What’s New in China

The Peninsula Beijing has 17 “Beijing Suites” and each have their own screening room.
The Peninsula Beijing has 17 “Beijing Suites” and each have their own screening room.

Travelers headed to China this fall and winter will want to make a point to visit Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province in eastern China. This province is ideally located in the Yangtze River Delta, about 190 miles northwest of Shanghai. Why go? This city combines a booming metropolis with historical sites, including Xiaoling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty, a city wall that dates back more than 600 years, the Presidential Palace and more.

There is also another attraction for visitors to explore — the new Niushoushan Cultural Park. Perched on top of Niushou Mountain, it connects the ancient Buddhist roots of the area with stunning mountain views. This is where the Niutou Sect of Chinese Zen Buddhism was born. With 197 acres, it provides plenty of space for travelers looking to connect with nature and to find their own personal Zen.

On the west side of Niushou Mountain is Usnisa Palace, a historical site that all guests must visit. This isn’t like any other palace as it has six underground floors and is full of religious artifacts. Go below the earth and into the Thousand Buddha Hall that leads guests into the Ten Thousand Buddha Corridor. Here, all eyes will be on a looming, large Buddha statue and 30 other similar ones. Guests who wish to connect with his or her religion should visit the worship palace, 144 feet below the surface of the earth.

After exploring the palace, visitors can enjoy a vegetarian buffet and onsite café. For travelers who want to stay above the ground during their trip, we suggest visiting Usnisa Temple, a hillside monastery. Monks do live in this monastery but travelers are invited to explore the area designated for prayer. There is also a meditation hall here that can seat up to 300 people. For those looking to explore through the park, consider eyeing the Cliffside Carvings located on the east side of the peak. These carvings, set in the mountain, house Buddha statues, and there are Chinese characters carved on into cliff.

Itinerary Travel

If travelers are interested in touring several parts of China with a set itinerary, Cosmos, part of the Globus family, is debuting the new, nine-day “A China Experience” from Shanghai to Beijing. The highlight for any first-time visitors to China will be seeing the Great Wall. Other top experiences will include a stop at the Shanghai Museum and the Forbidden City in Beijing. There will also be opportunities to discover the local Chinese culture in Wuzhen, known for its water and canals.

Clients looking for a shorter vacation should consider the four-day Beijing-to-Beijing itinerary with Globus’ sister brand, Monograms. During this quick but insightful trip, guests will see some of China’s ancient fortresses, a private, guided tour of the Great Wall, Tian’anmen Square and more.

Hotel News

Luxury has arrived in the Fujian Province with the opening of the Conrad Xiamen on Xiamen Island. It occupies floors 37 to 54 of the Shimao Straits Tower in the heart of Siming’s Central Business District.

Designed by leading architect Jean-Michel Gathy, One&Only Sanya is scheduled to open in 2017 on the island of Hainan. This hotel will provide a tropical-like atmosphere with 1,000-plus feet of private coastline and more than 27 acres of coconut palms. Guests can expect the resort to play up the local culture and there will be plenty of space to relax both inside and out. The color red will pay homage to China throughout the hotel, including a red piano. As for the culinary experience, there will be a large aquarium inside the poolside seafood bar, where guests can select their catch. There will also be an innovative Noodle Bar.

 

Usnisa Palace, on the west side of Niushou Mountain, is a historical site that has six underground floors and is full of religious artifacts.
Usnisa Palace, on the west side of Niushou Mountain, is a historical site that has six underground floors and is full of religious artifacts.

Onyx Hospitality Group is planning to open its first Amari hotel in China early next year. Amari Yangshuo will call the scenic city of Guilin, Guangxi, its home, where visitors might recognize the backdrop of mountains from James Cameron’s “Avatar.”  The hotel stands next to West Street, one of the oldest avenues in Guilin, with direct views of the waterfront, the Iconic love Bridge and karst peaks.

This Chinese New Year (January 28, 2017) The Peninsula Beijing will celebrate the completion of a major renovation. This $123 million project will leave the lobby and public spaces completely redesigned. The guestrooms were slated to be available by mid-September at the time of print. There are 17 “Beijing Suites” and each have their own screening room. For a view of the city, guests will want to book the “Duplex Suites” on the top floor of the hotel. These rooms also come with floor-to-ceiling windows. The ultimate accommodation here is the “Peninsula Suite,” designed to resemble a modern-day palatial home of a Chinese aristocrat in old Beijing. This suite has a dining room to seat 18, a separate kitchen, living room, study, guest bedroom, and a private gym and elevator. Guests can also book spa sessions with the resident physiotherapist.