offer China tours packages, tailor-made tour, Single China City Tours, Yangtze Cruise Package, etc.

Luxury reaches new heights when 5 star hotel The St. Regis Lhasa Resort opens on November 15th of this year.

Standing on the ‘Roof of the World’, The St. Regis Lhasa Resort will offer refined luxury and service in this storied city. Discover Potala Palace, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Jokhang Temple, all minutes from the resort.

With awe-inspiring views of Lhasa, the hotel will offer 162 beautifully adorned guest rooms and villas featuring plasma TVs, high speed Internet access, and spacious marble bathrooms. The St. Regis Butler will address your every request for an unforgettable stay.

Three diverse restaurants and a tea room tempt you with local and international cuisine. Four meeting rooms surpass your expectations, while Iridium, the Spa, brings a uniquely Tibetan flavor to a soothing array of indulgent treatments.

As there are the direct flight from Beijing to Lhasa and after the successful operation of Trans Himalayan Railway, all the trips to Tibet are easily accessible from most of the famous destinations of mainland China like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian and Xinning. The itinerary will be as below.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing / Shanghai / Xian / Chengdu / Xinning

Day 2: Arrival in Lhasa

You will be greeted by your Tibetan tour guide and drive two hours to Lhasa City. Check into your hotel. and take the rest of the day necessary to adjust the high altitude.

Day 3: Sightseeing around Lhasa

After breakfast, you will begin your exploration to this Holy City. Visit the Potala Palace, where the Dalai Lama used to preside. In the afternoon, visit the Jokhang Temple, which is located at the very center of the Lhasa city. Later you can stroll along the Barkore Street where Tibetan shops present Tibetan medicines, hand-made crafts, etc.

Day 4: Sightseeing in Lhasa

Today’s sightseeing includes the Tsepung Monastery, one of the biggest in Tibet. Then you can visit a nearby Tibetan Carpet Factory. In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery and Norbulingka Temple, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama.

Day 5: Lhasa – Gyantse

After breakfast, your adventure begins. Today, you will driven on unpaved mountain road to Gyantse. Gyantse is a famous Tibetan town in the south west of Tibet. Along the way, you will have opportunity to visit the Yomdrok Lake, one of the Holy Lakes in Tibet. After a picnic lunch, you will continue onto Gyantse in the late afternoon. Check into hotel. Clean up and take a rest.

Day 6: Gyantse – Shigatse

Morning will be Gyantse visiting. Gyantse is famous for its Kumbum Monastery and the ruins of Zhongshan. The murals in Kumbu Monastery is regarded as the world art treasure.

Day 7: Shigatse – Gyantse – Lhasa

The second largest city in Tibet, well known for its unique Western Tibetan customs and culture. Visit the Tshilunpo Monastery, which is the residence of Banchan Lama. It hosts the world largest bronze statue, which is built in 1904 for Qianba Buddha. For the rest of the day, you will visit the New Palace of the Banchan Lama and the local market.

Day 8: Depart to your next destination.



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