Dalian
Dalian sits at the tip of the Liaodong peninsula, and is home to over one million people, making it a small city in a country of over one billion people. Because it sits right on the sea, the city is free from the heavy pollution facing other Chinese cities. But its advantageous geographical position has led to its occupation over the years by a host of foreign invaders. Russia set up a trading center here, before losing it to Japan in their war in 1905. Over the years, Western Europeans came to trade in Dalian, and their influence, combined with that of the Russians, Japanese, and Chinese, continues to set Dalian apart from most other Chinese cities.
Foreign companies continue to be drawn to Dalian because of a favorable tax status here that encourages local investment. Dalian's longtime mayor, Bo Xilai, is something of a hero around these parts, and you will hear the locals of Dalian speak in positively glowing terms about his leadership.
In the summer, Dalian transforms into a resort town, with Chinese families from the inland making the trek out to the beaches on the outskirts of the city. The twenty mile stretch of beach here is among the finest in all of China. Dalian is also home to an annual International Fashion Festival, along with a Spring Festival to ring in the Chinese New Year.
Osaka
Osaka is one of the premier vacation spots in Japan. Beautiful and busy, graceful and lively, Osaka has it all. The rich heritage of the region is complemented by the modern feel and splendid architecture. The ancient landmarks are glorious, and you will be treated to marvelous wonders at every turn. The citizens of Osaka have great pride in their hometown, and they should, because it is magnificent. While there are a number of outstanding man-made achievements in Osaka, the best sites are those that combine the thought of man and the brilliance of nature. Two examples of such spots are the Floating Garden Observatory and the Osaka Aquarium, where locals and tourists can see nature in its truest and most exquisite forms.
In addition to the extraordinary intrinsic glory of the region, the Osaka government has really done a terrific job in the last few years of keeping the city clean, pristine, and full of activities. There are a tremendous number of enjoyable engagements to take part in at any given time, especially at night and on the weekends. The businessmen and employed population of Osaka are incredibly hard working, so when they get a little time off they love to party. Great bars, fabulous restaurants, and fun karaoke clubs line the streets in certain areas of Osaka, and a night out is a fun night indeed. During the day, there are spectacular museums and architectural triumphs to hold your attention, and the underground shopping network is extraordinary.
Osaka is located on Honshu's southern coast, and has a fascinating 1500-year history. Heritage is important to all members of Japanese society, and families have an incredibly strong bond within them. Assisting a parent or grandparent in need is always the primary duty of the children. This extravagant city, so full of energy and meaning, is the capital of Osaka Prefecture, and is the third most inhabited city in Japan after Tokyo and Yokohama.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a city focused on peace. Painful scars still remain from World War Two, and Hiroshima's citizens make every effort to heal the physical and emotional trauma that is still present. Peace Memorial Park is the most popular tourist site in Hiroshima, as it commemorates both the destruction caused by the atomic bombing of 1945 and the triumph of spirit of Hiroshima's people that followed. The area has been rebuilt beautifully, and laced throughout the buildings and high-rises are lakes, parks, and fabulous museums that are sure to capture your heart. The population of this bustling yet tranquil city is one million, and both car and shipbuilding are highly promoted industries here. Hiroshima is on the rise, and now is the perfect time to visit. There are a number of exquisite restaurants and art expos to be found in the city. There are three wonderful museums in Hiroshima that are dedicated to art, and both the modern and ancient art displays are amazing. The Hiroshima Castle is a dazzling work of architecture, and this building is made all the more impressive because it was basically demolished in the bombing, and yet it is more remarkable today than ever. Unfortunately, the majority of the great landmarks, historical sights, museums, and nature areas were virtually brought to ruin in 1945. However, through intense work by the citizens and the government, the area has been restored beautifully. Nearly all of the locations that were so terribly damaged now appear to have been undisturbed.
The people of Hiroshima are not quick to forget the destruction and casualties that befell their city as a result of the bombing. Yet the citizens are known for their friendliness and acceptance, and they are quick to help you if you have a question or a problem. The service inside the restaurants is great, and nearly everyone speaks English. Formerly a war-torn city, Hiroshima has rebounded into a glorious destination full of extravagant sights and relaxing environments.
Pusan
Located between the mountains and the sea, Pusan is Korea's second largest city, a vibrant port city booming with population growth and industry. Today, its more than 4 million inhabitants help create a fast paced environment of work and play. Much of the city's economy is supported by the fishing industry. And from boat making to fishing, visitors to Pusan get the feeling that all of the locals are involved in making the city run.
Pusan is famous for its dramatic skyline and the mountainous ring that encircles the city. Visitors to Pusan gush about the city's picture-perfect beaches, its white sands and gorgeous cliffs. This is a place that seamlessly incorporates a busy mass urban culture with an obvious respect and love of nature and serenity. Tourists can choose the pace at which they experience this city, and rest assured that there is something for everyone here. Whether you are an avid shopper, a food connoisseur, or just looking to relax on a beach or take a hike, you will be impressed by the choices you have here. Many tourists like to begin their day buying fresh seafood at the harbor, and then enjoying a morning shopping for Korean folk art. Afternoons offer endless possibilities to see the historical sites here, and evenings are a time for leisure.
Climate is one of the city's greatest assets. Pusan remains relatively mild all year long, and even summer, which is the rainy season, offers a tropical and vacation-friendly climate. The air is warm, the land is lovely, and the people are friendly.
Shanghai
Shanghai is a paradox, both an anachronism and a look towards the future. The Pearl of the Orient has a rich history, replete with multiculturalism and international intrigue. After the Communist takeover, Shanghai hibernated, before beginning to reemerge in the past decade. Since Deng Xiaoping proclaimed Shanghai to be the head of the new Chinese dragon, the city has undergone a complete facelift, with a booming economy that accounts for nearly twenty percent of China's gross national product.
These happy days are reminiscent of Shanghai's past. The city was divided up into small, independent, autonomous concessions, with a British section, a French section, and an American section. While part of Shanghai remained Chinese, many locals chose to interact with the Westerners, and Shanghai became known as the Paris of the East. The Communist Party was born in Shanghai, and after it came to power in 1949, the city closed its doors to the outside world until recently.
Sixteen million people call Shanghai home today. The city is poised to become China's international face of the future, and a construction boom is fueling that feeling. The Pudong New Area is being transformed from farmland into the city's economic center. Shanghai's stock market is found here, along with some of the tallest buildings in the entire world. In just fifteen years, the number of high-rise office buildings has increased tenfold, and that number is still growing. This burgeoning economy has again attracted people from around the world, allowing the old spirit of Shanghai to re-infect people. The city has come full circle.
Hong Kong
Many feared that Hong Kong's incredible rise to prominence would be stunted when Great Britain handed control of the island back to China in 1997. In the years since, however, Hong Kong has continued its meteoric rise to become one of the leading economic centers of the Pacific Rim.
This position of strength could hardly have been anticipated. When England gained control of Hong Kong after the 1841 Opium War, the island was regarded as little more than barren rock. In fact, most of its value came from its strategic trading position, for it stood as a perfect entryway to Canton. Hong Kong started to rise slowly, but exploded only after waves of mainland Chinese came to the island, fleeing the Communist Revolution. Many of the refugees included China's elite businessmen, who came to this small island and transformed it into a wealthy economic hub.
Hong Kong's skyscrapers actually take their name literally. Companies continually strive to outdo each other by building huge edifices, seemingly one on top of the other. But if you can escape Hong Kong Island, you will be enchanted by the less developed islands that surround it. A side trip to the island of Lantau will remind you that there is more to Hong Kong than tall buildings and money.
Hong Kong can be easily divided into three main sections. Hong Kong Island measures only thirty square miles, but this is where you will probably spend most, if not all of your time. Each district on the island has a distinct feel to it, with some more focused on fashion and others concerned with economy and industry. Kowloon is the peninsula that lies across the harbor from Hong Kong Island. Finally, the New Territories cover two hundred square miles of mostly pristine, undeveloped territory.
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