Must-sees in China
[ The University of Melbourne Voice Vol. 3, No. 5
14 July - 10 August 2008 ]
As sports fans get set to travel to China for the Beijing Olympics, University of Melbourne students and academics share their personal and professional knowledge with JANINE SIM-JONES on some of the best places to visit
Wanfang Zhang, second-year Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) student from Zhengzhou in Henan Province.
Yizhan, or ‘free as a bird’ as its English name suggests, is a restaurant with a travel theme. It’s not necessarily known by its local neighbours yet it enjoys a high reputation among Chinese backpackers travelling in Beijing. You will discover beautiful photos shot by travellers and plan for your next stop of journey.
The owner once got lost in fog in east Hunan with several other backpackers. They were helped and fed by a village elder with local food made in a special rock pan. The food they had was so special that the owner invited a man from the place to be his chef.
Address: 30 Bei Xin Qiao Tou Tiao Hutong, Dong Cheng District. Tel: (8610) 6401 0979, or 6401 1126 (booking required for dinner)
Associate Professor Antonia Finanne, School of Historical Studies, and author of Speaking of Yangzhou: A Chinese city, 1550-1850.
North-east of Beijing, beyond the Great Wall, lies the city of Chengde, formerly a summer retreat for the Manchu emperors.
The city provides a good view of urban change in China outside of the hothouse environment of Beijing, but if you want more than a reality-check in return for your death-defying 250 kilometre drive, you won’t be disappointed.
This city contains a World Heritage site consisting of imperial parklands and surrounding temples, built during the height of Manchu power in the 17th and 18th centuries. Much on the site has been reconstructed, but that does not lessen its charms as a place to which to retreat from the heat of a Beijing summer.
Yumeng Wang, second year Bachelor of Commerce Student, and International House resident. Yumeng was born and raised in Beijing.
Come and rub shoulders with the locals at Tianyi Market where 2000 dealers from all over China sell more than 60,000 items. From stationary and sports equipment, to travel bags and electronic toys, this massive five-storey indoor market has something for everyone.
Address: No. 259 Fuwai Dajie, Xicheng District. Tel: (8610) 6832 9332.
Have a buffet lunch or dinner at Tenggeli-Tala Theatre Restaurant. Mongolian royal dishes, Japanese seafood, fresh salad and fruits, and various snacks from all over China are all under one roof.
You can either eat in the performance hall, watching the Mongolia opera, or sit inside a Mongolian tent with a group of friends.
Address: Xicui Road, Haidian District. Tel: (8610) 6815 0808.
Susan Wang, External Affairs Manager, Melbourne Business School Beijing Office.
Venture deep into northern Hunan Province and you will find Zhangjiajie National Forest Park a lush forest of staggering beauty, dominated by quartzite sandstone pillars, lakes and waterfalls.
One of China’s most beautiful nature reserves, Zhangjiajie has wonderful hiking trails in a serene environment of staggering natural beauty.
It’s a lost world that never fails to inspire our MBA students or the clients of the executive education programs.
Barbara Hilder, Director, Corporate Engagement, Confucius Institute.
Visit the Temple of Heaven early in the morning. The temple is on the tourist map but in the mornings it is a hive of local activity with ladies with their ribbons swirling, a range of traditional and some very odd forms of exercise and Choirs of locals who often have retired professional entertainers as their leaders. Eat Beijing Duck and there is no better place than in an old style Beijing House – this is not for the faint-hearted and those requiring shiny new surrounds. The best of these is Xia Wang’s Home.
Address: Guang Hua Dong Lu Choayang District Building #2. Tel: (8610) 6594 3602. Book Now. Remember, if the taxi drops you off in a dark alley you are in the right place.
Yu Zhoa, Research Fellow, School of Behavioural Science.
I recommend Anshan, where I come from. Anshan is in the northeast part of China, north to Beijing 700km. It has the world’s largest jade buddha called Jade Buddha Garden and picturesque Mount Qianshan.
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