Pinellas’ idyllic beaches could appeal to China’s travel boom
Sand like sugar. Skies as blue as cornflowers. Waves of gentle turquoise.
That idyllic portrait of the Pinellas beaches is one that D.T. Minich has painted all over Europe and South America. Last week the Pinellas County tourism chief introduced the beaches of Clearwater Beach, Fort De Soto, Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands to a brand-new market:
China.
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“When they saw the blue skies and pure water and white sandy beaches, they were just like ‘Wow,’ ” Minich said. “They were blown away. A couple of people asked me if this was real.”
The photos were real — just as real as the potential for Chinese visitors to bolster Pinellas tourism.
Minich, executive director of the Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, made his first trip to China last week for Pinellas County’s tourism agency. He joined a Florida tourism mission to the world’s most populous nation: 1.4 billion people.
Tourism destinations around the world are lining up to grab a share of what is projected to become the world’s biggest travel market in 2013. It’s also the world’s fastest growing market. This year 90 million Chinese are projected to travel overseas, according to Visit Florida, the state’s tourism agency. That’s expected to surpass 200 million by 2025.
“The growth rate has been phenomenal and exponential,” said Liping Cai, director of the Purdue University Tourism and Hospitality Research Center.
Right now the U.S. share of that market is meager, and Florida’s is even tinier. Last year an estimated 1.2 million Chinese tourists visited the United States, and 231,000 made their way to Florida. But that’s double the number who visited Florida in 2011. Those numbers could grow even faster thanks to proposed changes to make it easier to get U.S. tourism visas in China.
Florida tourism officials have been preparing for the growth of Chinese tourism for years. They made their first visit in 2006 and hired representation there in 2008.
“We literally had to show them on the map where Florida was,” said Tracy Vaughan, international marketing and events director for Visit Florida. Orlando’s theme parks and South Florida’s shops quickly caught the attention of Chinese tour operators and travel agencies.
Now it’s time to add Pinellas County to the equation.
“We’re positioning ourselves as a two-center holiday,” Minich said. “They would go to Orlando first for the amusement parks, and then come over here for some RR on our beaches.”
He said it’s the same formula that has helped drive an increase in European tourism to Pinellas County. Once visitors have toured Orlando’s theme parks, they need a reason to come back. Europeans found that reason along Pinellas’ beaches.
Florida’s famous sunshine, Minich said, also held a special appeal to the Chinese.
“The smog is such an issue there,” he said. “I never saw the sunshine, like ever, when I was there.”
Even more impressive than the growth rate of Chinese travelers is how much they spend. The 231,000 Chinese who visited Florida last year spent an estimated $177.2 million, ranking 14th among the state’s overseas visitors. China’s upper and middle classes spend 19 percent of their annual income on travel, far more than their counterparts from other nations.
“I’ve been told they’ll go into a designer store and they don’t buy just one Gucci purse,” said Vaughan. “They buy three, one for themselves and the others for their family.”
When Minich realized the importance of consumerism during his trip, he had Tampa’s International Plaza send him PowerPoint slides highlighting the mall’s top shopping brands. He also brushed up on his Chinese business manners and had Chinese business cards printed.
The Florida mission visited Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu (Minich was on the 27th floor of a hotel in Chengdu when a powerful earthquake hit the nearby Sichuan province.) They made presentations and attended dinners, building a network of tourism contacts there.
Pinellas doesn’t plan on launching a marketing campaign there anytime soon, but will instead concentrate on travel agencies and tour operators. Most Chinese travel in groups, though that could change as they become more familiar with the bay area.
There don’t seem to be many barriers keeping Chinese tourists from the bay area. It’s a 15-hour flight with just one U.S. connection from Beijing, but Chinese travelers don’t seem to mind long flights. The younger visitors speak English and many are Western-educated. Eventually, Vaughan said, Florida will learn to cater to Chinese tastes and customs. Menus will have to be translated. Hoteliers will need to stock up on bedroom slippers and hot tea.
Cai, the Purdue professor, thinks a more natural destination like the Pinellas beaches has a shot at competing with bigger, more famous urban and entertainment destinations in the U.S.
“You want to give them a taste of what the organic American experience is like,” Cai said, “not just the man-made experience.”
Times researcher John Martin contributed to this report. Jamal Thalji can be reached at thalji@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3404.
From metropolis to countryside, the top 5 things to see on a China tour
Defining China succinctly is a difficult, if not impossible, task. Perhaps that’s what travelers love so much about it: a trip to China can be virtually anything you want it be. The country’s incredible range of landscapes, from rice paddies to river gorges, and cultures, from ultra-modern to fiercely traditional, ensure that any visitor will encounter a spellbinding range of people, places and sights. Narrowing down a visit to the essentials, without sacrificing authenticity, can be a challenge, but with the right China tour, you can manage the task.
Expert guidance through China can be an invaluable resource for everything from understanding the context of a work of art to making the best menu selections. Without the concerns of language barriers or the stresses of making arrangements as you go, a China tour allows you to relax and fully enjoy your trip – and get the most out of it. In many cases, tours also present cost savings – Tauck’s China tour can save travelers up to 40 percent, compared to the cost of independent travel.
A well-planned China tour will take in all these sights, and in each place, take you behind the scenes, as well as showing you the major attractions.
Shanghai – Seaside Shanghai has been a significant port for centuries, and that role in history has imbued the city with a strong cosmopolitan character. The shining lights of today’s Bund trace back to the days when the area bustled with merchants and sailors from around the region and the world. Dine out in top-notch restaurants, walk through calming traditional gardens and delve into the past at the Shanghai Museum.
Yangtze – China’s most famous river is a corridor of culture as well as commerce. Dramatic changes have taken place here in recent years; the construction of the Three Gorges dam demanded the relocation of entire villages, many of which had existed for hundreds of years. The dramatic beauty of the landscape is entrancing, and an extended cruise down the river will show you the very best of the region. Tauck’s China tour includes a visit to a “relocation village,” where you can meet people who were affected by the building of the dam.
Guilin and the Li River – During your China tour as you spend time in Guilin, you’ll see some of the region’s most arrestingly beautiful countryside. Here, green rice paddies stretch out wide, but are punctuated by massive freestanding limestone karst formations. It’s easy to see how the region inspired countless poets and artists. The Li River glides through this unique landscape, and is home to fishermen who still ply their trade the traditional way – using diving cormorants as their helpers.
Xi’an – China’s ancient capital, Xi’an, was once the eastern end of the legendary Silk Road, the corridor that stretched through Central Asia all the way to Europe. The Han, Qin and Tang dynasties were all centered here, and the most famous remnant of their artistry and engineering marvels still remains: the amazing Terracotta Warriors. This army of 8,000 life-size model warriors guarded the tomb of emperor Qin Shi Huangdi for more than 2,000 years and is a sight that can’t be missed.
Beijing – The modern capital of China blends history and modernity in a delicate balance. While architectural superstars like the Bird’s Nest dot the landscape, some of Beijing’s fascinating historic neighborhoods are still hanging on. Hutongs (the word translates as “lanes”) are a honeycomb of tiny streets and courtyard-style dwellings that will instantly transport you back into Beijing’s long history. Tauck’s tours of China include a visit with a local family for added insight about how hutong life is changing.
Discovering China is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a traveler, and it will certainly count among your most memorable trips. For more information and an ebrochure that includes China tours, visit Tauck online.
Pinellas’ idyllic beaches could appeal to China’s travel boom
Sand like sugar. Skies as blue as cornflowers. Waves of gentle turquoise.
That idyllic portrait of the Pinellas beaches is one that D.T. Minich has painted all over Europe and South America. Last week the Pinellas County tourism chief introduced the beaches of Clearwater Beach, Fort De Soto, Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands to a brand-new market:
China.
Related News/Archive
-
Caladesi Island rises to top on Dr. Beach’s list
-
Spring Break offers more than the obvious
-
Their energy brings change to Tampa Bay area
-
Pinellas ads tell region to play here, save gas
-
Tampa Bay business leaders offer top wishes for 2013
“When they saw the blue skies and pure water and white sandy beaches, they were just like ‘Wow,’ ” Minich said. “They were blown away. A couple of people asked me if this was real.”
The photos were real — just as real as the potential for Chinese visitors to bolster Pinellas tourism.
Minich, executive director of the Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, made his first trip to China last week for Pinellas County’s tourism agency. He joined a Florida tourism mission to the world’s most populous nation: 1.4 billion people.
Tourism destinations around the world are lining up to grab a share of what is projected to become the world’s biggest travel market in 2013. It’s also the world’s fastest growing market. This year 90 million Chinese are projected to travel overseas, according to Visit Florida, the state’s tourism agency. That’s expected to surpass 200 million by 2025.
“The growth rate has been phenomenal and exponential,” said Liping Cai, director of the Purdue University Tourism and Hospitality Research Center.
Right now the U.S. share of that market is meager, and Florida’s is even tinier. Last year an estimated 1.2 million Chinese tourists visited the United States, and 231,000 made their way to Florida. But that’s double the number who visited Florida in 2011. Those numbers could grow even faster thanks to proposed changes to make it easier to get U.S. tourism visas in China.
Florida tourism officials have been preparing for the growth of Chinese tourism for years. They made their first visit in 2006 and hired representation there in 2008.
“We literally had to show them on the map where Florida was,” said Tracy Vaughan, international marketing and events director for Visit Florida. Orlando’s theme parks and South Florida’s shops quickly caught the attention of Chinese tour operators and travel agencies.
Now it’s time to add Pinellas County to the equation.
“We’re positioning ourselves as a two-center holiday,” Minich said. “They would go to Orlando first for the amusement parks, and then cover over here for some RR on our beaches.”
He said it’s the same formula that has helped drive an increase in European tourism to Pinellas County. Once visitors have toured Orlando’s theme parks, they need a reason to come back. Europeans found that reason along Pinellas’ beaches.
Florida’s famous sunshine, Minich said, also held a special appeal to the Chinese.
“The smog is such an issue there,” he said. “I never saw the sunshine, like ever, when I was there.”
Even more impressive than the growth rate of Chinese travelers is how much they spend. The 231,000 Chinese who visited Florida last year spent an estimated $177.2 million, ranking 14th among the state’s overseas visitors. China’s upper and middle classes spend 19 percent of their annual income on travel, far more than their counterparts from other nations.
“I’ve been told they’ll go into a designer store and they don’t buy just one Gucci purse,” said Vaughan. “They buy three, one for themselves and the others for their family.”
When Minich realized the importance of consumerism during his trip, he had Tampa’s International Plaza send him PowerPoint slides highlighting the mall’s top shopping brands. He also brushed up on his Chinese business manners and had Chinese business cards printed.
The Florida mission visited Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu (Minich was on the 27th floor of a hotel in Chengdu when a powerful earthquake hit the nearby Sichuan province.) They made presentations and attended dinners, building a network of tourism contacts there.
Pinellas doesn’t plan on launching a marketing campaign there anytime soon, but will instead concentrate on travel agencies and tour operators. Most Chinese travel in groups, though that could change as they become more familiar with the bay area.
There don’t seem to be many barriers keeping Chinese tourists from the bay area. It’s a 15-hour flight with just one U.S. connection from Beijing, but Chinese travelers don’t seem to mind long flights. The younger visitors speak English and many are Western-educated. Eventually, Vaughan said, Florida will learn to cater to Chinese tastes and customs. Menus will have to be translated. Hoteliers will need to stock up on bedroom slippers and hot tea.
Cai, the Purdue professor, thinks a more natural destination like the Pinellas beaches has a shot at competing with bigger, more famous urban and entertainment destinations in the U.S.
“You want to give them a taste of what the organic American experience is like,” Cai said, “not just the man-made experience.”
Times researcher John Martin contributed to this report. Jamal Thalji can be reached at thalji@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3404.
Tucson Boys Chorus’ China Tour reception & concert
The Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus is traveling to China (their 5th trip to this country), to perform in 25 cities over a 2 month period, leaving on May 29. Join them at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center on Saturday April 13 for a kick off reception and concert. Please rsvp to 520-296-6277 or tabc@boyschorus.org.
Website for Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus (celebrating their 70th anniversary this year), http://www.boyschorus.org/index.php. I heard them perform “The Sea is My Home” at the February 3, 2013 Chinese New Year Festival at Centennial Hall, in preparation for this upcoming tour to China.
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Brown kicks off China tour
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Photo Gallery: Chronicling Gov. Brown’s trip to China in pictures
BEIJING, CHINA – Gov. Jerry Brown may have had a longer than expected flight from California to join his trade delegation, but he didn’t show any signs of fatigue in his opening remarks at a Tuesday night dinner.
“We’re a green state and we like greenbacks!” said Brown year after arriving at the historic China Club.
The governor was presented with a birthday cake; Brown turned 75 on Sunday.
RELATED: California trade mission to China kicks off
Brown’s flight on United Airlines from San Francisco to Beijing was delayed, with the governor and First Lady Anne Gust Brown telling us it was due to a bag that hadn’t been loaded in the cargo hold.
The governor then pointed out that he and his wife only brought carry-on bags. The first lady then ribbed Brown that she was the one carrying the bags.
He clearly was the guest the delegates and guests had been waiting for; much like a wedding reception, a line of people came to the head table to see the governor, and Brown visited a few tables to greet the guests.
The governor has a very busy Wednesday schedule in Beijing, with multiple meetings scheduled — and agreements expected — with Chinese government officials.
“I see California as the gateway to the Pacific in so many different ways,” he told delegates.
And whereas some may wonder whether a California governor would weigh in on the larger international politics when visiting China, Brown seemed to put that to rest at his very first outing of a trip focused on economic trade and investment.
“There’s a lot of politics that comes out of Washington,” said the governor. “But we’re from California, and we don’t care about politics!”
News10/KXTV
From metropolis to countryside, the top 5 things to see on a China tour
Defining China succinctly is a difficult, if not impossible, task. Perhaps that’s what travelers love so much about it: a trip to China can be virtually anything you want it be. The country’s incredible range of landscapes, from rice paddies to river gorges, and cultures, from ultra-modern to fiercely traditional, ensure that any visitor will encounter a spellbinding range of people, places and sights. Narrowing down a visit to the essentials, without sacrificing authenticity, can be a challenge, but with the right China tour, you can manage the task.
Expert guidance through China can be an invaluable resource for everything from understanding the context of a work of art to making the best menu selections. Without the concerns of language barriers or the stresses of making arrangements as you go, a China tour allows you to relax and fully enjoy your trip – and get the most out of it. In many cases, tours also present cost savings – Tauck’s China tour can save travelers up to 40 percent, compared to the cost of independent travel.
A well-planned China tour will take in all these sights, and in each place, take you behind the scenes, as well as showing you the major attractions.
Shanghai – Seaside Shanghai has been a significant port for centuries, and that role in history has imbued the city with a strong cosmopolitan character. The shining lights of today’s Bund trace back to the days when the area bustled with merchants and sailors from around the region and the world. Dine out in top-notch restaurants, walk through calming traditional gardens and delve into the past at the Shanghai Museum.
Yangtze – China’s most famous river is a corridor of culture as well as commerce. Dramatic changes have taken place here in recent years; the construction of the Three Gorges dam demanded the relocation of entire villages, many of which had existed for hundreds of years. The dramatic beauty of the landscape is entrancing, and an extended cruise down the river will show you the very best of the region. Tauck’s China tour includes a visit to a “relocation village,” where you can meet people who were affected by the building of the dam.
Guilin and the Li River – During your China tour as you spend time in Guilin, you’ll see some of the region’s most arrestingly beautiful countryside. Here, green rice paddies stretch out wide, but are punctuated by massive freestanding limestone karst formations. It’s easy to see how the region inspired countless poets and artists. The Li River glides through this unique landscape, and is home to fishermen who still ply their trade the traditional way – using diving cormorants as their helpers.
Xi’an – China’s ancient capital, Xi’an, was once the eastern end of the legendary Silk Road, the corridor that stretched through Central Asia all the way to Europe. The Han, Qin and Tang dynasties were all centered here, and the most famous remnant of their artistry and engineering marvels still remains: the amazing Terracotta Warriors. This army of 8,000 life-size model warriors guarded the tomb of emperor Qin Shi Huangdi for more than 2,000 years and is a sight that can’t be missed.
Beijing – The modern capital of China blends history and modernity in a delicate balance. While architectural superstars like the Bird’s Nest dot the landscape, some of Beijing’s fascinating historic neighborhoods are still hanging on. Hutongs (the word translates as “lanes”) are a honeycomb of tiny streets and courtyard-style dwellings that will instantly transport you back into Beijing’s long history. Tauck’s tours of China include a visit with a local family for added insight about how hutong life is changing.
Discovering China is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a traveler, and it will certainly count among your most memorable trips. For more information and an ebrochure that includes China tours, visit Tauck online.
From metropolis to countryside, the top 5 things to see on a China tour
Defining China succinctly is a difficult, if not impossible, task. Perhaps that’s what travelers love so much about it: a trip to China can be virtually anything you want it be. The country’s incredible range of landscapes, from rice paddies to river gorges, and cultures, from ultra-modern to fiercely traditional, ensure that any visitor will encounter a spellbinding range of people, places and sights. Narrowing down a visit to the essentials, without sacrificing authenticity, can be a challenge, but with the right China tour, you can manage the task.
Expert guidance through China can be an invaluable resource for everything from understanding the context of a work of art to making the best menu selections. Without the concerns of language barriers or the stresses of making arrangements as you go, a China tour allows you to relax and fully enjoy your trip – and get the most out of it. In many cases, tours also present cost savings – Tauck’s China tour can save travelers up to 40 percent, compared to the cost of independent travel.
A well-planned China tour will take in all these sights, and in each place, take you behind the scenes, as well as showing you the major attractions.
Shanghai – Seaside Shanghai has been a significant port for centuries, and that role in history has imbued the city with a strong cosmopolitan character. The shining lights of today’s Bund trace back to the days when the area bustled with merchants and sailors from around the region and the world. Dine out in top-notch restaurants, walk through calming traditional gardens and delve into the past at the Shanghai Museum.
Yangtze – China’s most famous river is a corridor of culture as well as commerce. Dramatic changes have taken place here in recent years; the construction of the Three Gorges dam demanded the relocation of entire villages, many of which had existed for hundreds of years. The dramatic beauty of the landscape is entrancing, and an extended cruise down the river will show you the very best of the region. Tauck’s China tour includes a visit to a “relocation village,” where you can meet people who were affected by the building of the dam.
Guilin and the Li River – During your China tour as you spend time in Guilin, you’ll see some of the region’s most arrestingly beautiful countryside. Here, green rice paddies stretch out wide, but are punctuated by massive freestanding limestone karst formations. It’s easy to see how the region inspired countless poets and artists. The Li River glides through this unique landscape, and is home to fishermen who still ply their trade the traditional way – using diving cormorants as their helpers.
Xi’an – China’s ancient capital, Xi’an, was once the eastern end of the legendary Silk Road, the corridor that stretched through Central Asia all the way to Europe. The Han, Qin and Tang dynasties were all centered here, and the most famous remnant of their artistry and engineering marvels still remains: the amazing Terracotta Warriors. This army of 8,000 life-size model warriors guarded the tomb of emperor Qin Shi Huangdi for more than 2,000 years and is a sight that can’t be missed.
Beijing – The modern capital of China blends history and modernity in a delicate balance. While architectural superstars like the Bird’s Nest dot the landscape, some of Beijing’s fascinating historic neighborhoods are still hanging on. Hutongs (the word translates as “lanes”) are a honeycomb of tiny streets and courtyard-style dwellings that will instantly transport you back into Beijing’s long history. Tauck’s tours of China include a visit with a local family for added insight about how hutong life is changing.
Discovering China is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a traveler, and it will certainly count among your most memorable trips. For more information and an ebrochure that includes China tours, visit Tauck online.
From metropolis to countryside, the top 5 things to see on a China tour
From metropolis to countryside, the top 5 things to see on a China tour
Posted: Monday, March 25, 2013 10:00 pm
|
Updated: 12:33 am, Wed Mar 27, 2013.
Defining China succinctly is a difficult, if not impossible, task. Perhaps that’s what travelers love so much about it: a trip to China can be virtually anything you want it be. The country’s incredible range of landscapes, from rice paddies to river gorges, and cultures, from ultra-modern to fiercely traditional, ensure that any visitor will encounter a spellbinding range of people, places and sights. Narrowing down a visit to the essentials, without sacrificing authenticity, can be a challenge, but with the right China tour, you can manage the task.
Expert guidance through China can be an invaluable resource for everything from understanding the context of a work of art to making the best menu selections. Without the concerns of language barriers or the stresses of making arrangements as you go, a China tour allows you to relax and fully enjoy your trip – and get the most out of it. In many cases, tours also present cost savings – Tauck’s China tour can save travelers up to 40 percent, compared to the cost of independent travel.
A well-planned China tour will take in all these sights, and in each place, take you behind the scenes, as well as showing you the major attractions.
Shanghai – Seaside Shanghai has been a significant port for centuries, and that role in history has imbued the city with a strong cosmopolitan character. The shining lights of today’s Bund trace back to the days when the area bustled with merchants and sailors from around the region and the world. Dine out in top-notch restaurants, walk through calming traditional gardens and delve into the past at the Shanghai Museum.
Yangtze – China’s most famous river is a corridor of culture as well as commerce. Dramatic changes have taken place here in recent years; the construction of the Three Gorges dam demanded the relocation of entire villages, many of which had existed for hundreds of years. The dramatic beauty of the landscape is entrancing, and an extended cruise down the river will show you the very best of the region. Tauck’s China tour includes a visit to a “relocation village,” where you can meet people who were affected by the building of the dam.
Guilin and the Li River – During your China tour as you spend time in Guilin, you’ll see some of the region’s most arrestingly beautiful countryside. Here, green rice paddies stretch out wide, but are punctuated by massive freestanding limestone karst formations. It’s easy to see how the region inspired countless poets and artists. The Li River glides through this unique landscape, and is home to fishermen who still ply their trade the traditional way – using diving cormorants as their helpers.
Xi’an – China’s ancient capital, Xi’an, was once the eastern end of the legendary Silk Road, the corridor that stretched through Central Asia all the way to Europe. The Han, Qin and Tang dynasties were all centered here, and the most famous remnant of their artistry and engineering marvels still remains: the amazing Terracotta Warriors. This army of 8,000 life-size model warriors guarded the tomb of emperor Qin Shi Huangdi for more than 2,000 years and is a sight that can’t be missed.
Beijing – The modern capital of China blends history and modernity in a delicate balance. While architectural superstars like the Bird’s Nest dot the landscape, some of Beijing’s fascinating historic neighborhoods are still hanging on. Hutongs (the word translates as “lanes”) are a honeycomb of tiny streets and courtyard-style dwellings that will instantly transport you back into Beijing’s long history. Tauck’s tours of China include a visit with a local family for added insight about how hutong life is changing.
Discovering China is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a traveler, and it will certainly count among your most memorable trips. For more information and an ebrochure that includes China tours, visit Tauck online.
Posted in
on
Monday, March 25, 2013 10:00 pm.
Updated: 12:33 am.
From metropolis to countryside, the top 5 things to see on a China tour
From metropolis to countryside, the top 5 things to see on a China tour
Posted: Monday, March 25, 2013 11:00 pm
|
Updated: 2:33 am, Wed Mar 27, 2013.
Defining China succinctly is a difficult, if not impossible, task. Perhaps that’s what travelers love so much about it: a trip to China can be virtually anything you want it be. The country’s incredible range of landscapes, from rice paddies to river gorges, and cultures, from ultra-modern to fiercely traditional, ensure that any visitor will encounter a spellbinding range of people, places and sights. Narrowing down a visit to the essentials, without sacrificing authenticity, can be a challenge, but with the right China tour, you can manage the task.
Expert guidance through China can be an invaluable resource for everything from understanding the context of a work of art to making the best menu selections. Without the concerns of language barriers or the stresses of making arrangements as you go, a China tour allows you to relax and fully enjoy your trip – and get the most out of it. In many cases, tours also present cost savings – Tauck’s China tour can save travelers up to 40 percent, compared to the cost of independent travel.
A well-planned China tour will take in all these sights, and in each place, take you behind the scenes, as well as showing you the major attractions.
Shanghai – Seaside Shanghai has been a significant port for centuries, and that role in history has imbued the city with a strong cosmopolitan character. The shining lights of today’s Bund trace back to the days when the area bustled with merchants and sailors from around the region and the world. Dine out in top-notch restaurants, walk through calming traditional gardens and delve into the past at the Shanghai Museum.
Yangtze – China’s most famous river is a corridor of culture as well as commerce. Dramatic changes have taken place here in recent years; the construction of the Three Gorges dam demanded the relocation of entire villages, many of which had existed for hundreds of years. The dramatic beauty of the landscape is entrancing, and an extended cruise down the river will show you the very best of the region. Tauck’s China tour includes a visit to a “relocation village,” where you can meet people who were affected by the building of the dam.
Guilin and the Li River – During your China tour as you spend time in Guilin, you’ll see some of the region’s most arrestingly beautiful countryside. Here, green rice paddies stretch out wide, but are punctuated by massive freestanding limestone karst formations. It’s easy to see how the region inspired countless poets and artists. The Li River glides through this unique landscape, and is home to fishermen who still ply their trade the traditional way – using diving cormorants as their helpers.
Xi’an – China’s ancient capital, Xi’an, was once the eastern end of the legendary Silk Road, the corridor that stretched through Central Asia all the way to Europe. The Han, Qin and Tang dynasties were all centered here, and the most famous remnant of their artistry and engineering marvels still remains: the amazing Terracotta Warriors. This army of 8,000 life-size model warriors guarded the tomb of emperor Qin Shi Huangdi for more than 2,000 years and is a sight that can’t be missed.
Beijing – The modern capital of China blends history and modernity in a delicate balance. While architectural superstars like the Bird’s Nest dot the landscape, some of Beijing’s fascinating historic neighborhoods are still hanging on. Hutongs (the word translates as “lanes”) are a honeycomb of tiny streets and courtyard-style dwellings that will instantly transport you back into Beijing’s long history. Tauck’s tours of China include a visit with a local family for added insight about how hutong life is changing.
Discovering China is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a traveler, and it will certainly count among your most memorable trips. For more information and an ebrochure that includes China tours, visit Tauck online.
Posted in
on
Monday, March 25, 2013 11:00 pm.
Updated: 2:33 am.
China travel offers insight into other culture, history
As some of the regular readers of this column may recall, I had an opportunity to travel to China last fall along with Chamber directors from throughout Indiana and Kentucky. The opportunity to see a country steeped in history, as well as a vastly different culture, made for an amazing trip.
Even months later, there are still many things that stand out for me. The food, the buildings, the people, all most fasicinating. Very little of the food was at all like the Chinese food one thinks of locally. The history of some buildings goes back thousands of years. These structures have stood the test of time. The Great Wall, truly a wonder of the world, amazing to walk where others have walked for hundreds of years.
As anyone who travels, seeing a different part of the country or world gives one greater perspective of others, their culture, customs and their world.
The Warrick Chamber, along with Spencer County and Jasper chambers, are planning a trip to China in October.
On March 20, the Chamber will be hosting an informational meeting for those interesting in joining others from this area on this amazing trip to China. The company coordinating the tour will be on hand to review the travel plans, offer insight into the culture, food, customs and answer questions.
If you are interested in finding out more about the trip, plan to attend. There is no cost for this informational meeting, but please call to reserve your seat. You may call the Chamber office at 897-2340 or register online at www.warrickcounty.us. Look for the March 20 meeting in the events section.
We hope you will take advantage of this remarkable trip to the other side of the world.
Welcome new Chamber member:
•Historic Newburgh, Inc., a non-profit Main Street organization dedicated to historic preservation, economic revitalization and sustainability of downtown Newburgh. www.historicnewburgh.org
Upcoming Chamber events
•Getting People to Do Stuff – Leading and Selling — March 19. Communications trainer, Michael Caruso, will spend the morning, entertaining, teaching and help develop skills to succeed in your job. Tickets are $35 Chamber members, $50 general public. Reserve and pay online at www.warrickcounty.us .
•Chamber Information Meeting on China Trip — An informational meeting will be held on March 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ohio Township Public Library in Newburgh. This is an opportunity to hear about the trip plans. Ask questions of the tour company and of those who have recently taken the trip. Call or e-mail the Chamber office 897-2340 or ssherman@warrickcounty.us to reserve your seat for this evening.
•Chamber Trip to China — A nine-day trip of a lifetime to China. Travel with others from this area to visit four cities in China, including stops at the Great Wall, The Forbidden City, The Summer Palace, Buddhist Temple and many more sights. The group will leave from JFK Airport on Oct. 13.
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