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China's imposing coastline stretches from the western
edge of North Korea
to the eastern border of Vietnam, passing through four bodies of water
in its sweeping
path. Spectacular scenery unfolds the entire length of the journey, from
the cold-water
port of Dalian to China's tropical south. Major points along the
coastline include:
DALIAN:
Dalian is a famous seaport 360 miles east of Beijing. Variously called
Port Arthur and
Luda, Dalian boasts an extensive coastline, several beaches, and a
fascinating blend of
Russian and Japanese architectural styles. At Tiger Beach Park, rock
formations in the
shape of crouching tigers threaten to pounce on unsuspecting swimmers.
Jinshi Beach is a
National Tourist Resort.
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BEIDAIHE:
Beidaihe is China's best-known summer resort, situated 172 miles east of
Beijing. China's
most famous resort lures heads of state and locals alike to its rugged
shores. The nearby
Shanhaiguan Pass marks the eastern-most point of the Great Wall.
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TIANJIN:
The country's third largest city, Tianjin is 75 miles southeast of
Beijing. Although best
known as a business center and seaport, Tianjin attracts tourists -as
well as carpet
buyers- from around the world. The art of carpet weaving here dates back
2,100 years. The
chance to observe factory workers as they hand-knot the colorful threads
is a fascinating
sight. Other tourist attractions include Ancient Culture Street, Food
Street, Water Park,
the Tianjin Arts Museum, and Dabei Temple, near the Grand Canal.
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QINGDAO:
Qingdao is a picturesque seaside resort, 402 miles southeast of Beijing.
This pleasant
coastal city, overlooking the Yellow Sea, is reminiscent of Bavaria. At
the turn of the
20th century, German settlers created a colorful melange of red-roofed
houses and
European-style buildings, including the very same brewery that still
produces world-famous
Qingdao -Tsingtao- Beer. Visitors who take a break from Qingdao's
white-sand beaches will
want to visit scenic Mt Lao, home of China's most famous mineral water,
and then tour the
internationally known Kuandong Winery. Shilaoren Beach is a National
Tourist Resort. The
Liuting International Airport of Qingdao is 22 miles to the north of the
city.
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FUZHOU:
The capital of Fujian Province, Fuzhou is 421 miles southwest of
Shanghai. Dating back
more than 2,200 years, this subtropical seaport sits along a band of hot
springs on the
coastal edge of mountainous Fujian Province. Fuzhou is distinct in its
dialect, cuisine
and large Christian population. Also notable are its lacquerware and
black -Fukien- tea.
Visitors may wish to take a one-hour flight to the scenic Wuyi Mountains
in northwestern
Fujian. Wuyi Mountains is a National Tourist Resort.
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QUANZHOU:
An ancient seaport, Quanzhou is located 62 miles north of Xiamen. The
flavor of old China
can be savored in this ancient city. One of the world's busiest ports in
Marco Polo's day,
Quanzhou once was home to 10,000 Persians, Syrians and Southeast Asians,
who added many
hues to the cultural milieu. The ancient Silk Road on sea started from
this city. Also
found here are Old God Rock, honoring the founder of Taoism, the
Qingjing Mosque, built in
1009 AD, the Confucian Temple, and the monastery at Wanshan Peak,
housing rare relics of
the Manicheist religion.
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XIAMEN:
Also known as Amoy, this island-city on the South China Sea is 352 miles
northeast of
Guangzhou. White-sand beaches and tropical flowers create a colorful
island landscape,
dotted with botanical gardens and lush green peaks. From the
thousand-year-old Nan Putuo
Temple, visitors can climb the Five Old Men Peaks and peer across the
Taiwan Straits.
Nearby is Gulangyu -Drum Wave Island-. Its quiet, forested village has a
European air, and
is known as the -Garden on the Sea-.
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GUANGZHOU:
Also called Canton, Guangzhou is a major international gateway to China.
It is located 113
miles north of Hong Kong. As South China's largest and most prosperous
city, Guangzhou is
also China's gateway to Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. The spring and
autumn Guangzhou
Trade Fair brings traders here from around the world. Points of interest
include the Sun
Yatsen Memorial Hall, Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, Yuexiu Park, the
ancient Guangxiao
Temple, historic Shamian Island, White Cloud Hill and magical Seven Star
Grag. Nan Lake in
Omangzhou is a National Tourist Resort.
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SHENZHEN:
This is an entirely new urban area perched on the border with Hong Kong.
By far the most
prosperous Special Economic Zone in China, Shenzhen offers everything a
modern industrial
city can: business opportunities, luxury hotels, shopping centers,
holiday and
recreational resorts and swimming beaches. -Splendid China-, one of the
theme parks,
replicates all major tourist attractions of the country on a miniature
scale, enabling the
visitor to tour China within a half day. In the China Folk Culture
Villages, another theme
park, you can see how the country's various nationalities live, work and
enjoy life in
their respective indigenous dwellings, costumes and styles. Shenzhen is a
half hour car
drive or train ride from Hong Kong. The city has a large international
airport.
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ZHUHAI:
Zhuhai, bordering on Macao, is a beautiful seaside city flanked by
hills. The surrounding
coast offers a number of natural swimming beaches. The beautiful and
towering statue of
Fishing Girl Presenting a Pearl, standing in the seaside park shaded by
palm tress, has
now become a symbol of the city. Well-known tourist spots include the
Rock Scene Hill
Tourist Center, Seaside Park, Pearl Amusement Park, Zhuhai Golf Course,
Jiuzhou Island,
Jiuzhou Town and White Ratan Lake. As a Special Economic Zone, Zhuhai
offers yet another
bonanza venue for foreign investors.
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HAINAN ISLAND:
Now a province, this huge island is China's tropical paradise. Hainan
lies 327 miles
southwest of Guangzhou. Picture Hawaii in the days before developers
reached its tranquil
shores, and you will have an image of beautiful, unspoiled Hainan.
Tropical forests, dense
green mountains and beaches lined with leafy palms create a vacation
oasis in the warm and
inviting South China Sea. The capital city of Haikou and nearby Sanya
offer top-class
amenities and quiet charm. Travelers have a choice of luxurious beach
resorts, guest
houses and private villas nestled in the island's fragrant hills. Along
Bay in Sanya has
been developed into yet another National Tourist Resort. Besides, Haikou
has established a
30-square-kilometer Free Port at Yangpu.
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