Scene from Avatar – the landscape was inspired by Zhangjiajie and Huangshan By 2017 China’s film industry is expected to surpass the profits and influence of Hollywood. According to the LA Times, last year alone almost 15 movie screens per day were installed and ticket sales rose 35 percent. While both domestic and international films have made major waves in China, Americans are being equally exposed to Chinese influence.  » Read more »

Red lanterns are ubiquitous during Chinese new year In San Francisco red and gold lanterns are strung from lampposts, illuminating rainy days and lending hope for success in the New Year. Chinatown bakeries advertize the best moon cakes in the city, while shops along the main street stock up on poppers and other small fireworks. Wherever you live, Chinese festivals bring a certain sense of mysticism and excitement that have been carried with the culture for years.  » Read more »

Hong Kong is a great family destination. You can take a boat ride to see pink dolphins, go on a helicopter ride, take a yacht to Tai-O for lunch, learn martial arts or simply hike along the numerous trails that circle the islands – ending with a dip at Repulse Bay beach or at your hotel swimming pool. Then of course there’s Disneyland – but is it worth a day out of your itinerary when there is so much else to see and do in Hong Kong?  » Read more »

China has been a land fueling creativity for thousands of years but there seems to have been a resurgence of interest from the West in Chinese creativity recently. Last year, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and a handful of other museums featured exhibits on Chinese art. In the previous year, The Smithsonian showcased Chinese-American food and this past November The Met documented Chinese fashion and its global impact. Both exhibits noted that Chinese culture has been influencing the West for centuries.  » Read more »

Testing the young Shaolin monk's skills at a private kungfu performance   Trips with children can be challenging both in planning and in execution. Buy they don’t have to be. When done right, they can be one of the most rewarding, memorable and influential of experiences. This June 19th-30th, Imperial Tours is offering a Family Tour of China that focuses on fun for all family members in an environment that offers a look at China’s culture,  » Read more »