60-Second Geography

China

• One of the most popular cities in China, Beijing is home to many of the landmarks and attractions that draw travelers to China in the first place. One of these landmarks is Tiananmen Square, one of the largest squares in the world: built by Chairman Mao, it’s named after the Tiananmen Gate at the north entrance to the square and translates to “Heavenly Peace”. Beijing is also home to the Forbidden City, the former Imperial palace from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. Built between 1406 and 1420, the Forbidden City was off limits to those outside of the royal family until the republic overthrew the Qing dynasty. Today the Forbidden City is a sprawling museum with huge courtyards, galleries, halls, and gardens, and can take a whole day or more to completely experience.

• Just outside the city of Xian is one of the most significant archeological finds in history. Created in the 3rd century BC, the Terracotta Army is comprised of thousands of terracotta soldiers and horses in battle formation in three different pits. This army was created for the burial of Qin Shi Huang when he ascended the throne at 13 years of age, in the belief that his reign as China’s emperor would continue into the afterlife. No two soldiers have the same face, implying that each was hand sculpted, and surrounding the army is a necropolis containing offices, halls, stables, and more for Qin’s terracotta army to use in the afterlife. Originally the soldiers had been painted with lacquer, but time eroded and faded the colors to their uniform brown seen today.

• In its prime Guilin was presented proudly to passing foreign dignitaries and considered one of the most beautiful places in all of China. The city is surrounded by an overabundance of natural beauty, including two rivers, four lakes, and stately mountains. The lakes offer a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of the city: the Moon and Sun Pagodas on the Shan Lake has some of the most peaceful and spectacular views of the surrounding nature. Inside the city, the central square has a beautiful presentation of a large atlas and an artificial waterfall at 8:30 P.M. every evening. If you’re in the mood for some history, then on the north shore of Rong Lake is the South Gate, the last remaining section of the Song-dynasty city walls. The gate is beautifully illuminated by the sunset at the end of the day, and is the perfect place to watch the locals practice their calligraphy, dancing, and Tai-Chi.

• The biggest and most developed city in China, Shanghai is a charming blend of East and West, with traditional Chinese architecture and a mix of Parisian, Tudor, and New York style. The city is ripe with shopping and entertainment, including bazaars, opera, acrobatics, and nightlife. One of the most popular shopping bazaars in the city is Yuyuan Gardens, which has a vast selection of antiques, teapots, paintings, and souvenirs (don’t forget to bargain for the best price!). One of the most unique areas to shop in is Xiantidi, a shopping district made up of reconstituted mid-19th century stone-gate homes that now serve as bookstores, cafes, restaurants, and shops. There is still residential space, but the cost of living here is higher than London, New York, and Tokyo!

• Loved by emperors and poets alike, Hangzhou is a peaceful paradise in the often-crowded urban centers of China. The West Lake is one of the city’s most famous sights, with causeways shaded by peach and willow trees, private gondolas to cross from one shore to another, and many ancient bridges. The lake has many islands, some natural, others man-made: the largest is the Lesser Yingzhou Isle, the pagodas are lit up with candles on nights of the full moon. Tea is part of the culture of the city, and the opportunity to visit one of the tea farms in the area is one not to be missed! From March to May, tea fields like Longjing harvest their tea at it’s peak, making it the perfect time to stock up on your tea fresh from the fields.

• As long as the Mississippi River in the United States, the Yangtze River has been central to the development of China’s cities for thousands of years. Chinese civilization began along the banks of the Yellow and Yangtze rivers, with different people cultivating rice in its rich waters. The Yangtze, however, proved to be easier to navigate and more reliable in terms of flooding, and grand cities began growing along its banks. Today the Yangtze is the premier river for cruising in China, especially in area of the Three Gorges between Chongqing and Yichang.

Take An Original Journey With Alexander+Roberts

Historical China, Tibet & the Yangtze

Gain deeper insight into Tibetan life and culture! Begin your adventure with a 4-night cruise aboard the finest and most luxurious all-balcony ship on the Yangtze. By special arrangement, you’ll spend time with a resident family, meet a local doctor, visit a Buddhist nunnery and join in an ancient rite of walking and prayer. Go behind the scenes with caretakers at the Panda Research Station in Chengdu to feed a Panda. Meet the actors at the Sichuan Opera and watch as they apply their intricate “face-changing” make-up. Experience one of China’s oldest culinary traditions with a noodle-making demonstration in Xian.

China Sampler

With only 16 guests or fewer, you’ll have a better vantage and more time at the Terra Cotta Army. Feel the ancient rhythms of Xian as you explore the Muslim market with an engaging, savvy resident. Delve into the traditional ways of China when you meet tea farmers at their home near Hangzhou. An intimate stroll along historic Pingjiang Road is the best way to appreciate the splendor of Suzhou’s centuries-old Song Dynasty architecture.

China In-Style

Our exclusive VIP welcome service in Beijing whisks you from your arrival gate and through customs to your luxury hotel… Now that’s style! With fewer visitors and your own private guide, the remote Mutianyu section of the Great Wall offers a more authentic and rewarding experience