Fees imposed to visit the scenic town in Fenghuang County

Fenghuang County, Hunan Province

Times change.....in the past, entry to visit this scenic old town in Fenghuang was free.  To maintain and preserve this ancient town, the government has started charging tourists an entry fee.  As you might guess, local businesses are not happy.

More details:  http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2013-04/17/content_16413434.htm

Update: Old versus the New on the Silk Road

Xingjiao Temple, a renowned Buddhist site, is targeted to be part of the government's demolition plan.  Albeit, the newer buildings of the 1300-year old temple are the ones targeted for demolition.  However, this is where the monks live.  

The purpose of getting UNESCO World Heritage Status is to better protect heritage, however leaked reports have stated that the government plans to turn the temple and the surrounding village into a tourist attraction spot.

More details:  http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/775351.shtml#.UW3plrWG1sU

Boston....we are with you

Please know that we keep you in our thoughts and prayers....

When to Worry About China's Bird Flu

There's been so much written about the bird flu situation in China.  We know that more cases are popping up and that it has spread to other provinces.  

We should heed what the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) have to say.

For more details:  
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-04-15/when-to-worry-really-about-chinas-bird-flu

Beijing's first human case of H7N9 bird flu 

Limited Time Offer - Expires on Apr. 15, 2013

$150 OFF/PER PERSON 
ON THE FOLLOWING CHINA GROUP TOURS 

http://www.chinadiscoverytours.com/CD/super-deal.html

TA - Golden China Discovery

TYD - Yangtze Downstream Discovery

TK - Shangri La Discovery

Departure Date	China Tour Package Code
Aug. 17, 2013	TA081713
Sep. 07, 2013	TYD090713
Sep. 21, 2013	TA092113,TYD092113
Oct. 06, 2013	TK100613

Hawaii and China Beaches - You decide.

As a former islander, I still consider Hawaii's beaches as the best in the world, however, it looks as though China beaches are high on the list as well.  

Lanikai Beach - Oahu

Kauna'oa Beach - Big Island

A beach in Sanya, China

Another beach in Sanya, China

Let me know what do you think....

Old versus the New on the Silk Road

Does this make sense to you? To achieve UNESCO World Heritage site status, sections of an ancient temple must be demolished?  


Buddhist monks in central China are up in arms over government plans to demolish large sections of a Tang dynasty temple along the ancient Silk Road.

Buddhist monks in central China are up in arms over government plans to demolish large sections of a Tang dynasty temple along the ancient Silk Road.

More information:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/9986613/Buddhist-monks-outraged-at-plans-to-bulldoze-centuries-old-temple.html