Chinas Metropolen Peking & Shanghai + Baden auf Bali

About the destination: Situated in northern China, Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China, the most populous country in the world. With a population of over 21million people, it is the nation's second-largest city after Shanghai. Beijing is a modern city of impressive new urban and commercial developments that looks towards the future but it is intrinsically linked to its imperial past. Beijing is renowned for its lavish palaces, ancient temples, and huge stone walls and gates. Its art treasures and important government and cultural institutions have long made the city a center of culture and art in China. The heart of the city and most important landmark is Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square. The Tiananmen Gate separates the square from the Forbidden Palace, one of the city’s must-sees. The Forbidden Palace was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today it is known as the Palace museum and is one of the wonders of ancient China. Other Beijing’s main attractions are The Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and the ancient alleyway neighborhoods, where you can find traditional Beijing architecture, called Hutongs. Beijing is a good base to visit some of China’s major landmarks such as the Great Wall of China and the Ming Tombs. Some great world famous cultural and heritage sites, a thriving nightlife, great sporting facilities given as a legacy from the 2008 Olympic Games, great food such as Peking Duck, and good entertainment options like the Beijing Opera, make Beijing a fascinating city offering a lot to visitors.

About the destination: Shanghai is modern city located just south of the mouth of the mighty Yangtze River and split in two by the Huangpu River. It is one of China's largest metropolis and it is considered the most cosmopolitan, sophisticated and progressive city in mainland China. Shanghai is a good place to visit if you want to catch a glimpse of the future of China. A whole new city of skyscrapers has been built in its Pudong district, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, which has become one of the city’s landmarks and is one of the tallest structures in Asia and the Shanghai World Financial Center, the third largest building in Asia and the world. At the west side of the Yangzi River is Puxi area, the older central part of the city. Puxi has very rich history and is here where you will encounter many of the city’s old buildings and attractions, such as the French Concession, the Bund, the Yuyuan Garden, the Jiu Qu Bridge, the Huxin Pavilion and the Temple. Shanghai is China’s cosmopolitan hub of finance and culture. Shanghai has a special oriental charm and a fresh western style that appeal to everyone. And it is also a good base to explore the more rural and classical sights of nearby Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.

About the destination: The southern part of Bali, although generally chaotic and too touristy, has the best beaches on the island and several interesting sightseeing tours, so if you travel to this destination, I recommend you spend at least three full days there. If Bali is too crowded, the area of ​​Kuta and surroundings takes the palm: it was there where the first travelers came in search of surf and they also found a paradise to export. But in spite of the noise and that the Balinese culture is not as present as in other areas, Kuta and surroundings can also be enjoyed. Legian street is nice, ideal to buy souvenirs or a dress haggling with the locals; The beach is very suitable for surfing and the best to see it, as it is full of surfers at all hours !; And the sunset is an event that you can not miss. The locals flock to the beach in packs, many of whom want to take photos with you, play football or simply bathe; And spontaneous bars are set up with fresh beers and boxes as local bar. There are beautiful sunsets that are harmless. Of course, the life of local people is shorter than in other parts of the island, or at least not so integrated, so forget to find a nice market or a temple in every corner.