ADVENTURE TRAVEL: Carol Park and other Amazing Bucharest Natural Places

ADVENTURE TRAVEL: Carol Park and other Amazing Bucharest Natural Places
By Jorge Jefferds December 11, 2015

When we think of nature in a city like Bucharest, we always look forward to visiting castles like the one owned by Count Dracula. This time, however, the idea is to enjoy the Christmas breeze that dominates this lovely city, and there are three famous natural spots where the visit is a must.

A Sunny Day in Carol Park

Carol Park
Also named Liberty Park, it is a public attraction in Bucharest, Romania, named after King Carol I of Romania. A French garden located in the southern-central area of Bucharest, partly on Filaret hill, originally capable of hosting various exhibitions, it suffered considerable modifications during the communist regime, including a name change. Aside from its beautiful vegetation and panoramic views, the park also includes several monuments, such as a Mausoleum, the Cantacuzino Fountain (built in 1870), another fountain Fântâna Minelor și Carierelor (1906), the Giants' Statues, the Zodiac Fountain (1934), the Technical Museum (first opened in 1909), a monument in the shape of a small mosque built in 1923 as a sign of reconciliation. Also in the park are the open-air Roman Arena, and the Astronomical Institute of the Romanian Academy.

The Mausoleum

Herastrau Park
This is a large park situated on the northern side of Bucharest, Romania, around Lake Herăstrău, one of the lakes formed by the Colentina River. Initially, the area was full of marshes, but these were drained between 1930 and 1935, and the park had to be re-opened in 1936. The park is divided into two zones: a rustic or natural zone (the Village Museum), which is left more or less undisturbed, and a public active domain with open areas for recreation activities. Small boats are allowed on the lake. Several buildings are found within the Herăstrău Park. The most notable is the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, an open-air exhibition center showcasing traditional life of the Romanian peasant and having hundreds of houses from across Romania. Scattered across the park are an outdoor theater, a yacht club, a sports club, the Herăstrău Hotel and, adjunct to the park, the Diplomatic Club, featuring a golf course.

Boating in the Herastrau Park

Cismigiu Gardens
They are a public park near the city center, spanning areas on all sides of an artificial lake. The gardens' creation was an important moment in the history of Bucharest. They form the oldest and, at 17 hectares (42 acres), the largest park in the central area. The main entrance is from Regina Elisabeta Boulevard, in front of the City Hall. There is another major entrance at the Știrbei Vodă Street, near the Crețulescu Palace. The southwestern corner of the park is adjacent to the Gheorghe Lazăr High School. The Rondul Român ("Romanian Round") or Rotonda Scriitorilor ("Writers' Rotunda") is a circular alley which has stone busts of twelve important Romanian writers: Mihai Eminescu, Alexandru Odobescu, Titu Maiorescu, Ion Luca Caragiale, George Coșbuc, Ștefan Octavian Iosif, Ion Creangă, Alexandru Vlahuță, Duiliu Zamfirescu, Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu, Nicolae Bălcescu and Vasile Alecsandri.

The Rondul Roman

Monumentul Eroilor Francezi ("The Monument of French Heroes") commemorates French soldiers who died fighting during the World War I Romanian Campaign. Made in Carrara marble the French monument was created by the Romanian sculptor Ion Jalea and was inaugurated at 25 October 1922. The sculptural work Izvorul Sissi Stefanidi, was created by Ioan C. Dimitriu Bârlad (1890–1964), and it depicts a mother, aggrieved by the death of her daughter, pouring water from a pitcher. Monumentul Eroilor Americani ("The Monument of American Heroes") commemorates the 378 US soldiers who died in Romania during World War II. The granite sculpture is the work of the artist Remus Botarro and it was officially inaugurated in 2002 by the Romanian Government and the American Embassy in Bucharest. Other statues located in Cișmigiu are the one of journalist George Panu sculpted by Gheorghe Horvath and of writer and women's rights activist Maica Smara (1854–1944), sculpted by Mihai Onofrei.

The Zodiac Fountain

The two Giants' Statues that flank the Carol Park's main walkway near the 11 June Square entrance, form a line perpendicular to the walkway and depict two nude youths. One of them shows a young man with a strained look. His head is bowed, his right shoulder twisted, he leans on his left hand, the right he keeps behind his back, and the legs are bent. In the other statue, a young man leans his head toward his left shoulder, his torso is twisted and he supports himself on his left hand, while the right is behind his back.
At first the statues were located before the Arts Palace and of the artificial cave in front of it. The grotto was called "The Giants' Grotto"or "The Enchanted Grotto", as it was watched over by the two giants and a Sleeping beauty. The three statues showed the characters of a legend where twins, in love with the same woman, were turned into stone due to their unrequited love, while the object of their love became a waterfall. At that time, the giants were displayed one before the other, with the sleeping beauty lying down in the middle.

SHOPPING DESTINATION: Five Amazing Romanian Stores

SHOPPING DESTINATION: Five Amazing Romanian Stores
By Jorge Jefferds December 8, 2015

We should never forget that Christmas is a tradition that started in Europe. Therefore, don't forget to do your shopping in beautiful romantic countries like Romania. In Bucharest, with the millions of LED lights decorating the Romanian capital during winter holidays, you might not feel homesick that you are not with your entire family. On the contrary, emotions will come up to your face because of the impressiveness of this spiritual event, and the many shopping options that arise in every corner. There is nothing against the Chinese culture, but still beware: Almost all of the many souvenir shops that have opened of late in Bucharest (especially those in and around the Old Town) sell little more than Chinese crap with 'Romania' plastered over it. For genuine Romanian arts and crafts, head for the shops at either the Peasant or Village Museums.

Bucharest's Christmas Romexpo 2014

Carturesti Carusel
Bucharest's most impressive bookshop is this wonderful building on Strada Lipscani. Dating from the latter part of the 19th century the building was home to a department store during the communist era, before standing neglected for almost a quarter of century until reopening earlier this year after a long renovation. And what a renovation: the building has been brought back to life by Carturesti's team of architects and is that impressive that even if you are not in the market for any books, you must pop in to have a look. It is also perhaps the only shop in Bucharest where the staff do not tell you off for taking photos: indeed, it's positively encouraged. Besides the tens of thousands of books and gifts on sale there is gallery and exhibition space, and a rather good bistro on the top floor.

Carturesti Carusel Bookstore

Dorobanti Art Gallery
The gallery sells works of art (paintings, statues, carpets, furniture, decorative objects, jewelry) on consignment. The management is ensured by Maria Dumitrescu, philologist Eugenia Petreanu, and economist Maria Matache, all of them experts authorized by the Ministry of Culture.
Clients can be counted among cultural personalities, politicians, business people, or simple lovers of beauty. Some of those who visit the Gallery become collectors, and owners of prestigious collections, or some wonderful paintings decorated in classic housing. The merit belongs first to anyone who can combine business (investment) with pleasure (the beauty of art).

Dorobanti Art Gallery

Band of Creators
Clothes and accessories from more than 40 Romanian designers, both established and up and coming names. Besides buying from the store in the city center you can also order everything online using the excellent website: they ship via courier worldwide. Furthermore, they always welcome international designers. The selection includes limited edition or even unique pieces, office or smart casual clothing, but also evening wear and outstanding accessories. Product categories are dresses, tops, blouses, trousers, dresses, skirts, jackets, overcoats, jumpsuits, hair accessories, bags.

Band of Creators

Antique and Flea Market
Each Sunday you can find a variety of antiques dealers of varying quality (there is plenty of good stuff on sale, but equally as much rubbish) at the main entrance to Parcul Carol. Look out for old Romanian banknotes, stamps, medals and badges. The event is open to the public only on Sundays, from 10am to 4pm, and located on Piata Libertatii (Freedom Square).

Traditional Bucharest Flea Market

Piata Obor
One last stop, the most important ultimate one, is at Piata Obor. Market since at least the 18th century, when it was known as the Piata Targului de Afara, a place for traders from outside of Bucharest to do business; the name Obor came into use during the early part of the 19th century. During this period Obor was infamous as the location of Bucharest’s gallows: public executions would take place on market days to ensure a good crowd. The practice was halted in 1823, but the gallows itself remained in place until 1870. In 1877, market traders raised a stone cross on the site of the gallows to commemorate those killed here. The cross, despite being declared a protected monument in 2004, was nevertheless moved in 2009 during the renovation of the market. It today stands in front of the Sector 2 Town Hall, a hundred metres or so to the right of the market itself.

Piata Obor

It has been re-dedicated as a monument to Romanian independence, and its original purpose played down. Indeed, when the Sector 2 council published a history of the Obor area in its newspaper Foisorul de Foc in 2012, no mention of the gallows was made.Obor’s main market hall – an elegant, linear and modernist building known as Halele Obor – was built in the 1940s. Its architects, Horia Creanga and Haralamb Georgescu, also designed the Patria Cinema block on Bulevardul Magheru, as well as the splendid art deco Aro Palace hotel in Brasov. Much as it has been since it opened, the interior of Halele Obor is today mainly given over to fresh produce, primarily meat. Prices are decent if not cheap, and quality is high. Unusual things you don’t usually see in your average butcher’s or supermarket can be found here (lamb’s liver on sale, for example).

A vendor trading his best vegetables at Piata Obor

There are also a number of stalls selling all sorts of crap from Lenin caps and fur hats to cheap children’s toys. There are also – mainly upstairs – a few wonderful reminders of the past, not least the shoemender’s shop.When it comes to eating at Obor, the only food permitted are mici: you will find them at the far left-hand entrance/exit to the main market hall (just follow the smell). Though more than a few locals will tell you to mind the mici at Obor, still served on a bit of card with mustard and bread (which costs extra), they remain amongst Bucharest’s best. You should never encounter any problems with them. Mici and the old market hall aside, today’s Obor is a hugely different place. For starters, it looks different: in 2009 the old open-sided fruit and vegetable market was abandoned and the impromptu stalls removed: replaced by a new, shiny, purpose-built mall.

In Christmas, the crowd could be terrible, but the visit to the place is worthy

The fruit and vegetable sellers are now inside this new building, on the ground floor, although a few who can’t afford the price of a pitch hang around outside selling their produce. You will also still come across at least a handful of rogues. Obor is not as chaotic as it once was, but scrape the surface just a tiny bit and you can still find the old roguish place. So while Romanians are happy to admit that Obor was almost certainly a lot more fun in the old days, before it got a facelift, and before the new hala was built, it nevertheless remains one of those quintessential Bucharest experiences which really ought to be part of any visit to the city. If your idea of Romania is old women selling onions on street corners, Obor is where to come.

ART JOURNEY: Dickens of an American Christmas

ART JOURNEY: Dickens of an American Christmas
By Jorge Jefferds December 7, 2015

Dickens of a Christmas or Dickens of an American Christmas? It doesn't matter. The craft show is celebrated in several areas of the United States, and mainly in the Northeast. Last Saturday, Wellsboro, in Pennsylvania, celebrated its 32nd annual gathering of Christmas fellows. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., food, craft vendors, strolling musicians, singers, dancers, and street-corner thespians spread up and down Main Street transmitting a tradition that was born during Charles Dickens' era. The history recalls images of Victorian architecture as the backdrop when the author walked around the streets of his hometown, Portsmouth, in England, circa 1840. Certainly, A Christmas Carol has been the inspiring novella he wrote for the performance of this celebrations prior to the holidays.

Dickens of a Christmas in Wellsboro, PA (Courtesy image by Tim McBride)

Therefore, in towns where the colonial architecture is carefully preserved as part of the history heritage, Dickens of a Christmas is a mandatory moment for beautiful memories of family Christmases.
In Wellsboro, street food was amazingly home-made. From the typical hot dogs to several kinds of fudges, you could also enjoy candy pop corn, crab meat pie, seafood pizza. Yes, this is not a lie. Santa Claus brought food to everybody's tastes.
Another town that already celebrated its version was Roanoke, VA. They called it a night of lights. Nearly 350 ornaments, decorated last November by children, adorned a 28-foot-tall and 30-foot-wide spruce. The tree was lit up for the first time that night during The Roanoke Times Dickens of a Christmas Event.

For four weekends in the aforementioned month, people invited themselves to the Taubman Museum of Art to decorate ornaments— yarn wrapped around Popsicle sticks and clear orbs stuffed with colorful tissue paper — that hung from the branches of the tree lit up in multicolored lights.

Christmas Tree in Roanoke's Dickens of a Christmas (Courtesy image by the Roanoke Times)

For those who still feel like participating in one of these shows, the celebrations are not over yet. At least, there are two more coming up: one in the south, in Tennessee, and another one in the Amish county, Lancaster, in Pennsylvania.

The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County is performing its version of Dickens of a Christmas between December 12th, and December 13th. They, for example, encourage goers to attend the event to dress in Victorian custom for them to add to the ambiance, as they stroll the streets. As a compensation, they will get the chance to to enter a Dickens Gift Basket Giveaway sponsored by Moe’s BBQ, The Puffy Muffin, Chick-Fil-A, The Honeysuckle, and Roxy and Taz Boutique.
What to expect in this particular celebration:
-Favorite Victorian-era activities will return, including sugar plums and roasted chestnuts being sold on the street. Other food vendors will offer heartier old English fare.
-A variety of musical and dance performances will take place both on the street and on the stage at City Hall.
-Horse-drawn carriage rides, a petting zoo for children, live artisan demonstrations, and more than 70 vendors offering holiday arts and crafts will line Main Street from Second to Fifth Avenues.
-Each day will conclude with a town sing of classic Christmas carols.  Saturday’s town sing will be led by Brandon Heath and Mike & Molly Grayson and will take place in front of the stage on the Public Square; Sunday’s town sing will be conducted inside the Historic Presbyterian Church at Five Points.

Victorian residents singing Carols in Franklin, TN (Courtesy image by Pinterest)

Manheim is in Lancaster, and is hosting the 32nd season of Dickens of a Christmas at the Mt. Hope Estate & Winery. You are cordially invited to the Annual Christmas Party at Mount Hope’s Theater in the Mansion production, kicking off December 2 and continuing until December 23. Sing along, share games and traditions, and rejoice in the spirit of the season with holiday characters. Bring the whole family and create new traditions out of old at Mount Hope’s A Dickens of a Christmas. Before the show, guests visit the newly remodeled Anchor & Mermaid Tavern for Dinner and a Show or Lunch and a Show. No time to dine? Show only tickets are also available for all performances.

Uncountable vendors in Wellsboro's Dickens of a Christmas

NIGHTLIFE DESTINATION: Trance Bucharest

NIGHTLIFE DESTINATION: Trance Bucharest 
By Jorge Jefferds October, 31, 2015
 
The end of the 20th century marked not only the renovation of Bucharest that suffered terrible losses in the two World Wars and during the Communist era. The restoration of symbolic buildings has attracted tourism back, and hence an increasing cultural immigration formed by artists of any kind. Nightlife is a reflex of such diversity. Here we will review the most exuberant venues visitors might be interested in checking out.

The Romanian Athenaeum inspires with architecture during the day and performances at night.

• Bamboo is one of the best clubs in Bucharest although it is pretty expensive. Book a table now for their Halloween Party TONIGHT!
• Casino Palace  is the local casino in Bucharest where guests can enjoy inexpensive drinks while trying their hands at winning local money.
• Club A is one of the most famous dance club spots in Bucharest.  It offers live music and a location where tourists and locals can mingle on the dance floor.
• Club Prometheus is a live music and comedy club which gets started late in the night and goes on until the early morning hours.
• Hanul Lui Manuc  is the bar located inside a historic hotel, where guests can grab a drink and experience a slice of Bucharest’s past at the same time.
•  Laptaria Enache is a dance club located in the building above the renowned National Theater. It offers live music and an active club life, although there is no active website at this time, so verify that it is open before you go.
• Music Club is a favorite spot for hearing live music nearly any night of the week.
• Queen’s Club is a gay and lesbian club in Bucharest (reported in forums that it is closed for renovation - verify it is open before you go).
• Bucharest Party ON is the premiere Bucharest nightlife service catering exclusively to foreigners. Whatever your will is in terms of music taste, drink and budget, they will find the best solutions for you to have a legendary night out in Bucharest
• Fratelli is one of the best clubs in Bucharest, with hip people, smart outfits, good music. If you have already tried Bamboo and it's too shiny for you, the next one on the list must be Fratelli (be there between 12.00-01.00 o'clock or you'll end up staying at a queue). If you are dressed casually, you won't get in (loose your sport shoes, t shirt).
• Gaia is a small, intimate but chic club, gay friendly with hip people, smart outfits, good music. To get in, you have to be very well dressed, and on the theme (depending on the night theme). They copy the londonese clubs, diversifying each night, with different themes and music.
• Studio Hermes is a small, chic and intimate "pub" with good live music (jazz music on weekends), very good food (but pricey). Located in Old City, the clientele is not the usual crowd that you meet on the streets of the center, but people who can afford to pay the 50 RON tax, the one you actually get on the check at the end of your night out. 
• Loft, restaurant and lounge, it is famous for the good pricey food, and the atmosphere on a Friday night (with live music). You have to book a table or you will end up at the bar. People are well dressed and have high expectations.
• Barletto is a club that's not to flashy to put in the same category as Bamboo, Chaboo, BOA, Bellagio but it's getting closer. Music can vary and depends on the "celebrity" that's invited to sing. You have the dancers and the crowd that brings you a bit to the atmosphere of "Bamboo one a be".
• Revenge is a cheap, relaxed, unpretentious club mostly filled with students and young professionals. The music is very diverse and the atmosphere is crazy even on weekdays.
• True Club is in the Old Center Town of Bucharest. Have fun and dance all night long on live music. Frequent performers are cover bands from Romania, but also where famous artists perform live.
• Caffe D'arthe is near the center of Bucharest on a rather bohemian street with many beautiful old buildings.It’s small and cozy and has a wonderful green garden. It looks like a vintage shabby chic cottage. They have lots of goodies and homemade cakes. Everything here looks like a vintage chic fairy tale.  
• Black Jack Pub is one of the best pubs in heart of Old Town. Nice atmosphere, great parties and friendly staff.  
• Player Club Bucharest. The one and only place in Bucharest for nightlife experience and unique pool parties by summer. Iconic nightlife in Bucharest since 2008 with legendary Wednesday’s,  Friday’s & Saturday’s parties.  Artists such as James Zabiela, Lee Burridge, Audiofly, Tale of Us, Sis, Francesca Lombardo, Stephan Biniak, Climbers, Miguel Campbell, Digitaria, Fur Coat, Hunter / Game on one hand have played or are expected to perform on Player Club Bucharest stage.

When you come to Bucharest, make sure to visit one of these clubs, and let the Romanian rhythm flow in your veins.

CITY DESTINATION: Romanian Bucharest

CITY DESTINATION: Romanian Bucharest  

By Jorge Jefferds October 29, 2015

For those who have been in Paris, France, several times, Bucharest is the little sister of the parisienne city. Famous for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Époque buildings, and a reputation of high life, the Romania’s capital is a bustling metropolis today.

A local legend has always promulgated that the city was founded on the banks of the Dambovita River by a shepherd named Bucur, whose name literally means “joy.” His flute playing reportedly attracted people and his hearty wine from nearby vineyards endeared him to the local traders, who gave his name to the place.

Europe is still a fascinating continent, and Bucharest is not exempt of this fascination. At a glance, here you will find a couple of place you should visit if your trip is not longer than a week.

Bucharest at Night

The Arch of Triumph

Initially built of wood in 1922 to honor the bravery of Romanian soldiers who fought in World War I, Bucharest's unique Arch of Triumph was finished in Deva granite in 1936. Designed by architect Petre Antonescu, the Arch stands 85 feet high. An interior staircase allows visitors to climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city. Sculptures that decorate the structure were created by leading Romanian artists, including Ion Jalea, Constantin Medrea and Constantin Baraschi.  

Victory Avenue

Calea Victoriei is Bucharest's oldest and most charming street. Built in 1692 to link the Old Princely Court to Mogosoaia Palace, it was initially paved with oak beams. The street became Calea Victoriei in 1878, after the Romanian War of Independence victory. Between the Two World Wars, Calea Victoriei developed into one of the most fashionable streets in the city. Walk along this street from Piata Victoriei to Piata Natiunilor Unite to discover some of the most stunning buildings in the city, including the Cantacuzino Palace, the historical Revolution Square, the Military Club, the CEC Headquarters, and the National History Museum.

Cantacuzino Palace

Grigore Cantacuzino seemed to have been one of Romania's wealthiest citizens in 1899. As Prime Minister, his wish was to have the most elegant residence in Bucharest. Using the designs of architect Ion Berindei, the Cantacuzino Palace was erected between 1898 and 1900 in eclectic French style. Combining a neoclassical architectural style with art nouveau elements, it features wrought iron balconies, tall arched windows and a porte-cochere (an elegant wrought-iron doorway) flanked by two lions. Today, the palace houses the George Enescu Museum.

The Royal Palace

Built between 1927 and 1937 in neoclassical style, the palace was home to King Carol II and to his son, King Mihai I, until 1947, when the monarchy was abolished in Romania. It was inside the halls of this palace that King Mihai, aged 18, led a coup that displaced the pro-Nazi government during the World War II and put Romania on the Allies' side. Today, the former Royal palace houses the Romanian National Art Museum.

The Romanian Athenaeum

The work of French architect Albert Galleron, who also designed the National Bank of Romania, the Athenaeum was completed in 1888, financed almost entirely with money donated by the general public. One of the preeminent public fundraising campaigns ever in Romania, the "Give a penny for the Athenaeum" campaign saved the project after the original patrons ran out of funds. With its high dome and Doric columns, the Athenaeum resembles an ancient temple. The lobby has a beautifully painted ceiling decorated in gold leaf, while curved balconies cascade in ringlets off a spiral staircase. A ring of pink marble columns is linked by flowing arches where elaborate brass lanterns hang like gems from a necklace. Inside the concert hall, voluptuous frescoes cover the ceiling and walls. Renowned worldwide for its outstanding acoustics, it is Bucharest's most prestigious concert hall and home of the Romanian George Enescu Philharmonic.

The Parliament Palace

Built by Communist Party leader, Nicolae Ceausescu, the colossal Parliament Palace (formerly known as the People's Palace) is the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. It took 20,000 workers and 700 architects to build. The palace boasts 12 stories, 1,100 rooms, a 328-ft-long lobby and four underground levels, including an enormous nuclear bunker. The Palace of Parliament it is the world's second-largest office building in surface (after the Pentagon) and the third largest in volume (after Cape Canaveral in the U.S. and the Great Pyramid in Egypt). The crystal chandelier in the Human Rights Hall (Sala Drepturilor Omului) weighs 2.5 tons. Some of the chandeliers have as many as 7,000 light bulbs. The building became part of the communist legacy for the country.

Most international flights to Romania arrive at Henri Coanda (Otopeni) Airport.
Airport facilities include ATM, currency exchange office, Taxi Desk and cell phone rentals. Major car rental companies have offices located on the arrivals/ baggage claim level. There are non-stop flights to Bucharest from most major European cities and in the Middle-East and connecting flights from the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Bucharest has a four-season climate. In spring, the weather can quickly alternate between rain and sunshine. June, July and August are the hottest months. As the leaves begin to change color, you can still enjoy warm and sunny days while taking a stroll in the city's many parks or down Calea Victoriei. Winters can be quite cold with moderate snowfall. 

 

ADVENTURE TRAVEL: Five Natural Wonders in a Dynastic Country

ADVENTURE TRAVEL: Five Natural Wonders in a Dynastic Country

By Jorge Jefferds September 25, 2015

You may be so used to national parks, especially if you live in the Woods or in the countryside. China has national parks too, 225 in total! They cover both scenic and historic preservation areas. Here you will concentrate on five China’s top scenic national parks, featuring outstanding scenery and reputation.

1. Wulingyuan National Park — Zhangjiajie’s Precipitous Pillars

It is considered the only one of China’s national parks to make it to a top-in-the-world list. It features some awesome towering geology, alongside rich wildlife. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park makes up most of it, alongside Suoxiyu Nature Reserve. Its inspiration for the floating rocks in Avatar has added to its fame.

Popular activities: hiking, mountain climbing, photography, and rafting.

Access: From Zhangjiajie take a bus or private transport 1 hour north to Wulingyuan. From there hike or take local transport on park roads.

Suitable for: adventurous hikers with enough to tire the fitter.

Best time(s) to visit: October is the best month, with cooler temperatures and fall foliage; but for summer activities like rafting, you’d better go in the early summer to beat the rain.

Popularity: Expect crowds at the major view points in the peak seasons. Otherwise there’s moderate to low visitor concentration.

Facilities: Two cableways, an elevator, and electric cart; farm houses and small tourist shops provide food and snacks inside the park.

Accommodation: The best hotels are in Zhangjiajie, but there are some good hotels in Suoxiyu and the west gate. Farmers’ guesthouses inside the park can be quite rudimentary.

Entry fee: about $40. 

2. Jiuzhaigou National Park — Multicolored Mountain Lakes

Jiuzhaigou (‘Nine-Village Valley’) National Park is famous for its colorful lakes in high-altitude valleys, with waterfalls, snowy peaks, forested slopes, and Tibetan villages. It’s a classic national park.

Popular activities: hiking, photography, marveling at lakes, and reflected mountains.

Access: Flight or 8-hour bus ride from Chengdu; then 50 km of good park roads are plied by buses and hikers.

Suitable for: All who can tolerate mountain bus journeys will enjoy it. Altitudes over 3,000 m in the upper valleys shouldn’t trouble very fit hikers; others should be prepared to take it easy.

Best time(s) to visit: The fall colors reflected in the lakes is when the park is at its prettiest. Winter is harsh there, and travel is unadvisable.

Popularity: Avoiding the Chinese holiday crowds (especially Oct. 1–7), when the park in overrun, it is still difficult to get away from tourists at the main speak times.

Facilities: good valley roads, guest houses, and Tibetan-family-run shops/eateries.

Accommodation: Better hotels outside the park gate; much simpler guest houses inside.

Entry fee: around $50 (not including $12 for a 2-day bus pass)

3. Guilin Li River National Park, Guangxi — Karst Landscapes

More than a scenic area, with not much of a national park feeling, the Li River National Park has no entrance, and fee to get in. It covers the 80-km (50-mile) stretch of river between Guilin, and Yangshuo, bounded by classic sheer karst hills, which have inspired many a poem and ink painting.

Top features: Nine Horse Fresco Hills, Yellow Cloth Shoal, 20-Yuan-Bill Hill, and Xingping Ancient Town.

Popular activities: cruises, hiking, photography, and hill climbing.

Access: from Guilin, take a Li River cruise, or visit villages along the river by mountain/rural roads.

Suitable for: anyone who can take a cruise or vehicle to see this amazing limestone and water scenery.

Best time(s) to visit: summer for misty peak views after the rain; fall for drier, cooler weather.

Popularity: Immensely popular, dozens of tour boats ply the river daily, but you can find quieter villages, and hills to enjoy relative peace.

Facilities: Cruise boats serve lunch buffet. Bamboo rafts are another choice to see the river; Guilin and Yangshuo offer everything from Western food to local specialties, while farmer restaurants along the river provide simple local fare.

Accommodation: Hotels in Guilin and Yangshuo are the mainstay with several price ranges. However, more modest lodging is offered in Xingping, and other riverside resorts.

Entry fee: none 

4. Lijiang Yulong Xueshan National Park — with Tiger Leaping Gorge

Yulong Xueshan (‘Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’ 5,596m or 18,360 ft) National Park includes the popular hiking route Tiger Leaping Gorge on its west side. The mountain has glaciers and a small ski resort, and the Yangtze thunders north in the gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular in the world.

Popular activities: hiking, photography; glaciers viewing, yaks, and snowy peaks.

Access: The gate is 15 km north of central Lijiang. Trams go up to 4,500 m (14,800 ft) where the glacier park is situated, and to other mountain sights. Take the G214 to 40 km (25 mi) north of Lijiang to access 30-km-long Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Suitable for: The gorge hike is strenuous, but enjoyable for those of normal fitness. A trip up the mountain, especially with physical exertion, should be considered with caution, due to altitude sickness, especially at Glacier Park.

Best time(s) to visit: February to June is the best time frame to visit the snow mountain.

Popularity: you can visit Yunnan all year round, but avoid the Chinese holiday crowds (especially Oct. 1–7).

Facilities: Tiger Leaping Gorge is well-developed for hiking visitors with plenty of shops and hostels. Trams, oxygen, and the usual range of day-visit facilities are available on Yulong Mountain.

Accommodation: good hostels on the gorge hiking route, and plenty of hotels in Lijiang.

Entry fee: The Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge are entered separately. $30 for snow mountain (entry ticket and environmental car are included), $12 for Tiger Leaping Gorge. 

5. Huangshan National Park — the Legendary Yellow Mountains

Surrounded by myths of ancient immortals, the Yellow Mountains have some bizarrely charming geomorphology. Compact and complex, this National Park has it all in a small area. There are peaks to climb, gorges to hike, and ethereal sights to see.

Top features: the seas of clouds, bizarre rocks like ‘Monkey Watching the Sea’, and strange pines like Welcoming Guest Pine.

Popular activities: trekking the mountain paths, photography, gazing out over the swirling mists and island-like peaks, and getting up before dawn to see the sun rise.

Access: 3 hours by coach from Hangzhou, or 1 hour from Huangshan to the main gate; there are taxis in the park to take you to the cableways. From there, you have to go on foot along narrow concrete paths, and steps.

Suitable for: Avoiding the steepest climbs and the long hikes, most of the top sights are accessible even by those of low fitness.

Best time(s) to visit: Summer provides the best weather, but a crowded season; winter is beautiful and peaceful, but treacherous underfoot and closed in places. The intermediate seasons offer a compromise.

Popularity: Crowds peak in the summer, when the narrowest passes become queuing places, as lines of tourists march up and down alternately, and Welcoming Guest Pine becomes clogged with hundreds trying to snap themselves in front of it.

Facilities: Three cableways, including Asia’s longest funicular and a monorail provide access from every side. The mountainside is well-signed. There are plentiful semi-expensive restaurants, and shops. There’s a hot-spring spa at the mountain foot.

Accommodation: The mountain-top hotels offer everything from four-star dormitories, all at least twice the price of those at the mountain bottom. An overnight stay is recommended to catch the dawn and to save time going up and down.

Entry fee: about $40 in peak season, $25 in low season, not including cableways or monorail.