People's Square

Prior to 1949 and the establishment of the people's republic of china, what is now People's Square was a course for horse racing owned by the Shanghai Race Club. After gambling and horse racing were banned by the new Communist government, a part of the race course became the People's Square, which included a large avenue and spectator stands for use during parades.

In the 1990s, major changes were made to the square.The Shanghai Municipal Government was moved here from the former HSBC building on the Bund, also the Shanghai museum was moved here from its previous site in a former office building. More recent additions include the Shanghai Grand Center and the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center.

Other parts of the race course still remain. The clubhouse buildings became the Shanghai Art museum, while part of the race track became People's park, a public park to the north of People's Square.

Located at the very center of the city, People's Square is a garden-type open space surrounded by buildings and facilities for administration, cultural activities, transportation and commerce.

On its north is the People's Mansion, to its northwest the Shanghai Grand Theater, to its northeast the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, and to its south the Shanghai Museum. Flanked on both sides by 17-meter-wide green belts, People's Avenue goes across the center of the square. The total green areas in the square reach 80,000 square meters. Seemingly the only broad expanse in the city, spreading before the newly built Museum, People's Square is now perhaps the most popular place for city residents to unwind. Watch the men fly beautiful handmade kites, see the couples waltz, observe the only-children with their doting parents. Quite centrally located, the Square also offers an interesting panorama of Shanghai's skyline old and new.

Avenue of Stars

Thanks to the efforts of Hong Kong’s movie industry over the past century, many in Asia and farther afield are familiar with the city’s sights before they’ve even set foot here. The Avenue of Stars pays tribute to the names that helped make Hong Kong the ‘Hollywood of the East’, while giving visitors a panoramic view of the city’s most iconic sight: its glorious skyline, dramatically set against The Peak. With commemorative plaques, celebrity handprints, descriptive milestones, movie memorabilia, a life-size statue of kung fu action hero Bruce Lee and a bronze rendering of popular cartoon character McDull, the Avenue of Stars fittingly sets the glamour of Hong Kong’s film industry against the captivating dazzle of Victoria Harbour.

The Avenue of Stars is a 400-metre long stretch of waterside promenade along the northern side of Victoria Harbour, in front of the New World Centre at Tsim Sha Tsui. The avenue, which was built along an existing promenade, opened in April 2004. It cost HK$40 million to construct, was designed by local architects AGC Design, financed by New World Group and supported by government bodies including Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong Tourism Commission and the Hong Kong Film Awards Association. On completion it was donated to the Hong Kong SAR Government by New World Group. 

The Avenue is based on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and celebrates stars of the Hong Kong film industry. Set into the promenade’s coloured paving blocks are plaques, each representing present and past stars, many of whom are deceased. The number of plaques has grown from 73, when the avenue first opened, to a current total of 101. Plaques of most living stars contain handprints set in cement and autographs. Some of the stars more familiar to audiences outside Hong Kong include Michelle Yeoh, Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Jet Li, Chow Yun-fat and Maggie Cheung.

One of the popular plaques features the handprints of Hong Kong's Hollywood movie star Jackie Chan

The western entrance of the avenue, near to Hong Kong Museum of Art, is dominated by a 4.5-metre tall replica of the statuette awarded to winners of the annual Hong Kong Film Awards.

By Melissa Man

Hong Kong Disneyland

As the newest Disneyland in the world, Hong Kong Disneyland is a must-see because of its special attractions and the inimitable sense of Chinese culture. Walking into it, you feel you are in a wonderland. Accompanied by Mickey Mouse and other Disney friends, you start a fantastic and magical journey. With unique scenic spots and Disney Theme Hotels, you can go escape from the real world, and make your dreams come true. The availability of delicious Chinese and Asian food is also a lure for many visitors and Disney fans.

The first theme park you might come across is 'Main Street, U.S.A.'. Entering Main Street, you will be amazed by the delicate buildings, dim gas lamp and Paddy Wagon passing by. Antique taxicabs, Disneyland Railroad and the City Hall transports you back to America of the early 20th century. There are Chinese elements here too. Plaza Inn, the first Chinese restaurant in Main Street, complete with 19th Century Chinese table service. With the image of cartoon heroine Mulan everywhere, you come to the conclusion that Mulan is really at home now. Market House Bakery and Main Street Corner Cafe are also good places for you to enjoy. Lingering in Emporium and Main Street Mercantile, having a look in The Curiosity Shop and Silhouette Shop, you will surely find timeless treasures.

Hong Kong Disneyland

If you feel courageous, try Adventureland. Guided by a brave captain, Jungle River Cruise will take you into the heart of hidden regions. Hippos, cobras, elephants, orangutans and startling jungle events are waiting for you. As an attraction originally conceived by Walt Disney fifty years ago, it has been given an entirely new appearance with exciting 21st century Disney magic especially for Hong Kong Disneyland! Festival of the Lion King will keep your eyes glued on the show. Adapted from Disney's animated classic 'The Lion King', this colorful pageant of music and dance is just like a classic music drama because of its consummate performers, costumes and exotic scenery. This is a show that will appeal to all ages. Traveling by raft in the Rivers of Adventure, you land at your destination: Tarzan Island. Exploring Tarzan Island and visiting Tarzan's Treehouse reminds you of the story of this human child raised by gorillas. After your travel to Tarzan Island, follow the rhythm of jungle drums to find the secret of Liki Tikis. Once you are in the circle, the refreshing blasts of water will surprise even the hardiest explorer. Tahitian Terrace Restaurant and River View Cafe here will make you feel satisfied to dine in the jungle. You can even buy a jungle leaf in Professor Porter's Trading Post as a keepsake.

Places must visit in Guangzhou

Canton Tower is located at an intersection of Guangzhou New City Central Axes and Pearl River, facing directly Haixinsha Island where the opening and closing ceremonies of the Sixteenth Asian Games were held and the 21^st century new city CBD of Guangzhou Zhujiang New Town. It is currently the highest tower in China and the third highest tower in the world. Canton Tower is 600 meters high, with 450 meters of its main body and 150 meters of its antenna, which makes it the highest tower in China and third highest in the world. The tower shows a spirit of “dynamic Guangzhou welcoming challenges and embracing the world”. With its unique shape and design, Canton Tower has become a magnificent scene on the New City Central Axes, adding beauty and charm to the Pearl River. There is one smaller rotating ellipse at the top twisting up counterclockwise with the other larger rotating ellipse at the bottom, which creates a “slim waist” in the middle and makes it seem like a lady looking behind with full passion and emotion. The twisting shape leads to changing curves of the tower, by which one can see different pictures of the tower from different angles. Canton Tower is quite unique among all the towers worldwide in terms of both its height and appearance.

 

 

 

 Yuexiu Park is the largest park in downtown Guangzhou. Covering an area of 860,000 square meters (212.5 acres), it is made up of three artificial lakes and seven hills of Yuexiu Mountain; hence the name Yuexiu Park. It is a perfect combination of cultural relics and ecological tourism, reputed for its pretty water and hills as well as cultural relics. The main places of interest include the stone sculpture of the Five Rams, Zhenhai Tower, the site of the Ming Dynasty City Wall, and Square Cannon Site.

 

 

  

The Five-Ram Sculpture is one of the most famous structures in Guangzhou. It has become the emblem of the city. Legend has it that more than 2,000 years ago, the city was a barren land with people who despite hard work were suffering from famine. One day five immortals in five-color garments came riding on five rams, playing their legendary music. The rams held sheaves of rice in their mouths. The immortals left the sheaves of rice for the local people, gave blessings to the city and left. The rams turned into stone and the city became a rich and populous place. Guangzhou got the name of the City of Rams and the City of Ears.

 

There are several hot springs options available in Wenquan. While it cannot compare to those of Taiwan, Japan or even Chongqing, it's still a worthwhile weekend away for those in the Pearl River Delta area. For families or big groups you should head for the public Fairyland Water-park across from the bridge on the village side of the river. Entrance is 110rmb per person, a tad expensive, but you do get access to a large variety of different hot springs, with all kinds of supposed health benefits. For the kids, there's a pretty good water slide and play area.
 

 

 

 

 

Late Night Eats

In Hong Kong, eating is not always about what you put in your gob, or even where. To experience the vibrant eating culture, you also have to consider when to eat. Hot, humid days are the probable cause of the busy night markets found in southern China; but in Hong Kong this tropical custom is only one factor in the popularity of midnight munchies. Other factors include the 24 hour nature of this fast paced city and the tendency of its industrious population to work late into the evening.

Whatever the reasons, if you get on the Hong Kong clock and schedule your meal a bit later, you’ll be able to experience some of the city’s truest flavours.

What to order?

From the traditional street stalls (called dai pai dong) to the late-night hotel buffets, just about any type of food can be found late at night. Some of the most popular night-time eats include Chiu Chow da lang, Chinese desserts, hotpot and noodles and congee. Look for these, and you’ll probably find a bustling nighthawk venue.

Chiu Chow da lang

Chiu Chow people came to Hong Kong from the region in China’s Guangdong Province now referred to as Chaozhou. Their cuisine is popular in Hong Kong, especially the late night street stall fare, called da lang. Relatively salty, Chiu Chow da lang goes well with a cold beer.

Hong Kong Desserts

Before the idea of death-by-chocolate at midnight terrifies you away, note we said Hong Kong desserts. As varied and diverse as the city that created them, Hong Kong sweets are often fusions of Chinese and Southeast Asian flavours and tend to be lighter than their European counterparts. Popular ingredients include sweet bean, glutinous rice, tofu and lots of tropical fruits.

Hotpot

When eating hotpot, diners stew  ingredients including meats, seafood and vegetables in a pot of soup; but Chinese hotpot comes in a dizzying array of shapes and sizes. Nonetheless, it is always a hearty, communal eating experience best enjoyed with friends and beers on a wintery evening.

Noodle and Congee

Noodles and the rice porridge called congee are often served under the same roof and in late night eateries. Congee ranges from the plain starchy variety to the lighter versions that include vegetables and meat and even hotpots in which the ingredients are cooked in a congee soup.

By Melissa Man

Yuyuan Garden-Shanghai

Yuyuan is the famous gardens in Shanghai, Located in the center of Shanghai's Old City, one of the few remaining old tourist sites in Shanghai. It was constructed in the period of Emperor Jiajing's rein of Ming dynasty from 1559 and completed in 1577. It has a history of more than 400 years. It is a famous classical garden in the south of China, the total area of which is over 20 thousand square meters.

BAZAARS

Surrounding the gardens is Shanghai's bazaar, a maze of small streets and alleyways where vendors sell their wares and food stuffs to the visiting tourist and locals.

 URBAN MOUNTAIN FOREST



The main scenic spots in the Yuyuan Gardens are the Urban Mountain Forest, Hualin Charming Valley, Spring Famous Historical Site, the Most Enjoyable Water-Stone Site, Treasure in the Universe and Garden within Gardens. In the garden are ridges and peaks and zigzag paths, beautifully decorated. On the walls are brick-made dragons curling around, as vivid as life, an unique sight of the their kind. They have maintained the artistic style of the south of China during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Urban Mountain Forest is located at the west of the garden district; there are Shansui (three ears of grains) hall, Rain Swirling Tower, Grand Artificial Hill, Hall of Elegance and other scenic sights. The Grand Artificial Hill is the cream of the Yuyuan Garden, a legacy of Ming dynasty. 

Gourmet

Xiaolongbao,also known as soup dumpling is a type of baozi. It is from Eastern China, including Shanghai and Wuxi. These buns are traditionally steamed in bamboo baskets, hence the name.From the bazaars , you can taste the best xiaolongbao in Shanghai. Xiaolongbao are traditionally filled with soup and meat, but variations include seafood and vegetarian fillings, as well as other possibilities. The soup inside is created by placing some meat gelatin inside the dumpling before steaming. The steam heat melts the gelatin into soup. In modern times, refrigeration makes it easy to wrap up using chilled gelatine which otherwise might be liquid at room temperature during hot weather. 

Ocean Park Hong Kong

Opened in 1977, Ocean Park Hong Kong is a marine-life theme park featuring animal exhibits, thrill rides and shows. In 2012, its impressive ability to offer guests a world-class experience that blends entertainment with education and conservation was confirmed when it became the first Asian winner of the biannual Applause Award, the most prestigious award in the amusement and theme park industry.
The park is located on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, covering more than 870,000 square metres. The Waterfront and The Summit areas are connected by the Cable Car and Ocean Express funicular train.

Polar Adventure – Explore the North and South Poles
Ocean Park’s newest attraction, Polar adventure lets you explore the North and South poles from the exhilaration of a bob sled ride, to the wonder of meeting king penguins up close. You’ll also see long-tusked Pacific walruses, spotted seals, arctic foxes, snowy owls and other extraordinary animals. And when you need a break, Tuxedos Restaurant serves refreshments with a view of more than 70 penguins frolicking on the ice.

Old Hong Kong - Relive fond memories of times gone by!

Old Hong Kong, brings the unique culture of Hong Kong in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s back to life. Savour the sights and sounds of yesteryear aboard the Heritage Tram! Be mesmerised by the colour and buzz of life in accurate recreations of old streets and scenes. Take a trip into nostalgia and take home some antique souvenirs to keep the memories alive!

Thrill Mountain

In this zone, guests can dangle off a cliff on the floorless roller coaster, Hair Raiser, or hang upside down while swinging on The Flash.  Soar with The Aviator to feel the sensation of flight, before knocking around on bumper cars.  Don’t leave without a ride on Rev Rooster, a high speed and energetic classic. I personally think that clown looks like the one in Sydney Luna Park!!!


Rainforest

Hop aboard a raft and become immersed in the exotic sounds of a tropical rainforest.  On this journey, you’ll encounter some of the most fascinating animals in the world!  Catch the antics of the world’s smallest monkey, the Pygmy Marmoset; or see weirdly wonderful critters, including the Capybara, the world’s largest rodent, and Kinkajou; as well as the Green Aracari, the world’s smallest toucan.


Aqua City

Aqua City is a world-class marine themed area that will redefine your underwater experience. Here you can watch Symbio, a multi-sensory show featuring the world’s first 360-degree water screen. You can also embark on a journey of exploration into the Grand Aquarium featuring 5000 fish from over 400 species and other aquatic wonders. View them from the world’s largest aquarium dome, which has a diameter of 5.5 metres, or through an 8x13 metres giant viewing panel. Make sure you drop by Neptune’s Restaurant for Hong Kong’s first aquarium dining experience!


Amazing Asian Animals

Red Panda

Giant Panda

At the Amazing Asian Animals exhibit you can visit some of Asia's rarest animals. Take an interactive journey of discovery at the Giant Panda Adventure where you’ll get to know some of Asia's most precious native animals, including giant pandas, red pandas, Chinese giant salamanders and Chinese alligators.  Admire the spectacular display of goldfish at the Goldfish Treasures exhibit, or visit the colourful birds and playful Asian small-clawed otters at Panda Village.




Other popular attractions include Sea Jelly Spectacular, The Abyss turbo drop, Mine Train roller coaster and the show at Ocean Theatre are also not to be missed.
During festive seasons, Ocean Park Hong Kong will organize special events, such as Halloween Bash, Asia’s biggest Halloween party, and Summer Splash water play activities.

By Melissa Man

welcome to this blog

Our travel blogs feature travel inspiration, tips and ideas from countries in Asia, mainly around Hong Kong, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
Asia is the largest and most populous continent containing more than 60 percent of the world's human population  Asia has a long history of a highly developed culture, and as a result holds many Wonders of the World and astounding historic sites. Asia also offers mountain ranges, volcanoes, idyllic islands, thriving cities and a diverse range of cultures.




In this blog, you will be able to see lots of images and will make you feel excited and willing to go visit all these places.