China Hotels

It's probably impossible to summarize China, a land so vast and so diverse even in itself that we can only define it as "exotic". Everything from regular behavior of people to philosophy behind the great culture is far from what the rest of the world normally is used to. Even in this age of globalization, China is still a closed community for the rest of the world.

The land is really massive. Borders reach from Russia down to Equatorial line and from India to Japan, so you can expect every kind of different weather and landscape patterns. Monsoon influences, oceanic effects, continental climate; each district has a specific characteristic unlike the rest. For example, the tropical paradise of Hainan Islands have a nice "summer" all year round, with great beaches to take advantage of. Further inlands, there are regions with huge temperature differences between day and night. So, if you are planning a visit to experience the exotic atmosphere of China, you have to first decide exactly what you want to do, and do your research afterwards.

As we mentioned, China is really rich on diversity, both in itself and compared to the other cultures. Throughout the history, the culture has developed quite differently than what us westerners are used to. The language of today is claimed to go back 6000 years! The written history of civilization goes back 4000 years! Throughout the history, this land has always been a "closed box" for other civilizations. As a result, scientific and cultural achievements of this great civilization didn't really affect the world we know simultaneously or as much as it might have had. These people used gunpowder, compass, techniques of paper making hundreds of years before the techniques traveled to the world we know. Silk road, which stretched through mountains, deserts, steppes of central Asia and all the way to Europe, was the only gate of China to the rest of the world for centuries. Though it is not really active anymore, the route is still worth seeing. After all, trade meant wealth and prosperity which lead to building of monuments...

Not a great number of western explorers had the chance to explore this land, but the ones that did, were amazed by the technology of this great civilization. It wouldn't be wrong to claim that China was many steps ahead of the rest of the world in some of the fields of science and art. The Great Wall of China is really a wonder of the world. To this date, it still stands firm after 2000 years of service. The wall, itself is enough to show how advanced a civilization lived in this land. We have to name the Grand Canal and Karez irrigation systems here, as two of the other marvelous engineering achievements. A very similar method was being used by Chinese thousands years before Pythagoras served it to western world. To this date, any research on Chinese heritage, any small piece of information still amazes the minds.

Even today, with all the globalization and advancements in communication technologies, the society of China is not much altered. It still feels a lot different to "outsiders". Even the most basic behavior of people is so different that one has to experience it first hand to get the slightest grasp...What we call crude might be considered normal, and what we feel normal can be considered "out of place". Travelers need to keep an open mind. Only then, will you feel the true nature and hospitality of locals. Even if you can't really communicate...

Taking everything into account, China offers a mystique environment that you cannot experience anywhere else. That is the strongest and most valuable point of all China offers. You will find great pleasure in visiting ancient temples and monuments, you will feel the heritage of thousands of years. There are dozens of UNESCO's World Heritage sites, and each one is more breathtaking than the rest. The monuments, the philosophy that still shapes the people's daily lives, the cherished values, customs and traditions will definitely fell like an otherworldly experience.

Throughout the year, there are many different festival and holiday seasons. They always turn into ever so colorful and lively experiences. And since the locals will be making preparations for tourists, you won't feel "out of place" either. So, if you don't mind the crowds, we would recommend you choose such an event according to your taste and expectations.

Be sure to check out local traditional art too. There are still many great craftsman that produce porcelain, carpets, silk products, jaded items. Traditional Calligraphy works is pretty popular among tourists too. Another must-try is Chinese massage. But as usual, you have to be pretty careful and picky to actually find the best and "legal" experience.