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Hunan Province
Hunan Province is a remote region of China
famed for its fantastic scenery and Chairman Mao legacy. The
Wulingyuan National Park offers splendid treks among
sub-tropical rainforest and crazy rock formations. Seven hours
by bus from the national park is Hunan's provincial capital
city Changsha, the birthplace of Chairman Mao
who rose from peasant roots to being the most influential
of all modern-day Chinese rulers. Mao was in power for 25
years until his death in 1976. His home has been restored
and you can even have you photo taken with him - albeit a
cut-out version!
Fujian Province
In Fujian Province you can work in the paddy
fields of the Hakka tribe in exchange for a night's
accommodation in the strange and unique communal round houses
where Hakka families live together. Quanzhou is the
city that was once the start of the ancient trading Silk Route,
which Marco Polo described as 'the most commodious
port in the world,' some seven centuries ago. The result today
is a cultural mixing of people, religions, and ideas. The
city is famed for its ceramics industry and hand puppetry
shows. Whilst in Quanzhou take an excursion out to the small
town of Anxi, one of the homes of Oolong tea,
where you can pick and brew your own cuppa.
Guangdong Province
Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province
covering an area of 7,400 sq kilometres, is home to the Cantonese
language and cuisine. Guangzhou was called Canton in
colonial days, and it has always been the outward-looking
industrial hub of China. It has been an international port
city for thousands of years and it is so noisy and busy that
you may well struggle to hear yourself over the din. The Cantonese
are known for their sense of independence and, above all,
their food. There's a saying in China that the only thing
with four legs that the Cantonese won't eat are the tables
and chairs! You'll believe it if you pay a visit to Qingping
Market, Guangzhou's animal and meat market. As a respite,
a night cruise on the river, to see the city's glowing neon
skyline, is one of the best places to unwind. For an evening's
entertainment seek out the Yue Opera, sung in a Guangzhou
dialect to folk music specific to the province.
Jiangxi Province
Sample the colonial high life by visiting some of the villas
established in the mountains of Lunshan by Russian, Swedish,
British, Finnish, and German settlers. However, the communists
weren't far behind. Once the Chinese government had reclaimed
it's country, the communist leaders also built retreats in
Lushan. Try the local delicacies - Cave Frog
washed down with liquors.
Communist China's most celebrated and extraordinary event
was the Long March and it was from the mountains in
the south of Jiangxi (the cradle of communism) that
the 8,000-kilometer march began as 90,000 communists marched
north to meet up with other communist factions.
Macau
Go to Macau for some serious casino and café
action. It's an independent zone of China where the Chinese
go to have fun. Previously a Portuguese colony, it is the
oldest European enclave in Asia. The Portuguese influence
can be observed in the architecture of villas, cobbled streets,
and churches, and in the culinary techniques. Macau means
'City of God,' and ironically it is now a haven for gamblers
coming from the mainland. If you prefer something a little
racier, try your hand at dog racing, three times a week if
you so wish! |
