The second Disney Park in China may land in Shanghai

After the Disneyland Park Hong Kong opened in 2005, another city in China --- Shanghai, was eager to host Disney. Recently, the Disney company and the Shanghai Municipal Government drew up a joint application report which will be submitted to the Chinese Central Government for a formal approval.

The Disney headquarters and the Shanghai Municipal Government signed the document to draw the legal and financial framework for the construction of a theme park in Shanghai. According to the agreement signed, Disney will hold 43 percent of the stock shares, while the Shanghai municipal government-owned joint venture will hold 57 percent.

If the application is approved, Shanghai Disneyland will be listed among the ultra-large-scale ones, comparing to Disney projects around the world. The Disney theme park project is expected to cost 24.48 billion yuan and to cover an area of about 1.5 square kilometers. The project could bring in investment in the mainland stock market involving enterprises from a range of sectors such as real estate, film and television entertainment, publishing and printing, media networks, toy manufacturing, franchising, advertising and others.

But it may not be good news for Hong Kong Disneyland park, which will be certainly suffer from the project. For the park in Shanghai will draw visitors from Hong Kong park.

Travel to Macau

Macau and Hong Kong are somewhat alike in the history, cultures and the status of being a special administrative region of PRC. If you don’t like the crowd of Hong Kong, maybe Macau is a good choice. A wander around the Macau Peninsular will bring you into a world of antiques and fashion, traditional and modern, as well as tranquility and glitz.

Macau is a very small city, covering an area of just 27.5 square kilometers, with a total population of 469,800 and 95% are Chinese, the remainder being Portuguese and other westerners. In history, the Portuguese ruled here prior to Macau's official return to the People's Republic of China on December 20, 1999. Just like Hong Kong, after administered by a western country for many years, Macau becomes a charming place with various cultures. The majority resides on the Macau Peninsular where you can find a variety of both Oriental and Western cultural and historical places of interest and all sorts of old buildings that are either European baroque or traditional Chinese in style. The blend of people, culture and history has influences on every aspect of life in the city.

Macau comprises the Macau Peninsular and the outlying islands of Taipa and Coloane. Popular sightseeing places that form part of a traveler's itinerary are spread all over the Macau Peninsular.

It’s hard to list all the popular attractions in Macau, for they are all around, a lot of which are must see! The best way to explore numerous historical and cultural heritages of Macau is take a wandering around. First, stop by Largo do Senado, a splendid main square with wave-patterned pavement and central fountain. Here, you can enjoy a surrounding of simple, elegant Portuguese and baroque style buildings. Clothing shops, curio markets, pharmacies, snack stalls and jewelry shops spread all over the narrow alleyways selling dazzling items.

Next, take a visit to Ruins of St. Paul's, the great ruined facade and staircase to the church of the Mother of God, is the most famous landmark of Macau. Built from 1602 to 1637, a fire burned it to the ground in 1835, leaving only the facade, the staircase and portions of a wall. After a restoration in 1991, that facade is crowned by the cross of Jerusalem, below which are three tiers with niches containing statues that were cast from bronze, at a local cannon and bell factory.

Guia Fort, built on the highest point of Macau between 1637 and 1638, contains a chapel and a lighthouse. The chapel inside is in the style of Portuguese heritages of the 17th century. To the right of this chapel is a bell which was made in 1707. The lighthouse, which is the dominating feature of the Fort, was built by a local-born Portuguese. It was first lit up on September 24, 1865, and is the oldest on the China coast. Standing only 16 feet tall, its beam can be seen from 20 miles at sea under good weather conditions. To this day, it provides a guiding beacon to the passing boats.

Monte Fort is another famous fort. The Fort has been witness to three centuries of history, but was opened officially only in 1966. Centrally located, the fort is a splendid place to obtain overall views of the city, including Ruins of St. Paul's below, and one can see China just across the estuary.

Besides the places we suggested above, there are some other nice attractions you should visit. Such as churches, museums, gardens and the tranquil natural and beach sceneries of the two outlying islands——Taipa and Coloane, etc. Almost forgot, never ever miss the evenings in Macau. Macau streets are alive at night!

Feel hungry? You are lucky in the paradise for gourmands. Macau is famous for a wide range of delicious cuisines from all over the world including unparalleled Macau-style Portuguese cuisine, traditional Cantonese cuisine, exotic food from Italy, France, Brazil, India, Japan, and Korea... Everyone can find his own favorite!

travel to Hong Kong——attractions

Today, we are going to explore the wonderland, Hong Kong. Set among beautiful natural surroundings, Hong Kong is an open city with a wonderful natural harbor, full of fabulous events and attractions. The following are a few of the must-sees rated tops by tourists.


Hong Kong Island Tour

Hong Kong Island, the heart of Hong Kong, is the center of economy, politics, entertainment and shopping. A rather famous landmark, the Victoria Peak, is a must see! Visitors can spend a whole day here and admire an outstanding view of this Oriental Pearl. Whether you can climb the tower or take a ride on the tram, this is a great introduction to the bustling city of Hong Kong. Have the kids with you? They will love a trip to the Ocean Park, which is among the top theme parks and aquariums in Southeast Asia, as well as the best marine education center. Also, Repulse Bay is a popular destination, tourists can enjoy the natural beauty of the sea shore and bays.

Another favorite attraction is the Madame Tussaud Wax Museum with figures of celebrities including local movie star Jackie Chan.

Aberdeen remains the characteristic of a traditional fishing village in the 18s, inhabits hundreds of fishing men. Here, you can tour around the bay by a sampan. Fishing boats ranging from the traditional Chinese sailing boat to the luxuriously furnished modern ship fill the bay. Many visitors come here only for the seafood, which is authentic, superb fresh and tasty.

Stanley Market will satisfy epicureans with its many stands, shops, original restaurants, outdoor cafes, and even a performance stage.

The HK Convention and Exhibition Center and Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, which were established in 1997 to commemorate the Return of Hong Kong to Her Motherland, are also definitely worth a visit. From this vantage point, Victoria Bay at night presents a glittering spectacle that will delight the eye of even the most seasoned traveler.

Happy Valley, located between Wanchai and Causeway Bay is a low-lying land where people gather to enjoy the excitement of horse racing or gambling in racecourse.

Additionally, you can go to visit Man Mo Temple, located in the middle section of Hollywood Road. Many local people go there to worship gods.


Kowloon Peninsula Tour

Kowloon Peninsula, which links Hong Kong to the mainland, offers yet another view of this exciting part of China. Allow at least one full day to experience its sparkling delights, which include Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok.

In Tsim Sha Tui, you should not miss visiting Hong Kong Coliseum . It's a very eye-catching building in Hong Kong and regarded as a landmark by many tourists.

Wong Tai Sin Temple, patterned after an ancient Chinese palace and rich in Chinese culture, is the most famous temple in Hong Kong. Fortunetellers are active there.

The Star Ferry can be both inexpensive and romantic. For shutterbugs, a ride on the ferry provides the optimum angle from which to snap fantastic views of Victoria Harbor.

Open-air markets lure every tourist, and no one leaves empty-handed. There is something for every taste, from the fashionable bargains at Ladies' Market in Mong Kok to the electronic gadgets and souvenirs in Yau Ma Tei's Temple Street Night Market.

Kowloon Park and the Hong Kong Space Museum are also popular with tourists.

The New Territories Tour

Built with bricks and surrounded by blockhouses,Kim Tin Walled Village has a moat near it. In 1899, when the New Territories was leased to British army, the British soldiers met the resisting of the local people in the region. In the end, the iron gate of the garden was destroyed and carried to Britain as a war booty, which was eventually returned to Hong Kong in 1924 at the request of local citizens.

The brick wall of 6 meters' height, blockhouses at four corners as well as the moat outside are well preserved, and thus the old appearance is maintained. At present,Kim Tin Walled Village i being a frequent destination for foreign visitors, there are old men in country clothes for them to take photo with in front of the village.

The Outlying Islands Tour

Lantau Island is twice the size of Hong Kong Island. Ever since 70's, lots of Hong Kong residents have preferred to escape into Lantau Island for a refreshing rest during weekends and holidays. Visitors can explore its hilly walking trails, enjoy its crowded beach and inhale the fresh air. Be sure to stop by Tai O Town, honoured as the "Oriental Venice" for the numrous fishing boats and sanpans moored at the tiny harbor. Next, tourists can experience countless excitement in Hong Kong Disneyland.As the fifth Disneyland Park built in the mode of Disneyland and the eleventh theme park of Disneyland in the world, Hong Kong Disneyland Park is the first one take California Disney (including the Sleeping Princess Castle) as the base. On entering the park, you will be captured by the feeling of being in another world with and adventures.

Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery was originally built by three monks in 1924. Until now, it is warmly welcomed and frequently visited by its believers. In front of the mountain gate, there are wonderful scenic spots, like the Big Buddha on the Muk Yue Peak, Fahua Pagoda and Huayan Pagoda on the left and Lotus Mountain and Lion Stone on the right. Besides, there are stately Majestic Palace and Heaven King Palace and so on. Po Lin Monastery offers accommodation for visitors who want to view the sunset on the Phoenix Mountain. The sunrise or sunset scenes viewed from the mountain top is fabulous. When you decide to leave, don’t forget to take a vegetable diet, the most special food on Lantau Island.

travel to Hong Kong——overviews

It would be hard to find a more exciting city than Hong Kong, people from the world over are so interested in this island. Here you can find the delights of modern living alongside an abundance of reminders of its historic past, the confluences of Chinese and Western elements.

Hong Kong, literally meaning "fragrant harbor", is a Special Administrative Region of PRC, situated in the southeast corner of China, very closed to Shenzhen. Praised as the Oriental Pearl, it’s the world's fourth largest banking and financial center and eighth largest trading economy.

Today, Hong Kong occupies an area of 1,104 square kilometers and composed of four parts: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. Hong Kong Island is the center of economy, politics, entertainment and shopping. Northern Hong Kong Island is the main commercial, shopping and entertainment area; the residential area is located in Eastern Hong Kong Island; and Southern Hong Kong Island known for its sea shores and bays. Kowloon is another flourishing part of Hong Kong. Above all, Causeway Bay, Wan Chai , Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok are the most popular areas. These areas are busy day and night, and tourists can feel secure enjoying the lively nightlife, because Hong Kong is one of the most secure cities in the world. The New Territories and Outlying Islands are ideal places to experience a peaceful and natural Hong Kong.

Here, visitors will not have language problems. For most people (about 97% of the population) speak Cantonese and English, although Mandarin is becoming more popular in Hong Kong now. It is interesting that some of them are even better in English than Mandarin. The most common religions are Buddhism and Christianity, so you can easily find churches here.

As we said, Hong Kong is the meeting place of various cultures that blend harmoniously with Chinese traditions and exotic influences for the special history. Hong Kong became a dependent territory of the United Kingdom in 1842, and remained so until the transfer of its sovereignty to the People's Republic of China in 1997. On one hand traces of British culture can be found everywhere as a result of former colonial rule. On the other hand, Hong Kong preserves traditional customs and the core values of Confucianism that have faded in Mainland China. This is reflected in its colorful festivals ranging from Spring Festival to Christmas. Nowhere else on earth do luxury restaurants, street side food-stalls known locally as dai pai dong, grand mansions and penthouses, tenements, office blocks, wooden boats and huge liners coupled with English in a variety of accents and multifarious Chinese dialects coexist peacefully.

Hong Kong has a good development both in economy and culture. It is the dynamic Hong Kong that provides the environment in which the richest Chinese listed in Forbes directory do business. The city also is the backdrop for modern movies and pop music that together enjoy worldwide recognition. Home of Kongfu heroes like the late Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, Hong Kong continues to attract more and more ambitious would-be stars and entrepreneurs.

In the next article, we will show you around Hong Kong. Thank you for your attention!