China Top Attractions—Three Gorges of Changjiang River
By admin | April 16, 2008
The Yangtze Gorges is a great valley with a most splendid landscape in the Yangtze (Changjiang) River and it is one of the ten most famous scenic sites of China. It extends from Baidicheng (White Emperor City) in Fengjie County, Chongqing Municipality to Nanjin Pass in Yichang, Hubei Province, consisting of Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, with a full length of 193 km.
Each of the gorges has specific features of its own. Qutang Gorge is celebrated for its majestic steep crags on both banks of the river; Wuxia Gorge is famed for its elegant beauty of forest-covered peaks; and Xiling Gorge is best known for its numerous shoals and turbulent torrents.Thus it is a golden tourist waterway.
The Three Gorges, the most spectacular section of the Yangtze River, are filled with breathtaking scenery. They are famous for the steep cliffs on both sides. Going through the gorges on boat is like travelling a landscape paintting gallery.The steep mountains, the dangerous rugged shoals and the turbulent waters are characteristic of the gorges. The perpendicular cliff and grotesque peaks with clouds wrapping them in a blanket of mist create one of natures’ most majestic sights.
The area of the gorges was also the cradle of culture of the ancient Chu State. It has a long history with a galaxy of talents. Here were born two famous characters in Chinese history: Qu Yuan, a great patriotic poet and Wang Zhaojun, who did her bit for the promotion of the national unity. A host of great historic poets, such as Li Bai, Du Fu, Bai Juyi greatly admired the beautiful and charming landscape and wrote down quite a number of emotional poems.
Wuxia Gorge
Wu Gorge is forty-five kilometers long, extending from the mouth of the Daning River in Wushan County, Chongqing City in the west to Guandukou in Badong County, Hubei Province in the east. Also known as the Great Gorge, famous for its deep valley and quiet beauty. Wu Gorge is a long and neat gorge divided into two sections - the Golden Helmet and Silver Armor Gorge and the Iron Coffin Gorge.
Flanked by craggy peaks and grotesque rock, it forms a meandering scenic gallery. Sometimes there seems no way ahead, suddenly an unimpeded path is in from while the water ends along mountain ridges. The beautiful sceneries on both banks are too changeable to take them all in.
On a cruise down the Wuxia Gorge, the twelve peaks line the banks.These triangle-looking peaks described by legend as twelve fairy spirits, such as a fairy maid dancing, a dragon soaring into the sky, a peacock displaying its feathers or a piece of colorful brocade. All the peaks are given names by their different shapes. Varying from seasons and weathers, their pretty sceneries are the everlasting appeal to tourists.The best –known is the poetic Goddess Peak, the graceful shape of which resembles a girl looking down at the boats in the river. Many mythological tales and countless number of poems have been written about this particular peak.
“When the Qutang rolls on to an end, The Wu Gorge rises with its lofty peaks.” When the Yangtze flows out of Qutang Gorge and past the broad valley of the Daning River, it enters the scenic Wu Gorge.
Noted for its deep and serene scenes, the Wu Gorge is full of zigzags, weird peaks, rising mists and beautiful sights. As the river cut through the Wushan Mountains, its roaring currents change their directions constantly. Travelling through the gorge in a boat, one sometimes may find the way blocked by mountains. But a sharp turn of the boat brings one to 0an area of entirely different scenery. It is the most beautiful part of the Yangtze, green trees and bushes, together with fogs and clouds, cover the high peaks.
Wushan at the entrance to Wu Gorge and Badong and Zigui in the broad valley of the Fragrant Stream (Xiangxi) are famous towns in the gorge. There are many famous historical sites too. The town of Zigui is attracting a large number of tourists because it is the native place of the great ancient poet and patriotic politician Qu Yuan and the famous beauty Wang Zhaojun from East Han Dynasty 2,000 years ago.
The Daning River at the western entrance to Wu Gorge is flanked by continuous strange peaks, some of them rising into the clouds and presenting an unusual scene. The section of the river becomes known as the Lesser Three Gorges. Their unordinary beauty is so charming and it has been praised by more and more visitors.
Xiling Gorge
Xiling Gorge begins at the Xiangxi stream in the west and ends at Nanjinguan Pass in the east extending about 66 km long,and is the longest of the Three Gorges and is entirely within Hubei Province. This gorge is full of shoals and rapid currents. Xiling Gorge consists of 4 small gorges and several dangerous shoals: the Gorge of the Sword and Book on the Art of War; the Gorge of the Cow’s Liver and Horse’s Lung; the Kongling Gorge and the Gorge of the Shadow Play; the Blue Shoal; the Discharge Shoal; the Kongling Shoal and the Yaocha River. The most dangerous shoals are Xietan, Qingtan and Kong Ling, collectively known as the Three Shoals of Xiling. Among all the dangerous shoals, Qingtan Shoal and Kongling Shoal are the most famous.
Qingtan Shoal, stretched between “Tactics Books and Sword Gorge” and “Bull’s Liver and Horse’s Lung Gorge”, including First Shoal, Second Shoal and Third Shoal, runs 1.5 km from west to east, teeming with reefs and convulsed with sweeping, boisterous rapids. Sailors called it “Iron Threshold” to the river. Boats and skiffs used to shoot downstream like flying arrows and flounder upstream as if scaling a ladder, zigzagging their way either up or down.
Kongling Shoal lies in the Miaohe section. The local people have always said: “Qintan and Xietan are not real shoals compared with hell gate of Kongling Shoal.” Twenty four reefs, named Great Pearl, First Pearl, Second Pearl, Third Pearl, etc., are crammed in the shoal, bulging into each other’s way. The Great Shoal, for example, sprawls in the middle of the river, dividing it into two channels: the south channel full of jagged reefs and fickle eddies; the north narrow, twisted and forbidding with submerged rocks. Besides, there was a hideous reef called “Coming-at-Me”, which used to fill people with fear. This is a shoal where passing boats had to thread their way through the reefs, dodging from side to side all the times.
Sailing down about five kilometers past Qingtan Shoal is Bull’s Liver and Horse Lung Gorge. Many other scenic spots composed in Xiling Gorge, are “Tactics Books and Sword Gorge”, and “Shadow Play Gorge”, “Huangling Temple”, “Three Travelers’ Cave”, “Horse Bell Rock”, Mt. Qingshi (Black Lion) in Shipai Town, Three Swords Peak at Nantuo, etc. There are also many waterfalls. During the rainy season, the Jiuwanxi Waterfall roars with its gushing water.
At the foot of the Heavenly Pillar Peak, there is a stalactite Huangsang Cave, over with spans a natural stone bridge known as the Fairy Bridge, covered with creeping plant growth. On one end of this bridge stands a statue of a fairy. It is truly wonderful to look down at the boats shuttling to and from this point.
Qutang Gorge
Starting at the White Emperor City in the west and ending at Daxi Stream in the east, the Qutang Gorge, or Kui Gorge, known for its magnificence, is only 8 kilometers long.
The shortest in the world-famous Three Yangtze Gorges, it is the most spectacular. In this section, the Yangtze carves its way through the gorge between the sheer precipices of overhanging mountains at both sides. The mountain peaks are nestled in the clouds, making one of the Qutang Gorge’s magnificent views. The narrowest pint of the river bed is only several dozen meters while the widest pint is more than 1,800 meters. Kui Gate at the entrance to the gorge, two perpendicular cliffs rear over the river surface on either side, looking like a pair of giant door leaves or a narrow corridor.
Having entered Kui Gate Pass, one would be faced by Mount Chijia (Bare-backed Soldier) on the north bank and Mount Baiyan (White Salt) on the southern bank. The former calls to mind a soldier without top armor, hence the name Chijia. The latter is so named because of its silvery color no matter whether the weather is fine or overcast.
The broadest span is only 150 meters, while the narrowest is less than 100 meters while the principal peaks on the banks are as high as 1,000-1,500 meters. At the entrance stand two perpendicular cliffs facing each other. They look like two giant gates, hence the name Kui Gate or Qutang Pass. The river water is forced in between turbulent waves roaring on like wild horses stampeding. It is known as the most fearsome waterway. The turbulent waters flowing in the deep gorge along a continuous line of peaks make a most magnificent picture. The rolling and roaring river bursts through the rock gate that towers over the water.
On the north bank of the gorge is Chijia Mountain that looks cromson. Opposite it stands the Baiyan (white salt) Mountain that bears the colour of grayish white. The two mountains present a sharp color-contrast, marvelous to look upon. Besides Baidicheng, there are many scenic spots and places of historical interest in the gorge, such as the peculiar rock of the “Monk Hanging by His Feet”, the legendary Meng Liang Staircase, Fengxiang Gorge, an ancient plank road built along the face of a cliff and Phoenix Fountain, etc.
In addition to their scenic beauty, the Three Gorges are rich in water resources. They are the most ideal section of the Yangtze for building large water conservancy projects for the comprehensive exploitation of the river. The deep gorges and steep mountains on the banks of the river present superabundant potentials for power generation. The Yangtze gorges key water conservancy project that is being planned will effectively control the torrential flow on the upper reaches and free the middle and lower reaches from the threat of flood. Huge power generators will send electricity to many parts of the country. The dangerous navigation channel will then be submerged in a placid lake. The Three Gorges will present an entirely different picture. The Gezhouba Dam water conservancy project, an important part of the Yangtze gorges project, has completed its first stage of construction. The dam that now stands at Nanjin Pass, a short distance upstream from Yichang, is already generating power and facilitating navigation. It has also added beauty to the scenery of the Three Gorges.The beauty of the Three Gorges lies in their majesty, perilousness, singularity and seclusion. This applies to every peak, shoal, cave and canyon in the Three Gorges. The mountains, eater, springs, woods and caves each compliment the others to achieve perfect harmony
Topics: Destination | No Comments »
Murcia city, in south-eastern Spain
By admin | April 16, 2008
Capital of Murcia Province and autonomous region, on the Segura River. The surrounding plain, the huerta, is a fertile, irrigated area that produces oranges and other citrus fruits, cereals, olives, peppers, and truck-farm produce. The city is a centre for transportation, trade, and tin mining. Its industries include food processing, distilling, and the manufacture of textiles, chemicals, apparel, furniture, and building materials the silk industry dates from the Middle Ages.
Narrow, twisting streets are found in the old city north of the river, the banks of which are lined with promenades. The baroque 17th-century Ermita de Jess houses a museum of the art of the city’s native sculptor Francisco Salzillo. The Cathedral of Santa Mara dates from the 14th century and was restored in the 18th century. There is an annual Holy Week procession. The city also has a university (1915) and a provincial museum. By tradition founded by the Moors in the 9th century, Murcia was the capital of an intermittently independent or vassal Moorish kingdom until it was taken over by Castile in 1243. Population (1998 estimate) 349,040.
The importance of the city over the years can be seen in its churches, palaces and other public buildings. To see Murcian Baroque at its best, visit the churches of La Merced, San Juan de Dios, San Nicolas or San Miguel and buildings such as the Bishop 5 Palace or the Palacio Fontes.
This beautiful area of south east Spain is the ideal area for a retirement home, the countryside surrounding the towns of Murcia, Lorca & Totana abound with fincas (farm houses) ideal for modernizing, detached houses on the edges of the towns, giving the necessary amenities close by, but retaining the tranquillity so many of us desire after a life of working.
The Sierra de Espuña A beautiful natural mountainous region, with many gorges, mountains, craggy rock formations and a variety of fauna. Two rivers meander through the area, the Pliego and Guadalentin. It covers and area in excess of 25,000 hectares including the regions of Alhama, Aledo, Totana, Mula y Pliego. In 1978 the Parque Natural of 10.000 hectares was declared and in addition in 1973 a further re-classification of more than 14.000 hectares, the nature reserve, Reserva Natural de Caza.
Topics: Destination | No Comments »
Enjoy the Bahamas with Adequate Sun Protection
By admin | April 16, 2008
Crystal clear turquoise waters, endless white sand beaches, perfect temperate weather- a vacation in the Bahamas is heavenly. It is easy to wile away the hours of the day under the hot Bahamas sun, reading a book or sipping a cocktail. Unfortunately, your dream vacation can be less than perfect if you do not take certain precautions while basking in the sun.
The islands of the Bahamas have earned their reputation as popular tourist destinations in large part due to the weather. The islands have a temperate climate of 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, and the sun is almost always shining. To enjoy your trip to the Bahamas to the fullest, it is wise to be aware of the dangers of the sun and protect yourself from its potentially dangerous ultra-violet rays.
Short of staying out of the sun completely, the best method of sun protection is to wear sunscreen. Dermatologists recommend that you wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 8, but an SPF 15 is generally thought to be ideal. Sunscreen should be applied liberally 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and should be reapplied throughout the day. Different skin types will handle the sun’s rays in varying degrees. Ensure yourself that the SPF protection in your sunscreen will suffice by carefully assessing your skin and its needs. Be aware that the sun’s rays are hottest between the hours of 11 am and approximately 3 pm. During this time, it is wise to give your skin some time out of the sun perhaps you can take refuge under the shady palm trees.
In addition to sunscreen, you should always wear a hat with a brim wide enough to offer sun protection. Do not forget to sufficiently cover your body with a light-weight cotton long-sleeved shirt when you suspect that your skin has had enough sun. Finally, be sure to provide your body with an adequate amount of water. Becoming dehydrated in the hot Bahamas sun can make you very ill and can cost you a day of your vacation.
Beware, aside from a nasty sunburn or dehydration, the outcome of over-exposure to the sun can be much worse. Skin cancer is very serious and if left untreated can be fatal. Watch for signs of skin cancer on your body, notably, irregular or discolored moles or sores that bleed and do not heal. You should be checking yourself from head to toe and do not forget the top of your head!
Sunscreen helps build a barrier against the sun’s harmful ultra-violet rays it not only decreases your chances of sunburn, but also helps safeguard your body from skin cancer. It takes little time and preparation to safely enjoy the wonderful rays of the Bahamas sun!
Topics: Vacation Rentals | No Comments »
The Many Wonders of Flamingo Bay
By admin | April 16, 2008
Great Exuma Bahamas has earned its remarkable reputation by being one of the most desirable vacation destinations in the world. Discriminating travelers choose Great Exuma for its friendly people and stunning natural beauty. The island may be small but there are many beautiful sights to see, one of which is the impressive Flamingo Bay.
Located just 2 miles south of George Town, Flamingo Bay is a scenic paradise. Boasting one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, the bay is a quiet enclave, home to only a select number of luxurious villas. A spectacular coral reef, approximately one mile out, prevents breaking waves and allows you to walk on a sandy ocean floor and swim in calm waters.
Unlike many Caribbean destinations, Flamingo Bay is not densely populated and does not play host to an endless number of tourists. Life in and around the bay is serene and relaxed, yet there is still much one can do. There is a view of Stocking Island which can be accessed by kayak or other boat. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the excellent bonefishing nearby. If a game of golf is more your speed, a visit to the Greg Norman golf course is in order. Located up the coast at Emerald Bay and designed by the golf legend himself, this 18-hole championship course is one of the best ocean-side courses in the world. And, even if you are not an avid boater, it is impossible to remain unimpressed by the Bay’s marina. Stroll around and marvel at the stunning vessels or hop aboard one for the day.
For those with refined taste, George Town is only one half mile up the coast. Although the February Point restaurant in Flamingo Bay is definitely worth a visit, George Town also offers several restaurants that serve local specialties. George Town also has a number of specialty shops, a bank, a gas station, scuba shops, day-trip planners, bicycle rentals, grocery stores and everything to satisfy your needs and more.
Flamingo Bay has a variety of attractions that appeal to all tastes. Enjoy fine dining, world-class sport, upscale shopping and unparalleled natural beauty - everything you need for your dream holiday!
Topics: Vacation Rentals | No Comments »
Visit Santa Barbara California
By admin | April 16, 2008
Ninty some miles north west of Los Angeles lies the lovely beach city of Santa Barbara, California where you will find some of the cleanest and best tended beaches on the west coast.
The city of Santa Barbara which includes Hope Ranch and Montecito has a population of approximately 90,000 (not counting the students who reside at UC Santa Barbara.) yet it hosts millions of visitors each year. The residents of the city are, for the most part, friendly, courteous and helpful, the city is clean and thanks to a well enforced anti graffiti department, virtually free of graffiti. Crime rates are low and the police are courteous and willing to assist you in whatever you need. Whether you are a single traveler, traveling with a friend or spouse or taking the whole family, Santa Barbara is a great destination.
There is something for everyone in or near Santa Barbara. Relax on the beaches, enjoy the night life on State Street or in next door Isla Vista, drive past multi million dollar homes in Montecito or Hope Ranch, take in a symphony at the Arlington Theater, visit the Museum of Art, tour the Mission, go to the Zoo or enjoy the Botanic Gardens or the Natural History Museum, fish off Stearns Wharf, go sport fishing or whale watching, dine at one of the numerous excellant restaurants (many with outside patio dining), visit the outdoor Farmer’s Market and buy organically grown fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants, buy arts and crafts at the sidewalk art show which is right along the beach, rent a bicycle or a bicycle built for two and ride on the bike paths along the ocean, dine at one of the seafood restaurants or at the open air fish market on Stearn’s Wharf or shop at the Paseo Nuevo Shopping Mall.
There are accomidations in every price range, from inexpensive motels to bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels like the Four Seasons Biltmore and the Bacara Resort and Spa.
If the foregoing is not enough, take a wine tasting tour of the botique wineries in the Santa Barbara wine region, go boating and fishing at Lake Cachuma, visit and play poker, blackjack, bingo, keno or slot machines at the Chumash Resort And Casino, visit Solvang “the Danish Capital of America”, go skydiving or take flying lessons at the Santa Inez Airport, see the historic old west town of Santa Ynez, visit Pea Soup Andersen’s in Buellton or just take a long relaxing drive up the coast and enjoy the fantastic weather while viewing the beautiful scenery.
Topics: Destination | No Comments »
Sea Shells and Shelling on Sanibel Island
By admin | April 16, 2008
Located in south west Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico, Sanibel Island is well-known for its sea shells. Year round, a plethora of beautiful, intact sea shells line its sandy white beaches. Sea shell enthusiasts travel from all around the world to walk along the island’s long stretches of undisturbed shells. The secluded, well-preserved island provides an abundance of shells, allowing visitors to select shell treasures as if they were fruits on a tree.
Why should I shell on Sanibel?
Sanibel’s unique geography has made it a shelling hot spot. The island and surrounding land form a plateau that stretches for miles into the Gulf of Mexico. Waves moving across this plateau scoop up shells and move them across the plateau. When these tides hit Sanibel Island, the shells are scattered across the island’s beaches.
When should I shell on Sanibel?
The best time to collect sea shells is during low tide, when the water has retreated, exposing larger stretches of sand. During the low tide, the receding water has left many more shells along the beaches. In addition, during new or full moons, the water recedes further, allowing for better shelling. Traditionally, December and April tend to provide the most ample shelling opportunities. In addition, foul weather (including hurricanes) tends to sweep up more shells and scatter them across the beaches.
Where exactly should I shell on Sanibel?
Due to the island’s unique location, and sustained efforts at wildlife and beach preservation, all of Sanibel’s beaches on the island provide comparatively good shelling opportunities. In particular, however, the eastern end (near “Lighthouse point”) is better for smaller shells, while the western and northwestern end (near neighboring Captiva Island) is better for larger shells.
Topics: Vacation Rentals | No Comments »
Marco Island Florida Beaches
By admin | April 16, 2008
Marco Island is located on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida, south of Fort Myers and just north of the Everglades and 10,000 Islands. Sun-washed white sand beaches are one of the main attractions of this tiny island and there are several to choose from.igertail Beach is a public beach open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset. There are showers, restrooms, a children’s play area, volleyball nets, a concession stand for food and beverages, and a rental stand for a variety of water sport toy, umbrellas and chairs. The entrance to Tigertail Beach is located at the intersection of Spinnaker Drive and Hernando Drive.
Residents Beach – Main requires a resident permit for entry. It is open from 8 a.m. until sunset daily. Showers, restrooms, vending machines, and a children’s play area are available as well as a picnic area with chickee huts, tables and charcoal barbecues. The entrance is located at the intersection of Collier Boulevard and San Marco Road.
South Beach requires a resident permit for parking in the resident parking lot. There is also a public parking lot available and a walkway to the beach that provides access for both residents and the public. The beach is open 8 a.m. until sunset daily. There are no facilities, however, there are hotels and restaurants along the beach within a short distance. Walkway access from Collier Boulevard is located just north of Cape Marco.
Hideaway Beach is a public beach only accessible to the public by boat. The Hideaway Beach community, however, is private property that is available only to homeowners and their guests and is monitored by Hideaway Staff. Mangrove forests, lagoons and wildlife are found in abundance in this 314 acre area of Marco Island.
Several other beaches are accessible on nearby islands by boat and are only a short ride. These include Coconut Island located at the mouth of the Marco River across from Hideaway Beach. Just south of Marco Island is Cape Romano, and Keewaydin Island is just north of Marco off the tip of Isles of Capri. A number of tour boats and guides are available for sightseeing trips to these islands and their beaches.
Topics: Destination | No Comments »
Swimming with Dolphins in Key Largo
By admin | April 16, 2008
Key Largo, known as the diving capital of the world, is located only an hour and a half from Miami International airport. Key Largo is the first in the Florida Keys chain and a perfect get-a-way for an extended vacation or day trip from Miami.
Key Largo is home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, a spectacular underwater park. Professional charter boat captains can help you search for marlin, dolphin, wahoo or tuna just a few miles off the shore.
Dolphins can be spotted daily in a sandy bottomed area about 10-15 feet deep where they are constantly on the move in search of fish to eat.
One cannot swim with dolphins here because the laws of Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 apply here, in addition to the laws of the State of Florida. One can only watch any one group of dolphins for about 30 minutes from the boat from about 50 yards so that feeding, mating, nursing their babies, etc., is not disrupted.
The law prohibits pursuing wild dolphins, swimming after, and touching them. If dolphins approach you while snorkeling (as opposed to you approaching them) the law suggests that you enjoy the moment of close encounter and then go back to the boat.
Topics: Destination | No Comments »
How to buy Discount Airfaire
By admin | April 16, 2008
Traveling is one of the world’s favorite pastimes however individuals continue to pay too much for airfare. The problem is people have some sort of brand loyalty, frequent flyer miles, or the like which inspires them to call the airline directly or go to the airline’s web page and book a ticket direct. Many airlines are now advertising they have the lowest fares for air travel on their carrier, and this might be true if you don’t take into consideration airfare wholesalers and consolidators.
The fact of the matter is there are many airline wholesalers and consolidators who buy large blocks of tickets from various major air carriers and then pass the savings onto the consumer. Airline consolidators and wholesalers have websites where you may search different dates, receive quotes from a variety of major airlines, and find the cheapest flights available, resulting in savings of hundreds of dollars per ticket. Also, when you fly on a discounted ticket you still earn frequent flyer miles.
Unfortunately, many travelers steer away from consolidators and discounted tickets because they are scared they will not receive a seat, they will miss their flight and their business trip or vacation will be ruined. This is a misconception and one that should be done away with immediately. Once you receive your booking confirmation and e-ticket you have a seat on the plane regardless of whether you bought the ticket from a consolidator or straight from the airline’s ticket counter. Consolidator tickets often times have more restrictions, but not enough to make it worthwhile to buy airline tickets straight from the carrier.
Flying can be an expensive form of travel if you don’t examine all your possibilities. Discount Air fair is a great chance to save a lot of money. Do your homework and make sure you are getting exactly what you pay for. In the end there are far better things to spend your money on while on your next vacation, or business trip.
Topics: Airline Travel | No Comments »