Far East
CHINA
Hong Kong | Beijing | Hainan Island I Xian | Nanjing | Shanghai | Yangtze | Guilin | Tibet
 China isn't a country - it's a different world. Unless you have a couple of years and unlimited patience, it's best to follow a loose itinerary here, such as following the Silk Road route, sailing down the Yangzi River, or exploring the Dr Seuss landscape of Guangxi Province.
From shop-till-you-drop metropolises to the epic grasslands of Inner Mongolia, China is a land of cultural and geographic schisms. It's not that it has completely done away with its Maoist past - it's more that the yin of revolutionary zeal is being balanced by the yang of economic pragmatism.
Hong Kong
Situated at the south-eastern tip of China, Hong Kong is positioned at the centre of one of the world's most dynamic regions, East Asia. Incorporating Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories, including 235 outlying islands, Hong Kong is an ultra-modern city and a bustling port that within the last 150 years has grown into a world-class financial, trading and business centre and a haven for tourists.
At the stroke of midnight on 30 June 1997, Hong Kong returned to China after 150 years of colonial rule, an exciting historical event. Three years later, Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China with a high degree of autonomy, operating under the unique arrangement known as "One Country, Two Systems". It retains its own legal, social and economic systems, which mean no change in lifestyle - for residents and visitors alike.
Hotels are situated on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, in the New Territories and on the outlying islands. You can stay among the big city lights, in the verdant countryside or by the beach - the choice is yours. No matter where you stay, all of Hong Kong's attractions are close at hand. The excellent public transport system means you are only a short journey away from the bustle of the city or the tranquillity of the outlying islands.
Kowloon:
Hyatt Regency - 4 Star 
Location:
Hyatt's original hotel Asia has one of the best locations on Kowloon. It is situated on Nathan Road in the centre of Hong Kong's best shopping and nightlife district and within several minutes walk of the nearest MTR station, the waterfront and the Star Ferry terminal. It is approximately 45 minutes drive from the airport.
Accommodation:
The Hyatt Regency Hong Kong has 723 comfortable guest rooms, including 374 twin, 15 queen, 306 king and 28 Hollywood twin rooms, all of which feature luxurious yet casual contemporary decor that elegantly balances Western and Eastern influences. All rooms have cable TV and in-house videos, hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities, personal safe and writing desk. Rooms are sound proofed and double glazed to ensure you have a haven of peace from the action of Nathan Road.
Facilities:
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Business Centre
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Shopping arcade
Dining:
Interncontinental Kowloon - 5 Star 
Location:
Located in the heart of the bustling Tsimshatsui East shopping and entertainment area, the award winning InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong is the hotel of choice for savvy travellers. With stunning views of Victoria Harbour and of the Hong Kong skyline with superb facilities, the hotel offers business and leisure travellers the highest levels of service in a friendly, yet elegant environment.Also within walking distance is the terminus for trains into Mainland China. Not much further away you’ll find the Jade Market and the Temple Street night markets with its bargain buys, opera singers and fortune tellers. Hong Kong is simply buzzing with atmosphere.
Accommodation:
All 579 beautifully appointed rooms and suites feature five star facilities and amenities, designed to satisfy the expectations of business and leisure guests. Special in-room facilities include satellite colour television with multiple language channels, radio, direct dialing telephones, hairdryer, electronic card-key system for maximum security, smoke detectors, in-room personal safe, private mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities, email & high-speed internet access, voice mail and much more. More than 250 of the hotel’s rooms, enjoy spectacular harbour views.
Facilities:
Dining:
Hong Kong Island:
Mandarin Oriental - 5 Star Deluxe 
Location:
Excellent location with proximity to some of the city's top shopping malls, as well as the financial district and a stone's throw from the MTR underground rail service, five minutes from Star Ferry, and a few minutes' walk to the Airport Express station
Accommodation:
The guest rooms at the Mandarin Oriental have been furnished with meticulous attention to detail, to create an atmosphere of quiet elegance and comfort. Most rooms also have balconies, a feature unique in Hong Kong. There are 486 guest rooms and 55 suites, most with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline (in-room binocluars are provided). Other amenities include individually controlled air-conditioning, ensuite bathroom with exclusive designer tioletries, hairdryer, HBO movie channel, Internet and email access and same day laundry service.
Facilities:
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24 Hour room service
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Health centre
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Fitness centre
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The Mandarin Cake shop
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Business centre
Dining:
Le Meridien Cyberport - 5 Star (opens Spring 2004) 
Location:
Le Meridien Cyberport is the contemporary Southside hotel located in the Cyberport Complex - a unique, architecturally dynamic information technology and digital city that combines intelligent offices, conference and entertainment spaces overlooking the blue waters of Telegraph Bay.
Accommodation:
All 173 rooms and suites reflect a cool and contemporary design offering the latest technology such as wireless high speed internet connectivity, 42-inch plasma television, in-room entertainment system with music on demand, games, movies, internet access and virtual mini-bar, all ideal for the travellers looking for a little edge. The bathroom is of striking innovative design featuring a spectacular spacious walk-in rain shower, some rooms with separate Victoria style roll top bathtubs. A well designed working space, all facilities of an international, modern hotel room such as in-room safe, hairdryer and a unique soothing corner, ensure full comfort and convenience.
Le Club floors located on top 4 floors of the Hotel, are an ideal place for travellers looking for extra comfort and personalised service. All 69 Le Club Deluxe rooms, 3 Le Club Deluxe suites and the Bayside Premier Suite offer VIP access to Le Club, complimentary full breakfast, afternoon tea and drinks with canapés in the evening and an exclusive butler service, who will attend to your individual needs.
Facilities:
- Cardio vascular suite
- Outdoor heated lap-pool & Jacuzzi
- Jogging track
- IT Street (state-of-the-art teleconferencing & communication facilities)
- Business centre
- Access to entertainment complex - The Arcade
Dining:
- Prompt (trendy high end open gallery kitchen)
- Bar Umami
- PSI Bar & Lounge
- The Podium
- Nam Fong (Chinese restaurant)
- Le Club
Beijing
 If your visions of Beijing are centred around pods of Maoist revolutionaries in buttoned-down tunics performing t'ai chi in the Square, put them to rest: this city has embarked on a new-millennium roller-coaster ride and it's taking the rest of China with it.
Beijing has been China's political and cultural centre for over 1000 years, and in the 13th century Genghis Khan made Beijing his winter capital. The foundation of the present city's layout was established in the 15th century during the Ming Dynasty, which was followed by the Qing Dynasty (the last dynasty) in the 17th century until its downfall in the 1920s.
Beijing's blend of tradition with modernisation is instantly apparent when today's visitors witness the impressive sight of the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven jostling for space among shopping malls and hotel chains along the city skyline.
Tiananmen Square is the world's largest and is China's most recognisable landmark, from which Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-Tung), the founder of communist China, declared the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Along the length of the square are the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum and the Revolutionary Museum. On the south side is Mao Zedong's Mausoleum.
 To the north of the Square stands Forbidden City, the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The name 'Forbidden City' is derived from the fact that no one but the emperor himself, his wives, concubines and the eunuchs, was allowed within these compelling walls. Known locally as 'Gu Gong' (Palace Museum), it holds a treasure trove of rare antiques and unique symbolic architecture.
About an hour's retreat outside Beijing is the Great Wall of China, arguably the greatest of China's treasures. Stretching 6000 kilometres, it stands as the only man-made structure that can be seen from outer space. Not all parts of the wall are accessible. The most popular restored section to visit is at Badaling, 70 kilometres north-west of Beijing.
Grand Hyatt Beijing - 5 Star 
Location:
Just 40 minutes from Beijing Airport, the hotel is located at the crossroads of Chang An Avenue and Wangfujing at the heart of the prestigious business and commercial district, in Beijing's newest landmark, the Oriental Plaza. At the same time, Grand Hyatt Beijing is within walking distance of China's most treasured spot, the Forbidden City.
Accommodation:
All the hotel's 582 luxurious Grand Rooms and Suites feature panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Beijing's most picturesque and historic districts. Hyatt's Grand Club focuses on the needs of the business traveller with exclusive accommodation on the upper floors of the hotel. In-room technology includes computer dataports with broadband access, two-line telephones, voicemail systems and direct line capabilities.
Facilities:
- Club Oasis
- Fitness centre
- Spa
- Jogging route
- Business centre
- Non smoking rooms
- Bicycle rent
- Conference & Meeting facilities
Dining:
- Noble Court (Cantonese)
- Da Giorgio (boutique restaurant)
- Grand Cafe
- Fountain Lounge
- Made in China
- Redmoon (cocktail bar)
- The Patisserie
Shangri-La Hotel Beijing - 5 Star deluxe 
Location:
Set amidst charming landscaped gardens, the award-winning Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing, is one of the most elegant deluxe hotels in the city. Located near the financial district and Technology Park (the Silicon Valley of Beijing) it is also close to the State Guest House and historical Summer Palace, providing an excellent base for business and leisure travelers.
Accommodation:
The hotel boasts 657 guest rooms and suites, each affording luxury and privacy. Room amenities include, computer dataport, voice mail, satellite/cable TV, Intnerational direct dial telephone, electronic safe, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, full size executive writing desk, and private bathroom.
Facilities:
- 24 Hour room service
- City shuttle services
- Conference facilities
- Fitness centre
- Indoor swimming pool
- Massage
- Sauna
- Laundry facility
- Business centre
Dining:
- Cafe Cha (all day open kitchen)
- Cloud Nine Bar
- Lobby Lounge
- Shang Palace (Cantonese cuisine)
- Nishimura (authentic Japanese)
Peninsula Palace Hotel - 5 Star Deluxe 
Location:
Recently renamed from The Palace Hotel to The Peninsula Palace Beijing following a US$ 27 million upgrade, The Peninsula Palace Beijing is now unquestionably the premier hotel in Beijing for business and leisure travelers, as well as the venue of choice for important events and celebrations. Having opened in 1989, The Peninsula Palace Beijing has an imposing, traditional Chinese architectural-style exterior, integrated with the ultimate in luxurious, modern hotel amenities and facilities. Ideally located in the center of Beijing, The Peninsula Palace Beijing is just a short stroll from Beijing's Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and is within easy access of Beijing Railway Station.
Accommodation:
The Peninsula Palace Beijing's guest rooms have been refurbished to the most luxurious standard. Based on The Peninsula's tradition of comfort, interwoven with subtle Chinese influences. The newly designed guest rooms (31 sq m to 34 sq m) and suites (50 sq m to 100 sq m) feature hardwood floors covered with carpet, a 42" plasma television, high-speed broadband Internet access, silent fax machine, and The Peninsula signature technology - a bedside electronic panel that controls all lighting and audio-visual equipment in the room, as well as a special control panel by the door displaying outside temperature and humidity levels.
Facilities:
- Leisure Spa
- Fitness centre
- Indoor heated pool
- Sauna
- Massage treatments
- Business centre
- Conference rooms
- 24 Hour room service
Dining:
- JING (modern meets Asia)
- Huang Ting
- Lobby Lounge & Bar
The Great Wall Sheraton Hotel - 5 Star 
Location:
The Great Wall Sheraton Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Beijing - the cultural and commercial center of China. The city's diplomatic district is nearby, as are the Agricultural Exhibition Center and the China International Exhibition Center. The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Silk Market and Beijing Airport are all within a 15-minute drive of the Sheraton.
Accommodation:
Built around a seven-story atrium, the Great Wall Sheraton is a favorite meeting place for business and pleasure. Spacious guestrooms offer air conditioning, work desk, in-room safe, cable/satellite channels, dataport, minibar and hairdryer.
Facilities:
- Indoor heated pools
- Fitness facility
- Massage treatments
- Business centre/services
- 24 Hour room service
- Laundry/valet services
- Meeting/conference facilities
- Tour service
Dining:
- Lobby Lounge (Atrium)
- Silk Road Trattoria
- Atrium
- French Bistro
- 21st Floor (rooftop Cantonese)
Hainan Island:
 Different from other provinces, Hainan is the largest ocean island and the smallest land province in China. Although scenery in Hainan lacks the grandness of the Great Wall and the mystery of the Terror-Cotta Warriors, its natural beauty has gained a good reputation among the visitors and has been widely known around the world. People call it "the Oriental Hawaii".
Hainan is located at south end of China, and occupies an area of 35,000 square kilometers (13,510 square miles). Its administrative regions are Hainan Island, Xisha archipelago, Zhongsha archipelago and Nansha archipelago. Its neighboring countries are Philippines towards the east, Malaysia and Brunei towards the south, Indonesia (Natuna Islands) towards the southwest, and Vietnam towards the west.
 The capital of Hainan is Haikou City. Located in northern part of the island, it is the political, economic, cultural and transportation centre of the whole province. In Hainan, the cities Haikou and Sanya are where most tourists congregate.
Sanya is famous for its tropical beach landscapes. Tianya Haijiao and Dadonghai are two well known beaches. Hainan is also full of history. In ancient China, exiled poets and artists found their home on this island. Temples and memorials have been built in their honour where one can trace back more than 2000 years.
Sanya:
 Sanya rivals Hawaii in beauty, but even better is not yet commercialized. Like a piece of new moon, Yalong Bay gracefully lies along the coastal line 25 kilometres east of the city of Sanya. It is facing the sea and surrounded by hills on three sides. Gentle waves together with warm marine monsoon are patting this white sand beach eight kilometres long and about fifty to sixty meters wide. Here the water is very clear wtih a visibility of nine metres deep.
Yalong Bay, one of the world's best, boasts the five most essential characters admired by international tourists nowadays, namely sunshine, sand beach, seawater, fresh air and greenness. There is no doubt that it will soon be developed into a high-standard international tourist and vacational resort.
Holiday Inn Resort Yalong Bay - 4 Star
Location:
Holiday Inn Resort Yalong Bay Sanya is located on the most popular Chinese beach resort in Yalong Bay, Sanya. Guests are spoilt with a pristine white sandy beach and clear blue waters.
One hour flight from Hong Kong/Guangzhou and 3-4 hours from Beijing/Shanghai. 3 hours drive from Haikou, Hainan's biggest city. 30 minutes drive from Sanya Phoenix International Airport.
Accommodation:
The hotel has 358 well-appointed guestrooms (inclusive of Executive Floor rooms) and Suite. All rooms with private showers and bath with either ocean or mountain view, individually controlled air-conditioning, non-smoking rooms and rooms for travellers with disabilities are available, IDD telephone facilities, mini-bar, in-room safe iron & board, hairdryer, colour television with international channels, radio with alarm clock and tea/coffee making facilities.
Facilities:
- Stunning beach
- Watersports centre
- Outdoor pool
- Children's pool
- Meeting & banqueting rooms
- Complimentary off-site fitness facility
Dining:
- Hua Ting (Chinese cuisine)
- Lobby Coffee Shop
- The Cafe (Oriental & Continental)
- 24-Hour room service
- Noodle Bar
- Island Bar
Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa - 5 Star
Location:
Nestled within one of the most sheltered, tranquil peninsulas on Hainan Island's Yalong Bay, the spacious, airy grounds of Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa is situated along the shores of the South China Sea on a stretch of exquisite 450 metre long white, sandy beach amidst the scenic landscape of China's only tropical island.
Accommodation:
 There are 456 well appointed guest rooms offering spectacular views of pristine beach, lush gardens, mountains and a golf course. All rooms have high speed internet access, private bathroom, air-conditioning with individual climate control, roll-out sofa bed, safe, trouser press, tea/coffe making facilities, cable & satellite TV, telephone with voicemail, bottled water and minibar.
Facilities:
- Yalong Bay beach
- Quan Spa
- Body treatments
- Fitness Centre
- Nearby 18-hole Yalong Bay Golf Club
- Lagoon pool
- Lap pool
- Children's pool
- Jacuzzi
- Biking trail
- Scuba diving
- Snorkelling
- Surfing
- Tennis
- Table tennis
- Volleyball
- Water-skiing
- Sailing
- Kayaking
- Kid's club
Dining:
- Indochine (Vietnamese)
- OKC Kids Club
- Sea Breeze Poolbar & Grill
- Wanhao (Chinese)
- Marriott Cafe
- Poolside BBQ
- View Lounge
Xi'an
 Xi'an was once a major crossroads on the trading routes from eastern China to central Asia, and vied with Rome and later Constantinople for the title of greatest city in the world. Today Xi'an is one of China's major drawcards, largely because of the Army of Terracotta Warriors on the city's eastern outskirts. Uncovered in 1974, over 10,000 figures have been sorted to date. Soldiers, archers (armed with real weapons) and chariots stand in battle formation in underground vaults looking as fierce and war-like as pottery can. Xi'an's other attractions include the old city walls, the Muslim quarter and the Banpo Neolithic Village - a tacky re-creation of the Stone Age. By train, Xi'an is a 16 hour journey from Beijing. If you've got a bit of cash to spare, you can get a flight.
Hyatt Regency Xian - 5 Star 
Location:
Hyatt Regency Xian has gained the reputation as one of Xian's favourite hotels. Ideally located within the ancient walls of historic Xian, the Provincial Government Offices, central business district and the major entertainment, shopping and nightlife areas are easily accessed on foot or by a short taxi ride. Xian Xianyang International Airport is 43 kilometres away and it takes 50 minutes to reach the city centre. The Eighth Wonder of the World, the Qin Emperor's Terracotta Warriors, is located 50 minutes away and the Hyatt Concierge can easily arrange tours.
Accommodation:
Hyatt Regency Xian offers 404 superbly appointed hotel guest rooms, including Hyatt Regency Club®, Junior Suites, Executive Suites, Director's Suite, Diplomatic Suite and Presidential Suite. All hotel rooms have recently been renovated to offer Hyatt's highest level of comfort and design. All rooms have en suite bathrooms, and many have a separate shower and bath with an excellent range of amenities. In addition, all have individually controlled air-conditioning units allowing guests to regulate air temperatures, colour satellite television including CNN, IDD telephone, in-room safety-deposit box, minibar and tea and coffee making facilities.
City views are available from most rooms; non-smoking, interconnecting and wheelchair access rooms can be requested prior to arrival. All guest rooms and suites have either queen-size or twin beds. For the convenience of business travellers, a voice-message system, writing desks and broadband Internet access and dataports are available in all rooms.
Facilities:
- Club Zen Fitness Centre
- Spa
- Jacuzzi
- Sauna/steam room
- Massage services
- Tennis
- Golf course nearby
- Laundry & valet service
- Multilingual staff
Dining:
- The Pavilion (One of the best Cantonese restaurants in Xian)
- Entertainers Pub & Pizzeria
- Oasis Lounge
- Cafe (all day dining)
- Lobby Lounge
Sheraton Xian Hotel - 5 Star
Location:
The Sheraton Xian Hotel is near Xi'an City wall, adjacent the West Second Ring Road, offers serenity yet only minutes away from the city center as well as the new Xian Developing Zone of High Technology Industries. It is a 45-minute drive from the Xian Xianyang International Airport and only minutes away from city center.
Accommodation:
All 438 guestrooms are equipped with a wide range of deluxe amenities including 24 hour room service, IDD phone, internet access, satellite TV, hairdryer, air-conditioning/heater, in-room electronic safe, complimentary in-room coffee/tea and mineral water. Non smoking rooms available. Newly renovated Deluxe, Executive Club & Lounge and Suite Rooms including Presidential Suite.
Facilities:
- 24 Hour room service
- Business centre
- Indoor heated pool
- Indoor whirlpool
- Sauna
- Steam room
- Massage treatments
- Tour/excursion service
- Fitness facility
- Translation services
- Table tennis
- Non smoking rooms
- Nightclub
- Table tennis
Dining:
- Empress Court (a la carte chinese)
- Sheraton Food Street
- Gate West (International cuisine)
- Marco Polo Lounge
- JV Disco
Nanjing
Nanjing, literally means the south capital, lies in the southwest part of Jiangsu Province, south of the Yangtze River. It is also known as Jinling (Golden Mausoleum). It is the capital of the province and centre of culture and communications around the area. It is regarded as one of the most famous cities in the southern part of China and attracts millions of tourists for its splendid history and beautiful scenery.
 In a country where provincial capitals are rarely known for their beauty, Nanjing shines. The construction work that's churning up the face of China seems to have affected this city less than most and it remains a place of broad boulevards and shady trees. This is just as well considering the oppressive summer heat that grips Nanjing, which is known as one of China's 'three furnaces'. The city enjoyed its golden years under the Ming, and there are numerous reminders of the period to be found. One of the most impressive is the Ming city wall measuring over 33km - the longest city wall ever built in the world. About two-thirds of it still stands. On the slopes just east of Nanjing is the Sun Yatsen Mausoleum. Sun is recognised by the communists and the Kuomintang alike as the father of China. Nanjing is asscessible by rail, bus and air. It is roughly 1000km (620mi) from Beijing.
Mandarin Garden Hotel - 5 Star 
Location:
Nanjing Mandarin Garden Hotel, a luxurious international five-star hotel with distinctive national features, is located to the northern part of the well-known Confucius Temple, Qinhuai Scenic District.
Accommodation:
The hotel has 500 guest rooms of various kinds, with air conditioning, internet access, satellite TV, minibar, direct dial telephone, and private bathroom.
Facilities:
- Business centre
- Fitness centre
- Indoor swimming pool
- Sauna
- Conference facilities
- Bowling hall
- Squash court
- Billiards
Dining:
- Coffee shop
- Restaurants
- Bar & Lounge
Shanghai
Formerly an unimportant fishing village, Shanghai (translated literally, "on the sea") is one of the world's largest seaports and a major industrial and commercial center of China. It is located on the coast of the East China Sea, between the mouth of the Yangtze River to the north and the bays of Hangzhou to the south.
Since first opening to the outside world in the 19th century (a result of the expansion of foreign nations abroad) and, more recently, reopening to the outside world (after the period of upheaval of the Cultural Revolution), Shanghai has become China's most energetic and cosmopolitan city. It has attracted immigrants from within China as well as abroad. Its residents are known for their business talents, quick wit, and sophistication. It is the site of China's first and foremost stock exchange, the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Its industrial products rank the best in quality in China. It is one of China's leading centers of higher education and scientific research, including the famous Fudan and Jiao Tong universities. In 1993, with the strong support of the central government, Shanghai established the Pudong New Area Administration to oversee the development of the Pudong New Area into a special economic zone, including a modern financial center, a high technology development park, and an export processing and free trade zone.
In many ways, Shanghai is a Western invention. The Bund, its riverside area, and Frenchtown are the best places to see the remnants of its decadent colonial past. Move on to temples, gardens, bazaars and the striking architecture of the new Shanghai.
Please refer to Formula One section for additional hotels.
Grand Hyatt Shanghai - 5 Star
Location:
Grand Hyatt Shanghai is the 'highest hotel in the world' (located on the 53rd to 87th floors of the Jin Mao Tower), in the heart of Pudong, Shanghai's financial and business district, and with easy access to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, Shanghai World Financial Centre and the International Conference Centre. The hotel is just 50 minutes' drive from Pudong Airport (PIA) and 30 minutes from Hongqiao International Airport (HIA).
Accommodation:
The most impressive of Shanghai hotels, travel connoisseurs around the world take note of Grand Hyatt Shanghai, from the 33-storey central atrium that greets guests to the art deco design, masterfully blended with contemporary furnishings and modern sleek lines throughout the interior. The hotel's 555 guest rooms and suites are the most spacious in Shanghai, with spectacular views of the Bund, Huang Pu River and the city. Rooms at Grand Hyatt Shanghai range from Deluxe rooms, Executive Suites to Diplomatic Suites, Presidential Suites and the Chairman Suite.
Facilities:
- Communications centre
- Club Oasis fitness centre
- Spa
- Sauna/steam room
- Indoor heated pool (57th floor with panoramic views)
- Conference & banqueting facilities
- 24 Hour room service & lobby manager
- Multilingual staff
Dining:
- Grand Cafe
- Canton
- Club Jim Mao
- On Fifty Six (international)
- Food Live
- Cloud 9 (cocktails/Asian tapas)
- Paino Bar
Portman Ritz Carlton - 5 Star Deluxe
Location:
Located 20 minutes from the Hong Qiao International Airport and 40 minutes from Pudong International Airport, the 578-room Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai is a landmark located in a retail, dining and entertainment complex on the famous Nanjing Road.
Accommodation:
The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai has a total of 578 rooms, including:
140 Deluxe Rooms, 251 Premier Rooms, 65 Nanjing Rooms, 54 Club Rooms, 34 Junior Suites, 30 Executive Suites, 4 Ritz-Carlton Presidential Suites. No-smoking rooms available. All are spacious and luxuriously appointed with large writing desks, private bathroom and all the amenities of a top class hotel.
Facilities:
- 24 Hour business centre
- Extensive health club (one of Shanghai's largest)
- Swimming pool
- Indoor tennis court
- squash courts
- Conference & banqueting facilities
- Technology butler
- Complimentary daily newspapers
- 24 Hour room service
- Limousine & taxi services
- Wireless internet access
Dining:
- Summer Pavilion
- Chinese Restaurant
- Palladio Italian
- Hanagatami (Japanese)
- The Tea Garden
- The Ritz Carlton Bar
- The Lobby Lounge
Four Season's Hotel - 5 Star Deluxe 
Location:
Ideally located in downtown Shanghai, a short distance from the most prestigious shopping, entertainment and business areas of Nanjing and Huaihai roads, Four Seasons brings exemplary service to an environment known for business and leisure that is unequalled in this city today.
Accommodation:
The 37-storey Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai is a tranquil sanctuary in the heart of the bustling metropolis, with 439 guest rooms and suites. The Executive Club Lounge on the 37th floor offers an exclusive haven for the businessman on the go. All rooms provide air conditioning, DVD player, satellite TV, hairdryer, luxury bathroom with oversized cotton bath towels, refrigerator, tea/coffee maker, twice daily housekeeping, high speed internet access, voicemail and in-room safe (suitable for laptop computer).
Facilities:
- Spa centre
- Massage treatments
- Indoor heated pool
- Whirlpool
- State of the art fitness centre
- Nearby Golf club
- Room service
- Business centre
- Multilingual staff
Dining:
- Si Ji Xuan
- Cafe Studio
- Steak House
- Shintaro
- Pool Terrace
- Lobby Lounge
- Jazz 37
- In room dining
Top of Page
Yangtze River
The Chinese call the Yangtze River, Chang-jiang, which means "Long River". The Yangtze River begins in the Tibetan Plateau and is fed by snow and ice melt from the surrounding mountains. The Yangtze empties out into the South China Sea near the city of Shanghai.
 The Yangtze River is the largest river in China and the third largest in the world. It is about 3,900 miles long. Its width can range from eight to more than 1000 meters when the water rises. The Nile and Amazon Rivers are larger than the Yangtze, but the Yangtze is special because it has so many people living near it. About 350 million people live near the Yangtze River and its 700 tributaries. The lives of the people living near the Yangtze are affected in some way everyday by the river. Dangerous floods kill people and livestock living near the river. The watershed area of the Yangtze River is about 700,000 square miles, approximately 20% of China's total land area, and 25% of its total farming land area. Almost all of the boating traffic in China is on the Yangtze River.
The Yangtze River winds through the most beautiful and exciting land forms in the world. Once it reaches the edge of the Tibetan plateau, the river plunges off the "roof of the world," through huge gorges. The Three Gorges are famous for their steepness, beautiful wonders and tourist sites. The walls of the gorges are steep and can reach as high as 3000 feet.
Guilin
The scenery of Guilin has been called the finest under heaven. Situated in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin City is South China's shining pearl , with verdant mountains , elegant waters , magnificent crags and fantastic caverns. It has a total area of 2,000 sq.km. and a population of 680.000 (the urban area being 54 sq.km. and the population 300,000). Guilin was originally a vast expanse of sea until about one hundred and ninety million years ago, when, owing to the movement of the earth crust, the whole area rose and became land. The Limestone, weathered and eroded by water, became today's fantastic stone forests, peaks, underground streams and caves, thus giving unique features to Guilin's scenery.
 A trip along the Li River is one of the high spots of a holiday in China. From Guilin to Yangshuo, the river meanders its way through 52 miles of beautiful countryside, with bamboo forests, dense reed-beds, and incredibly bizarre rock formations. Now and again, the visitor will see a fishing boat glide by with two or more cormorants on board. Many fishermen use these birds to help them find fish. The crystal clear Li River is sandwiched between precipitous peaks decorated with waterfalls. Among poems praising the beauty of the river are these two lines: "He who travels in Guilin hills finds himself in a fairyland" and "He who sails along the Li River finds himself boating in a sweet dream." Along the 83-kilometer riverbank from Guilin to Yangshuo are numerous natural wonders, made more wonderful by their mirrored reflection on the serene water of the river; they have inspired the saying, "Guilin has the most beautiful scenery in China, and Yangshuo is the most beautiful part of Guilin."
Tibet
 'Shangri La', 'the Rooftop of the World' - locked away in its Himalayan fortress, Tibet has long exercised a siren's hold on the imagination of the West. Tibetans are used to hardship, and despite the disastrous Chinese occupation, they have managed to keep their culture and humour alive. The Tibetan plateau, 4000 metres above sea level, is acclaimed as the roof of the world. In the north, this "sacred snow area" as it being called, is bounded by the Kuenlun Mountains. To the south and west of the world famous Himalayas stand with its principle peak of Mount Jo-mo Glangma (Mt.Everst) callled affectionately "Mount Goddess" by the locals.
Lhasa
Lhasa is the heart and soul of Tibet, one of world's highest cities, towering 3,760 meters above the banks of the Lhasa River (Kyi Chu). Lhasa enjoys a very delightful weather throughout all seasons, especially the extraordinary 3000 hours of sunshine every year.
 The world famous Potala Palace is located on "Red Hill", to the west of old Lhasa. Built around 640 AD, the 13-story palace stands 117 metres high, covers an area of 130000 square metres. The entire building is made of stone and wood, with walls averaging 3 metres thick. Inside Potala is full of elaborate art work and frescos, and statues.
Religion seems to be almost everything to Tibetans. Many live for the next life, not the present. They accumulate deeds of virtue and pray for their final liberation, or enlightenment. Often elders can be seen murmuring the prayers, rotating hand prayer wheels or counting prayer beads. Pious pilgrims from every corner of Tibet gather at the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, offering donations and praying for themselves, families and friends.
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