Oriental Adventure

About the destination: Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia and the country’s most populous city, and is among the coldest capitals in the world. By 2008 its population had reached just over one million inhabitants. The city is notable for its Soviet-era architecture interspersed with Tibetan and Buddhist religious buildings. Ulaanbaatar was founded in 1649 as a monastic town called Urguu (known in the West as Urga or Urgà), which flourished in the 1860s largely because of its strategic location as a trading center between Russia and China. Mongolia declared its independence in 1911. When the city was designated the nation’s capital in 1924, it was renamed Ulaanbaatar, meaning “Red Hero” in Mongolian, in honor of the national hero Damdin Sükhbaatar. He helped liberate Mongolia from both Chinese rule and the forces of Baron Roman von Ungern-Sternberg while fighting alongside the Soviet Red Army. Sükhbaatar’s statue stands in the main square of Ulaanbaatar. Unlike many other cities in the region, Ulaanbaatar has not suffered large-scale war-related destruction, with the notable exception of the events surrounding the Battle of Urga in 1921, when Ungern-Sternberg’s forces defeated the 10,000-strong Chinese garrison that had occupied the city.

About the destination: Zhuhai is the only city in China to be named one of the top 40 national tourism destinations for its overall cityscape. It is home to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, the largest marine theme park of its kind in the world, and Ocean Spring Resort, the country’s leading ocean hot-spring complex. Major international events held in the city include the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, China International Circus Festival, WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai, Beach Music Festival, and the International Mozart Competition for Young Musicians. Zhuhai’s international profile continues to grow thanks to its global outlook and science-driven openness. According to Globe magazine (August 9, 2013), Zhuhai ranked first on the list of Westerners’ Top Ten Favorite Cities in China in 2013.

About the destination: Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. This bustling harbor city is one of Asia's primary financial hubs. It is composed of Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the New Territories, and over 260 smaller islands. Hong Kong Island, with its striking skyline, is the main attraction for most visitors. Hong Kong is a blend of the ocean, islands, modern skyscrapers, ancient temples, and fishing villages. The city's heart is Victoria Harbor, which both separates and unites Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. The most renowned view of Hong Kong is from Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island, accessible via the Peak Tram. Other key attractions in Hong Kong include the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island, the old colonial buildings of Central juxtaposed with the uniquely modern and mirrored towers, intriguing museums, the densely populated areas of Kowloon and Mong Kok, and the scenic, tranquil areas of Stanley and Aberdeen. A city brimming with energy and spirit, Hong Kong provides a buzzing atmosphere, a lively cultural scene, delectable cuisine, shopping, thrilling nightlife, and many more surprises that will astonish even the most discerning tourist.