Destination Information
Other great wonders in China include Beijing's Forbidden City and the amazing Shanghai Museum, home to art and ceramics dating back thousands of years. When you've filled up on culture, you can feast upon the incredibly varied food, from spicy Sichuan to southern stir-fries. In the cities you'll find modern bars and nightclubs, while out in villages such as Zhouzhuang, famous for its canals, life hasn't changed much in 100 years. Cruising the River Li in Guilin, you'll feel total peace. A couple of days later, you could be shopping for Britain in Shanghai's copious Western-style shopping complexes, where the bargains come thick and fast. Dine with Beijing's young professionals in its smart restaurants, or try backstreet noodle bars where you can eat with the workers for next to nothing. In mountainous Tibet, experience the top-of-the-world views and feel the spirituality as you explore its ancient temples and holy sites.
The Great Wall of China needs no introduction, but it's just one of the country's many spectacular man-made attractions. In Xian, the tomb of the Terracotta Warriors, discovered by chance in the '70s, is amazing: there are over 8,000, each with a different face. The sheer size of Beijing's Tiananmen Square has to be seen to be believed, and from there you can visit the beautiful Forbidden City.
China is an enormous country, and its landscapes come on a big, impressive scale. On the mighty Li River, you can cruise down the gentle waters, past soaring peaks revered by the Chinese as spiritual places. There are mysterious caves to discover and beautiful mountain waterfalls that will remind you of traditional Chinese artworks. In the mountains of Tibet, it's like being on the rooftop of the world.
When we think of China, we may think of historic tombs and palaces, but there is another China rapidly developing into a thrusting 21st-century power, and nowhere is this more visible than in Shanghai. Have your camera ready to snap the futuristic, space-age buildings of the new commercial district, Pudong. Yet just around the corner, you'll find streets of quaint old houses.
The tradition of ceramic-making dates back thousands of years in China, and there is a fabulous collection in the excellent Shanghai Museum. In Beijing, view some of the enormous collection in the Art Museum. Learn the famous sayings of the great thinker, Confucius, and enjoy China's festivals such as the Lantern Festival in late winter, when the towns and villages are illuminated by thousands of paper lanterns.
There are as many cuisines in China as there are regions, though there are 3 main styles. Sichuan is famous for its hot and spicy dishes, using chillies. Northern-style dishes utilise steamed bread and pancakes instead of rice, and pickled vegetables for the cold winters. Southern cooking involves classic, light stir-fry dishes made from a vast array of ingredients. Get practising with those chopsticks!
You'll find some exotic and unusual things to bring home as souvenirs, including ceramics, paintings, stone rubbings, embroideries, jade carvings and batiks. In cities, look out for 'friendship stores' designed for tourists. Elsewhere, beware of counterfeit goods - shop accompanied by a guide, or stick to the larger department stores. In Beijing and Shanghai, you'll find an incredible variety of contemporary malls.
Home to some of the world's greatest historic testaments to human endeavour, including the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors, China is making history once again. To add to its ancient attractions, it is creating futuristic cityscapes in great cities such as Shanghai. The past and the future sit together in fascinating relief, while elsewhere you'll find the eternal treasures of the country's beautiful rivers and mountains.
Our magic touches make a Virgin Holiday unique, delivering fantastic experience, opportunities and value. Some of our Magic Touches are destination specific and some come as standard with all our holidays.
Other great wonders in China include Beijing's Forbidden City and the amazing Shanghai Museum, home to art and ceramics dating back thousands of years. When you've filled up on culture, you can feast upon the incredibly varied food, from spicy Sichuan to southern stir-fries. In the cities you'll find modern bars and nightclubs, while out in villages such as Zhouzhuang, famous for its canals, life hasn't changed much in 100 years. Cruising the River Li in Guilin, you'll feel total peace. A couple of days later, you could be shopping for Britain in Shanghai's copious Western-style shopping complexes, where the bargains come thick and fast. Dine with Beijing's young professionals in its smart restaurants, or try backstreet noodle bars where you can eat with the workers for next to nothing. In mountainous Tibet, experience the top-of-the-world views and feel the spirituality as you explore its ancient temples and holy sites.
Home to some of the world's greatest historic testaments to human endeavour, including the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors, China is making history once again. To add to its ancient attractions, it is creating futuristic cityscapes in great cities such as Shanghai. The past and the future sit together in fascinating relief, while elsewhere you'll find the eternal treasures of the country's beautiful rivers and mountains.
ROCKSTAR SERVICES
Our magic touches make a Virgin Holiday unique, delivering fantastic experience, opportunities and value. Some of our Magic Touches are destination specific and some come as standard with all our holidays.
- Free child insurance when an adult policy is purchased.
- Child prices up to 16 year olds on selected dates.
- Virgin exclusive benefits at certain hotels.
- Flying from Gatwick? Start your holiday in style with Virgin Holidays' very own airport lounge. With free food and soft drinks, children's play area, free internet access, big screen TV, the latest video games, table football and a fantastic view of the run way - this really is the perfect way to start your Virgin holiday!
- Virgin Holidays v-room will be landing at Manchester Airport in summer 2011!
- Guarantee your place and save by pre-booking your tickets online. If you travel before the end of Feb 2011 pay £17 per adult & £10 per child or for travel after the 1st March it's £20 per adult & £12 per child.
- Depending on when you book your holiday choose from paying as little as £175 per person (if departure is more than 12 weeks away), spreading the cost with direct debit or clear the balance in one go when you book.
HOTELS FOR STAY:
Virgin Holidays View
This hotel offers a superb location in the heart of Beijing's new commercial and diplomatic district, as well as 5 restaurants and bars. Elements is open 24 hours a day and serves up delicious Asian cuisine or head to One East on Third for American food in Louisiana-style surrounds.
In the heart of Chaoyang business district, 20 min from Beijing's major attractions. Private transfer time from Beijing airport: 25 min.
Elements restaurant (24 hours, Asian cuisine), Zeta Bar, One East on Third (American cuisine), Tonic Lounge, Café Cino. Swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna, and massage. Babysitting (local charge). Laundry service, gift shop. 24 hr room service.
377 rooms in main tower, 126 rooms in executive tower. All with air-conditioning, satellite TV, Internet access, clock radio, tea/coffee-maker, mini-bar, safe, iron and board, and hairdryer. Rooms with 2 double beds or 1 king-size bed, sleeping max 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.
Virgin Holidays View
This modern and bright hotel is conveniently located in the city centre adjacent to a subway station. Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and other major sightseeing locations are within walking distance. The dining includes Japanese, seafood, Chinese and Western fare.
In the city centre, next to the subway stop. Walking distance to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Private transfer time from Beijing airport: 40 min.
Tang Palace Restaurant (Hong Kong/Cantonese), Utopia Chinese Restaurant, Kitaya Japanese Restaurant, The Coffee Shop (International buffet lunch and dinner), Galleria Bar. Beauty salon, gym, health club, In-Balance Spa with sauna and massages. Outdoor tennis court. 24 hr room service. Wireless Internet access (local charge).
700 rooms on 13 floors in 2 buildings (13 floors and 6 floors) with 7 lifts. Superior Rooms with with satellite TV with pay films, tea/coffee-maker, mini-bar and safe. Rooms sleep max 2 adults (1 child is free sharing the existing bedding, but no extra bed is receommended due to size of Rooms).
VIRGIN HOLIDAYS VIEW:
The brand new spa at the Shangri-La is one of the largest and most luxurious in Beijing and the Valley Wing Health Club is the answer to every keep-fit enthusiast’s prayer! Traditional Asian cuisine and International favourites are on offer in a choice of four restaurants with the cocktails in Cloud Nine Bar regarded as drinkable works of art!
In the cultural district, close to the Summer Palace, Beijing Zoo and other attractions. Private transfer time from airport: 1 hour.
Blu Lobster Restaurant. Nishimura (Japanese). Shang Palace (Cantonese). Café Cha (buffet). Cloud Nine Bar. Lobby Lounge. The Garden Bar & Terrace. The Delicatessen. Spa, Valley Wing Health Club with indoor pool, jogging track and gym. 24-hour room service. Laundry/dry cleaning service
670 rooms located in two Wings. Superior Rooms are located in the Garden Wing, all with air-conditioning, satellite/cable TV with in-house movies, Internet access, tea/coffee maker, mini-bar, safe, hairdryer, iron and board. Rooms with 1 king-size bed or 2 double beds, sleeping max 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.
Virgin Holidays View
This modern and bright hotel is conveniently located in the city centre adjacent to a subway station. Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and other major sightseeing locations are within walking distance. The dining includes Japanese, seafood, Chinese and Western fare.
VIRGIN HOLIDAYS VIEW:
The brand new spa at the Shangri-La is one of the largest and most luxurious in Beijing and the Valley Wing Health Club is the answer to every keep-fit enthusiast’s prayer! Traditional Asian cuisine and International favourites are on offer in a choice of four restaurants with the cocktails in Cloud Nine Bar regarded as drinkable works of art!
0 comments:
Post a Comment