Neptune Travel Guide

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Haikou, known also as the ‘Coconut City’, is the capital of Hainan Province, China’s second largest island. The city is the provincial administrative center of Hainan as well being the focus of the local economy, culture and transportation. Haikou stands at the northern end of Hainan Island, on the west bank of the Nandu River estuary. This river is the longest on the island and the city’s name appropriately means ‘Mouth of the Sea’.

With the sea on three sides Haikou enjoys a long coastline that features excellent bathing beaches and sea side resorts. Holiday Beach is the most popular of these, while Xixiu Beach is where the National sailing and windsurfing teams train and hold competitions.

The downtown area of the city has an excellent environment with streets lined with coconut palms.

Here there are modern and convenient public transport facilities and all that is best in a tropical seaside city that is pollution free and that meets the needs of the tourist in a friendly and welcoming way.
Besides its natural resources, Haikou has a number of important sites of historical interest. The Wugong Temple (The Five Official’s Temple), the Tomb of Hai Rui and the Xiuying Emplacement each serve as reminders of the historical importance of Haikou.

No trip is complete without the opportunity to savor tempting local food and shopping opportunities. It goes without saying that for anyone coming to Haikou, seafood is definitely a must. However, the city is also famous for its other prized dishes. There are four to delight the gourmet and should not be missed. They are Wenchang Chicken, Dongshan Mutton, Jiaji Duck and Hele Crab. The climate means there is an abundance of fresh local fruits such as mangos, pineapples, jackfruits, coconuts and carambola, betelnuts, pawpaw, longan and lichee, loquat, naseberry and passion fruit. Maybe some of these will be new to you but we are sure that if you try them you will want to take come home!

As for transportation, don’t worry! Hainan Meilan Airport, railway station, ship and expressway links cities of China and the whole world.

Haikou has evolved from a simple sightseeing city to an attractive seaside resort and business center. The services for visitors to the city are being extended with the aim of establishing Haikou as Southern China’s key center for tourism.

Lying between the Yangtze River and Huaihe River, Hefei is the capital city of Anhui Province and is ranked as one of the fifty strongest cities in China. Close to the coastal area, Hefei plays an important part in connecting the eastern and western areas of China while also linking the south and the north. Covering an area of 7,266 square kilometers (about 2,805 square miles), Hefei is known as the central tourist city of the whole province.

The ancient Hefei City, with a long history of over 2,000 years, was also nicknamed ‘Luzhou’ or ‘Luyang’ because it was under the governance of Luzhou prefecture in the Ming (1368 – 1644) and Qing (1644 – 1911) dynasties.

Hefei is the political, economic and cultural center of Anhui Province and has played an important role in commercial transactions since ancient times. Due to its good surroundings and long history, many natural and cultural places of interests can be found in Hefei. The most famous one is undoubtedly the Memorial Temple of Lord Bao.

Hefei is a beautiful city with good surroundings – the Huaihe River flows to its north, to its south is Yangtze River, and to its south- east lies the Chaohu Lake with its expansive blue waters. It exemplifies the good climate to be found in the area having a mild climate with clearly defined seasons and moderate rainfall. The average annual temperature is 15.7C (60.26F). As is known, every city in China has a city tree and a city flower and, in the case of Hefei, the Yulan tree is its city tree and the sweet-scented osmanthus, pomegranate flower is its city flower.

To better understanding the ingrained culture of Hefei, you have to watch the performances of the Lu Opera. Lu Opera is a popular local opera which originated in Hefei. It became an independent style of opera in the era of Emperor Jiaqing of the Qing Dynasty and evolved from many artistic forms such as folk songs and folk dances. The arias are rich and various, and the performance is vivid. ‘Natural and simple’ is what makes Lu Opera a popular drama appreciated by all. It is really a highlight you should never miss when visiting Hefei.

If you are one of those people who regard food as their prime requirement, you should try the local delicious food and special cuisine which is on offer, whenever you pay a visit. Luzhou Roast Duck is the first recommended delicacy in Hefei and it tastes very good. Other special, high quality products will also satisfy your appetite such as Mabing (sesame cake), Honggao (baked cake), Cunjin (sesame cookie) and Baiqie (white sesame slices). Also, dumpling-making in Hefei is a delicate and intricate process and, there are various shapes of dumplings that will excite and satisfy your appetite.

Hefei is located in the centre part of East China, and its transportation system is well-developed. With the whole city’s transportation system linked by airport, railway and highway, a solid transportation network is at your service. Due to its fast development in recent years, transportation within and around Hefei is very convenient, especially for tourists.

Although Changchun has been more than 200 years old, it is still a young city comparing other historical cities in China, like Xian. It is located the central part of Songliao Plain, covering a total area of 20,571 square kilometers (about 8,012 square miles). Being the capital city of Jilin Province with clivia as its city flower, Changchun is the political, economic and cultural center. If territory of China is in a shape of rooster, therefore Changchun is one eye of this huge rooster. You can imagine its important position.

Changchun has suffered a lot of hardships, especially in modern times.

In 1931 Japan invaded and occupied entire northeast part of China, which can be considered the prelude of Chinese Anti-Japanese War. Obviously Changchun became a colony of Japanese imperialists. On March 1, 1932, Puyi, the last emperor of China, set up Manchukuo in Changchun supported by Japanese invaders, taking Changchun as the capital. From then on brutal rule of Japanese upon Chinese people had begun. After a long time of struggle and resistance, finally Changchun broke off the ruthless rule, stepping into a bright and splendid future.

The present Changchun is charming city with several fine names which can give you a general impression of this big city.

Spring City of Northland: Changchun is of monsoon climate, locating in the transitional belt from wet area to sub-dry area.

The four seasons varies a lot and the climate is rather pleasant, therefore Changchun is honored Spring City of Northland.

Forest City: Woods, forest, people, city interweave together to show you a distinctive characteristic of Changchun. 39% of Changchun ground has been clothed with greenage, which makes Changchun one of top cities in this aspect. Green plants in and around Changchun make the city become a big oxygen bar, providing people to enjoy real fresh air.

The city of Florence can well pass for the place with the greatest art in the world. Buildings are adorned in it, and this combined with the great architecture, make the initial statement well worth believing. So you have planned to visit the city and be part of its glory, then you need to have all the travel information that may help you make that necessary trip.

Amerigo Vespucci international airport is the one closest to the city, with the driving distance being about fifteen minutes, by bus or taxi in this case. If you opt for the bus, there is the Ataf Sita Vola in Bus service that costs 4.50 Euro one-way. It transports to the central train station that gives you access to the other major cities in Italy. The trains are fast and modern and they connect you to the rest of Italy and essentially Europe too.

To get into Florence via car the A-1 Autostrada is the best highway.

It connects to Bologna, Milan and even Rome. Driving around the city is somewhat complicate and if you happen to rent a car, be sure to ask about getting in and out of the city without violating the ZTL- these are rules. Once in the Piazzale Michelangelo, you can make the parking but only for a specified amount of time. You can pretty much walk from here on end since the distance to the heart of the city is not too long.

If you really want to appreciate the beauty of Florence, then you should prefer walking the distances to being driven around. The magic of the city is best captured when you are on foot. But if you like there are bike rental services courtesy of the city that can help you get around much faster while still getting to see all the architecture and works of art.

The historic center is a no-ride zone and any violation of this results in hefty fines. Getting around the city is not the easiest thing to do because of the arrangements of the streets and you will have some trouble doing your navigation if you are only depending on your eyes.

Outside the historical center is where most of the Italians go to it, and depending on how much you want to spend, there are several dishes for you to choose from. Your taste buds will have a kick as you get to taste the Italian food. If you are in the spirit of spending, then there are great restaurants that will help you do just that.

As for the hotels in Florence, the rule is that if you want to spend less, then you should stay away from the historical center. There are five star hotels but they can be expensive especially if you do not place reservations well in time. The other hotels away from the historical center are usually a tad far and you have to know where you want to stay in advance top avoid unnecessary headaches.

Guangzhou (Canton), a prosperous metropolis full of vigor, is the capital city of Guangdong Province located along the south coastline of China. Being an excellent port on the Pearl River navigable to the South China Sea, and with fast accessibility to Hong Kong and Macau, Guangzhou serves as the political, economic, scientific, educational and cultural center in Guangdong area.

Transportation

Guangzhou, the south gate of China, has a satisfying transport system radiating to the whole country and even the world.

It has frequent flights with Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Seoul, Hanoi, Tokyo, Sydney, Amsterdam and Paris, etc. If you are already within China, a wide range of vehicles can facilitate your trip to and from Guangzhou, including the planes, trains, long-distance buses and ships. The urban transportation is generally good due to the orderly planning roads and the developed city-buses, taxis and subways.

Dining

Guangzhou is considered as the paradise for gourmands in south China. Guangzhou dish represents well the Guangdong (Cantonese) Cuisine, which is one among the most famous eight cuisines in China. A large amount of time-honored restaurants and quality new restaurants serve various authentic Guangzhou dishes, snacks and drinks. The most popular restaurants gather around the old city area, including the Dongshan District, Yuexiu District and Liwan District.

Panfu Road, West Jiangnan Road and East Huifu Road are recommended food streets for tourists to feel the local eating customs such as Yam Cha (Drinking Tea), having various kinds of soup or delicious Sampan Porridge.

Shopping

With the fame of the shoppers’ heaven with ton of quality goods at affordable prices, Guangzhou is prosperous with various kinds of commercial streets. Shangxiajiu Road, Beijing Road and Shifu Road commercial area, full of time-honored brands and modern shopping malls, is the most traditional and popular among the locals. Yide Road is the best choice for seafood and dried food. Wende Road is the right place for curios and tourist souvenirs. For those seeking for clothes and current fashions, Baima Clothes Market, World Trade Mall and Teemall should not be missed.

Nightlife

The city offers wide choices of nightlife hangouts. For visitors fond of lively parties, the three bar streets are recommended, namely the Huanshi Road which is favored by foreigners and white collars, Yanjiang Road located along the Pearl River and popular among the young, and Baietan area which is developed from a village and today more like a night fair. For tourists who want to have a tranquil nighttime, to enjoy a cruise on the Pearl River or watching the enchanting night scene from the White Cloud Mountain are wonderful.

Chengdu is the capital of “Heavenly State” (Tian Fu Zhi Guo), habitat of giant pandas and city of cotton-rose hibiscus.

Located in the west of Sichuan Basin and in the center of Chengdu Plain, Chengdu covers a total area of 12.3 thousand square kilometres (4,749 square miles) with a population of over 11 million.

Benefiting from Dujiangyan Irrigation Project which was constructed in 256 B.C., Sichuan Province is reputed as “Tian Fu Zhi Guo”, literally a place richly endowed with natural resources. Chengdu, as the capital, is extremely productive. The Min and Tuo Rivers, two branches of the Yangtze River, connected to forty other rivers, supply an irrigation area of more than 700 square kilometres (270.27 square miles) with 150-180 million kilowatts of water.

Consisting of abundant mineral resources, the land is extremely fertile.

The history of Chengdu can be traced back 2,400 when the first emperor built his capital here and named the city. Through thousands of years its original name has been kept and its position as the capital and as the significant center of politics, commerce and military of the Sichuan area (once called Shu) has remained unchanged. Since the Han (206B.C.-220) and Tang (618-907) Dynasties when its handicraft industry flourished, Chengdu has been famous for its brocades and embroideries. Shu embroideries still enjoy a high reputation for their bright colors and delicate designs, ranking among the four main embroideries in China.

Chengdu was the place where the bronze culture, an indispensable part of ancient Chinese culture, originated, the place where the Southern Silk Road started, and the place where the earliest paper currency, Jiaozi (not the dumpling!), was first printed. It is listed among the first 24 state-approved historical and cultural cities and owns 23 state and provincial cultural relic units.

‘East or west, Guilin landscape is best!’ Located in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in south China, Guilin is considered to be the pearl of China’s thriving tourist industry on account of the natural beauty and historic treasures. Covering an area of about 27,800 square kilometers (10,734 square miles), the city is rather compact when compared with other major tourist cities in the country. The stunning landscape in which the city is situated has a kind of magic that is all its own. The strangely shaped hills or karsts, with the verdant vegetation ranging from bamboos to conifers together with crystal clear waters and wonderful caves make Guilin such an appealing destination.

Guilin is also an important cultural city with a history of more than 2,000 years. The city has been the political, economic and cultural center of Guangxi since the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). You can refer to Guilin History to know more about the vicissitudes of the city.

1. Li River

The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the centerpiece of any trip to northeastern Guangxi Province. Gorgeous Karst peaks give you surprises at each bend of the limpid river under the blue sky. Water buffalo patrol the fields, peasants reap rice paddies, school kids and fisherman float by on bamboo rafts. With its breathtaking scenery and taste of a life far removed from the concrete metropolis, the scenery along the Li River become one of China’s top tourist destinations.

2.

Reed Flute Cave

With its location five kilometers northwest of the downtown of Guilin, the Reed Flute Cave is a brilliant cave marked on almost all travel itineraries. The cave got its name from the verdant reeds growing outside it, with which people make flutes. Inside this water-eroded cave is a spectacular world of various stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations created by carbonate deposition. Illuminated by colored lighting, the fantastic spectacle is found in many variations along this 240-meter-long cave. Walking through the serried stone pillars, tourists feast their eyes on changing spots, feeling they are in a paradise where the Gods live.

3. Elephant Trunk Hill

Elephant Trunk Hill is located on the western bank of Li River. The shape of the hill is just like a huge elephant drinking water from the river with its trunk, so it is called Elephant Trunk Hill. Shui Yue Cave (Water Moon Cave) is between the trunk and the legs, which is a semi-round cave penetrated by water. The inverted reflection of the cave in water plus the part above forms a full moon. This phenomenon is unique and many laudatory inscriptions were found on the wall inside the cave. Visitors can boat through the cave to the river.

4. Seven Stars Park

Seven Stars Park, covering an area of more than 120 hectares (297 acres), is the largest comprehensive park with mass scenery in Guilin City. Located at the east bank of Li River, the park is 1.5 kilometers (0.9 mile) from the downtown area of Guilin. The park was so named because of the seven peaks (the four peaks of Putuo Mountain and three of Crescent Mountain) inside resemble the form of the Big Dipper constellation.

Shanghai, Hu for short, is a renowned international metropolis drawing more and more attention from all over the world. Situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, Shanghai serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, cultural, science and technology center in East China. Also it is a popular tourist destination, visitors can sense the pulsating development of modern China.

Transportation

Shanghai serves as an important air, railway, highway and water transportation hub in eastern China. The frequent international and domestic flights, trains and buses make tourists’ travel to Shanghai a breeze. The urban transportation of Shanghai is also quite satisfactory. And despite the traffic jam that do happen occasionally, the convenient taxis, city buses, subway trains etc.

can take you to any corner of the city.

Dining

Shanghai’s restaurants are among the finest in China, offering quality food and superior service. A wide variety of foods can be found in the city and today Shanghai offers a plethora of culinary delights focusing on the traditions of Beijing, Sichuan, Hunan, Guangzhou and of course the local Benbang dishes. If visitors are homesick for Western food, this is also available  in the downtown area.

Shopping

Known as the ‘Oriental Paris’, Shanghai is a shopper’s paradise.

There are various bustling commercial streets and shopping centers waiting for the shopaholic. One of the musts for tourists is the Nanjing Road. Huaihai Road intrigues those with modern and fashionable tastes, while North Sichuan Road meets the demands of ordinary folk. In addition, Xujiahui Shopping Center, Yuyuan Shopping City, and Jiali Sleepless City are thriving and popular destinations for those who are seeking to buy something special as a memento of their visit.

Nightlife

Shanghai is a fascinating city for night owls. The Bund is an absolute must for visitors. The rippling Huangpu River, characteristic buildings on the west bank, and extraordinarily futuristic skyscrapers on the east bank all become more enchanting adorned in sparkling colored lights at night. A night cruise on the Huangpu River is highly recommended. For art lovers, Shanghai Grand Theater, Oriental Art Center and many other performance venues will delight a visitor’s taste for nightlife. For those seeking relaxation, the ideal choice should be Hengshan Road and Xin Tian Di which are thronged with a variety of nightclubs, discos, bars, coffee houses and teashops.

Aleppo is an old city that has been of significance from the third millennium BC. The city’s location, about 350 km to the north of Damascus, gave it a strategic position that made it important from the Amorite and Akkadian kingdoms to the present. It is said that Abraham had camped here during his early sojourns, where he milked his gray cow, which was why Aleppo was called as Halab Al-Shahba.

Aleppo served as an important link between Egypt, Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent, as a number of commercial roads crossed there. It became the capital of the Amorites in the 18th century, which made it a target of several communities. The city has a rich history and there are many things that make it a good destination for a vacation. Indeed, many people describe it as the “gate to Asia”. Among the things you will marvel at here are the great works of architecture. Modern developments have not scarred the city. The architecture will also tell you a lot about the tradition of the locals, which is inscribed on them.

Stone has shaped the overall character of Aleppo, where different structures have been made of sturdy stone, from the foundations to the minarets. In the Byzantine churches, you will see how the designers chiseled limestone into various ribbon patters. The walls of many buildings, including mosques, contain Koranic verses. The ancient golden stone walls, houses and streets lent it the name Halab ash-shahba (Aleppo the Gray). Of course, the ravages of weather have eroded them and changed their color. In spite of the fact that the city was invaded many times, you will still find many monuments that survived.

The most famous symbol of the city is the citadel. Some people describe it as the greatest medieval fortress in the entire Middle East. It crown a hill that is itself semi-artificial, as it is made up of a number of ruins from different generations. The citadel, which has space for a garrison of 10,000, withstood many invasions. It was the Mongol Timur Leng who stormed it just once. It was built in 1209 on top of fortifications from earlier rulers, including the Byzantine and Roman eras. The tomb of Al-Malikal-Zahir Ghazi, who oversaw its construction, is in a mosque close to the gate.

As you approach the citadel, you will see the imposing Ottoman minarets. Among them is that of Jami’a Khusruwiyya, which is the first documented mosque that Sinan built. It dates back to about 1544.

The limestone houses will help you understand how privacy was taken seriously. Most of the entrance passageways were twisted, effectively blocking the courtyards from direct view of the public.

You can still see walls of the old city, which have Hellenistic foundations. The citadel is almost at the center. Some parts of the wall have been restored and you can still pass through the western gate.

Although there have been some new developments, Aleppo still holds a lot of the past.

By inexhaustible source of blue skies in summer months and also snow capped rooftops winter months; Stockholm, Sweden’s capital is amazing. The actual picture is peppered with buildings of terracotta and saffron walls that dot the particular night with glimmering inviting lights.

Generally, you can realize the beauty of nature from every angle of Stockholm because there are lots and lots of rocky islands which revolve around it. At the Katarinahissen, you’ll be dealt with to a striking view of the cliffs. Have your dinner at Eriks Gondolen bar and restaurant if you’re unafraid of heights. Recognize the value of historic and culture scenes such as Riksdagshuset as well as the Liljevalchs Konsthall. The Riksdagshuset is a parliament building of Sweden where you will see pieces of art by Otte Skold, Axel Torneman and the tapesty woven by Elisabet Hasselberg Olsson labeled as Memory of a Landscape.

The Liljevalchs Konsthall is a great example of neo-classical buildings where you will be welcomed at the entrance by Carl Milles statues prior to visiting exhibitions of modern art. Open at this place in Feb to the middle of March is the Vasalongen Art Show as well.

A 1923 image palace, the Biografen Skandia is Stockholm’s adaptation of the Mann’s Chinese Theatre of LA. The Biografen Skandia carries a heavy blue shaded ceiling and a Pompeian rotunda in the reception. The Stockholm Public Library is also part of Sweden’s architecture. It has been attractively maintained and is still a work of art made by Erik Gunnar Asplund in 1924, and it is accented with many racks of books and art work by artists like Nils Dardel and Ivar Johnson. The actual cathedral of Strokyrkan that is definitely seven hundred years old was once a place for majestic wedding ceremonies and coronations, and a spectacular site to see.

Perform a “free fall” from Europe’s tallest theme park ride.

Fall from 80m within 2 seconds or try out the rest of the rides that are covered in your Grona Lund Tivoli ride coupon scheme. Check-out the Junibacken where clips from Astrid Lindgren’s kid’s publications come to life. Dress up just like Pippi Longstocking and have a journey across Stockholm in the flying Story Train.

Weather conditions: Stockholm’s summer weather ranges from 20 to twenty five degrees Celsius and is pretty mild even winter months. Bundle up with large amounts of heavy attire any time you tend to travel to Stockholm in January up to March plus be equipped with an umbrella in July to August.

Transportation: Travel all-around Stockholm simply by bus, car, and street bike and also train. Bus tickets can be bought at the Bus stop ticket office in the Cityterminalen that is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 on the weekdays. You’re able to hire a vehicle from Statoil or Avis that are near to the Central station. Trains also run to and from Stockholm where you can find the T-Centralen metro station. There are also boats and ferries to get to several spots such as Turku, Helsinki and Tallinn also.