Jewels of Japan &
China

Beijing

The capital of China, Beijing is a bustling
hive of activity with countless glittering skyscrapers, sprawling
suburbs and buzzing markets. Cranes pepper a skyline seemingly in a
continuous state of construction and modernisation, accommodating
some 20 million residents who call this megacity home.

Beijing boasts an abundance of attractions
of cultural and historical interest. Some of the most popular
include the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Temple of
Heaven, the Summer Palace and the remains of Peking Man at
Zhoukoudian, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Chinese
history and culture seem to fascinate Western visitors, and Beijing
is a great place to dive in. The city is dotted with palaces,
temples, gardens and tombs, many epitomising classical Chinese
architecture, and it also has roughly 120 museums and more than 100
public gardens.

The first port of call for most visitors is
the Forbidden City, which lies at the heart of Beijing with the
rest of the city sprawling out from it in a grid pattern. For five
centuries, this massive palace complex, with 9,999 rooms,
functioned as the administrative centre of the country and played
host to a succession of emperors who lived in luxurious isolation,
surrounded by courtiers and retainers. The Palace overlooks the
infamous Tiananmen Square, a historical site of considerable
political drama and dissent, but also a vibrant social and cultural
centre point.

In preparing to host the 2008 Olympic
Games, Beijing underwent many major renovations. Public transport
was improved, environmental issues were addressed and a general
clean up of the city was ordered. The games highlighted Beijing's
economic rise and emergence as a world power, and the city has just
gone from strength to strength since then.

Travellers should go prepared for less than
stellar air quality in this booming city though, but luckily
breathlessness is just as likely to stem from excitement and awe. A
shrine to both modernity and ancient history, Beijing is a
traveller's delight.

Dalian

For thousands of years China has been shrouded in mystery and intrigue, and foreigners, especially Westerners, still find it difficult to penetrate the inner depths of this fascinating and enigmatic nation. However, in recent decades and particularly since the Olympic Games in 2008 when Beijing showcased some of its most spectacular attractions, there has been a major increase in travellers interested in exploring this vast and intriguing destination. And it's no wonder, as there is a great deal to discover in China, the world's third largest country.

What makes it so attractive as a travel destination is its unique culture and ancient antiquities. Ruins and relics from Neolithic settlements and the dynastic reigns of the mighty emperors of yore await, while there are plenty of adventures to be had and exciting attractions that have to be seen to be believed. The Forbidden Palace, the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Army of Xi'an are some of the prominent and tourist-heavy, but no less breathtaking, attractions in this ancient Eastern empire, but there are many, many more.

The People's Republic of China has been under a communist government since 1949, but is currently undergoing a boom in social and economic development with a great emphasis placed on tourist facilities and infrastructure. The country has been opening the doors to its wealth of historical and cultural treasures, with awed visitors flooding in.

Organised tours are still the favoured way to explore China, but independent travel is slowly becoming easier. Major cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, are modern metros offering fast food and glitzy stores alongside centuries-old historical buildings and traditional eating houses. Archaeological wonders vie with amazing architecture in the interior, while majestic mountains and remote monasteries crown the country's northern territories.

With all this to marvel at, China would take several years' worth of holidays to explore properly, so keen travellers best get started...

Qingdao

For thousands of years China has been shrouded in mystery and intrigue, and foreigners, especially Westerners, still find it difficult to penetrate the inner depths of this fascinating and enigmatic nation. However, in recent decades and particularly since the Olympic Games in 2008 when Beijing showcased some of its most spectacular attractions, there has been a major increase in travellers interested in exploring this vast and intriguing destination. And it's no wonder, as there is a great deal to discover in China, the world's third largest country.

What makes it so attractive as a travel destination is its unique culture and ancient antiquities. Ruins and relics from Neolithic settlements and the dynastic reigns of the mighty emperors of yore await, while there are plenty of adventures to be had and exciting attractions that have to be seen to be believed. The Forbidden Palace, the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Army of Xi'an are some of the prominent and tourist-heavy, but no less breathtaking, attractions in this ancient Eastern empire, but there are many, many more.

The People's Republic of China has been under a communist government since 1949, but is currently undergoing a boom in social and economic development with a great emphasis placed on tourist facilities and infrastructure. The country has been opening the doors to its wealth of historical and cultural treasures, with awed visitors flooding in.

Organised tours are still the favoured way to explore China, but independent travel is slowly becoming easier. Major cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, are modern metros offering fast food and glitzy stores alongside centuries-old historical buildings and traditional eating houses. Archaeological wonders vie with amazing architecture in the interior, while majestic mountains and remote monasteries crown the country's northern territories.

With all this to marvel at, China would take several years' worth of holidays to explore properly, so keen travellers best get started...

Sail the Yellow Sea

Shanghai

Home to around 24 million people, Shanghai
is situated on the coast where the Yangtze River flows into the
East China Sea. The country's largest city, Shanghai is
criss-crossed by a maze of picturesque natural waterways and sits
only a few metres above sea level.

The city is China's industrial and
commercial capital, is a busy seaport and is home to vibrant
science-, technology- and business communities. While visitors
don't normally travel to Shanghai for intriguing history or scenic
beauty, there are still plenty of opportunities for entertainment
and relaxation. Indeed, the city is drawing increasing numbers of
tourists with its neon cityscape, exotic nightlife and booming
shopping scene. Just walking the busy streets and soaking up the
vibrant atmosphere is worthwhile, with museums, temples and gardens
to visit along the way.

This great cosmopolitan metro has a
colourful colonial background, which has had the edge rubbed off of
it during half a century of Communist rule. It was the first
Chinese coastal port to be opened to Western trade in 1843,
resulting in an influx of British, French and American diplomats
and business interests, each of which established their own
independent enclaves.

In the 1920s and '30s, Shanghai was
regarded as a glamorous, decadent and fashionable place to visit.
It all ended with World War II and the coming to power of the
Communist Party of China. But since the early 1990s, a dramatic
rebuilding programme has been underway to put Shanghai back on the
map as a major international finance and trade centre. The Shanghai
Tower stands as the second-tallest building in the world and, along
with the supertall skyscraper World Financial Centre, is symbolic
of this glitzy rejuvenation.

Sail the East China Sea

Jeju Island

Jeju Island, located off the southern coast of South Korea, is a popular destination known for its stunning landscapes, unique cultural heritage, and world-class attractions. This volcanic island, often referred to as the "Hawaii of Korea," is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its diverse range of attractions and activities, Jeju Island offers something for every traveler.

One of the highlights of Jeju Island is its breathtaking natural beauty. The island is home to majestic mountains, pristine beaches, lush forests, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Mount Hallasan, the highest mountain in South Korea, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular hiking spot. With a well-maintained trail network, visitors can enjoy a variety of hiking routes, each offering stunning panoramic views of the island and its surrounding ocean.

Jeju Island is also famous for its volcanic formations, such as the iconic Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a volcanic crater filled with lush vegetation, and a sunrise hike to the peak is a must-do experience for many visitors. Another must-visit natural wonder is Manjanggul Cave, one of the largest lava caves in the world. Exploring the cave's unique formations and underground passages is a fascinating experience for both nature enthusiasts and those interested in geological wonders.

The island's coastal areas are equally enchanting, with stunning beaches and picturesque fishing villages. Hamdeok Beach, Hyeopjae Beach, and Jungmun Saekdal Beach are some of the most popular spots for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. In addition to its beaches, Jeju Island boasts several impressive waterfalls, including Cheonjeyeon Falls and Jeongbang Falls. These beautiful cascades not only offer travelers a refreshing retreat but also provide spectacular photo opportunities.

Jeju Island is also known for its rich cultural heritage. The island has a unique mythology and a strong tradition of shamanism, which can be experienced at various cultural sites and festivals. The Jeju Folk Village Museum is a living museum that showcases traditional Jeju Island life, with preserved old houses, folk performances, and craft demonstrations. The opportunity to learn about the island's history and traditions is a fascinating aspect of visiting Jeju Island.

Moreover, Jeju Island is famous for its local cuisine. The island's fertile volcanic soil and abundant seafood resources contribute to its delicious and diverse culinary offerings. Don't miss the opportunity to try Jeju black pork, a local delicacy known for its rich flavor, or indulge in fresh seafood dishes like raw fish (hoe) or abalone porridge. The island is also famous for its mandarin oranges, which are both a popular souvenir and a refreshing treat.

Getting around Jeju Island is convenient, as it has a well-developed transportation system. Renting a car is a popular option for exploring the island, but public buses and taxis are also readily available. The island's compact size makes it easy to navigate, and there are plenty of tourist information centers to assist travelers with their itineraries.

In summary, Jeju Island offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights. From hiking up a volcanic peak to relaxing on pristine beaches, visitors will find numerous attractions to explore and enjoy. Whether you want to immerse yourself in nature, learn about the island's history, or simply indulge in its delicious cuisine, Jeju Island promises an unforgettable travel experience.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is the main city of the Chugoku Region on
Japan's main island Honshu. On 6 August 1945, it became the first
ever target of an atomic bomb. Early in the morning, three United
States B-29 bombers flew in from the northeast; one dropped its
bomb over the centre of the city, killing 140,000 civilians.

Today, millions of visitors make a pilgrimage to
Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park to pay tribute to the victims, but
also to marvel at the lively modern city that has overcome its
tragedy to become the thriving home of more than a million people.
Not surprisingly, the city has become vehemently engaged in the
promotion of peace, and American visitors are welcomed with open
arms along with foreigners of all other nationalities.

Visitors are drawn mainly to the Peace Memorial Park
and its museum, but the rebuilt city is an attractive place to
visit in its own right, criss-crossed by rivers and wide avenues
and containing several good museums. Nearby are some of Japan's
most scenic excursion destinations, making Hiroshima a good base
for explorations into the countryside.

Miyazaki

Japan is an isolated archipelago off the coast of mainland China, Russia, and Korea, separated from its Asian neighbours by the Sea of Japan. Between 1639 and 1859, Japan elected to cut itself off from trade or traffic with the rest of the world, except for marginal contact through the southern Kyushu island ports.

Since reopening up its doors around 150 years ago, the densely populated islands have developed in leaps and bounds and much of the country is now covered by sprawling neon-lit cities and the world's most sophisticated public transport networks.

Modern it may be, but Japan still retains plenty of its mystical oriental charm. From the intricacies of etiquette demanded in social situations, to the minimalist décor behind rice paper screens, traditional Japanese culture is alive and well, making a visit to Japan a fascinating experience.

The modern metropolises are dotted with numerous ancient shrines and temples, while the countryside is riddled with hundreds of volcanoes and hot springs overlooking pastoral paddy fields. Parks are festooned with rigidly raked white gravel Zen gardens or coated with layers of lilac and cherry blossom.

Japan's islands are mountainous in the interior - 75 percent of the country's landmass is made up of mountains - and most of the people are tightly packed within the limitations of the coastal plains, particularly on the main island of Honshu. Tokyo, the capital and largest city, situated on Honshu's east coast, has a population of 12 million.

Despite this huge mass of humanity, Japan is well ordered. Everything runs on time, and crime levels are almost non-existent. It is still possible to find beautiful vistas and wide empty spaces in the countryside, and when you are forced to mingle with the urban throngs you will find the Japanese to be charming, courteous, and friendly to foreign faces.

Kochi

Kochi is a beautiful city located in southern Japan. The city is known for its stunning natural scenery, its friendly people, and its delicious food. Kochi is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of Japan. Kochi is also a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts. There are many shops and markets located throughout the city, so you can find something for everyone on your list. Kochi is a popular tourist destination, so there are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from. Whether you want to stay in a traditional Japanese inn or a modern hotel, you can find the perfect accommodations for your needs.

Kobe

Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is not only one of Japan’s largest cities, but one of its most attractive. The capital of the Hyogo Prefecture, it has been an important port city since it was first opened to foreign trade in the 19th Century. A relatively small city, visitors can explore most areas by foot from the main train station or harbour.

Shimizu

Shimizu is a city located in the Shizuoka Prefecture, in the central region of Japan’s main island of Honshu. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the 8th century when it was first mentioned in historical records. Shimizu thrived as a key port city during the Edo period (1603-1868), serving as an important stopping point for trade between Edo (now Tokyo) and Kyoto.

Today, Shimizu is a modern and vibrant city, with a population of over 700,000 people. The city is known for its beautiful natural scenery, with Mt. Fuji visible from many parts of the city on clear days. Shimizu is also home to a number of large companies and industries, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Honda Motor Company.

The city of Shimizu is a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture while also enjoy all the conveniences and amenities of a modern city. There are a number of temples and shrines to visit, as well as traditional gardens and parks. For those interested in shopping and nightlife, Shimizu has plenty to offer, with a wide variety of shops and restaurants, as well as bars and clubs.

Yokohama

Just 20 minutes south of central Tokyo, Japan’s second most populated city, Yokohama, is one of the country’s busiest international ports. Offering a distinct cosmopolitan flavour interspersed with western-style buildings, Chinese temples and cuisine from around the world, it is a popular destination with tourists.