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Travel To China & Taiwan

2011-12-14T08:27:00.000-08:00

Travel To China & Taiwan by Stig Albeck

A visit to Beijing
China is known as the Middle Kingdom or the Central Kingdom and its central point is the capital, Beijing. Chinese culture has developed in the different areas of the nation over thousands of years and since the emperors took up residence in Beijing and made it the capital city, it has been favored with one fantastic building after another. Today, after the fall of the empire, tourists and the general populace are admitted to the opulent palaces, the temples and all the places where the emperors once made their way.

Beijing’s vastly rich cultural heritage, from its thousand-year history to the burgeoning economic progress of today, creates an immediate and grand impression on the occasion of a visit to the capital. One is impressed with it all – from the imperial dynasty’s ancient and grandiose structures to the innumerable buildings that have shot up during recent years’ explosive growth. Construction is going on everywhere, and things happen so quickly that exciting new locations have sprung up on every new trip to China.

Chinese culture and gastronomy are something most travelers look forward to, and even in the midst of newly-constructed areas, lovely spots with an authentic atmosphere are never far away. To the north, close to Beijing, the Great Wall stretches out and the mountains hide the many burial grounds of most of the earlier emperors. These, too, are things one ought to see in order to get a proper impression of the Chinese society’s historical achievements.

Have a good trip!

Historical outline

The Beijing area has been inhabited for thousands of years, all the way back to the time when the Peking man lived in the area around the present city’s southwestern suburb of Zhoukoudian. The area was extremely fertile and dwellings flourished over time. The formation of various states took place during the millennium up to the birth of Christ, and in the third century BC, the first Qin Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, united six states into the first major unified state in China. The city of Ji, which lay in the area of present-day Beijing, became the administrative center. Ji’s military and strategic role was maintained until the close of the Tang dynasty at the beginning of the tenth century, when the Khitanes from the north conquered the city.

The Khitanes made Ji their second capital, giving the city the name Nanjing, which means ‘Southern Capital’. Under the Liao dynasty of the Khitanes, from 926-1125, a number of palaces were built. The city was to be used as the starting point for further expansion towards the rest of the Chinese territory. From 1125, the Liao dynasty was replaced by the Jin dynasty (1125-1234), which made Nanjing the new capital of their kingdom. Nanjing was renamed Zhongdu, the ’Central Capital’. Zhongdu competed with the Song dynasty to the south, which was ruled from Hangzhou.

Around the year 1150, the Jin emperor undertook a large-scale expansion of Zhongdu. Palaces and numerous large public buildings were constructed. The population of the city grew – it was during this period that it reached one million. In 1215, the Mongolian army invaded Zhongdu, giving it the status of a provincial capital subordinated to the Mongolian capital of Kaiping. In 1271, Kubla Khan established the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) and made Zhongdu its capital. It now became known by the Chinese name Dadu, but was even better known by its Mongolian name, Khanbalik.

Kubla Khan’s realm became the greatest in the history of the world so far. The Mongolians also conquered the southern Song dynasty, thus uniting the entire Chinese land area. For the first time, Khanbalik was the capital of all China. Zhongdu, from the time of the Yin dynasty, was destroyed by a number of fires, and then Kubla Khan founded his new capital northeast of the old center – this was the beginning of Beijing as we know it today. The years 1267-1293 saw the building of the major share of palaces and fortifications.

In the 1360s, Mongolian rule was weakened and in 1368, the Ming army conquered Khanbalik. The city was renamed Beiping and came under Ming rulership from Nanjing. During the reign of the first two Ming emperors, Beiping was a regional center. The great city walls and The Forbidden City were built before Emperor Yonglei moved the capital there in 1421, now calling it Beijing, the Northern Capital.

Beijing’s development continued with extensive building projects throughout the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Construction activities continued under the Manchurian Qing dynasty (1644-1911) and vast gardens and parks were added. Both the Ming and Qing dynasties elaborated on the city plan that had been conceived in Khanbalik times. It was based on a central axis from south to north with the imperial palace as its absolute center.

After the collapse of the Qing dynasty in 1911, the Republic of China was established under the rule of the Koumintang. Nanjing was intended as the capital, but Beijing maintained its position – but only until 1928 when Nanjing became the official capital of the republic. Beijing returned to its former name – Beiping. In 1937, Beijing became part of the Japanesecontrolled Chinese area and became the capital – under the name Beijing. In the time after the Japanese domination from 1945-1949, it returned to its former name of Beiping.

Through the decades, social unrest had grown and in January of 1949, the Chinese rebel army entered the city. A few months later, on 1 October 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the establishment of the People’s Republic of China from the Tianamen gate. Both Beijing’s area and its population increased notably during the last half of the 1900s, and especially in Deng Xiaoping’s time much construction work was initiated. For a great number of years, development has been almost explosive with construction of new neighborhoods, development of infrastructure, new office buildings, shopping centers and more.

Ancient imperial China meets the new, modern nation in the city, which, at the time of writing, is being extensively enlarged in anticipation of the Olympic Games to be held in Beijing in 2008.

Tour 1: Beijiing

1. Tian’amnmen Square/Tian’anmen Guangchang

Tian’anmen Square is without comparison the largest open square in the world with its size of almost half a square kilometer. A mere walk around the outer area of the square would take a very long time. The Square reached its present size in the 1960s. It is now possible to gather half a million people there.

At the middle of the square is an obelisk raised in
1958 in memory of the heroes of China. The square’s most centrally positioned building, the mausoleum of Chairman Mao, also stands here. The mausoleum was opened in 1977, the year after Mao’s death, and every day thousands of Chinese make their way here from every part of the enormous nation to see Mao’s embalmed corpse.

At the southernmost end of the square is the great and impressive Qianmen gate, which was originally the southern entrance to Beijing. The gate, which consists of two separate buildings, was erected in 1421 and is part of Emperor Yongle’s city, which also includes the Forbidden City. The southernmost building is called the Archery Tower, Jianlou, while the northernmost is the main entrance gate, built into a preserved part of the city wall.

The northern end of Tian’anmen Square is surrounded by the Great Hall of the People/Renmin Dahuitang to the west, The Historical Museum of China (Zhongguo Lishi Bowuguan) and the
Revolutionary Museum of China (Zhongguo Geming Bowuguan) to the east and the Tian’anmen gate with Mao’s portrait to the north.

2. The Tian’anmen gate

The impressive Tain’anmen gate is one of Beijing’s landmarks. The gate was originally built in the beginning of the 1400s, but the present version was built in 1651.

The Chinese emperors traveled once a year to Heaven’s Temple, Tiantan. On their way there from the imperial palace in The Forbidden City, they stopped at the Tian’anmen gate to make offerings. The emperors would then continue by way of the centermost of the five marble bridges that face Tian’anmen square. The emperor alone used the central bridge; everyone else had to use the other four. On 1 October 1949, on the balcony of Tian’anmen gate, Mao was proclaimed founder of the People’s Republic of China. Today, the huge portrait of Mao, which is so well-known to the world, hangs under that very balcony looking out over the square. Today it is possible to take a guided tour of Tian’anmen Gate itself. One can go up onto the balcony and stand where Mao stood, looking out across the colossal square.

3. The Forbidden City/Zi Jin Cheng

The Forbidden City was the absolute center of power in China for almost 500 years. The building
of the complex began in 1404 and in 1421 Ming Emperor Yongle moved in with his court. The
emperors of China lived here until the republic was instituted in 1911.

In imperial times, the Forbidden City housed up to 10,000 persons, about 3,000 of which were eunuchs. Despite the numerous inhabitants, there were no problems finding space, as there were more than 8,500 rooms.

The central part of the Forbidden City is the imperial palace, Gugong, which is placed in the center of Yongle’s geomantically designed city. The imperial palace is thus placed on the northsouth axis of Beijing and is protected by 10- meter-high walls and a 50-meter-broad moat.

Starting from the moat at the southern end, the first thing one meets is the mighty Meridian Gate, Wumen, which is 35 meters high. Then the landscaped Golden Stream runs in front of the Gate of Highest Harmony. The gate is the entrance to the front courtyard of the complex.

In the courtyard, there are three impressive buildings, which together symbolize both the three Buddhas and the three pure gods of Taoism. The southernmost building, Tauhe Dian, is the Hall of Highest Harmony, within which the Chinese Dragon Throne is placed. It was in this building that the emperor reigned and imperial coronations took place here. The other two buildings are the Hall of Middle Harmony (Zhonghe Dian) and the Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohe Dian), respectively.

The next building is the Gate of Heavenly Purity, Quanqingmen, which is the entrance to the imperial family’s residence. The actual living quarters of the emperor and his family were located in the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Qianqing Gong, and here one can still see some of the original interior, for example, the sleeping quarters.

To the north, we find the pleasant, finely landscaped imperial gardens, after which we leave the Forbidden City by the Gate of Spiritual Courage, Shenwumen. Before exiting, however, one can take a stroll between the buildings to the east and west of the actual axis of the palace. Here one can see a museum that holds relics from the palace and The Wall of Nine Dragons, Jiulongbi.

Tour 2: Beijiing

4. Jingshan Park

Jingshan Park, also known as Coal Mountain, lies directly north of the Forbidden City on Beijings meridian. The park was once the private garden of the imperial family – the hills in the park were created from soil dug out of the moat when the Forbidden City was built, and the extra earth was brought here, where heaps of coal lay at the foot of the mountain. That is how it got the nickname, Coal Mountain.

In the time of Qianlong, the park was called the Garden of 100 Fruits because of the many fruit trees that grew there. The present park was laid out later and opened to the public in 1928. At the top of Coal Mountain itself, one is rewarded with a fantastic view of the Chinese capital – especially the Forbidden City to the south and the Drum Tower to the North.

If one climbs to the summit via the eastern side, one passes the spot where the last Ming Emperor, Chongzhen, hanged himself in 1644 when an army of peasants under the leadership of Li Zicheng invaded Beijing. A new tree has now been planted to mark the spot.

5. Beihai Park/Beihai Gongyuan

Beautiful Beihai Park was the place where the Mongolian Emperor, Kublai Khan, originally had his winter palace on Jade Island, Qinghuadao.

Today, nothing remains of Kubla Khan’s palace. On the spot where it stood, the 44-yard-high White Dagoba Temple, Bai Ta, was built in 1680. The White Dagoba Temple is a Buddhist shrine whose characteristic form can be seen from afar. The style is Tibetan and it was chosen on the occasion of the Dalai Lama’s first visit to Beijing. Across from Jade Island is The Round City, Tuancheng, named after its shape. In The Round City you can see the building called Chenghuang Dian; here, the 1.6-yard-high Buddha in white jade can be seen. In the park we also find the Nine Dragon Wall from 1756 (it was, however, reconstructed in 1885) and the five pavilions, all connected to each other by bridges.

6. Prins Gong’s Palace/Gong Wang Fu

The Palace of Prince Gong is built on a 14-acre area where the emperor’s relatives lived. Prince Gong was Emperor Guangxus’ son, and it was he who signed the Peking convention in 1860 when faced with advancing French and English military forces. A replica of the convention is on exhibit, but the beautiful house and the finely sculpted gardens are what make the greatest impression.

Travel To Osaka & Kyoto

2011-10-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

Travel to Osaka & Kyoto

A visit to Osaka & Kyoto (www.tourism.city.osaka.jp) (http://raku.city.kyoto.jp/sight_e.phtml)

(www.jnto.go.jp)

Osaka and Kyoto don't seem to be way apart and along they constitute a good chance of seeing one amongst Japan's largest and newest cities, Osaka, and Japan's stronghold of history and culture, Kyoto.

Osaka is Japan's second largest urbanized space when Tokyo-Yokohama and therefore the metropolis offers everything you'll be able to probably need from a contemporary huge city. Next to the skyscrapers lie lovely historic buildings as witnesses of the city's wealthy past, e.g. the Osaka Castle, an example of true Japanese architecture.

Kyoto is Japan's most wanted town in preserved historic buildings.
It used to be the capital of Japan,

and all the monumental palaces, temples, pagodas, etc. from that amount of greatness are preserved. Kyoto, therefore, could be a must-see if you want to urge the best doable image of Japan's history. Osaka and Kyoto are near one another and it takes no time in the slightest degree to urge from one to the opposite by train. each cities are completely fascinating. Have a pleasant journey!

Historical Define

Osaka

The history of Osaka dates back an extended approach, but the city's development into one amongst Japan's biggest and most important cities started within the sixteenth century.

After having led the unification of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi set to create a castle there.

Traders moved to measure next to the castle and also the town fast became the leading business centre of the area. When the Tokugawa shogunate was established in 1603, the govt. left it entirely to Osaka to continue its growth and business success, which was a highly contributory consider the cementation of its position as this a part of Japan's leading economical centre – a foothold the town still holds today. Osaka was, among alternative things, known for its textile industry, however the industrialization of the world within the 20th century brought with it a amendment to serious industries and also the founding of many monetary institutions. Osaka was the driving force in Japan until Tokyo took over.

The headquarters of the many corporations are moved from Osaka to the capital Tokyo, however the town has maintained its position because the power centre of the region. Internationally Osaka stood out because the host of the Japanese World Exhibition in 1970. In that context the new a part of the town to the north was laid out with the Shin-Osaka railway station at its center. The economic development of the town is mirrored by the terribly fashionable town, however at a similar time you can see its historical roots within the superb temples and, of course, within the previous castle of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Kyoto

Emperor Kammu created Kyoto the capital of Japan in 794 when ten years of imperial residence within the neighbouring town of Nagaoka. Kyoto remained to that standing till 1868 when Tokyo was created the country's imperial government town.

Kyoto is made in accordance with ancient Chinese geometry in its designing. One of the models was the capital of the Tang Dynasty, Chang'an, within the province of Xi'an in mainland China. However, through the centuries the Japanese citizens of Kyoto developed their own version based on Japanese culture, the so-called hiragana, apparent within the countless historic buildings within the elegant town.

For long periods of your time Kyoto wasn't solely the capital in name, it absolutely was the economical, cultural, and administrative centre. However, from time to time another town would be political government town, e.g. Kamakura within the thirteenth and 14th centuries, and Edo from 1603 to 1868. Mongolian armies would invade Japan within the final years of the thirteenth century, however they were defeated by a typhoon, the so-called divine wind, Kamikaze.

Peace was re-established by Emperor Go-Daigo. Also below Go-Daigo began a cultural boom in Kyoto – the Ashikaga amount. several stunning temples and gardens stay from that amount.

However, the tensions between regional leaders grew within the remainder of Japan and in 1467 the ten year long Onin War began. powerful battles were fought right into the centre of Kyoto that was partly ruined. Still, town prevailed – additionally as capital – however the following decades were marked by an outsized number of regional fights.

The Emperors Nobunaga and Hideyohshi united the country beneath the central power in Kyoto and

rebuilt town in 1568-1590. town then numbered quite five hundred.000 inhabitants. During Edo's position because the country's political centre of power from 1603, Kyoto remained the spiritual and cultural centre. No different town within the empire had temples and cultural establishments that could match Kyoto's, which continues to be the case these days.

During the 2nd World War Kyoto was spared bombardments thanks to the city's distinctive cultural and architectural inheritance. when the war town was maintained as concentrate for ancient Japanese culture and as an academic center. The University of Kyoto has created several winners of the Nobel Prize.

During the long economical boom when 1945, the trade of town was additionally developed, however the culture remains the trademark of the gorgeous town. From the 1970's the tourism within the town has risen greatly.

Tour 1: Osaka

2.Tennoji Park

Chausuyama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Metro/train station: Tennoji

Tennoji Park may be a inexperienced area by the Tennoji Station, Osaka's southern transportation entrance. The park is incredibly stunning and features a zoological garden, a conventional Japanese garden and is home to the Osaka Museum of Art.

2. Osaka Museum of Art

1-82 Chausuyama-cho, Tennoji-ku http://osaka-art.info-museum.net Metro/train station: Tennoji

The museum is situated in Tennoji Park. In one in all the 2 symmetrical wings of the museum (there) is an exhibition of antique arts, and within the alternative, an exhibition of recent art.

3. Tsutenkaku Tower

1-18-6 Ebisu-Higashi, Naniwa-ku Metro/train station: Ebisucho

The 103 meters high Tsutenkaku Tower is one in every of Osaka's landmarks. it's situated within the entertainment quarter of Shinsekai, and from the observation deck ninety four meters up you've got a fine read of the world.

4. Shitennoji Temple

1-11-18 Shintennoji, Tennoji-ku, Metro/train station: Shitennoji-mae

Shitennoji Temple is Japan's oldest Buddhist temple. It was in-built 593 by Prince Shotoku. The temple buildings, as well as the gorgeous central pagoda, have been ravaged by fires varied times. The present buildings are so the results of varied reconstructions of the first temples.

5. Ikutama Shrine/Ikutama Jinja

13 Ikutama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Metro/train station: Tanimachi-kyuchome

Emperor Jimmu had the Ikutama Shrine designed where the Osaka Castle currently lies. it had been inbuilt connexion with the currently burnt down Ishiyamahonganji Temple. In 1583 Hideyoshi Toyotomi moved the shrine to its gift location in connexion with the building of Osaka Castle.

6. Hozenji Temple

1-2-16 namba, Chuo-ku, Metro/train station: Nippombashi Station

Hozenji Temple may be a tiny temple with a pleasant and cosy Japanese ambiance with the temple buildings, the recent statues and hanging lanterns.

7. Shin-Kabukiza Theatre

4-3-25 Namba Chuo-ku www.shinkabukiza.co.jp, Metro/train station: Namba

The beautiful Shin-Kabukiza Theatre is made within the style of the Momoyama amount.

8. Naniwanomiya palatial ruins

4 chome, Otemae, Chuo-ku, Metro/train station: Tanimachi-yonchome

Osaka was never Japan's official capital, however the city's Naniwanomiya Palace was functioning because the country's government residence within the seventh century, before Kyoto and Nara became residential cities for emperors and directors. nowadays solely the foundations of the palace are often seen, however they provide an impact of the scale of the

palace. within the museum nearby you'll see a reconstruction model of the palace that shows how the palace might have seemed like when it had been still occupied.

9. Osaka Castle/Osaka-jo

1-1 Osaka-jo, Chuo-ku www.tourism.city.osaka.jp/en/castle Metro/train station: Tanimachiyonchome/Morinomiya
Osaka Castle towers over town with its huge central tower and it makes a powerful read from the terribly massive surrounding park. The castle was designed by Hideyoshi Toyotomi by the top of the 1500s and may be a typical example of the Japanese architectural vogue used for building castles of that point.

9a. Osaka Historical Museum www.mus-his.city.osaka.jp

In the tower of Osaka Castle may be a historical museum that portrays the city's, the inhabitants' and therefore the Toyotomi family's history. The exhibition shows archaeological findings from Osaka's earliest times to the trendy town of these days. From the castle tower you also have an incredible read of Osaka. you'll need to go to the section at 1-32 Otemae 4-Chome, Chou-ku.

10. Osaka's coin

1-1-79 tenman, Kita-ku, Metro/train station: Tenmangu

Osaka Coin Mint Sakura by zichi

The country's alone abode area they brand coins was founded in Osaka, on the banks of the Yodo River, in 1871. Today you can admission genitalia of the park and the Bread Museum. The building has an interesting accumulating of Japanese and adopted coins, and the history of Osaka's bread is additionally told.

11. Museum of Oriental Ceramics

1-1-26 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku www.moco.or.jp Metro/train station: Yodoyabashi / Kitahama

In the Nakanoshima Park, on the island with the same name, lies the admirable Museum of Oriental Ceramics. The museum's accumulating of aged ceramics from China and Korea is unique.

12. Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine

1-8 2 chome, Tenjin, Kita-ku, Tunnelbana/S-tåg: Higashi Umeda Station, Metro/train station: Higashi Umeda Station

This altar is accepted as the abode in which the Edo Period's best acclaimed play, ”Sonezaki Shinju”, took place. The actual acts were dramatized by Monzeamon Chikamatsu in the alpha of the 18^th century. Today the Ohatsu Tenjin Altar is surrounded by barrio in the Sonezaki entertainment quarter.

13. Kita quarter/Kita-ku

Metro/train station: Osaka Station/Umeda Station

The avant-garde Kita division about Osaka and Umeda Station is a exhibit for avant-garde Japan with its many skyscrapers and ample cavern shopping centre’s

14. Umeda Sky Building

Umeda Sukai Biru, 1-1-18 Ohyodo-naka, Kita-ku, Metro/train station: Osaka Station

The absorbing Umeda Sky Building consists of two skyscrapers which are abutting 170 metres up by a Japanese amphibian garden. The anchor in the building gives a nice appearance of ample genitalia of Osaka, not atomic the avant-garde arctic part.

Travel To Osaka & Kyoto

Travel To Singapore

2011-10-19T05:55:00.000-07:00

Travel To Singapore

A visit to Singapore

www.visitsingapore.com

The city-state of Singapore could be a wonderful place where several of Asia’s cultures, new and previous, in addition as tropical beaches and pristine rainforest, will all be experienced at intervals a awfully tiny space. The official language is English, however Singapore’s several ethnic teams, like Malay, Indian, Arab and therefore the Chinese place their own distinctive mark on the town, every with their own town quarters, shops, restaurants and festivals.

Singapore is incredibly fashionable, with splendid design and plenty of looking opportunities and alternative attractions. Everything is held along via an economical public transportation system. Singapore is simply sixty kilometers from the Equator, and it's an honest start line for visits to the nearby Indonesian islands, or to Malaysia’s second largest town, Johor Bahru, that borders Singapore. Have a good trip!

Historical Define

Singapore was mentioned for the primary time within the third century as “island at the end”, however it had been not till the 14th century that Prince Srivijava landed on the island and, in line with legend, saw an animal he thought was a lion. Taking this as an indication, he founded Singapura, which suggests “Lion City”.

A small Malaysian settlement developed, and by the mid-14th century each Malay and Chinese individuals were living there. Pirates also are thought to own used the world as a base for raids against the numerous ships sailing the slim straits there. throughout the subsequent centuries, Singapore became a major trading port. The area’s dominant seaport was Melaka additional to the north, however Singapore’s significance grew significantly beneath the sultanate of Johor.

From the fifteenth to the eighteenth centuries, the eu colonial powers dominated the realm. The Portuguese were the primary to arrive in Melaka in 1509; later came the Dutch, and at last the British, who were the smallest amount vital at that point. The British sought to achieve additional influence mainly within the Dutch areas, since the trade, particularly between China and India, was terribly lucrative and so necessary to manage. Sir Stamford Raffles became governor of the English Bencoolen Province in 1818. He needed to make a brand new harbour near the Straits of Malacca to challenge the Dutch monopoly. On January twenty ninth, 1819 Raffles landed at Singapore, and by agreement with the rightful Sultan Hussein of Johor, who had been exiled by his brother, present-day Singapore was founded.

Raffles created Singapore a free port to draw in the area’s traders, who were forced to pay terribly high taxes within the Dutch-controlled ports. Singapore grew rapidly, and by 1825 its population was over ten,000. once 3 years as governor of Bencoolen, Raffles came to Singapore in 1822. He negotiated a brand new agreement with the Sultan, which made Singapore British territory. to make sure orderly progress for the rapidly developing city’s several settlers, he established the various ethnic areas, that still exist these days.

Dutch resistance to Singapore’s growing success resulted within the Anglo-Dutch treaty of 1824. The treaty created present-day Singapore and Malaysia a part of the British sphere of influence, whereas Indonesia visited the Dutch. Singapore, Penang and Melaka were joined because the Straits Settlements and ruled from India. During the subsequent decades, Singapore developed into one in all the world’s most significant seaports, and also the increasing significance of the Straits Settlements prompted nice Britain to alter the area’s standing to a British crown colony ruled directly from London. The British Governor currently dominated Singapore, that created the choice method faster and smoother.

Singapore continued to grow, and following the first World War the British engineered a naval base close to town. Singapore had not been concerned directly within the war, however Japan’s increasing foreign political ambitions included the areas round the Straits of Malacca.

The great naval base was completed in 1939, however when the 2nd World War began, virtually the whole Navy was utilized within the defence of England instead of the British interests in Southeast Asia. the japanese Army arrived in Northern Malaysia at the tip of 1941, and reached Singapore by early 1942. On February fifteenth, Singapore surrendered to General Tomoyuki Yamashita, and also the Japanese renamed town Syonan-to. The British came in 1945, however by that point demands for independence had gained strength. The rising nationalism didn't result in an on the spot revolt, however it resulted in decades of political turbulence till Singapore achieved independence in 1959.

In 1963, Singapore merged with Malaysia, however this led to widespread discontent and fighting, and in 1965 Singapore gained independence from Malaysia. Two years later, in 1967, the Singapore dollar was introduced and serious investments were created to confirm the survival of the country’s economy. Education, construction, business and transport became key factors in Singapore’s success, and these days the country is over again the trade centre of the region.

Tour 1: Singapore

1. Parliament House

1 Parliament Place www.parliament.gov.sg MRT: City Hall

Parliament home is Singapore’s gift Parliament building. it absolutely was in-built an imposing, trendy vogue within the amount 1995-1999.

2. Raffles Landing Site

North Boat Quay MRT: City Hall

Raffles Landing web site is that the place where Singapore’s founder, Sir Stamford Raffles, 1st set foot on the island on January twenty ninth, 1819. A marble statue of Raffles erected in 1972 marks the place. it's a duplicate of the initial bronze statue that currently stands in front of Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall.

3. Asian CivilizationsMuseum

39 Armenian Street og 1 Empress Place www.museum.org.sg/acm MRT: City Hall

One of the terribly lovely buildings housing the Asian Civilisations Museum these days was inbuilt 1910 for the Tao Nan Boys’ School; the opposite, Empress Place Building, was inbuilt 1864-1867 for the colonial government.

The museum depicts the cultural histories of Singapore’s many various peoples, as well as displays regarding Chinese, Islamic and Malaysian culture, furthermore as finds from the Singapore space.

4. Old Parliament House

Empress Place MRT: City Hall

Singapore’s recent Parliament House was engineered by the architect George Coleman in 1826-1827 as a residential mansion for the merchant John Argyle Maxwell. From 1962, it absolutely was home to Singapore’s Parliament. In 1999 the new Parliament House was completed and therefore the Parliament moved there.

5. Victoria Theatre &Concert Hall

11 Empress Place www.vch.org.sg MRT: City Hall

This cultural advanced consists of 2 buildings. Victoria Theatre was inbuilt a British Neoclassicist vogue in 1862 and used for numerous English performances. Victoria Memorial Hall was inbuilt 1905, however was renamed Victoria Concert Hall in 1980. The 54-metre-tall clock tower was erected to hitch the buildings.

Victoria Memorial Hall was used as a hospital throughout the japanese bombardments of Singapore within the 2nd World War. The building additionally served as a venue for Japanese war crimes trials when the war resulted in 1945.

In front of the building there's a bronze statue of Sir Stamford Raffles. it's been there since it had been moved from its original location at the Padang.

6. Padang

Padang MRT: City Hall

The Padang is that the nice central field, that since 1830 has hosted several of the city’s sporting events, not least cricket games. At the top of the Padang stands the gorgeous Colonial-style building that's home to Singapore’s Cricket Club. The building was in-built 1884.

7. Supreme Court

St. Andrew’s Road www.supcourt.gov.sg MRT: City Hall

Singapore’s spectacular recent Supreme Court Building was erected in 1939 because the last major Classical design building to be engineered throughout the colonial amount. the large Corinthian columns and also the nice dome underscore the building’s importance. The frieze over the most entrance depicts the historic agreement between Sultan Hussein and Stamford Raffles, that created potential the founding of Singapore as a trading port in 1819.

8. City Hall

St. Andrew’s Road MRT: City Hall

Singapore’s Neoclassicist town Hall building was erected in 1929. many vital events have taken place on its steps, like the official surrender of

the Japanese in 1945 and Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s declaration of home rule for Singapore in 1965.

9. St. Andrew’s Cathedral

Coleman Street www.livingstreams.org.sg MRT: City Hall

St. Andrew’s Cathedral was inbuilt 1861 on an initiative by Ronald Macpherson. though the Cathedral is Anglican, it's dedicated to Scotland’s patron saint in recognition of the handsome Scottish donations.

St Andrew’s Cathedral is made in a very splendid English Neo-Gothic vogue, and its exterior is roofed in white chunam plaster giving it a chic look. From 1837 to 1852, an earlier Cathedral stood on this spot, however it absolutely was demolished thanks to serious harm thanks to lightning strikes.

10. War Memorial Park

Stamford Road, Beach Road, Bras Basah Road och Nicoll Highway

www.nparks.gov.sg/park31.asp MRT: City Hall

Den fridfulla och vackra parken blev anlagd 1964 och ligger centralt belägen until minne av 2:a världskrigets provide. Mittpunkten i parken utgörs av ett seventy meter högt monument, där de fyra pelarna symboliserar Singapores fyra befolkningsgrupper: indier, kineser, malaysier och de övriga minoriteterna.

11. Theatres on the Bay

1 Esplanade Drive www.esplanade.com MRT: City Hall

Theatres on the Bay could be a massive complicated in-built 2002 that contains a concert hall and a theatre with a capability of one,600 and 2,000 people, respectively. The acoustics within the concert hall are wonderful, however Theatres on the Bay is best known for its architectural vogue, that makes it seem like 2 rounded glass shells. Some decision the place “The Durian” as a result of the building’s likeness to the fruit.

12. Singapore Flyer

30 Raffles Avenue www.singaporeflyer.com.sg MRT: City Hall

Singapore Flyer may be a colossal observation wheel. it's one hundred sixty five metres tall with a diameter of one hundred fifty metres. it's twenty eight air-conditioned gondolas, every with a capability of thirty individuals.

At the time of its gap in 2008, the Singapore Flyer was the best observation wheel within the world and through the half-hour long ride there are fantastic views of Singapore, Johor Bahru in Malaysia and a number of other islands, together with Batam and Bintan in Indonesia.

Tour 2: Singapore

13. Raffles Hotel

1 Beach Road www.raffles.com MRT: City Hall

The world famous Raffles Hotel is thought for its charm and magnificence, that are kept alive since the Nineteen Twenties. The hotel is Singapore’s oldest, and has been visited by countless celebrities from everywhere the globe, like Charlie Chaplin and Michael Jackson. it's attainable for non-residents to expertise the atmosphere by having a meal in its restaurant, or maybe relish a Singapore Sling within the Long Bar. it had been during this bar the primary Singapore Sling was served in 1915.

Raffles Hotel conjointly has museum showcasing its history, together with its several famous guests.

14. Chijmes

30 Victoria Street www.chijmes.com.sg MRT: City Hall

The Convent of Chijmes was founded in 1854 beneath its original name, Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus. The Sisters operated an orphanage and a college till 1983 when the convent moved to a different location.

Chijmes’ most delicacy is that the elegant chapel in-built 1903 with its slender spire. nowadays the buildings are home to a shopping mall.

15. Cathedral of the GoodShepard

4 Queen Street MRT: City Hall

The Cathedral of the great Shepherd was the primary Catholic Cathedral in Singapore. it absolutely was inbuilt 1843-1846 in an exceedingly restrained Renaissance vogue when.

Travel To Singapore

Travel To Seoul

2011-10-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

Travel To Seoul

A visit to Seoul

In Seoul you meet the attractive ancient Korean culture, however at constant time you actually feel that you are in one among Asia's fashionable metropolises.

The capital of Southern Korea has several palaces surrounded by inexperienced parks, and you'll be able to sense the serenity and balance of the attractive buildings.

Seoul is endowed with several natural features; the river, that flows calmly through the town and also the hills that each surround and type a part of the town. Overlooking it all is that the Seoul Tower from that you get an honest plan of the dimensions of the town and also the distinction between the fashionable design and also the historical palaces.

When the day turns into night there is a heap to try and do within the town that lacks nothing within the fields of looking, eating, and sightseeing. Indoor fun parks like Lotte World are very hip.

Seoul is situated near its sister country North Korea and if you'll, you must take a visit to The Demilitarized Zone, where you not solely identical to the country to the north however really enter North Korean territory.

Historical Define

The first settlements in Seoul will through archaeological findings be dated back quite half dozen,000 years. earlier there was an agricultural settlement within the fertile space along the river Han.

Seoul became the capital of Korea at the time of the dominion of Paekche that began in fifty seven BC. Seoul is just the Korean word for capital. till 668 it absolutely was the age of The 3 Kingdoms. additionally to Paekche there have been the Kingdoms of Koguryo and Shilla.

In 668 the dominion of Shilla conquered the other 2, and also Seoul that they renamed Hansong. when the unification of Korea throughout the Dynasty of Koryo, that reigned from 918, the town was yet again renamed; now it absolutely was called Yangju, however the name was modified again to Namgyong – the southern capital – in 1067. At that time it absolutely was one among three major cities in Korea.

It also became the starting point for the event of the Seoul we know nowadays. until then it had been atiny low town, primarily agricultural, however when king Munjong in 1068 had a summer palace inbuilt Seoul, different groups of people visited live there similarly. That was the beginning of the city's transformation toward the important city Seoul is nowadays.

In 1392 the Dynasty of Chosun came to power, and the city was called Hanyang. The king Yi Song- Gye organised a thorough investigation into where the best place for at united capital would be, if it absolutely was to be ready to develop similarly as be defendable. The result was, when 2 years of investigating, that Hanyang formally became the capital of the complete of Korea and King Yi Song-Gye began to maneuver his administration and Court here.

That was the beginning of an era of many building projects, as well as palaces and government buildings. The palace of Kyongbuk was engineered, and it remained the kings' residence through many centuries. town wall, that is seventeen km long, was additionally engineered. It took no quite ninety eight days for nearly two hundred.000 staff to create it.

During the reign of the Chosun Dynasty, Korea was virtually isolated from the remainder of the planet. the most important gap was toward the neighbors in China, and for hundreds of years Chinese culture had an excellent influence on the Korean.

In the starting of the eighteenth century the population of town was regarding two hundred,000. That range remained stable through the subsequent 2 centuries primarily attributable to the isolationist policy toward the remainder of the planet, that meant that Korea wasn't influenced by a rise in trading. 1876 became the year Korea displayed for diplomatic conations to the western countries. This created a replacement amount of growth primarily based on trade, production, and foreign representations.

The open Korea became a neighborhood of the Japanese Empire in 1910. town remained the executive centre of the Korean peninsula, however modified its name again; now it absolutely was known as Kyonsong. the event didn't stop with the Japanese management, and within the mid 30ies the amount of inhabitants had risen to 750,000. the Japanese management ended along side World War two, and therefore the new and freelance Korea became a reality. On august fifteenth town was given its current name, Seoul.

In the years succeeding the independence of Korea the capital developed rapidly and in 1949 Seoul became home to many new administrative branches. The city's population had grown to over one,400,000.

Shortly hereafter came the Korean War that devastated Seoul, and therefore the town had to be virtually entirely rebuilt. Before the war led to 1953 Seoul had been conquered and reclaimed various times, and every time there was severe fighting in the streets.

Seoul remained capital after the war, however now only of South Korea (Pyongyang became the capital of North Korea). Through the 1950ies and 1960ies an enormous amount of reconstruction work passed off with the participation of the whole population and a special law that enabled the prime minister to take immediate action and responsibility for the progress.

During this period the world of town was immensely expanded. The recent city in the northern traditional centre of Seoul has grown with the great trendy areas along the river Han together with blocks of flats, entertainment and searching centre’s for the ten millions and additional inhabitants of these days.

The success of the new South Korea extremely came to the attention of the total world with the large sports event Asian Games in 1986 and therefore the Olympic Games two years later. additional recently, South Korea and Japan hosted (the) World Championships in soccer in 2002.

Travel 1 : Seoul

1. The Palace of Changgyeonggung

2-1 Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Metro: Haehwa

The palace of Changgyeonggung was engineered by King Sejong as a residence for his father Taejong. The palace was renovated and expanded in 1483 by King Seongjong to become residence for Queen Dowagers.

The central half, the Myeongjeon building, was in-built the 14th century. that creates it the oldest of its kind in Korea. The building burned down in 1592, however it had been rebuilt in 1616.

The park that surrounds the palace is extremely lovely and here lies the Chundangji Lake that used to be a rice field. The king cultivated the rice himself to raised perceive the ways that of lifetime of the agricultural population. The park was modified in 1909 when the japanese turned it into a botanical garden and a zoo (both were moved in 1983).

TRAVEL SEAT

2. The Palace of Changdeokgung

2-71 Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu Metro: Anguk

The palace of Changdeokgung was engineered by King Taejong in 1405 to function (a) royal villa. It became the King's residence when the destruction of the Gyeongbokgung palace in 1592.

The surroundings of the palace with its several pavilions are characterized by rough terrain, and here the Korean tradition for harmony between buildings and nature is accentuated. The design is very varied through the grounds, e.g. the magnificent back yard within which the various trees and flowers virtually become fused with the pavilions.

The huge Injeongjeon building is the throne room of the palace, and is placed in the centre. this is often where the kings made selections regarding affairs of state and held official meetings and representations. The throne room was last changed beneath the King Sunjo in 1804.

3. The holy shrine of Jongmyo

1-2 Hunjeong-dong, Jongno-gu, Metro: Jongno 3-ga

Jongmyo may be a royal shrine, engineered at the top of the 14th century, shortly when Seoul became the capital of Korea. Four times a year the elegant and grandiose grounds shaped the background of ceremonies within which the king, his sons and military leaders participated. This place is taken into account to be one in all the foremost vital of Korean cultural history.

Tour 2: Seoul

4. The palace of Gyeongbokgung

1 Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu, Metro: Gyeongbokgung

The palace of Gyeongbokgung was in-built 1395 by King Taejo. The name means that "shining happiness" and also the palace could be a tribute to the perpetual happiness and success of the Korean kings.

In 1592 the palace was destroyed throughout the Japanese invasion and it had been in ruins till its reconstruction in 1865. However, it wasn't brought back to its original type till the 1990ies.

Gyeongbokgung provides the visitor an incredible impression of Korean cultural history of earlier centuries, and also the palace itself with the numerous completely different buildings and gates similarly as wonderful park could be a pretty place to go to. In the park one will see the Gyeonghoeru pavilion that nearly floats on the water of the unreal lake surrounding the pavilion. The pavilion was in-built 1412 by King Taejong, burnt down in 1592 and reconstructed in 1867 by King Gojong.

In the park opposite the doorway lies the Hyangwonjeong pavilion on an island within the tiny lake, into that water pours from the cold spring that wells up north-west of the pavilion. In Korea the amount six symbolises water, and since the pavilion is made by the lake it's the shape of a hexagon. One reaches the island and pavilion by a chic picket bridge known as Chwihyanggyo.

West of the palace of Gyeongbokgung lies the Sajikdan altar that was designed at the top of the 14th century, as was the palace. The altar was in-built honors of the gods of the world and of excellent harvest. The kings would return here many times every year and these days ceremonies still happen in spring and autumn.

4a. Museum of culturalhistory

On the grounds of the Gyeongbokgung palace lies the attractive building that homes the museum of cultural history. it's in-built white marble and contains a blue tile roof.

The museum portrays Korean life vogue and culture from prehistoric times till the amount of Joseon. you'll see models of pagodas and temples additionally as completely different exhibitions on, as an example, the creation of the Korean alphabet.

5. The Korean Museum of Folkfore

1-1 Jongno-gu www.nfm.go.kr Metro : Gyeongbokgung

The museum lets the guests in on lifestyle in Korea from history through the Bronze Age and up till the country became a monarchy.

Here you may realize writings from the Goryeo era, wedding artefacts, clothing, and thoroughly crafted models of various Korean buildings like the 9 storeys high Hwangnyongsa pagoda.

Travel To Soul

6. Dongnimmun

945-beonji Hyeonjeo-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Metro: Dongnimmun

The spectacular gate of Dongnimmun was inbuilt 1898 as a celebration of Korea's freedom and independence. you discover it within the Independence Park where it stands as a monument over the Korean people's fight for his or her country.

7. The temple of Bongwonsa

San 1, Bongwon-dong, Seodaemun-gu www.bongwonsa.or.kr Metro: Dongnimmun

The temple of Bongwonsa was founded in 889 throughout the Silla reign. However, the present temple was engineered underneath King Yeoungjo because the original was destroyed throughout war actions. the large central building has been engineered while not the utilization of nails, that is kind of distinctive. Twice a month at the Bongwonsa temple, there's a show of ancient Korean rituals and costumes. it's a stimulating show, particularly thanks to the attractive setting that the Bongwonsa temple provides.

8. The palace of Gyeonghuigung

1-126, Sinmunno 2-ga, Jongno-gu, Metro: Seodaemun

The palace of Gyeonghuigung was finished in 1620 and comprised quite one hundred buildings and rooms. it absolutely was used as an annex to the royal residential palace, Changdeokgung.

Two nice fires within the nineteenth century ruined most of the buildings. The remains were torn down throughout the japanese occupation. within the 1980ies a restoration of the realm began, and therefore the Sungjeongjeon building from 1985 is especially spectacular.

9. The museum of city history in Seoul

2-1 Sinmunno 2-ga, Jongnu-gu www.museum.seoul.kr Metro: Seodaemun

This museum describes the event of Seoul from five,000 BC, each the geographical urbanisation of the realm and therefore the lives of the city's inhabitants.

The museum is split into completely different themes – how Seoul became the capital of Korea, the event of living conditions throughout the Joseon Dynasty and therefore the royal traditions of Seoul, among alternative things. Of the numerous stunning historic objects within the museum, the bulk is from the Joseon era.

Travel To Seoul

Travel to Hong Kong

2011-10-15T23:14:00.000-07:00

Travel to Hong Kong www.discoverhongkong.com, www.cnto.org

A visit to Hong Kong

The Hong Kong metropolis is an extremely exciting city to visit and it has fascinated the millions of travelers that go there to experience its many unique contrasts.

Hong Kong is Chinese, but is also influenced by the more than 150 years of British rule, which ended in 1997. Between the skyscrapers, one finds small buildings made in the finest colonial architectural style, providing living proof of the city’s history.

Hong Kong offers a colossal range of activities, modern business areas, and beautiful nature. The city is also filled with shopping opportunities, the delicacies of the Cantonese cuisine and ancient Chinese culture.

Hong Kong itself is mainly composed of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, and the two combined offer both metropolitan atmosphere, lovely bathing beaches and wild nature. Nearby is Macau, where the distinct Portuguese touch still left behind from colonial times also creates a unique experience. Have a good trip!

Historical outline

Even in prehistoric times, there were dwellings in the Hong Kong area, but thousands of years were to pass before the area began to develop further.

With the opening of the Silk Road, which was at its height from about 200 BC to the year 950, the Chinese territory experienced a general development.

When Genghis Khan invaded China from the north around the year 1200, there was a big increase in the population of Hong Kong due to the numerous refugees from the Mongolian invasion in the other Chinese regions. In 1300, Hong Kong was officially founded as a Chinese city.

The first European to visit Hong Kong was Jorge Álvares, a Portuguese merchant who traded with the Chinese. His trade brought him there in 1513, and from then on, Portuguese traders visited the city regularly.

In 1840, Hong Kong became one of the centers of the Opium War between China and England. The Chinese administration in Peking demanded that the import of opium cease and all the established stores of opium were destroyed.

In response, on January 20, 1841, Charles Elliott declared Hong Kong a British crown colony, began to sell land and thus to re-inhabit Hong Kong Island. After some disputes and difficulties, Henry Pottinger took over the leadership of the island, and under him, the British holdings were expanded to other cities on the Chinese coast; among them was Shanghai. Just as they were about to take over Nanking, a peace agreement was reached and the Opium War ended.

One of the results of the peace agreement of Nanking was that China surrendered Hong Kong to England, and on June 16, 1843, Henry Pottinger was appointed the first British governor of Hong Kong. During the same year, China got trade rights in Hong Kong.

In 1858, the second Opium War broke out, and, after numerous skirmishes, ended in 1860 with a settlement in Peking giving England the southern part of the mainland, present-day Kowloon.

The last decades of the 1800s were a period of great growth for the city. A cable car network, the Victoria Peak Tram, was built, and railroad connections to Canton were opened. In 1891, the Hong Kong dollar was introduced.

In 1898, the last expansion of Hong Kong’s territory took place with the 99-year British lease agreement for the so-called New Territories, consisting of the mainland north of Kowloon and 236 islands. The new additions of land made it possible for the British to develop the city into the modern center that it still is today.

In 1941, Hong Kong was invaded by Japanese troops and after 16 days, the city surrendered. A large part of the population left for Macau. In 1945, Hong Kong’s British rule was re- established. Just a few years later, in 1949, when Mao founded the People’s Republic of China, supporters of Chiang Kai-Shek left China, many of them for Hong Kong, thus increasing the population of the small land area even further.

In 1956, Hong Kong came under regional home rule, still under the British crown, but with greatly increased local authority.

The following decades saw the beginning of Hong Kong’s explosive period of economic growth. It began with the establishment of a large textile industry that could compete with the European producers, especially in terms of hourly wages.

After the textile industry, trade and industry in Hong Kong changed in line with the economic success and a strong financial sector developed.

Over a period of only a few years, the city became one of the richest in the world.

During this time, changes also took place in the cultural and social areas, not least due to the overweight of Chinese inhabitants – for example, Cantonese became an official language on the same level as English. The transport sector also benefited from large investments – the metro, MTR, was opened in 1980, and eleven years later came plans for the modern airport, Chek Lap Kok.

In the beginning of the 1980s, China and England began negotiating British withdrawal from the area after the lease agreement expired. In 1984, an agreement was signed returning all of Hong Kong to China in 1997. Under the agreement, Hong Kong’s status and system would continue partially unchanged until 2047. However, the city would be subject to Chinese territorial borders, defense rules and foreign policy immediately after 1997.

On July 1, 1997, Hong Kong became Chinese once again, and since then the city has become increasingly integrated into the present unique period of growth in China – for example, heavy investments have been made in Hong Kong’s film industry.

Tour 1: Hong Kong

1. The Sheung Wan and Western Districts

MTR: Sheung Wan

The Sheung Wan and Western districts hold historical significance for Hong Kong. It was in Possession Street that the English first raised the Union Jack in 1841. During the same year, more and more Chinese immigrants began to settle there and today, the area is still the best example of a traditional Chinatown within Hong Kong.

2. The University of Hong Kong

Pok Fu Lam Road www.hku.hk, MTR: Sheung Wan

The university on Hong Kong Island is the oldest one in Hong Kong. The lovely main building was built in 1912 in colonial style. Among the many famous graduates of the university is Sun Yat-sen, the first president of the Chinese republic.

In the university museum, Chinese antiques and works of art can be seen; among them is the world’s largest collection of bronze objects from the Yuan dynasty.

3. The Western Market Building

323 Des Voeux Road Central MTR: Sheung Wan.

Hong Kong’s market building was built in 1906 in Edwardian style. After a thorough renovation, the market reopened in 1991. A visit here is a must – in the many small shops, one can buy Chinese handicrafts.

4. The Man Mo Temple/Man Mo Temple

124-126 Hollywood Road, MTR: Sheung Wan

The Man Mo Temple is one of Hong Kong’s oldest. It was built in 1847. The Temple’s name stems from Man (the god of literature) and Mo (the god of war), but the temple itself is a beautiful, peaceful oasis in the midst of the surrounding city environs.

5. The Duddell Street Steps

Duddell Street, MTR: Centra

Between Duddell Street and Ice House Street, there is a set of fine stone stairs. All along the sides of the staircase, the last remaining gas lamps in the city are placed. They were set up in 1875 and stand there still, spreading a special, romantic atmosphere from the past and a great contrast to modern Hong Kong.

6. The Governor’s Residence

Upper Albert Road, MTR: Central

In the Mid-Levels Garden Park, the former official residence of the British governor in Hong Kong is situated. The governor’s residence was built in 1855 and converted by the Japanese during World War II. Twenty-five British governors lived here until 1997, when Hong Kong was handed over to China.

Today the governor’s residence is used for concerts and other entertainment programs. Outside of the residence, one can enjoy the lovely garden with its rhododendrons and azaleas, not to mention many other attractive flowers.

7. The Former French Mission Building

1 Battery Path, MTR: Centra

Among Hong Kong’s skyscrapers in the Central District, one finds this red brick building in colonial style from the 1800s, which was bought by French missionaries in 1915. With its wooden shutters and cast-iron ornaments, the building is typical of French buildings of the time. Today, it houses part of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal.

8. Victoria Peak

Peak Road

www.thepeak.com.hk

www.madame-tussauds.com.hk

MTR: Central

Victoria Peak is one of Hong Kong’s most visited spots. Its placement at the top of the mountain on Hong Kong Island provides a fantastic view out over the entire city. It is recommended that one make the journey upwards in the hours just before sunset and then stay on the peak until after nightfall. The view at both points in time is unforgettable.

Victoria Peak is also the starting point for a number of footpaths, which give one the possibility of experiencing Hong Kong outside the metropolis area. One of them gives a fine view of the southern side of the island and the ocean there.

In the unique tower on Victoria Peak itself one finds shops, restaurants and Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum, which contains replicas of about 100 well-known personalities, among them Hong Kong’s own Jackie Chan.

The Peak Tram/峺錔殻崝 takes you to Victoria Peak from the terminal at Garden Road. It is a cable-car route established in 1888. The tram climbs 373 meters upwards, and you get an incredible view looking out from the right side of the wagons.

Tour 2: Hong Kong

9. St. John’s Cathedral/勢X慌楮符

4-8 Garden Road www.stjohnscathedral.org.hk, MTR: Central/Ο/Admiralty/

St. John’s Cathedral is believed to be the oldest Anglican church in the Far East. It was built in 1849 in a style that blends English architecture of the 1200s with decorated Gothic architecture.

10. The Bank of China Tower

1 Garden Road, MTR: Central/Admiralty

The impressive Bank of China Tower is one of modern Hong Kong’s most striking buildings. The architect, I. M. Pei, used bamboo as his inspiration. The building is 70 stories high and recognizable from all the popular vantage points in the city.

11. Flagstaff House

10 Cotton Tree Drive www.lcsd.gov.hk/ce/museum MTR: Admiralty

The Flagstaff House mansion in Hong Kong Park was built in 1846 as a residence for the British commander. It held that status until 1932. Today, the lovely house is a museum for tea sets.

12. The Central Plaza Building

18 Harbour Road, www.centralplaza.com.hk, MTR: Wan Chai

Central Plaza’s 78 stories make it one of Hong Kong’s highest buildings. After nightfall, the neon light at the top of Central Plaza changes color every fifteen minutes, thus placing it among the city’s most noteworthy modern skyscrapers.

13. The Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center

1 Expo Drive www.hkcec.com MTR: Wan Chai

Hong Kong’s unique convention and exhibition center is built on reclaimed land in Victoria Harbor. Its special roof construction makes it one of Hong Kong’s landmarks. It was here that the official ceremony of Hong Kong’s handover to China took place in 1997.

14. The Tin Hau Temple/Tin Hau Temple
Tin Hau Temple Road 10, MTR: Tin Hau

The little Tin Hau temple was built in the early 1700s by the Tai family. The temple was originally built to protect a statue of the goddess of the sea, Tin Hau, which the family is said to have found along the coast.

15. The Hong Kong Island cable cars

Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong’s picturesque cable cars have rumbled through the streets of Hong Kong Island since 1904. A tour from east to west provides many impressive sights of the lovely buildings and breathtaking views of natural scenery in these parts.

Tour 3: Hong Kong

16. Star Ferry

www.starferry.com.hk MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

Since 1898, the Star Ferry has sailed the eight- minute route across Victoria Harbor, thus connecting Hong Kong Island to Tsim Sha Tsui.

The tour is a must for every visitor to Hong Kong. The view from the ferry of modern, beautifully situated Hong Kong and the special atmosphere on board are incomparable.

17. The Railway Clock Tower

Waterfront Promenade, MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

The striking Railway Clock Tower at the waterfront near Star Ferries was erected in 1921 as part of the earlier main railway station of the Kowloon-Canton railway. Today, the area near the clock tower is a good starting point for a walk along the pleasant waterfront promenade.

18. The Marine Police Headquarters

Tsim Sha Tsui Hill, MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

Hong Kong’s Marine Police have operated out of this building since the beautiful complex was finished in 1884. From the two-storey-high tower in the complex, a signal was given daily at 1:00 pm until 1907, so that the ships could set their clocks correctly.

19. Hong Kong Cultural Centre

Salisbury Road 10 www.lcsd.gov.hk/hkcc MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

Hong Kong’s unique cultural center was constructed in 1984. It is the setting of a number of concerts and exhibitions. It also houses a couple of the city museums, including the art museum.

Travel to Hong Kong

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Travel To Bangkok

2011-10-15T20:54:00.000-07:00

Travel To Bangkok (www.bangkoktourist.com)

Historical outline
The settlement of present-day Thailand began about 2,000 years ago with waves of migration from China. For many centuries, the area was characterized by minor states and scattered systems of government. Some major states did exist during this period, however, especially the Khmer Empire, which was founded in the 9th century and covered the main part of both present-day Cambodia and Thailand. The Khmer people, by the way, called the Thai Siamese, so the area was known as Siam up until the 20th century.

During the 13th century, the Thai people was governed from the first kingdom of the Thai, Sukothai, which had become a regional kingdom as early as the 14th century after a short period of prosperity. Its power had gone increasingly to the kingdom of Ayutthaya, which was founded in 1350 and was ruled from the city of the same name. The Ayutthaya-period became a time of growth for the country and the trade connections with Europe were established.

In 1564, Burmese troops invaded the Kingdom of Siam and five years later Ayutthaya fell, and came under Burmese rule until 1593.

In the year of 1767, the Burmese attacked the capital, Ayutthaya, again, and this time they conquered the city and burned it down beyond recognition. In spite of the fact that the Burmese were driven out of Ayutthaya after a short time, the capital was in ruins and reconstruction was abandoned.

The Thailand military headed by General Taksin moved the capital to Thonburi on the western side of the Chao Praya River by present-day Bangkok.

General Taksin became the new king, but he was dethroned in 1782 and Rama I moved his court and his administration to Bangkok on the other side of the Chao Phraya River. By doing so, he made Bangkok the new capital of the country. Rama I, who founded the Chakri-dynasty, which is still in power, considered Bangkok an easier place to defend against potential enemies than both Ayutthaya and Thonburi, because the Burmese would have to cross the relatively wide Chao Phraya River.

The construction of a number of canals was initiated. These canals, the so-called klongs, were since used as waterways in the new city and a few of them still exist. It was thus possible to sail around in most of the city area east of the Chao Praya River. Klongs were also dug in Thonburi. Rama I also had the Grand Palace and the temple of Wat Phra erected. The buildings were highly inspired by the architecture and constructions of Ayutthaya and they were the centre of power of the kingdom.

Apart from these constructions and buildings for the national administration, the period until the middle of the 19th century was characterised by a steady development. The city did not take serious steps towards becoming the absolute centre of the country that Bangkok is today – northern Thailand, for instance, was still governed from Chiang Mai.

During the latter part of the 19th century, construction work in Bangkok accelerated and the population increased. King Rama IV had major construction projects carried out, including several canals and a number of road systems. His successor, King Rama V, stepped the modernisation process and the development of the city up further by considerable investment in the judicial system, health care and education. During this period, a large part of the farmland was transformed into residential areas, and in order to cope with the ensuing pressure on the infrastructure of the city, many new roads were

constructed, some of them on top of canals that had been filled up for this purpose.

In 1932, the present constitutional monarchy of Thailand was established and after that, a number of public institutions were founded and Chiang Mai became an official part of Siam, which was still the official name of Thailand.

During the Second World War, the Allies bombed Bangkok. The ruined buildings were soon rebuilt and the capital experienced a rapid development during the decades following the Second World War.

During the Vietnam War in the 1960s, Bangkok was, as were several other places in Thailand, a refuge for primarily American soldiers, and this underlined the status of the city as a regional entertainment center.

The population has since exploded and many high-rise buildings with flats and offices have been erected. The high increase in the number of inhabitants has caused a heavy growth in traffic, which has been one of the major challenges that has faced the metropolis for several years. A number of train lines have been constructed, such as the Skytrain (BTS) and the Subway (BMCL) in the centre of the city, and they are extended continuously.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the economy of Thailand boomed. Bangkok was the economic locomotive and this period became the foundation of modern Bangkok, which the tourist will meet today. A wealth of new buildings has sprouted up, including some of the luxury hotels that tourists appreciate. After a recession at the end of the 1990s, the tourist trade is booming again to the benefit of local people and visitors alike.

Tour 1: Bangkok

1. Boat trip on the Chao Phraya River

Station: Saphan Taksin, Pier: Central Pier

A good way of getting a first impression of Bangkok is by taking a boat trip on the Chao Phraya River. The name means “the River of Kings”. Several of the major sights of Bangkok are situated along the river, and there are fine and easy ways of transportation by boat.

Ordinary river busses go north and south from all piers on both side of the river. It is always possible and cheap to board a river bus and get to the next pier. If you do not live by the river, take the Skytrain to the Saphan Taksin Station, which is close to a big pier on the river. Saphan Taksin is also close to River City where many of the tour boats depart from.

2. The East Asiatic Company Building

Oriental Avenue, Station : Taksin, Pier : Oriental.

The old headquarters of the Danish East Asiatic Company is situated on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is a charming house built in 1901 in a colonial Venetian style. Right behind it, you can see the Christian Ascension Cathedral from 1910. Together, the two buildings tell a tale about Western influence on the history of Bangkok. Today, high-rise blocks and international hotels, among them the Oriental, which is the oldest in Bangkok, surround the buildings.

3. The Santa Cruz Church

Soi Kudi Chain Station: Saphan Taksin

Pier: Central Pier (some boats for Santa Cruz Pier opposite Rajinee)

The Santa Cruz Church in Thonburi is the oldest Christian church in Bangkok. The church was originally built in 1770 when Thonburi was the capital for a short period. The Portuguese built the Church. They were the first Westerners in Thailand as they had traded with Ayutthaya since the 16th century.

After the Burmese attacked and destroyed Ayutthaya, the Portuguese gave King Taksin military aid to drive out the enemy. To thank the Portuguese, the King granted them land where they erected the Santa Cruz Church. Originally, it was a wooden building, but the Church was rebuilt in 1835 and again in 1913 in its present form. The Church was constructed in European style under the leadership of Italian architects.

4. Wat Arun/хягыс в

Thanon Arun Amarin 34, Pier : Wat Arun.

Wat Arun is also called "The Temple of Dawn". The name is due to the beautiful reflections of the sun in the glazed ceramic tiles of the temple in the morning, when Wat Arun allegedly is at its most beautiful. It is, however, also an unforgettable experience to watch the sun set behind the temple prangs.

Wat Arun has a beautiful position overlooking the Chao Phraya River directly opposite the Grand Palace. With its central pagoda Pha Prang of 79 metres, Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s best known monuments. The style is inspired by Khmer architecture. It was constructed when Ayutthaya was still the capital. Later, King Rama II enlarged the temple; among other things he added to the height of the central prang, which is a symbol of the mythological mountain Meru. According to Hindu mythology, Meru is the dwelling of the Gods.

5. The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew/

мсюисппщ с ЩхяЦ& хягмсю Р х

Bangkok’s Grand Palace and the temple complex of Wat Phra Kaew belong to some of the most remarkable building complexes in the world. They were founded by King Rama I in 1782 when Bangkok became the new capital of the country.

There is one shared entrance to the two sights.

5a. Wat Phra Kaew/хягмсю Р х

Many of the buildings inside the temple area bear resemblance to earlier Ayutthaya buildings. The great, golden chedi Phra Si Ratana contains a piece of bone of the Buddha, and the particularly beautifully ornamented chedi next to Phra Mondhop is a library of scriptures. The two biggest buildings are the Bot and the Pantheon. The Bot houses the most sacred statue in Thailand

– the Emerald Buddha, which is 66 centimetres tall, cut from one single piece of jade and resting on a platform 11 metres above the floor. The statue is thought to be from the 15th century. At that time, it was placed in Chiang Rai in northern Thailand. On its way to Bangkok, the statue has been in Lampang, Chiang Mai and Vientiane. At the beginning of each of the three Thai seasons (summer, rainy and winter season), the King changes the clothes of the Buddha at a great ceremony. Originally, the Pantheon should have housed the Emerald Buddha. Figures of Chakkri kings are now on display here.

In the temple complex, it is also possible to se a model of the impressive temple city of the Khmer, Angkor Wat, which for a short time was part of the Kingdom of Thailand. The model was built as a monument to the conquest of the place, even though the Thai supremacy only lasted for a short period. Elephant figures symbolising the elephants that helped various kings of Thailand are placed round the model. Within the temple grounds, a number of exciting figures can be seen, including Garudas (half man - half bird), Singhas (stone lions), and the awesome temple guardians, the demons who, according to the mythology, were overcome by Good. Full of remorse, they are now guarding the temple.

On the edge of Wat Phra Kaew there are eight prangs colourfully decorated with Chinese porcelain. They represent the eight elements of Buddhism. The Ramakien Gallery is the gallery that circles the temple buildings. Brilliant mural paintings from the 18th century depict the legend Ramakien of how Good prevailed over Evil.

5b. Grand Palace/мсюисппщ с ЩхяЦ

The original royal residence, the Grand Palace, was built in 1782, as was the temple, and it was the residence of the kings of Thailand until 1946. Today, the beautiful buildings are mainly used during various ceremonies.

On the left hand side of the exit from Wat Phra Kaew, there is a building where a significant event in the history of Thailand took place in 1946: the Barom Phiman Palace. King Ananda (Rama VIII) was murdered here under mysterious circumstances. After this incident, the new King Bhumibol IX chose to move to the Chitralada Palace at another location in Bangkok.

To the right of the Barom Phiman Palace, you will find the Phra Maha Montien. It is a group of buildings that were the residence and audience room of the king. This is where crowning ceremonies take place. Outside the building there is a pavilion where the king would arrive riding an elephant. He would change his clothes inside the building and walk the few steps to the audience room itself.

The next big building to the right is the Chakkri Throne Room built by King Rama V in 1882 in a neoclassical, European style with a roof in Thai style. The architect was John Clunich from England, and the European style was chosen because King Rama had studied in Europe where he was overwhelmed by the buildings and the development of especially London. The inspiration has come from Buckingham Palace and outside you can see some contemporary streetlights from London. The Throne Room is lavishly furnished.

The last building to the right of the Chakkri Throne Room is the Dusit Throne Room, which was built from 1784-1790 by King Rama I. The building is constructed as a copy of one of the most distinguished buildings of Ayutthaya. There is a beautiful and striking spire on top and inside you will find Rama I's throne made from teak and mother-of-pearl.

6. Wat Pho/хяг мж

Thanon Sanamchaic2, Pier : Tha Tien

Wat Pho is a very large temple complex in central Bangkok. This is where the enormous Reclining Buddha can be found. With a length of 46 metres and a height of 15 metres, it is the biggest of its kind in the world. The statue is impressive in other ways than size, as it has some very beautiful mother-of-pearl engravings on the soles of its feet. The Reclining Buddha is from 1832 and it was built to draw people’s attention to Buddha’s Nirvana.

Close to the viharn with the Reclining Buddha, there is an enclosure with the four biggest chedi out of the temple total of 95. King Rama I built the middle chedi to house the Phra Si Sanphet Buddha, which was brought here from Ayutthaya. The ashes of King Rama II and King Rama III respectively are kept in the northern and southern chedi. King Rama IV built the fourth chedi to an unknown purpose.

In the grounds of Wat Pho, you can see statues of people wearing hats symbolising Westerners and a Chinese philosopher depicted so that he appears to be in a good mood. The remaining works put together form an immensely beautiful complex with many details of classical Thai architecture and temple art.

Wat Pho was built under King Petraja of Ayutthaya in 1688 and this makes it the oldest in Bangkok. The complex went through a major renovation under King Rama I and since then several kings have extended it.

Beside its many beautiful temple buildings and small gardens, Wat Pho is also known for its massage school. Many people are trained here every year to perform the traditional Thai massage.

Travel To Bangkok