Touring China: Imperial Allure
Ballooning Around the Gum-Dropped-Shaped Mountains of Guilin
With news of the 2018 Winter Olympics to take place in South Korea, my thoughts have recently shifted to that part of the world. I conducted an interview with Margot Kong, from Imperial Tours, on my Travel Fun radio show in which we discussed the boon to tourism created by the Summer Olympics in Beijing in 2008. I’ve decided to post that interview as a podcast below. It’s wonderful how these extraordinary international events capture our attention and introduce us to far-flung lands, especially the most exotic ones that many of us only dream of visiting.
Whether you’re planning a trip-of-lifetime or want to return to China for a closer look, I recommend you enlist Imperial Tours for any travels you’re considering to this far-off land. When you listen to the below interview, you’ll learn that Margot recommends two weeks for discovering the highlights of China. In our chat, she focuses on the most distinguished attractions of Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, Shanghai and Hangzhou. Hong Kong, where I’ve had the good fortune to visit twice, is a must-see side trip to add on to any trip to China. Hong Kong Harbor is mesmerizing, so if possible, stay in a hotel that offers killer views of the world’s busiest and most colorful waterway.
Visiting the Great Wall of China in Style
Imperial Tours organizes group tours, private tours, themed tours and even celebrity-led tours to China. They have been recognized by many top travel publications for their excellence in travel planning to China for over a decade. Do check them out since even if you’re an intrepid traveler, China is not necessarily a destination you want to visit on your own. It is a vast country where English is only spoken in the most cosmopolitan areas. Know that flying is the most efficient way to get around in China—it’s not only fast but it’s also quite affordable. As a foreigner, you are not able to rent a car unless you rent a car and a driver. Spring and fall are the best times to visit. My goodness, there’s so much to know! This is why you should consult with an expert.
I’ve traveled to some of China’s best-known destinations but have not hit Shanghai which is beckoning. At this point, I have little interest in Korea but I’m sure that will all change once I take in the marvelous images of that land that will surely be broadcast during the 2018 Winter Olympics. The joys of travel never cease!
Do listen to the below interview. Margot is articulate, highly knowledgeable and a terrific radio guest. If you like shopping, you must hear what she says about all the goods to seek out in this enchanting land. Remember that China is the birthplace of the compass, pasta, gun powder, paper and so much more. As cities rise from rice paddies, China’s pace of development in recent years is astonishing. This is the time to visit this exciting land.
