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Shangri La. The Land of Snows. The Roof of the World. Tibet has been steeped in mystery and magic for centuries. Until the 1980s, this Buddhist land seemed forbidden, if only because of its remote location on a Himalayan plateau. Like its neighbor Nepal, it was locked away by its geography. Its average elevation was 16,000 feet and it was surrounded by insurmountable peaks. Still, it tugged at the imagination of every traveler eager to experience one of the most unique and exotic cultures on earth.
Today, Tibet is within easy reach. So you’re free to mingle among Buddhist pilgrims as they turn prayer wheels and murmur mantras amidst juniper incense. If you’re not sure where to find them, look no further than the Barkhor, a pilgrim circuit—or kora—that circumambulates around Lhasa’s Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most important Buddhist shrine. The devout come here from all over the world to walk clockwise around these contemplative city blocks—stopping along the route for spiritual souvenirs such as prayer flags and amulets (and not-so-spiritual accessories like turquoise jewelry and cowboy hats). Commercialism aside, this is where all of Tibet—from nomads to merchants—gathers to honor Buddha.
While joining locals on the Barkhor captures any traveler’s heart, stopping to visit the grand Jokhang Temple evokes the Tibet of old. When it was built in the seventh century, it was less a center of religion and more one of science. Back then, this institution was known as the Zuglagkang—meaning the “house of religious science”—and it brought together a scholarly lot that pre-dated Buddhism. They followed the shamanistic precepts of Bon, and so studied geomancy, astrology, and other forms of divination. That original air of mystery remains as yak butter lamps flicker in the dim light, incense wafts from dark corners, and pilgrims prostrate before altars. All is hushed and tranquil here; the noise of the outside world retreats.
Some three miles away, the Sera Monastery stretches across one corner of the ancient city. It too was founded as a learning center. It remains so today, one of three university temples in Tibet. Its name suggests that learning and intellect blossom here—se ra in Tibetan translates as “wild roses.” Nowhere is that more clearly on display than during the so-called “monk debates,” in which students participate in passionate discussions about Buddhist doctrine. As much pageantry as it is deliberation, the debates follow strict procedure and are enlivened with vigorous gestures, each of which carries its own meaning.
The shimmering jewel in Lhasa’s crown is the Potala Palace, the massive white and ochre fortress that dominates the skyline. Today, Potala is a museum, but it once housed the Tibetan government. Its White Palace, comprising the eastern wings, was the living quarters of the Dalai Lama while the Red Palace in the center of the building served a religious function. Until the 20th century, Potala was the world’s tallest building, even soaring almost twice the height of the Gothic spires of Europe’s cathedrals. From the bottom-most buildings at its base to the rooftop measures 1,000 feet. But its height isn’t the only impressive number. This 17th-century palace boasts more than 1,000 rooms, 10,000 chapels, 200,000 statues, and a network of dungeons.
Unravel the mysteries of Lhasa and Tibet with Gate 1 Travel today!
High on the Tibetan plateau, a glacier-fed stream trickles down the western slope of Geladandong Mountain. As it plummets in elevation, other waterways strengthen its surge, pushing it past walls of mountains and into valleys, past yak herds, rice paddies, and wide-open farms.
This is the mighty Yangtze, third longest river in the world and one of the largest waterways by volume. Its course has shaped the fate of China’s history and culture over millennia, a source of drinking water, irrigation, transit, and legendary tales. To say nothing of the breathtaking beauty of the Three Gorges. This 75-mile stretch could well provide some of the most dramatic scenery of any river in the world, thanks to the towering mountains that guide the water’s winding route.
Ming Mountain and the city of Fengdu oversee the Yangtze from its northern banks, providing the perfect riverside vantage point for the spirits that many believe inhabit this “ghost city.” Fengdu is an interesting prelude to a Yangtze cruise, fertile as it is with legends about the afterlife. In Chinese lore, the dead must pass three tests before they pass into heaven. If they fail, they are destined to spend eternity in the underworld. In Fengdu, this journey is brought to life: the city’s main attractions are the three bridges that represent the three tests.
Perhaps three—three bridges, three tests—is the magic number along the Yangtze. Surely, the Three Gorges through which we cruise cast a spell of their own. Of the trio of mountain-lined river passageways, the Qutang could be the most spectacular. Only five miles long, it zig-zags through a narrow canyon, dwarfed by mountains as tall as 4,000 feet. Near its entrance, you are greeted by the Hanging Monk Rock. Legend has it that a soldier who was trying to climb this hillside in the dark of night to recover the body of his revered general was frightened away by a monk who crowed like a rooster greeting the dawn. As revenge, the soldier hung the monk upside down, and he remains there still.
After winding through Qutang Gorge, the Yangtze flows through the Wu Mountains and into the 25-mile Wu Gorge, known as the Witches Gorge. Each of the dramatic Twelve Peaks that marks our progress symbolizes a fairy popular in local lore. Here, another rock formation at one of the summit’s peaks tells a story, this one of a penitent maiden represented by a huge rock that resembles a kneeling goddess. Long, deep canyons here leave this section of the river in shade much of the day.
Xiling is the final gorge on a downstream itinerary, the longest at 49 miles. The river quickens here through some narrow, magnificent stretches along the Three Rapids of Xiling. Passage along this section of the Yangtze was once treacherous, but some water control projects have calmed the waters, making for a smoother journey.
But one project along the Yangtze was not so smooth: the controversial Three Gorges Dam. Fully completed in 2012, it is the largest hydroelectric dam in the world, and its construction was highly contested. When the dam was complete, water levels rose upriver and submerged priceless artifacts of Chinese culture and history. The government stepped in to save some of the treasures, but not all. The larger impact was on the tiny villages that once lined the Yangtze’s banks. Millions of people were relocated to higher ground. Proponents of the dam point to the huge amount of energy generated by its turbines, increased shipping and more trade upriver thanks to deeper waters, and the prevention of historically deadly flooding downriver every spring.
No matter your position, the Yangtze waters still flow, and they lead Gate 1 travelers into a magical landscape.
It would be misleading to talk about Chinese cuisine as a single entity. The scope of cooking in China is as wide and diverse as China itself. Ingredients and techniques have evolved over the centuries with every dynasty and each empire. And the cuisine varies even more according to each region’s climate, imperial preferences throughout history, and of course available local ingredients.
In imperial China, meat and other animal products were hard to come by, though emperors often had more access to pork and beef. Royalty and commoners alike relied on rice in the south and dumplings or noodles in the north. Meals were augmented by vegetables, peanuts, and soy. It may sound like a simple diet, but an emperor’s first act was often to appoint a head chef, and competition could be mean-spirited between cooks.
Mao’s Communist Party vowed to steer away from this agrarian dependence with its “Great Leap Forward” campaign. This move toward industrialization and collective agriculture ended up being a great leap backward when the widespread movement failed, leading to the Great Chinese Famine. It wasn’t until the late 1970s that Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms brought more meats and animal products to Chinese tables. This turn in history changed Chinese cuisine dramatically, enriching it with protein and fat and opening doors to new and innovative gastronomy.
Today’s Chinese Table
China’s most ubiquitous drink is tea. This comes as no surprise when you consider that the country was the first to cultivate tea leaves for steeping as early as the third century. In some circles both within and outside China, tea is discussed with the same vigor that oenophiles discuss wine, with many devotees even hosting tasting parties. Climate, soil, and species of plant all affect how a tea is categorized, for instance, as green, oolong, black, scented, white, or compressed. Just as wine aficionados serve cheese with their preferred beverage, tea connoisseurs accompany their drink with nuts, dried fruit, or melon seeds.
This is not to suggest that the Chinese are teetotalers. By some accounts, 99.5% of the alcohol sold on China’s shelves is baijiu, or white liquor, making it the most consumed spirit in the world. The clear, potent liquor is made from sorghum or other grains such as rice, wheat, or barley. More familiar to westerners is rice wine, in which grains are converted from starch to sugar with the aid of enzymes. This should not be confused with sake, which is also made from rice but converted via a mashing and brewing process similar to that used to make beer.
Chopsticks are at every Chinese table and they’ve had a profound impact on cuisine. As they became the common utensil, dishes needed to be prepared with them in mind. Therefore, most recipes call for bite-sized pieces or tender cuts of fish that can be pried apart with a poke or two. Some historians believe that the omnipresence of the chopstick ushered the arrival of dim sum into Chinese culture, which consists of small pieces served on small plates, such as dumplings, rice rolls, turnip cakes, and stir-fried vegetables.
Hot Pots are also conducive to chopstick dipping. In this style of cooking—with its common Mongolian and Szechuan variations—a brass pot of simmering broth is placed at the center of the table. The pot might be sectioned to contain two or three flavors of broth. In the most traditional serving, the pot is heated over a central, coal-fueled chimney. Diners then choose a raw food from a family-style plate and cook it in the broth.
4 Reasons to Love Chinese Cuisine
Considering the above as a base—rice in the south, dumplings and noodles in the north, vegetables and nuts, a late introduction of meats, and tea and baijiu all around—today’s Chinese cuisine is best categorized into four types, each influenced by climate, geography, lifestyle, and mass migrations over the centuries:
Cantonese (southeastern China). This is the most familiar Chinese cuisine to the western palate, thanks to the Cantonese chefs who have ridden a wave of immigration to the U.S. Steaming and stir-frying are the most common cooking methods, and all forms of meat may be used, with the exception of lamb and goat. Herbs and spices are added modestly so that the flavors of a dish’s main ingredients can shine. Sauces and condiments are common.
Shandong (northeastern China). Shandong cuisine has a long history that dates back to imperial days. In fact, some scholars believe that all other culinary styles in China derived from its simplicity. It heavily emphasizes seafood and soups enhanced by light flavors. Corn, peanuts, and vegetables such as potatoes, cabbages, mushrooms, and eggplants appear often. As for a staple at every meal, rice takes a back seat to steamed breads.
Jiangsu (central eastern China). This type of cooking favors braising and stewing and is popular in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Meat is very soft but if prepared correctly does not fall off the bone. Ingredients in Jiangsu cuisine are selected from whatever is in season, and are often chosen in order to achieve a harmony in color and shape. Soup often appears on a Jiangsu menu.
Szechuan (southwestern China). Bold flavors are common in Szechuan cuisine, especially from garlic, chili peppers, and the unique Sichuan pepper. The main spicy dishes are often accompanied by non-spicy options to cool the palate. In some kitchens, the gastronomy has proven so sophisticated that UNESCO declared the city of Chengdu a City of Gastronomy in 2011. Beef is more common on a Szechuan menu as the region is home to a lot of oxen.
Mountain Cuisine of Tibet
With such a high altitude, Tibet cannot grow many crops. Some elevations are low enough, however, to cultivate rice, oranges, bananas, and lemons. Barley is the most important crop, and is roasted and milled to create the nation’s staple, known as tsampa. Shapale (a meat and cabbage dish) and balep (bread) are also central to the Tibetan diet. A common dinner dish is thukpa, a mixture of noodles, vegetables, and beef in a broth. Hearty stews are also served at the Tibetan table, made with yak, goat, or mutton meat and potatoes.
To enter Bhutan is to enter a world unto itself. Many have compared it to the elusive Shangri-La of fable, and the country safeguards its treasured traditional culture. With its doors closed to outsiders until 1974, and the flow of visitors still carefully observed, this kingdom of the dragon tucked between Tibet and India has preserved its glorious textiles, beloved national pastimes like archery, and its Buddhist serenity. From lush low-lying plains to Himalayan peaks rising a stunning 23,000 feet, its diverse ecosystems boast an epic beauty that is maintained with deep pride and the force of law.
All of this leaves the traveler with the indelible impression that they have, indeed, stepped into Shangri-La. But Bhutan is far better than Shangri-La: It’s real.
Buddhism-The Heart of a People
For most of the nation’s history, Bhutan was closed off not only to travelers from beyond its borders, but to outside cultural influences as well. It wasn’t until 1999 that the government lifted its ban on television, though it still made clear that programming must be consistent with the most abiding Bhutanese values, the roots of which are largely Buddhist. Having been secluded from so much of the outer world, the people of Bhutan are nourished by their inner spiritual lives, most of them practicing Buddhism.
Across Bhutan, you can see ample evidence of nearly 1,500 years of that faith on display. One of the oldest temples in the country is the Temple of Kyichhu, which has beckoned worshippers since the 7th century. With its gleaming gold roof and elegantly carved wooden pillars, it’s a jewel-box of a temple, a suitable home for the heavily-ornamented Jowo Sakyamuni statue, one of the most valuable artifacts in all the land.
Material objects are secondary to matters of the soul at Chari Monastery, established by Bhutan’s founding father in 1620. Perched on an emerald hillside, the monastery is an epicenter of prayer for Buddhist monks, some of whom spend up to three years here in meditation. At Tachogang Lhakhang, the rewards of such mindful practice are made concrete: The 15th-century monastery and its iron bridge are the realization of a vision that came to a Tibetan yogi who had paused at the riverside site for meditation.
At Chimi Lhakhang, the focus is less on the Zen of its monks and more on the love life of the local worshippers who come to this temple for its fertility-enhancing properties. Chimi Lhakhang was founded by a monk known as the “the divine madman.” He filled the temple with phallic symbols and used sexual innuendo to deliver some of the tenets of Buddhism. Though his approach was highly unorthodox, he is considered a national hero.
Dzongs-Protecting a Kingdom
Bhutan’s fortress-like dzongs are every bit as impressive as its temples. These massive complexes were positioned for defense against invaders, but much more was hidden behind the high fortified walls. Guard stations shared space with dwellings, civic offices, courtyards, and temples. Like the fortified medieval villages of Europe, Bhutan’s dzongs were miniature cities within citadels.
One of the largest is Tashichho Dzong, its sprawling splendor visible from Big Buddha Hill. In one form or another, a dzong has been present in this spot since 1216 and despite being damaged by four fires and an earthquake, the central tower has endured. Since 1968, Tashichho Dzong has been the seat of government.
Punakha Dzong used to hold that title, but what it lost in terms of political power, it makes up for in beauty, with its gold, red,and black colors, and gleaming statues filling a Coronation Hall, where the Kings of Bhutan are still crowned to this day.
Ringpung Dzong, with its 14 shrines and chapels, is considered an architectural masterpiece in Bhutan, and visitors may recognize some of its features from the Bernardo Bertolucci film Little Buddha. Though Drukgyal Dzong has no cinematic pedigree, the pale stone fort built to commemorate a victory over Mongol invaders is nonetheless evocative, with an eerie silence surrounding the ruins of this once triumphant structure.
Nature-The Greatest Treasure
Fortresses may fall in time, but Bhutan does more than just about other nation on earth to make sure its natural treasures are never lost. Nearly a third of the land is preserved for national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation areas, and nature reserves. About 60% of the land is forest that may never be touched, and where building is allowed, sustainable development is a state requirement.
The result is a nation that remains a paradise for nature lovers: crystalline lakes…verdant valleys…flower-studded plains…and, of course, the watchful gaze of the snowcapped Himalayas. With so many different ecosystems flourishing here, it’s no surprise that the flora and fauna is equally diverse. The 6,000 species of plants, from the iconic blue poppy to hundreds of orchid varieties, are joined by a veritable safari’s worth of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, monkeys, and Himalayan “blue” sheep. Overhead, nearly 700 avian species wing from treetop to treetop, soaring like the chanting of monks on mountain air.
Tiger’s Nest-The Symbol of a Nation
Nature, culture, and faith all come together at the monastic retreat of Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest. Ancient legend says that the 8th-century Guru Rinpoche, considered the second Buddha, flew through the skies of the Paro Valley on the back of a magical tigress looking for a place to meditate. He landed on the small outcropping of a cliff 2,700 feet above the valley floor. Despite its seemingly impossible location, the site became the home to a temple in his honor in 1692.
For more than 250 years, Tiger’s Nest has endured the cycle of seasons and powerful winds with little change, but two fires in the second half of the 20th century destroyed its main building. At the dawn of this century, the government invested millions of dollars in restoring it, spending five years to painstakingly recreate its beauty.
When it was reopened in 2005 in the presence of the King, it was a great source of national pride. The care given to the cultural treasure was a perfect embodiment of the Bhutanese belief that the dragon kingdom will endure as long as it preserves and protects its heritage.
We hear about the enormity of China all the time, with its 3.7 million square miles, 1.3 billion people, and 56 ethnic groups speaking 292 dialects. China’s sweeping size and complexity can make it seem mysterious, even daunting, to outsiders. But in a time when its doors are more open than ever to travelers, it would be a shame to miss out on what is arguably the world’s most epic land. Gate 1 strips away the mystery, showing you its more intimate side as we immerse you in the landscapes, neighborhoods, and treasures of which the Chinese people are most proud. From monuments to marketplaces, Gate 1 introduces you to China’s diverse offerings up close.
The staggering Three Gorges of the Yangtze River … lush jade-green bamboo forests … sprawling Imperial Cities with inviting lanes that are 2,000 years old. These are just a few of the wonders in a nation that boasts 48 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most of any country in Asia. A single Gate 1 journey can unveil the myriad ways in which China lives up to its nickname, “The Beautiful Country.”
Past, President, and Future: Three Cities
To gain an understanding of how China’s past, present, and future are interwoven, a good place to begin – or three good places – would be its dominant cities: Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, each of which has its own character and story to tell.
Beijing is monumental, literally. The city is home to 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (just one shy of the number found in all of Egypt), among them some of the world’s greatest treasures. The Forbidden City is forbidden to none these days: after 500 years of turning guests away from the world’s largest palace complex, China now invites all to see the wonders of the stunning 178-acre complex encircled by two miles of fortified wall. Over time, 24 emperors lived in these 90 palaces, composed of 980 buildings and almost 9,000 rooms.
The little sibling to that royal complex is the Summer Palace, built for the hottest months when the Forbidden City complex felt too stifling. A small pond and reservoir were joined, widened, and dredged, yielding a sparkling 540-acre lake big enough for royal navy vessels to run drills upon. The soil from the lake was used to make the adjacent Longevity Hill, a 200-foot slope crowned with palaces, pavilions, temples and gardens. To this day, it remains, as intended, one of Beijing’s loveliest locales, a brilliant collaboration of man, nature and time.
Whereas Beijing calls to mind the glories of the past, Shanghai is decidedly a snapshot of the future. While the city is certainly known for its gems that date back to previous eras – such as the verdant Yuyuan Garden from the Ming Dynasty and the elegant colonial architecture of the Bund – it is Shanghai’s jaw-dropping new skyline that may leave you gasping with awe.
Viewed across the Huangpu River, the Pudong neighborhood boasts a dizzying array of striking, colorful towers. Shanghai Tower, the biggest of the lot, is the second tallest skyscraper on earth. But height is only one way that this metropolis dazzles: the Orient Pearl looks like a stacking toy of ever-smaller glass beads, while the sinuous Financial Center is a modernist masterwork; even the low-slung Ocean Aquarium impresses passers-by with its flamboyant shark-fin wings
Hong Kong knows a thing or two about showing off its skyline, too: more buildings scrape the sky here than in any other city on earth, with more than 270 rising 500 feet or more. Within those glittering towers are some of the world’s most highly acclaimed restaurants, 64 of which have Michelin stars, and bespoke tailors fitting the fashionistas of Asia and beyond. But it is not all city here. Hong Kong means Fragrant Harbor, a reminder that nature – not metropolitan life – still holds the upper hand. More than 70% of Hong Kong is comprised of islands, mountains, parks, and caves. No matter where you are in the city proper, you’re just a tram car away from a daylong hike in a green parkland with ocean views.
Perhaps that blend of natural splendor and cultural richness is what made it so hard for Britain to return control of Hong Kong to China in 1997. And the subject of who will determine the city’s future – Beijing or Hong Kong itself – remains a heated one.
Beyond the Bright Lights: Singular Sensations
Xian was the final stop on the Silk Road and China’s capital for 13 dynasties, including the Ming era, which gave the city its still-standing fortified walls. But the single most powerful draw for visitors is its immobilized army of 8,000 Terra Cotta soldiers and horses. Crafted by hand, this vast military consort attended the final resting place of the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Arrayed in neat rows that remained underground from the 3rd century, and recently excavated in 1974, these enigmatic soldiers – each one made distinct by his expression, hairstyle, armor, or footwear – have captured the global imagination, eclipsing the fame of the ruler they were meant to honor.
The stars of Chengdu are less numerous but perhaps even more beloved. The 80 pandas at the Giant Panda Research Center have become envoys for China, a source of pride as well as concern as the worldwide population of wild pandas has fallen to under 2,000. While visitors also absorb the fascinating architecture of Qin Dynasty-era Jinli Street and marvel at the 213-foot stone Buddha in nearby Leshan, it is these endangered ambassadors of the mountains which have become the face not only of Chengdu but of China.
The nation’s life blood is the Yangtze River, the world’s third-longest river. Navigating the east-flowing ribbon of water on a river cruise is the only way to truly experience the legendary, dramatic scenery. As you sail through the three mesmerizing gorges of Xiling, Wu and Qutang, watched over by the fabled Twelve Peaks and fantastic rock formations towering above, you’ll wind past tiny villages, soaring cliffs, verdant groves, and terraced hillsides. It is hard not to fall under the timeless spell of the slow-moving current and the ethereal, embracing landscapes that guide it.
Resting easy in China
No matter which facet of China you’re discovering, you’ll be comfortable and well cared for with the best local accommodations. Gate 1 has chosen four-star hotels in Beijing’s historic West City, Shanghai’s glittering Xujiahui district, and outside the storied city walls of Xian. And our Yangtze River cruise unfolds aboard a five-star cruise ship purpose-built for the river, boasting roomy cabins and impeccable service. That all means you can focus on making discoveries.
Don’t miss out on the vast cornucopia of China’s delights. With Gate 1, the highlights and hidden gems alike await you as you explore the “Beautiful Country” for yourself.
Follow this link to our exciting China Tours. Or call to reserve, 1-800-682-3333!
The twin titans of the South Pacific boast an array of landscapes, cultures, and treasures diverse enough to fill an entire globe. In just one journey encompassing both New Zealand and Australia, you can experience ancient traditions that span millennia and compare some of the world’s most cutting edge cities, while traversing rainforest, mountain, and coral reef.
Auckland, Where Modern and Maori Meet
Stunning Auckland can best be summed up by its literal low and high points. Beautifully set at sea level on an isthmus, it boasts not one harbor, but two: Waitemata to the north and Manukau to the south. Nearby, lift your eyes to the mighty Maungawhau (Mt. Eden), the highest of the region’s 48 volcanoes at 648 feet. Maungawhau is sacred to the Maori, who once called its slopes home and still act as its guardians. Then follow the horizon to the Sky Tower; at over 1,000 feet, it’s the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere and a symbol of the city’s economic vibrancy and its role as the star of contemporary Kiwi culture. Between the city’s natural and man-made wonders, Auckland’s modern-meets-Maori flavor is on full display.
With its fantastic harbor setting, it should come as no surprise that one household out of every three has a registered boat. The local passion for yachting earned the city its nickname, the “City of Sails.” Gaze out over either harbor at any hour, and you’ll see vessels of all sizes, from massive trade ships to sleek yachts to the Maori waka, the simple, traditional watercrafts that have skimmed these waters for centuries.
Secrets of the Earth on North Island
Part of what makes New Zealand so appealing to nature lovers is the sheer drama of its landscapes. The longest underground walkway in the nation is on North Island in the Ruakuri Caves, first discovered 500 years ago by a young Maori hunter. The Maori dedicated the mouth of the cave as a wahi tipu (burial place), so visitors today descend a spiral staircase that doesn’t disturb the sacred area, entering a world of shadow and light where sandstone seems to drip from the ceiling and walls sparkle with crystal and glowworms.
While Ruakuri hides it splendor underground, the volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park does quite the opposite, with three mountain peaks competing for attention. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the island’s youngest volcano (Ngauruhoe), as well as its largest (Ruapehu), and its most active (mighty Tongariro, which has erupted 70 times).
In Rotorua, mud pools bubble and active geysers blast their watery plumes up to 100 feet in the air as many as 20 times a day. Geothermal hotspots like Rotorua and the nearby Hidden Valley, home of the Orakei Korako Cave, were central to Maori life for centuries, as the natural hot springs acted as resources for cooking, bathing, and heating shelters.
You’ll learn more about Maori life in a visit to the village of Whakarewarewa, where you’ll witness traditional dance, weaving, and grass skirt-making, and sit down to a Hangi Dinner cooked in the nature’s stove: the thermal ground itself.
The Gold Rush & the Wine Boom: Dunedin & Queenstown
For Kiwis who want their outdoor experience enhanced by the most unforgettable vistas, the rugged Otago region on the South Island has it all: rushing rivers cutting through lush forests and crystal clear lakes reflecting soaring mountains. These are the backdrops against which the 1860’s gold rush played out. A visiting prospector who had already made a name for himself in California wrote home that he found a riverbed in which he “saw gold shining like the stars of Orion on a dark frosty night.”
That set off a three-year stampede to the region and led to the rise of towns like Dunedin, which went from colonial outpost to the country’s largest city in two years flat. Visiting Dunedin today, the glories of the 19th century are on display everywhere in the Victorian and Edwardian architecture, especially the elaborately decorated railway station, a curious-looking hybrid that’s part gingerbread house and part royal palace.
The economic rewards of that era also created lovely Queenstown; the most successful gold diggers built homes on the shores of mirror-like Lake Wakatipu. By the end of the rush, the town’s fortunes faltered, the population dwindled and the modest town struggled to find a new industry. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the gorgeous setting itself began to draw New Zealanders back, cementing Queenstown as the recreational hub of the nation with year-round options from skiing to jet-boating. Other South Island Victorian gems like Otago.
But what’s really made the economy sing again has been a boom of a different industry: wine growing. The very first vines here were planted during the gold rush, but then neglected. A few enterprising vintners revived them a century later. In the past 25 years, winemaking has soared, with the number of wineries rising from fewer than a dozen to 112 at last count. Unlike the gold of yore, the grapes are in no danger of running out — and that’s something lucky travelers can raise a glass to.
More South Island Spectacles
Wine lovers aren’t the only ones attracted to the South Island. The harbor of Oamaru, the pretty seaside town lush with beautiful Victorian architecture, is home to a colony of blue penguins. More than 130 make their home here, nesting in burrows dug out by other animals or in man-made structures. Some of them have been breeding here for over 16 years, which is double the average life span of those living in the wild.
Blanketing the island’s Canterbury Plains, you’ll find a little bit of England. In fact, Christchurch – New Zealand’s second largest city – is often regarded as the most British of the country’s cities. It also enjoys its status as the Kiwis’ favorite “Garden City.” Its many colorful and beautifully manicured gardens and parks are a joy to stroll.
Elsewhere, on the magnificent West Coast, the 7.5-mile-long Franz Josef Glacier has crawled toward the sea from the heights of the Southern Alps through the lush greenery of a rainforest. It was a spectacular and unusual sight to the first Europeans who laid eyes on it. But the Maori were intimately familiar with it, calling it Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere, which means “the tears of Hinehukatere.” The name comes from a local legend in which Hinehukatere persuaded her lover, Wawe, to climb in these mountains with her. After an avalanche buried him alive, her countless tears flowed down the mountain and froze to form the glacier we see today.
Melbourne & Sydney Go Head to Head
A decade before that first prospector ever landed in Queenstown, the Australian state of Victoria across the Tasman Sea was having its own gold rush. Discovery of the glittering stone yielded epic wealth and transformed sleepy Melbourne into the richest city in the world and the second largest after London. The Royal Exhibition Building, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, opened here, as did the stock exchange, a bevy of concert halls and grand hotels, and Australia’s first high-rise.
While the region suffered from the end of the gold rush, it never relinquished its role as arts capital of Australia. Sharing their city with 500 live music venues, international film and theatre festivals, and 100 galleries hosting Australia’s largest annual art show, Melburnians think they’re the clear frontrunner when it comes to culture. That’s just one reason it’s Australia’s fastest growing city.
Sydneysiders, as the residents of Sydney call themselves, hear Melbourne’s claims of cultural supremacy and counter with three words: Sydney Opera House. There is simply no more visually iconic concert hall on earth than this harbor-side UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s become an enduring symbol of the city’s cosmopolitan nature since it opened in the 1970s.
Locals also point out that they have something else Melbourne doesn’t: more sunshine (twice as many sunny days a year) which means more time to soak up rays at Bondi Beach or enjoy boat rides across Sydney Harbor. The favorable climate is ideal for a stroll through the historic Rocks area. Its first residents were convicts, but today it is a vibrant (and very law-abiding!) neighborhood of markets, restaurants, and coffee shops. Whether braving a “BridgeClimb” across Harbour Bridge, affectionately called The Coathanger for its arched shape, or strolling the flower-lined pathways of the Royal Botanic Gardens, travelers have made this the most visited city in Australia.
Discover More Down Under
The beauty of your Gate 1 journey to Australia & New Zealand is that you can choose your own experience by adding up to two more destinations. It’s an easy and affordable way to further your explorations.
There’s no place on earth quite like Cairns. Surrounded by tropical rainforest and facing outward to the sea and the Great Barrier Reef, it is a paradise no matter how you look at it (including from space, where the reef is visible). No visit here is complete without cruising by catamaran among a few of the 600 islands that comprise the Inner and Outer Reefs. Every isle casts its own spell but we think you’ll love Green Island, a 6000-year-old coral cay featuring 126 native plant species, vivid tropical birds, and dazzling coral gardens which are home to an endless array of marine life. Back on land, you’ll find a leisurely pace and laid-back charm. Sink your toes into white sand beaches, poke in and out of little shops, or take a dip in the Esplanade and you’ll see why so many Aussies think of Cairns when they hear the world “holiday”.
It’s hard to believe that Ayer’s Rock is in the same country as Cairns, never mind on the same planet. Rising amid the arid “Red Centre” of Australia, the sandstone monolith is known to Aboriginal people as Uluru, and holds a sacred place in their culture. Rising 1,100 feet and running a mile in length, it’s a monster of nature almost too big to take in at one pass; that’s why we’ll make sure you see it twice, once at sunset, and again at morning. You’ll get the Aboriginal perspective when you follow the Mutitjulu Walk around the rocky base, witness Aboriginal rock paintings, and discover handmade goods at the Kata Tjuta Cultural Center.
Join Gate 1 Travel to discover the enormous breadth and richness of New Zealand and Australia, from their indigenous roots to their glittering cities, all while knowing you’ll savor the greatest comfort, the most insightful sightseeing, and the best value.
There’s no denying the friendly feeling you get when you visit Vietnam. A profound sense of humanity and harmony infuses every aspect of this nation. It is also a mysterious and beautiful country – with 2,140 miles of coastline, bays crowded with a maze of limestone towers, French-flavored cities, soaring mountains and a river and delta system that hosts a rich array of wildlife and supports an ancient rural way of life. Gate 1 travelers witness it all in the most enriching manner possible.
Ho Chi Minh City: French Colonial Splendor and Colorful Markets
Named for Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh City has deep roots in Southeast Asian culture and history. Yet this stunning city – the former Saigon – strikes a very French pose with its wide boulevards and glorious architecture, holdovers from the hundred-year French occupation that ended in 1955. The twin-spired, neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Basilica was built with materials imported from France. The Saigon Opera House carries echoes of the Petit Palais in Paris. Even the Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel after he erected his famous tower, stands as a stately remnant of the French.
Captivating though these are, the city’s most colorful and mesmerizing experiences are found in its markets, where you’ll soak in the true Vietnam. Dong Khoi Street, the main shopping thoroughfare, captures the pulse of the city with its colorful shops and aromatic food stalls. And at the bustling and intoxicating indoor emporium of Ben Thanh Market, an architectural beauty in its own right, all things Vietnamese can be found, from handicrafts to ao dai, the traditional silk tunic worn by women. But perhaps the most unique markets in the Ho Chi Minh area are the ones that float. Boat excursions from nearby Bach Dang Pier lead into a fascinating maze of canals, where ancient houses and canal-side stalls are orbited by traditional longboats laden with all manner of goods and produce plucked from local farms.
The Mekong Delta: Ancient Waterworld
Ho Chi Minh City is the gateway to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s vast and astonishingly beautiful network of waterways that spill into the South China Sea from the fabled Mekong River. River cruises are the most awe-inspiring way to connect with this forgotten world of stilt houses, narrow sampan boats, and locals sporting non la, the traditional straw hat.
In and around Cai Be Harbor, more than 500 vendors gather in boats and at dockside stalls to sell fruits, vegetables and handmade wares. It’s an intoxicating atmosphere, all unfolding in the shadow of the massive French Gothic Cathedral. More French influence lines the Mekong’s shores further upstream toward Sa Dec and the border city of Chau Doc. Here, old colonial mansions and merchant homes hug the river’s banks, boasting of a once-powerful empire.
Hoi An: A Journey Back to Ancient Asia
There is no place in the world like Hoi An, a remarkably preserved Southeast Asia trading port. The buildings and streets of its Old Quarter remain much as they were more than 500 years ago. As far back as the 8th century, when the Champa people called this place home, a thriving spice trade infused unprecedented wealth into the region. Much later, a vibrant trade with Japan, China, India and Holland lured settlers here from those countries. The city’s famous, bright-red Japanese Covered Bridge still straddles the canal that once led to the Japanese settlement.
With such a rich past, it’s easy to understand why Hoi An is an important UNESCO World Heritage Site. The spirit of its origins live on in the fascinating Old Quarter as artisans fashion paper lanterns and residents carry goods in wicker baskets hanging from sticks slung over shoulders. The Phuoc Kien Pagoda is one of the city’s more flamboyant structures. Built in 1692, today it serves as an Assembly Hall for locals.
Hue: A Once Great Capital
Though Hue was the capital of Vietnam for only 143 years, from 1802 to 1945, its cultural influence on the region has been immeasurable. This may be because the Nguyen Dynasty that ruled from here constructed such a vast and imposing complex of palaces and fortresses. Their Imperial City, badly damaged during the Tet Offensive of 1968, has undergone remarkable restoration. Its most notable structures are the 1.5-mile wall that surrounds it, the Imperial Enclosure, Thai Hoa Palace (or the Hall of Supreme Harmony), Hall of the Mandarins and the Forbidden Purple City, named after its Chinese counterpart. One especially priceless feature of the city are the Nine Dynastic Urns that stand in a row before the The Mieu Temple, specially cast in 1836 to celebrate the sovereignty of the dynasty.
Halong Bay: A String of Limestone Pearls
Halong Bay is arguably one of the world’s most scenic places. More than 3,000 islands rise from its shimmering waters, many of them several hundred feet in elevation. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is shrouded in myth and legend. According to one tale, the many islands were formed in Vietnam’s earliest days when it was vulnerable to invaders. The gods sent dragons to this coastline to protect the new country and they spat out jade and other jewels into the water. These precious stones linked together to protect the land from enemies approaching by sea. In another story, these towering islands suddenly appeared from the depths of the water in front of oncoming ships, leaving the enemy to crash into their rocky shores.
Sailing among this breathtaking archipelago is every traveler’s dream. The karst cliffs dwarf our ship, a traditional junk. Floating fishing villages cling to the shores of some islands and inviting sandy beaches line the shores of others. Within many of the hulking rocks, vast and echoing caves have a history all their own – each one a wonder of hanging stalactites, soaring stalagmites and small waterfalls.
Hanoi: The 1,000-Year-Old Capital
Hanoi recently celebrated its 1,000th birthday. For much of its history, it has been the political and cultural capital of the country, save for the brief period from 1802 to 1945 when Hue held that title during the Nguyen Dynasty. During the nation’s more turbulent times, it was the capital of French Indochina (1902-1954) and of North Vietnam (1954-1976).
Like in Ho Chi Minh City, the city’s French colonial influence is prevalent in the glorious architecture. But more than 50 ethnic groups have also shaped Hanoi and the surrounding region; many of their stories and cultural relics are on exhibit at the Museum of Ethnology. But perhaps nowhere is the nation’s heritage more dramatically represented than in the world-renowned water puppetry that originated here. These fascinating shows are performed over a pool of water, depicting ancient folktales and long-cherished lore set to traditional music and Cheo, a form of opera.
So Many Ways to Explore Vietnam with Gate 1 Travel
By land or by water, Gate 1 Travel offers so many ways to experience Vietnam. Our Classic Vietnam program shows you the best of all the major cities, including Halong Bay. You can also combine explorations of this remarkable country with time in its neighboring countries throughout Southeast Asia: Cambodia,Thailand, and Laos. And to witness life along the Mekong River, embark one of our thrilling river cruises. These enriching journeys feature glimpses of village and city life along this legendary waterway, with hotel stays in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon); the Cambodian city of Siem Reap, gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat; and Thailand’s temple-strewn capital of Bangkok.
No matter how you choose to explore Vietnam with Gate 1 Travel, you’ll enjoy comfortable accommodations every step of the way, the expert and welcoming services of our Tour Managers, and generous features that bring the local culture to life – all at the Gate 1 value you know and love.
We hope to see you in Vietnam!
