Archive for the ‘ZZ – China Inbound Tour’ Category

Rideau Canal in Ottawa and the Grand Canal in Beijing

Monday, April 4th, 2022
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Walking on the pathways of Colonel By Drive along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Canada,I’m really amazed by the peaceful and harmonious scene between man and nature: with clear water, Rideau Canal is sided by the shared cycle and pedestrian pathways and green belts, which is enlivened by people jogging, biking, skating, canoeing, rowing,  sightseeing cruise and fishing.

In winter, Rideau Canal will be turned into a skateway, the longest skate rink in the world.The skateway and the network of the recreational pathways of Rideau Canal traverse the capital city of Canada roughly from north to south uniquely linking the green spaces, the urban core, which was created thanks to the vision of Douglas H.Fullerton (Chairman at National Capital Commission 1969-1973).

The initial purpose of the Rideau Canal was totally military, aimed at providing a secure supply and communications route between Montreal and the British naval base in Kingston to deter any American invasions of Canadian territory after the War of 1812, a 32-month military conflict between the United States and Great Britain.

Later the canal once also served a commercial purpose. The Rideau Canal was easier to navigate than the St. Lawrence River because of the series of rapids between Montreal and Kingston before the construction of a system of locks on Saint Lawrence Seaway. As a result, the Rideau Canal became a busy commercial artery from Montreal to the Great Lakes. Now Rideau Canal has long been lost its transportation function, perfectly switched to the recreational purpose.

The original construction of Rideau Canal was mainly supervised by Lieutenant-Colonel John By of the Royal Engineers. Much of the construction work was done by thousands of Irish and French-Canadian labourers.

The building of canal started in 1826, and it took a total of 6 years to complete by 1832. The 202 kilometres of the Rideau Canal incorporate sections of the Rideau and Cataraqui rivers, as well as several lakes, including the Lower, Upper and Big Rideau lakes. It is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America, and it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

Rideau Canal alway reminds me of the Grand Canal (also known as the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal), starting from Hangzhou of Zhejiang Province in the Yangtze Delta area of China and ends in Beijing, the capital city of China. The Grand Canal is regarded as one of the two greatest projects in ancient China and the other being the Great Wall of China. It is the longest and oldest canal in the world with a total length of 1794km, 1442k,still navigable and 877km navigable all year round.

Like Rideau Canal, the initial construction of the Grand Canal was also for the military purpose. It dates back to the the 5th century BC when King Fuchai of Wu, ruler of the State of Wu (today’s Suzhou), wanted to conquer the neighboring State of Qi in the north. He ordered a canal be built for shipping ample supplies north. The construction started in 486 BC and completed in three years.

The Grand Canal was completed in Sui Dynasty (581 – 618); prospered in Tang Dynasty (618–906) and Song Dynasty (960–1279); the actual straight canal from Hangzhou to Beijing was completed in Yuan Dynasdty (1206–1368), different from the canal in Sui Dynasty which had linked Luoyang (Capital of Sui Dynasty) to Beijing and Hangzhou in a triangle; cleared and reconstructed in Ming and Qing dynasties ( 1368-1911). The Grand Canal’s construction started in 486 BC and navigated from Hangzhou to Beijing in the year 1293.

The present day’s Grand Canal traverses 4 provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shandong and Hebei as well as two municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin. The Grand Canal links 5 great water systems of Qiantang River, Yangtze River, Hui River, Yellow River and Hai River. It is the longest and oldest canal in the world with a total length of 1794km, 1442k,still navigable and 877km navigable all year round.

The purposes for the construction of the Grand Canal is multi-fold. 1.Strengthening the central control over the whole country by enhancing the north and south transportation and communications. 2. Further developing the economy in Yangtze Delta Area ( Jiangnan) 3. Culture cultural immersion between the central China and Jiangnan Area. 4. Convenience for carrying the grain from the south to the north.

The Grand Canal is now generally composed of 7 sections including 1) Tonghui Canal 2) North Canal 3) South Canal 4) Lu Canal 5) Mid-Canal 6) Inner Canal and 7) Jiangnan Canal. Except for the north two sections of Tonghui and North canals, all the other 5 sections still play an important role in waterway transportation and culture exchange.

Unfortunately, most part of the Grand Canal in Beijing, or popularly known as Tonghui River ( Tonghui Canal) is not navigable, only serving as sewage works. The recreational network of Rideau Canal sets us a perfect example of how to transfer a “dying canal” into a live and clean waterway to enliven and upgrade the urban life in Beijing.

Today we are happy to see people are getting more aware of the environment protection, pushing Beijing local governments to use all kinds of resources to clear and renovate the waterways from the city center – Shichahai area, the northern tip of the ancient Grand Canal to the Canal in Tongzhou District.

The Grand Canal in Tongzhou has been opened to sightseeing boating and the Shichahai ( Back Lake) has become a mecca and night hangout in the heart of Beijing. But more efforts should be made to transfer the Beijing Grand Canal into a human-nature harmonious waterway, providing the urban residents with spaces for walking, cycling, rowing, cruising.

Now, it is encouraging to learn that with the the great efforts done by experts and enthusiasts along the Grand Canal, the Grand Canal has been crowned both World Culture Heritage and World Natural Heritage in 2016. Rideau Canal got the World Cultural Heritage in 2007.

Sightseeing cruise on Rideau Canal

Sightseeing Cruise on Rideau Canal
Sightseeing Cruise on Rideau Canal

Rideau Canal at Sunset

Rideau Canal at Sunset
Rideau Canal at Sunset

Love padlocks on the bridge over Rideau Canal

Love padlocks on the bridge over Rideau Canal
Love padlocks on the bridge over Rideau Canal

The heritage bridge was built in 1882

The heritage bridge was built in 1882
The heritage bridge was built in 1882

Jogging along the shared cycle and pedestrian pathways

Jogging along the shared cycle and pedestrian pathways
Jogging along the shared cycle and pedestrian pathways

Cycling along the shared cycle and pedestrian pathways

Cycling along the shared cycle and pedestrian pathways
Cycling along the shared cycle and pedestrian pathways

Skating with her dog along the shared cycle and pedestrian pathways

Skating with her dog along the shared cycle and pedestrian pathways
Skating with her dog along the shared cycle and pedestrian pathways

Sunrise over Houhai Lake, one of the three lakes in Shichahai in Beijing, the northern tip water system of the Grand Canal.

Sunrise over Houhai Lake, one of the three lakes in Shichahai
Sunrise over Houhai Lake, one of the three lakes in Shichahai, Beijing

Qianhai Lake, one of the three lakes in Shichahai in Beijing, the northern tip water system of the Grand Canal

Qianhai Lake, Sunrise over Houhai Lake, one of the three lakes in Shichahai
Qianhai Lake, Sunrise over Houhai Lake, one of the three lakes in Shichahai, Beijing

Fishing at Qianhai Lake

Fishing at Qianhai Lake
Fishing at Qianhai Lake, Beijing

Boating on Tongzhi Grand Canal in Beijing.

Boating on Tongzhou Grand Canal in Beijing
Boating on Tongzhou Grand Canal in Beijing

The Grand Canal ends at Gongchen Bridge over the Grand Canal in Hangzhou.

Gongchen Bridge over Grand Canal, Hangzhou
Taking a picture of the bridge and the canal, Hangzhou

Tip: Hassle-free Beijing Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours,  here are some options for Beijing guided tours:

Beijing Day Tour
Beijing Tour Packages
Beijing Winter Tour
Beijing Autumn Tour
Great Wall Tour
Car Rental in Beijing
Beijing Tours
China City Tours
China Tour

Further Readings


Best Time to Visit Beijing
How to plan a trip to Beijing

Top 10 Attractions in Beijing
How to Visit Forbidden City
How to Visit Temple of Heaven
How to Visit Summer Palace
How to Visit Ming Tombs
How to Visit the Great Wall of China
How to Visit Tiananmen Square
How to Visit Hutongs
How to Visit Olympic Sites

Top 10 Markets in Beijing
Top 10 Shopping Malls in Beijing
Beijing Shopping

Wangfujing Walking Street
Qianmen Commercial Street
Gui Jie ( Ghost Street) Food Street

Any questions, just drop a line.

The Ramparts of Quebec City and Xian City

Saturday, February 12th, 2022
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Strolling on the fortifications of Quebec City in Canada is like walking or biking on the ancient city walls of Xian City in China, a must-do activity when you travel the two historic cities.

Quebec City boasts the only remaining fortified city walls in North America north of Mexico. Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America. Its ancient city walls and its whole upper town were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.

Its original fortifications were built 1620-1665. Now Quebec City has close to 4.6 km of walls and 4 imposing gates. Porte St-Louis and Porte St-Jean are the main gates through the walls from the modern section of downtown; the Kent Gate was a gift to the province from Queen Victoria.

Xian City has the most complete and well preserved ancient city walls in China and one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world as well. Xian City Wall was initially built in Tang Dynasty (618 -907). The existing wall was built during the Ming Dynasty in 1370.

Now the remaining Xian City Wall is 12 meters tall, 12-14 meters wide with a perimeter of 14km in length with a deep moat surrounding it. You can walk, even cycle on the wall. Plan your Xian tour?  Xian City Wall, not to be missed!

Porte St-Jean

Porte St-Jean
Porte St-Jean

Quebec city wall 1

Quebec city wall 1
Quebec city wall 1

Quebec City Wall 2

Quebec City Wall 2
Quebec City Wall 2

Quebec City Wall 3

Quebec City Wall 3
Quebec City Wall 3

Porte St-Louis

Porte St-Louis
Porte St-Louis

The South Gate to Xian City Wall

The South Gate to Xian City Wall
The South Gate to Xian City Wall

Climbing up the City Wall in Xian

On the city wall of Xian
Ascending Xian City Wall

Biking on Xian City Wall

A turret on the city wall and city moat in Xian
Biking on Xian City Wall

Tip: Hassle-free Xian Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours,  here are some options for Xian guided tours:

Xi’an Tour
Xi’an Day Tour
Xi’an Tour Packages
Beijing Xi’an Tour

Further Readings


Beijing Xi’an High Speed Train Experience
Best Time to Visit Xian
How to Visit Xian in Two Days?
Xian Airport Transportation
Xian Railway Station Transportation
Xian Taxi: Xian Taxi Fares, Tips and Phones
Xian City Layout
Xian’s Top 7 Iconic Landmarks
Where to Stay in Xian
Top 10 Attractions in Xian
Top Things to Do for Kids in Xian
How Visit Terracotta Army
How to Visit Xian on a Budget
The Starbucks in Xian
Top Markets in Xian
Top 10 Shopping Malls in Xian
Best Local Flavour in Xi’an
Top 10 Souvenirs in Xian
Xian Tourist Traps, Xian Tourist Scams

How to visit Muslim Quarter in Xi’an
How to Visit Xi’an City Wall
The Ramparts of Quebec City and Xian City
Tips for Visiting Shaanxi History Museum
Tips for Visiting Xian Bell Tower
How to Visit Daming Palace National Heritage Park
Top 10 Photography Spots in Xian
The Night View of Great Tang All Day Mall
Tips for Visiting Hanyang Tombs Xian
The Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show in Xian
Tips for Visiting Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Yaodong Cave Dwellings in Xian
Tips for Visiting Huaqing Hot Springs in Xian
How to Visit Mount Huashan
Mt.Huashan Snow Scenes Photos
How to visit Xiyue Temple
Top 10 Hostels in Xian
Top 10 Xian Luxury & Boutique Hotels
Xi’an: An Exotic City with an Undeniable Historical Depth

Best Places to See Autumn Leaves around Xian
Muslim Streets in Muslim Quarter in Xian
Hua Jue Xiang, Huajue Lane at Xian Muslim Quarter
The Night View of Great Tang All Day Mall
Xian City Wall Night View
What to do in Xian after dark
Xian’s Best Street Food
Xian Muslim Quarter Exotic Food
Xian Bar Street
Spring Festival Lantern Exhibit in Xian
Xian Terracotta Army Pictures

How to Visit Maijishan Grottoes from Xian by Train
How to Visit Hukou Waterfall
How to Visit Huangdi Mausoleum
Xian Lhasa Flight Experience (Tips, Photos & Map)
Beijing Xian Flight Experience
Datong Xian High Speed Train
Reviews on Beijing Xian Luoyang Tour

Visit Xian in January (Weather, Wear, & Tips)
Visit Xian in February
How to Visit Xian in March
Visit Xian in October
How to Visit Xian in November
Visit Xian in December

Any questions, just drop a line.

Huangpu River in Shanghai VS River Thames in London

Monday, August 16th, 2021
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Last May we cruised on River Thames in London. Just like Shanghai Huangpu River cutting through Shanghai, River Thames divides London roughly into north and south parts.

River Thames River enters the North Sea at the Thames Estuary while Huangpu river flows into East Sea of China. The River Thames cruise passes some famous attractins like Houses of Parliament, Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The boats on Huangpu River in Shanghai sail pass Shanghai Bund, the skyline of skyscrapers, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, etc.

The enriched history of London is unveiled in front of us cruising on River Thames. The cruise on Huangpu River in Shanghai offers a good opportunity of immersing yourself in the combined sharp contrast of the old and new, the historical Bund and fast developed Pudong area rife with high-rises.  

No London tour is complete without an amazing cruise on River Thames. No Shanghai Tour is perfect without cruising on Huangpu River.

I really recommend you visit River Thames and Huangpu River when visiting the two great metropolises. They have been both cultivated by great rivers like other international metropolises. River Thames seen from a landing plane

River Thames seen from a landing plane
Huangpu River viewed from Jinmao Tower
Half hour Cruising on River Thames from the pier of the Eye of London to the Tower of London
One hour cruise on Huangpu River
The Eye of London stands brilliantly by River Thames
Oriental Pear TV Tower stands elegantly on the slyline of Pudong.
St. Paul’s Cathedral on the northern bank of River Thames
The buildings by the Bund left over from the colonial period of Shanghai 100 years ago

 

Tower of London by River Thames
The 421 m (1,381 ft) Jinmao Tower, the 494.4 m (1,622.0 ft) Shanghai World Financial Center east bank of Huangpu River
At nighfall, the two banks of Huangpu River look more brilliantly (1)!
At nighfall, the two banks of Huangpu River look more brilliantly (2)!

Add-On

How to Visit the Bund in Shanghai
Evening View of the Bund and Pudong Skyline Shanghai
Huangpu River Cruise Ticket Booking
How to Visit Lujiazui in Pudong

Hassle-free Shanghai Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself bus route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours,  here are some options for guided tours to Shanghai:

Shanghai Tour
Shanghai Day Tour
Shanghai Multi-Day Tour
Shanghai Evening Tour
Shanghai Cruise Port ( Transfer& Excursions )
Shanghai Beijing Tour
Shanghai Xian Tour
Shanghai Car Rental with Driver

Further Readings


Top 10 Attraction in Shanghai
Shanghai’s Top 10 Iconic Landmarks
Top 10 Markets in Shanghai
Top 10 Shopping Malls in Shanghai
Top 10 Things to Do at night in Shanghai
Best Places for Autumn Leaves in Shanghai
Top 10 Things to Do in Winter in Shanghai
Top 10 Souvenirs in Shanghai
Top 10 Photo Spots in Shanghai
10 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Shanghai

Any questions, just drop a line.