Shanghai, China
A leader in finance, industry and trade, Shanghai boasts the largest population - approximately 15 million - of all Chinese cities. The city is literally situated "on the sea", as its Chinese name implies. Located at the mouth of the Yangtze River and on the coast of the East China See, Shanghai seemed the British's port of choice in 1842. The Opium War left the small fishing town open and attracted the vagrants of Europe. To some, it was a treasure chest and to others, a poor house. By the 1930s, many came to seek wealth while others sought refuge. It earned both titles, "Paris of China" and "Whore of the East". Imperialism ended when social crises arose resulting in Communist rule. Sweeping up the mess that it left behind, the city's economy improved, adding education, manufacturing, petroleum production and scientific research to Communism's list of credits. Shanghai opened its doors to the world and pronounced the Pudong New Area as a free trade zone in 1993. Today, this hub welcomes business travelers and tourists alike.

Beijing, China - Lugou Bridge
Feature Approximately 15 kilometres southwest of Beijing lies a famous bridge known as Lugouqiao, The Reed Gully or Marco Polo Bridge to Westerners. The bridge received its name from the then-called Luguo River, now the River Yongding, over which it is built. The bridge has undergone several renovations since first being built in 1193 during the Jin Dynasty, a time when the capital was set up in this area of Beijing. It has 11 arches and measures 266.5 metres in length and 7.5 metres in width. In the traditional, Chinese architectural style, the bridge was constructed in white marble. Its most impressive feature are the stone carvings on balustrades. On each of the 140 balusters stands a white marble lion, each pair unique in appearance. In addition to the large lions, there are many small ones at their feet, totalling to 485 lions, 287 large and 198 small ones. Visitors marvel at this art-world wonder. On July 7th, 1937, Japanese troops opened fire at the bridge and invaded China, which marked the beginning of World War II in Asia. This day was marked the "July 7th Lugouqiao Incident". Now erected next to the bridge is the Memorial Hall of the War of Resistance Against Japan. The best time to visit the bridge is at dawn, when there is a moon, as said in the inscription by the Qing Emperor Qianlong, on a stone tablet at the end of the bridge" Morning Moon over Lugo

HONG KONG - Kowloon Harbor
Hong Kong is an exciting and unique city. With all the modern sophistication of the 20th Century, Hong Kong is enriched by the colorful traditions of the ancient Chinese Culture. It is the unique way in which these traditions coexist in this ultramodern city that makes it such a hotspot for tourists Worldwide. With 150 years of British colonial influence woven into 5,000 years of Chinese culture, Hong Kong is a city of contrasts, in everything from food and medicine to art and architecture. Wherever your hotel you will find yourself surrounded by the uniqueness that is Hong Kong. It is hard not to be in awe of the soaring skyscrapers and the exemplary architecture, which are illuminated at nighttime by the colorful lights and signs overhanging the ever bustling streets.

A day spent in Hong Kong is a lifetime spent anywhere else in the world. There is so much to see and do in Hong Kong and there are numerous tours that offer a wide variety of sightseeing and shopping experiences to suit everyone. The question is not what is there but what do you feel like? An adventure to remote islands with century-old Chinese traditions, a breathtaking hike over rolling green hills to stunning white beaches, a trek to charming Chinese fishing villages or a fascinating city tour of art, history and modern museums.

For the more adventurous tourist, Hong Kong is one of the easiest cities in which to get around. With an extensive transportation system that will satisfy any visitor, you can create your own sightseeing itinerary. Take the underground wherever you need to go, a ferry to an outlying island or one of the inexpensive taxis to a well recommended restaurant.

Probably most famous for its unbeatable variety of merchandise and value, Hong Kong has every type of shopping available, from the open-air markets, street side vendors and cool glitzy shopping malls to choose from. If food is your greatest vice, you will be able to satisfy your taste buds as Hong Kong has the greatest number of eating establishments per capita in the World. With such a variety of the World's finest cuisine, you can cruise the culinary World without ever leaving Hong Kong!