NEW TRAVEL HORIZONS IN CHINA
China is no longer the quaint third world
country it once appeared to be. Skyscrapers
are going up everywhere (one third of all
the world's construction cranes are at work
in the new China). The sound of cell phones
ringing is heard as much in restaurants and
on trains there as here in the West (yes,
they play the same musical rings as here).
Everyone uses and talks about the internet,
and they have better connection speeds than
many of us in the West.
The good news for travelers is that China
is also much more convenient, and a lot more
comfortable. It's easy to find Western-style
toilets, and many people, especially in the
cities, speak English (it's taught as early
as First Grade in some Chinese schools).
Getting there is easy, too. China's biggest
and most modern airline, China Southern, flies comfortable 777 aircraft from Los Angeles
non-stop to Guangzhou (formerly Canton) with
links to the rest of China and Asia. Each
seat in all classes has its own individual
TV, and there are upgraded economy and business
class sections.
Western-style hotels are going up as fast
as the office towers, condominiums for expat
business families, and exhibition centers.
So, gone are the days of the old Russian-designed
hotels with their moldy carpets and inoperative
air conditioners. You can stay in four- and
five-star comfort in virtually any city in
today's China..
Huang Shan (Yellow Mountain)
Inspiring Chinese painters for centuries
SEE IT WHILE YOU CAN
The Yangzte River, that is. The huge Three
Gorges Dam is already starting to back up
water behind it. That means many of the area's
most famous sights like the Gorges themselves
and the "Ghost City" of Fengdu
will be underwater or totally changed in
appearance in a few short years. Affected
towns all along the Yangtze have electronic
"doomsday clocks" counting down
the days. And on the cliffs are water level
lines showing what will be flooded, what
will survive.
Victoria Cruises, an American-managed cruise line, covers
the Yangtze from Chongqing all the way down
to Shanghai, stopping for shore excursions
to towns, cities and scenic attractions along
the way. You'll see a lot of the heart of
China and return to good meals, informative
lectures, and a comfortable bed each day.
Join us for an unusual experience in Hong Kong --Click here!