No greater feat of construction exists on earth than the Great Wall of China, a real accomplishment for a project that was started over 200 years before the birth of Christ. Myth or not, the claim that the Great Wall can be seen from space underlines its position at the top of any list of iconic places to visit.
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Articles in the 'North & Central Asia' Category
With many clients choosing to travel for two weeks, due to work constraints or other reasons, we thought we would start a series of features on the perfect 14 days in some of our favourite destinations. Marc Dolman kicks off the series with his perfect 14 days in Japan.
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After time spent immersing yourself in the temples, cities and nature of the country, many people opt to spend some time relaxing on or near a beach. Here, our specialists pick out some less-known beaches from around the world, places that remain unspoilt and away from the tourists crowds.
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China recently overtook Japan as the world’s second largest economy. Behind this slightly dry and unassuming fact lies a country that has undergone a profound change over the past thirty years. The lifestyles of ordinary Chinese people have been transformed beyond recognition, all in the space of a generation. Witnessing this change and seeing an increasingly confident country find its feet on the world stage is part of the reason for visiting China – and the contrast (and sometimes tension) between old and new makes for a fascinating trip.
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Stereotypes of Russia abound: bad food with even worse service, gruff, surly people and ugly, functional buildings. As with all stereotypes, the reality is somewhat different. Modern Russia is a place that fascinates with its history, inspires with its architecture and museums, and delights the senses with some of the world’s best hotels and top class restaurants.
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Sampling the culinary highlights of a country is, for some, one of the main reasons for choosing to travel to a particular location. Japan is certainly a place where eating is half the fun, as long as you can overcome the misconception that all there is to eat is raw fish. Of course, Japan is renowned for its fantastically fresh and delicate sushi and sashimi, but adventurous eaters will be delighted to hear that Japanese food offers a wealth of dishes to satisfy any palate.
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The 2008 Beijing Olympics was, in many ways, the modern-day pinnacle of Chinese aspirations – not only a time for the Chinese government to sit back and absorb the world’s admiration for the stunning spectacle that they put on, but also for the ordinary Chinese citizen to witness something that they would never have dreamed possible only a short time ago. So fast has this enormous country changed over the last twenty years that in many areas it is unrecognisable from the place that the middle-aged Chinese knew when they were growing up.
There are, however, still parts of the country where traditional ways of life remain relatively untouched. We interviewed three very different Chinese people to see how life has changed and what they think the future holds for their families.
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Nothing draws people together like food, whether it’s the preparation or sitting down to taste local delicacies, barriers are broken down and conversation flows. We asked our specialists to choose some of their favourite culinary experiences from around the world.
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The image of a Geisha shuffling down a lantern lit, cobbled street dressed in a fine silk kimono and teetering on wooden geta sandals is one of the most iconic, yet perhaps most misunderstood, symbols of Japan.
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Three of Asia’s most exciting cities, Beijing, Hong Kong and Tokyo lie within striking distance of one another, conveniently connected by quick and efficient flights. A visit to all three on one trip may seem like city overload but each has its own distinctive personality and attractions. Only a short drive or train ride from each brings you into stunning countryside, mountain or coastal scenery and a breath of fresh air. Laura Morris explores the three metropolises.
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Audley’s specialists pick out some of their favourite music, dance and drama performances from around the world.
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Deep in China’s southwest and more than a thousand miles from Beijing, Yunnan has its own unique personality. In a landscape that ranges from sub-tropical jungle to glacial mountain panoramas, this beautiful region is coloured by minority tribes who introduce cultural traces from Burma, Thailand and Tibet. Chris Moore introduces the highlights of his favourite part of China.
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If you think a Japanese train is late the chances are, it’s your watch that is wrong… Japan Specialist Ben Colbridge explains how visiting some of Japan’s many highlights is easier than you might imagine.
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There are some immensely clear and gloriously spectacular night skies across the world, many that must be seen to be believed. Here, our specialists choose their favourites.
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Japan is by no means backwards in coming forwards. Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima and even parts of Kyoto are all testament
to a thriving sense of modernity, innovation and a passion for all things neon. Cavernous shopping malls are filled with gaggles of giggling teenage girls, karaoke bars reverberate with the latest J-Pop sounds and sales of the latest Nintendo games console are through the roof. And yet, scratch the surface a little and you will find that more traditional pastimes are still held very dear to the Japanese heart and what’s more, are readily accessible to visitors to the country. Claire Barnes reveals the very best.
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China’s famously fast-moving society is transforming the travel experience in cities, with a new sophistication bringing boutique hotels and fine restaurants. Beyond the urban centres, however, many parts of China have escaped the rush to modernise, with rural village communities atmospherically unchanged over the millennia. Tom Stapleton and Ben Colbridge compare and contrast.
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Several recent harsh winters have threatened Mongolia’s nomadic way of life. Jo Hoban explains that the first step to preserving the culture is to spend some time in a family ger.
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Sometimes the Land of the Rising Sun seems to focus too hard on the future. Claire Barnes finds a dedicated American trying to seed life back into a remote corner of rural Japan and save a taste of the past for future generations.
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The mountain nomads of Kyrgyzstan can become much more than just part of a traveller’s view. North & Central Asia Regional Manager Huw Owen samples their lifestyle at first hand, uncovering a programme that lets visitors contribute directly to local families by staying in their homes.
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Huw Owen takes a journey into the past in Guizhou, a rural and ethnically diverse region of southern China far removed from the country’s frenetic modern cities.
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The march to globalisation of certain sports may seem unstoppable, but more localised pursuits are still extremely popular in certain corners of the globe. Our specialists reveal some of their favourites.
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Jo Hoban has always been fascinated by the Romanovs, Russia’s imperial family. Here, she shares her memories of a journey through the land they once ruled.
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Ben Colbridge, North and Central Asia Specialist describes his years in the Far East.
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Chris Moore chooses his top ten experiences in China
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A stay at a traditional ryokan can be a wonderful addition to any trip to Japan. Our Japan specialists present their favourites.
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Huw Owen previews the British Museum’s First Emperor exhibition.
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Ian Mason relates the magic of seeing the giant panda, China’s national symbol.
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Henrietta Preiss reveals the intriguing behaviour of one of Japan’s more quaint inhabitants
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We discuss life in Kyoto with two of our resident guides.
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Our Central Asia and Russia speacialists reveal the many cultures and landscapes waiting to be discovered in the former USSR.
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Our Japan specialists consider the many different festivals you can incorporate into a visit to the Land of the Rising Sun.
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Paul Done heads south-west from Turpan to Kashgar.
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An insight into the world’s most efficient railway system - Japan’s bullet trains.
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Tom Stapleton discusses his favourite stop-offs on the Trans-Mongolian Railway.
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David Bannister recalls the majestic landscapes of Mongolia.
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Keira Dodd reflects on the colonial influences evident in Indochina.
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Our North and Central Asia specialists’ guide to exploring cities on foot.
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China’s immense population contains pockets of minority groups with very distinct cultures.
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Eating in Japan can be anything from a relaxed occasion to a lengthy ritual.
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Taking the famous Trans-Siberian Express across Asia.
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Huw Owen reflects on the re-emergence of this ancient trade route.
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Our specialists select their favourite places and experiences from the many options that Japan has to offer.
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Our specialists explore China just off the beaten track.
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The fabulous scenery and timeless charm of the Tibetan Plateau.
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A quick taste of one of Japan’s finest cities.
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An introduction to China’s beautiful and under-appriceiated next-door neighbour.
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The answers to all your questions on one of the world’s greatest river journeys.
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Nick Coats tells of his passion for Japan’s traditional inns.
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Tom Weston takes a cinematic tour of China.
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We highlight four of our favourite resorts in China and Southeast Asia, offering an idyllic end to your journey…
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Asia’s mighty rivers offer a handful of classic river cruises, here we focus on two of the most famous: the Yangtse in China and Burma’s great Irrawaddy.
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Tom Weston travels through China & South Korea to update his knowledge of its places, excursions and accommodation.
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Travelling to Asia in Autumn and Winter gives you a chance to experience the colours of autumnal Japan, the clear skies of Laos and Southern India’s delightful backwaters.
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