Semi-independent travels prosper
Unlike in previous years, tourists are particularly interested in semi-independent travels, rather than group tours. Three to four days in Sanya, a tropical city in Hainan Province; four to five days in Zhangjiajie, a natural beauty in Hunan Province; a whole week in Xiamen, a coastal port in Fujian Province, just to name a few, are the most popular domestic tour packages this season.
Thanks to the rising Chinese economy, overseas tourism will still prosper this year and more money will be spent in North American countries than in the traditionally popular Europe, according to China Youth Travel Service (CYTS).
Backpacking tours are in
Adding to the tours booked at travel agencies, many Chinese are considering backpacking tours to thoroughly experience their travel destinations. Below are two places in China that tourists may enjoy a visit to.
For interested tourists who want to experience unique Chinese places with special ethnic minority customs and culture, the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture would make a perfect choice. The ancient and peaceful city, located in Southwest China's Yunnan Province has seen many from home and abroad, yet manages to survive the outside influences brought by them.
Dali is well known for its unique history and culture, breathtaking natural landscape, and diverse ethnic customs. It was one of the earliest cradles of frontier culture in Southwest China. During the Tang and Song dynasties, the kingdoms of Nanzhao and Dali created brilliant ancient civilizations around Dali, the "Town of Culture." The beautiful landscapes of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake are reputed as "A Park of Nature." What's more amazing is the colorful local traditions that present "a museum of folk customs." In short, this is a paradise for backpacking tourists.
Heifei, the capital city of Anhui Province, is also well worth a four to five day visit. Slow down the pace of life and make careful observations here. The garden city that features Hui-style architecture will certainly surprise you.
Its deep-rooted cultural sophistication, on the other hand, will probably astonish its tourists to a certain extent. One thing you may not know about the city is that the Peking Opera developed from the Hui Opera, which first appeared in Anqing, Anhui, more than 300 years ago. It combined traditional Chinese theater with music, vocal performances, miming, dancing, and acrobatics. It then flourished and spread all over the country, fascinating people in Beijing and a series of emperors in the Qing Dynasty.
It's highly recommended to spend an evening or two enjoying the Hui Opera when cruising in the city. It has a distinctive dance and vocal style, is visually exciting, and has spectacular stage settings. The costumes are simple and tasteful.
Home to many rivers and lakes, such as one of the country's largest freshwater lakes, Chaohu, Hefei is blessed with abundant aquatic products. The city is one of the country's major producers of crayfish, known locally as "small lobster." While staying there, don't forget treating yourself to the local delicacy. And, most of the crayfish restaurants are open until midnight, while some are even open until dawn.
What a wonderful week lying ahead!
