Explorando China en 10 días

About the destination: Shanghai is a contemporary city situated just south of the mouth of the powerful Yangtze River and divided by the Huangpu River. It is one of the largest metropolises in China and is regarded as the most cosmopolitan, sophisticated, and forward-thinking city in mainland China. Shanghai is an excellent destination for those wishing to get a glimpse of China's future. A whole new city of skyscrapers has been constructed in its Pudong district, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, which has become one of the city’s landmarks and is one of the tallest structures in Asia, and the Shanghai World Financial Center, the third largest building in Asia and the world. On the west side of the Yangzi River is the Puxi area, the older central part of the city. Puxi has a rich history and it is here where you will find many of the city’s old buildings and attractions, such as the French Concession, the Bund, the Yuyuan Garden, the Jiu Qu Bridge, the Huxin Pavilion, and the Temple. Shanghai is China’s cosmopolitan center of finance and culture. Shanghai possesses a unique oriental allure and a fresh western style that appeals to everyone. It is also an excellent starting point for exploring the more rural and traditional sights of the nearby Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.

About the destination: Located in the northern part of China, Beijing serves as the capital of the People's Republic of China, the world's most populated country. With over 21 million residents, it ranks as the country's second-largest city, following Shanghai. Beijing is a modern city, boasting impressive new urban and commercial developments, while maintaining a strong connection to its imperial history. Beijing is famous for its extravagant palaces, ancient temples, and massive stone walls and gates. Its wealth of art and significant government and cultural institutions have long established the city as a hub of culture and art in China. The city's heart and most notable landmark is Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. The Tiananmen Gate separates the square from the Forbidden Palace, a must-see attraction in the city. The Forbidden Palace served as the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, it is known as the Palace Museum and is considered one of the wonders of ancient China. Other main attractions in Beijing include The Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, and the ancient alleyway neighborhoods, or Hutongs, which showcase traditional Beijing architecture. Beijing also serves as an excellent starting point for visiting major Chinese landmarks like the Great Wall of China and the Ming Tombs. With its world-renowned cultural and heritage sites, vibrant nightlife, top-notch sporting facilities left over from the 2008 Olympic Games, delicious food like Peking Duck, and entertaining options such as the Beijing Opera, Beijing is a captivating city that offers a wealth of experiences to its visitors.

About the destination: Chiang Mai is the central hub of Northern Thailand and serves as the Capital City of the province bearing the same name. The city is home to over 170,000 residents, making it the fifth-largest city in Thailand. Situated on a plain 316 meters above sea level, Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains and verdant countryside, offering a greener and quieter environment than the capital. The city has a cosmopolitan vibe and a substantial expat community, which have enticed many people from Bangkok to permanently settle in this "Rose of the North". The historical heart of Chiang Mai is the walled city. Portions of the wall still stand at the gates and corners, but only the moat remains of the rest. Within the remaining city walls, there are over 30 temples that date back to the establishment of the principality. These temples exhibit a mix of Burmese, Sri Lankan, and Lanna Thai architectural styles, adorned with exquisite wood carvings, Naga staircases, lion-like and angelic protectors, gilded umbrellas, and pagodas embellished with gold filigree. The most renowned of these is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, which offers a panoramic view of the city from a mountainside 13 km away. In recent times, Chiang Mai has grown in all directions, but especially towards the east, in the direction of the Ping River, or Mae Nam Ping. This is where you'll find Chang Klan Rd, the famous Night Bazaar, and the majority of Chiang Mai's hotels and guest houses. Loi Kroh Rd is the epicenter of the city's nightlife.