Great wall of China

Great wall of China

  04.12    sources of knowledge

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The Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was enlisted in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus, stretching approximately 6,700 kilometers (4,163 miles) from east to west of China. With a history of more than 2000 years, some of the sections of the great wall are now in ruins or even entirely disappeared. However, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance.


History: Excitement abounds in the origin, vicissitude and nature of the great wall of the Qin, Han, and Ming dynasties.

The Great Wall was originally built in the Spring, Autumn, and Warring States Periods as a defensive fortification by the three states: Yan, Zhao and Qin. The Great Wall went through constant extensions and repairs in later dynasties. In fact, it began as independent walls for different states when it was first built, and did not become the "Great" wall until the Qin Dynasty. Emperor Qin Shihuang succeeded in his effort to have the walls joined together to fend off the invasions from the Huns in the north after the unification of China. Since then, the Great Wall has served as a monument of the Chinese nation throughout history. A visit to the Great Wall is like a tour through the history backwards; it brings tourists great excitement in each step of the wall.


Construction: The mystery of the construction of the wall is amazing. The construction of the Great Wall, drew heavily on the local resources for construction materials, was carried out in line with the local conditions under the management of contract and responsibility system. A great army of manpower, composed of soldiers, prisoners, and local people, built the wall. The construction result demonstrates the manifestation of the wisdom and tenacity of the Chinese people.


Sections: Ready to show you an incredible diversity of scenery and ethnic people along its way.

The Great Wall as we see today was mostly built during the Ming Dynasty. It starts from Shanhaiguan Pass in the east to Jiayuguan Pass in the west traversing provinces of Liaoning, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Shaanxi and Gansu.
Protection: The China Great Wall Academy has called for greater protection of this important relic.

Following a forty-five day long survey of 101 sections of the Wall in different provinces, the China Great Wall Academy reported on December 12, 2002 that the forces of nature and destruction at the hand of mankind are bringing about the gradual reduction of its extent with the result that less than 30% remains in good condition. The Academy has called for greater protection of this important relic.


Culture: Unfolding a considerable part of Chinese culture beyond the wall.The Great Wall has long been incorporated into Chinese mythology and popular symbolism.

The most beautiful of several legends is about the collapse of a section of the Great Wall caused by Meng Jiangnu, who cried bitterly over the death of her husband in the construction of the Great Wall. This legend has been spread widely through textbooks, folk songs and traditional operas. It is well-known in China.


Travel of the wall: Make a trip to at least one section of the Great Wall should be a must for your China Trip. Elaborate tour plans make travel comfortable, memorable, enjoyable and informative. See details of our Memorable Highlights Tours.

If you prefer to see the wall in a relatively natural state, visit Simatai, 110km north-east of Beijing. This part of the Wall is the best choice, for it is still in its original state without being developed into a popular tourist attraction due to its distance and little public transportation options.

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Durango Colorado

Durango Colorado

  04.05    sources of knowledge

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Durango, Colorado is a year-round, international tourism destination where people come to ride the world famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, visit nearby Mesa Verde National Park, and ski the slopes of Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort. The train is a remnant of the time when Durango was a mining town where silver and gold flowed from the mines of the La Plata Mountains.

Durango is one of the most scenic towns in the United States and is a favorite vacation spot both in the winter and summer. The area abounds with mountain and high desert hiking areas, trout fishing and some of the best big game hunting in the United States. See some of our available packages below, or speak with a Durango Travel Expert for help in planning and booking your vacation today.

Available Packages:

• Durango Mountain Resort Ski Packages
• Deep Discounts with Ski Durango Partners
• Girlfriend's Getaway Package
• Summer Train and Lodging Package
• Winter Train and Lodging Package
• View All Available Packages
• Group Packages

Durango Colorado History
From the 1910's to the 1930's Durango's economy focused primarily on agriculture, ranching, and logging with the beginnings of a tourist economy as travelers began to discover the area as a vacation destination. In the 1930's during the Great Depression, the Durango area suffered many of the same economic hardships facing the rest of the country.

Like many other parts of the country during World War II, the Durango area contributed to the war effort in the 1940's through agriculture, ranching, and some mining. The 1950's in Durango marked the beginning of another "boom cycle" as mining of uranium and oil exploration in the region increased. The Durango Smelter was refitted for processing of uranium ore, and there was a flurry of building in the community to house the smelter workers, and the workers who supported the burgeoning natural gas industry. During the "boom" of the 1950's, Fort Lewis College was moved from south of Hesperus where it had been a two year agricultural school to its present location. With its relocation, the college changed to a four-year, liberal arts curriculum.

In the 1960's Purgatory Ski Resort (Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort) was developed north of Durango. The presence of the ski resort and Fort Lewis College has added additional elements to the local economy and helped to develop the tourist economy of the area. From the 1970's to present, the area has gone through a series of economic ups and downs as Durango’s setting has continued to draw people for recreation and the healthy quality of life found in the Rocky Mountains.

Durango Lifestyle and Recreational Activities
Though Durango is a geographically, culturally, and economically diverse area, the one thread that ties its citizenry together is, without a doubt, quality of life.

Durango has also become one of the West's latest boomtowns, with an eclectic economic mix focused in agriculture, industry, and tourism. Combine them with the local population of students from Fort Lewis College and outdoors enthusiasts who come to enjoy Colorado’s high country adventures and you end up with a town which has a youthful, energetic buzz.

Durango holds a myriad of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, rafting, fishing, golf and horseback riding. Surrounded by the San Juan National Forest, recreational activities and wildlife are never far away. The Animas River winds through town allowing easy access to residents and visitors alike.

Although Durango has the charming feeling of a small town community, it is not at all void of culture and entertainment. Music abounds at annual festivals ranging from the internationally-renown classical series Music in the Mountains, to the grassroots Durango Bluegrass Meltdown. Live jazz, blues, swing, Celtic, country and rock - it all can be relished in Durango, Colorado.

Durango Quick Facts:
Elevation - 6,512 feet above sea level.
Climate Transition zone between desert and semi-arid. Daytime temps in the 70's and 80's, night time lows in the 40's. (summer)
Population:
Approximately 16,000 in Durango.
Approximately 64,000 in La Plata County.
National Forest - San Juan
Mountain Range - San Juan Mountains

Durango is located in the southwest corner of Colorado, nestled at the base of the famous San Juan Mountains. To the southwest are the metropolitan areas of Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. Albuquerque, New Mexico and Dallas, Texas lie to the southeast.

Get a Taste of Durango
From locally roasted coffee beans and gourmet natural foods, to award-winning, micro-brewed beer and authentic Mexican pastries, great food is a given in Durango. Not a guest leaves the area without citing the amazing plethora of exciting dining establishments, with cuisine ranging from the progressive to the more traditional at restaurants that embrace the area's ranching tradition. Indeed, Durango’s agricultural heritage thrives today through local farmers' markets and the special "Taste of Durango," a community feast featuring delectable dishes from local dining establishments.

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portofino italy sightseeing

portofino italy sightseeing

  02.49    sources of knowledge

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With its dramatic tree-lined cliffs, ocean views, warm weather and delicious food, Portofino Italy is the incarnation of La Dolce Vita. Located in the province of Liguria, on a section of the Italian Riviera known as the Levante Riviera, this quaint little fishing town has become the darling of the rich and famous. Since the 1950’s, Hollywood stars and European royalty have flocked to Portofino hotels for a little rest and plenty of relaxation.

There are numerous ways to travel to Portofino Italy. Along with the regular train route, you could opt to fly into Genoa and then drive down the coast or you enjoy a ride on the sea taxi that runs from Cinque Terre to Portofino.

While Portofino is certainly a tiny little town, there is plenty to keep you busy during your stay. Portofino tourism relies upon many activities including upscale shopping, sight-seeing, water-sports and Italian fine dining - they are all within easy reach of any of the Portofino hotels.

Portofino vacations take on a glamorous edge when you book at the Hotel Splendido. Incorporating parts of a 16th-century monastery into its design, this upscale Portofino resort has been receiving guests for almost 100 years. The 64-room hotel is reputed for its five-star service and has a salt-water heated outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court and an indoor gym. Rooms and suites offer a garden or ocean view and feature cable television as well as free Wi-Fi internet connection. For a truly unique dining experience, make sure to spend an evening at this Portofino resort’s restaurant, La Terrazza. You’ll be able to feast upon fine regional cuisine on the open-terrace while enjoying Portofino Italy’s stunning landscape, including views of the port and the Mediterranean Sea.

The San Giorgio is one of many Portofino hotels located in the centre of town. Conveniently located just a short walk from the town’s famous Piazetta, this boutique hotel offers 25 rooms and suites ranging from double standard to suite size. Double superior rooms have a small terrace or French balcony as well as a shower and bath while the suites offer breathe-taking views as well as a cozy place sitting space. All rooms feature plasma televisions and guests have free use of the Turkish bath and sauna found on the lower floors. Breakfast is included with a night’s stay, but the San Giorgio does not have a restaurant so guests will need to explore Portofino Italy and discover its fine regional cuisine for lunch and dinner.

Portofino vacations aren’t complete without a trip to Castello Brown and make sure to bring your camera! Along with a lovely garden to stroll through and learning a good dose of Italian history within its walls, the castle offers picturesque views of the harbour and the town. If you’re looking for an energetic hike to work off those Italian meals spend some time in the Portofino Natural Park. Opened since 1935, its 31 miles of hiking trails offer scenic landscapes featuring lush chestnut and olive groves.

Portofino vacations can often be an expensive proposition. For those looking for a slightly more budget-conscious option, book a room at the Eden Hotel. Located on a quiet street in downtown Portofino Italy, this 12-room hotel is the picture of simplicity and charm. During the warmer months, meals are served outside overlooking its peaceful garden. Rooms come with all basic amenities including colour televisions, phones and wireless internet connections.

The Eden Hotel is located just a short walk from the marina, where you’ll be able to hop on a water taxi and take a daytrip to nearby Santa Margherita, located just 15 minutes down the coast.

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