No trip to China would be complete without a trip to see the Great Wall of China
By David Goorney
Duration : 0:2:55
Monthly Archive: July 2010
Jul
29
Badaling – Great Wall of China
Jul
29
Chengdu – Guilin – Yangshuo – Hongkong
http://www.asiatravel.com
Jul
25
BBC – The Great Wall Of China (part 4/11)
It was the most ambitious building project ever attempted in the history of mankind. And its story has been almost impossible to tell – until now. Based on astonishing new archaeological finds and extraordinary first-person accounts, Great Wall of China tells the story of one of the greatest wonders the world has ever known.
It’s more than 3,000 miles in length and was built in just 20 years by a workforce of nearly two million using technology and construction techniques that continue to inspire awe even today. The story of its building, one of human drama, labour and loss, is told in this film through three individuals, each one central to the tale. Thirteen-year-old Emperor Muzong, whose Kingdom is pushed to the brink of destruction by invading Mongolian warriors, demands that a wall be built that can never be breached again. General Qi Jiguang, a military hero and engineering genius, is tasked with overseeing the largest workforce ever assembled on earth. And Zhou Li, an ordinary soldier, is forced to work in conditions of unimaginable hardship but ultimately finds sanctuary and peace in the shadow of this great wall.
Duration : 0:9:36
Jul
22
Chinatown, New York City – Video tour of Chatham Square, MOCA & Columbus Park
In this new video tour, New York Habitat introduces you to Chinatown in New York City, “the small city within The City”. So what makes Chinatown so special? Let’s find out.
Chinatown is located on the East Side of Lower Manhattan. It’s constantly growing, over taking other neighborhoods and changing, but as of now it is roughly bordered by Broome Street to the North, Broadway to the West, Worth Street and East Broadway to the South, and Essex Street to the East.
Chatham Square:
What better place to start our tour of Chinatown than in Chatham Square. Once a large open air market in the early 1800′s, it became a center for tattoo parlors, flophouses, and saloons in the mid 1800′s, but today has turned into a major intersection in Chinatown.
Chinatown’s History and Landmarks:
On Mott Street, just a few blocks away from Chatham Square, is where in 1858 the Cantonese businessman, Ah Ken, became the first Chinese to immigrate to Chinatown. He eventually opened a successful cigar shop and from that point on, a steady stream of Chinese started settling in the area.
When the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 was enacted the Chinese population in this small neighborhood exploded. Today Chinatown’s population is estimated around 100,000.
Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA):
You may have heard of New York’s famous museum, the MOMA, but while you’re in Chinatown, be sure to visit the MOCA, the Museum of Chinese in America. At the museum, you’ll learn more about the history and culture of Chinese America.
Columbus Park:
Columbus Park is the largest park in Chinatown and it is a meeting place for locals. If you’re a morning person, wander around Columbus Park and you’ll get to see locals gathering for Tai Chi. While passing by during the afternoon, you’ll find fortune tellers and people playing table games. Moreover, many festivals and outdoor events are organized there every summer.
Mahayana Buddhist Temple:
A visit to Chinatown wouldn’t be complete if you don’t go to The Mahayana Buddhist temple. Inside you’ll find the largest Statue of Buddha rests there seated on a lotus flower. Don’t miss it, public services are held on weekends!
Planning a Trip to New York City
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, be sure to consider renting a vacation rental from New York Habitat. We have furnished apartments in Chinatown, plus thousands of accommodations located throughout the New York area including everything from studios to spacious lofts to stately New York townhouses. For more information, go to http://www.nyhabitat.com
Edward Mooney Townhouse:
Speaking of townhouses, did you know that the oldest townhouse in Manhattan is found in Chinatown? It’s located at the corner of Bowery and Pell St. Built in 1785 it’s been a tavern, a store, a hotel and today it is a bank.
Shopping scene:
So we’ve looked at some of the rich history and culture of Chinatown. Now it’s time to get down to shopping. Chinatown remains one of the best areas in New York City to find deals on jewelry, purses, bags, hats, tee shirts… the list goes on. So sharpen your bargaining skills and head over to Canal Street for some true Chinatown shopping. Chances are, you won’t leave empty handed.
And beyond the designer knock-offs, you’ll also find Asian styled products. Many boutiques throughout Chinatown offer authentic clothes at affordable prices. In addition, you’ll find art and antique stores that offer typical furniture from China.
Restaurants and Nightlife:
One of the great things about renting a furnished apartment during your trip to New York is the fact that you’ll have a fully equipped kitchen. So if you bring along a few Chinese recipes and visit Chinatown’s thriving markets that feature fresh fruit, seafood, meat and other Asian specialty food products you be able to cook up your own Chinese dinner. It will enhance your New York experience and it will save you some money as well.
If you’re craving Chinese food but don’t feel up to attempting to cook it yourself, you’re in luck. Chinatown is also well known for its numerous Chinese restaurants. Chinatown also has an emerging nightlife scene.
I hope you’ve enjoyed our video tour of Chinatown. Of course, there’s a lot more to see and do here. If I’ve missed any of you’re favorite Chinatown secrets, be sure to share them by leaving a comment below.
New York Habitat
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, do yourself a favor, skip the boring hotel and rent a furnished apartment through New York Habitat. Hopefully this video has given you an introduction to New York City’s Chinatown and you will consider joining us in an apartment in Chinatown soon.
Be sure to check out our blog at http://www.nyhabitat.com/blog/2009/07/08/video-tour-of-chinatown-new-york/ where you will find more useful travel information about New York.
Duration : 0:5:3
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