Little
Moscow Harbin - Snow World and Tigers Throughout January and early
February, 2009
Harbin is China's northernmost major city. Historically,
the city has had a lot of Russian influence, in particular after
the Russian Civil War of 1918. The influence remains clearly
visible in the building styles and foods. The world famous Harbin
Snow Festival with its Snow Sculpture Park and Ice Lantern Festival
is a family treat not to be missed. The Siberian Tiger Park
is another highlight of the visit, especially for children.
Seasonal recommendation
Hani
Rice Terrace in Yuanyang,Yunnan
January 27-30, 2009
This subtropical area of Yunnan escaped heavy development
for tourism, and have so far been overlooked to a certain extent.
It is not included in the book Lonely Planet. Yuanyang is renowned
for its rice terraces crafted out, no sculpted by bare hands
by the Hani people one thousand years ago, transforming a barren
valley into a humid Eden; perfect for rice crops. The 1000m
of mountain slopes of terraces is still in use today, claiming
to be the world's most spectacular and extensive terraces.
6
Days Yunnan: Xishuangbanna & Lijiang
January 26-31, 2009
Close to the border of Myanmar and Thailand, this sub
tropical region is home to the Dai ethnic people. Lowland rice
fields along the banks of a broad Mekong River are divided by
rolling hills covered in virgin rainforest and interspersed
with isolated communities of Dai, Hani and Bulang minority peoples.
Of course we will not miss Lijiang, most famous ancient Town
in Yunnan. Its narrow cobbled streets, delicate bridges and
hundreds of black roof tiled houses is a delight. Streams of
crystal melted snow water run through the town.
