Learning Mandarin - Escape from the heat of the summer

CITYLIFE / Odds & Ends








Escape from the heat of the summer
(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2006-06-30 09:50




As the heat of the summer looms over most Chinese cities, a challenging
task faces many city dwellers: keeping cool. Instead of pumping up the
air conditioner and gaining weight from ice cream, why not follow
CITYLIFE's escape maps?

*Chengde: hide in China's largest classic imperial garden

Close to Beijing, Chengde has China's largest classical imperial garden,
Summer Retreat Hill and a group of eight temples called Waibamiao.

There are over 120 groups of ancient architectural structures hidden
between blue mountains and green rivers, complemented bylakes and
islands, forming an enchanting landscape.
Another famous scenic spot is the Wulingshan Forest Garden, with its
precious plants and animals, as well as amazing natural scenery.

Local specialties include hawthorn, chestnut, nut, Rose Cake (royal
snack) and Bazhen Imperial Wine (brewed following a secret recipe from
the court).

*Beidaihe, Hebei: a natural bathing beach close to Beijing

Nicknamed an international summer retreat during the Qing dynasty
Beidaihe, surrounded by two mountains, has long been the first summer
retreat choice of ancient Chinese rulers as well as current top
officials. There is a lot for visitors to do and see, including a lotus
flower rock park, Kwan-yin Temple and a graveyard with impressive tombs.
There are also many parks dedicated to literary celebrities.

*Jiuzhaigou (nine villages valley), Sichuan: hide in a mystic valley

As the name suggests, Jiuzhaigou has nine villages, full of Tibetan
flavor and beautiful natural scenery. Over half of Jiuzhaigou is covered
by virgin forest and the rest by lakes, waterfalls and snow-capped
mountains.
Mobile phones are functional in the main scenic spots inside the valley
and at the entrance to the valley there are several IC card phones. At
Jiuzhaigou, visitors also have access to ATMs.

*Shangri-La (meaning moon and sun in Tibetan, referring to an idyllic and
beautiful place), Yunan: a city from a dream.

Ever since its mention in British writer James Hilton's Lost Horizon,
Shangri-La has been a city of people's dreams. The shining snow-capped
mountain, boundless meadows, changing clouds and glittering smiles on the
faces of local people seem to be the same as they were thousands of years
ago. Shangri-La's serenity and tranquility is hard to describe with
words. The only way to truly know about it is to experience it in person.
Visitors can also experience local Tibetan celebrations such as horse
races, the Gedong Festival and the Xianzi (a local instrument) Festival.

Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit Shangri-La.




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