China, Shanghai, World EXPO 2010 - "must see" destinations

Alexey SOLOVIOV, Editor of Tourism and Travel Section of "Я". There are a lot of attractive countries in our beautiful world, but there are some, which history, culture and nature make them "must see" countries. As FIJET announced Shanghai to be the destination of its 51st World Congress I realized that I had to go to China. Nearly ten hours flight Simferopol-Moscow-Shanghai and from modern international airport Pudong we drive past astonishing modern highways, bridges and flyovers to even more ultramodern business center of the city.

 

The former architectonic focus of the area — the multistoried Stalin-type Soviet Friendship Building with star- topped spire looks now completely lost among skyscrapers with offices of the leading western companies, department stores and hotels of word best international chains. According to Mr. Dao Shuming, Director of Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration "by the end of 2008, there were 150,000 available hotel rooms in Shanghai, including the Ritz-Carlton, Marriott, Intercontinental, Hilton and Four-Seasons." One of the best hotels, the skyscraper Portman Ritz-Carlton became the comfortable and hospitable place of residence for the delegates of FIJET congress and venue of its official meetings and activities. During the Opening Ceremony the Vice Mayor of Shanghai, Mr. Zhao Wen welcomed congress participants and emphasized tremendous contribution of FIJET to the promotion of the world destinations and the development of world travel and tourism industry.

During the Opening Ceremony the Vice Mayor of Shanghai, Mr. Zhao Wen welcomed congress participants and emphasized tremendous contribution of FIJET to the promotion of the world destinations and the development of world travel and tourism industry.

Program of the congress became the perfect proof that local authorities understand importance of tourism for this largest in China mega city with population of 18 million and area of about 6,340 square kilometer. For example, visit to the Old Town area showed that they managed to preserve in the center of gigantic city area, which developed into real tourist cluster, where one can see local customs and indulge yourself into traditional sightseeing, eating out and shopping. There the original Shanghai cuisine was offered to us in the famous Lu Bo Lang Restaurant, which once hosted U.S. President Bill Clinton and British Queen Elizabeth II and the other numerous VIPs from all over the world. The food was really great, especially traditional Chinese dumplings, sautéed fried shrimps, spring rolls and famous delicacy — sweet osmanthus cake.

After the restaurant we visit the Yuyuan Gardens. Started more than 400 years ago during the Ming Dynasty they saw years of glory as one of the best classical gardens of southeast China and years of disintegration and disarray. Nowadays government protection and several careful restorations turned it again into masterpiece of traditional Chinese gardens architecture famous for its different shaped doorways, pavilions with upturned tile roofs and hanging Chinese lanterns, zigzagging bridges and ponds with red carps, rock and tree landscaped areas. Leaving its famous dragon-lined walls you immediately enter the surrounding bustling Old city market and feel the atmosphere of the old Shanghai, watch craftsmen manufacturing traditional Chinese souvenirs and buy them at the spot, and their offer there was the best, according to my experience.

After seeing the example of wise preservation of the past, the next morning was focused on visit which vividly demonstrated Shanghai authorities' care about the city's future. It was tour of more than 5 square kilometers site of future World Expo, which will take place in Shanghai from May 1 to October 31, 2010. In October 2009 the organizers had already reached one of their targets — more than 200 countries and international organizations confirmed their participation in the World Expo to share their experiences on its main theme "Better City, Better Life". Though the construction works were still in progress all over 3, 28 sq. km of its enclosed area, we managed to see recently finished China Pavilion, impressive, "Oriental Crown" shaped structure with height of 63-meters and area of 160,000 square meters. During the 184 days of the EXPO the main pavilion will feature exhibition "Chinese wisdom in urban development", while another 45,000 square meter pavilion is meant for exhibitions of all provinces, major cities and regions of gigantic country with area of 9.6 million square kilometers and population of 1.32129 billion. The World Expo 2010 is considered in China to be the largest event since the 2008 Olympics and for many tourists will be for sure an additional must-to- visit reason to come to Shanghai this year. After Expo the city will have brand new hi-tech exhibition grounds stretching for the 8.3 km. along waterfront of the Huangpu, while the China Pavilion will be used as the new museum of Chinese history and culture.

Shanghai is already known for its great museums, their high standard is immediately noticed during visit to the Shanghai History Museum. Its impressive 10,000 square meters exhibition area allows you to follow the history of the city from fishermen village to favorably situated port and British colonial settlement of 1840s after the Opium War (hence the word Shanghai literally means "on the sea") and the first city in China opened to foreigners.

Especially interesting is the section on Shanghai history between 1860 and 1949 with a lot of memorabilia of the period, and especially panoramas and models with a lot of high tech sound, light and audio effects. Location of the museum is also special — in the basement floor of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and just short walk from the pleasure boat pier.

When you leave the museum with the feeling that it is worth visiting for at least half a day, board a cruise boat for a tour along the Huangpu River to see more of modern reality of Shanghai. In front of you is the awesome panorama of skyscrapers of Shanghai downtown. If some areas of the city still deserve to be called the Paris of the East, modern Shanghai looks more like New York of the East. When in one of the brochures I came across the picture of this area of 1990 showing it as village-like settlement, I realized that buildings of the business center of the modern city were mostly developed within the last 20-25 years. Among them is the 468 m high Oriental Pearl TV Tower (the third highest in the world) and the Shanghai World Financial Center, the tallest building in the People's Republic of China constructed between in 1997-2008. Realities of modern life change a lot of things in nowadays China. Before we left the city we saw the Era Show, which is another great attraction of Shanghai, as for the first time traditional, world known Chinese acrobatic art is extensively combined with latest achievements of the world technology. Worth going! You'll have really unforgettable evening.

Next morning we are heading for Suzhou, which is part of Jiangsu province. More than 600 years ago Marco Polo wrote in his book of travels "At the end of three days you arrive at the city of Suzhou, which is noble, large, and handsome and rich in merchandise and manufactures." Our drive to Suzhou along the modern highway lasted less than three 3 hours including comfort stop. Chinese authorities have pragmatic and thoughtful approach to tourism development: tourist bus stops are well equipped areas with all what traveler needs: catering establishments, small food and souvenir shops, WC and etc. For local companies it provides great opportunity too offer their products to tourists, for a lot us it was fun to scan and buy some local agricultural exotic produce like rice wine, pickled bamboo sprouts, lotus flower seeds and different herbs and fruit with unpredictable names and tastes.

A lot of blooming lotus can be seen in numerous canals, rivers and lakes on your way to the city of Suzhou, which is part of Yangtze River Delta and often called the land of water. It takes about 40 % of the city, which is cut through by the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and in the old times Suzhou was even called the "Venice of China."

You understand meaning of this name strolling along the ancient 3,600-meter long embankment of Shantang in old Suzhou, cross bridges leading to the opposite side of the narrow as canal, river and watch tourist boats plying to and fro. Then enter the courtyards of the old houses, decorated with traditional Chinese red lanterns, get into shops full of porcelain, exquisite fans, silk embroidery, water and ink paintings and elegant Chinese umbrellas. Now you start to perceive the meaning of the name «First Street of China", which was given to Shantang in the times when the city of Suzhou was a rich commercial town. But the real revelation will come to you after reading papers provided to you by the local authorities as then you understand that magic Shantang Historical and Cultural District, where different Chinese and foreign companies shoot movies is the result of meticulous restoration timely started by local and province governments several years ago.

Suzhou is one of 24 most famous historical and cultural cities of China and one of the rarest cities of the world, which is situated on the same site throughout 2,500 years of its history. There are more than 500 protected cultural relics in the city, but its classical gardens deserve the special attention. It is impossible to see all 60 of them within one day, so we were brought to the Lingering Garden, one out of 4 most famous gardens of China. The garden dates back to 1593 AD to the times of the Ming Dynasty and is one of gardens of Suzhou included in the World Cultural Heritages List. Going along its paths, you as if travel from one magnificent landscape to another. White-washed walls, bamboo fences, moon-gates and garden courts artistically divide its 2.3 ha area into several sections. Of special interest is the so called "stone forest" with collection of limestone rocks of fantastic shapes. Idyllic beauty of the garden became alive for us thanks to man and woman in traditional costumes performing Pingtan. It is art of traditional storytelling, mixture of speech and singing accompanied by old music instruments. Pingtan originates in Suzhou and one of the distinct features of its culture.

Another icon of Suzhou and Chinese world culture is Kunqu Opera. Born in this area about 600 years ago, it is considered to be «the ancestor of traditional Chinese and world operas». Traditionally Kunqu (Kunju, Kun) Opera is performed in classical Chinese gardens, but we saw it on the modern stage of Science and Cultural Arts Centre. It was natural, remarkable and beautiful constituent of "Suzhou Impression" or "Su Show", brilliant blend of traditional Chinese performance (acrobatics, jujitsu and etc) with Western cabaret style show with modern pop culture elements. Both, show and ultra modern building of Arts Centre, which is often called Bird's Nest of Suzhou, are symbols of the city with the area of 8,488 sq km and population of more than 6 million, which according to the Chinese standards is considered to be relatively big city. Magnificent illumination of Science and Cultural Arts Centre was part of panoramic night view of Jin Ji Lake, which we enjoyed from the observation area of beautiful Crown Plaza Hotel during Welcome Dinner hosted by Suzhou Municipal People's Government and Jiangsu Provincial Tourism Bureau, where we learnt about the impressive tourist achievements: in 2008 the city was visited by 2, 19 million overseas and 52, 9 million domestic tourists.

Suzhou really has a lot to offer to tourists: beautiful and comfortable hotels like excellent Suzhou Shangri-la Hotel, which is situated in the tallest building of Jiangsu Province — 232-metre high Metropolitan Tower. Shangri-la is one of the best hotel chains of Asia, and you enjoy there not only comfort but also vast selection of authentic Chinese dishes for breakfast, excellent opportunity to taste regional cuisine. Hospitable Aster Hotel Suzhou impressed with buffet lunch featuring great choice of Suzhou specialty - river crab and fish dishes.

In China's Imperial times Suzhou was famous as Capital of silk. Visit to Suzhou Silk Factory was very interesting example of the industrial tourism.

The factory offers tourists visit to its museum to learn about the development of silk industry in China and to production facilities where you can follow the whole process of silk making. After that you have choice of going to their restaurant or exhibition and shopping area to purchase some silk products, which are considered to be among the best souvenirs of Suzhou.

Once Marco Polo said that "There is Paradise in heaven while there are Suzhou and Hangzhou on earth." Thus, the next day we started for Hangzhou. Drive along the modern highway is pleasant especially when you catch the glimpse of blooming camellia bushes which sometimes line the road. It means that we are still in the Yangtze River Delta, from where this and other plants were propagated all over the world. Everywhere we saw lot of construction: roads, industrial enterprises and housing developments. New houses, both in the cities and in the rural areas are beautiful due to tasteful combination of elements of traditional Chinese architecture and modern materials.

We enter Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang Province. It is mega city with population of about 7 million and area twice the size of Chicago, but still its residents' life expectancy reaches 79.74 as if proving the old Chinese saying "Be born in Suzhou, live in Hangzhou ..."

The meaning of the saying you understand when you see the West Lake. The city's main natural attraction, "heaven of mountains and waters" is really worth spending here all you life long. Boarding the cruise boat, we realize how lucky we are to visit the country of world's oldest, 5 thousand years continuous civilization, immediately after celebration of the 60-th anniversary of the National Day, quite important date in its modern history. Our old Chinese style boat with upturned roof decorated with gilded dragons looked immaculate after skilful restoration, which was of program of improvement of the West Lake facilities during preparations for the National Day in Hangzhou.

Though it was foggy, cruising along the West Lake was as delightful as visiting classical Chinese gardens. As you sail past reflected in water pagodas, pavilions and the other architectural structures on the forested mountains and hills, you again move from one landscape to another and enjoy harmony of mutual design of a human being and the nature. But as the West Lake area is around 5.68 square kilometers, the scale of this "garden" is gigantic and the landscape is changing constantly depending on time, season, weather and position of the numerous boats gliding the lake surface. And it becomes clear why they call this view "intoxicating" and why throughout 2,200 years of Hangzhou history the West Lake was often referred to as imperial retreat.

The city is famous for another "retreat" — Ling Yin Temple, which name is translated either 'Temple of Inspired Seclusion' or Temple of Soul's Retreat. As you climb up the road winding its way towards the temple, you feel that that the grandeur of rugged rocks and forest round you is perfectly matching the name. Started 1,670 years ago by monk from India, Ling Yin now is quite crowded place. Thousands of Buddhist followers from China, Japan, Korea and other Asian nations visit Ling Yin, one of the oldest and one of ten most famous Buddhist temples of China. Discovery of the Buddhist culture starts here long before you come to the temple — the forest air is filled with fragrance of incense and other herbs. Entering the grounds you see people burning thick incense sticks and then going to pray to statues of different incarnations of Buda. Suddenly in this quite crowded area you start tune yourself to peace of mind and moving from statue to statue, you become even more philosophic about everything what happens in your life. Especially when you learn, that during its prime time the monastery housed 3,000 monks, while at the years of oblivion during Chinese Cultural Revolution it survived total destruction only thanks to protection provided by Premier Zhou Enlai...

Then you remember that time flies, and leaving the temple, which gave Hangzhou the name of "Buddhist land in Southeast China", drive past the Dragon Well Tea Plantation, which gave it the name of "Chinese capital of tea". If it is true that Buddhism came to China from India, then it is quite interesting that being indigenous to Southeast China, tea bush was propagated from here all over the world. Tea is important tourist product of Hangzhou where you can visit the only one tea museum in China, enjoy tea-featured lunch like the one served to us in Tianwailtian Restaurant or come to visit annual Tea Culture Expo.

Classic Dragon Well Tea, favorite among many Chinese emperors as well as other Hangzhou's specialties is sold in the numerous shops along pedestrian historical Hefang Street. It is the place to come to buy silk or just sample local dishes or simply feel the beat of the Hangzhou life. This recently renovated street looks busy, prosperous and reminds of Hangzhou's description given by the Italian traveler Macro Polo. He wrote that in this "Most Splendid and Luxurious City in the World" no man can estimate the number of merchants and goods and called the city Kinsay which means "capital" as Hangzhou used to be the capital of two dynasties and is one of 8 ancient capitals in China.

Rich history of the city and its association with two out of four famous Chinese folk love stories resulted in one more grand tourist attraction of the city. If you ever in Hangzhou do not miss its best Night Show! Sensational Impression on West Lake is based on old legend about White Snake Lady, which is known in China by everyone and even used as plot of Chinese opera, comics, PC games and etc. It is magic mosaic in which famous Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, general director of opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing assembled together romantic legend and natural beauty of the lake with multi colored highlighting of surrounding hills mystically reflected in the water. Add to this heavenly voice of Chinese superstar singer Zhang Liangying, music by the Grammy winner Japanese composer Kitaro and main characters and hundreds of performers walking or running across the water as the stage is immersed several centimeters below the lake surface. The result is unforgettable and breathtaking show, which really crowned our visit to Hangzhou.

Leaving the city you can't but remember about one more discovery — our very good hotel with high level of service Grand Metropark Hotel is run by all Chinese hotel chain Metropark. Achievements of China in tourism within the last 20 years are really impressive. As for Hangzhou in particular, in 2007 the city was titled as "the best tourist city in China" by the World Tourism Organization of UN and the Chinese National Tourism Administration. In the crisis year 2009, about 2.3 million overseas tourists and 50 million domestic travelers visited Hangzhou with some of them coming from located just 180-kilometers away Shanghai.

Next morning on the way back we visited Jinshan District of Shanghai to see small 1,500-year-old town of Fengjing. Here every day life is still peaceful and quiet. You completely forget about noisy mega city when you see beautiful old houses and bridges, people on both sides of canal enjoying food at local cafes or making dumplings and cooking food in front of you. Here life is real and has its own, wise and undisturbed authentic pace.

In several hours we are in Shanghai World Financial Center. It is the third-tallest building in the world and houses shopping malls, offices, conference rooms as well as the highest hotel in the world — Park Hyatt Shanghai located between its 79th and 93rd floors. Elevators bring us from level to level to the observation deck of the 100-th floor at height 474m of 492 m tall, 101 storied building. We are at what is believed highest observation platform of the world, and here you catch the meaning of the phrase "bird's eye view". Through the windows you see night like black velvet, diamond necklaces of mega city lights somewhere down below and nearby brightly lit roofs of the neighboring skyscrapers. Another word comes to your mind — thrilling.

Back to the elevators — to the restaurant for the Farewell Dinner. The sincere, cordial words of thanks from FIJET officials and members to Chinese organizers. Girl on the stage with excellent voice singing songs of 1930-1940ss, which suddenly remind me that they were the years when founder of Soviet jazz Oleg Lundstrem enjoyed great success with his band in Shanghai and that Kiev-born, famous Alexander Vertinskiy for 8 years sang in different clubs of this city. And one more musical association. We are back to the Portman Ritz-Carlton and in the lobby all of a sudden you hear Beatles melody, very familiar, but sounding unusual and beautifully exotic. Further in the lobby I saw beautiful Chinese girls dressed in the old style costumes like the ones they paint on the porcelain vases or old Chinese etchings. They played western music, but their musical instruments were old, traditional, Chinese. This is China — the country which managed to make wise reforms, absorb and adopt the best of the world experience without ruining down its own culture. And when I once again hear the Beatles melody, I'll remember China, which is the must-to-visit country and which is as if calling me back.