Recently in China Category

The Chinese city of Guangzhou, formerly known as Canton, has been growing at a breakneck pace for the last decade or so, but one of its most striking features has remained the same for centuries. White Cloud Mountain (Baiyun Shan), ten miles north of Guangzhou, gets its name from the unique ring of clouds that gathers around it when the sun shines after a rain shower, but it's a spectacular sight to see no matter what the weather. With thirty peaks to climb, visitors to the park can get a good workout and enjoy spectacular views of the city and of the famous Pearl River Valley below. Six different parks provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, picnicking and relaxing, including a 46-hectare sculpture park filled with classic and contemporary sculptures, and a bird park that features the world's largest natural birdcage. (I wonder how big the birds are.) And if you really want to feel like you're flying, take a cable car ride to the top of Moxing Ridge, which, at nearly 400 meters, almost earns its nickname, "star-scraping ridge." You'll have plenty to talk about over tea and dumplings at Luming Restaurant. The park is a short drive from the luxurious Westin Guangzhou.

[image via Best of Guangzhou]

The skyline of Shanghai is dominated by one of the most unusual-looking buildings in the world. Comprised of two large globes pierced by three cylindrical columns, the Oriental Pearl Tower soars 468-meters into the Shanghai sky, and it's definitely worth a visit if you're in town. The highest TV tower in Asia, its observation decks and restaurants provide unparalleled views of the city and countryside, from the nearby Bund district, with its rows of western-style buildings, to the Huangpu River, where elegant ships and rickety barges ply the busy waters. The tower is located in scenic Pudong Park, a peaceful green space that provides a refreshing retreat from the nonstop energy of the city. Guests at the St. Regis Shanghai or any of Starwood's Shanghai properties might appreciate seeing the city from this unique bird's eye perspective.

In China, a country filled with economic success stories, the city of Shenzhen truly stands out. Just three decades ago it was little more than a sleepy fishing village. Then, in 1979, it was designated a Special Economic Zone, setting off a development boom unlike any the country had ever seen. Skyscrapers have been sprouting up like flowers ever since, each more brilliant than the last. Today, millions of people come to Shenzhen to do business, and the city buzzes with energy at all hours, but there's still one place to go when you're just looking to unwind. Dameisha Beach has been a local favorite for years, offering sun, sand, and surf to people who desperately need some rest and recreation. Beach volleyball, paragliding, windsurfing, and other beachy activities are available, but many people prefer to just relax in a lounge chair and listen to the ocean. There's no better way to de-stress. Guests at the Sheraton Dameisha Resort, Shenzhen are just steps from one of China's loveliest beach areas.

[image via sz2011.org]

Tianjin is the third largest city in China, with a population that's at once technologically savvy and respectful of the ancient traditions. And while it has its share of museums and historical attractions, one of the best places to experience Chinese history is at the Tianjin Antique Market (Guwan Shichang). Located along the Shenyang Jie, the market is crowded with hundreds of vendors selling everything from silk and ceramic to original artwork and home furnishings. It's an excellent place to get a bargain on a tea set or jade necklace, but if you're in the market for something a bit more unusual, such as Mao memorabilia, you're in luck. Guwan Shichang vendors have everything from Mao paintings and statues to fans, buttons, and even Mao lighters. As in many Chinese markets, negotiations are expected, so don't hesitate to counter the seller's first offer with a much lower number. After all, you've got a lot of souvenir shopping ahead of you. Starwood currently has one property in Tianjin, the Sheraton Tianjin Hotel, and three more are slated to open in the next two years: the Four Points by Sheraton Tianjin, Zhongshan, the Westin Tianjin, and the St. Regis Tianjin.

China is bursting with history at every turn, but to truly appreciate how it all fits together, it helps to have a basic knowledge of its art and culture throughout the ages. There are few better places to learn about Chinese history than the Shanghai Museum, located on the People's Square. With a collection of more than 120,000 pieces ranging from jade, bronze, and ceramic to calligraphy and coins, it tells the fascinating story of the Middle Kingdom, from the earliest household items of 5,000 years ago to the sophisticated oil paintings and sculptures of the early twentieth century. The Gallery of Ancient Sculpture, for example, contains the pottery and terracotta of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, Qin stone sculptures, and earthenware figurines from the Han dynasty. An especially impressive collection of sculptures of the Tang dynasty (618-907) represents the brilliant realism of the era, with human forms and Buddhist sculpture designed to bridge worldly and spiritual thought. It's an interesting perspective to have with you as you explore a city that's at once ancient and modern. Starwood has eight Shanghai properties, including the elegant Le Royal Méridien Shanghai.