HONG KONG
"a dream of Manhattan arising from the south china sea" - Pico Iyer
In the 1800's the British blocked the Chinese ports after the Chinese tried to destroy their lucrative opium trade and with that, they were able to secure Hong Kong as theirs in 1841. After the world war II, Hong Kong's manufacturing industry boomed because of the Japanese four-year occupation. Because of the hilly terrain and how densely packed the city was built vertically by ambitious colonial administrators . Now the city has grown above and beyond, as it has become a major financial center with innovative buildings and urban development. The city has a breathtaking visual impact with its high-risers and is very welcoming to international tourists.It also has the most variety of meals one could ever wish to have.
MACAU
"a charming haven of pastel colored colonial mansions and glitzy casinos"-DK
Beyond the major islands of Hong Kong - Lamma, Lantau, cheung and chau, lies Macau. Macau which was once seen as "a sleepy side-trip offering a break from the buzz and bustle ofthe british enclave" is now economically backward as compared to Hong Kong and is famous for its casinos. Even before the Portuguese colony returned to china in 1999, there was a complete restructuring of the tiny territory.The habor was reclaimed and upon it they built bridges, a new airport with other major public works project. The connecting land known as Cotai Strip, is filled upwith luxurious hotels and casinos - just like the strip in Las Vegas.
GUANGZHOU
"an affluent, bustling city, with a handful of interesting sights...."- DK
The capital of Guangdong - this region is located in the southern most tip of continental china. also stands on one of china's longest rivers - the pearl. Know as Canton to its 19th century foreign residents, it is an ancient and significant port. During the Tang dynasty, the city's trade links through out Asia gave it a sizable Muslim community. This city shows the Guangdong region as a key area in china's development. Recent developments have greatly improved the infrastructure, with new metro lines and the restoration of old buildings.