Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and to celebrate the beginning of the festive season, we’re bringing you the “Mercury Holidays’ 12 Destinations Advent Calendar” – every day we’ll be taking a look at a top destination and what makes it the perfect place to visit with family, friends or enjoy a little you time.
So, let’s see what door number 2 has in store for us…
China – Mercury Holidays’ Escorted Tours
China is a truly unique and fascinating country; with a history spanning over 4,000 years, countless dynasties and home to over 1.4 billion people, it’s no surprise that this stunning part of the world is a massive draw for travellers.
Advent Calendar Fact: China only has 1 time zone – China Standard Time (UTC + 8). In the west of China, sunrise can be as late as 10am!
Whether you’re visiting Beijing to discover the rich cultural heritage, Xi’an with its window into China’s ancient civilisation and the incredible Terracotta Army, the famous water towns and gardens of Suzhou or the natural beauty of the Yellow Mountains in Huangshan – China is a destination you could visit a 100 times and still discover something new every time.
Advent Calendar Fact: China’s railway lines could loop around the Earth twice.
One of the most incredible cities to visit in China is Shanghai; the epicentre for economics and business, as well as featuring an abundance of historic relics and non-stop vitality – this city can rival both New York and Paris without much effort.
Beginning as a humble fishing town and one of China’s earliest ports, Shanghai has grown beyond belief and become the country’s beacon of light for construction and travel. There are many things to see and do in this city, however, we have a couple recommendations to help you on your way.
Firstly, take a stroll down The Bund – this mile-long stretch along the promenade of Huangpu Rive is a treat for the eyes, with over 52 gorgeous buildings showcasing numerous styles such as Gothic, Neoclassical and Baroque, this part of Shanghai is commonly known as ‘the museum of buildings.’
If you fancy something a little more serene and tranquil, then take a trip to the Yu Gardens (Happiness Garden). Believed to have been built in the Ming Dynasty, the incredible layout and stunning scenery of this oasis in the middle of the city will leave you breathless. With over 5 acres to explore, there’s plenty of opportunity to capture some fantastic pictures, explore a range of bridges, buildings and sculptures or simply sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds you.
Advent Calendar Fact: The Shanghai Magley Train which connects the airport and the city is the fastest train in the world, reaching a maximum speed of 431 kmph.
From Shanghai travel to the country’s capital – Beijing. As one of the six ancient cities in China, Beijing has a wealth of history and modern development for visitors to explore – as one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, over 4.4 million people journey to Beijing every year. From The Great Wall of China and Tiananmen Square to the Temple of Heaven and the Ming Tombs, Beijing is a city that delights from the moment you arrive.
One of the moment impressive and historic places you can visit is The Forbidden City. Located in the centre of the city and the world’s largest complex, The Forbidden City once served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Ancient Chinese astronomers believed that the Purple Star (Polaris) was located in the centre of heaven and only the Emperor who was sent from heaven could reside in the palace. Special permission had to be granted to those who wished to enter the palace, hence the name ‘The Forbidden City’.
Nowadays, The Forbidden City is open to the public and those that visit can take delight in the incredible painted decorations, the grand and deluxe halls and many treasures located throughout the complex. The museum’s route is based on a south-to-north itinerary and visitors can only enter through the Meridian Gate and leave from the Gate of Divine Prowess or the Easter Prosperity Gate; we recommend spending three to four hours touring around the central section of the museum.
Advent Calendar Fact: Many of the gates are decorated with nine rows or nails. The number nine implied supremacy in monarchist Chine and was reserved for the emperor’s use only.
Located to the south of Beijing, you’ll find Chengdu – the home of China’s Giant Pandas. These beautiful animals can be found in the Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre; this centre has been created to imitate the natural habitat of the pandas, so they have the best possible environment for rearing and breeding. The giant panda is a Chinese national treasure and can only be found in Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces – tragically, there are fewer than 2,000 giant pandas left in the world and this centre dedicates it’s time to the protection and conservation of these gorgeous animals.
Advent Calendar Fact: Giant pandas are born pink, without fur and blind. Their iconic black and white colouring emerges later, along with their sight.
China Fact File:
Geographic size – 9.6 million square kilometres and a coastline of 18,000 kilometres
Population – 1.4 billion
Number of skyscrapers – 1,400
Average temperature – November to March 13 degrees, April to October 26 degrees
Escorted Tour of the Day
Wonders of China
This amazing 16-day, 14-night tour journeys across one of the world’s largest and most fascinating countries, drenched in 4,000 years of history and teeming with world-renowned sights.
Cruise down the Yangtze River, experience Shanghai and Beijing, visit the Pandas in Chengdu and marvel at the wonders of the Great Wall of China and Terracotta Army all in one epic tour.
Tour Highlights:
- City tours of Shanghai, Xi’an and Beijing
- 4-night Yangtze River Cruise
- See the Giant Pandas of Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre
- Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors
- See the Great Wall of China
- Visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
Make your Escorted Tour to China an even more unforgettable experience with a 3-night Hong Kong extension!
Hong Kong City Stay:
Towering skyscrapers form the backdrop to Hong Kong’s busy harbour, whilst the street markets that fill the meandering alleys remain untouched by western influences.
Explore Hong Kong and Kowloon at your own pace and immerse yourself in the varied culture during this extension which includes a half-day city tour.