Departure Gate
(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-08-29 11:19
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Your passport to the latest destinations and airline promotions
Wuyi Mountain welcomes tourists
The Wuyi Mountain scenic region is once again ready for tourists after extraordinarily heavy rainfall in June damaged transportation and attractions in the area.
Wuyi Mountain is in north Fujian province, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is famous for its teas, especially a cliff tea known as the Big Red Robe or Dahongpao. Director Zhang Yimou's Impression Dahongpao is all about the culture behind the tea and can be seen at 8 pm daily at the tourist site.
Shanghai's Peace Hotel back in business
One of China's most iconic hotels has reopened after comprehensive renovation. Work to revitalize the Fairmont Peace Hotel took three years to complete. The hotel is on the world famous Bund overlooking the Huangpu River
The owners say architects have managed to retain the classic art-deco ambiance of the legendary hotel built in 1929, but added modern features such as a spa.
A new penthouse suite on the 10th floor is where the hotel's creator, Sir Victor Sassoon, originally lived. Room prices start at around $385 with an additional 15 per cent service charge.
An electric car ride to the Swiss countryside
Holiday makers in the Gotthard Pass region of central Switzerland can rent an electric car for day trips into the mountain and other local attractions. A total of 60 electric cars are available for hire at 31 tourist resorts and places of interest in the Goms and Haslital areas. The two-seaters cost 60 Swiss francs ($57) per day to rent. The vehicles have a range of around 120 kilometers. There is a network of more than 20 charging stations powered by renewable hydro-electricity generated from local rivers. The electromobiles are available until Sept 28. (www.alpmobil.ch)
Paddleboat cruises coming to Philadelphia
There's a new attraction expected soon on Philadelphia's waterfront: a 260-foot paddle-wheel riverboat replica.
The newly dubbed Philadelphia Belle arrived at Penn's Landing last week to a welcoming party that included a Mummers string band and a Ben Franklin impersonator.
A group of investors bought the steamship three months ago and chose Philadelphia as the spot to launch it as a tourist attraction. The ship is expected to open for dinner cruises and entertainment this fall.
The ship was formerly named the Mississippi Belle II. It just completed the 3,200-mile journey from its former home on the Mississippi River and will get final renovations in Philadelphia.
Airline news and deals
Free ticket to Disneyland:United Airlines has joined hands with Disneyland Theme Park &Resort in California to offer Chinese travelers buy-one-get-one travel packages.
From Sept 1 to Nov 30, travelers can earn a free Disneyland Park California and Disney California Adventure ticket and enjoy the wonders of Disneyland with the whole family. The ticket allows guests to enjoy both Disney theme parks on the same day.
Package tour to Guilin:China Southern Airlines is now offering 1,520 yuan package tours to Guilin.
The package includes air tickets and hotels, as well as admission to major scenic spots.
More leg room on Qatar :Qatar Airways is using a fleet of Boeing 777-200 for its daily flights from China to South America via Doha. The seats will be among the most spacious for first-, business- and even economy- class passengers.