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Brazil to Be Another Destination for Chinese Tourists
Chinese can now visit the tropical rain forest or watch soccer superstars' samba in Brazil as China has officially announced Brazil will become a designated destination for Chinese tourists. Brazil is also expected to be the first South American country to get this green-light tourist status. On the practical side, non-stop flights between Beijing and Sao Paolo will start in August. Four scheduled flights are available every week. Tours to Brazil are expected to cost about 2
Railway Can Stop Service in Emergency Situation
Operators of subway or light rail trains in Beijing will have the right to temporarily stop service when encountering severe weather, natural disaster or other emergency situations. This will take effect on June 1st. To further improve safety, before a rail project goes into full operation, it should be given one year of test runs, with no passengers for the first three months. In addition, railway staff will receive more training on rapid response to emergencies.
Howard Johnson steps up China presence
Howard Johnson International is to increase its portfolio to 17 properties in China through 2004 with openings in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Conghua (Guangdong), Hangzhou, Tianjin and Wuhan. Currently operating five hotels and resorts in China, Howard Johnson is set to bring at least one five-star hotel to each provincial city in the country over the next three to four years under full management agreement. President and CEO Mr Ken Greene said: Howard Johnson might have
Air passenger transport volume to top 100m in 2004
China's total passenger transport volume is expected to surge by 20 percent to reach 103.8 million people in 2004, according to an annual report on China's industrial development. It is predicted that cargo transport volume by air will reach 2.5 million tons this year, a rise of 18 percent year on year, according to China's Industrial Development Report 2004, which was publicized in Beijing on Monday. The report forecast that China's civil aviation transportation will enter a perio
Shanghai Agenda on Poverty Reduction
1. A broad range of participants including Heads of State and government, Ministers and representatives of developing and developed countries, heads and representatives of international agencies, and participants from the private sector and civil society met in Shanghai on May 26 and 27 to: ¡ètake stock of the current state of global poverty reduction and human development; ¡èshare insights on the key factors underlying successful results and scaling-up of growth and poverty reduct
Nevada to Open Tourism Office in China
The Nevada Commission on Tourism (NCOT) will open a state tourism office in Beijing June 11 as it tries to up the ante and endeavors to attract more visitors from China. The NCOT said Nevada is the only U.S. state to have earned certification by the China National Tourism Administration to operate a tourism office in that country. Honggxia "Karen" Chen, who worked for more than a decade for China Hainan Airlines and managed its South Korea office, will head the Nevada enterprise.
Protectionism Hurts Everyone
The International Trade Commission of the United States decided on May 14 that color TV sets manufactured in China have caused material harm to US producers. The decision removes the final hurdle to the US Department of Commerce ruling to impose anti-dumping taxes -- between 5.2 to 26.4 percent -- on Chinese-made televisions beginning next month. This is a move of trade protectionism taken by the United States after China made major concessions at the 15th Sino-US Joint Commission
Photos Tie City to Its Past
Chen Lanxie, 49, never expected she would ever see how her mother looked like 60 years ago. "I couldn't help shedding tears when I saw her, so young," Chen said at a recent photo exhibition entitled "Kunming in Colour in 1944," at the Yunnan Museum in the capital of Southwest China's Yunnan Province. It was one of Chen's old neighbours who recognized her mother. "My mother was born in 1912 and passed away 12 years ago," said Chen. "She left nothing recording her early years,
Trade Protectionism Hurts Everyone
The International Trade Commission of the United States decided on May 14 that color TV sets manufactured in China have caused material harm to US producers. The decision removes the final hurdle to the US Department of Commerce ruling to impose anti-dumping taxes - between 5.2 to 26.4 percent - on Chinese-made televisions beginning next month. This is a move of trade protectionism taken by the United States after China made major concessions at the 15th Sino-US Joint Commission on
US Northwest Airlines to Provide New Services in China
American Northwest Airlines will provide new services on routes from Beijing and Shanghai to the United States via Tokyo.
Vice president of the company's international department said the fresh move is to meet the growing aviation demand, improve airpo
Airport Upgrade to Slow Procedures
Passengers flying from Beijing's Capital Airport will have to arrive an extra 15 minutes early due to renovation works on a runway bridge. The bridge is getting a make over after nearly 28 years of use. The works started this Tuesday and will last until mid-July. The infrastructural upgrade also results in five less flights being able to use the airport every hour.
InterCon adds nine hotels in China
InterContinental Hotels Group continues to expand its network in China, signing nine hotel contracts including Express, a Holiday Inn brand. This marks Express' introduction in China. Managing director, Asia Pacific, Patrick Imbardelli said, The Chinese market is ready for Express by Holiday Inn. With the strong economic outlook, the projected increase in domestic travel and in the number of independent travellers coming into China, Express by Holiday Inn will enable us to fully tap into
Amazon Culture Brightens Beijing
The Amazon River is to Brazil what the Yellow River is to China. Over thousands of years, the grand stretch of water has fostered rich and colorful indigenous cultures in the world's largest tropical forest. Now, a part of the Amazon culture has come to brighten up Beijing. An unfortunate morning rain soaked Beijing's Palace Museum on Tuesday, but it didn't stop the visiting Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from attending the opening ceremony of the Amazonia, Native Tradition
Abacus launches Chinese site
Abacus International has launched a dedicated website (www.abacuscn.com) in both English and simplified Chinese, for its agents in the China market. The website features China-specific news and information, an online newsletter, archived press releases, links to Club Abacus - a rewards programme for agents - and information on Abacus products and solutions.
China marks three decades of relations with Malaysia
The China National Tourism Administration and Embassy of the People's Republic of China will be presenting its Around China in 7 Days China Tourism Week from May 29 to June 4 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relationships between the China and Malaysia. Sino-Malaysian ties have been stepped up since the year 2004 was declared Malaysia-China Friendship Year following a bilateral meeting between Malaysian prime minister, Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, and Chinese president
OAG gets personal with partnership product
OAG, the leading source of independent flight schedule information, is planning to soft launch a ¡°partnership product¡± for mobile telephones and PDAs (personal digital assistant) featuring some 140,000 flights and 50,000 connections this year. OAG vice-president, Asia-Pacific, Mr Fred Seow, added he had begun talks with various service providers in China to acquire content. ¡°Different versions, in dual languages could be out by the end of the year or earlier,¡± he said. Chairman, Mr
Pudong Airport Safe: Expert
The architecture in Pudong International Airport and Oriental Art Center in construction are "safe and scientifically reasonable", local architects said today in the wake of the collapse in Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris which in designed by the same French architect Paul Andreu. The passenger terminal in Charles de Gaulle Airport caved in on Sunday, killing at least five people, including two Chinese. Witness said tons of concrete, steel and glass from the roof fell on to a waiting a
Sacred Relic of Buddha Featured in Hong Kong
The chartered plane carrying the sacred finger bone relic of Sakyamuni Buddha took off from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport yesterday morning for a 10-day exhibition in Hong Kong that starts today. After a farewell ceremony attended by thousands of pious Buddhists, the sacred relic left home with a 75-person welcome delegation from Hong Kong, a 72-person escort delegation and a 30-person guard group from the mainland. "This is a great event in Chinese cultural history and will
Time to Stop 'Grey Customs Clearance'
Chinese businesspeople who travel thousands of miles to the Russian capital have mixed feelings towards the local market. "We are both thrilled and scared," shoe-producer Yu Jinhua put it with telling brevity. Yu, the general manager of the Wenzhou Jierda Shoes Co Ltd, in East China's Zhejiang Province, says that 60 per cent of the leather shoes made by his company go to Russia. However, over the past five years, Yu has suffered great economic losses in Russia because of the so-cal
The Long-Dragon Banquet of Yuanyang
The government of Honghe Prefecture, in the south of Yunnan Province, has applied for inclusion to the UN's list of World Natural and Cultural Heritage site, for the terraced fields in the small county of Yuanyang, where each year the Hani people hold a banquet so large they consume entire towns. The annual festival and the splendor of Yuanyang's rice terraces are drawing increasing interest from travelers and photographers alike. The following is the first of two articles highlighting Yuanyang.
US Visa Counseling Company Applies for Approval
The Shanghai company that offered US visa counseling services, which was closed for overcharging, has come to realize its problems and is applying for approval, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Thursday.
During a routine press conferen
Weekend Trip to Nanxiang
It is not necessary to travel far from the city center to find an intersting destination for a weekend trip. Actually, in the city's suburbs, there are a number of pleasant places to visit. Nanxiang Ancient Town is one such place.
Nanxiang, located in
HK Observatory launches world airport weather website
Should I pack more clothes for my trip This is a common question people ask before they travel abroad. Now they could find the answer from the website of the Hong Kong Observatory: http://www.weather.gov.HK/aviat/airportwx/. As part of its effort to enhance its weather services on the Internet, the Hong Kong Observatory launched a webpage showing weather at airports around the world on Thursday. The new webpage provides such information as the forecast of weather, and the minimum
Bun festival sees bountiful turnout
Despite government refusal to let the traditional bun fight take place, the annual bun festival on Hong Kong's outer island of Cheung Chau attracted 41,000 visitors yesterday. Agents said the crowd included many thousands of tourists who flocked to see the floating children parade, lion dancing and martial arts shows. Organisers believe the good turnout was sparked in part by arguments over failed attempts to stage the banned practice of climbing the 15m towers of steamed buns that for a
China remains Vietnam's biggest tourist market
China remained the biggest tourist market of Vietnam in the first five months of this year with a year-on-year rise of 20.7 percent in the number of mainland Chinese visitors. In the period, Vietnam welcomed 318,442 visitors from the Chinese mainland, or 27.56 percent of the total number of international arrivals to the country, said the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) on Thursday. The majority of Chinese people, who often go to Vietnam on holidays, visit the Worl
Shenzhen wants share of Hong Kong's mainland action
Shenzhen wants Beijing to issue multiple-entry permits to individual mainland travellers from other parts of China visiting Hong Kong so the well-heeled visitors can cross the border between the twin-cities. Now, once the mainlanders have visited Hong Kong, they cannot reenter the territory if they leave to visit Shenzhen. Shenzhen Tourism Administration is calling for multiple-entry permits to let tourists travel freely over the border. A tourist is allowed to take a maximum of RM
Internet-Visa for Chinese Tourists to Malaysia
Chinese tourists to Malaysia can now apply for their visas via the Internet, a move aimed at encouraging more Chinese to holiday in Malaysia. The process, which is being carried out on a trial basis in Shanghai, will be expanded eventually. Malaysian Ambassador to China Datuk Abdul Majid Khan said the "I-Visa" project would eventually be available in Guangzhou and Beijing. Under the project, Chinese tourists need only to submit their visa applications online before turning u
US Northwest Airlines to Provide New Services in China
American Northwest Airlines will provide new services on routes from Beijing and Shanghai to the United States via Tokyo. Vice president of the company's international department said the fresh move is to meet the growing aviation demand, improve airport equipment, and strengthen cabin service. The company will launch a route from China to Portland via Tokyo and resume the route from China to Hawaii via Los Angeles beginning June 10. From October, newly delivered Airbus A330
Malaysia readies for influx of Chinese tourists
Malaysia is ready to welcome the projected one million tourists annually from China, over the next ten years, said Tourism Minister Michael Toyad. Opening the Malaysia China Travel Mart 2004 in Genting Highlands on Sunday, the tourism chief said the travel mart is aimed at enhancing and further strengthening travel trade between Malaysia and China. Organized by Tourism Malaysia, in conjunction with Malaysia China Friendship Year 2004, the event provided an opportunity for the Malay
No looking back as Emirates awaits China growth
A delegation of officials from the United Arab Emirates returned from Shanghai last month confident that it had progressed talks with Chinese counterparts over an ADS agreement. The UAE is keen to strike an ADS agreement with China in support of new daily services introduced on the Dubai-Shanghai route by Emirates airline. There is massive potential growth for us in China, said Richard Vaughan, Emirates senior vice president, commercial operations for East Asia and Australasia.
Biocomplexity Key to Eco-challenges
A Sino-US workshop on biocomplexity and ecosystem services was held recently to try and work out new ideas to promote sustainable development and deal with many other environmental challenges facing human beings, reports Chen Zhiyong. Ecological systems are dynamic, complex and evolving. The multidisciplinary approach to studying such systems has recently been brought under an over-arching concept of "biocomplexity.'' Integrating approaches of ecology and complexity science,
Malaysian PM Visits China
There are very good reasons for Malaysia and China to be doing much more business with each other not only in the future but right now, said visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in Beijing Friday. Addressing the opening ceremony of the Malaysia and China Business Dialogue, Badawi said the Malaysian and Chinese economies are complementary in numerous spheres, involving electronic products, infrastructure development, medicines and logistics. He gave an example tha
Hydrogen Shows Promise in Vehicle Tests
Car fleets escorted by police along Chang'an Avenue are not a rare sight for Beijing residents, who are accustomed to the practice when leaders of foreign states visit the capital of China. Yet when the police motorcycles sped along the avenue to the Great Hall of the People in drizzle last Wednesday, they were not escorting such dignitaries, but two buses. At first glance, the vehicles that started off from the Kempinski Hotel looked little different from those traveling around th
English Tests Trigger Gold Rush in China
Lan Lin, a sophomore university student in Beijing, is busy planning her summer vacation, but does not plan to travel or do any part-time work. She will enroll in a training school to improve her English. "I need to prepare for TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) during the holiday, so that I will have enough time to go through the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) next semester," she said. Lan's boyfriend, a joint
Renovation of Potala Palace Enters Key Period
The ongoing renovation of Potala Palace has entered its critical stage in China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Work on the Palace began in June 2002. China has allocated 170 million yuan or some US$20 million to complete the second renovation of the Potala Palace. The renovation work is being carried out on important parts of Potala Palace, including the Lingta Palaces of the eighth and ninth Dalai Lama. Built in the middle of the seventh century, during the Tang Dynasty, the Po
International Hotel Groups Expanding Networks in China
For Accor, the largest hotel management group in Europe, the year 2004 could be called the " China Year." The company invested in its first economy hotel in China in April and put a new five-star hotel in east China's Anhui Province under its Sofitel series. In addition, it has another eight hotels in China waiting for opening. "We plan to make the logo of Accor appear in every city of the Chinese mainland," said Shao Dong, vice president of Accor International Hotel Group.
Caught in the Net
Liu Qi is an online game addict. Focusing his eyes on the shifting images on the screen, his hands adroitly tapped on the keyboard to control the warrior and his weapons, his body twitching to release excess energy. Liu is a gifted university student majoring in Russian. But he is also devoted to online games and a "Legend of Mir" devotee. The "Legend of Mir" is a massive online multiplayer role-playing game based on an Oriental-style world. When Liu stumbled across this game with
Police Bust Fraudulent Visa Dealers
A three-month nationwide hunt conducted by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and six other government entities has snared hundreds of intermediary agents illegally dealing in visas and other exit and entry services. From March 25 to June 25, the Spring Thunder Campaign focused on intermediaries who have no authorization or funds, as well as organizations overseas that illegally conduct exit and entry services in China, said Han Yusheng, vice director of the MPSa s Bureau of Exit-Entry
Flight Bargain Offered to Guilin
The Shenzhen branch of China Southern Airlines (CSA) is offering a bargain rate for flights, tourist attractions and a hotel in a travel package to Guilin in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region through June 30. Travelers can save as much as 700 yuan. The package includes three tourist attractions: a sculpture park, the Crown Cave and a theme park. "A two-way ticket between Shenzhen and Guilin normally costs 1,320 yuan, and the admission for three popular attractions in Guilin norm
Police Bust Fraudulent Visa Dealers
A three-month nationwide hunt conducted by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and six other government entities has snared hundreds of intermediary agents illegally dealing in visas and other exit and entry services. From March 25 to June 25, the Spring Thunder Campaign focused on intermediaries who have no authorization or funds, as well as organizations overseas that illegally conduct exit and entry services in China, said Han Yusheng, vice director of the MPS's Bureau of Exit-Entry
Stranded Tourists Rescued
A stranded ship found by police near the coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong Province, on Sunday sparked a rescue operation for 17 foreign tourists and four Chinese guides. The ship had become lost in heavy fog, drifting for more than three hours.
Wu Starts Goodwill Visit to Denmark
Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, arrived in Copenhagen Monday for a three-day visit to Denmark, the third leg of a 14-day, four-nation tour that has already taken him to Russia and Bulgaria. On arriving at the airport, Wu expressed his confidence that the visit will enhance ties by promoting understanding and trust. He added that China will expand exchange and cooperation with Denmark on the basis of mutual respect, equality and reciprocity
Shenyang First Manchu Ethnic Group Folk Custom Festival Unveils
China has 56 ethnic groups and every group has its own culture. In Liaoning, the Manchu ethnic group culture blooms splendidly. On 29th, Shenyang will meet its first Manchu Ethnic Group Folk Custom Festival. The first Manchu Ethnic Group Folk Custom Festival of Shenyang will be celebrated in the Manchu folk custom village in Lixiang Town, Dongling District, Shenyang. It is one of the theme-activities of Shenyang's Qing Dynasty's Culture festivals. In the folk custom village, you ca
Museum Seeks Foreign Aid
China is seeking overseas cooperation to build a multimillion US dollar cultural park at the site of the earliest and largest ruins of the ancient Shu Kingdom in southwestern Sichuan Province. The expansion of the existing museum site will cost an estimated investment of US$42.1 million and produce annual profits of US$300 million, said Li Chengyun, a leading official of Deyang City, at the Fifth Western China Expo held in Chengdu, Sichuan's capital. The cultural park is located at
Ancient Roman Civilization Exhibits in Beijing
An exhibition of ancient Roman civilization has kicked off at the National Museum of China in Beijing. 173 priceless artifacts shipped from Italy are being shown in the exhibition, offering an opportunity to admire one of history's most powerful civilizations. The treasures have been divided into two parts. One shows the political power and regime transfer of ancient Rome, featuring statues of Augustus Caesar and other Roman emperors, while the other depicts the daily life of Roman
Niu Qun Named 'Image Ambassador' for Jiuhua Mountain
Domestically renowned cross- talker Niu Qun has been named as the "Image Ambassador" for Jiuhua Mountain in east China's Anhui Province. As a famous photographer, Niu Qun has taken many photos of this beauty spot. He hopes that he can help Jiuhua Mountain become world-famous. At present Niu Qun is deputy head of Mengcheng County, a poverty-stricken place in Anhui Province. He is the country's first actor to become a top-level county official.
Incomparable Huangshan
Ming Dynasty Chinese geographer and traveler Xu Xiake (1587-1641) traveled on foot to 16 provinces in east, north, southeast and southwest China. In his travel notes, he writes, "Of all the mountains I have seen, not a single one can compare to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Seeing it obviates the need to go to any other." In the 400 years that have since passed, Xu's opinion still holds good. Huangshan is a representative Chinese mountain, and topographic symbol of China, along with the Ya
Herders' Kids Bid Farewell to Horseback Schools
Garsang Doje, a 14-year-old Tibetan boy in the northwestern Qinghai Province, is among the herders' kids to have left the mobile "horseback schools" in their home villages for a formal boarding school more than 500 kilometers away. The so-called "horseback schools" were for a time the only place for the herders' children to pick up some rudiments of primary school education. As the nomadic herders had to travel on horseback from one place to another looking for meadows and water, a
Shenyang First Manchu Ethnic Group Folk Custom Festival Unveils
China has 56 ethnic groups and every group has its own culture. In Liaoning, the Manchu ethnic group culture blooms splendidly. On 29th, Shenyang will meet its first Manchu Ethnic Group Folk Custom Festival. The first Manchu Ethnic Group Folk Custom Festival of Shenyang will be celebrated in the Manchu folk custom village in Lixiang Town, Dongling District, Shenyang. It is one of the theme-activities of Shenyang's Qing Dynasty's Culture festivals. In the folk custom village, you ca
Insurance help is on the way
Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) Hong Kong has launched a new insurance cover to protect against business interruption caused by infectious disease outbreaks, such as SARS or any other human-to-human transmitted virus. The new cover, known as Health Emergency Loss Protection (HELP), is designed to protect companies in the event of denial of access to their premises, either in part or in whole, as a result of an infectious disease outbreak. It is expected to be of particular value to th
China Eastern to Buy Airbus A330
China Eastern Airlines Corp. plans to buy 10 Airbus SAS A330 jetliners and is considering an order for Boeing Co.'s proposed 7E7 plane, company President Li Fenghua said. "Our preliminary plan is to buy 10 Airbus planes, but we need approval from the government,'' Li said, adding that the type under consideration is the A330. Dow Jones Newswires reported earlier that Shanghai-based China Eastern will next week sign an agreement on the A330s and plans to purchase 20 7E7s by 2020. Th
Shenzhen City Hall Opens
The Shenzhen Administration Hall in the new Citizens' Center was opened on a trial basis Monday. Since the Shenzhen Municipal Tourism Bureau became the first to offer services in the administration hall May 17, a total of 26 government agencies had moved in and opened 127 service windows with a total of 255 staff. Located in the middle of the Citizens' Center, the administration hall has a total of floor area of 5,114 sqm with two divisions. The eastern hall has 10 governmen
Flight Bargain Offered to Guilin
The Shenzhen branch of China Southern Airlines (CSA) is offering a bargain rate for flights, tourist attractions and a hotel in a travel package to Guilin in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region through June 30. Travelers can save as much as 700 yuan. The package includes three tourist attractions: a sculpture park, the Crown Cave and a theme park. "A two-way ticket between Shenzhen and Guilin normally costs 1,320 yuan, and the admission for three popular attractions in Guilin norm
2006 PATA Travel Mart to take place in HK
Chief executive of Hong Kong Tourism Board Clara Chong said the PATA Travel Mart will take place in the territory's new international exhibition centre AsiaWorld ¨C Expo in September 2006. Chong said she believed the new venue will attract more international business travellers to Hong Kong especially since China has joined the WTO. The 70,000 sqm Hong Kong Asia World ¨C Expo costing HK$2 billion (about a quarter of US$1 billion) is scheduled to open by December 2005. Nicolas
First Folk Craftwork Exhibition Extends Duration for More Visitors
China's first Folk Craftwork Exhibition has made its debut at the Cultural Palace of Nationalities in Beijing. Today's closing time is extended from half past four to half past six due to Children's Day. Folk arts and crafts have attracted many youngsters. Sculptures, paper cuts, paintings and calligraphies have been shown along with porcelain and musical instruments. The craftworks include wooden paintings and colourful eggs.
Shandong Airlines chooses Singapore as its first international destination
China`s Shandong Airlines launched its first international flight and landed at Singapore Changi Airport this afternoon. The inaugural flight originated from the capital city of Shandong Province, Jinan, and was led by Mr Zeng Guoqiang, General Manager cum Chief Pilot of Shandong Airlines. Mr Zeng, his crew and the passengers were received at Changi by a party led by Mr Ng Wee Hiong, Deputy Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). Shandong Airlines is the fift
HK Welcomes 2 Millionth Visitor
Hong Kong's Immigration Department yesterday welcomed the 2 millionth individual visitor from the Chinese mainland since the individual visit scheme was launched last July. Chan man-lang, divisional commander of the Harbor Division, presented Mai Jiemei with a certificate and a souvenir when she arrived at China Ferry Terminal.
Second 'Hemudu Cultural Site' Spotted in Yuyao
Xiang'ao Village in Yuyao City, east China's Zhejiang Province, used to be a silent and unkown village. But all have changed after a huge cultural site was found in the village. A joint panel of archeologists from Zhejiang Institute of Cultural Relics and Archeological Research, Ningbo Institute of Cultural Relics and Archeological Research and Hemude Site Museum announced on Wednesday that the cultural site spotted at Xiang'ao Village is site that dates back to more than 6,500 years and
Movie Day for Rural Kids
The country boy's imagination has gone wild, daydreaming that he wanders with Harry Potter around the Chamber of Secrets as the Eighth International Children's Film Festival of China closed on June 1 at Hengdian, in a Universal Studio-style backlot at the city of Dongyang in east China's Zhejiang Province. "I wish I had a wand like Harry Potter does, so that I could turn bad guys into stone, and other tricks," said Wu Jiangze, 10. The boy from Tangya Village, 6 kilometers away from
Wulingyuan Restoring Natural Beauty
The increasing presence of service facilities once drove away wild animals and damaged the natural beauty of Zhangjiajie, a state forest park in central China's Hunan Province. However, the situation has turned for the better since the local government took various measures to restore the once-polluted scenic reserve in 2001. Home to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a world heritage listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1992, Zhangjia
UK Screen Gems to Be Shown in Local Cinemas
From June 11 to 20 in Beijing, the capital's leg of first British Film Festival to be held in China will light up the screens of local cinemas with exciting, original and cutting edge films from the UK. Audiences will have the opportunity to view a number of new releases from the UK, including hits like Calendar Girls, along with Capture the Castle, Touching the Void and Wondrous Oblivion. Organized by the Culture and Education Section of the British Embassy and the Film Bureau of
2006 PATA Travel Mart to Take Place in HK
Chief executive of Hong Kong Tourism Board Clara Chong said the PATA Travel Mart will take place in the territory's new international exhibition center Asia World-Expo in September 2006. Chong said she believed the new venue will attract more international business travelers to Hong Kong especially since China has joined the WTO. The 70,000 sqm Hong Kong Asia World-Expo costing HK$2 billion (about a quarter of US$1 billion) is scheduled to open by December 2005. Nicolas Bori
Buddhist Sculptures in Dajue Temple Being Restored
Restoration work on the 24 sculptures of the eighteen arhats and other Buddhist figures in the Dajue Temple has entered its final phase. In order to recover the original look of the sculptures the temple has invited experienced artisans from northwest China's Shanxi Province to refurbish the ancient works of art using traditional Chinese methods. The Dajue Buddhist Temple is located outside of Beijing and was built during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The eighteen arhats are famous
Marianas Visitors Authority Appoints Ruder Finn Asia as Marketing Representative for China
Ruder Finn announced today that the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA), the official tourism board of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), has appointed Ruder Finn Asia (RFA) as their representative for China, with physical presence in four key cities -- Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. A US commonwealth, the Northern Mariana Islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are a chain of low coral and volcanic islands in the West Pacific, offering friendly, fun, exotic v
China Southern Airlines to launch new Shanghai-Beijing-Amsterdam service
China Southern Airlines is to launch a new service from Shanghai to Amsterdam via Beijing. The new Boeing 777 Shanghai-Beijing-Amsterdam service - slated to begin June 28 - is timed to begin on the official opening day of the new Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, and will be operated under a code-share agreement with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Effective May 1, 2004, 12 nations of the European Union were formally opened to the Chinese citizens as new overseas tourist destina
Niu Qun Named 'Image Ambassador' for Jiuhua Mountain
Domestically renowned cross- talker Niu Qun has been named as the "Image Ambassador" for Jiuhua Mountain in east China's Anhui Province. As a famous photographer, Niu Qun has taken many photos of this beauty spot. He hopes that he can help Jiuhua Mountain become world-famous. At present Niu Qun is deputy head of Mengcheng County, a poverty-stricken place in Anhui Province. He is the country's first actor to become a top-level county official.
Central Chinas Ancient Phoenix City to be Legally Protected
Phoenix City, and other places of cultural heritage in Central China's Hunan province will soon be protected by law. Phoenix City is discussing how to regulate its protection. The city, Huangsiqiao City and southern sections of the Great Wall are to be added to the state protection list. The the construction, size and colours of renovations in the city centre must adhere to Ming and Qing Dynasty patterns and styles. No historically valuable streets will be widened or narrowed, and
World Carnival to Entertain Beijing
The famous "mobile amusement park," World Carnival, is set to make its debut in Beijing on June 22. World Carnival, which enjoys a similar reputation to big names like Disney and Universal Studios, will have people flocking to check out its recreational facilities, amazing performances and delicious food. The Carnival boasts over 500 activities, and one third of these are updated every year.
The price for tickets has not yet been revealed.
Flag Raising Ceremony Gets a Makeover
The raising of the Chinese flag at Tian'anmen Sqaure in Beijing is a poplar tourist attraction, and this month it's getting a make over. Currently the national anthem is played live three times a month, but now two performances have been removed from the ceremony. On the first day of every month, a military band of 62 musicians will give a live performance as the escort raises the flag. On the other days, the flag will be hoisted to recorded accompaniment. The move is
Mainland Tourists to HK and Macao Increase
From January to April of this year, more than 4 million Chinese mainland tourists visited Hong Kong, an increase of 50 percent compared to the same period last year. During the same period, 2.3 million people from the Chinese mainland traveled to Macao, an increase of 67 percent on the first four months of last year. Vice Director of the National Tourism Administration, Sun Gang, announced the figures at the "Pan-Pearl River Delta Region Forum "in Hong Kong. He said the main
Bewitched by Beihai
The majority of visitors to Beihai in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region are on their way someplace else. But this all-year-round beach resort on the Beibu Gulf is starting to attract admiring second glances from visitors on their way to established tourist traps like Hainan and Viet Nam. The coastal city is within striking distance of Guangdong, Hainan, Hong Kong, Macao and Viet Nam by land and sea. Beihai was declared one of the earliest open cities to foreign investment in
Liu Dalin and His Sex Museum
Sociology Professor Liu Dalin of Shanghai University is a pioneer of sex studies in China. Now 72-years old, Prof. Liu started researching China's sexual culture in 1985, and in 1999 he opened China's first sex museum in Shanghai. Sex has long been a taboo subject in China, and even in Shanghai, one of China's most open cities, Prof. Liu's museum of sexual culture ruffled many feathers. After several changes of location, the museum has re-opened in what the Prof. Liu hopes is a more permanent ho
Beijing Waiting for Torch from Greece
The arrival in Beijing of the Olympic flame marks an historic first for the city -- and the memory of a lifetime for scores of ordinary people. The arrival of the Olympic flame in Beijing next week marks a landmark in the city's history and puts it under a global spotlight as never before. The spectacular and symbolic torch relay has been an established tradition since the Berlin Olympiad in 1936. The elaborate round-the-world journey of the torch that will be used to ignite
China Seeks Non-proliferation Group Status
Building on recent efforts to demonstrate its non-proliferation credentials, China has reiterated its desire to join an influential export control group, the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). The 33-nation group, founded in 1987 by the G7 countries in Rome, held a second round of talks with China this week in Beijing, Liu said at Thursday's regular news briefing. Liu said the meeting was co-chaired by Liu Jieyi, director of the Department of Arms Control and Disarmament und
Visa Call Center Soon to Resume Operations
The Shanghai-based phone company running the US Consulate's visa information service will soon resume operations. The phone charges will be reduced to 36 yuan for every eight minutes, down from 54 yuan for every 12 minutes, said an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday. Shanghai police shut down the Xin'an Information Service Center in April for overcharging customers.
China Southern and Korean Air sign new Code Share Agreement
China Southern Airlines has signed a code share agreement with Korean Air for service between Incheon and Shenyang which will come into effect 8 August. Currently, Korean Air is operating a total 70 weekly flights to China and 11 weekly flights between Incheon and Shenyang while China Southern Airlines is operating a total 12 weekly flights between these markets. The code share agreement practically enables both carriers to ensure a total of 23 weekly flights between these two citi
Buddhist Sculptures in Dajue Temple Being Restored
Restoration work on the 24 sculptures of the eighteen arhats and other Buddhist figures in the Dajue Temple has entered its final phase. In order to recover the original look of the sculptures the temple has invited experienced artisans from northwest China's Shanxi Province to refurbish the ancient works of art using traditional Chinese methods. The Dajue Buddhist Temple is located outside of Beijing and was built during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The eighteen arhats are famous
Railways Improve Booking Services
Booking services had been improved at railway stations in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, allowing travelers to book train tickets 10 days in advance from June 4, the Daily Sunshine reported Wednesday. In the past, stations only accepted ticket bookings six days in advance, the report said.
The stations also dedicated service windows for students starting June 1 through the summer holidays to Sept. 30. The report said students with valid ID cards would be eligible for 50 percent discount at th
Air NZ to add China, India with fleet boost
Air New Zealand will buy six Boeing Co aircraft and lease four more at a cost of more than NZ$1.35 billion (S$1.44 billion), seeking to cut fuel costs and add routes to India and China. The airline will buy four Boeing 777-200 ER planes and lease a further four, replacing some existing Boeing 767 planes over the next two years, it said in a statement yesterday. The carrier will also buy two Boeing 7E7s, only the second airline to place an order for the plane, scheduled for its first deliv
Pingyao International Photography Exhibition 2004 to Debut in Sept
The International Photography Exhibition 2004 will be held on September 16th in Pingyao, a historical city in west China's Shanxi province. The 7-day exhibition will be themed Civilization and Development. A total of 3,500 works from 20 countries and regions will be shown in 80 pavilions. The spotlight will focus on ancient civilizations such as China, India, Egypt and Babylon.
Indonesia to Build Chinese Museum of History
The Chinese-Indonesian Social Association has decided to build a Museum dedicated to the history of Chinese in Indonesia. The Museum will cost over 4 million US Dollars. The association, founded five years ago, is planning to set the museum in Jakarta's Taman Mini Indonesia, a park introducing each ethic minority's history and culture in Indonesia. The Museum will cost 40 billion Indonesian Rupiah or over 4 million US Dollars and be built in an area of 4 hektares. The chairman to t
Hong Kong's big carriers to add surcharge
Hong Kong's two major carriers will impose levies on passengers to cover the increasing cost of fuel. The city's aviation authorities say they will allow Cathay Pacific and Dragonair to impose surcharges. Cathay can add between US$4 for short-haul flights to US$14 on long haul services. Dragonair will add US$5 charge per sector. Eleven other airlines not based in Hong Kong have also received the permission for a surcharge to help cover the record cost of fuel, now at a 14-year high
Long March Along Yangtze Aims to Highlight Pollution
A team of Chinese experts will kick off an environmental "long march" next month along the country's longest river to raise the public's awareness of the acute pollution in the river. They will start from Chongqing, travel along the river and doing research and educating people, and will arrive in Shanghai next March. If enough attention is not given, the Yangtze River might become as heavily polluted as the Yellow River, warned experts attending the press conference last week in S
Hostel Boss Convicted for Insulting Corpse
A hostel boss in Haikou, the capital of island Hainan Province, south China, was given a six-month jail term for his throwing away the body of a lodger to avoid 'impact on his business,' according to a local court. The dead, surnamed Lin who was a drug addict, checked in Deng Jincai's Haikou Square Hostel at 10 pm on Feb. 15, 2004 with a woman he had brought along, according to the local-based South China Urban Daily. They spent the night together and injected drug that night, acco
White Ants Eating Away Ancient Architecture
White ants, little wood-eating insects, are threatening ancient buildings in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, an ancient city with a history more than 2,000 years old. The threat to 18 ancient buildings, including the Beilin Museum, built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the Dayan Pagoda, which was built some 1,400 years ago, and the Chenghuangmiao Temple, built more than 600 years ago, is extremely serious, said Chen Zhongtang, director of Xi'an White Ants Preventi
Stone Inscription for Buddha's Footprint Revealed in Shaanxi
An inscription on a stone bearing a copy of Buddha's footprint has been revealed to the public by the Cultural Relic and Travel Bureau of Tongchuan City in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. The 35-cm-long, 25-cm-wide and 10-cm-tall relic, with 24 Chinese characters on it, was confirmed as bearing the handwriting of Xuan Zang, a noted Buddhist monk of the Tang Dynasty (618-907),according to the bureau. The stone on which the Buddha's footprint was duplicated was once kept in Yuhua
China Works to Protect Ancient Temples in Hebei Province
China's cultural heritage administration has started to renovate a cluster of centuries-old temples in Houshan, Hebei Province, in an effort to restore the former glory of these landmark buildings where emperors used to worship heaven in the remote periods of the country's recorded history. The Houshan culture, centered in Yixian County, some 10 kilometers from an imperial mausoleum, features more than 50 palaces and temples and has aroused attention from worldwide scholars in recent year
Savoring Nostalgia in Tongli
Many people regard Tongli as a substitute for Zhouzhuang because Tongli has a similar history and natural scenery, but is much less crowded. Tongli also has its own unique features which are worth exploring and experiencing. Though long outshined by Zhouzhuang, Tongli is a halcyon and idyllic spot location in Wujiang City. The well-preserved waterside town has a history of more than 1,000 years. Tongli is divided into seven islands intersected by 15 canals. Because of the landscape
Tongli -- a Town of Bridges
Many people regard Tongli as a substitute for Zhouzhuang because Tongli has a similar history and natural scenery, but is much less crowded. Tongli also has its own unique features which are worth exploring and experiencing. Though long outshined by Zhouzhuang, Tongli is a halcyon and idyllic spot location in Wujiang City. The well-preserved waterside town has a history of more than 1,000 years. Tongli is divided into seven islands intersected by 15 canals. Because of the landscape
Annual religious festival celebrated in Tibet
Thousands of Tibetan Buddhists walked around Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, as from Thursday morning to celebrate the climax of the annual "Buddha Month." Thursday is the 15th day of the fourth month by the Tibetan calendar, the anniversary of the birth and achievement of nirvana of the Buddha, Sakyamuni. Tibetan Buddhists set off before dawn and walked around the Potala Palace, Johkang Monastery and Ramoqe Temple holding a prayer wheel. There a
Beijing's Imperial City to Apply for World Heritage Site
An international forum entitled Architectural Art -- Protection of Human Relics and Attention to Historical and Cultural Cities, Towns and Villages was held in Beijing early in June. Issues discussed during its three-day meeting include how to protect the World Heritage sites in China continuously and effectively and the planning of the first group of historical and cultural towns. China's ancient cities are unique in architectural style and have great historical and cultural values. Xie
Tallest Building in Beijing Being Erected
Construction began this week on what is expected to be the tallest building in Beijing. The building, when finished, will stand 250 meters high. The Silvertie Center is located in the Central Business District, consisting of three towers, with the center tower having 63 stories. The total area of the project covers 350 thousand square meters and is expected to be complete in 2007. The main part will be used as high end apartments and a luxury hotel. The other two buildings w
Arrivals of Foreign Tourists to China Restore Rapidly
China's tourism authorities say the number of foreign tourist arrivals is being restored rapidly since the slowdown caused by the bird flu outbreak earlier this year. The National Tourism Administration says in the first four months of this year the number of foreign tourists in China was 15 percent higher than the same period last year. The administration also adds China's tourism market has developed stably this year. China entertained more than 100 million person-times and earne
Age for Regional Tourism Cooperation Has Come in China
China has entered the age for regional tourism cooperation, said experts attending China Domestic Tourism Mart in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Saturday. Western China's Tibet autonomous region, and northwestern China's Qinghai and Gansu provinces officially announced their regional cooperation in tourism so as to foster the image of China Tibet Plateau, whereas central Hubei province and southwestern Chongqing municipality joined hands to build the Three Gorges image.
Air Asia kicks off price-reduction fight in Macao
Malaysia's Air Asia has waged a price-reduction fight of air tickets upon its first launch of business in Macao. The company announced to offer a price of two-way tickets on its new route linking Macao to Bangkok at 436 patacas (54.5 US dollars) beginning from July 5. The ticket sales will be available on June 9 on the Internet or through its ticket booking agencies and telephone hotline services. Air Asia became the first allied Asian carrier of the Macao International Airport in
Asia gets closer to Helsinki with increased flights
Finnair has increased its frequencies to Asia since the beginning of June and is introducing a sixth Boeing MD-11 aircraft to its long-haul fleet. From May 31, the carrier added two more flights to Shanghai bringing the number of flights up to five. Another two frequencies were also added to the Osaka route also bringing the number of weekly flights up to five. Finnair flights to Asia have doubled during the past two years ago. In addition to the new Shanghai and Osaka frequencies,
Forbidden City Collecting New Emblem Designs
The Forbidden City has started to collect proposed designs for its new emblem to celebrate its 80th anniversary next year. Five designs will be short listed and put on the Forbidden City's website for public comments and opinions, before the final decision is made by a panel of experts. The creator of the winning design will be awarded 80,000 yuan, or about US$9,600. The deadline for submissions is September 30.
One million people visit veneration of Buddha's sarira
The display and veneration of Buddha's sarira (finger-bone relic) at Hong Kong, which had attracted about one million visitors, ended on Friday. Director of the State Administration of Religious Affairs Ye Xiaowen, Chairman of Hong Kong Buddhist Association Kok Kwong, President and Vice-President of Buddhist Association of China, Yi Cheng and Sheng hui, officiated the closing ceremony. About 4,000 cassocked Buddhists passed offerings to the stage and prayed together to pay the highest hom
Domestic tourism market has greatest potential in world
China's total tourism revenue kept a two digit growth in the previous seven years before the SARS outbreak in 2003, says an official with China National Tourism Administration at the opening of China Domestic Travel Mart here Friday. In 26 years from 1978 to 2004, China received a total of one billion incoming visitors, up 20 percent annually on average. The overall tourism revenue of foreign currency reached 164.3 billion US dollars, up 21 percent. In 2002, China's incoming overni
Domestic tourism market has greatest potential in world
China's total tourism revenue kept a two digit growth in the previous seven years before the SARS outbreak in 2003, says an official with China National Tourism Administration at the opening of China Domestic Travel Mart here Friday. In 26 years from 1978 to 2004, China received a total of one billion incoming visitors, up 20 percent annually on average. The overall tourism revenue of foreign currency reached 164.3 billion US dollars, up 21 percent. In 2002, China's incoming overni
Five Nordic Countries Win Chinese Tourists
The island country Norway in northern Europe has become the latest Nordic country to sign an agreement with China to become a travel destination for Chinese tourists. This brings the total of Chinese tourist destinations in northern Europe to five including Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland. However it will take months for China and Norway to finalize the travel approval. In addition, travel agencies in Guangzhou have begun making preparations for a northern Europ
CAAC Approves Two More Private Airlines
China has approved preparations for establishing two more private airlines, a spokesperson with the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) said on Wednesday. The preparations for Chunqiu Airlines and Aoa kai Airlines were approved on May 26. On February 10 this year, the CAAC approved preparations for establishing the countrya s first private airline, E & Net Airlines. Chunqiu Airlines, to be set up by Shanghai Chunqiu International Travel Services and Shanghai Ch
CAAC Approves Two More Private Airlines
China has approved preparations for establishing two more private airlines, a spokesperson with the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) said on Wednesday. The preparations for Chunqiu Airlines and Ao'kai Airlines were approved on May 26. On February 10 this year, the CAAC approved preparations for establishing the country's first private airline, E & Net Airlines. Chunqiu Airlines, to be set up by Shanghai Chunqiu International Travel Services and Shanghai Chun
Private Companies Enter China's Civil Aviation
China's General Administration of Civil Aviation has recently given the go-ahead to the establishment of another two private airline companies, to be based in Shanghai and Tianjin. Investors of the two companies are asked to complete 14 items of preparatory work in two years, including passing through required aircraft flight and maintenance certification. The planned airline company in Shanghai, a joint venture of the Shanghai Spring International Travel Service Ltd. and Shanghai
Birds Forest in Qipan Mountain
Shenyang Qipan Mountain becomes people's favorite place to spend summer season. Recently, the Birds Forest of Qipan Mountain received more than one thousand birds. Their coming gives tourists a new kind of pleasure. Qipan Mountain provides 40,000 square meters of area for the bird forest. Birds can fly and play freely in the forest. It is learnt these birds are from different places from at home and aboard. In the forest, these birds can enjoy the beautiful nature while the
Tanzania, Another Destination for Chinese Tourists
Tanzania in east-central Africa has become a destination for Chinese tourists heading overseas. Tanzania is rich in travel resources. Tanzania is rich in travel resources. Its national parks and wildlife parks cover one quarter of the country's land. Africa's three most famous lakes lie at Tanzania's border, Lakes Victoria, Tanganyika and Malawi. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa at 5,895 meters and the world's tallest freestanding peak, is ideally placed between T
Shangri-La launches US$2 million TV commercial
Shangri-la Hotels & Resorts is launching a US$2 million TV commercial, designed to portray the group's dynamic development while maintaining its focus on Asian hospitality. ®Find Your Shangri-La' was shot for a budget of nearly US$2 million, using some of the latest Hollywood production techniques, according to TBWA\Hong Kong managing director, Mr Neil Ducray. TBWA is Shangri-La's agency. This included the swoop technique, where the camera seems to glide on wings to give a distinctive and
Seychelles pushing for bilaterals with China and Australia
The Seychelles is pushing for more bilateral flight agreements with other countries such as China, Australia and Japan. Negotiations with China is expected to be completed by August and will open the way for Air Seychelles to commence flights there. According to Rajiv A Bissessur, director, corporate strategy, Air Seychelles, the airline is looking to other destinations to grow its business as traditional markets for it like Europe are dominated by the bigger carriers such as Air F
English-speaking Police Team in Chengdu
An English-speaking patrol police team will hit the street in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province on June 20. The team would offers services to English-speaking foreigners who ask the way, seek other help or report cases to police departments in Chengdu, said Zhong Jingqi, an officer of the Jinjiang Sub-Bureau of the Chengdu Municipal Public Security Bureau. The English-speaking patrol team is composed of 22 policemen aged from 22 to 24. They have received intensive English traini
White Ants Eating Away Ancient Architecture
White ants, little wood-eating insects, are threatening ancient buildings in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, an ancient city with a history more than 2,000 years old. The threat to 18 ancient buildings, including the Beilin Museum, built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the Dayan Pagoda, which was built some 1,400 years ago, and the Chenghuangmiao Temple, built more than 600 years ago, is extremely serious, said Chen Zhongtang, director of Xi'an White Ants Preventi
Great Wall in poor condition
No more than 2,500 kilometers remain of China's 6,300-km-long Great Wall built or reinforced in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), which has been dubbed as the world's largest cultural relic, according to a newly-released investigation report from the Chinese Academy of the Great Wall. Dong Yaohui, secretary-general of the academy, criticized shortsighted residents who damaged some segments of the wall to acquire earth and bricks cheaply. In addition, some local governments tore down the wall,
New Regulation Issued for Pets on Air China
If you want to take your pet on an Air China flight out of Beijing, then you must apply with proof of your pet's health and book the tickets three days in advance in the main Air China ticket office. Until this new regulation, passengers with pets could present the animal's quarantine certificates as little as four hours before boarding. A special pressurized cabin with enough air for Fido should be booked at least one day ahead of departure.
World heritage site extends free entrance privileges
Visitors aged below 14 or over 70,the disabled, active soldiers and retired military officers are now allowed free entrance to world heritage site Lushan Mountain in east China. This was the broadest preferential treatment Chinese scenic spots have ever offered to visitors from both home and abroad. Local tourism officials said that this measure was designed to give more people a chance to understand the country's cultural heritage and natural resources. Although some 7,000
Direct link to Dubai for mainland travelers
China Southern Airlines is launching a Guangzhou-Beijing-Dubai service on June 17. The Boeing 777 service will depart Guangzhou every Tuesday and Thursday and arrive in Dubai the following day, via Beijing. This is the third Middle East route for the carrier.
KLM increases China flights
KLM announced here Monday it will operate twice as many flights from Shanghai and Beijing to Amsterdam as it did in the summer of 2003. By increasing flights from three to seven each week, KLM becomes one of the top three European airlines in China. Chinese passengers can transfer to over 100 other European cities via Amsterdam. The increase of flights will provide more convenience for passenger and cargo exchanges of two nations, said Wu Zhouhong, an official with the General Admi
Bridge across the Delta by 2008
The Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai bridge will most likely be completed by 2008, according to Hopewell Holdings chairman, Mr Gordon Wu, who has been placed in charge of the project. The 30km bridge will be built at the cost of HK$4.14 billion (US$531 million) and will link up the three cities on the Pearl River Delta. Mr Wu has ruled out the possibility of incorporating a railway on the bridge and it is expected to handle about 20,000 vehicles a day once completed.
China's Southern Airline opens Shenyang-Pyongyang flights
A regular flight route from Shenyang, China to Pyongyang, capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), was opened on Monday by the China Southern Airline. An MD-90 passenger plane, which belongs to the China Southern Airline's subsidiary Northern Airline, landed at Pyongyang's Sun An International Airport at 9:10 a.m. (0010 GMT), marking a successful maiden flight from Shenyang to Pyongyang. "It is a forward-looking move for the China Southern Airline to open flight
Five Nordic Countries Win Chinese Tourists
The island country Norway in northern Europe has become the latest Nordic country to sign an agreement with China to become a travel destination for Chinese tourists. This brings the total of Chinese tourist destinations in northern Europe to five including Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland. However it will take months for China and Norway to finalize the travel approval. In addition, travel agencies in Guangzhou have begun making preparations for a northern Europ
New Ferry Terminal Allows Efficient, Faster Service
A new, more modern ferry terminal is expected to start service in the Nansha Economic and Technological Development Zone next month, furthering ties between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta area. From the new terminal, high-speed hovercraft will be able to reach Hong Kong's harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui in less than an hour. According to Yuan Rongmin, deputy general manager of Nansha Ferry Co Ltd, his firm is exploring opening ferry service in the years to come from Nanshan to Macao
China Works to Protect Ancient Temples in Hebei Province
China's cultural heritage administration has started to renovate a cluster of centuries-old temples in Houshan, Hebei Province, in an effort to restore the former glory of these landmark buildings where emperors used to worship heaven in the remote periods of the country's recorded history. The Houshan culture, centered in Yixian County, some 10 kilometers from an imperial mausoleum, features more than 50 palaces and temples and has aroused attention from worldwide scholars in recent year
Ancient villages in southern Anhui a museum of ancient residences
Well-preserved ancient villages shaded on the slopes of the green hills of the southern part of east China's Anhui Province are acclaimed by tourists and scholars as the most beautiful villages in the world and a museum of Chinese ancient residences. As representatives of those beautiful ancient villages, Xidi and Hong villages, both located in Yixian County, were added to the World Cultural Heritage list in 2000. It was the first time that such ancient houses were put on the list.
First Travel Service Authorized to Run Airline Company
China's leading travel service provider, the Shanghai-based Spring International, has been authorized to operate an airline company to provide air passenger and cargo services on domestic routes. The proposed Spring Airline, a private company, would mainly provide chartered passenger aircraft services to domestic tour groups as well as passenger and cargo services on regional aircraft, said Wang Zhenghua, president of Spring International. The new airline company will offer tailore
China, Greece to Jointly Explore Olympic Tourism
China and Greece, the 2008 and the upcoming Olympic Games hosts, will join hands to explore the large potential of the Olympic tourism market. Tourism officials from both sides made the announcement on Wednesday in Beijing. Tourist businesses such as travel agencies and hotels in the two counties are encouraged to promote exchanges such as by investing in each other and establishing joint ventures. The Greek tourism minister, Dimitris Avramopoulos, said he would urge airline
China Seeks Way to Care for the Aged
Even though government officials are engaged in handling statistics and reports on the overheated economy and high unemployment rates, some experts warn that China will soon face problems brought by its rapidly aging population unless timely effective measures are taken. China has the world's largest elderly population, with 134 million people over 60 years old, a figure that is likely to hit 400 million by the middle of this century. "A flawed population structure has turned out t
More Flights Woo Chinese Passengers
Domestic and overseas airline companies have opened more international flights departing from Beijing in a bid to woo more passengers. Air China is planning four new international flights, CRI website reported Thursday. Germany's Lufthansa Airlines has launched its brand-new business class service that provides internet "air" surfing in China. Moreover, a series of international flight promotions have been launched to encourage more air travel over the summer. For example, r
China, Greece to Cooperate in Olympic Tourism Promotion
China and Greece announced in Beijing Wednesday that the two nations will cooperate in Olympic tourism promotion. Greek Tourism Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos, who arrived here with the torch relay delegation, said he hoped bilateral tourism growth would be as lasting and vibrant as the flames of the torch. He said the 2004 Olympic Games will be held in Athens soon, and in four years time the Games will be held in Beijing. For two ancient nations which have a long history and splen
International Travel Expo HK 2004 Opens
The 18th International Travel Expo (ITE HK 2004) opened in Hong Kong on Thursday. Stanley Chu, chairman of Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd. and the organizer of ITE HK, said," Tourism is now one of the most important economy drivers in Hong Kong. I believe that the success of ITE HK will further contribute to the blossoming of the travel industry and related sectors." Around 500 exhibitors from China's mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong and foreign countries participate in the Expo. The
HK receives 1.99 million visitors in July
Visitor arrivals to Hong Kong inJuly surged to 1.99 million, the highest figure ever recorded in asingle month, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) said Wednesday. According to the HKTB, the number is nearly 200,000 more than the previous highest monthly total of 1.79 achieved in December last year and over 600,000 more than the previous best July figurerecorded in 2002. This strong performance is especially notable as July was not traditionally a peak month. Key contributory factor
China to open night flights to and from Tibet
Night flights are expected to be operational for the first time on a major air route that links mountainous Tibet to the other parts of China, according to the carrier, Air China. Air China will open historic night flights between Lhasa, capital of Tibet, and Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, just east of Tibet. The Chengdu-Lhasa flight, opened 39 years ago, is the major oneto Tibet, and about 85 percent passengers entering or leaving Tibet take it. The annual number of passeng
First Chinese tour group arrives in Europe
China's first tour group arrived in the Finnish capital of Helsinki on Wednesday and received warm welcome from the Finnish side. The 80 Chinese tourists will stay in the country for one to two days, and then visit other European countries. Both officials of the Finnish Tourism Board and Cultural Counselor Wu Shiguang of the Chinese embassy believed that the increasing visits of Chinese tourists will help promote the friendly relations between the two countries. Finland and
Visa-free Trips Allowed to Vietnam
Chinese tourists will be allowed to travel throughout Vietnam from September 12 without visas, instead of visiting only seven northern cities and provinces. Chinese people who enter Vietnam via roads, railways and seaways in the six northern provinces of Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Lao Cai and Lai Chau, and international seaports will enjoy the new regulation issued by Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) told Agency on
Soul Princess Alicia Keys to 'Wall of Hope' Success
From the Forbidden City to the Great Wall, from Yanni, Turandot, the Three Tenors to today's hottest R&B singer Alicia Keys, Beijing will again make history when it presents what many are declaring the main event of a decade later this month. Steinberg Lee and Lou Entertainment (SLL) and the Beijing Daily Group have confirmed the "Wall of Hope" concert involving an incredible cast and crew will be held at the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall on September 25. Some 5,500 includin
Chinese Allowed Visa-free Trips to Vietnam
Chinese people who enter Vietnam via roads, railways and seaways in the six northern provinces of Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Lao Cai and Lai Chau, and international seaports will enjoy visa-free travel beginning September 12. Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security issued the new regulation. "National tourism organizations of Vietnam and China are jointly working to raise the operating effectiveness of travel agencies of the two countries so that more Chinese visitors
Soul Princess Alicia Key to 'Wall of Hope' Success
From the Forbidden City to the Great Wall, from Yanni, Turandot, the Three Tenors to today's hottest R&B singer Alicia Keys, Beijing will again make history when it presents what many are declaring the main event of a decade later this month. Steinberg Lee and Lou Entertainment (SLL) and the Beijing Daily Group have confirmed the "Wall of Hope" concert involving an incredible cast and crew will be held at the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall on September 25. Some 5,500 includin
More Foreign Tourists Stay in Shenzhen Overnight
Shenzhen attracted 530,780 foreign tourists who stayed overnight in the first seven months this year, almost a 95-percent surge over the same period last year. Tourism authority figures also indicated that the city had 12.36 million overseas tourists to July, up 18.6 percent over the same period last year. Their daily per capita expenditure increased by 22.4 percent over 2003, reaching an average of 550.69 yuan (US$66.1). The big increase in the number of overseas tourists indicate
Soul Princess Alicia Key to 'Wall of Hope' Success
From the Forbidden City to the Great Wall, from Yanni, Turandot, the Three Tenors to today's hottest R&B singer Alicia Keys, Beijing will again make history when it presents what many are declaring the main event of a decade later this month. Steinberg Lee and Lou Entertainment (SLL) and the Beijing Daily Group have confirmed the "Wall of Hope" concert involving an incredible cast and crew will be held at the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall on September 25. Some 5,500 includin
Nok Air eyes China for international expansion
Nok Air¡¯s CEO Patee Sarasin says the budget carrier is considering Udon Thani and Chiang Mai as hubs from which to launch international flights to other destination in the region, in particular, China. Speaking at a blessing ceremony at Udon Thani airport last week to celebrate Nok Air¡¯s Bangkok-Udon Thani flight, Patee said the low-cost carrier was looking at launching international flights sooner than expected. ¡°We¡¯re launching international flights around April or May and consid
Two thousand air marshals for Chinese flights
The China Civil Aviation Bureau has announced that 2,000 air marshals have completed an intensive training program and have been deployed on over 1,000 domestic routes. Additional security personnel will be assigned to international flights and 'sensitive domestic routes'. Though trained in combat, emergency management and negotiation, the air marshals - in plainclothes, armed in some cases, and sitting inconspicuously among the passengers - will likely find themselves dealing with transg
China to Host 2nd PECC Eco-tourism Forum
The 2nd eco-tourism forum of Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) is scheduled to take place in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Diqing in southwest China's Yunnan Province, from Sept. 9-10. The theme of the forum will be eco-tourism, protection of cultural heritage of ethnic minorities and economic development in areas inhabited by ethnic minorities. PECC is a tripartite partnership of senior individuals from business and industry, government, academic circle. Establish
Shakeup in Tourist Industry to Prevent Illegal Migration
Domestic travel intermediaries will face tighter controls to prevent illegal emigrants from taking advantage of outbound tours, said a spokesperson with the National Tourism Administration. A cross-boundary tour network management system is to be established by the end of this year to enhance the supervision of domestic travel agencies, the administration said. The administration announced earlier that it will join forces with several other government departments to launch a compre
Beijing Sets Up First Energy Efficient Park
Beijing has established the country's first-ever energy-efficient park. Wanshou Park boasts a water saving system, as well as a separate power supply system, which is run by solar power. China's capital of Beijing has established the country's first-ever energy-efficient park. Wanshou Park boasts a water saving system, as well as a separate power supply system, which is run by solar power. The system can power all the park's lighting as well as its administrative offices.
Free Bus Tours Offered
Local residents now have the opportunity to enjoy free night sightseeing tours around West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. In order to attract more tourists from Shanghai, a public transport corporation in Hangzhou initiated the campaign to provide a free bus tour around the lake for 1,000 Shanghai tourists, valid until end of next month.
200kph trains to be built for 6th speedup
China will build trains to travel at speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour in preparation for gearing up track speeds for the sixth time. Tenders were invited from Chinese manufacturers teamed with foreign partners to import much-needed technology for 140 trains. Three Chinese-foreign consortiums won the bidding. The foreign partners would provide fast-train technology while the trains would be eventually built in China. China implemented the fifth train speedup this year,
More foreign tourists stay in town overnight
Shenzhen attracted 530,780 foreign tourists who stayed overnight in the first seven months this year, almost a 95-percent surge over the same period last year. Tourism authority figures also indicated that the city had 12.36 million overseas tourists to July, up 18.6 percent over the same period last year. Their daily per capita expenditure increased by 22.4 percent over 2003, reaching an average of 550.69 yuan (US$66.1). The big increase in the number of overseas tourists indicate
Compensation for Visa Expiration
Shenzhen Airlines compensated three Philippine visitors after their visas expired because of a delayed flight Monday. The three were expected to reach Shenzhen from Jinan, the capital city of Shandong Province, in the late evening and then go to Hong Kong before their visas expired midnight Monday. But their flight was delayed for seven hours and 41 minutes because of mechanical problems and they arrived in Shenzhen at 2:56 am Monday. When the airline learned this, it got in
Pet Economy Brings Big Profit to Shenzhen
In recent years, hospitals, beauty saloons, tailor shops and photo studios for pets and other pet-related businesses have mushroomed in Shenzhen, a metropolis neighboring Hong Kong in south China, as more and more local people become pet owners. Ita s predicted that Shenzhen will have a yearly profit of 100 million yuan (US$12.08 million) from the pet industry this year. Shenzhen is one of the major Chinese cities where pet-raising has becoming increasingly popular. Animals favored as pet
Tourism Chiefs Pledge to Shake up Travel Sector
The National Tourism Administration announced last week that it will join forces with several other government departments to launch a comprehensive shake-up of China's outbound tourism market, reported China Daily on Tuesday. A spokesperson with the administration said controls over domestic travel intermediaries will be tightened to prevent illegal emigrants from taking advantage of outbound tours. The campaign will help regulate the country's outbound tour services, but at the s
UA eyes lucrative China routes
UNITED Airlines wants to fly from the new Baiyuan Airport in Guangzhou to Los Angeles, via Tokyo. A formal application has been made and services could begin in March. United Airlines China division, Mr Guo Zhenxiong, said the route would strengthen the airlines' service and boost services from Hong Kong. Industry analysts say most American airlines want to increase flights following the China-US aviation agreement last July. If all applications are approved, flights would increase
Beijing, Shanghai lag in Forbes' list
Which is the most vibrant business city in China Forbes Magazine has for the first time answered the question by releasing a 2004 mainland's best business city ranking. And surprisingly neither Shanghai nor Beijing are very high on the list. The survey looked at 191 Chinese cities whose 2002 GDP was above 10 billion yuan. The survey considered private economy, market scale and potential, human resources, operating costs and traffic situation to rank the top 100 cities. While most
Impossible to Turn Lop Nur Back into Permanent Lake
It is impossible to restore a permanent lake at Lop Nur inside Tarim Basin in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, said a Chinese scientist, who also said that it wasn't of much significance. The conclusion was drawn by Xia Xuncheng, a noted researcher with the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Xia is one of the 20-member expedition team that has been studying environmental and ecological changes at Lop Nur, which used
China to Launch 21st Antarctic Expedition
China will launch its 21st Antarctic expedition on October 25 this year, targeting a polar icecap peak 4,300 meters above sea level, said Wei Wenliang, an official for polar expedition affairs with the National Bureau of Oceanography, at a press conference. A team of 12 scientists and journalists will participate in the 150-day expedition, the first time for Chinese people to travel the 1,300 kilometers to this part of the Antarctic interior. China will also invest more than 200 mi
Blast Rocks Australian Embassy in Jakarta
A car bomb exploded outside the fortified Australian embassy in Jakarta Thursday killing at least seven people and causing massive damage just weeks before Australia, a key US ally in Iraq, votes in general elections. The force of the blast, which Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer described as a terrorist attack on his country, punched windows out of nearby tower blocks and badly mangled the security perimeter around the embassy. Indonesian officials confirmed a bomb had
Lad Mags Lure Chinese Males
It's almost impossible to find a bottle of men's deodorant in most Chinese cities. Chinese men are not renowned as Metrosexuals. But several publishing houses are banking on their ability to turn local men into sophisticates in shopping, and sex. Publishers of men's magazines have identified Asia as the biggest market of the future, banking on the change in lifestyle and habits of local men. Up to 1995 post office subscriptions were the only way in China of obtaining magazines. Today a fl
ADB Loan to Develop Road Network in Hunan
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday approved a US$312.5 million loan to develop the road network in the western part of Hunan Province, central China. The project supports the Chinese governmenta s strategy to develop the countrya s western region by supplying a vital section of the Changsha-Chongqing corridor, one of eight prioritized western corridors in the 10th Five Year Plan, the ADB said in a prepared statement. The funds will be used to construct a 173-kilometer, fo
Lad Mags Lure Chinese Males
It's almost impossible to find a bottle of men's deodorant in most Chinese cities. Chinese men are not renowned as Metrosexuals. But several publishing houses are banking on their ability to turn local men into sophisticates in shopping, and sex. Publishers of men's magazines have identified Asia as the biggest market of the future, banking on the change in lifestyle and habits of local men. Up to 1995 post office subscriptions were the only way in China of obtaining magazines. Today a fl
Air New Zealand starts Christchurch-Cook Islands service
AIR Zealand's (ANZ) has started a new direct service between Christchurch and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The five-hour northbound flight will leave Christchurch on Wednesdays at 16.00, arriving at 23.00 the day before, after crossing the international dateline. The return flight will depart at 00.30, arriving back at Christchurch at 05.00 on Thursday morning after a 5.5 hour flight. Fares for the new service start from NZ$339 one way.
Korean Air resumes service to Taiwan
KOREAN Air has resumed flights between Incheon in Seoul and Taiwan today, the first scheduled service in 12 years. The service is operated on a 148-seat Boeing 737-800 and departs Incheon at 09.25 and arrive in Taipei at 11.10. Flights out of Taipei will depart at 12.20 and arrive in Incheon at 15.45. Regular service was stopped when diplomatic ties broke down between the two countries in 1992. Korean Air said in a statement that it expects the number of travellers to surpas
Singapore offers better services to transit passengers
Singapore launched on Wednesday a new initiative, called "Your Uniquely Singapore Transit Adventure, to offer transit passengers more options to explore the city state. Unique programs are tailored to meet the needs of different travelers. Transit passengers may hire taxi-guided tours, buy a "tourist day pass" to take the trains or ride on a free-city-tour bus according to the length of their transitions here. Singapore's Changi airport also invites transit passengers, whohave less
Smart card tickets on track
Passengers traveling between Shenzhen and Guangzhou by train will be able to buy smart card tickets from next year. Once they are available, all procedures, including ticket purchasing and checking, will be automated, similar to the Metro system, the Guangshen railway company was quoted as saying Wednesday. Two types of smart card tickets will be available, including one that can only be used for one trip, and another one that can be used for multiple trips with a prepaid amount.
Online Spring Festival Train Tickets Available
Although the peak season of Spring Festival passenger transport is still two months away, Guangdong Railway Group has taken the lead in launching an online ticket booking service Dec.1. Targeted at travel groups, the service will run until Dec. 15. Enterprises have to register and apply online 10 days ahead of their ticket booking. Guangdong Railway Group will evaluate the enterprises' qualification before they begin to deliver the service. Buying train tickets during the Spring Fe
Appreciate Colorful Chrysanthemums in Donghu Park
As the end of the year draws near, we find ourselves in a late autumn ambience. The wind blows with coldness. Leaves gradually turn yellow and float from the branches. Flowers, once in full bloom, wither in the cold. However, nature is not mercilessly killing beauty and lives. This is the season for chrysanthemums in various colors and shapes to bloom and rekindle our happiness. Renowned for its 20 chrysanthemum exhibitions since 1984, Donghu Park in Shenzhen's Luohu District has kicked o
Enjoy the Natural Beauty of Jiexi
Featuring hilly landscapes, a mild climate and a variety of scenic spots, Jiexi County in eastern Guangdong's Jieyang City has emerged as a hot destination for travelers. Nearby and convenient, it is a popular place for Shenzheners to enjoy the countryside and being away from the city. Located just over 300 kilometers from Shenzhen, you only need two days to complete a round trip. There are several things to see in Jiexi: steep, wooded mountains and valleys, waterfalls, temples, tea farms
Confirmed Death Toll in Guizhou Landslide Now 32
The confirmed death toll from a disastrous landslide in Nayong County, in southwest China's Guizhou Province, reached 32 at 11:00 AM on Monday. Twelve others are still missing. After a preliminary investigation, Ministry of Land and Resources officials said the accident was a natural geological disaster. "The mountain where the landslide occurred has been apart for a long time," Jiang Jianjun, director of the Geological Environment Department with the ministry, was quoted by Agency
Frequencies Revised for TD-SCDMA
China's telecommunications authority has revamped the frequencies for the China-developed third-generation telecom standard TD-SCDMA, an official with the State Development Planning Commission confirmed last Thursday. A recent report circulated industry-wide said frequencies of 800Mhz would be assigned to the standard Time Division - Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access, replacing the current frequency of 2GHz. On condition of anonymity, the SDPC official, quoted by Friday's B
Elites Perform at Chinese Ping-pong All-star
An entertaining Chinese Ping Pong Super League All-Star game ended in eastern China's Zhejiang Province, in conjunction with the season's award ceremony. Well-known players gave local spectators rare highlights under special but interesting rules: the best of three games and only five points in the decider other than the common eleven. The mixed team led by veteran Kong Linghui displayed their dominance, easily holding down their counterparts a a squad starring former number one Wa
China, US Ink Deal to Enhance Tourism Cooperation
China signed an agreement with the United States on Monday to promote bilateral travel and tourism cooperation. The agreement was signed by He Guangwei, visiting Chairman of China National Tourism Administration, and Grant D. Aldonas, Under Secretary of International Trade Administration of US Commerce Department. Under the agreement, the two countries will support the development and the establishment of an environment that facilitates two-way travel, both individual and group tra
China, Europe Moving Closer
Chinese and Europeans are similar in many aspects. They bracket one continent and seem to be moving closer all the time. The ancient Silk Road trading route has been transfigured and multiplied. There is no longer fatigue after a seemingly endless caravan ride, only jet lag. Both scions of ancient civilization, they respect history and heritage, paying equal attention to rites and rituals -- a legacy of Confucius' state of courtesy and King Louis XIV's rule of etiquet
First Mainland Tour Groups Set Off for Taiwan
More than 60 tourists from east China's coastal Fujian Province set off for Jinmen Islands off Taiwan Tuesday under a deal designed to promote tourism and people-to-people exchanges across the Taiwan Strait. The tourists, traveling in three groups, set out from Heping Dock in Xiamen, a port city facing the island province, aboard the passenger ship "Tong An" Tuesday morning, after a local tourism official announced the formal launch of cross-Straits tourism. Huang Xiaoyan, director
Tourism Goes Green in Ganzi
While talking about the development of tourism in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, a local official says they feel like they are standing on a gold mine but do not know how to dig. What worries conservationists most is they have already started mining regardless. The "gold mine" refers to the beautiful nature and rich traditional cultures of this part of the Khampa Tibetans populated area which covers parts of the Tibet Autonomous Region and Sichuan and Yunn
Shenyang Hotel Blaze Claims 7
A pre-dawn blaze in a hotel in Shenyang, capital of northeastern Liaoning Province, yesterday killed seven people and injured five others. The fire began shortly after 3:00AM in a basement converted from a former air raid shelter at the Xinfeng Hostel, located near the city's train station. Firefighters rescued 20 other people staying at the hotel. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
Rail Line from City to Nanjing Now Faster
An inter-city rail line between Shanghai and Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, will be as fast and convenient as the subway in the near future, according to local railway authorities. Authorities are going to increase the capacity of the rail line linking the two cities starting tomorrow. Two new express trains will be added to the line, the Shanghai Railway Administration said in a statement. These two trains will be Bombardier high-speed trains, with an average running speed of 1
'Air Car 500' Test Flight Successful
A five-seat aircraft "AC500" or " Air Car 500" made its first flight in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, Tuesday. Two AC500 aircraft made a 22-minute aerobatics flight. "The functions are pretty good," said a veteran pilot surnamed Wang who piloted a AC500, "it's just as convenient and comfortable as driving a car." With independent intellectual rights, the light aircraft was developed by the Nanjing Light Aircraft Company Limited and the Nanjing University
US May Be Tourist Destination of Chinese
According to the National Tourism Administration, Chinese citizens will be able to travel to America before next May at the earliest or no later than the end of next year. China and the U.S. have signed a memorandum of understanding on tourism cooperation, which adds US to China's list of approved destination of group tour. Travel service agencies have designed several routes to cater for people's desire to see America. These trips won't however be cheap. It's estimated they will c
Postal Maze Bamboozles Broadcaster
Since my last story, I have been swamped by mixed messages which have led me to a state of Chinese confusion. The twists and turns of this tale are many, but if you concentrate it will, hopefully, be much easier to follow than it was for me. Last month I received a check as payment for recording some identification announcements at Beijing's new English language radio station 774 AM. When the check arrived at the office o |
