Gadling

Japanese Woman Becomes Oldest To Summit Everest

Kraig Becker — Tue, 22 May 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Climbing, Asia, China, News

A 73-year-old Japanese woman by the name of Tamae Watanabe extended her record as the oldest female to climb Mt. Everest when she reached the summit for a second time this past weekend. Watanabe first climbed the world's tallest mountain a decade ago and that previous record has held up until she decided to raise the bar herself.

Climbing with Asian Trekking, Watanabe scaled the 8848-meter (29,029-foot) mountain from the North Side, which falls inside Chinese controlled Tibet. She topped out, along with four other climbers, early Saturday morning after climbing throughout the night. The team spent a brief time enjoying the view from the world's highest point, before starting their descent back to one of the high camps on the mountain. The following day Watanabe and her teammates all proceeded back down to Base Camp, where they are now preparing to head home after spending nearly two months on the expedition.

As we mentioned over the weekend, Saturday was summit day on Everest and as predicted, the climbers went to the summit in droves. The weather did take a turn for the worse late in the day on Saturday, however, and high winds forced a number of teams to retreat back down the mountain. Most of the remaining climbers are moving into position to take advantage of a second weather window that is expected to open later this week.

Incidentally, the distinction for being the oldest person to climb Everest belongs to Min Bahadur Sherchan, a Nepali man who was 76 years old when he reached the summit back in 2008.

[Photo credit: AP]

Japanese Woman Becomes Oldest To Summit Everest originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 22 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In Search Of Harmony In Hong Kong

Kraig Becker — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Asia, China, Ecotourism

World traveler and television personality Richard Bangs has a knack for finding adventure wherever he goes. His award winning program "Adventures with a Purpose" routinely sends him to the far corners of the planet where he immerses himself in the history and culture of the destination while taking part in a host of unique activities.

In a recent episode entitled "Quest for Harmony," Bangs visited the Pearl River Delta, a region that includes Hong Kong, Macau and portions of China's Guangdong Province. That particular show gave viewers a brief glimpse at all the many travel opportunities that exist throughout the area and, intrigued with what was shown, it left me wanting to know more. With that in mind, I recently sat down with Bill Flora, who was instrumental in getting Bangs to visit the Delta. Bill also happens to be the U.S. Director of Hong Kong Tourism, so as you can imagine, he has a lot to say about the region.

Gadling: The theme of "harmony" crops up often in this episode and it seems to play an important part in life in Hong Kong. How is that concept exhibited in the city?
Bill Flora: Finding harmony or balance is a universal theme in Asian culture and that is evident throughout Hong Kong as well. The city has a Yin and Yang to it that blends both high technology and nature surprisingly well. Amidst the towering skyscrapers and bright lights there is a peaceful serenity found in the city's parks and natural spaces. Life there is a wonderful blend of traditional values and modern sensibilities.

G: Hong Kong and the surrounding Pearl River Delta seem to offer something for just about every kind of traveler. Is that a major part of its appeal?
BF: Absolutely! Variety is definitely the key. Hong Kong is the type of city where you'll find a five-star restaurant on one corner, then walk around the block to discover an ancient temple on another. It is that mix of modern sophistication and traditional culture that makes it such an interesting place. Great shopping, a thriving nightlife, a sophisticated art scene and so much more - it's all there for visitors to experience for themselves.

Continue reading In Search Of Harmony In Hong Kong

In Search Of Harmony In Hong Kong originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 17 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Escorted Travel Adds Value With Private Experience

Chris Owen — Sun, 06 May 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Asia, China, Japan

When travel planning calls for first-class accommodations, airfare, and guidance along the way, travelers often use a travel agent to help. Commonly accepted advice is to use one that specializes in the method of travel or destination you choose. Better yet, use one that offers escorted tours for an immersive experience like no other.

In China and Asia, Wendy Wu Concierge is a premium service offering luxury vacations custom built by destination specialists and the traveler to create a personal and unique experience.

"As one of the world's leading specialists in travel to China and Asia, we'll listen to every ambition and aspiration to provide a private experience that meets specific interests," says Wendy Wu Concierge on their web site.

Going first-class all the way has more benefits than one might imagine including:

Partnering with only the finest hotels, like Peninsula, Shangri-La properties, St. Regis and Banyan Tree hotels, ensures the highest levels of comfort and service.
Insider access includes a diplomatic airport transfer where clients are welcomed at the arrival gate with baggage assistance and fast-track service through immigration and customs.
A global partnership with Cathay Pacific with direct service from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and New York, to Hong Kong with onward connections to over 18 cities across China with its sister airline Dragonair.
When travel calls for a cruise, Wu uses 124 passenger Yangzi Explorer, ideally equipped to host special groups.

Continue reading Escorted Travel Adds Value With Private Experience

Escorted Travel Adds Value With Private Experience originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 06 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Scooters In Shanghai

Elizabeth Seward — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Asia, China, Video

Every time I watch a video that features people, usually teenaged or young adult men, doing tricks on some device - skateboards, bikes, scooters or something of the like - I can't help but notice the film's location. For what I imagine are various reasons, a lot of these kinds of videos are shot in neat locations whether tropical, intensely urban or just far away. I like these videos because they offer me relatively accidental insightful viewing. There's a keen sense of a place I get when watching these films. While the camera often focuses on the forefront action, the background and peripheral action is also recorded. During these times, I feel I see the respective destinations and their citizens candidly. This video features, of all things, scooters in Shanghai bending their way around the streets.

Continue reading Video: Scooters In Shanghai

Video: Scooters In Shanghai originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Karakoram Glaciers Defy Trends, Actually Grow In Size

Kraig Becker — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Learning, Asia, China, India, Pakistan, News

Scientists are once again demonstrating that we actually don't really have a clue about how our planet works. A team of researchers from the University of Grenoble in France has released a new report that indicates that glaciers in the Karakoram mountain range are actually growing in size. This is, of course, counter to what is being observed elsewhere across the planet and defies the theories behind global warming.

The scientists who conducted the study used satellite imagery collected from 1999 through 2008 to compare the land surface elevation over that period of time. Their observations indicate that the mass of the glaciers in the Karakoram continues to grow, even as others in the nearby Himalaya Mountains and around the world are actually in retreat.

Critics of the study are quick to point out that this method of research hasn't proven to be reliable just yet. There are a number of factors that can interfere with the imagery including cloud cover and the amount of snow on the ground. They say that the only way to be sure that the glaciers are growing is to visit them in person and take measurements by hand. That isn't easy in a place like the Karakoram, which is amongst the most remote and unexplored regions on the planet.

Located along the borders of China, India and Pakistan, the Karakoram runs about 310 miles in length and features some of the tallest mountains on the planet, including the infamous K2, which is second only to Everest in height. The high concentration of peaks in a relatively small area has made the mountain range nearly impassable at points and has hindered exploration over the years. That rugged terrain would make it very challenging to get an accurate measure of the glaciers there, which is necessary in order to verify the findings in this study.

[Photo credit: Guilhem Vellut via WikiMedia Common]

Karakoram Glaciers Defy Trends, Actually Grow In Size originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Skateboarding In Shanghai

Elizabeth Seward — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Stories, Asia, China, Video

"Shanghai 5" from Charles Lanceplaine on Vimeo.

Skateboarding in Shanghai must be a great way to see the city. With wind in your face and chance looming all around you, there's got to be something distinctly exhilarating about skateboarding through a foreign city; experiencing a new culture in a twisting and turning flash. I'm not a skateboarder myself, so I don't know for sure, but this is how it seems to me. I suffered from severe skateboarder envy in middle and high school. That was partnered with my crush on the collective "alternative" hairstyles of skateboarders everywhere. My first attempt at skateboarding threw me, terrified, down a steep hill in rural Ohio. I'm not sure what I was so afraid of hitting amid all of the wide-open space there, but I dove off of the board and onto the steaming summer asphalt, wondering just how skateboarders did it as I limped back home. I tried a few more times over the years and eventually lost interest (read: gave up). Skateboarding videos stuck with me, though. I quickly learned then and still believe now that these videos offer viewers a unique and interesting opportunity to experience a destination through film. This video, created by Charles Lanceplaine and featuring skateboarding throughout Shanghai, is a good example of what I mean. Enjoy.

Continue reading Video: Skateboarding In Shanghai

Video: Skateboarding In Shanghai originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Climbers Arriving In Everest Base Camp Today

Kraig Becker — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Climbing, Asia, China, Nepal

The 2012 climbing season on Mt. Everest officially gets underway today when the first climbers begin to arrive in Base Camp on the south side of the mountain. They'll spend the next six weeks or so acclimatizing on the slopes of the world's tallest peak before attempting to climb up to the 8848-meter (29,029-foot) summit.

Mountaineers first began arriving in Kathmandu, the gateway to the Himalaya, at the end of March. After spending a few days preparing their gear and completing their planning, they slowly began to filter out to the various mountains that they'll be climbing in the weeks ahead. Most will go to Everest, which requires an eight- to 10-day trek through the Khumbu Valley culminating with their arrival in Base Camp. When they do arrive they'll find that the Sherpa teams have already been hard at work building the tent city that will serve as home for the next few weeks.

The Sherpa guides have also been busy preparing the route up the South Col of the mountain. Not only have they already built a route through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall, the most deadly section of the climb, but also they've fixed ropes up to the first high camp located at 6065 meters (19,900 feet). That will allow climbers to continue their all-important acclimatization process as they prepare their bodies for the challenges of high altitude.

While the south side of Everest, located in Nepal, is the most popular route for climbers, some prefer to make their attempt from the north side, which is found inside Chinese controlled Tibet. The approach from that side of the mountain is no less challenging although it is typically less crowded and less expensive. Mountaineers can skip the hike to Base Camp as well, as it is possible to drive straight to the starting point. The first teams are expected to arrive on the north side over the next few days.

Spring is considered the best time to climb Everest as the weather is more predictable and conditions more stable. After the climbers have spent several weeks climbing up and down the mountain, letting their bodies adapt to the conditions, they'll wait for a weather window to open that will allow them to go to the summit. When that window opens they'll head to the top en masse with dozens, if not hundreds, of climbers standing on the world's tallest point over the course of just a few days.

First Climbers Arriving In Everest Base Camp Today originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wine: The New Drink Of Asia?

Kyle Ellison — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Food and Drink, Asia, Europe, China, Japan, South Korea, Italy

No, there aren't vineyards suddenly springing up along remote portions of the Great Wall, inside the DMZ or on the upper slopes of Mt. Fuji. Of that much I am certain. There are, however, many people who live in these areas who are developing a notable penchant for wine and, all of a sudden, the big name wine growers are starting to take notice.

A recent news release discusses that although European wine exporters have seen a decline in their traditional markets in North America and Europe, the expanding palates of Asia are proving to be a welcome change of direction.

Evidence? The article uses the example of a South Korean wine importer perusing the stalls of a massive wine expo in Verona, Italy, who admits that Italian food and Italian wines are becoming more favorable in South Korea.

Also, according to statistics cited in the article, there was a 10% increase in wine consumption in Asia in 2011 bringing it to 5.5 billion liters, whereas estimates run as high as the continent being able to quaff a record 6 billion liters for 2012.

Meanwhile, in China, Benjamin Chau, deputy head of the Hong Kong trade development council believes that as a growing number of Chinese markets prosper, so too do their imbibing habits change. Historically drawn to strong liquor, Chau argues that as quality of life improves for many Chinese citizens wine is becoming a fashionable and more health-conscious drink of choice, which is often imported from vineyards in the West.

So how much emphasis is being placed on Asia as an emerging wine market? Enough that new Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti was told to be peddling a list of "Made in Italy" products while on a recent visit to Japan, South Korea and China. Seeing as Italy was the world's largest exporter of wine in 2011, I am sure multiple vintages and varietals were offered as part of the touring menu.

So is it time to trade in the sake for the syrah the next time you're in Tokyo? Should we swap the soju for sauvignon blanc while nibbling on kim bap in Seoul?

I'm not sure if I would go that far, but if this is a trend that continues to gain steam, it may not make for a far-fetched future.

Wine: The New Drink Of Asia? originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Guam: The New Maldives' and other Chinese tourism trends

Jessica Marati — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Photos, Asia, Oceania, China, Maldives, United States, Budget Travel, News, Luxury Travel

In 2012, trips originating from China will comprise an estimated 8 percent of total world travel. The China Tourism Academy estimates that 80 million Chinese residents will travel overseas, spending an estimated US$80 billion. That's a significant chunk of the market.

In a recent article, CNNGo's Shanghai editor Tracy You set out to demystify the Chinese traveler and predict the future of Chinese outbound tourism. Among her observations:

Many of the newer Chinese tourists are middle class. Travel is no longer reserved for the wealthy; more students and people from the working class are now venturing abroad. You predicts packed economy-class hotels in major tourism markets during traditional Chinese holidays like Spring Festival, summer vacations and early October.

Shopping is important, but so is nature. While Chinese tourists have a reputation for being shopaholics, most actually express a desire to explore natural settings and island escapes.

Cameras and Chinese menus are must-haves. A top priority for Chinese travelers is to photograph and be photographed, You reports. And while many stick to food they're familiar with, many are willing to try local food if given ordering advice and menus in Chinese.

More Chinese are traveling independently. While tour groups are still the most convenient and common way for Chinese people to travel, more people are venturing out on their own or in small groups. You predicts that more Chinese will join the traditional backpacking routes of Europe, the United States and Southeast Asia.

Guam is the next big Chinese tourism destination. The United States island territory is already a popular getaway for Japanese and Korean tourists, and it has the natural beauty, shopping and island atmosphere that many Chinese tourists crave. You says that with the right infrastructure, it could join the Maldives as a top destination in the coming years.

Gallery: Guam, Where America's Day Begins

'Guam: The New Maldives' and other Chinese tourism trends originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IHG launches HUALLUXE Hotels and Resorts, their first hotel brand designed for the Chinese consumer

McLean Robbins — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: China, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury Travel

IHG has tapped into the rapidly growing Chinese market with the launch of HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, a new upscale international hotel brand that demonstrates pride in Chinese customs and reflects local tradition. The name comes from a combination of "Hua," meaning "Majestic China," and "luxury."

Numbers back up the plan: the China hotel market is projected to grow by 5-8% annually by 2030*. Outbound trips from China are projected to grow from 10 million to more than 100 million in the next 10 to 15 years.

IHG is already the largest international hotel operator in China, with more than 160 hotels across 60 cities, and sees the opportunity for this brand to be in over 100 cities in China in the next 15-20 years. IHG has already signed over 20 letters of intent, which are now being converted into contracts and we expect the first hotel to be open in late 2013 or early 2014.

The brand is based on four identified priorities, including:

Tradition: Long-celebrated traditions are reflected in the design, amenities and outlets, including a "deep-rooted tea culture" and restaurants like late-night noodle bars.
Rejuvenation: Hotels will be rich in natural surroundings, offering a lobby garden and resort-inspired bathrooms.
Status: Recognition and respect are fundamental in Chinese society. A seamless VIP arrival, a unique Club Lounge experience, specialty food and beverages throughout the hotel serve to underpin the importance of the guests.
Familiar Spaces: Each hotel will feature a range of public and private spaces to be used for various social interactions and meetings.

The Wall Street Journal reports that IHG isn't the only group with its sights set on China -- Hilton Worldwide Inc. operates 28 Chinese hotels under its brands with plans to add at least 75 hotels within five years.

HUALUXE is initially launching in China with plans to expand worldwide.

This comes only a month after announcing plans for Even hotels, a fitness-based chain.

IHG launches HUALLUXE Hotels and Resorts, their first hotel brand designed for the Chinese consumer originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unusual aphrodisiacs from Asian countries

Jessica Festa — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Food and Drink, Photos, Stories, Asia, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam

Wondering how to get you or your partner more in the mood for sex? Instead of opting for expensive pills or unnatural remedies, why not learn from the Asian culture and try one of these libido-boosting aphrodisiacs? From dangerously poisonous fish to fertilized duck embryo or snake's blood, it is clear some people really will try anything to have good sex. While these odd ingestants may be useful for people in Asia, I'm thinking that others may want to stick to increasing their libido the old-fashioned way: getting drunk and watching porn.

Balut

Balut is a common finger food in Southeast Asia and is literally an almost-developed duck embryo that is boiled alive and eaten in the shell. If you want to try this delicacy for yourself, head over to the Philippines, where it is most common, or Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia. It's a very popular food to enjoy at bars while drinking a beer, which makes me wonder if it's the Balut making people horny or the alcohol.

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Unusual aphrodisiacs from Asian countries originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 03 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New stretch of Great Wall of China found using Google Earth

Sean McLachlan — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: History, Learning, Asia, China, Mongolia

A British researcher scanning through images from Google Earth has discovered a new section of the Great Wall of China.

Surprisingly, this part of the famous wall isn't in China, but rather Mongolia. The Great Wall is actually comprised of several walls built in various centuries by several different rulers starting in the fifth century B.C., or perhaps earlier.

When Great Wall expert William Lindesay spotted what looked like a wall cutting across a remote part of the Gobi Desert in Mongolia's southernmost region, he headed out with a team to follow along 60 miles of it. This photo, courtesy Alec East, shows the kind of terrain these modern-day adventurers had to deal with.

The wall varies in construction depending on the terrain and resources. In some parts it's made of local volcanic basalt, while in others it's a simple berm of sand and shrub cuttings. Lindesey believes this new portion of the wall is part of the so-called Wall of Genghis Khan, which, despite the name, is not considered a project by the famous conqueror but actually the Han Dynasty of China in 115 B.C.

Lindesay says this is the first time part of China's defenses has been found outside of the modern boundaries of China. A journalist for the New York Times may have discovered a portion of the same wall in Russia in 2001.

New stretch of Great Wall of China found using Google Earth originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 03 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dim sum has a little somethin'-somethin' for everyone

Laurel Miller — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Business, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, Asia, China, Budget Travel

I realize that Chinese New Year ended on February 6th, but in an effort to establish that there's no bad time to visit Hong Kong or eat Cantonese food, I decided that now would be a good time to write about dim sum (also, I'm a terrible procrastinator. Is it really almost St. Paddy's Day?).

Hong Kong means different things to different people. Some go for the bargains on everything from cameras to couture, others for the booming nightlife and easy access to other parts of Asia. Others just...really like Jackie Chan movies. Whatever your reason, this former British colony is faring well since it's 1997 return to China (technically the city and environs are considered a Special Administrative Region--SAR--of the mainland). While not as cheap as other Asian cities or destinations, Hong Kong offers plenty of attractions, food and travel options to suit all budgets.

To a little piglet such as myself, Hong Kong means dim sum. In a city positively obsessed with eating, dim sum is perhaps Hong Kong's most beloved culinary ritual. Dim sum, which is variously translated as "touching or pointing to the heart," refers to a variety of steamed or fried dumplings, rice flour rolls, and other small savory or sweet snacks. While Westerners have openly embraced dim sum where dumplings are concerned, some traditional dishes such as braised chicken feet (foong jow) and steamed beef tripe with black bean and chili sauce (ngow pahk yeep) aren't quite the hits they are in China.

Although dim sum is Cantonese (regionally now referred to as Gaungzhou) in origin, today it reflects the multi-regional influences of Hunan, Shanghai, Beijing, and other provinces in various ingredients and styles, such as the inclusion of Hunan ham in a pan-fried root vegetable dish such as taro cake. There are over 2,000 types of dim sum; in addition to the aforementioned dumplings and rice flour rolls, there are spring rolls, pan-fried cakes, baked or steamed buns, crepes, steamed rice dishes wrapped in lotus leaves, bite-size meat dishes such as spare ribs or duck feet, soups, or sweet puddings of tofu with sauces ranging from black sesame to mango.

[Photo credit: Flickr user LifeSupercharger]

Continue reading Dim sum has a little somethin'-somethin' for everyone

Dim sum has a little somethin'-somethin' for everyone originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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China to get first One&Only resort in 2014

McLean Robbins — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Asia, China, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury Travel

Luxe lovers, look out - China is preparing to get their first One&Only resort, One&Only Sanya, in 2014.

Kerzner International Holdings, the ownership group behind One&Only and Atlantis Resorts, has announced plans for a 180-room luxury property on Tufu Bay in Sanya, Hainan, China, set inside 40 acres of coconut palms and ancient rosewood trees, on a private coastline. This will be One&Only's first resort in China.

The brand now has seven properties, including One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives; One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius; One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai; One&Only Ocean Club in The Bahamas; One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico; One&Only Cape Town in South Africa and One&Only The Palm in Dubai.

"Tufu Bay is ideally suited for creating the first One&Only experience in China. The setting is just spectacular and I am very confident the resort will be well received by our many loyal One&Only guests and new guests alike," said Sol Kerzner, Chairman, Kerzner International. "

Tufu Bay is an ideal location for this new luxe resort, offering stunning views of the South China Sea. The hotel will also feature a locally-inspired restaurant or restaurants as well as a One&Only Spa honoring the property's Chinese heritage.

CEO of Kerzner International Alan Leibman says that China was a logical next fit as so many Chinese guests already visit the brand's properties worldwide.

The Project Design Team is currently in the process of reviewing plans which will be submitted to the local authorities for approval.

[Image of One&Only property Reethi Rah in the Maldives]

China to get first One&Only resort in 2014 originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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An off-the-beaten path itinerary for southern China

Jessica Festa — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Food and Drink, Asia, China, Hotels and Accommodations, Budget Travel

When planning my trip through China one summer, I decided that I wanted to stay out of the well-known cities and explore smaller villages and lesser known areas where I could find less tourist traps and more cultural fare. While Beijing and Shanghai are both excellent cities to visit, here is an itinerary that will take you off the radar and help you discover nature, minority villages, Chinese traditions, and more. To make planning easier for myself I did this trip through Intrepid Travel, but you can also recreate it for yourself.

First stop: Hua Shan, Ning Ming County

Before coming to China I had been traveling through Vietnam and had entered the country from the Lang Son Province into Guangxi, China. From there you can catch a train or bus via Pingxiang to the mountainous village of Hua Shan, which is located in Guangxi. The journey takes about 2-3 hours.

There is a lot to be experienced in peaceful Hua Shan, which is miles away from civilization, located in the heart of mountains, valleys, forests, and near the Dong and Zhuang minority village. I stayed at a family-run guesthouse called Butterfly Valley, which felt more like a homestay than a hotel, as the family would cook for my group, take us on hikes, and end each night playing Mahjong and singing kareoke with us. It also helps to learn a bit of Chinese as not everyone in the area speaks English.

Take a walk through the countryside and notice the myriad plants and crops, like the gum leaves that locals use to cure a stuffy nose and the various edibles like corn, pumpkin, potatoes, and rice fields. Make sure to visit the minority village, which is dominated by wooden and thatched houses and livestock running around. It's interesting to hear and see the music, dance, and art of the people of the community who are, for the most part, quite friendly and were happy to talk to me via my translator. In fact, the people in Hua Shan in general were very friendly and excited to talk to me. Many of the young girls knew basic English and even asked me to hangout with them to help them practice their language skills. Hiking in the area is also a fun activity, and there are many trails that allow you to explore the various flora and fauna of the area. As the region is completely rural you can literally just wander towards the trees and mountains to find your own paths. If you'd like to see indigenous art, boat trips go out to Mount Huashan where a vivid rock painting of various types of people, animals, and symbols is located. The painting is about 725 wide and 131 feet high, making it a bit of a mystery how it was created.

Continue reading An off-the-beaten path itinerary for southern China

An off-the-beaten path itinerary for southern China originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 places to celebrate Chinese New Year

Chris Owen — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Festivals and Events, North America, China, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, United States, Hong Kong

Chinese New Year occurs in the early months of our calendar year, typically January or February and this year falls on January 23rd. This is the first of 15 days of celebration and the start of the Year of the Dragon.

Chinese New Year (also called the Lunar New Year) is the longest and most important festivity in the Chinese calendar and a time to welcome longevity, wealth and prosperity and to eliminate any negative chi from the past.

The origin of Chinese New Year taps several myths and traditions and is officially celebrated in countries and territories such as Mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and also in Chinatowns elsewhere. Chinese New Year is considered a major holiday for the Chinese and has had influence on the lunar new year celebrations of its geographic neighbors.

Gallery: 10 Places that celebrate Chinese New Year

Continue reading 10 places to celebrate Chinese New Year

10 places to celebrate Chinese New Year originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Photographs of the people of China via Erin Drewitz

Grant Martin — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Photos, Asia, China

Our dear graphic designer and occasional photographer Erin Drewitz had a busy 2011, romping between San Francisco, Dallas, China and the far reaches of the planet. Her most recent series, collected between Hong Kong, Shenzen, Changsha and Zhangjiajie captures some of the everyday life experienced among the country's working class, from the street workers in the central provinces to the schoolgirls bashfully commuting to class. Check out a portion of the collection below or view the full set over at erindrewitz.com.

Gallery: The People of China by Erin Drewitz

Photographs of the people of China via Erin Drewitz originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily Secret offers insider intel for Istanbul, Athens, Shanghai and more

Meg Nesterov — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Food and Drink, Asia, Europe, China, Turkey, Greece, United States, Argentina, Internet Tools, Luxury Travel

Last month, I went to a designer-clothing pop-up sale in the back of a restaurant, scored an invite to an exclusive party with Champagne and gourmet truffles, and got the manager's private phone number of a hot new nightlife spot. I'm not famous or especially well-connected, I'm just a subscriber to DailySecret.com. Daily Secret is website and email newsletter that delivers insider intel for twelve cities from Buenos Aires to San Francisco, plus English-language editions for Athens, Istanbul, and Shanghai. Founded in Athens in 2010, Daily Secret spread to Istanbul last March, with over 200 secrets and counting.

The Istanbul secrets are compiled and curated by a team of 15 "scouts," ranging from a fashion blogger, to a food critic, to a non-profit specialist in new companies who often hears about new ventures before they open. You can register with the site to receive the daily secrets, or search online by category, neighborhood, or date posted. Not all secrets are fancy or expensive, but they tend to be sophisticated and high-end. Daily Secret likes to be the first to write about a new service or business, or provide an added value for readers: an exclusive discount or giveaway, the unlisted phone number, or a spot on the guest list of an event.

Continue reading Daily Secret offers insider intel for Istanbul, Athens, Shanghai and more

Daily Secret offers insider intel for Istanbul, Athens, Shanghai and more originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enterprising New Yorkers help ease Chinese visa woes

Jeremy Kressmann — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Asia, China, News

Had a problem getting a Chinese tourist visa in New York City? Apparently you're not alone. Travelers around the web have reported consistent frustration with the Big Apple's PRC Consulate, with issues ranging from rude employees, to inconsistent approval policies, to prolonged waits.

Travel visa bureaucracy may be nothing new, but the city's entrepreneurial reaction to it has been intriguing. As NPR reports, some enterprising New Yorkers have managed to create a surprisingly successful business, operated out of a mobile van, to help travelers deal with the hassle.

Adam Humphreys and Steven Nelson, owners of Lucky Dragon Mobile Visa Consultants, have become a beacon of hope for travelers turned away by the consulate's downright baffling policies. For a flat rate of just $20, they've set up a mobile van that operates across the street from the consulate, offering printers, helpful advice, updated application forms and fluent Mandarin speakers to assist with travelers problems. According to the report, the business has been wildly successful - the pair are reportedly clearing upwards of $500 a day.

Have you experienced problems getting a Chinese visa? How did you handle it? Leave us a note in the comments.

[Flickr photo by Zach Klein]

Enterprising New Yorkers help ease Chinese visa woes originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video of the day: dancing on the Great Wall of China

Elizabeth Seward — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, Asia, China, Video

The Great Wall of China isn't just for visiting and photographing--it's for dancing. Today's Video of The Day showcases YouTube user WHZGUDZ busting moves on the Great Wall of China, literally. The song, "Russian Lullaby" by Butch Clancy, certainly adds to the overall effect of this video, but it's captivating even with the sound turned off. The striking juxtaposition in this video is what caught my eye. A stylish, young, male dancer brings life into what looks to be a silent and still day in China, ridden with low-laying fog. This video showcases the landscape surrounding one of the world's greatest tourist attractions while displaying a performance that puts things in perspective a bit.

The Great Wall of China is over 2,000 years old. Many people from across the globe have visited this spot, all hailing from varying cultures, which include, among other things, varying styles of dress and dance. This dancer featured in the video is not, I am sure, the first person to dance on the Great Wall, nor will he be the last. He is one of many and that, in itself, is a testament to the beauty of the Great Wall, standing strong as styles and people alike come and go.

Continue reading Video of the day: dancing on the Great Wall of China

Video of the day: dancing on the Great Wall of China originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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