Guilin, China
       
     
 Biking is still the most common form of transportation around China. Renting one or borrowing one is an easy and cheap way to get around while enjoying the sights.
       
     
Zhangjiajie, China
       
     
 The sandstone mountains were the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie  Avatar . 
       
     
 Waking up at 4am to view the sunrise over these incredible natural formations is well worth it. Hopping a few fences is the only way to do this as the park closes at night and it is technically not allowed.
       
     
 Monkeys are common throughout the park and will steal your lunch if you are not careful.
       
     
Hong Kong, China
       
     
 The tallest point over Hong Kong, Victoria peak provides panoramic views of the Hong Kong skyline and houses many of Hong Kong's elite.
       
     
 A short metro ride away, Ngong Ping occupies the Western part of Lantau Island. 
       
     
 A monastery and giant buddha are accessible via the cable car. 
       
     
 One can view what the natural landscape was before Hong Kong became the densely packed city it is now.
       
     
Macau, China
       
     
 Gambling is huge in Macau and has resulted in a large amount of investment in Casinos in the area. The Grand Lisboa is just one of the many large casino's right in the middle of the city. The stark contrast between wealth and poverty is palpabl
       
     
 Elaborate art and set pieces are on display within the casinos.
       
     
 Artists are commissioned to carve intricate cities and landscapes into ivory. 
       
     
 Fresh flowers were used to show all of the animals in the Chinese zodiac. 
       
     
Hangzhou, China
       
     
 At night, the city is lit up with lights, with food stalls and locals dancing to upbeat music for excercise. 
       
     
Shanghai, China
       
     
 Xiao Long Bao is staple of the region. Commonly referred to as "soup dumplings", the proper way to eat these is to place one carefully in a soup spoon, pour a small amount of ginger and vinegar, and either eat it whole or bite a small hole and suck
       
     
 Bargaining is very common in China, and Shanghai is no different. Street vendors will commonly offer an initial high price for goods. While walking away is acceptable if a street vendor will not give you a price you want, and a valid tactic as they
       
     
 Shanghai was home to the World Expo in 2010. Pavilions for each country were shown in the city, showcasing the latest technology and the history.
       
     
 The Shanghai skyline showcases the two sides of Shanghai: Pu Xi and Pu Dong. 
       
     
Guilin, China
       
     
Guilin, China

Guilin is known for its "rolling mountains".

 Biking is still the most common form of transportation around China. Renting one or borrowing one is an easy and cheap way to get around while enjoying the sights.
       
     

Biking is still the most common form of transportation around China. Renting one or borrowing one is an easy and cheap way to get around while enjoying the sights.

Zhangjiajie, China
       
     
Zhangjiajie, China

One of China's most popular National Parks, Zhangjiajie houses dramatic sandstone columns and land bridges nestled in beautiful greenery and animal life.

 The sandstone mountains were the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie  Avatar . 
       
     

The sandstone mountains were the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie Avatar

 Waking up at 4am to view the sunrise over these incredible natural formations is well worth it. Hopping a few fences is the only way to do this as the park closes at night and it is technically not allowed.
       
     

Waking up at 4am to view the sunrise over these incredible natural formations is well worth it. Hopping a few fences is the only way to do this as the park closes at night and it is technically not allowed.

 Monkeys are common throughout the park and will steal your lunch if you are not careful.
       
     

Monkeys are common throughout the park and will steal your lunch if you are not careful.

Hong Kong, China
       
     
Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong cinema has made waves worldwide, and the Avenue of Stars celebrates the successful careers of just a few of Hong Kong's most famous film actors and actresses.

 The tallest point over Hong Kong, Victoria peak provides panoramic views of the Hong Kong skyline and houses many of Hong Kong's elite.
       
     

The tallest point over Hong Kong, Victoria peak provides panoramic views of the Hong Kong skyline and houses many of Hong Kong's elite.

 A short metro ride away, Ngong Ping occupies the Western part of Lantau Island. 
       
     

A short metro ride away, Ngong Ping occupies the Western part of Lantau Island. 

 A monastery and giant buddha are accessible via the cable car. 
       
     

A monastery and giant buddha are accessible via the cable car. 

 One can view what the natural landscape was before Hong Kong became the densely packed city it is now.
       
     

One can view what the natural landscape was before Hong Kong became the densely packed city it is now.

Macau, China
       
     
Macau, China

China's "Las Vegas", Macau is easily accessible via a short boat ride from Hong Kong's harbor.

 Gambling is huge in Macau and has resulted in a large amount of investment in Casinos in the area. The Grand Lisboa is just one of the many large casino's right in the middle of the city. The stark contrast between wealth and poverty is palpabl
       
     

Gambling is huge in Macau and has resulted in a large amount of investment in Casinos in the area. The Grand Lisboa is just one of the many large casino's right in the middle of the city. The stark contrast between wealth and poverty is palpable here. 

 Elaborate art and set pieces are on display within the casinos.
       
     

Elaborate art and set pieces are on display within the casinos.

 Artists are commissioned to carve intricate cities and landscapes into ivory. 
       
     

Artists are commissioned to carve intricate cities and landscapes into ivory. 

 Fresh flowers were used to show all of the animals in the Chinese zodiac. 
       
     

Fresh flowers were used to show all of the animals in the Chinese zodiac. 

Hangzhou, China
       
     
Hangzhou, China

The West Lake in Hangzhou has influenced many asian poets and artists for its natural beauty. Many temples, pagodas, and gardens line the shores of the lake.

 At night, the city is lit up with lights, with food stalls and locals dancing to upbeat music for excercise. 
       
     

At night, the city is lit up with lights, with food stalls and locals dancing to upbeat music for excercise. 

Shanghai, China
       
     
Shanghai, China

A Chinese city with a large European influence, Shanghai is cultural and economic powerhouse in China. The city is positively buzzing with activity and construction at all hours.

 Xiao Long Bao is staple of the region. Commonly referred to as "soup dumplings", the proper way to eat these is to place one carefully in a soup spoon, pour a small amount of ginger and vinegar, and either eat it whole or bite a small hole and suck
       
     

Xiao Long Bao is staple of the region. Commonly referred to as "soup dumplings", the proper way to eat these is to place one carefully in a soup spoon, pour a small amount of ginger and vinegar, and either eat it whole or bite a small hole and suck out the meat juice. 

 Bargaining is very common in China, and Shanghai is no different. Street vendors will commonly offer an initial high price for goods. While walking away is acceptable if a street vendor will not give you a price you want, and a valid tactic as they
       
     

Bargaining is very common in China, and Shanghai is no different. Street vendors will commonly offer an initial high price for goods. While walking away is acceptable if a street vendor will not give you a price you want, and a valid tactic as they may chase you if they relent to your offer, it is very improper to walk away from a price that you suggest. 

 Shanghai was home to the World Expo in 2010. Pavilions for each country were shown in the city, showcasing the latest technology and the history.
       
     

Shanghai was home to the World Expo in 2010. Pavilions for each country were shown in the city, showcasing the latest technology and the history.

 The Shanghai skyline showcases the two sides of Shanghai: Pu Xi and Pu Dong. 
       
     

The Shanghai skyline showcases the two sides of Shanghai: Pu Xi and Pu Dong.