FREE'N'EASY - afl-asia. · PDF fileSHICHAHAI SHADOW ART HOTEL Package Price: AUD 437/PP...

KEY DESTINATIONS

BEIJINGXI'ANSHANGHAIGUILIN & YANGSHUOCHENGDULIJIANG

2016-2017

QUICK GETAWAYS

AND SPECIAL EXPERIENCES

INSIDE!

CHINAFREE'N'EASY

2 | China Free'n'Easy

Your Road, Your WayAFL Asia are excited to partner with an Australian owned and Shanghai based Destination Management Company (DMC), Freedom Road Destinations to provide all members, their friends and families with a selection of travel experiences within China and throughout the Asia region.

We have negotiated some great rates that also include competitive airfares to/from Australia. This exciting partnership is about providing members, family and friends not only with a reliable booking platform for all your travel needs but also it will provide AFL Asia with some additional revenue and create a sustainable way for us to grow and develop both local players and the game within the greater Asia region.

Yours sincerelyGrant Keys, AFL President

China Free'n'Easy | 3

Introduction to ChinaChina is a vast country, a kaleidoscope of people, cultures, customs and landscapes. Although the present day People’s Republic of China only dates back to 1949, records spanning 5000 years show that China has had a long economic and cultural history, with warring states unifying and dividing multiple times. However throughout its turbulent history this country has had periods of immense cultural learning, artistic creativity and religious and philosophical development. Importantly China also expanded early continental trade routes, with the Han Dynasty (207 BC - 220 AD) breaking ground for what would become the famous Silk Road trade route to India.

China’s culture is considered to be the oldest living

culture in the world. Her rich history of trade, arts and culture, combined with the diversity of ethnic groups and their individual food and customs, makes China one of the most interesting places on earth to visit. Travel through China and you will not only re-live its history, you will understand how this immense country was born from small tribal states with their own languages and lives, how it evolved through centuries of upheaval, unification, and then liberation in 1949, to become the People's Republic of China.

From the immense modern city of Shanghai to the culturally rich Beijing, from the mountains in Xinjiang to the rice terraces of Guilin, China is a world in itself just waiting to be explored.

Beijing

Seoul

Shanghai

Hong KongTaipei

Xi'an

Tokyo

Bangkok

Ho Chi Minh

Ulanbataar

Wangjianglou Pagoda

A Pedestrian Street in Chengdu Terracotta Warriors


I am not the same, having seen

the moon shine on the other side of the world."

MARY ANNE RADMACHER

Forbidden City, Beijing


Welcome to Freedom Road Travel Free & Easy,

As a 100% foreign owned travel company in China, we constantly strive to provide above and beyond international service standards through our intuitive and innovative approach. We believe it is important to make sure all of our customers feel like VIPs throughout their journey, whether they be travelling with family, friends or a new acquaintance they have met along the road.

Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai are three of China’s most visited destinations, but they still hold much to be discovered. Go from hiking along the pristine Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, to learning local dishes in Beijing’s bustling markets. Or take a water cruise through Shanghai’s ancient water towns, before taking a tai chi class under expert tutelage. At Freedom Road Travel, we want to show you the real China that’s beyond the typical destinations. We look forward to seeing you on our intriguing Free & Easy tours.

As an Australian who has lived in China for more than 20 years, I am still constantly surprised by this awesome country; by the stunning places you can visit and the amazing people you can share experiences with. There’s a variety of landscapes, cultural richness and history in China, more than what most of us would imagine, that’s just waiting to be uncovered. This is the goal of Freedom Road Travel - to share China and all its wonder with the rest of the world.

This is my Freedom Road --- What’s Yours?

David Keir

CEO Welcome

Shanghai at sunset


CONTENTSTable of

1

22 Responsible Travel

23 FRT Style

26 Terms & Conditions

1 1

BEIJING

SHANGHAI

LIJIANG

XI'AN

CHENGDU

GUILIN& YANGSHUO

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, and

that has made all the difference."


ROBERT FROST


SHANGHAI PACKAGES12 @HENGSHAN

PENINSULA HOTEL

FAIRMONT PEACE HOTEL

THE PULI

PARK HOTEL

THE LANGHAM

Package Price: AUD 573/PP






PREFFERED ACCOMODATION

PACKAGES INCLUDED HALF DAY TOUR : Best of Shanghai

Start the morning with a walk on The Bund, a popular waterfront surrounded by stunning views of the modern skyline, soaring over one bank of the serene Huangpu River, and the old world Art Deco

buildings standing at your back, curving with the bend of the river bank.

Then, take a tour through the Shanghai Museum, which has a collection of over 120,000 pieces of ancient Chinese art, ranging from bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, jades, paintings, minority and foreign art and so much more. Its halls even hold several works of rare, national importance, such as one of the three existing “transparent” bronze mirrors from the Han Dynasty.

End the tour with some time spent exploring Yuyuan Garden and the Old Town area around it. Yuyuan Garden, dating back to 1559, is one of the restored features of Shanghai’s Old Town. The Garden, heavily influenced by classical Suzhou garden design, holds more than 40 traditional halls, towers, pagodas, and pavilions. Many are surrounded by jade ponds and lush trees, all connected by stone walkways cut through rock gardens and set above water.

The published price is per person, based on 2 people, twin sharing. The published prices are NOT valid for high seasons and public holidays. The prices stated can only be indicative and may be adjusted based on the travelling period and the number of travellers in your group. Please indicate your preferred travelling dates and number of travellers,we will be happy to provide you with the exact prices.


PACKAGE INCLUDES:• 2 nights accommodation with breakfast• Half day city tour with private car and personal guide

who will take you from and to your hotel

2 Nights and 1 Half-Day Tour

Included

OPTIONAL HALF DAY CITY TOURS

OPTIONAL FULL DAY EXCURSIONS

SOMETHING SPECIAL

See The Bund glitter in the Huangpu River as darkness falls and the lights turn on in Shanghai’s premier cultural district. When you’re back on The Bund, you can take a guided stroll through the waterfront’s cosmopolitan history.

Find Hangzhou’s peace and quiet at a secluded Zen temple retreat full of pagodas and grottoes, a Longjing tea plantation, and the world famous West Lake, which has been admired for more than 2,000 years as a site of year-round beauty.

Suzhou, founded in 514 BC, earns the nickname “Venice of the East” with its meticulously laid and tended canals, gardens, stone bridges, and pagodas, all in traditional style, all amidst a modern jewel of a city.

Cruise through Shanghai’s ancient water towns, Zhujiajiao and Qibao, and enjoy the sound of softly splashing water as you glide beneath quiet, old stone bridges and wooden balconies. Then, taste and see the town's local culture on its historical streets.

Discover Shanghai’s storied backroads and alleys from the sidecar of a purring vintage motorcycle. Just tell the driver what you’re interested in, or tell them to surprise you, and they’ll tailor the tour specifically to you.

Zhang Yi has studied Chinese martial arts his whole life and now teaches out of his Wu Kung Fu Centre. Let his wealth of knowledge, experience and passion guide you through the ancient world of Chinese martial arts.

Learn the fundamentals of Shanghainese flavors and ingredients, how to pick them and how to bargain for them. Then head to the kitchen for a hands-on workshop on Chinese cooking techniques and methodologies.

On this unique walking tour, discover the storied past of Shanghai that’s tucked away in the city’s small streets and old neighborhoods. The guides are experts on Shanghai’s storied families and famous expats.

Get a vivid picture of a neighborhood that’s been changing since its old world villas were new world villas. Explore Art Deco apartments, boutique cafes on small main streets, and even smaller alleys where some have lived for generations.

HUANGPU CRUISE & BUND TOUR

TRANQUIL HANGZHOU

EXPERIENCE TAI CHI

VENICE OF THE EAST

VINTAGE SIDECAR TOUR WET MARKET & COOKING CLASS

ZHUJIAJIAO & QIBAO

LOST SHANGHAI CORNERS CLASSIC FRENCH CONCESSION


Price: AUD 180/PP

Price: AUD 418/PP

Price: AUD 191/PP

Price: AUD 140/PP

Price: AUD 306/PP

Price: AUD 242/PP

Price: AUD 77/PP

Price: AUD 223/PP

Price: AUD 89/PP


BEIJING PACKAGESCROWNE PLAZA WANGFUJING

RED WALL GARDEN HOTEL

PENTAHOTEL BEIJING

REGENT BEIJING HOTEL

RAFFLES BEIJING

SHICHAHAI SHADOW ART HOTEL








PACKAGES INCLUDED HALF DAY TOUR : Tiananmen, Forbidden City & Jingshan Park

Built in 1651, Tiananmen Square has a long history that intersects with many major moments in the country’s history. Just beyond Tiananmen Square is the Forbidden City, encircled by

a breathtaking moat and full of stunning ancient architecture and artifacts.

Stand in the central courtyard of the Forbidden City and you will see nothing but elegantly sloped buildings among a breathtaking landscape that looks more fantastic than anything a movie might recreate.

Right behind Forbidden City is Jingshan Park, an artificial hill made with the soil dug out to make the moat. In the park, you’ll not only get great elevated views of the Forbidden City and Beijing, but also a great look into the lives of locals who go to the park every day to socialize, enjoy nature and above all else relax.





Included




SOMETHING SPECIAL

Explore the city’s ancient history of academics in old lecture halls, archery ranges, and tree-lined courtyards. Lama Temple, Confucius Temple and the Imperial Academy were iconic in shaping Beijing’s brainscape, and they each hold their own uniquely Chinese philosophy.

Explore 14th century courtyard houses, sacred temples, and stone lanes from the Qing and Ming dynasties. Interact with some of the local villagers to learn about the historical enclave firsthand.

At the Chaoyang Acrobatics Theatre Show, you’ll see jaw-dropping contortionists, lion dancing, fire eaters, and more than your fair share of circus acts, daredevil feats, and artistic acts that bridge the gap between the past and present.

The Great Wall One Day Hike will give you an unprecedented journey along the untouched and untoured parts of the wall, all to yourself, as it gracefully snakes up and down hillsides that stretch as far as the eye can see.

An expert chef and tour guide will take you on a fun and educational market tour of China’s unique ingredients and condiments. You’ll see and taste new flavors that you can to add to your own kitchen repertoire.

Beijing Opera combines elegant stylings with exaggerated expression and symbolic meaning through singing, action, dialogue, acrobatics, mime, and costume/makeup. It all makes for a very bright, and vivid audio-visual experience that will be hard to forget.

See pristine parapets lining the ridges of sloping, forested hills that are crossed with deep blue streams. Then, visit the lakeside Summer Palace, a vacation house made for China's last empress.

In Beijing’s old neighborhoods, traditional courtyard houses connected by narrow stone-paved alleyways have been transformed from residences to hubs of history and culture for visitors and locals alike. Enjoy markets, browse handicrafts, and learn some local history.

Temple of Heaven is a masterfully landscaped and ornately designed 15th century structure that embodies the same architecture of the Forbidden City. Lama Temple holds a Buddha (18m) from Tibet, carved from a single piece of white sandalwood.

ANCIENT BEIJING ACADEMICS

CHUANDIXIA VILLAGE

CHAOYANG ACROBATICS THEATRE SHOW

GREAT WALL ONE DAY HIKE

MARKET TOUR & COOKING CLASS NIGHT AT THE BEIJING OPERA

MUTIANYU GREAT WALL & SUMMER PALACE

HUTONG TOUR TEMPLE OF HEAVEN & LAMA TEMPLE

Price: AUD 180/PP

Price: AUD 246/PP

Price: AUD 64/PP

Price: AUD 153/PP

Price: AUD 229/PP

Price: AUD 102/PP

Price: AUD 180/PP

Price: AUD 214/PP

Price: AUD 64/PP

XI'AN PACKAGESSOFITEL ON RENMIN SQUARE

THE WESTIN

SHERATON

HILTON XI'AN

CROWNE PLAZA

ZUOYOU KE

BOUTIQUE








PACKAGES INCLUDED HALF DAY TOUR : Terracotta Warriors & Big Wild Goose Pagoda

See one of the world’s greatest archaeological finds: an entire army, from foot soldiers to cavalry and generals, recreated 2,200 years ago as lifelike, life-sized and individually unique clay statues. The Terracotta

Warriors in Xi’an still stand in a vast formation of more than 8,000 statues, waiting in their pits for the emperor they were buried with, who they were to follow into the afterlife. Instead, they just stand, astoundingly well preserved, spectacular to look at, even with their decayed paintjobs.

Then explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China and an architectural marvel of cement-less brick construction that soars to 64 meters. It remains a holy place for Buddhists, since it’s history goes back to 652, and holds a great number of religious artifacts from India. The square around the pagoda is expansive and beautiful, making for a great sight and a great place for people to gather.






Included



SOMETHING SPECIAL

Explore the treasure-filled cave network of the Longmen Grottoes. Its largest cave holds its tallest Buddha statue (17m), looking over the calm Luo River in stoic grace. Then visit the worldwide symbol of martial arts: the Shaolin Temple.

Rent a bike and cruise along one of the world’s oldest, largest (14km long), and longest surviving ancient defense structures while enjoying spectacular city views. Then learn about the city’s Muslim population, revolving around the Muslim Quarter and Grand Mosque.

Cable car up to Mt. Hua’s stunning North Peak, then explore its four other main peaks, home to a number of temples, shrines and pavilions amidst sweeping yellow stone slopes draped with carpets of thick forest.

After the City Walls, explore the Han Yang Ling Mausoleum, where Emperor Jing and his Empress Wang were buried around 2,000 years ago. All the excessive riches and ritual they were buried with have been excellently preserved.

If the Morning Market & Breakfast Tour wasn’t enough for you, you can dive from there right into the Evening Food Tour. Ride in a private tuk-tuk to 4-5 authentic tasting locations, all while getting unlimited beer and soda.

Taste a Xi'an morning on this Morning Market & Breakfast Tour with an expert tour guide taking you through 5-6 authentic tasting locations while they give you a rundown of the unique Xi'an flavors and ingredients.

Cruise along rural roads and through Xi’an’s beautiful plateau scenery. Your tour guide will introduce you to a master of paper-crafts and a traditional blacksmith who forges ancient weapons and farm tools, so you can learn a bit of their craft while he shares some history.

LONGMEN GROTTOES & SHAOLIN TEMPLE

CITY WALLS & MUSLIM XI'AN

MORNING MARKET & BREAKFAST TOUR

HUASHAN NATIONAL PARK

CITY WALLS & HAN YANGLING MAUSOLEUM

EVENING FOOD TOUR SIDECAR TOUR - CRAFTSMEN

Price: AUD 355/PP

Price: AUD 80/PP

Price: AUD 77/PP

Price: AUD 300/PP

Price: AUD 116/PP

Price: AUD 89/PP Price: AUD 286/PP


GUILIN & YANGSHUOSHERATON GUILIN

SHANGRILA

BRAVO HOTEL

LIJIANG WATERFALL

THE WHITE HOUSE HOTEL

GUILIN SHUIYUEGE BOUTIQUE HOTEL


PACKAGES INCLUDED HALF DAY TOUR : Guilin Halfday

Take a guided tour through Guilin’s best city sights, from the luminous stalactites and reflecting waters of Reed Flute Cave to unique rock formations with panoramic city views.

The first stop of the tour is Fubo Hill, also called Wave-Subduing Hill, which stands high and alone, one flat side over water and the other rounded side over land,

like an overgrown monolith with a tearoom, shrines, Buddhist statues, and a cloister carved right into its sides. Next is a walk through the Reed Flute Cave, which is estimated to be 180 million years old. Then the tour ends with a panoramic city view at the top of Elephant Hill, a weathered rock formation that looks like an enormous elephant with one foot in the river.









BOUTIQUE




Included



SOMETHING SPECIAL

Take a tour of Yangshuo market to learn the local flavors and ingredients. Then learn five local dishes either in a traditional farmhouse, right out in the beautiful countryside, or right on the scenic Li River.

With your hands on the handlebars, this might be the best adventure Yangshuo has to offer. Take a beautiful ride through of Yangshuo’s famous, paradisiacal bike trails as they wind along rivers, villages, mountains, past terraces, plains, and much more.

Tour the Li River’s bends and banks as you follow the current to Liugong Village. Idle in the sun, before a breathtaking vista, or cool off with a swim. Take your time, because the cold beer or snack in Liugong will wait for your arrival.

YANGSHUO BIKE TRAILS COOKING CLASS IN YANGSHUO LI RIVER KAYAKING


The Longji Rice Terraces embody a unique harmony between humans and nature, making for a magnificent sight of graceful, curving slivers of water, all coiled and stratified around verdant mountainsides, like shining scales on a green dragon’s back.

The Li River is a source of life and beauty that has left an indelible mark on ancient folklores. Hear its jade waters gently splash against the cruise ship as it winds through lush jungle and among soft, curvaceous mountains.

Glide just over the Li River’s tranquil waters on an elegantly simple bamboo raft as soft green peaks pass high above you, until you float your way around the bend to the historic Xingping Ancient Village for lunch.

LONGJI RICE TERRACES LI RIVER CRUISE BAMBOO RAFT TO THE ANCIENT VILLAGE OF XINGPING

Price: AUD 306/PP Price: AUD 273/PP Price: AUD 446/PP

Price: AUD 56/PP


Wander on stone paths through traditional courtyards and over arched stone bridges in Daxu Village, one of China’s best preserved ancient villages dating back to 200 AD. Then, explore the Crown Cave’s glowing, watery, and unforgettably beautiful depths.

From Mount Yao’s summit, the highest peak in all of Guilin, you can see the sun break through clouds and against mountains for miles. After the cable car ride down, see a tea plantation to learn what goes into every cup of Longjing or jasmine tea.

DAXU ANCIENT VILLAGE AND CROWN CAVE YAO MOUNTAIN & TEA PLANTATION


LIJIANG PACKAGESLIJIANG LIMAN WENZHI NO.1 HOTEL

BANYAN TREE

INTERCONTINENTAL

THE BIVOU

INDIGO

LUX TEA HORSE ROAD LIJIANG


PACKAGES INCLUDED HALF DAY TOUR (OPTION 1): Lijiang Old Town and Black Dragon Pool

Enjoy this grand tour of Lijiang’s best sights, from Mufu Mansion, Lijiang’s ‘Forbidden City’, to the clear waters of Black Dragon Pool Park. As you take in these sights and more, learn about the historic Naxi and Dongba cultures.








18 | | China Free'n'Easy




Included

PACKAGES INCLUDED HALF DAY TOUR (OPTION 2): Baisha Village


SOMETHING SPECIAL

All excursions include private car and personal guide who will take you from and to your hotel.

All excursions include private car and personal guide who will take you from and to your hotel.

Cap off a Lijiang evening with a traditional show of Taoist temple music inside a beautiful old town building. Hear songs from the Han, Song and Tang dynasties in their original forms and with their original instruments.

NAXI MUSIC PERFORMANCE

Go deep into Baisha Village’s culture and history on this tour. The Baisha murals, which took 300 years to finish, are a stunning fusion of Naxi, Han, and Tibetan culture that are not to be missed. Then, learn about traditional Chinese medicine from Dr. Ho.

Price: AUD 117/PP

Witness the surreal Spruce Meadow, a clearing of turquoise water with magnificent mountain and valley views at 3000m altitude. Admire Baisha Village’s murals, painted over 1,000 years ago, blending Tibetan, Han, and Naxi culture.

Lose yourself in Tiger Leaping Gorge—the “Grand Canyon of Yunnan”—with its twisting teal river that snakes between verdant terraced mountain sides, decked with an abundance of misty waterfalls and beautiful vistas.

JADE SNOW DRAGON MOUNTAIN & BELOW TIGER LEAPING GORGE


China Free'n'Easy || 19

CHENGDU PACKAGESBUDDHA ZEN HOTEL

SHANGRILA

THE HOTEL ZEN URBAN RESORT

THE TEMPLE HOUSE

SOFITEL

SHERATON


PACKAGES INCLUDED HALF DAY TOUR : Panda Breeding Centre

20 | | China Free'n'Easy







Tour a panda breeding center with a professional panda keeper who will show you the adult and baby pandas while teaching you about panda health, behavior, mating habits, and of course how to properly handle them.





Included



SOMETHING SPECIAL

First, visit the thousand-year-old Qingyang Palace, and admire its Eight Trigrams Pavilion, built without nails or wedges. Then visit the home and museum of Du Fu, a famous Tang Dynasty poet.

Take in the colossal Leshan Giant Buddha, carved out of a riverside cliff almost two thousand years ago. It sits 71-metres high, nestled in an overgrown nook, casting a red stone stoic expression over tranquil waters.

The Bifeng Gorge is filled with beautiful forest, waterfalls, a beautiful river snaking through it all, well-maintained paths all along the way, and pandas. Visit a panda reserve that’s home to more than 20 giant pandas.

Stretch your legs while treating your eyes with a scenic 1-hour hike to Chen Jia Xiang Village. After enjoying a homemade lunch and the company of local villagers, head to Huanglongxi Ancient Town.

Explore Chengdu’s oldest temples and streets, from the Wuhou Temple, built during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280), to Old Jinli Street, dating back to 221BC as the city’s commercial hub and the place to buy ornate fabrics.

Take a guided tour through Chengdu’s most bold, modern buildings. Then explore the historic Kuan-Zhai Lane before relaxing in People’s Park at Heming Tea House, a beautiful, open air tea house in classical Chinese style.

HALF DAY CITY TOUR - OPTION 1

LESHAN GIANT BUDDHA BIFENG GORGE: TREKKING & PANDAS

HIKING & HUANGLONGXI

HALF DAY CITY TOUR - OPTION 2 WALKING TOUR + TEA TASTING

Price: AUD 158/PP

Price: AUD 227/PP

Price: AUD 156/PP

Price: AUD 238/PP

Price: AUD 99/PP

Price: AUD 179/PP

China Free'n'Easy | | 21

This unique cooking class will not only give you hands-on learning experience on how to mix your own Sichuan-Tibetan flavors and dishes, but also a rich, personal story-driven history of China from your instructor, born in 1950s China.

This gastro tour takes you through Chengdu’s local, family-owned flavors via private tuktuk with an experienced guide. The tour also includes unlimited beer and drinks.

COOKING HISTORY CLASS CHENGDU EVENING FOOD TOUR



RESPONSIBLE Travel

Maintaining integrity and upholding principles of sustainable development is core to our travel company ethos and to us. Our values are ingrained in the culture of our business and in the design of our private and group tours. The people, their customs and the local environments at each destination are all

considered when planning itineraries and conducting tours. Freedom Road Travel expects the same level of standards from all our travel partners across China.

Our mission statement “to make the world a better place by enabling wonderful experiences” extends to everyone in the Freedom Road Travel environment; our clients (before, during and after travel), our staff, travel partners and, importantly, the people and destinations we visit.

Here at Freedom Road Travel we support local communities and businesses by engaging local tour guides, businesses and experts wherever possible, contributing to local employment as well as ensuring our travellers gain a true insight into the local lives, customs and values of the places they visit.

We ask all visitors to respect the different cultures and customs, to be aware of the environment, and to take the time to try the foods or locals goods unique to the area. Our travel tours are, by design, low impact on the environment due to keeping groups smaller allowing us to focus on providing an immersive experience with small vehicles and local accommodation.

Freedom Road Travel strongly believes in giving back to the communities that we are a part of. We are proud to be a platinum sponsor of the Australian Shanghai Association, a volunteer organisation that raises funds and resources for those in need in Shanghai and rural areas of China. For details go to www.australian-shanghai-association.org

A Delicious Peking Duck Meal

Rafting against the landscapes of Guilin

Wuhou Temple in Chengdu

The Summer Palace in Beijing

Yuyuan Garden at Night


WHAT MAKES US Different?

A t Freedom Road Travel, we take pride in our experiential approach to travel. We understand that every one of our clients is different.

They are each on a unique journey, have their own preferences, and set their own goals for travel.

We are passionate about travel and sharing the best experiences from our own adventures. This is why we put our personal touches into the journeys we tailor for our clients.

Whether you are travelling in a group, as a family or on your own, we respect your preferences and objectives. We listen to our customers and make sure all their needs are catered for, and everyone is treated as a VIP.

Our respect for the ‘individual’ extends to the amazing places we go and people we meet along the way, each being an important element of your journey. Freedom Road Travel focuses on making each day a new exciting experience, be it a guide explaining the history and customs, a chef presenting the regional specialty, or a local craftsman showing his trade.

We really listen to you when we ask: “What is your Freedom Road?”

Landscape of the Li River

Wild Goose Pagoda

Travel makes one modest. You see

what a tiny place you occupy in the world."

Giant Buddha of Leshan


GUSTAVE FLAUBERT


A GUIDE to cuisines around China

For those who haven’t taken a holiday to China, it can be easy to fall into the trap of believing that Chinese cuisine is as we’ve experienced it at home: beef & black bean, kung pao chicken,

spring rolls, and prawn crackers served up in plastic Tupperware containers when you’re feeling too lazy to cook. In truth, Chinese cuisine is as diverse as the people who call this sprawling country home. The food you sample is influenced not only by the people who prepare it and their cultural background but also by the ingredients and cooking techniques that are prevalent in the area.

While it would be impossible to catalogue the width and breadth of Chinese cuisine, below we’ve highlighted a few of the most distinctive and interesting.

CANTONESEFor many people, Cantonese cuisine comes closest to what they’re familiar with. True Cantonese cuisine takes into account the region’s importance as a trade port, with meats both traditional and non-traditional being a big part of the region’s palette. If you want to try snake, chicken’s feet or frog – Cantonese food is for you.

Stir fries, dim sum (small, bite-sized portions

of food), congee, and roast meats are popular examples of Cantonese cuisine. The popular ‘yum cha’ method of dining – to eat many small dishes while drinking tea - originates here. Cantonese cuisine is widespread in China but has its roots in southern cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

SICHUANFamed for its tongue-numbing peppercorn and spicy flavours, Sichuan (sometimes known as Szechuan cuisine) is rich in ginger, peppers, and bold flavours.

It is here that well-known dishes such as Kung Pao chicken, Sichuan hotpot, twice-cooked pork, and mapo tofu can be experienced as they were intended.

Not for the faint of heart, the intense flavours of Sichuan cuisine are almost at odds with the serenity of the province that is home to adorable pandas and beautiful national parks.

HUNANLike Sichuan cuisine, Hunan’s cuisine is famed for its fiery heat and intensity but prides itself on being ‘truly hot’ with a dry heat rather than the contrasting flavours of Sichuan’s foods.

contactus freedomroaddestinations.com

Mutianyu section of The Great Wall

SHANGHAISuite C3, 10/F JuneYao

Plaza 789 Zhaojiabang Road Xuhui District

200032 P.R China.Toll Free: 4008 219 156

International Calls: +86 21 6091 2468

ueen Street risbane, LD, nternational Calls

Level , ork Street, Sydney, SW Australia

. nternational Calls

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