Recently in China Category

Hong Kong is a high-energy city, pulsating with activity at all hours, but if you want to learn the secrets behind what powers this modern metropolis, make your way to the Tsim Sha Tsui East neighborhood. There, the Hong Kong Science Museum will help you unravel the mysteries of energy, aviation, robotics, computers, and dozens of other fields of exploration. The museum is filled with about 500 exhibits related to science and technology, and it's a great place to spend a relaxing and educational afternoon learning about the forces that control the world. An interactive Virtual Reality exhibit, for example, will amaze you with just how realistic a computer-generated world can be. An exhibit on biodiversity in China, meanwhile, illustrates the amazing depth and breadth of nature in the world's most populous country. But the biggest star of the museum is energy itself. The museum's 22-meter-high twin-tower energy machine can be triggered to come alive and produce a series of fantastical effects that illustrate the various forms of energy, how they are created, and how they can be transformed. It's a metaphor for Hong Kong itself. Starwood has three hotels in Hong Kong: the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers, Le Méridien Cyberport, and the stylish W Hong Kong.

[image via lcsd.gov.hk]

The village of Ciqikou is only a short ride from central Chongqing, but it feels like something from another era entirely. Named the "Porcelain Village" after its famed Qing and Ming dynasty porcelain producers, Ciqikou is a popular destination for locals and visitors who enjoy strolling the ancient flagstone streets and sipping tea in its many tea houses. The protected cultural site is situated along the bank of the Jialing River near its confluence with the mighty Yangtze, and its streets are lined with Sichuan-style buildings that sell artwork, apparel, and porcelain objects of all kinds. Start at the ancient wharf, where fishermen and traders have come and gone for more than 1700 years, and then stop by a few of the notable houses in town. Zhong's Compound, for example, was built by a late Qing dynasty eunuch who served Ci Xi, Empress of the Qing Dynasty, and is filled with priceless works of art and examples of traditional architecture and design. Bao Lun Buddhist Temple, meanwhile, was constructed without using a single nail, and still draws scores of visitors who pray and meditate in the Ming Dynasty chambers. Ciqikou is definitely a good spot to pick up a souvenir or two of your journey, and you'll have plenty of porcelain shops to choose from. Take your time to find what you like, and don't be afraid to haggle a little bit. Guests at Le Méridien Chongqing, Nan'an will enjoy a stroll through this ancient Porcelain town.

[image via foreignercn.com]

Like most of modern China, the coastal city of Xiamen is a flurry of economic activity, but for those who need a break from the choas, a tranquil escape is a mere five-minute ferry ride away. Gulangyu Island is separated from the mainland by a small strip of water, but due to its status as a car-free destination it remains quiet and serene throughout the day, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon stroll. Established as a foreign enclave in 1842, Gulangyu was the historic home of the city's westerners, and their legacy can be seen in the many beautiful buildings throughout the island. Most visitors, however, make their way to Gulangyu's inspiring parks and gardens, where the natural world has been left undisturbed amid the mainland's rush to modernize. Shuzhuang Garden, for example, is filled with pavilions, bridges, and towers that exist in peaceful harmony with its sea views. Wander through the Piano Museum (island residents have a remarkably high rate of piano ownership) and then make your way to Sunlight Rock. It's the the highest point on Gulangyu, offering visitors amazing 360-degree views of the island and surrounding waters. If you're not feeling up to the climb, just hop on the cable car for a smooth ride to the summit. You'll feel like you're on top of the world. Starwood has two properties in Xiamen, the Sheraton Xiamen Hotel and the brand new Le Méridien Xiamen.