Fujian: Mount Wuyi
A major landmark in southeast China
and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Wuyi was the setting for the
development and spread of neo-Confucianism, influential in East Asia since the
11th century.Bamboo raft drifting in the Nine Bend River (lower gorge) is a popular
activity among visitors.The two-hour, eight-kilometer trips provide grand views
of Mount Wuyi. It's the best way to take in the serene beauty of the smooth
peaks and clear water.Admission: RMB 140 for Mount Wuyi park, RMB 100 for
bamboo raft drifting.Mount Wuyi is about 350 kilometers northwest of Fuzhou,
the provincial capital of Fujian. Major cities connected to Fuzhou Airport by
direct flights include Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Xi'an.
Jiangsu: Brahmā Palace
Feng shui and Buddhism have deep influences on China.Both can be found at Brahmā Palace.Beneath the foot of Little Lingshan Mountain, and near Taihu Lake and the 88-meter-tall Lingshan Giant Budda, the palace epitomizes Chinese feng shui , it's surrounded by mountains and water, portending both good fortune and health. Built for the Second World Buddhism Forum in 2009, the Buddhist theme park is filled with luxury, with gold and glamour gilding many surfaces. Admission fee: RMB 210.Major cities connected to Wuxi Airport by direct flights include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou.
Ningxia: Sand Lake
More than 1 million migrating birds
of various species stop over at this wetland in Ningxia twice a year (April-May,
September-October).The rest of the year, around 200 species of birds call the
wetlands home, including a large number of protected species, such as black cranes
and the Chinese merganser.The area is also the reported habitat of giant
salamanders that grow as long as 1.6 meters.Desert, water and reed mashes blend
in this 80-square-kilometer area, which forms a unique geographic phenomenon
called sand lake ("sha hu" in Mandarin).Admission: RMB 60 from
November 1-March 31; RMB 80 from April 1-October 31.Sand Lake is 56 kilometers
north of Yinchuan, the provincial capital of Ningxia. Buses are available daily
between Sand Lake and Yinchuan’s North Gate Bus Terminal.