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Short-distance travel was the name of the game over the Spring Festival last month. Chinese tourists packed nearby tourist attractions, with one father in Guangzhou telling us that his family waited “well over one hour” to ride the cable car at Chimelong Safari Park. In January, the Central Government and provincial governments actively encouraged residents to stay in their respective cities to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks. It appears to have worked out well since very few cases have been reported in recent weeks. MILE HIGH

Here Comes China

Remember when we could travel freely around the world? Those were the days. Costa Rica’s tourism board recently reminded us of the wonders of international travel, after announcing that tourists from Beijing and Shanghai can travel to the Central American country without a visa. There are currently no direct flights from China to Costa Rica, however, we expect that to change once the pandemic passes.

HOSPITALITY HIGHLIGHT

The Giggling Tree

Like its playful name, the Giggling Tree is a fun family-friendly guesthouse to stay in when traveling in Guangxi. Located in the village of Aishanmen about five kilometers from Yangshuo, the Giggling Tree is truly in the heart of the scenic karst mountains and has been in operation since 2007. Rooms and suites range from 22 to 80 square meters, which include a private bath with shower. The guesthouse has a range of cycling and walking tours as well as more adventurous activities such as caving and rock climbing. The private pool area is another great spot to spend the afternoon in the splendid South China sun. While some view Yangshuo as a pleasant escape from China’s major cities, the area surrounding the Giggling Tree is pure countryside bliss.

HOT SPOT

Banaue

As a secluded, offbeat alternative to relaxing beachside on any one of the 7,000plus Philippine islands, Banaue, in the northern mountains of Luzón, is the ultimate nature-filled getaway.

The tiny town can be traversed in under five minutes, yet it serves as the jumpingoff point for some of the lushest rice terraces in southeast Asia. Navigate the Hapao Terraces in nearby Hungduan, but remember to bring your swimsuit for a dip in the Hungduan Bogya Hot Springs located inside the terraces.

The crown jewel of Banaue is an even more remote village, Batad, situated just 45 minutes away in the heart of the most epic terraces. Only about 400 people live in the town proper, tending to the nearby terraces or opening their homes as guesthouses to the tourists coming to visit. The entire town has no internet or cell service, so the only way to experience Batad is by disconnecting from the outside world – which we should all do now and then.

In Batad, you can wake up in an Ifugao hut with the sun and go to sleep when it sets; enjoy local, home-cooked food after long hikes to Cambulo or other neighboring terraces; and breathe in nature’s air, swim in the Tappiya Waterfall and chat with local people about their way of life.

HEAVENLY HANGZHOU

The capital of Zhejiang province, Hangzhou’s magnificent scenery has inspired influential writers and artists for thousands of years, including renowned poets Bai Juyi and Su Shi, who also served as governor to the city during the Tang and Song dynasties, respectively.

The city’s biggest – and most crowded – attraction is West Lake. According to legend, the lake was created during a quarrel between two mythical characters – jade phoenix and golden dragon – and the jewel at the center of the controversy was dropped to earth at the spot where West Lake now lies.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, however, is not the only natural vista worth a visit in Hangzhou. Mountains surrounding the water offer exceptional hiking and camping options, or head to one of the Longjing (dragon well) tea plantations, where visitors can pick their own leaves and enjoy a few sips of the final product at a nearby teahouse.

Apart from its stunning natural scenery, the city has also been at the forefront of China’s technological development in recent decades. Inside the Hangzhou Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone (referred to by some as China’s Silicon Valley), you’ll find the headquarters of one of China’s largest tech companies, Alibaba.

A fast-growing city in China, Hangzhou served as the host city of the 2016 G20 Summit as well as being selected to host the 2022 Asian Games.

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