Owing to the wealth accumulated by Huizhou tradesmen from the mid-Southern Song (1127 – 1279) to Emperor Qianlong's reign (r. 1736-1796) in the Qing dynasty, an influential, regional architectural style was able to develop in Huizhou. Many features of this local style were incorporated in the architectural development of the south, in particular the canal towns of the Yangzi River delta. As you walk around Huizhou villages, you will want to watch out for the following details: Individual House Features    » Read more »

The Terracotta Warriors represent only a small portion of the eight thousand strong underground army buried in front of the Emperor Qinshihuang’s tomb (r. 221-207 BC) to defend him in the afterlife. The craftsmanship attested by each of the statues is as stupendous as the scale of the project. So who was the Emperor Qinshihuang to merit such magnificence? One of the most important rulers in Chinese history, this Emperor leaves a legacy as morally complicated as that of Peter the Great.  » Read more »

Day One  you will fly to Huangshan City, arriving in the evening where you will check into its finest hotel. (Huangshan Pine Golf Hotel – Duplex Suite or Executive Suite, subject to availability)   Day Two  Waking up early to take full advantage of your day on the Yellow Mountain, you will be immediately driven from Huangshan City to the mountain itself. Having ascended three-quarters of the rugged mountain by cable car,  » Read more »

From tailored suits to diamonds to contemporary Vietnamese art, Hong Kong can provide for every price range and quality. As this tropical island was formerly a British colony, English is widely spoken and it is not hard to get around on your own, whether by MTR, taxi or rented limo. Whilst many will be interested to wander along Cat Street or visit the Bird & Jade market to view Chinese curiosities, others armed with shopping guides,  » Read more »

Victoria Peak If you picture Hong Kong as a dragon, with qi or energy coursing through it, then Victoria Peak is the summit of the dragon's spine; and the Peak is unquestionably Hong Kong 's premier tourist site. If you visit in summer you'll no doubt sympathize with Sir Richard MacDonnell, a Governor of Hong Kong in the nineteenth century, who moved his residence there to avoid the tropical torpor down by the harbor.  » Read more »