Chinese Kung Fu Tour in Shaolin Temple

Immortal Bruce Lee, Incredible Jacky Chan and Jet Li, the symbols of Chinese Kung Fu in the west. Want to experience first hand the real life art of Kungfu through your own eyes! Turn the fantasy of Hollywood movies into the real journey to your Chinese Kung Fu Tour and be the master of Chinese Kung Fu!

Chinese Kung Fu is a precious treasure that belongs not only to China but to the whole world. We will take you to the cradle of Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu - the Shaolin Temple to enjoy rich humanities sight, antiquated natural sight, massive Shaolin Buddhist sculptures and a Wushu Culture, as well as an elegant & rare geological natural wonder. You will see power and grace combined in a demonstration of the art of Shaolin Kung fu by a Shaolin Master. Be transported to the mysterious world of this ancient art to experience for yourself what has inspired the great action heroes of today's movie blockbusters.

Shaolin Temple is located in the foothills of the Song Shan mountain range just fifteen minutes outside the town of Dengfeng, which is about two hours away from Zhengzhou, the provincial capital of Henan. Buses run from Zhengzhou and Luoyang, another larger Henan city, to Dengfeng. Alternatively, if you are staying in Zhengzhou or Luoyang, you can arrange a day tour from your hotel.

Most Westerners know Shaolin from martial arts movies - Shaolin Kung Fu was born here. In modern times, Chinese Kung-fu was first introduced abroad to the United States by Chinese-American Kung-fu master Bruce Lee, whose agile movements in a series of his great movies swept American audiences off their feet. Thanks to the giant influence of the American movie industry, it soon swept across the world. The entire globe was enchanted by the magic act, starting the upsurge of interest in Chinese Kung-fu. From then on, Chinese Kung-fu learners can be found everywhere. Now, Lees followers, Jacky Chan (Cheng Long) and Jet Lee (Li Lianjie) carry the baton pushing themselves to novel heights.

But it is more famous in Asia as the birthplace of the Zen Buddhism movement. Visitors come to Shaolin to study Kung Fu, meditate in the ancient surroundings or to enjoy an ancient historical place that is by all means, off the beaten path. For whatever reason you come, Shaolin Temple is worth a visit.

Shaolin Temple complex can be thought of as three major sights within the compound. You will enter through a main gateway where the tour buses park and you can purchase your entry tickets. This area has been refurbished to support hoards of tourists - there is a large plaza flanked by souvenir vendors on both sides.

Kung Fu Performance Hall: After you enter the complex, you will walk ten minutes or so to the Kung Fu performance hall. If you can manage getting there early in the morning, you'll see students of all ages practicing outside in the grassy fields next to the walkway. Kung Fu is famous for its vigorous, powerful, simple, unadorned, and unpredictable style. Its moves and tricks are short, simple and succinct as well as versatile. While fighting, the masters would advance and retreat simultaneously. They need only a small space to execute their style of fistfight described as "fighting along a single straight line. It's amazing!

Shaolin Temple: After the performance, you can take electric cars or walk another fifteen to twenty minutes to the temple itself. Shaolin Temple is set upon the mountainside. You'll enter at the bottom and make your way up through the multiple halls to the top. The first hall you will encounter is Devajara Hall (Hall of the Heavenly Kings). It is characterized by double eaves flanked behind by a Bell Tower (this tower holds a great bronze bell) and a Drum Tower (this tower holds an artistic drum). The hall gates are guarded by two colored clay figures of Vajras. Inside the hall are statues of the four Heavenly Kings, each standing divinely while holding his distinctive weapon. Then you come to the main hall of the temple, Mahavira Hall (Daxiongbaodian). The original was built in the Jin Dynasty but destroyed in 1928. The present structure was restored from the original in 1986. Enshrined in the middle of the hall are the statues of the Trinity Buddha - Sakyamuni, Amitabha (Emitofo) and Bhaisajyaguru (Yaoshifo, God of Medicine). Flanking the Trinity on both sides are eighteen Arhats. Go on and you will see the Sutra-Keeping Pavilion where Buddhist dignitaries lectured. A total of 5480 Buddhist sutras and rubbings are kept in the pavilion and the Hall of Abbot (Fangzhang Hall). This small hall is the rest place for the abbots.

The Pagoda Forest: Another half-kilometer walk through a wooded path will bring you to the Pagoda Forest where there are nearly 250 stone and brick pagodas ranging from the Tang, Song, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties (618-1911).

You can come here to study Kung Fu, meditate in the ancient surroundings or to enjoy an ancient historical place that is by all means, off the beaten path. For whatever reason you come, Shaolin Temple is worth a visit.

Day 1: Luoyang arrival
Today you will arrive in Luoyang. In the afternoon, you will visit the White Horse Temple. Located 12km east to the ancient capital city of Luoyang, facing the Luo River in the south and sitting back to the Mang Hill in the north, is the White Horse Temple, the first Buddhist monastery in China.

Day 2: Luoyang - Dengfeng
Travel to the birthplace of Chinese Kung Fu at Shaolin Temple by bus in this morning. You will stay at the local hotel for 3 days' Chinese Kung Fu study. Shaolin Temple is probably the most famous temple in China, not only because of its long history and its role in Chinese Buddhism, Shaolin Temple Pagoda but also because of its martial arts or Wushu Chan.

Day 3-5: Dengfeng
You will get the wonderful opportunity to take basic Chinese Kung Fu courses conducted by the experienced local Kung Fu masters.

Day 6: Dengfeng - Luoyang
Transfer back to Luoyang, you will visit the Longmen Caves and Guanlin. Together with Mogao Caves, Yungang Caves, Longmen Caves is known as the three great sculpture treasure houses of China.

Day 7: Luoyang departure

Today you will leave Luoyang with an unforgettable memory.

For more info about this wonderful Kung Fu tour, or any China tours, please consult with China Connection Tours china-tour.cn.

Sun Peaks Icewine Festival - A Wine Masters Dream

How Does Icewine Differ From Other Wines?

Icewine is unique from other wines and spirits not only in taste, but also in its process of manufacture. The grapes in icewine are frozen on the vine in a temperature of approximately -8 degrees Celsius (17 °F) for about 36 hours before they are harvested and fermented. This is a very sensitive step in the production of icewine; if the grapes do not freeze fast enough, they could decompose. However, if the grapes become too frozen, juice cannot be extracted.

The renowned sweetness of the wine is dependent on the freezing process of the grapes. If executed correctly, the sugars and other dissolved solids in the grapes do not freeze, but the water does; this results in a more concentrated and sweeter tasting wine. Since the process of production is extremely complicated and laborious, icewine takes longer to manufacture, is more expensive and sold in smaller amounts than regular table wine.

Sun Peaks Icewine Festival

Sun Peaks Resort has hosted the Icewine Festival annually since 1998. Held typically in January, this 5 day affair was developed to attract guests to the resort after the holiday period. Since the beginning, the festival has proved to be a remarkable success attracting crowds of enthusiastic wine tasters and connoisseurs each year.

Since the event platforms icewines from the BC's top Okanagan wineries, it provides an excellent opportunity for local wineries to introduce their product and promote their business. Dairy Farmers of Canada are also often present at the wine festival hosting some of their own events. Guests can indulge in a variety of Aged Goudas, Blue Cheese and more while strolling throughout Sun Peaks village tasting icewine and other treats.

Past Icewine Festival agendas have included events such as:

Sun Peaks Wine & Dine
Taste of Sun Peaks
Al You Need is Cheese... for Dessert
Icewine & Nothing More
Sinful Chocolate & Heavenly Wine
Taste the Aromas of Coffee & Wine with Starbucks
The Sun Peaks Progressive Tasting
Medal Winners Tasting

Dining in Sun Peaks Village

With such a wide selection of dining options, the village in Sun Peaks has a restaurant or café for every mood and appetite. Whether you're looking for something quick and easy or a place to sit and chat, Sun Peaks has it! Satisfy those hunger pains and find out more about the great dining options available to you in Sun Peaks village.

Cafes


5 Forty Cafe & Deli − Stop by the 5 Forty for freshly made wraps, bagels and sub sandwiches. Choose one of the deli's menu choices or put together your own creation with hot from the oven breads, meats, vegetables, cheeses, toppings and sauces. If you'd rather make your own sandwiches at home, deli meats and cheeses are also sold separately.

Bolacco Cafe − A favourite among the locals, Bolacco's is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of fresh brew and the local hospitality of baristas. The café is also an ideal spot for a speedy breakfast, lunch or simple dinner.

Cafe Soleil − Conveniently located at the bottom of the Sunburst Express and Sundance Express chairlifts, Cafe Soleil is the perfect stop for baked treats, sandwiches, coffee and other beverages.
Bar and Grills


Bottom's Bar & Grill − If you're looking for a pub atmosphere, this is definitely the place. With daily drink specials and traditional pub fare, this is a great après spot after a long day on the mountain. Bottom's also has a family dining area, so kids are welcome to tag along.

Memories at the Cahilty − This family-friendly sports grill is located at Nancy Greene's Cahilty Lodge and is the perfect spot to catch sports from Canucks to UFC (ultimate fighting championships). You'll love the home style menu items varying from breakfast specials to delicious continental and intercontinental lunches and dinners.

Masa's Bar & Grill − Enjoy pub cuisine with a flair! Masa's welcomes customers of all-ages and offers an extensive children's menu. Sink your teeth into a huge mountain burger or savour gourmet flat breads. This is a great place to meet and eat with friends and share your adventures of the day. Featuring bands, comedians and other performers, Masa's also includes a wide variety of entertainment.
Quick and Easy


Mountain High Pizza − Grab a slice or order a pie! Mountain High pizzas are the perfect take away meal!

Fat Belly Deli and Bakery Company − Sit and stay or take away. Fat Belly offers made-to-order sandwiches, burgers, gourmet-baked potatoes, salads and one-of-a-kind breakfast items. Don't forget about the delectable pies, breads, pastries, meats and other specialty items.
Wine and Dine


Bella Italia Ristorante − Enjoy a peaceful evening at Bella Italia, where each dish is produced with premium fresh ingredients. Try an extravagant pasta dish or sample a decadent seafood masterpiece. Pair your meal with one of the restaurant's wines -Bella Italia has a variety to match every dish! This is definitely a memorable place to take family and friends. Reservations are recommended.

Steakhouse at Sun Peaks Lodge − Take a bite out of 100% Canadian beef cooked juicy and just the way you like it! The Steakhouse at Sun Peaks has an array of special features and wines to suit any meal. Steakhouse regulars rave about the restaurant's great seafood, BBQ ribs, vegetarian options and a variety of house-made pastries. Reservations are recommended.

Tips to Plan a Perfect Holiday

If you want to have a fun-filled vacation, you need to have plans. Here are the steps that you ought to take before heading for a vacation:

1. Determine where you want to go

It is always nice to discuss with the people whom you're going to spend vacation with concerning the place where you want to go. List down all suggestions and choose the best destination by way of voting. Include in your discussion all possibilities like the accessibility of the place, its security and distance.

2. Do some research about your destination

Going to places that you do not know what to expect is risky and dangerous. Always consider research as a standard operating procedure when planning a vacation, whether near or far. It will be easier for you to plan your vacation if you have an idea what the place has in store for you.

3. Get hold of a map

The map is an important piece that you've got to have for you to be able to make travel time estimates and an itinerary. This will also help you see the distances of one landmark to another. A lot of time will be saved if you have a well planned itinerary. If you can't get hold of a typical map, Google Earth can help you determine distances and landmarks.

4. Know the different modes of transportation of the place

Know the fastest or even the cheapest way to get to the different places listed in your itinerary. Like, for instance, when you're planning to have a vacation in Europe, you can take the train, be it short or long distance trips. Trains are not only cheaper, but you will also get to see many amazing views. But if you have a big budget and you don't want to spend most of your time on the road, you may ride on a plane for long distance trips. The view hundreds of feet above land is even more heavenly.

5. Plan where to stay

This is the step that sometimes needs no adept planning. Why? It is because you might not have enough time thinking of it when you're already busy roaming around the city or the country. Instead of checking-in in a hotel, why don't you just spend the night inside the bus or train and have a good night sleep while you're on your way to your next destination? This way, you will save a lot of your time and money.

Best Vacation Rentals

Tips to having the most relaxed getaway in your Vacation Rental.

I have traveled numerous places, and I have always turned too Vacation Rentals. They provide excellent if not luxury at an affordable price. When I decided to travel to Piegon Forge, TN. I decided to check into Vacation Rentals. I did a lot of research and checked into Patriot Getaways. They had everything I could ever want in a cabin, chalet, condo. I found a house called Heavenly Dreams. Nestled between trees, Close to everything, yet very secluded. The sun sparkled between the trees each morning. I was completely in awe. At how comfortable this cabin felt. I ended up going back to the same place every year.

Thats when I decided to write articles and inform people and families about Vacation Rentals. I have had nothing but sheer pleasure from staying in Vacation Rentals. If you have questions, about whether or not you need or want to stay in a Vacation Rental. Try one, once and you will never regret your decision. Its been almost 10 years since I've started staying in them. I haven't regretted it once.

Almost every state offers Vacation Rentals, moderately priced from budget, to super luxurious. Depending on what your needs and wants are. I find that if you want to feel like a princess, its best to go with the super luxurious. Although the amount of money your going to spend goes up by a lot. But is well worth it your money. So when thinking about going on a Apartments for rent check. You end up saving money in the long term. All you have at home to hand in an apartment. Not to mention, you can save money by buying food cooking instead of eating every night.

Ten S's of Thailand

Thailand has earned its unsurpassed admiration for the rich assortment of attractions but the ongoing development of the country's tourism industry indicates that there are still more waiting you to explore. From the abundance of settings and activities, the country is spotting novel destinations and promoting niche markets which afford special interests and requirements to travelers seeking memorable holidays. Our cover story will unveil to you remarkable things in this breathtaking country under the title "Ten S's of Thailand."

Smile
Thailand boasts an affluence of diversity with the legendary Thai smile which is amongst the authentic delights of unearthing Thailand. One of the key reasons why a plethora of tourists return to the country year after year is because Thai people are so friendly and ready to break a smile on every occasion, thereby leaving Thailand to be dubbed the "Land of Smiles". So as to serve this world-renowned slogan, the country has been developed into the cosmetic dentistry hub for beautification. Numerous aesthetic dental clinics are now blossoming drastically. They offer an innovative sort of dental services which has impressed the world.

Sabai
The word sabai means comfortable and at ease in Thai. Whilst here you can extremely feel sabai as the nation comes with a vast selection of luxury serviced apartments, hotels, resorts and other genres of accommodations to choose from with excellent value for money. Tourists can relax, laze and lounge or they can luxuriate in the comfort of facilities and amenities provided. Whether it is for your getaways, vacations or any important occasions, the accommodations of all kinds present a stay in style for every taste and budget. They feature heavenly locations, international standards, peerless services and unrivaled local hospitality.

Sanook
Journeying in Thailand has been quite eye-opening granting a true sense of fun or sanook in Thai. A land of tropical beaches, luxuriant mountains and amazing rivers, Thailand is beyond doubt an oasis in the hectic world. This lovely country is also blessed with natural wonders that make it an ideal base for ecotourism where visitors can have an experience with memories to last a lifetime. With this relaxing offer, visitors will enjoy an extraordinary chance to appreciate natural beauty and savor such exhilarating activities as nature study, bicycle tour, elephant safari, trekking, wildlife viewing and whitewater rafting, to mention just a few.

Spice
Thai food has a unique taste and flavor that makes the country the "Kitchen of the World". It is especially hot and spicy. Most of Thai food is prepared with indispensable ingredients including chili, garlic, lemongrass, fresh coriander leaf, limejuice, fish sauce and shrimp paste. Besides providing a sizzling and exotic aroma, Thai food that contains chiefly herbs and spices also exerts medicinal and curative properties. With their low-fat qualities, they help make Thai food one of the healthiest anywhere. One of the signature Thai dishes is the spicy shrimp soup tom yum goong. Those who have nibbled Thai food will long for it again and again.

Spa
This scenic country is conceived as the "Spa Capital of the World", where traditional therapy is ingeniously upheld as an alternative way to eliminate pains, toxins and harmful elements from the body. Spa has been a leading-edge therapeutic trend. Going hand in hand with tourism boom, it is presently flourishing in eminent tourist destinations. Spa confers a complete choice of treatments for a profound state of relaxation as well as physical and spiritual rejuvenation. These include general body scrubs, facial treatments, foot reflexology and traditional Thai massage, one of the world's oldest healing methods with substantial health benefits.

Swing
Amongst the most mesmerizing attributes of golfing in Thailand is a multiplicity of locations and surroundings in which the courses are located, making the country the "Golf Capital of Asia". There are many championship standard courses in Bangkok and around the nation all fitted with top-notch facilities, terrific signature holes and perfect maintenance to keep them international standards, enabling you to enjoy your swing all year round. Every course has its well-trained caddies and it is compulsory to employ one caddie for your round. Most of the new courses have fine accommodations on site plus leisure activities for the family.

Silk
Silk from Thailand has been popular around the globe. It has accentuated the fabric's stoic elegance. Silk is a natural filament made from the salivary glands of silkworms, a type of moth that feeds on the mulberry plants. Since a single filament is too thin to use alone, several threads are mingled to create a thicker and more durable fiber. Thai silk is different in colors from light gold to very light green. Good caliber Thai silk is woven on handlooms. The warp and weft are not of the same color, making Thai silk so exceptional in terms of color tones and blends. Wherever you buy it from, Thai silk is always a lasting keepsake and treasure.

Safety
Dwelling in Thailand is utterly safe and sound. The quality of life of the Thai people and travelers is now escalating to a gratifying level. Through the decisive administration of the Thai government, travelers can relish their vacations in the country more safely and securely. Targeting to endorse Thailand as a world-class destination, the government has strong willpower to tackle with all detrimental problems that may affect the tourism industry and to proffer budget tour packages to all types of travelers. Therefore, travelers are reassured that whilst here they can immerse in their pleasure to the fullest yet feel protected and secure.

Shopping
The Land of Smiles is a shopping paradise where dedicated shoppers can buy a wide variety of high quality products and services with special discounts. A unique shopping opportunity awaits visitors to bargain and purchase handicrafts, textiles, gems, jewelry, antiques and more contemporary wares. Shopping in Thailand can be marveled from high-end shopping complexes and department stores to bustling markets and high streets. In Bangkok, the famous shopping streets are strategically situated along MBK-Siam Discovery Center to Ratchaprasong Intersection as well as along Sukhumvit Road to Emporium Shopping Arcade.

Sea, Sand & Sun
A sanctuary for sea, sand and sun lovers, Thailand prides itself on a number of the world's most beautiful beaches and islands with pristine white sands, crystal clear waters and spectacular coral reefs. There are various things along the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea to suit your preferences. Fabulous beaches and incomparable marine environments have enticed a multitude of holidaymakers from around the world. They can pamper in superb accommodations, beachside bars and restaurants as well as an endless option of recreational activities like Phuket yachting, Andaman Sea diving, sailing, sunbathing and much more.

The Resort of Zell Am See - The Ideal Destination For Your Winter and Summer Holidays

Are you still looking for a great destination to travel to this summer? Are you keen on mountain activities such as mountain biking, hiking and trekking, horse riding, paragliding wind surfing or even summer skiing? If your answer to some of these questions is yes, then look no further than the great holiday destination of Zell am See Kaprun in Austria. Zell am See Kaprun is located in the state of Salzburg, and represent one of the largest cities in the Pinzgau region, with a population of about 10 000 inhabitants, and stands in the eastern Alps.

The picturesque medieval town of Zell am See is nested in between the Schmittenhöhe glacier, that is covered with snow 365 days a year, and the Zeller See lake, giving in the process some heavenly scenery. The historical name holds its origins dating back to the 8th century when the archbishop of Salzburg founded the village of "Cella in Bisoncio", in 740 AD precisely. It reached the status of Market town in the 14th century and has been a transportation hub for the region since.

Nowadays, Zell am See Kaprun offers a great alternative, if you are looking for a destination that offers a wide array of summer mountain activities, but also of winter activities. In summer, the weather in the region is that of the continental type, reaching thus very high temperatures, in excess of 30 degrees Celsius, perfect for some wind surfing or water skiing on the Zeller See Lake. But because of the Schmittenhöhe being a glacier covered in snow all year round, you will also be able to indulge in activities that are usually reserved to the winter season. Skiing, snow boarding, snow kiting or even cross country skiing are some of the activities that you will be able to take on this summer in Zell am See. Furthermore and in addition to the sports activities, the town of Zell am See offers a very exciting night life, with an ample selection of bars, clubs, restaurants, and other local specialities providers.

To get to Zell am See is also very easy by road, rail or by plane, and the resort is really well served. In terms of accommodations, it couldn't be easier to book your Zell am See hotels. Have a quick peek at mountvacation.com, where you will be presented with a nice selection of accommodations at affordable prices. So if you are looking to spend a good time with your family, or feel more like an action packed type of holiday, then the resort of Zell am See Kaprun is the perfect destination for you.