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Condé Nast World Savers Congress: China Panel

October 9, 2008 in In the News, WildChina on the Web by Emma | 1 comment

You may not know it, but Mark Twain and Matt Damon have something in common: a belief that travel can bridge divisions between cultures and broaden our horizons. Twain once said that “travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, ” and Matt Damon echoed this idea in his opening statement for the recent Condé Nast World Savers Congress.

Dedicated to honoring organizations and individuals that use the $8 trillion dollar tourism industry as an avenue for positive change in the world, the World Savers Congress brings travel professionals, philanthropists, activists, and changemakers together to honor those who are exemplary examples of the power that the travel industry can have for good.

WildChina’s CEO Albert Ng was invited to be on a panel to discuss the future of travel in China. Also on the panel was the distinguished Orville Schell, Director of the Center on U.S.-China Relations at the Asia Society, Barbara Finamore, the Beijing-based Director of the National Resource Defense Council’s China Program, and a representative from the Marriott International Hotel Group.

Albert Ng @ Conde Nast World Savers Congress - photo courtesy of Elliott Ng\'s flickr page

Albert Ng at the Condé Nast World Savers Congress: China Panel

Photo courtesy of Elliott Ng. (his excellent post on the panel can be found here)

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Some Helpful China Information

September 3, 2008 in In the News by Emma | No comments

Here’s a great resource for anyone thinking about traveling to China from Peter Greenberg’s travel blog. Peter is a well-respected travel authority who often appears on NBC’s Today Show and also produces and appears in a variety of travel segments.

This post goes into detail about food, customs, culture shock, and more. If you’re familiar with China and have lived or traveled here, you’ll probably know everything they share, but for people who are China-novices it’s a thorough introduction.

Happy reading!

Want to Visit Lhasa? Now’s the Time.

August 26, 2008 in On the Road, Travel Tips, WildChina Travel Guide by Emma | No comments

The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, China

Working for a travel company, people often ask me where they should visit in China. While it always depends on the season and the situation, right now I’ve got a clear favorite: Tibet.

Normally, May – September is peak tourist season in Tibet, yet this year travel to this region has  diminished considerably, due to factors like visa restrictions and the March riots (People’s Daily).

However, our local partner on the ground in Lhasa has told us that most sites in Tibet are open and ready for visitors, with the Drepung Monastery just re-opened today in time for the annual Shoton Festival.

There have always been guidelines for traveling to Tibet – foreigners must have a guide at all times, can only stay at star-rated hotels, and need proper permits – but these are easily met, and the breathtaking landscape and incredible people make this trip unforgettable.

If you’re interested in traveling to Tibet, check out a sample WildChina itinerary here.

Olympic Updates and Beijing Travel Tips

August 5, 2008 in Travel Tips, What We're Reading, WildChina Travel Guide by Emma | 2 comments

With the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics less than 3 days away, Beijing is gearing up for an incredible couple of weeks of games, celebrations, and international goodwill. Here at WildChina, we’re incredibly excited about the Games, and the spotlight they’ll bring to the city we call home.

At the same time, the torch relay and athletic events occurring here in China’s capital add an extra dimension of planning for anyone touring Beijing in August. Here’s a quick overview of a few of the changes we’re aware of:

1.         The torch relay from August 5th(today!) to 8th will involve the China Millennium Monument(中华世纪坛), Temple of Heaven, the Badaling Great Wall, and Jinshan Park. During this time, sites will be closed partially or entirely, and trips there may be difficult.

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