Darjeeling – The Place and the Tea
 Darjeeling The Place and the Tea
Darjeeling is one of the loveliest places in India, and a favorite resort. It is a hard journey of 246 miles from Calcutta. To reach it you will travel from the intense heat of the lowlands, through dense tropical jungles, and into the coldest and highest mountains in the world.
This is a great tea country, and the mountain sides have been cleared in many places for plantations. In the Darjeeling district are about two hundred large plantations, employing from one to two thousand laborers each, and producing about 12,000,000 pounds a year.
There is little doubt that the views from Darjeeling include the most majestic assemblage of mountains on the earth's surface. For a distance of 200 miles east and west there arise a succession of peaks not less than 22,000 feet high, and several of them more than 25,000. In the immediate vicinity and within sight are the highest mountains in the world. Everest, the king of mountains, which measures 29,200 feet, is only eighty miles distant; Kinchinjunga, which is forty-five miles distant, is 28,156 feet high,
Between these mountain peaks is an almost continuous succession of snow fields and glaciers beyond all comparison. The snow line is 17,000 feet in midsummer, and in winter comes down to 12,000 and 15,000 feet, and when that altitude is reached snow is continuous and impassable. This is the highest and the most extensive of all mountain ranges. Along the northern frontier of India for 2,000 miles it stands like a vast hedge, the most formidable natural boundary in the world, nowhere lower than 17,000 feet, and impassable for armies the entire distance, with the exception of two gateways: Jeylup Pass here and at the Khyber Pass. There are passes over the snow, but their elevation is seldom less than 16,000 feet; the average elevation of the watershed exceeds 18,000 feet, and the great plateau of Thibet, which lies upon the other side, is between 15,000 and 16,000 feet above the sea.
This plateau, which is sometimes called the "Roof of the World," is 700 miles long and 500 miles wide, and could not be crossed by an army not only because of the winds and the cold, but also because there is very little water, no fuel and no supplies. No invading force could possibly enter India from the north if these passes were defended, because the inhospitable climate of Tibet would not sustain an army, and the enormous distance and altitude would make the transportation of supplies for any considerable force practically impossible. During the summer the plateau is covered with flocks and herds, but when the cold weather comes on the shepherds drive them into the foothills, where they find shelter. The width of the main range of the Himalayas will average about 500 miles between its northern and southern foot-hills; it embraces every possible kind of climate, vegetation and natural products, and is a vast reservoir from which four of the greatest rivers of the world flow across the plains of India, carrying the drainage from the melting snows, and without this reservoir northern India would be a hopeless and dreary desert.
Tibet Today
 Tibet, also known as Xizang, is called the “Roof of the World.” This land is breathtakingly beautiful, a perfect blend of green grasslands and snow-capped mountains. People that visit Tibet are overwhelmed with its regal atmosphere and majestic scenery. That coupled with the mysterious and even exotic culture, makes this an excellent travel destination.
Tibet is often referred to as “Tibet Autonomous Region” or TAR for short. However, keep in mind that TAR is not Tibet. The Chinese government divided the historical Tibet into a number of regions and prefectures. Therefore, TAR only involves the central region and a portion of the eastern region. With this division, approximately 60% of the original territory of Tibet has now been absorbed into China.
The historical Tibet sits on the border of Sikkim, Bhutan, India, Burma, and Nepal. Spread out more than 470,000 square miles, the plateau is beautifully surrounded by the Himalaya to the south, Kunlun to the north and Karakoram to the west, which makes up the highest mountain ranges in the world. However, you will also find many other smaller mountain ranges to the east. While the four main mountain ranges average 26,240 feet above sea level, keep in mind that there are still 38 other mountains that exceed altitudes of 22,960 feet.
Tibet is known around the world for having Mt. Everest towering over the entire region. As you can see, Tibet has earned the name “Roof of the World” for very good reason. Throughout the region, you will also find many great rivers, such as the famous Yangtze River, along with the Nu River, Yellow River, Yarlong Tsangpo River, Indus River, Ganges River, and Lancang River. In addition to the magnificent rivers, the land is also dotted with many green valleys and crystal blue lakes, to include the wonderful Yamdrok Yumtso Lake.
While some of the areas within Tibet are so rugged that they are very difficult to access, you can enjoy trips to Lhasa and Shigatse, where you can visit religious monuments and other tourist attractions, all easily reached. One of the most popular monuments is Potala. However, you will also find the Tashilunpo Monastery, Kumbum, and the Jokhang Temple here, all worth your time and effort to see.
Off to the west, there is a barren plateau called Ngari. This vast area has the nickname of “Roof of Tibet.” If you want to experience some of Tibet’s sacred spots, you can visit Lake Manasarova, which joins Mt. Kailash. Ngari is where many Hindus and Tibetans go to pay holy pilgrimage. Additionally, for individuals that love to hike, this is the ideal destination.
Two other places to visit while there include the Guge Kingdom and the Shang Shung Kingdom, both ancient sites that should not be missed. If you travel to the southwestern portion of Tibet, you will fall in love with the mountains, making this an outdoors person’s haven. In all, more than 40 snow-covered peaks are available for hikers to enjoy. In addition to the mountains for climbing, you can also enjoy running waters, primeval forests, and a comfortable climate. In fact, here you will see Yarlong Tsangpo Canyon, the largest canyon in the entire world.
Art in Tibet is very popular and influenced strongly by Buddhism. One such form is called Thanka, which is highly developed and complex. Regarding Buddhism, this is the lifeblood of the Tibetan people, although it does vary some from the way in which other countries practice this religious belief. For this reason, in Tibet, it is known as Tibetan Buddhism. Prior to China invading this country, the Dalai Lama served as the theological leader and head of state in a theocracy.
To continue the teaching for adults and help establish the children, four Tibetan Buddhism schools were created. These schools consist of Kagyu, Sakya, Geluk, and Nyingma with this last one being the oldest, having emerged between the 8th and 9th Centuries. However, before the Tibetans began practicing Buddhism, they practiced another form of religion known as Shamanism, which was actually called Bon. This influence can still be seen in some of Tibet’s religious art.
In addition to the beauty of Tibet and the wonderful places to visit, unfortunately, there are still areas of unrest. Within Tibet today, the people are under strict guidelines when it comes to the freedom of religion, press, and speech. In fact, it is estimated that there remains about 1,200 political prisoners still held in Tibet, which includes some very interesting people. For example, a Fulbright scholar by the name of Ngawang Choephel is one such prisoner along with Panchen Lama, who is a nine-year-old religious figure that disappeared in 1995 by Chinese authorities. Additionally, there are many nuns, monks, and even civilians still suffering greatly.
Sadly, the Chinese government set up laws that forced families to have abortions and undergo sterilization, along with the transfer of thousands of Chinese citizens coming into Tibet, which placed a direct threat on the country’s existence. In fact, the number of Chinese settlers compared with the Tibetans is vast. Because of these changes, many Tibetans still flee the occupied part of Tibet, which requires them to travel over treacherous mountain passes.
If you plan to take a trip to Tibet, you will discover the people to be very inviting and warm. The monuments, monasteries, temples, and other attractions are something you simply should not overlook. However, because there are some problem areas within this country, you should consider organizing your trip through a reputable travel agent. By knowing where to go and what to see, you will have an amazing experience that will not be forgotten.
Taj Mahal
 Once upon a time there lived an Arab woman named Arjumand Banu. We know very little about her, except that she lived in Agra, India, and was the Sultana of Shah Jehan, the greatest of the Mogul emperors. She must have been a good woman and a good wife, because, after eighteen years of married life, and within twelve months after his accession to the throne, in 1629, she died in giving birth to her fourteenth baby. And her husband loved her so much that he sheltered her grave with a mausoleum which, without question or reservation, is pronounced by all architects and critics to be the most beautiful building in the world--the most sublime and perfect work of human hands.
It is called the Taj Mahal, which means "The Crown of the Palaces," and is pronounced Taash Mahal, with the accent on the last syllable of the last word. The Taj Mahal stands at the bottom of a lovely garden surrounded by groves of cypress trees, on the bank of the River Jumna, opposite the great fortress of Agra, where, from the windows of his palace, the king could always see the snowwhite domes and minarets which cover the ashes of his Arab wife. Its base is a marble terrace 400 feet square, elevated eighteen feet above the level of the garden, with benches arranged around so that one can sit and look and look and look until its wonderful beauty soaks slowly into his consciousness; until the soul is saturated. Rising from the terrace eighteen feet is a marble pedestal or platform 313 feet square, each corner being marked with a marble minaret 137 feet high; so slender, so graceful, so delicate that you cannot conceive anything more so. Within their walls are winding staircases by which one can reach narrow balconies like those on lighthouses and look upon the Taj from different heights and study its details from the top as well as the bottom. The domes that crown these four minarets are exact miniatures of that which covers the tomb.
On the east and on the west sides of the terrace are mosques built after Byzantine designs of deep red sandstone, which accentuates the purity of the marble of which the tomb is made in a most effective manner. At any other place, with other surroundings, these mosques would be regarded worthy of prolonged study and unbounded admiration, but here they pass almost unnoticed. Like the trees of the gardens and the river that flows at the foot of the terrace, they are only an humble part of the frame which incloses the great picture. They are intended to serve a purpose, and they serve it well. In beauty they are surpassed only by the tomb itself.
Midway between the two red mosques rises a majestic pile of pure white marble 186 feet square, with the corners cut off. It measures eighty feet from its pedestal to its roof, and is surmounted by a dome also eighty feet high, measuring from the roof, and fifty-eight feet in diameter. Upon the summit of the dome is a spire of gilded copper twenty-eight feet high, making the entire structure 224 feet from the turf of the garden to the tip of the spire. All of the domes are shaped like inverted turnips after the  Byzantine style. Four small ones surround the central dome, exact duplicates and one-eighth of its size, and they are arranged upon arches upon the flat roof of the building. From each of the eight angles of the roof springs a delicate spire or pinnacle, an exact duplicate of the great minarets in the corners, each sixteen feet high, and they are so slender that they look like alabaster pencils glistening in the sunshine. The same duplication is carried out through the entire building. The harmony is complete. Every tower, every dome, every arch, is exactly like every other tower, dome and arch, differing only in dimensions.
The building is entered on the north and south sides through enormous pointed arches of perfect proportions reaching above the roof and at each corner of the frames that inclose them is another minaret, a miniature of the rest. Each of the six faces of the remainder of the octagon is pierced by two similar arches, one above the other, opening upon galleries which serve to break the force of the sun, to moderate the heat and to subdue the light. They form a sort of colonnade around the building above and below, and are separated from the rotunda by screens of perforated alabaster, as exquisite and delicate in design and execution as Brussels point lace. The slabs of alabaster, 12 by 8 feet in size, are pierced with filigree work finely finished as if they were intended to be worn as jewels upon the crown of an empress. All of the light that reaches the interior is filtered through this trellis work.
The rotunda is unbroken, fifty-eight feet in diameter and one hundred and sixty feet from the floor to the apex of the dome. Like every other part of the building, it is of the purest white marble, inlaid with mosaics of precious stones. The walls, the pillars, the wainscoting and the entire exterior as well as the interior of the building are the same. Upon the walls of the tomb of the Princess Arjamand are about two acres of surface covered with mosaics as fine and as perfect as if each setting were a jewel intended for a queen to wear--turquoise, coral, garnet, carnelian, jasper, malachite, agate, lapis lazuli, onyx, nacre, bloodstone, tourmaline, sardonyx and a dozen other precious stones of different colors. Twenty-eight different varieties of stone are inlaid in the walls of marble.
The palaces, temples and tombs in northern India are unequaled examples of the architectural and decorative arts. Nothing more beautiful or more costly has ever been built by human hands than the residences and the sepulchers of the Moguls, while their audience chambers, their baths and pavilions are not surpassed, and are not even equaled in any of the imperial capitals of Europe. The oriental artists and architects of the Mohammedan dynasties lavished money upon their homes and tombs in the most generous manner, and the refinement of their taste was equal to their extravagance.
Mount Fuji
 Mount Fuji also called, as Fujiyama is the most poplar and undisputedly the number one landmark of Japan. It is located on the Southern Honshu Island and is the highest mountain in Japan, rising to 12,388 feet (3,776 m) near the Pacific coast in Yamanashi and Shizuoka ken, 100 km west of Tokyo, with the apex broken by a cone-shaped crater 610 m (2000 ft) in diameter. Mount Fuji is relatively a young volcano and has attained its present shape about 5000 years ago and was a result of a series of volcanic activities by the Ashitakayama/Ko-Mitake (Small Mitake), Ko-Fuji (Old Fuji) and Shin-Fuji (New Fuji) volcanoes. The Ko-Mitake volcano is dormant since 100 thousand years ago. The Ko-Fuji volcano, which formed the base of the current, Mount Fuji was active between 100 thousand and 10 thousand years ago. Shin-Fuji volcano which is responsible for the mountain’s current shape started to erupt about 10 thousand years ago and erupted repeatedly for over 100 times during a period of about 10 thousand years. Mount Fuji last erupted on November 24, 1707 and has been sleeping since then, but still the geologists regard it as an active volcano.
‘The Holy Mountain’, is what Mount Fuji is called as and its name of Ainu origin implies “everlasting life.” Thousands of pilgrims visit the mountain from all parts of Japan and there are a number of shrines and temples are on its slopes. The major attraction of the mountain is certainly the various views it provides that change along with seasons and even as the time flows during a day. During winter, it is a flawless volcanic cone with its snow-capped tops, so winters and early spring are the best seasons to to catch the best view of this picture-perfect mountain. Five lakes surround the northern side of Mount Fuji, namely: Lake Motosuko, Lake Shojinko, Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanako, and Lake Subarshiri, which are frequently visited by tourists. These lakes provide a good view of Mount Fuji alongside different water sports.
The official and the best climbing season of Mount Fuji is from 1st July to 31st August every year as the weather is very nice and pleasant. Conquering this sacred mountain by both young and old at their own caliber with a proper plan and equipments is a great achievement in itself. As we go above from the base of the mountain to its apex there are 10 posts inbetween. You need not start your climb from the base itself as you can reach the 4th or the 5th post by road and from here it takes about 4-5 hours to reach the peak and about 2-3 hours to descend. Huts and lodges are situated all over the mountainside and are quite affordable and provide meals to the climbers and the tourists. But Camping is not allowed on the mountain. There are various routes on offer for climbing Mount Fuji, including: Fujinomiya trail, Gotenba trail, and Subashiri trail.
The splendor of Mount Fuji has been viewed by millions and has been praised and written about by numerous travel writers, poets and presented in different art forms by painters all over the world.
Kabuki Theater
 A wonderful combination of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modern life, Japan has it all. It is one of the world’s most fascinating places to visit as many wonders and revelation await you. You can try your hand at Origami, the popular art of paper folding, or take a walk down the serene paths of a temple or you may step into a theatre and take in a performance - the Kabuki Theatre is a must see in Japan as it is the most famous of the traditional Japanese theatres and depicts one of the various aspects of performing arts.
Kabuki originated in the Edo period and was more popular with the lower social class as compared to the higher social classes. The word 'Kabuki' is composed of three Japanese characters: 'ka' meaning 'songs', 'bu' meaning 'dance' and 'ki' meaning 'skill'. Its more likely a Japanese version of Shakespeare’s plays being performed in an Opera. But Kabuki is more entertaining, energetic and awesome in the use of color, makeup, movements and often other spectacular effects.
The passion for Kabuki Theatre began with first performance by the shrine dancer Okuni at Kyoto in 1603. This performance was a unique blend of folk dance and religious dance and soon became popular with the lower classes. In the early phase of the 17th century, women were banned from performing because women performers were lured to the business of prostitution and were getting undue attention from male admirers. This led to the development of art of female impersonation wherein males also played female parts. The beginning of the 18th century marked the development of Kabuki into a more matured form and was starting to become popular even with the higher classes of society.
Kabuki plays are composed of certain varying elements that help it become so colorful and glamorous. These elements include: Story, Musical Elements, Dramatic Content, Dance, Costume, Make-up, Theatre Design, and Actor/Audience Relationship. Kabuki plays are about society in a particular period, historical events, moral conflicts, love relationships etc. and are performed using a combination of dramatic dialogue and dance, and accompanied by drums, flutes, stringed instruments called shamisen, and chanting. The Kabuki music also employs special spectacular audio-effects. The most exceptional among them is the sounding of wooden clappers signaling the opening and the closing of a Kabuki play. The actors/performers wear costumes that reflect the contemporary styles of the day. The costumes play a major role to emphasize the character’s role being portrayed by the performer, as they themselves are full of complexity and hidden meaning. Along with the costumes, make-up is also considered as an integral part of Kabuki performance. The theatrical designs have changed over a period of time, ranging from raised platforms on a riverbed to the modern day theatres having rotating stages and a whole range of gadgets. The last but not the least is the Actor-Audience Relationship as there are instances in a Kabuki play when an actor would come out of his role and address the audience directly.
Kabuki performers are very famous in Japan and this theatrical art is usually passed from one family generation to the next, but the National Theater in Tokyo also has a school for training young and upcoming performers. The costumes and conventions of the traditional Kabuki are still being incorporated in the modern Kabuki plays. However, the new generation performers are finding out new ways to update plays in-order to attract more and more audiences.
You can only appreciate the theatrical creativity of this art form by visiting a Kabuki performance and a good tip would be to go with a Japanese national who is familiar with the Kabuki Theatre.
The Peking Opera
 Peking Opera is regarded as possibly the highest artistic expression of the rich culture and tradition of China. Combining singing, speaking, martial art forms, and abstract movement, including pantomime, Peking Opera is not only an artistic treasure, but also an archive of China's history as told by the extensive repertoire performed by the Peking Opera. Peking Opera did not originate in Peking. Interestingly, opera is actually a combination of styles that were active and popular in China about 200 years ago.
Opera has been one of the main entertainments in China throughout history, and different styles developed in different regions. Opera was enjoyed by people at all levels and not limited to certain social classes. In 1790, during the reign of the Emperor Qianlong (Qing dynasty, 1644 - 1911), the capital city played host to opera troupes from several regions in China already famous for their operatic performances. The troupes combined Kunqu, Qinqiang and Handia opera along with other styles popular in Peking at the time. The style that we identify today as Peking Opera emerged as a result of this artistic integration nearly a half century ago.
Peking Opera is such an important form of theater that it is classified as one of the three main theatrical systems in the world. There are four main roles that are played: a male role and a female role, the role of a clown (played by a male or a female) and a painted face role, usually a male. These primary roles can be further divided, depending on the story being told. The roles will be highly defined in terms of the moral nature of the character. There will be no question about who is good and who is bad, or if the character is lucky in life or portrays or more tragic existence.
The make-up used in performances is intricate and very important. The painted face, along with subtle gestures and movement will convey the entire range of emotion and experience of the character being portrayed. There is the noticeable lack of the types of props and scenery that we might associate with a western theater performance. Peking Opera performances demand that the audience pay strict attention to the players. Even a shift of the eyes or a slight nod of the head conveys meaning. This can make understanding what is going on a bit difficult for a foreigner.
However, today if you have the good fortune to see the Peking Opera perform, you will be able to enjoy a translation. Reading up ahead of time about the story you are going to see, which might involve looking into the history of the country - is also sound advice from the experts. The costumes are another opportunity to highlight some of China's most breathtaking art - the embroidered and brocaded fabrics. The costumes, which are usually based on traditional Chinese dress, also provide a glimpse into China's history.
Performances are accompanied by music - usually played on three types of instrument: wind instruments, string instruments and percussion. The main instruments are Chinese in origin: the jinghu, a two-stringed instrument played with a bow, the yueqin, a four-stringed instrument that is plucked, a sanxian, a three-stringed instrument also plucked, the suona horn, Chinese flutes and a variety of gongs and cymbals. The melodies are rhythmic and graceful.
The focus of Peking Opera shifted during the country's Cultural Revolution (1966 - 1976). During this time, traditionally performed stories that exemplified the lifestyles of pre-Communist society were banned. New performances were written, though - that reflected this major social and political change. True to form, the Peking Opera continued to reflect the history of the country.
Today, China has made an effort revive the art form and you can once again see the traditional stories performed. The Peking Opera has been invited to perform all over the world - to the delight of foreign audiences. This has greatly increased awareness of this priceless national cultural treasure.
The Ming Tombs
 During the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, the capital was located in Nanjing, which is located in the southern portion of China. Emperor Zhudi, who was the third Ming Dynasty, decided to move the capital to Beijing so the boundary was northern and more peaceful. During this change, the Imperial Palace and temples were built as well as the construction of the famous Ming Tombs. Over the years, thirteen Emperors were buried in the tombs, which is where the name “Thirteen Ming Tombs” came from.
These tombs are astoundingly large, measuring 40 kilometers in circumference. Because of the size, the final construction took more than 200 years to complete. The walkway that leads to the Ming Tombs is flanked by 18 pairs of giant stone statues, leading to the Changling, which is the tomb of Emperor Yongle, who was by far the most powerful and prominent of all Emperors during the Ming Dynasty.
The location of the Ming Tomb was chosen based on the theory of geomancy and Feng Shui. This particular location is surrounded by beautiful, rolling hills that work to form a protective screen to the north. On the east, Dragon Hill resides, on the west is Tiger Hill, and to the south, the Wenyu River. Together, these natural elements work to screen the Ming Tombs.
Being very pleased with the location, Emperor Zhudi changed the name to Heavenly Longevity Hill. While not all of the tombs are open to the public to enjoy, several are to include the Chang, Ding, and Zhao tombs. Stretching seven kilometers going from the south to north and through the center of where the tombs are located is a place called the Sacred Way. Originally, this was built for the very first of the Ming Tombs, Changling, which was Emperor Yongle’s tomb. However, as time passed and additional tombs were built, the Sacred Way became the main road leading to all the tombs.
Although the tombs are all together, they each stand as independent tombs. The Changling tomb is the largest of the 13 and as you can imagine is quite impressive. Within the walls of the Changling tomb is the third Ming Emperor, Zhu Di who was buried with his wife, the Empress Xu. This Emperor was in reign from 1402 to 1424, making huge steps toward cultural, economic, political military and diplomatic arenas.
The DingLing tomb is the final resting place of the thirteenth Emperor Wanli along with his two wives. Having been born in 1563, this Emperor was crowned as Prince at the early age of six. By the time he reached age 10, he had become the Emperor. He went on to rule for 48 years, making great strides for the country.
The construction of this particular tomb began underground in 1584 when the Emperor was 22 years old. The tomb was completed six years later but then experienced damage during the peasant uprising of 1644, the same year the Ming Dynasty collapsed. The DingLing tomb remained damaged until the reign of Qing Emperor Qianlong but in 1914, the Gate and Hall of Eminent Favor were again burned down.
Of the 13 Ming tombs, the DingLing tomb is the only one that has been excavated to date. During this process, more than 3,000 pieces of precious and irreplaceable treasure were uncovered, which included four Phoenix crowns that were worn by the Emperor and Empress, and a golden crown.
The Summer Palace
 The Summer Palace is the biggest and best-preserved royal garden in China, and is located approximately fifteen kilometres from Beijing.
The history of the Summer Palace spans over eight hundred years. Before the Summer Palace, the same location was used early in the Jin dynasty, for an imperial palace called Golden Hill Palace. In 1750, Emperor Qian Long of the Qing dynasty constructed the Garden of Clear Ripples, using 4.48 million taels of silver on the spot of Golden Hill Palace. He renamed the spot, Longevity Hill, in celebration of his mother’s birthday.
Most of the palace and gardens were destroyed during the opium wars. In 1888, the Empress Dowager Cixi embezzled funds from the Imperial Navy and restored the garden. The construction of this new garden took ten years, and after its completion, it was given the new name of Yiheyuan (Garden of Peace and Harmony). In 1900, the eight powers plundered the garden once more, only this time; nearly all of the large temples and halls at the back of Longevity Hill were ruined, leaving only one to survive. It was only when Cixi returned to Beijing as a fugitive in 1903 that restoration truly began again.
Consisting primarily of Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, the Summer Palace of today spans 294 hectares, three quarters of which is water. The garden can be thought of as having three zones: administration, residential and scenic. The administration area is comprised primarily of the Halls of Benevolence and Longevity, and is where Cixi arranged her affairs of state and received officials. The residential area is made up of the Hall of Jade Billows, the Garden of Virtue and Harmony, and the Hall of Joyful Longevity. The Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill are what comprise the scenic area.
There are two entrances to the Summer Palace: the East Palace gate and the North Palace Gate. It is the East Palace Gate that is used by the majority of visitors to the Summer Palace.
Each one of the man-made hills, halls, pavilions and temples, which include both Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, combine pleasantly no matter their different styles. The garden is comprised of many different features of gardens in both Northern and Southern China, giving the Summer Palace the reputation as being the soul of Chinese Gardens.
Today, the Summer Palace is pretty much the same palace, after having been rebuilt in 1903. The admission ticket to the garden is reasonable enough that most people can now afford it, so that this old imperial garden can become the perfect location for locals to retreat during the hot Beijing summers.
The Forbidden City
 In the early 1400's, the third Ming Emperor "Yongle" moved the capital of China to Beijing. In 1406 he began construction on his new capital. The Capital consisted of three main sections: The Forbidden City, which contained the Imperial Palace complex; The Imperial City, which was home to the government officials; and the Outer City which was south of the Imperial City and is where the rest of the people lived. The Forbidden City of China is also known as two other names the Imperial Palace Museum and Gugong, although the Imperial Palace is an entity of the City. Both the Ming and Qing Dynasties carried out their administrative duties and lived within the walls of this incredible City.
The Forbidden City, ( so named because common people were forbidden to enter ) was indeed a city. Over 800 buildings containing 8,886 rooms, and covering 250 acres. The entire complex is surrounded by a 32 foot high wall which is protected by a 165 foot wide drainage ditch forming a mote. The city is only accessible by entering through one of four gates which span the water.
Today, the Forbidden City is a public museum, drawing the attention of millions of people from around the world. It is here that you can see traditional architectural pieces up close and marvel in the treasures of the Imperial family and its court. You will find this magnificent piece of history sitting directly across from the Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing. Here you will find the main entrance into the museum although smaller entrances are still open through the east and north gages.
The majority of structures found within the walls of the Forbidden City are post-18th Century architecture. While some of these buildings have experienced levels of damage caused by the Gobi winds, the Manchus, and the 21st Century looting by the Japanese and Kuomintang forces, most of them are still standing firm.
The operation of the Forbidden City has stretched over five centuries during which time, 24 Emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties ruled. It was in these 500 years that the Forbidden City was considered “off limits” to the world, which even included the Chinese population. However, that has all changed and today, people mill about every day through the cluster of buildings, free to enjoy the fascinating structures, tranquil gardens, and unbelievable designs.
When you visit the Imperial Palace, you will have two choices. The first is a short, two-hour tour and the second is an all-day guided tour that will take you through each of the rooms. If you prefer the shorter tour, you will still gain valuable insight from the plaques that mark each piece, providing historical information as well as the item’s relevance of importance.
With the color yellow being the symbol for the royal family, you will find it to be dominant throughout the City. For example, the roofs have yellow glazed tiles, palace decorations are painted yellow, and the bricks found outside are yellow. The only exception to this is the royal library called Wenyuange. This portion of the Forbidden City was built with a black room to resemble water. It was believed that if the palace should ever catch fire, the water could help extinguish it. Either tour is a culturally rewarding experience that you will not soon forget.
A wonderful part of the Forbidden City is the Hall of Preserving Harmony. This Hall was at one time used as a banquet hall for influential dinners. The artistry seen as you approach the building is truly mesmerizing, validating the rich history. The steps that lead down into the main corridor are covered with intricate dragons and other Chinese figures.
Making the stone even more intriguing is the fact that each step was initially part of a massive stone. To transport the stone to the palace, the Chinese people had to be ingenuous in that moving it in a traditional manner simply would not work. Therefore, during one winter when the roads flooded and then froze, they saw their opportunity. The stone was slide down the road until it finally reached its home at the Hall.
Another important part of the Forbidden City is the Hall of Supreme Harmony. This Hall was used for large gatherings where important guests were entertained. To honor these guests, the Hall was decorated extravagantly. As you tour through this particular building, you will find 308 bronze vats located throughout the palace. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, these very vats were filled with water in case of fire.
The Imperial Palace is by far the most beautiful structure of all within the Forbidden City. Each walkway is magnificently designed with stone and enriched with beautiful rose gardens. If you like, you can rest in any of the courtyards or pavilions and feel the enchantment of this powerful place.
For a small fee, you can climb the steps of the Tiananmen Gate and once at the top, you will have the opportunity to look out over the Square. Here you will see the same panoramic view that Mao enjoyed while in reign. Because this was Mao’s favorite place to watch the people walking below, in his honor a gigantic portrait of him hangs there today.
Everyone has heard the history of the Great Wall of Chine and sadly, some areas of this great wonder are in poor condition. What many people do not know is that the Great Wall of China had a vital link to the Forbidden City. You see, the Wall was designed and constructed with watchtowers all along its structure. It was from these watchtowers that smoke signals were sent as a way of communicating with the Forbidden City.
The word “Beijing” translates to mean “Northern Capital”. Today, Beijing is the home to more than 12 million people. This city has undergone many transformations throughout the centuries and to most people visiting, they are often surprised at what they see. The Forbidden City and Imperial Palace are just two examples of the rich history remaining in this part of China for all to enjoy.
Great Wall of China
 Visible from Space, The Great Wall of China is the largest man-made feature on the planet, however, contrary to popular legend (and according to astronauts Neil Armstrong, Jim Lovell and Jim Irwin) it is not visible from the moon.
The Great Wall is 6’700 kilometers in length, running east to west and crossing five provinces. Appearing as a long, serpentine dragon, it winds across lands including deserts, grasslands and even mountains. Every type of material available at the time was used. From mud and reeds, to the finest mortar bricks ever made. ( still intact centuries later )
The history of the Great Wall spans more than 2000 years, and it is now considered to be one of the greatest wonders on earth. Though there are sections of the wall that have now fallen into ruin, or that have even completely disappeared, it remains one of the most sought attractions in the entire world due to both its majesty as well as its great significance. In 1987, UNESCO listed the Great Wall of China among the prestigious World Heritage sites.
Though it is not known exactly when the construction of the Great Wall of China began, it is commonly believed that it was built as a military fortification to protect against tribal intrusions across the borders during the Zhou Dynasty. In the late Spring and Autumn Period, which ran from 770 BC to 476 BC, the ducal states extended their defense works and began building “great” structures for prevention of attacks from neighboring states.
In 221 BC after conquering most of its neighboring states, Ying Zheng, the ruler of the Qin State declared himself Qin Shihuangdi, the first Emperor of The Qin Dynasty. The word Qin in pronounced "chin" and is the source of the name China. Thus began the reign of the First Emperor of China, and the beginning of the Great Wall. Qin Shihuangdi began the construction of the Great Wall by connecting many of the existing border walls to protect the northern border of his kingdom from invasion. The construction continued for centuries and employed the work of millions.
The Great Wall took approximately 10 years to complete, and ran from Linzhao - in what is now the eastern part of the Gansu Province) - east to Liaodong - which currently resides in the Jilin Province).
The wall not only provided incredible defense in the north of the country, but was a tremendous symbol of the emperor’s might.
After the Qin Dynasty, the Great Wall experienced many extensions. Emperor Wu (Han Wu Di) of the Han Dynasty wished to maintain safety against the Xiongnu, as they had been at war with this tribe in 127 BC, 121 BC and 119 BC, so he extended the wall to the west to guard the Hexi Corridor (in what is now the Gansu Province) as well as the Xinjiang region.
Later, many more constructions and extensions were made to the great wall within the successive Northern Wei, Northern Qi and Sui dynasties.
Presently, the Great wall that exists in Beijing is from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was built from bricks and granite and included greatly sophisticated designs and passes, holding largely strategic importance. The Ming Wall begins in Yalujiang River (which lies in today’s Heilongjiang Province) and stretches over 5’000 kilometers to Guansu.
Today, the wall is considered a must-see for every visitor to China.
Hutongs of China
 Long before city planners in Europe turned cow paths into roads, China had developed a very orderly approach to organizing communities, known as a "hutong". Hutongs surrounded the centrally located Forbidden City and were built according to the precise etiquette of the Zhou Dynasty.
Relatives of the royal family and other imperial folks lived in hutongs that were near the palace and lay to the west and east. Farther away and situated to the north and south were smaller hutongs where the general population lived. A hutong usually housed a single family, all though many generations of the family would exist under one roof.
The word "hutong" can be translated as a lane or street that runs between two courtyards. The city of Beijing in China is famous for its thousands of hutongs -- mostly build in the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties (1271 - 1911 AD). If you visit Beijing and are interested in hutongs, you might seek out Sanmiao Street, which is the oldest hutong in Beijing -- and has existed for more than nine centuries. The longest hutong is called Dongxi Jiaomin Lane, with one street being more than four miles long. This is quite interesting when comparing that long walk to the shortest hutong, which used to be called Yi Chi Street (now Meizhuxie Street), just a scant 32 feet in length.
Don't visit Qianshi Hutong near Qianmen unless you've been successful on your most recent diet. This hutong is so narrow that two people can't pass through it at the same time, even face-to-face! It is said that if two people find themselves arriving at either end of this street at the same time, one of them must back out and allow the other to pass through first.
The typical hutong is a courtyard or 'quadrangle'. In actuality, it is a square with rooms built along the four sides with the buildings and the extent of the hutong compound varying in size depending on the wealth and status of the occupants. Think of four buildings all facing inward to a common yard, and that will give you good idea of what a hutong looks like.
All the buildings have the same basic structure of rooms, corridors and walls, and the all-important Chuihua Gate. The Chuihua Gate divides the courtyard into an inner and an outer partition. Wealthier people would have extensive outer yards and their buildings would include intricately carved and painted pillars and roof beams. Simpler folk lived with simpler fare but built along the same principles.
The positioning of the gate and the rooms always followed the principles of Feng Shui., for example, the door of each room would face the inner yard. Additionally, each room would be connected by a path from the yard, and every room facing the yard would have stairs in front of it.
The Hutong system of community had many traditions. In addition to the size of the hutong varying according to the wealth and status of the occupants, family members typically lived in certain parts of the dwelling. For instance, older family members would live in the northern most room and younger family members would live in the wing rooms. The southern most room or rooms would be used as a living room.
After the Qing dynasty, around the time from 1911 - 1948, China was subject to many external influences -- including foreign invasion, as well as internal turbulence. Conditions in the hutongs became quite bad as the society and government underwent changes in response to these influences. New hutongs no longer followed the carefully established protocols and older hutongs fell into disrepair.
Conditions improved with the founding of the People's Republic of China. Old ways have for the most part given way to new. This included the hutong system of community, all though if you visit as a tourist you will have plenty of opportunity to see a hutong. Hutongs in urban Beijing still house about half of the population and occupy about a third of the land area.
The Philippines
 Made up of more than 7,000 islands, you will find the Philippines. This country is nestled between Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, in addition to the South China Sea. The Philippines is a beautiful place to visit where the ocean is crystal blue and the islands alluring and mesmerizing.
Sadly, with news of kidnappings and terrorism, some people are leery about visiting this part of the world. With a difficult political reputation, the Philippines continue to overcome the effects of martial law. Unfortunately, this country consists of rundown roads, a bad infrastructure, and ferries that are not very safe. Because of all these negative aspects of the country, tourists have chosen different destinations.
While there are definite things to consider when traveling to the Philippines, you will find some positive aspects as well. For example, the people of the Philippines are among the most hospitable. They are very inviting and have big, warm smiles. Additionally, the islands are gorgeous. In fact, many of the islands are popular scuba diving locations because of their beauty both on the land and in the sea.
If you plan to visit the Philippines, you can stay in an all-inclusive luxury resort. The advantage here is that you can enjoy the beautiful island in safety without having to go into the towns where safety is an issue. Not only is the price of these type hotels affordable but also, English is commonly spoken and the food is amazingly delicious.
If you prefer to get away from the standard type things to see and do, and you do not mind roughing it a little bit, then you will find the countryside of the Philippines incredibly beautiful. In fact, the Philippines is just one of a handful of places in the world that still have tribal lands where adventurous people can wander without being bothered with modern day conveniences. The only thing you would need to follow closely is the current safety advice.
The Philippines is an interesting place for many reasons. One of these reasons is that a Belgium research firm found that this country is the most disaster prone country in existence. This study was performed in 2000, showing that the Philippines have experienced earthquakes, typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions, militant action, landslides, and more.
Even with all the negativity and problems that plague the Philippines, their government is working diligently to make this a better country. Therefore, while you do need to follow some strict guidelines when it comes to safety, just as you would with many other countries, this is a wonderful place to visit!
The Philippines has both a dry and rainy season. The monsoon brings in heavy rains, typically running from May to October. Then in the winter months, cooler and drier air is brought in by the monsoon, which in this case, runs from December to February. In the lowlands, the climate is generally very hot and dusty, starting in March and going through May. At this time, the temperatures can reach upward to 100 degrees. Because of the location of the Philippines, it is rare for temperatures to drop lower than 80 degrees.
As mentioned, the most important thing to consider when traveling to this country is safety. You need to check with your travel agent, as well as the local authorities regarding the development of any threats. They should be able to tell you which islands to avoid, when, and why. Keep in mind that opportunistic crimes are common because of the levels of poverty.
However, foreign tourists have been kidnapped and even killed by extremist groups. There have even been recent bombings that have occurred in areas around the Philippines, typically focusing on transportation and other public areas where a significant amount of people gather.
This particular threat is generally more prevalent in the southernmost, western, and central areas of Basilan, Mindanao, Sulu, and Tawi Tawi. Even on the seas around the Philippines, piracy still lives. Even as recent as May 2004 during the elections, political unrest was heightened.
When visiting the Philippines, you will find the official language being Filipino. However, again, English is widely spoken, along with the dialect of Tagalog, which is popular among the islands. Currency in the Philippines is just like the Peso in Mexico. It is divided into 100 centavos, which comes in denominations of 5, 10, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000. However, if you do not want to mess with the currency exchange, you can simply use just about any major credit card, which are accepted at most restaurants, hotels, shops, and so on.
To visit the Philippines, you will need a current passport that is good for a minimum of six months beyond the time you plan to stay. Additionally, you will be required to have a return ticket to your origination point, along with legal documents for any future travel. Finally, you want to ensure you have enough money or financial means so that if you do end up in the country longer, you will be okay.
Again, the Philippines is truly a beautiful country and the people here, some of the warmest in the entire world. Just remember that safety is an issue so if you plan to go there, be wise about your travel decisions.
Traveling to Thailand
 People traveling into Thailand are immediately impressed with this country. Not only is Thailand an interesting place full of rich history but it is also an exotic country. The capital city of Thailand is Bangkok and here, life is anything but still. People are milling about, businesses being run, and life is very busy. However, if you take a short trip from Bangkok, you will find a number of charming towns where ancient ruins, temples, and simple cottages exist.
One of the things making Thailand so intriguing is that it respects its past while embracing the future. Dating back 800 years, Thailand has established distinctive ways of life that draw people back to visit year after year. The culture and traditions blended with architecture and the arts are admired by people around the globe. The people of Thailand have proven that they can adopt foreign influence while maintaining their own special identity.
The country of Thailand is very agriculturally strong. While agriculture remains a key component of the lifestyle here, around the middle of the 1980s, agro-industrial economies were formed. That led to foreign investors bringing modernization into the country, reforming the country, as we know it today. If you plan to visit Thailand, you will find a country that continues to uphold its traditional Orient culture while offering modern day sporting events, entertainment, restaurants, and shopping.
Thailand has two primary national identities. The first element is that the people of Thailand believe in and revere their monarchy and second, the people have a strong faith in Buddhism. While tourist may not understand the unrivaled belief in this faith, it is passed down from one generation to another. Currently, King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the ruler of Thailand, holding the longest reign of more than 50 years.
During 1997, Thailand experienced a difficult, economic time. It was then that the people drew their strength from Buddha. To see for yourself the strong bond within Thailand, you want to travel to Cambodia, Laos, Mekong, Myanmar, or Vietnam. These areas are considered top travel destinations within Thailand, each offering convenient accommodations and travel options.
To celebrate the belief in Buddhism, you will find all types of festivals, gorgeous works of art, architecture, literature, and sculptures, each depicting a special story of the Buddhist lifestyle. In fact, more than 95% of the people of Thailand practice Buddhism, showing how deeply rooted this faith is.
Now keep in mind that people living in Thailand are supported and encouraged to practice whatever religion they choose. For instance, you will also find Muslims, Christians, Confucians, Taoists, Hindus, and Sikhs. Throughout Thailand are amazing temples that have a strong Chinese architectural influence, as well. Additionally, this diversity in religious belief is supported by the current monarchy.
The country of Thailand is a tropical place that typically has high levels of humidity. Located equally between China and India, the area that Thailand covers is about the same size as France, being 198,115 square miles. Because of its location, people consider Thailand to be strategically placed, making it the heart of Southeast Asia. On the west and north is the border of Myanmar, Lao is on the north and northeast border, to the east is the Gulf of Thailand and Cambodia, and then to the south, Malaysia.
In Thailand, you will find very diverse landscaping, ranging from fertile plains that are dotted with rice paddies, to massive mountainsides. Additionally, Thailand offers pristine beaches covered with white sand. The country is divided into four sections, which consist of the north, Caho Phraya river basin or the central plains, the Korat Plateau or the northeast, and the southern peninsula or the south.
These sections of Thailand are divided according to the natural lay of the land. For instance, to the north, you will find primarily mountains that are made up of ridges, valleys, and dense forests. Then in the central, you will find lush valleys, rich and perfect for growing crops of rice. In fact, this section of Thailand is often referred to as the “Rice Bowl of Asia.” Here in the central section is where you will find Bangkok.
Heading to the Korat Plateau is an area that is somewhat arid, consisting of rolling terrain and hills. This particular section is known for its harsh weather conditions, which often means drought or flood. Finally, the south is a breathtakingly beautiful part of Thailand with its tropical setting and beaches. Because this part of Thailand has the ocean supply and rich soil, you will find a wide variety of fauna and flora.
When planning a trip to Thailand, you would expect to find consistent warm and mild temperatures. However, there are some differences between the four sections. For instance, the southeast section has a strong monsoon season. For the seasons, November to February produces cool temperatures, from April to May temperatures are quite hot, and then from June to October, the weather is mild and beautiful. It is advised that when visiting the north area during November to February, you pack a jacket or sweater since this section tends to be a little cooler than the other sections.
With an average population of 61.5 million people, the country of Thailand offers something for everyone. There is a strong ethnic diversity although Thais form the majority. Other ethnic groups include Khmer, Burmese, Mon, Indian, Malay, and Lao. When it comes to the tourist industry, there is yet another group called the Hill Tribe people. Being prominent and with a powerful presence in the culture and economic area of tourism, the Hill Tribe people are valued. However, the Chinese are the largest ethnic group in Bangkok, as well as some of the other larger provinces.
What makes Thailand such as great place to visit is that the people here believe life should be enjoyed and never achieved by infringing on other people’s rights. The people in Thailand are very hospitable, with a wonderful and witty sense of humor. The Thais are mellow, easy to get along with, and eager to please. When it comes to conflict, the Thais choose harmony. Interestingly, the women of Thailand have a strong societal influence. In fact, when it comes to businesses and homes, the women often are the ones holding positions of power and high rank. While the women are still not equal to the men, compared to other Asian countries, the Thai women are important.
Since the English language is widely spoken in Thailand, especially in the larger provinces such as Bangkok, you can get around quite easily. This makes the tourist process much more enjoyable and trusting. However, while visiting if you want to learn to speak a little Thai, you will find the people excited to teach.
A closer look at Vietnam
 Many of us still think of Vietnam as a nation heavily involved in war, though the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. Vietnam is a gorgeous nation, based on a foundation of stunning natural beauty and calming village lifestyles.
Vietnam continues to hold highlands and rainforest regions brimming with new species awaiting discovery and teeming with exotic wildlife. Additionally, its beaches are perfect for a relaxing, sun-filled vacation.
Two decades free of war have provided Vietnam ample opportunity to take advantage of its national union, and they certainly have maximized their potential, becoming one of today's most outstanding travel destinations.
No matter what climate you find perfect for your vacation or even home lifestyle, Vietnam is certain to be more than capable of providing. With a climate as complex as it’s vastly ranging topography, a little bit of everything is available from this fine nation. Although situated entirely within the tropics, it is the wild variance of latitude, altitude and weather patterns that allow for such diversity.
Vietnam has a strong history and has made full use of it, creating a rich, pleasing culture. Vietnam is heavy in its spiritual life, including among its main ideologies Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Tam Giao.
One of the most popular events in Vietnam, for both locals and tourists, is the important annual festival of Tet, which is a weeklong celebration in late January or early February, ringing in the new lunar year and the beginning of the spring season. Festivities include many fabulous traditions such as fireworks, the drums, and gongs, and even quiet |
