Culture:

Shenzhen’s culture is a fascinating fusion of old and new. As a city that rapidly transformed from a fishing village to a global tech hub, Shenzhen cherishes its cultural roots. Explore the Dapeng Fortress, a historic gem dating back to the Ming Dynasty, or stroll through the OCT Loft to witness a blend of contemporary art and traditional Chinese architecture.

Nature:

Escape the urban hustle and discover Shenzhen’s natural treasures. Lianhua Mountain Park offers panoramic views of the city, while Fairy Lake Botanical Garden is a haven for plant enthusiasts. For a seaside retreat, relax at Dameisha or Xiaomeisha Beach, where golden sands meet the South China Sea.

Climate:

Shenzhen experiences a subtropical climate with mild, dry winters and hot, humid summers. It’s advisable to visit during the autumn or spring when temperatures are pleasant, making outdoor exploration more enjoyable.

Architecture:

Shenzhen’s skyline is a testament to its rapid development. The cityscape is adorned with iconic structures like the Shenzhen Civic Center, a masterpiece of modern architecture. Don’t miss the Ping An Finance Center, one of the world’s tallest buildings, or the Shenzhen Museum, a blend of tradition and innovation.

Transport:

Navigating Shenzhen is a breeze thanks to its efficient public transport system. The metro connects key areas, and buses and taxis are readily available. For a unique experience, try the city’s extensive bike-sharing program, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Top 5 Attractions:

1. Window of the World: A theme park showcasing miniature replicas of famous landmarks from around the world.
2. Splendid China Folk Village: Explore replicas of China’s most iconic cultural and historical sites.
3. Shenzhen Bay Park: A scenic waterfront park offering breathtaking views of the city skyline.
4. Dafen Oil Painting Village: Witness artists at work and explore a village dedicated to producing high-quality reproductions of famous artworks.
5. Nanshan Cultural and Sports Center: A modern complex hosting cultural events, sports competitions, and concerts.

Top 5 Restaurants:

1. Shen Zhen Ren Jia (深圳人家): Savor authentic Cantonese cuisine in a traditional setting.
2. La Terrazza Italian Restaurant: Indulge in fine Italian dining with panoramic views of the city.
3. Shi Wei Fu (十味府): Experience the flavors of Sichuan cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.
4. The Kitchen Table (W Hotel): A contemporary dining experience offering global cuisine with a creative twist.
5. Baia Burger Concept: Enjoy gourmet burgers and craft beers in a relaxed setting.

Embrace the fusion of tradition and innovation in Shenzhen, a city that invites you to explore its rich cultural tapestry, lush landscapes, and cutting-edge architecture. Whether you’re drawn to technological marvels or historical gems, Shenzhen has something for every traveler. Enjoy your journey through this dynamic city!

The post Shenzhen, where innovation meets tradition first appeared on Tom Travel Asia.

Culture:

Shanghai is a melting pot of cultures, harmoniously blending ancient Chinese traditions with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Explore the juxtaposition of traditional tea houses nestled in historic neighborhoods and cutting-edge contemporary art galleries showcasing the city’s modern artistic flair.

Nature:

While Shanghai is primarily an urban landscape, you can find pockets of greenery and serenity. Discover the beauty of Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden in the heart of the Old City, providing a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Climate:

Shanghai experiences a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cool and damp. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures, making these seasons ideal for exploring the city.

Architecture:

Shanghai’s skyline is a testament to its rapid development. The city seamlessly blends traditional Chinese architecture with futuristic skyscrapers. The iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, the historic Bund, and the sleek Jin Mao Tower all contribute to the city’s diverse architectural landscape.

Transport:

Shanghai boasts a highly efficient and extensive transportation system. The metro network connects key areas, and taxis are readily available. Explore the city’s charm by walking along the bustling streets or take a leisurely cruise on the Huangpu River for panoramic views of the skyline.

Top 5 Attractions:

1. The Bund: Walk along this historic waterfront promenade to admire a stunning panorama of skyscrapers on one side and colonial-era buildings on the other.
2. Yu Garden: Step into this classical Chinese garden with its intricate architecture, scenic pavilions, and serene ponds, offering a glimpse into Shanghai’s past.
3. Shanghai Tower: Visit this soaring skyscraper in the Lujiazui area for breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck, the second-highest in the world.
4. Nanjing Road: Indulge in a shopping spree on one of the world’s busiest commercial streets, lined with shops, boutiques, and vibrant nightlife.
5. Shanghai Museum: Immerse yourself in Chinese art and history with an extensive collection of artifacts, including ancient ceramics, calligraphy, and traditional costumes.

Top 5 Restaurants:

1. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet: A unique dining experience featuring multi-sensory elements, blending avant-garde cuisine with cutting-edge technology.
2. Lost Heaven on the Bund: Enjoy a culinary journey through Yunnan province with a blend of traditional and contemporary dishes in a stylish setting.
3. Din Tai Fung: Savor exquisite dumplings and Taiwanese cuisine in a casual yet refined atmosphere, a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
4. M on the Bund: Relish international cuisine with a stunning view of the Pudong skyline from this iconic restaurant located on the historic Bund.
5. Jia Jia Tang Bao: Delight in the simplicity of soup dumplings at this local favorite, where the focus is on authentic flavors and affordable prices.

Shanghai invites you to explore its rich history, embrace its modernity, and savor its diverse flavors. Get ready for a journey that seamlessly weaves together the past and the future in one extraordinary destination.

The post Shandhai, where tradition meets modernity in an exhilarating blend first appeared on Tom Travel Asia.

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, located on the southern coast of China. It is a vibrant and bustling city with a rich history and culture.

Religion

Hong Kong has a diverse religious landscape, with the majority of the population practicing Chinese folk religion, Buddhism, or Taoism. Other religions such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism are also present in Hong Kong.

Architecture

Hong Kong’s architecture is characterized by its contemporary style, especially modernism, postmodernism, and functionalism. Due to the lack of available land, few historical buildings remain in the urban areas of Hong Kong. Therefore, Hong Kong has become a center for modern architecture as older buildings are cleared away to make space for newer, larger buildings. Hong Kong has more buildings above 35m (or 100m) and more skyscrapers above 150m than any other city. Hong Kong’s skyline is often considered to be the best in the world, with the mountains and Victoria Harbour complementing the skyscrapers.

Tourist Attractions

Hong Kong is known for its impressive skyline, but there’s much more to see and do. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Hong Kong:

1. Victoria Peak
2. The Star Ferry
3. Hong Kong Disneyland
4. Ocean Park
5. Lantau Island
6. The Big Buddha
7. The Avenue of Stars
8. The Symphony of Lights
9. The Hong Kong Museum of History
10. The Hong Kong Science Museum

Cuisine

Hong Kong is known as the “World’s Food Fair,” and dining out is one of the most popular things to do as a tourist. From roadside stalls to world-class restaurants, Hong Kong offers a wide variety of choices when it comes to food. Here are some popular local foods to try:

1. Sweet and Sour Pork
2. Wontons
3. Roast Goose
4. Wind Sand Chicken
5. Shrimp and Chicken Balls
6. Pineapple Bun
7. Braised Chicken Feet
8. Har Gow

Conclusion

Hong Kong is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or shopping, Hong Kong has it all. I hope this information helps you plan your trip to Hong Kong!

The post Hong Kong the special city first appeared on Tom Travel Asia.

The city is home to several religious communities, including Buddhism, Taoism, Islam and Christianity. The Temples of Heaven, Earth, Sun and Moon and the Lama Temple are the best known religious sites.

In terms of architecture, Beijing has a number of World Heritage Sites, including the Forbidden City, the Ming Dynasty Tombs and the Summer Palace. The city is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most important of which is Tiananmen Square, from where the entrance to the Forbidden City is located¹. The city is also home to the famous Great Wall of China, the Olympic Park, the Gulou and Zhonglou (also known as the Drum and Bell Tower), or the Drum and Bell Tower, which were the official timekeepers of Beijing during the Yuan and Ming Dynasties.

The city is home to many food specialities, including Beijing duck ragout, jiaozi (noodles), hotpot, Beijing pancakes and zhajiangmian (noodles with soy sauce).

Here are 10 things to do in Beijing:

1. Forbidden city
2. The Great Wall
3. Summer Palace
4. Lama Temple
5. Tiananmen Square
6. Ming Dynasty Tomb
7. Olympic Park
8. Gulou and Zhonglou (Drum and Bell Tower)
9. Temple of Heaven, Earth, Sun and Moon
10. Temple of Confucius

Five tourist attractions in Beijing:

1. The Forbidden City (Palace Museum):
   • Description: Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is a massive palace complex that served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing traditional Chinese palatial architecture and housing a vast collection of artifacts.
2. Tiananmen Square:
   • Description: One of the world’s largest public squares, Tiananmen Square is surrounded by significant landmarks, including the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China. It is a site of historical events and an important symbol of China.
3. The Temple of Heaven (Tiantan):
   • Description: A masterpiece of Chinese architecture, the Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings set in a large park. Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties visited the temple to perform ceremonies for good harvests. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a notable structure within the complex.
4. The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan):
   • Description: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Summer Palace is a vast imperial garden and palace situated on the outskirts of Beijing. It features a beautiful lake, traditional Chinese architecture, and lush gardens. The Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake are key elements of its landscape.
5. The Great Wall of China (Badaling or Mutianyu sections):
   • Description: While the Great Wall extends across northern China, the Badaling and Mutianyu sections are easily accessible from Beijing. Badaling is one of the most well-preserved and frequently visited sections, offering stunning views of the wall winding through the mountains. Mutianyu is known for its picturesque scenery and is slightly less crowded.

The post Beijing, the fascinating city first appeared on Tom Travel Asia.