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While Beijing and Shanghai might be the most well- known and visited cities in China, the country does have a host of other places well worth visiting. These days, an expanding network of high-speed trains (traveling
at speeds up to 300 kilometers per hour), and a spider web of domestic flights allow travelers access to almost every town in China. Buses step in where planes and trains fear to tread. there’s really no reason to not get out and explore some of china’s exotic locales.
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a live performance on the lake conceived by acclaimed Chinese director Zhang Yimou (of Raise the Red Lantern fame). Tickets start at around SGD15.
The Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (http://www.hzairport.com/), 30km east of the city, has flights throughout most of China as well as international flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Taipei and Bangkok. A taxi into town will cost SGD29.
HAINAN
The tropical island of Hainan is China’s southernmost spot and a popular getaway for locals who come for the sun, soft sand, surf and a round or three of golf. With fantastic amenities, great food and a pleasant vibe, you could easily while away weeks kicking back on Hainan.
The capital Haikou, on the northernmost tip of the island, is a good base and a transport hub from which to explore the rest of the island. From here, you can easily strike out by bus or train to the rest of Hainan.
The Xinglong area, on the south-eastern end of the island, is an idyllic place
with beaches, hot springs and relaxing attractions, including Shimei Bay, a popular spot for surfing, with several excellent breaks for all surfing ability levels.
Another popular beach area is Sanya, on the southwest of the island. The 40km stretch of development is popular for its resorts and seafood. The beachfront has plenty of bars and restaurants serving up fresh seafood.
Hainan’s capital airport is the Haikou Meilan International Airport (www. mlairport.com) in Haikou. Here, there are
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YANTAI
The coastal town of Yantai is located in
the Shandong province along its eastern seaboard. Yantai literally translates as ‘Smoke Platform’, as fires were lit on
the headlands during the Ming dynasty
to signal the presence of any Japanese invaders. Later, the Qing dynasty (the last imperial dynasty) surrendered Yantai to the British who then used it for years as a treaty port for foreign trade. Today, breezy Yantai has a booming export industry as well as a cluster of concession architecture.
Visit the Yantai Hill Park and wander past concession-era buildings erected by a host of foreign powers. The former American, British and Japanese consulates, the lighthouse, and the Yantai Union Church are all stellar examples built alongside stone paths leading to the hilltop.
Another must-visit in the province is the Penglai Pavilion, 75km northwest of Yantai. The pavilion – poised on a bluff overlooking the sea – dates back to the Song dynasty. Here, the Taoist legend of the ‘Eight Immortals crossing the sea’ is celebrated
via inscriptions and carvings. On occasion, locals claim to have seen a shimmering mirage on the horizon. Don’t forget to check out the ancient military installation and temples en route to the pavilion.
Yantai Laishan Airport (http://www. ytairport.net/index.php) is located 15km south of the city. An airport shuttle takes you into town. A newer airport, the Yantai Penglai International Airport is scheduled to open in 2014/2015 and will be 43km away from the city. To get to Penglai Pavilion, take a minibus from the bus station at the corner of Beima Road and Qingnian Road.
The trip takes one and a half hours. When you get to Penglai, taxi drivers will take you to the pavilion for about SGD2.
HANGzHOU
The prosperous Zhejiang province is your typical modern Chinese economic powerhouse and its newly rich citizens have taken up residence in the capital city of Hangzhou. It’s not uncommon to see Ferraris and Lamborghinis cruising the streets alongside the UNESCO World Heritage listed West Lake.
Located in Hangzhou city is Alibaba group(NSY:BABA), one of the New York stock market’s biggest IPO’s in recent times. Many will also be interested to explore this amazing city for it’s long history and beautiful scenic spots.
Smack-dab in the middle of the city, the freshwater lake is surrounded by classical Chinese gardens and rolling hills. It has inspired a legion of poets, painters and scholars. One of the artists, the Song dynasty poet Su Dongpo, conceived a causeway that joins the north and south end of the lake. Hiring a public bicycle (you’ll need to register at one of the kiosks for a rental card; rentals cost about 25 cents per hour) is a great and cheap way
to explore the lake. When you get tired of peddling, board one of the many boats that do lake cruises (from SGD11).
Find time to visit the interesting Zhejiang Art Museum (http://www.zjam. org.cn/Site_En/news/2013/002/00742. shtml, 138 Nanshan Road) for some compelling Chinese contemporary art. Come night time, catch the Impression West Lake (http://www.hzyxxh.com/en/) –
12 OCTOBER 2014