China

Effell Tower in Paris

There is no city in the world that you can name that provides as much mystic, grandeur, and beauty as the city of Paris.  They say that in Paris you can watch the whole world walk by, have you ever wondered where they came up with that saying?  If you ever ask anyone the top destinations they want to visit at the top of that list is presumably Paris, promptly followed by Rome and London.  While most people don’t fancy the Parisians, the city is incredibly beautiful.

The famous sculpturer Rodin suffered an ill fate freezing to death on the streets of Paris while his sculptures were cozy in the warmth of museums inside.  When visiting Paris if you want to use the restroom you have to buy something at a café.  That’s the reason the why in the summer some of the streets of Paris smell like urine.  During World War II a German commander refused to fight in the city streets or blow the city up as the Americans were approaching, certainly this is due to the charm and beauty of the city.

If it isn’t affordable or you are never able to make it to Paris, fortunately you can get a taste of Paris in almost every continent around the world.  Here is how you can find Paris around the world:

Beirut, Lebanon – The fallen Paris of the near East

This city located in the Eastern Mediterranean had continued its close affinity to the days when it was a colony of France.  A favorite destination of many Europeans and world travelers, its charm continued until the civil war of the 1970’s and 1980’s.  Before the destruction Beirut was known for its fine hotels, boutiques, and cuisine.  The all night cafes were filled with throngs of people who came to enjoy the ambience of a city tucked between the Desert Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.  The night air would be filled with the perfume of many different flowers and music from many different cultures.  Beirut is the only city on this list that I would not recommend visiting at this dangerous time in its existence.

Buenos Aires, Argentina  – The Paris of the South

There is no place in the world like Buenos Aires, Argentina.  The architecture around the city is incredible to see but is starting to decay.  The European aura in the city is due to the European immigrants that fled into the once bustling city throughout the 19^th century.  It will surprise many that this isn’t your typical Latin environment, they essentially are Europeans that speak Spanish as the majority of immigrants are Germans and Italians.  Great food and endless nightlife bring millions of tourists around the world to witness the Paris of the South.  You can also find great deals on Buenos Aires accommodation, take a look at how I lived for $15 a day in Buenos Aires.  With the endless things to do in Buenos Aires make sure you visit before it’s too late.

Old City in Montreal

Montreal, Canada – The American Paris

Montreal is the 2^nd largest French speaking city in the world right after Paris.  Although extremely charming it doesn’t have nearly as many sights as Paris.  While Quebec City does have more historical buildings, what is Parisian about Montreal is its culture and it’s dining.  You will find bicycle stands around the city mimicking Paris, restaurants that make your mouth water, and a French tongue that will make you’re in Paris.  Not to be confused with French from Paris, but to the untrained American ear it will sound eerily similar.  Only a short bus ride or drive from the states, all the things to do in Montreal are not to be missed when in Canada.

Shanghai, China – The Old Paris of the far East

What distinguishes this city is its wide boulevards and beautiful architecture built by the Europeans in the 19^th century.  In Shanghai China you can experience the flavor of many different cultures from around the world.  A favorite pastime is to have dinner at one of the fabulous restaurants overlooking the sea.  This is one of the main differences in that Paris overlooks a river rather than the Ocean.  Much like Paris and Europe it is very much a city of lights that never sleeps.  The city can be compared to a handful of pearls that have been cast upon the delta forming the vibrant city.  Make sure to check out all the things to in Shanghai whenever you’re in the East.  Although the charm dissipated under the early Chinese communism, the city is now regaining its former title.

China is the oldest and most continuous civilization in existence today, by coincidence there are also many activities for China sightseeing.  China activities range from the Yellow Sea in the East stretching to the Himalayas in the West and from the Gobi Desert in the North to the rainforest of South, China is a very diverse.  Here are the top 5 things to do in China:

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Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China – One of the most popular of all China activities.  It is the only man made feature that can be seen from outer space, this landmark was constructed during the reign of the 1^st emperor of China and is by far one of the most popular activities in China.  This 3,000 mile long wonder is in the shape of a giant dragon.  The face can be viewed on the shores of the Yellow Sea and the tail ends in the dessert of the Gobi in west.  The present day wall is a reconstruction done from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).  In ancient China communication along the Great Wall was similar to how they used it in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.  Fire and smoke was the primary method of communication which is faster than any car or truck.  Legend has it that there are numerous corpses inside the wall but with many tales of the past, this is not true.

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Non floating marble boat at the Summer Palace - Beijing, China

The Summer Palace – Rebuilt by the last emperors of China, this was the favorite home of  the empress Dowager who reigned from  1860 – 1908.  The extensive lake on the site was dug by hand and a striking marble boat resides there.  The marble boat was built with stolen funds that was meant to be used to create a Chinese Navy to protect Korea against the Japanese in the late 19^th century.  Empress Dowager also was famous when she fished for jewels, she would have her servants place precious stones on the end of her fishing rod so she could be delighted during her excursions.

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Section of the Terracotta Warrior complex

The Ancient Capital of Xian – This was the capital of China during the reign of its first emperor.  It is where you will find the world famous Terracotta Warriors (otherwise known as terracotta army) and other sculptures.  Each warrior is unique because every terracotta clay statue is modeled after a different soldier.  The soldier’s had to model for the sculpture or face death.  The Terracotta Warriors were an infamous rumor along with other claims that the Ch-in Dynasty (where the word China comes from) created a tomb complex under a mountain that contains China in miniature with molten lead rivers and all the famous sites of ancient China.  When unearthed, this will be the archeological wonder of the 21^st century.  This is one of the China activities that you will not want to miss.

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The Forbidden City at night

The Forbidden City – This medieval palace complex is the largest in the world with 10,000 rooms.  Upon the pain of death, the only male permitted inside the city was the Emperor himself.  Thousands of “male servants” were permitted to enter the Forbidden City.  This is however, after they were separated from their family jewels.  And you thought your dog was the only one that had to go through that?

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A Gorge at the Yangtze River

Yangzte River Valley – Many of the archeological wonders of this ancient river are rapidly disappearing due to the rising waters of the 3 rivers gorges dam.  This project is the largest hydro electric project in the world.  Millions of Chinese people have already been relocated and many historical sites have been removed or have been allowed to be submerged.  The new river cruises of this valley will explore the sites underwater rather than along the river banks providing great diving opportunities.   things to do china china activities china sightseeing

Check out our Top 5 section for more things to do China and around the world!

Have fun on your trip!

Wandering Trader