Beijing
Beijing is the unquestioned capital of China. Though it lags behind Hong Kong and Shanghai in terms of economic firepower, the soul of the nation resides here. It has been this way for centuries. Genghis Khan's grandson, Kublai Khan, established the city of Beijing as his capital in 1278. After the Ming dynasty overthrew the Yuans, Yongle, the Ming emperor, relocated his capital to Beijing to capitalize on its more strategic northern position. It was Yongle who authorized the construction of the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, both of which still stand today. It was also the Mings who authorized construction of the Great Wall of China.
The Qing Dynasty took over in 1644 and built on China's feudal tradition. However, its power eroded over the centuries, and China was subject to war and foreign occupation for the better part of a hundred years. It wasn't until Chairman Mao declared the birth of the People's Republic of China in 1949 that things began to settle down again in China. Mao's contributions to China are still fresh. Look at the communist monuments in Tiananmen Square, designed to make the individual feel small in comparison to the state.
While Beijing can be enjoyed by every traveler, it truly rewards the adventurous soul. It's a safe city, with plenty of room for exploration. Although you'll be tempted to spend most of your time near Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, it is best not to limit yourself. There is plenty to see around the city's outskirts, and a short trip to the Great Wall is a must.
Nagasaki
The charm and elegance of Nagasaki is much more covert than other Japanese cities. While not an outright tourist town, Nagasaki does remain quite popular because of its grace and beauty. While it is true that Nagasaki is not filled with luxurious resorts, famous museums, and world renowned art galleries, the gardens and parks more than make up for its lack of man-made spectacles. The landscape is gorgeous, and Nagasaki relies on its intrinsic beauty to attract people from all over the globe. This tactic has worked, as cruise ships flock to this exquisite port city, with passengers eager to experience some of the wonder of Nagasaki.
The green hills are magnificent, and Nagasaki has one of the prettiest harbors in the entire world. It is a circular masterpiece, and surrounding it are small, close-knit neighborhoods full of people who are extremely proud and loyal members of the community. Nagasaki is known as one of the safest and most pleasant cities in the country, and the fact that it is culturally diverse makes it all the more interesting. The population here is right around 500,000, and the yearly festivals, great restaurants, and ancient temples combine with the aesthetic brilliance to form a spectacular atmosphere.
In 1571, the harbor of Nagasaki was opened to European ships for trading purposes. Soon after, it became a major port for many Western countries, especially Portugal and the Netherlands. This triggered the Chinese to get into action, and they quickly set up camp along the Nagasaki harbor. This region became a booming trade center in no time, and its fame spread throughout the world. Even during Japan's trade isolation, it was the lone city of Nagasaki that was allowed to continue trading with Western civilizations. This is an important, historic, and wonderful city that demands a visit. The scarring from the tragic World War Two bombing is almost nonexistent, and all that remains are memories, stories, and landmarks that pay tribute to the lost souls. If you look in the right places, you will be delighted by the great shopping facilities that are found throughout the city. Sometimes they may prove difficult to uncover, but half the fun is trying, as Nagasaki is compact and incredibly fun to explore.
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.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a wonderful vacation spot that often gets overlooked by prospective tourists. Many visitors to the area spend their time in Saigon and the greater Ho Chi Minh area, but Nha Trang is a quieter and at times more interesting location. The nightlife is much more subdued than the other regions in Vietnam, but this is often a good thing. The restaurants serve up some of the most delicious cuisine in the country, and the prices are always reasonable. The scenery is beautiful, and there are a number of historical sights that remain amazing works of architecture even though they are centuries old. Nha Trang is an ancient city, giving it an authentic and nostalgic feel that you will certainly appreciate. The Po Ngar Cham Towers are tremendous, and the beaches and outdoor activities along the coastline of the city are fabulous. Diving is enormously popular in Nha Trang, and Hon Mieu is an island that is a short boat trip from the port.
A small town that is filled with culture, Nha Trang is home to around 200,000 inhabitants. The surfing and beach life here make it a very desirable location, and often times visitors never want to leave. The most active area of Nha Trang is Tran Phu Street, where you can find the majority of the best restaurants and activities. As expected, the best towers and architectural highlights are off the beaten path a bit. The Po Ngar Temple is the best site in Nha Trang, and it really gives you a glimpse into the history and heritage of this ancient city. The locals are friendly and helpful, and if you are a young, single male and the ladies seem overly friendly there is a reason for this. I think you know the reason, so I will not explore it in depth, but allow me to say that you do not want to go off with one of these tempting vixens. Leave Nha Trang with an abundance of great experiences, but you certainly do not want to leave with a newly acquired disease. So steer clear of picking up the barflies, sailor. There is plenty else to do in Nha Trang that will ensure you have a remarkably enjoyable time.
Singapore
Singapore is a wonderfully exciting destination that is full of relaxing activities, great architectural sites, and outstanding dining experiences. The shopping is world-class, and the nightlife is vibrant, as well. The abundance of water sports will please all of you looking for a physically challenging activity or two. The islands neighboring Singapore are gorgeous, making them ideal for an afternoon excursion. The protected park areas and nature reservations are beautiful, and there are a number of interesting attractions, especially in the historic district, that are of excellent for sightseeing and exploring.
Singapore may be a small island, geographically speaking, but it is tremendously popular with tourists. The locals are quite pleased with their home, as Singapore features some of the lowest violent crime rates of anywhere in the world. It is a very safe city for the whole family. The numerous religious factions represented in such close proximity in Singapore coexist peacefully and respect one another. This is one of the most visited places in all of Southeast Asia. If an exotic cruise destination with extraordinary scenery and a friendly society sounds good to you, then look no further. Singapore features all this and much more.
The region is so diverse that you will have no problem enjoying a completely different type of cuisine for every meal. The Chinese Opera plays in Singapore, and they are dynamite. In a single neighborhood, you will observe Muslim mosques, Chinese temples, Christian churches, and Hindu worship sites. The government of Singapore runs a tight ship, and this is probably why it is such a thriving, safe community. As a result, be wise and observe all local rules and regulations, because the law is relatively strict.
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