China - Olympic 2008

Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb surpasses the famed burial sites of Egypt in many ways. Do you know about a pharaoh who has a pyramid with over 8,000 warriors standing guard over his riches? Even though made of baked clay, the terracotta warriors of Xi’an continue to inspire awe over 2,000 years later.

Xi’an, located in Shan’Xi Province and famous as the starting point of the Silk Road, the trading route used by travelers from many parts of the world for centuries, was the provincial capital for over 1,000 years. But today, most come for the view of the emperor’s tomb and its contents.

The construction project spanned 35 years and employed hundreds of thousands of workers, many of whose remains are entombed there as well. Completed around 210 BC at the death of the emperor and discovered accidentally in 1974 by local fishermen digging a well, the tomb in Xi’an is now one of the world’s foremost archaeological sites. Not ancient compared to the pyramids of Egypt, Xi’an, thanks to the tomb, has now grown to one of the premier tourist destinations in China.

Sometimes known as Qin’s Army, the material for the six-foot statues was dug from the surrounding hills. Six feet may not seem tall, but to an individual in China 2,000 years ago, they would have been intimidatingly large.

Three separate areas were found. Some terracotta warriors are astride horses, others ride chariots and many stand aligned in rows. The smaller pit measures 64,500 square feet and contains 1,400 features. But the larger area is truly immense with 6,000 terracotta warriors covering over 172,000 square feet. The third area holds the officer ranks with a chariot drawn by four enormous horses. A fourth area devoid of figures has also been found.

If you thought these statues were all duplicates, you’re wrong. Figures vary in appearance, uniform and height, and carry real weapons of the period. Though now largely worn off, they were painted with colorful lacquer both to individualize and to preserve.

Beyond the warriors, and the horses on which many of them sat, pearls and gems studded the ceiling as a recreation of heaven. Even a 76m/250 ft -high earthen pyramid is nearby. Hallways, offices and other architectural features have been excavated, forming a site that was clearly much more than a tomb.

Like most ancient burial grounds, the area has been subject to fire, looting and the decay of centuries. But thanks in large part to restoration efforts, the tomb can be seen much as it must have been at the time. Minus the jewels, sad to say.

No visit to China is complete without a day spent exploring this magnificent archaeological site.

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Owing to the sheer size and diversified environment of China, it is not possible for an international traveller to truly experience its myriad of treasures like Yangtze River, the Great Wall of China, pastoral villages dotting the country, and some of the most magnificent art and architecture in the world, without the services of a good travel agency.

Travel agencies across China are moving beyond the traditional elements of a holiday, like Beijing, Great Wall, Yangtze cruise and the Terracotta Army. The inclination is now towards more variety; and there is a demand among international travellers for the traditional China experience. Regions such as Yunnan in the southwest, with its stone forest, are now regularly found in travel agency pamphlets. Unfamiliar regions such as Shaxi, west of Beijing, or Shadong, to the east, are being promoted. Gauging travellers’ interest in China’s historical sites, China Highlights Travel has introduced an “18 Days of China Historical Tour.”

An increasing number of travel agencies are offering customized packages based on travellers’ individual interests and budget. For example, China Tour Service offers tailored tours like the Yangtze River Cruise, Tibetan Adventure, Silk Road Tours, Shangri-La China Travel, and World Heritages Tours. China Highlights Travel provides Yangtze River Cruises in a choice of over 40 ships including deluxe Victoria Cruises, the 5-star luxury East Queen, the smaller, yet comfortable, Princess Sissi, and budget ferries that natives take as daily transport vessels.

China Custom Tours, with associates in China and the United States, offers special-interest tours. The travel agency concentrates on popular places as well as off-the beaten-path locations. They arrange package tours and travel arrangements for individuals, groups, business leaders, and professional and educational communities, and they supplement their programs with international air arrangements, visa processing, and a travel protection plan.

Whether travel interests range from travel by bicycle to remote villages or a shopping marathon in metropolises, eating Western or “clashing with chopsticks,” a leisurely cruise or sightseeing, it pays to spend some time in choosing a good travel agency.

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Every year millions of visitors from Japan, mainland USA and beyond land at
Honolulu International Airport ready to begin their vacation in paradise. Soon after
landing, most visitors hop in a cab or bus sent from the hotel and begin the journey
past downtown Honolulu and on to their reservation at a Waikiki hotel.

The allure of Waikiki is immediate. The packed streets, sounds of the beach, and
exotic histories call to the traveler who soon hits the streets. Venturing out in
Waikiki can be quite exciting. The streets are filled with foreign languages, throngs
of tourists are dressed in their beach best, and the beginning of surf history can be
seen at the end of the street. Waikiki can be so exciting that many visitors never
escape its imaginary borders. Approximately 6 million of these visitors miss the very
sites that locals find so endearing, remaining within the two square miles of Waikiki.

For those travelers interested in seeing Oahu through its residents’ eyes, please
read on.

Magic Island Beach Park - This popular park is located just west of
Waikiki, across the street from the Ala Moana Shopping Center. The park includes
two beaches, a three mile jogging path, tennis courts, and more. A walk around the
park will expose the center of Hawaiian culture - the family. Large extended families
gather around hibachis, spending the day together with a good food and plenty of
sun. The beaches are significantly less crowded, so for a great day, grab a barbecue
and head down to the beach at Magic Island!

The Contemporary Museum Honolulu - This small museum is located
high on a ridge at Makiki Heights Drive. The drive up the ridge offers amazing vistas
that would otherwise be missed by most Oahu visitors. The relatively small museum
offers changing exhibits in its five galleries. After traversing the galleries, visitors
can wander out onto the sculpture gardens. This is where the true glory of the
museum is revealed. The 3.5 acres of sculpture and meditative gardens are open to
the public and offer some of the most amazing views of Honolulu.

Leong’s Cafe - Many visitors look to a lu’au for more than entertainment;
they are after some great Hawaiian food. However, if you’re interested in real local
style Hawaiian food, you can’t beat Leong’s Cafe located at 2343 North King Street.
As a favorite for plate lunches, kalua pig, lu’au stew, lomi lomi, and more, locals
have been visiting this cafe for over 50 years!

Champion Malasadas - The local treat called Malasadas are so popular
that Fat Tuesday has been re-christened Malasada Day throughout the Hawaiian
Islands. One of the best and most famous bakeries is Champion Malasadas located
at 1926 South Beretania Street. These light portuguese hole-less donuts come with
and without filling and are absolutely worth the effort in getting them!

Honolulu Chinatown - A walk through the streets of Chinatown in like a
walk into another time and place. Whether you are looking for dim sum, fresh
produce, handmade leis, or the new hip lounge, you are sure to find it in Chinatown.
The streets and shops are exotic, offering items not found in a typical american
grocery. Guided walking tours are available for this historic district, but often the
best way is to simply meander through the streets, stopping whenever your interest
has been piqued.

If you are interested in seeing Oahu through a local’s eyes, be sure to spend some
time outside of Waikiki. Stop by some or all of the spots listed above and see some
of what truly makes Hawaii special.

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