text:
Changsha

Changsha (长沙 Chángshā) is the capital of Hunan Province in South-central China.

A modern city center with skyscrapers, shopping malls and walking streets invites for relaxed strolls. There are also plenty of opportunities to try the famous Hunanese cuisine and street food stores offer small bites (小吃 xiaochi) such as stinky tofu, mini lobsters, butter pancakes, and many more!

Understand
Changsha has an urban population of over 10 million people (2022). Mao Zedong lived and worked as a teacher in Changsha, and it was the site of his conversion to communism. A huge sculpture of Mao's head on Orange Island reminds everyone of his connection to the city.

History
The city is known among the Chinese for being the site of the Battle of Changsha, which was the first major victory the Chinese scored against the Japanese during World War II. The city however, suffered from major damage from the war after it was set on fire by Kuomintang officials in 1938, planning to implement scorched earth policy should Japanese forces invade. In particular, most historical relics were obliterated during the fire and 4 Japanese campaigns against the city.

Changsha has a history of more than 2,000 years of urban construction on the original site. The name "Changsha" was first seen in the "Book of Yizhou" in the pre-Qin period. Changsha County was established in the Qin Dynasty, and the Changsha Kingdom was established in the Western Han Dynasty. The Mawangdui Han Tomb is world-famous. The Changsha kiln in the Tang Dynasty was the first to create underglaze colored porcelain, which was exported to countries all over the world.

Read

 * The Underbelly of the Dragon by F.S. Upp

By plane
Ground transportation:
 * A maglev rail line connects the airport to the Changsha South Railway Station. From there, the subway can take you to the city center.
 * A 45-minute drive on the expressway will take you to the city center.
 * Airport buses operate from 06:00-22:00 between the airport and downtown Changsha and cost ¥16.5. The bus arrives at/leaves from the CAAC Aviation Hotel on Wuyi Dadao (五一大道) a block west of the central train station. There are also shuttle buses to take you to the South Railway Station and the South Bus Station
 * Taxis wait outside the arrivals area. As of February 2013, taxis to the city cost approximately ¥90-100 (plus ¥10 tolls).

Traveling from the airport will allow for some window viewing of the relatively wealthy countryside surrounding the city. Although annual floods do sizable property damage, the overflowing rivers help irrigate the evergreens and enormous rice paddies.

Transit without a visa
Changsha has a special visa exemption scheme, which allows visitors from 54 counties who are transiting to a third country to stay for up to 72 hours without a visa. The Chinese government's website has more details. You must enter and leave mainland China via Changsha Huanghua International Airport, and you must present an onward ticket to a country other than the one you arrived from to immigration when you arrive; Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan count as separate countries with regard to this scheme. Unlike in most other cities, you may travel out of Changsha city, but must remain within Hunan province for the duration of your stay.

By train

From nearby cities Zhuzhou and Xiangtan, you can take the Changsha–Zhuzhou–Xiangtan Intercity Railway, which opened in 2016. But for other nearby cities, the intercity railway is still under construction. You can take train and bus, or book a private car service with a local transfer company.

By urban rail

 * Changsha, Zhuzhou and Xiangtan can enter Changsha by intercity rail. The intercity rail transit west ring project creates a seamless transfer with Changsha Metro Line 3.

Get around
Ubiquitous taxicabs flood the city streets, willing to transport you just up the street or to the other side of town. Meters start at ¥8 in daylight, ¥10 at night.

If you want to spend like a native or just want to experience the sensation of being sandwiched between locals, then hop on a bus for ¥2 and feel the thrill of speeding down the bumpy roads with barely any breathing room. Buses with air-conditioning (hot or cold) or cross city districts run for ¥2 and buses without run for ¥1.

As of 2020, Changsha has 5 metro lines, plus a sixth maglev line to the airport:
 * Line 1 (north-south) - Has stops for Kaifu Temple and Provincial Museum, all due north.
 * Line 2 (east-west) - Connects the Changsha Railway Station, Changsha South Railway Station, and West Bus Station (Wangchengpo stop). There is also a stop for Juzizhou.
 * Line 3 (Southwest to Northeast)-It starts from Shantang Station, passes through Yuelu District, Tianxin District, Kaifu District, Furong District, Yuhua District and Changsha County in Changsha City, and ends at Guangsheng Station.
 * Line 4 (northwest to southeast)-Changsha Rail Transit Line 4 starts from Guanling Station and passes through various districts in Changsha City, connecting three major scenic spots including Han Dynasty Tomb Relics Park, Yuelu Mountain and Moon Island, three major universities and Yuelu Mountain International University Science and Technology City, and connecting to Wangchengqing Bay. The town commercial center, and other important urban functional centers and hub areas end at Dujiaping Station.
 * Line 5 (north-south)-Changsha Rail Transit Line 5 starts from Maozhutang Station and ends at Shuiduhe Station.

Amusement parks

 * Changsha Underwater World (长沙海底世界), 501 Trinity Avenue, Kaifu District (开福区三一大道501号).
 * Changsha Underwater World (长沙海底世界), 501 Trinity Avenue, Kaifu District (开福区三一大道501号).

Theatres
Watch traditional folk art, e.g. lion dance, drum opera, clam dance and Xiang Opera.

Buy

 * Wangda Plaza (万达广场). It is shopping mall with famous fashion brands such as Coach, Gome, as well as large office buildings with many branch companies such as Logoson. Besides, many people who goes to Changsha will go there at nights of some traditional Chinese festivals, for it is one of the best places to watch fireworks show on Orange Island.
 * Wangfujing Mall (王府井). There are two Wangfujing malls in Changsha, which are very popular to local young shoppers.
 * Guojin Street(国金街).The north side is connected to the Wuyi Square Metro Line 1 and 2 transfer station, the south side is connected to Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street (Simou Gate), the east side is seamlessly connected to Wharf B1 and B2, and the west side is connected to Wangfujing B1.
 * Changsha IFS(九龙仓长沙国际金融中心).Located at the intersection of Huangxing Road and Jiefang Road in Wuyi Business District, Changsha City, Hunan Province, it is a large-scale super high-rise urban complex integrating large-scale shopping and entertainment centers, high-end office buildings, serviced apartments and international five-star hotels.
 * Guojin Street(国金街).The north side is connected to the Wuyi Square Metro Line 1 and 2 transfer station, the south side is connected to Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street (Simou Gate), the east side is seamlessly connected to Wharf B1 and B2, and the west side is connected to Wangfujing B1.
 * Changsha IFS(九龙仓长沙国际金融中心).Located at the intersection of Huangxing Road and Jiefang Road in Wuyi Business District, Changsha City, Hunan Province, it is a large-scale super high-rise urban complex integrating large-scale shopping and entertainment centers, high-end office buildings, serviced apartments and international five-star hotels.

Eat
When eating in Changsha there is nothing better than a plate of stinky tofu (臭豆腐 chou doufu), butter pancake (酥油并 suyoubing) or mini lobster (口味虾) bought right off the street. If you have just arrived, be wary of eating from street vendors. Although the inviting aroma of food cooking may be too tempting to resist, you had better have a strong stomach if you do not want to get an upset one.

Changsha food is part of the broader Hunanese cuisine (湘菜 xiang cai), one of China's traditional eight great regional cuisines. Traditional Hunan foods are quite spicy like Sichuan cuisine, but without the unique numbing sensation that comes with Sichuan peppercorns. In summer, oversized metal mixing bowls filled with crawfish seasoned with plenty of chili and spices, take the stage atop countless tabletops. Restaurants get so busy and overcrowded that tables, chairs along with diners spill into the busy streets and the parade of tantalizing dishes endlessly leave the kitchen to appear on the tables of hungry diners.

 * Stinky Tofu. Stinky tofu is a classic traditional snack in Changsha. It is recommended to go to Black Classic to buy the most authentic stinky tofu.

Street food areas

 * Pozi Street(坡子街).Pozi Street in Changsha has a long history of more than 1,200 years. It is a veritable thousand-year-old street and a representative of Hunan culture.
 * Pozi Street(坡子街).Pozi Street in Changsha has a long history of more than 1,200 years. It is a veritable thousand-year-old street and a representative of Hunan culture.
 * Pozi Street(坡子街).Pozi Street in Changsha has a long history of more than 1,200 years. It is a veritable thousand-year-old street and a representative of Hunan culture.
 * Pozi Street(坡子街).Pozi Street in Changsha has a long history of more than 1,200 years. It is a veritable thousand-year-old street and a representative of Hunan culture.
 * Pozi Street(坡子街).Pozi Street in Changsha has a long history of more than 1,200 years. It is a veritable thousand-year-old street and a representative of Hunan culture.

Restaurants
For international cuisine, four- and five-star restaurants have reputable chefs although for a visitor, the infinite array of dishes native to or with a Hunan flair are sure to please even the most discriminating palate.

Chui Yan Shi Dai 炊烟时代 or 炊烟食代. Depending on which days, 时代 means "age" and 食代 doesn't mean anything actually, it just that both are homophones and 食 means "to eat" in middle Chinese. There are several other restaurants that likes to play with these kinds of homophones. The third floor of the Taskin Mall (德思勤) on the intersection of Shaoshan Nan road and Xiangfu Zhong road. Well prepared Xiang cuisine. Must try are Lajiao Lei Pidan (擂辣椒皮蛋), Xiangyu Paigu (香芋排骨) and Chao Hua Cai (炒花菜).

Drink
Jiefang West Road (解放西路 Jiefangxilu) has a few Chinese clubs along this road, including SoHo, the ubiqiutous Chinese chain. Drinks tend to be expensive, the music loud, and clubs crowded. It's just off the main walking street so it is in quite a handy location.

Taiping Street (太平街 Taipingjie) is a newly refurbished area, with traditional/tacky facades has a few smaller bars, some with live music. It is just off Jiefang West Road towards the river. This is a touristy shopping street and many prices are on par with the West. Bargaining is impossible here. Even those who speak little English know how to say no bargains. But the shops are worth seeing to get an idea of what is available.

Go next
Zhangjiajie Scenic Area
 * Zhangjiajie
 * Wulingyuan
 * Tianmen Mountain

Others
 * Fenghuang - A well-preserved ancient town in western Hunan Province

title: Changsha


text:
Changshu

Changshu (常熟) is a city in Jiangsu province, China. Administratively, it is a county-level city within the prefecture-level city Suzhou.

By plane
The nearest airport is Wuxi Sunan Shuofang International Airport in Wuxi. There are direct bus services from that airport to Changshu.

The nearest major airports are in Shanghai, an approximately two-hour drive from Changshu (~150 km). There are no direct bus services to Changshu from those airports but you can get a train to Changshu from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, which is just next to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.

By bus
If coming from Suzhou, take a coach bus from the bus station on the west side of the train station. The bus ticket costs ¥16, and the ride should last a little more than an hour. The bus will take you either to Changshu's North Bus Station (北站) or its South Bus Station (南站). Changshu's main bus station is the south station, which connects to more destinations and closes much later than the north station. The south station is ideal for first-time city visitors because it's in the heart of Changshu's famed garment district. Both stations are about a ten-minute taxi ride to downtown. To head downtown tell the driver to take you to Fangta Jie (方塔街) or Yushan Hill Park (Yushan Gong Yuan/虞山公园).

Get around
Metered taxis start at ¥10.

See

 * City - channels and old houses in some part of town
 * City - channels and old houses in some part of town
 * City - channels and old houses in some part of town

Do
Recommended as one of the 7 best day-trips from Shanghai (Shanghai Time Out, spring 2011. However, do not go just for the scenic areas, unless you have already done everything recommended by guidebooks).

Possible daytrip itinerary from Shanghai for tourist areas (as suggested by Time Out magazine)
 * Start at Shanghu Scenic Area (¥60 entrance fee), to boat in bamboo boats through Crane Reservate and bamboo waterforest
 * Go to Kingrace Hotel (73 Ximen Dajie, Near Shuyuan Lu), grab lunch and head up the 263 m mountain
 * Take bus, taxi or own-driver up the mountain (walk uninteresting), about 2/3 way pay ¥15 entrance fee (with or without car) and continue drive all way up. Enjoy the tree-covered mountain top with great views of the city and Shanghu Lake. Stop halfway up, to walk on a "Great Wall" with OK views of the city and Shanghu Scenic Area.
 * Walk down through tea plantages or take your car back. No taxi available on mountain.

Getting there and away:
 * From Shanghai: Grab bus from Shanghai South Long Distance Bus Station, every 30 min. Same back.

Eat
BK Bar on Tai Shan Being Lu has excellent Tex-Mex food and a wealth of local information.

Drink
All clubs below are found downtown (Fangta Jie & Yushan Beilu intersection). They're all a short walking distance from each other except for Baidu (aka Boiling 100 Degrees) which is a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride from any other club on this list.

 * Casamia - Expat restaurant and bar near OK88 and several other bars and clubs. Street: Yushan Beilu.
 * Huang Jia Yi Hao 蝗家一号 - The nightclub front entrance directly faces Yushan Hill. It plays mostly Western/American music.
 * Baidu (aka Boiling 100 Degrees) - Nightclub playing mostly Chinese music. It has a small pulsing dance floor. Baidu's about a mile north of OK88 and Casamia off the same street, Yushan Beilu.
 * 0576 - Nightclub playing a mix of Chinese music and Western remixes. It's off the main road in town, Fangta Jie, just south of Parkson's Department Store/Starbucks and just west of the town square. It's a short walk south of OK88.
 * Freeman's Club - It is on the corner across the street from the KFC off the town square as well as across the street and several paces from 0576 nightclub. There's usually a ¥10 cover. During weekends it's more of a dance club and on weeknights it's usually just a bar. Unlike the dance floor/"stages" at all the other clubs on this list, the dance floor at this club is not elevated like a stage. Therefore, the whole club can't see you dancing from every corner of the club.

Connect
Changshu Expats Association - Expat forum

Go next

 * Suzhou 苏州 - About 1 hour by car
 * Shanghai 上海 - About 1.5-2 hours by car, or grab a bus to/from Shanghai South Long Distance Bus Station, every 30 min, approx. 90 min ride.
 * Nanjing 南京 - About 3 hours by car
 * Hangzhou 杭州 - About 3.5 hours by car

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Changshu


text:
Changuinola

Changuinola is a town in Bocas del Toro province of Panama on the Caribbean West coast.

Understand
A low key town that you cross through to get to Bocas del Toro from Costa Rica. A nice town, but does not feel particularly safe at night. During the day it is fine. The best and cheapest clothes ever. Make sure to pack light so you can pick up some clothes from this town. It has a really interesting vibe, in a good way. Some sweet local restaurants.

Get in
By bus from Almirante (for Bocas del Toro), 30-45 min, $1.45.

By big bus from/to the border, 10-20 min, $1.

Sleep

 * Hotel carol 7588731
 * Hotel changuinola 7588678
 * Hotel ejecutivo 7586010
 * Hotel Alhambra is one of the cheapest $25 a night 7589819
 * hotel golden sahara 7587908
 * Hotel Hawaii 7586025
 * Hotel liang 7587534

title: Changuinola


text:
Changwon

Changwon  (창원시) is the capital city of South Gyeongsang in South Korea, and incorporates the known harbor town of Masan. Changwon is the first of South Korea's few planned cities.

Understand
Developed in the 1970s, it was designed to be the new capital for Gyeongsangnam-do and an alternative capital for the country should Seoul be invaded. The city is surrounded by mountains which provides protection. A missile defense station sits on top of the southern mountain range. Changwon boasts of the longest straight road in the nation (Changwon Main Road - Changwondae-no) which is over 12 km long. If necessary the road can be used as a landing runway.

The city is home to many high-technology and machine industries, including LG, Samsung, GM Daewoo, and their employees in a high-quality urban space. Changwon Main Road divides the town with the industries mostly being on the western side and the urban environment mostly being on the eastern side.

The neighboring cities Jinhae and Masan have since 2010 administratively been parts of Changwon.

Changwon is a planned city based on public works and a center of South Gyeongsangnam-do. Among non-capital areas, Changwon has the largest population including capital areas, Changwon followed by Suwon, Goyang and Yongin.

The climate of Changwon has a very similar climate to Busan nearby Changwon. Changwon is very hot in the summer and is also the place where tropical nights are observed very frequently in Korea. On the other hand, it is not very cold in winter and it snows rarely. There is not much snow in Changwon generally, so traffic is often paralyzed if it barely snows in Changwon.

Get in
Changwon is to the west of Busan, and most travel to Changwon is via this international hub. Located in the southeastern part of Gyeongsangnam-do, it is located in Gangseo-gu in Busan and Gimhae to the east, bordering Miryang and Changnyeong-gun on the Nakdong River to the north, Haman-gun, Jinju, Goseong-gun to the west, and Geoje City to the south. There is Masan Bay in the center of the city and Jinhae Bay in the south.

The existing three cities of Masan, Changwon, and Jinhae integrated and operated city buses, and today, they have deeply linked and cooperated in transportation, culture, and infrastructure, including Dongmasan IC, the main gateway of Changwon.

By plane
The nearest airport is Gimhae International Airport. in Busan, the neighboring town to the east.

By train
The Mugunghwa, Saemaeul and KTX (Korea Train Express) trains arrive at the Changwon Train Station in the north part of the urban area of town. There are KTX stops at Changwon Train station, Changwonjungang Train station, and Masan Train station. You can travel directly to Changwon from Seoul Station without any transfers or connections.

By bus
Buses connect Changwon to most of the other cities in Gyeongsangnam-do via the Express bus terminal. Some buses connect with Changwon at the Namsan terminal in the south part of town, including buses for Busan. Express buses connect directly to Seoul several times a day.

Buses from Busan mainly depart from the Seobu bus station in Sasang-gu. It's a short walk from the Sasang subway station to Seobu. The fare is about ₩3500.

Masan's intercity bus terminal serves destinations in the vicinity. There are frequent buses to Busan and Jinju (₩4,000 and one hour), as well as longer routes serving Tongyeong and far southern Geoje.

Get around
There are two types of city buses; express and normal. The express bus costs a little more but have fewer stops. The normal bus stops at every stop and most routes run into neighboring towns Jinhae and Masan. Current cash price is ₩1,300 for a normal bus and ₩1,800 for an express. When using a transportation card (T-money card) for payment, price is ₩1,250 for a normal bus and ₩1,750 for an express. Taxis are also a very common mode of transportation. Taxis can almost always be flagged down within a couple minutes on any semi-major to major road. All taxis (including black) start at ₩3,300 during the day but the starting rate goes up to ₩3,960 after midnight. And you can use the bike rental service. One of the best places to ride bicycles in Korea is the old Changwon city area. This is due to bicycle lanes installed on all major roads in the city. Nubiza is a combination of Nubida and Bicycle, which is a public bicycle service that is loaned from Changwon City. It is also South Korea's first public bike that began on October 22, 2004. Nubiza's terminals are located in many places in the city like bus stops, each with kiosks. If you pay a reasonable price, you can rent a bicycle, but if you rent it and don't return it for an hour and a half, you'll get a call to return it quickly. In this case, you can return it and rent it again. The Nubiza bike has a speedometer so you can check the mileage, time, etc. And it has headlights and rear lights, so there's no problem with night driving.

See

 * dott Island the nation's first marine amusement park. It is operated as a small recreation park.

Work
Most foreign workers hold positions as either engineers or English teachers.

Buy
Changwon is known for its watermelons and persimmons. If you're cooking for more than one person, check out the traditional markets for fresh fruits and veggies at great prices.

For the shoppers out there, Changwon has a Lotte Mart, Lotte Dept Store, and an Emart all centrally located by the Rotary across from City Hall. Daedong Dept Store's not too far from the Rotary as well. There's also a Home Plus and New Core Outlet near the bus terminal, and City 7 beside Changwon's Pullman Hotel.

Eat

 * Various kinds of seafood Because there is a huge fish market, the quality of seafood, including fish, is as good as that of high-end department stores.

Stay safe
There are no special considerations beyond those described in the South Korea article.

Connect
There are no special connection considerations beyond those described in the South Korea article.

Cope
For media, see South Korea.

Go next

 * Busan is the main regional city

title: Changwon


text:
Changzhi

Changzhi (长治; Chángzhì) is a city in Shanxi Province.

Get in
There are two high-speed railway stations in Changzhi, Changzhi East and Changzhi South. There are other conventional train stations including Changzhi North, Changzhi and Wuxiang.

There is an airport in Changzhi called Changzhi Wangcun Airport.

Do
1.drifting adventure 2.spelunking 3.rock climbing 4.visiting wetland park

title: Changzhi


text:
Changzhou

Changzhou (常州 Chángzhōu) is a city of 3.6 million people (2010) in Jiangsu.

Most travellers will breeze through Changzhou on their way to Suzhou or Nanjing but those with a bit of time can spend a pleasant day exploring the city's somewhat agrestic charms.

Understand
Settlement here stretches back to at least the Spring and Autumn period (770-426 BC) when Yancheng, a city surrounded by three concentric moats was established.

Changzhou has been visited by many people over the years including Song dynasty poet Dongpo, Emperor Qianlong, and the Japanese Army on their way to destroy Nanjing.

Climate
Changzhou has four distinct seasons, with synchronized rain and heat, and abundant sunshine. Winter is the longest, followed by summer, spring again, and autumn is the shortest. The seasonal differences in climate are very obvious, with cold winters, hot summers, and mild spring and autumn.

By train
Changzhou has two railway stations that are adjacent to one another. The new station faces north and serves the high speed G-trains and some of the slightly slower D-trains that run between Shanghai and Nanjing. The older south facing station handles the long distance T and K trains and the odd D train. The two stations are connected by an underground walkway. You can also take a metro train between the two stations.

The most frequent services are high-speed G and D-trains going to or from Shanghai or Nanjing. The journey from either end takes around 1.5 hours. Services include:
 * From Nanjing – (¥80) Departing from the main station.
 * From Shanghai – (G train: ¥80 second class; ¥128 business class. D train ¥51 second class; ¥61 business class.) Departing from Shanghai central or Hongqiao station.

The slower and lower class T- and K- services from other provinces stop at Changzhou but tickets are only available for destinations outside of Jiangsu.

Tickets
The new station has touchscreen ticket machines with English menus to buy tickets G and D train. A ticket to Shanghai on the G train costs ¥80 for second class and ¥125 for business class. The D train is ¥51 for second class and ¥61 for business class

Buying tickets for the long distance T or K services have to be bought from the ticket windows in the building on the far right of the entrance. There aren't any ticket machines but most clerks can speak at least simple English or will find someone who does. For services other than the high-speed trains, it's wise to book outbound tickets a few days in advance as they fill up quickly, especially during public holidays.

By bus
The northern bus station on Xinmen Lu (almost opposite the train station) has frequent services to Wuxi, Zhangjiagang, Suzhou (¥34, 2 hr), yixing ¥21 and Kunshan.

By plane
There are flights in and out of Changzhou to over 10 cities.

Get around
The cities main attractions are within a walkable radius of the train station, with the outlying spots on the main bus routes.

By bus
The Changzhou bus network fleet comprises speedy modern buses and a bunch lumbering rattlers. The BRT bus network, operating in lieu of a subway, features frequent services of large shiny buses that rapidly traverse mainly inner city routes stopping at enclosed BRT stations located in the centre of the main thoroughfares and at the curbside on smaller roads. All BRT bus numbers are prefixed with a B, followed by the route number. Service frequency is almost excessive, to the point where it's not uncommon to see two or three same numbered buses following each other caterpillar style with only a few passengers on each.

The services start and terminate near the train station. Fares for all buses are ¥1, regardless of distance.

 * B11 - Runs down Heping Lu and past the main shopping district.
 * 2 - Starts at bus terminus attached to the new northern train and long distance bus station and rattles down almost the entire length of Heping Lu and around the university town in the south.
 * B1 - Stops in front of the Yancheng complex.

A double-decker tourist bus numbered Y1 can be seen about town but locals are somewhat secretive about its routes and timetable.

By metro
As of 2019, Changzhou has one metro line, with more under construction.

By taxi
Metered taxis charge ¥9 for the first 4 km and then ¥2.9 for every additional kilometre.

Eat
Sesame Bing – A local speciality is a small round cake of flaky pastry studded with sesame seeds. Fillings between the crunchy layers of pasty have two flavours – salty and sweet. The salty has a thin layer of preserved vegetable while the sweet has a globular core of sugar syrup. Patience is key to eating the sugary one, especially if bought hot off the stove, as a too hasty bite will send a wave of tongue-scaldingly hot liquid squirting out onto both your mouth and fingers.

Drink
Some people bemoan the lack of bar scene here, compared with Wuxi or Shanghai. Nonetheless there are a couple of decent joints to drown your sorrows in.

Sleep
Most of the accommodation in Changzhou is geared toward business travellers, so upmarket international style hotels are abundant but decent budget options are limited.

Go next

 * Suzhou
 * Nanjing

title: Changzhou


text:
Chanhassen

Chanhassen is a small city in Minnesota located just southwest of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

Understand
Chanhassen is close to the big city, but still has that small town charm, making it appealing for all types of visitors. There are many opportunities for fun, family and business in Chanhassen. Close to downtown Minneapolis, the city is home to eleven lakes, many community parks, the Chanhassen Dinner Theater, Lake Minnewashta and Lake Ann Park Beaches.

By plane
The Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport is only twenty miles from Chanhassen.

By car
Highways 5 and 212 run through Chanhassen and connect to Interstate 494. Highway 101 also runs through Chanhassen connecting to US 169 to the south, and Interstate 394 to the north.

Get around
Automobiles are the most common type of transportation for travelers who are staying in the city, however, there are a few other options.

By public transportation
There are coach buses operated by SouthWest Transit which will take travelers from Chanhassen to downtown Minneapolis. There are numerous taxi services in Chanhassen which will take travelers to and from their destinations.

By bicycle
Chanhassen has over 80 miles of trails for biking and walking.

Do
Chanhassen has a 500-acre park system that features five community parks and 22 neighborhood parks scattered throughout the community. There are 55 miles of trails and sidewalks for walkers, bikers, runners, and in-line skaters to enjoy. The trails connect downtown, parks, and neighborhoods.

Go next

 * Mall of America in nearby Bloomington. Minnesota has no sales tax on clothing.
 * Valleyfair is an amusement park that's within an hour's drive in nearby Shakopee.
 * Minnesota Zoo is in nearby Apple Valley.

title: Chanhassen


text:
Chania

Chania (Greek Χανιά, also transliterated Hania or even Khania) is a beautiful port town on the northwest coast of Crete, with an atmosphere reflecting its Venetian and Turkish past. Highly livable spot.

Understand
Chania and the long row of beach resorts stretching 20 km west along the beaches of the Chania Bay is a well visited destination for Scandinavian charter trips. Chania is an attractive destination for sightseeing and shopping for many tourists. There are plenty of opportunities for eating and drinking at Greek tavernas and modern cafés that are open into the night.

The old town is centred around the harbour, a maze of alleys and houses that stood for hundreds of years, were rebuilt, ruined and rebuilt again with details from different epochs. Old Town is full of souvenir, art and crafts shops. The new quarters house the regular span of shops, where you can find most of your needs for hiking and other adventures. The beaches begin not far from Old Town, the nearest one being Nea Hora, a 1-km walk from the west end of Old Town.

Climate
Summer season (April to October) is hot and dry with clear skies. Dry, hot days are often relieved by a seasonal breeze from the north, Meltemi. There are occasional heat waves. Winters are mild with relatively little rain and rare frosts but with a high level of humidity that drops the relative temperature.

By plane

There are several daily flights from Athens, via Aegean Airlines and Olympic Airlines. From April to early November, there are many direct charter flights to Chania from the UK, Germany, Scandinavia and other European countries. You can get to the city by taxi (€25, about a 20 minutes drive) or city bus (€2.50, service every 30-60 minutes).

By ferry
Ferry services from Athens (Piraeus port) to Chania (Hania) anchor at the nearby port of Souda. Daily ferries, one ordinary with ANEK and one fast catamaran with Hellenic Seaways.

By bus
Chania is connected to the rest of Crete by regular bus lines operated by the KTEL company. The coaches are modern, comfortable and air-conditioned. Fare is reasonable. Public transportation is fairly frequent and timetables trustworthy. Bus services along the north coast and towards the south coast are excellent, reliable, frequent and cheap. The centrally located bus station offers luggage storage lockers.

By car
Highway E75 (A90) goes along the north coast of Crete from Heraklion to Kissamos. It goes by the southern outskirts of the town. The old road, that still has the name 90, is parallel to the highway and is the main road through all the small resorts west of Chania.

Hiring a car is easy with the usual documentation (a standard EU driving licence is fine.) Get prior permission in writing from the rental company if you plan to take the car away on a ferry.

Get around
Chania is highly walkable.

A car is not recommended for getting around town. Parking is difficult, and regulations are enforced with tickets. There are no cars permitted at all in much of the old town.

The public bus is clean, efficient, frequent and cheap (2 euros or less), and a great option to get to neighboring beaches other than Nea Chora. Card and phone taps accepted.

If you are on Crete to see the 'real Crete', as opposed to the night clubs, then visiting the villages of the island is a must. All Cretan culture can be seen, heard and tasted in the villages. The Cretans at work or at leisure will always welcome visitors and show you how to do things the correct way. All villages have a central kafenion (coffee shop) which is where all people eventually end up. The kafenion, apart from being a place to meet friends for a coffee, raki or a game of tavli (backgammon), is used as the main information centre of the village. Be aware, however, that the kafenion is still very much a male dominion and women are generally not welcome inside (as opposed to a cafeteria or regular cafe). Most villages have war memorials and the locals will willingly fill in any missing information. Gavalohori has a wonderful folklore museum where much about village life can be learned.

See

 * Stroll around old town and old Venetian harbour.
 * The Archaeological Museum of Hania, Skra Street 15, has unfortunately been moved out of the city center, but buses 11, 28 and 23 will take you there. It is well worth a visit. Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed on Tuesdays. 6 Eur, 3 Euro reduced ticket.
 * Samaria Gorge is an easy and popular day trip from here.
 * The beautiful Elafonissi beach is reachable by bus (one per day, 09:00, €11 each way). KTEL company.
 * Visit the beautiful Balos beach from the nearby town of Kissamos, which can be reached by bus.
 * The beautiful Elafonissi beach is reachable by bus (one per day, 09:00, €11 each way). KTEL company.
 * Visit the beautiful Balos beach from the nearby town of Kissamos, which can be reached by bus.

Buy
Olives, olive oil and honey are some of the many products of excellent quality in Chania.

Eat
As is the case throughout Greece, any food preference can be satisfied in Chania restaurants, which tend to have diverse, delicious options on most every menu.

 * Mpourakis in Kounoupidiana presents delicious traditional cuisine. From Kounoupidiana centre take the road on the right go towards Stavros, 100 m on the right side.
 * Mike's in Maleme, 17 km west from Chania. Home-style cooking.
 * Pinaleon in El.Venizelou. Good tavern which serves tasty Cretan cuisine.
 * Pinaleon in El.Venizelou. Good tavern which serves tasty Cretan cuisine.

Sleep
Chania and environs has a range of accommodation ranging from hostels to 5-star hotels. The historical backstreets by the old harbour in Chania are full of old Venetian houses that have been renovated into hotels, some of which are very well priced with a unique atmosphere, friendly proprietors and, obviously, an excellent location. However, most of these are not advertised online, so unless you are going at the peak season (June–August), consider not making a reservation and shopping for accommodation once there.

Chania city

 * Hotel Helena - Lovely hotel, €35/n for a single and €55/n for a double. A very friendly and chatty proprietor who was always available to provide advice or assistance. Just two streets down from the seafront.
 * Hotel Helena - Lovely hotel, €35/n for a single and €55/n for a double. A very friendly and chatty proprietor who was always available to provide advice or assistance. Just two streets down from the seafront.

Go next
Within reach of a day-trip, but worth longer, are Rethymno (the most charming old town on the island) and Heraklion, the capital city of Crete. To the west, Kissamos is a nice small town.

title: Chania


text:
Chania (regional unit)

Regional Unit of Chania (Greek: Περιφερειακή ενότητα Χανίων) is a region on the island of Crete. It has a population of 156,585 (2011).

Settlements

 * (Χανιά, Haniá) — largest city of the western region
 * (Αγιά Ρουμέλη) — small coastal town at the end of the Samaria gorge
 * (Δραπανιάς) — the principal town in the Cretan municipality of Mythimna; it was built in the ruins of the ancient town of Mythimna
 * (Χώρα Σφακίων or Σφακιά, Sfakia) — tiny capital in the southwest with white houses and the ferry to and from the Samaria Gorge
 * (Κίσσαμος) — not big on tourism and most of its income is from wine, oil, and agricultural production
 * (Ομαλός) — a high plateau notable for being at the top of the Samaria gorge
 * (Παλαιόχωρα or Παλιόχωρα) — small resort village on southwest coast

Other destinations

 * (Ελαφονήσι) — a wonderful, but very crowded islet located close to the southwestern corner of Crete
 * (Γαύδος) — the southernmost point of Europe
 * (Φαράγγι Σαμαριάς or just Φάραγγας) — A most visited gorge running from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea.

By ferry
Ferry services from Athens (Piraeus port) to Chania (Hania) Crete island. Schedules here.

You have two options for ferry travel to Chania - overnight cruise (approx. 9 hours) from Piraeus on ANEK Lines; or 4.5 hour daytime high-speed ferry from Piraeus on Hellenic Seaways.

Get around
Walk: Crete is a very safe and tourist friendly island.

The cheapest option would be to take the bus (which is also very safe). Besides that, renting a car or using taxis..

See

 * — one of the two German military cemeteries in Greece. Most of the soldiers buried here lost their lives on Crete.
 * — one of the two German military cemeteries in Greece. Most of the soldiers buried here lost their lives on Crete.

Do
Explore... The Chania's harbour area is beautiful and the lighthouse is incredible. The Maritime museum is also a great visit. The Old Town is full of all types of shops, pubs, and restaurants that are aimed at tourists. Crete is full of a number of beautiful beaches and breath taking views. For wine enthusiasts, Nostos Winery is a 20-minute drive from the centre and is a beautiful winery that offers incredible tastings.

Eat
Go where the locals go...

However, if you are looking for a cheap and quick meal you can find gyros all over town.

Drink
A must in Crete is Raki. Be careful... it packs a punch. Additionally, many local bars and restaurants give out free shots or drinks to all costumers.

Sleep
You can expect plenty of choices concerning beach and city hotels in the region of Chania.

Go next
You can walk to the bus terminal easily from the harbor or main market square - 5 to 10 minutes.

title: Chania (regional unit)


text:
Chaniotis

Chaniotis is a coast village in Kassandra peninsula (Greek, Modern: Χανιώτης, Χανιώτη). The coast hosts numerous excellent beaches.

Get in
The only way to get in is from Thessaloniki Interurban Bus Terminal ("KTEL Chalkidikis").

Get around
Interurban Bus Terminal ("KTEL Chalkidikis") is regular going village to village. Motorcycle and bicycle rental services in the village.

Beaches
Chaniotis has a very large and clean beach awarded with a Blue Flag. There are enough beach clubs, and organized beaches with lifeguards. Little far from the village there are some less crowdy beaches.

Buy
Souvenirs

Eat
Mostly fish and other sea food.

Drink
There are many cafes, bars and restaurants on the central road.

Go next
The nightclubs around Kallithea are very popular and crowdy.

title: Chaniotis


text:
Channel Islands

The Channel Islands (French: Îles Anglo-Normandes, Norman dialects: Îles d'la Manche) are an archipelago in the Bay of St Malo, off the Normandy and Brittany coast of France - only Alderney the most northerly truly lies in the English Channel. They comprise two "bailiwicks", of Jersey and of Guernsey, which are self-governing Crown Dependencies of the United Kingdom. There is no single political entity or jurisdiction of the Channel Islands, and Jersey and Guernsey are as distinct from each other as they are from the UK home nations.

Understand
The Channel Islands have been inhabited since humans re-settled northern Europe after the retreat of the last Ice Age over 10,000 years ago. They became islands when sea levels rose 6000 years ago, but were still within sailing distance from mainland Europe even for primitive craft. They are dotted with Neolithic graves and other structures and artefacts demonstrating continuous links with the mainland. Early priests and hermits such as Jersey's Saint Helier arrived in the 6th century.

In 1066 William Duke of Normandy gained the crown of England, so his descendants ruled many parts of France as well as England. A series of wars, and peace treaties followed by more wars, wrested European territory away from England to the growing Kingdom of France, until all that remained were the Channel Islands. And so they remain today. The two bailiwicks of Jersey and of Guernsey are therefore "Crown Dependencies". They have the same monarch as the UK, King Charles III, but are not subject to the UK parliament, legislation or taxation in most cases, and were never members of the EU. However they cede control of defence and most international affairs to the UK.

That defence role in practice meant that these islands were used as bastions to project British sea power into the Channel, preferably to the detriment of the French. In the Revolutionary/Napoleonic period at the start of the 19th century, and again mid-century, they were fortified against French attack that never came. In June 1940 when France was overrun by Germany, the British evacuated most of the islanders and did not fight, seeing this as a lost cause. The Nazis were therefore able to occupy the islands bloodlessly, all smiles at first and propaganda photos of British bobbies beneath the swastika, but soon unleashing their standard terror. They (or rather their slave-labourers) in turn heavily fortified and bunkered the islands against a British counter-attack that never came, not even after D-Day, so liberation only dawned when Germany surrendered in 1945. So this means multiple fortifications that are still in good condition, and major visitor attractions.

Post-war the islands continued with agriculture and developed tourism, but their new industry was off-shore banking and corporate domiciles, taking advantage of a low-tax, low-regulation base upon English-speaking territory close to London. This has shared the ups and downs of the global economy and the exchange rate - Jersey and Guernsey each have their own currency but pegged at parity with the UK £ sterling.

The Channel Islands are exposed to the Atlantic; in winter frost is rare but the ferries are disrupted, the esplanades are rain-lashed, and many places shut down. Summer is pleasant, and the May and September "shoulder" months are less crowded. For visitors from Britain, the short travel time means a long weekend is feasible, but a week is better to get around the main sights without feeling rushed.

Talk
English is spoken natively throughout the islands. The Jersey accent is clipped and sometimes likened to South African English, while the Guernsey accent adds an "eh" upflick to sentences, like a question mark or startled Canadian. But there is so much mixture, especially in tourist facilities where staff and visitors hail from far and wide, that a "pure" or distinctive island accent cannot be said to exist.

French is widely understood, and is, with English, an official language for historical reasons. It is featured in place names and signage, but is not spoken locally.

If you see what looks like misspelled French, it's Jèrriais or Guernésiais. These derive from Normandy dialects of French and are taught in schools in a bid to preserve them. They're recognised as languages rather than mere dialects, but nowadays are used as a badge of identity rather than for practical communication, and are losing the struggle to remain living languages.

Get in
The Channel Islands are outside the EU Schengen Agreement but form a Common Travel Area with the UK, Republic of Ireland and Isle of Man. So if you're eligible to enter UK (with or without visa) then you can also enter Jersey or Guernsey for up to 90 days. However you may not work without registration, see below, or take up residence.

By air: Aurigny Airlines are based at Guernsey airport and Blue Islands at Jersey airport, and budget airlines such as Jet2 and Easyjet also fly seasonally. Both airports have daily flights from London Gatwick and Southampton, and once or twice a week from other UK cities. Direct flights from Europe are seasonal.

By boat: car ferries sail from Poole and Portsmouth in the UK, and from Saint-Malo in France, plus other seasonal foot-passenger ferries from Normandy. The landing point in Guernsey is always St Peter Port. On Jersey it's usually St Helier, but occasional ferries call at Gorey on the east coast on their way between Normandy and Guernsey.

Get around
Inter-island flights connect Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney. There's car hire at the airports but most visitors don't need a car.

Guernsey has ferries to Jersey, Herm, Sark and Alderney and a day-trip is often possible.

Jersey and Guernsey both have good bus services to their airports and main settlements.

Alderney has no bus, but amazingly has a standard gauge railway trundling along its north coast. On Herm or Sark simply walk or cycle.

See

 * Jersey: St Helier the chief town has a Museum and Gallery, and Maritime Museum. Elizabeth Castle is on a tidal islet, reached by causeway or amphibious ferry.
 * Mont Orgeuil on the east coast was the predecessor to Elizabeth Castle.
 * Hamptonne in mid-island is a museum of country life on a farmstead.
 * La Hougue Bie in the north is a large Neolithic passage grave with two medieval chapels perched on top.
 * Jersey War Tunnels are a remarkable underground command complex and hospital.
 * Guernsey: St Peter Port the chief town has Castle Cornet, the mansion of Victor Hugo, the museum in Candie Park, and the German Naval Signals HQ.
 * Guernsey Underground Hospital is even larger than that on Jersey, hewn out by slave labour during the wartime occupation.
 * Fort Grey, a Martello Tower on the west coast, houses the Shipwreck Museum.
 * Sausmarez Manor is the stately home of the Seigneurs of Guernsey, with subtropical gardens.
 * Herm: the 11th century St Tugual's Chapel depicts Biblical scenes with island fishermen and cattle.
 * Sark: the Seugneurie has charming gardens. Teeter across the heights of La Coupee to Little Sark, and make what you will of Sark Henge.
 * Alderney: Fort Clonque is the best of the fortifications ringing the coast.

Do

 * Simply walking the breezy headlands is a good way to spend the afternoon. Jersey has a walking and cycling trail along its old railway track bed.
 * Beaches: Jersey and Guernsey have several long sandy beaches. Those on the other islands are rocky. Beware stiff currents everywhere.
 * aMaizin! on Jersey is an adventure park for children.
 * Golf: there are courses on Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney.

Eat

 * The food you find here is much the same as the cuisine of Britain and Ireland, and both are evolving. For years the tourist pitch was that the Channel Islands were just like home, no nasty surprises or foreign stuff, so it was very trad fare. That's still around but just as the mainland has improved its range and quality so too have the islands. St Helier in Jersey has the best selection.
 * Hotel restaurants often offer the best and may cater to non-residents. Tassili and Bohemia both in St Helier are two standouts.
 * Tennerfest is a promotion in Jersey in Oct / Nov with fixed price dining for £10.

Drink

 * St Helier on Jersey and St Peter Port on Guernsey have the main concentration of pubs.
 * Jersey has a brewery, two gin distilleries and a vineyard.
 * Guernsey has two breweries, and one of these also makes gin.
 * Food and drink are pricey throughout the Channel Islands, even with the lower duty on alcohol. Duty-free on the way home is where you might see a genuine saving on spirits compared to UK supermarket prices.

Learn
There are no universities based in the Channel Islands, but their further education colleges affiliate to mainland UK universities. There are several English courses, for instance at St Brelades College on Jersey, long or short to comply with the entry regulations (below), as explained on their websites.

Work
The two Bailiwicks set their own regulations but in practice these are similar, and they share the same economic climate. Bigger barriers to employment are the lack of accommodation at a price that makes the job worth taking, and a poor £ exchange rate. It's a symptom of the limited employment prospects that both governments' websites can list all the vacancies on their islands.

On Jersey you can take up a job if you've been resident for at least five years or are married to someone already entitled. Otherwise, the business needs to jump through bureaucratic hoops to have you registered, either because you have special skills or they need more staff than can be recruited locally. Large employers such as banks have block allocations and can do this swiftly, but in all trades it's at the employer's invitation before you come to the island, you can't just amble downtown looking for "help wanted" signs. Jobs on this basis are for a maximum of nine months (extendable in the special skills category), then you have to leave for three months before you can return. You may rent but not buy property during your stay. These arrangements are suitable for seasonal staff but they block continuity or developing a career.

Guernsey is similar but the time limit is 180 days in any 12-month period. Your status may lapse if you leave the Bailiwick even for a day-trip, so any holiday breaks will need to be confined to Alderney, Herm and Sark.

Stay safe
Standard precautions about traffic, safeguarding valuables, and care around slippery rocks and in the sea. And don't get drunk!

Remember there is no reciprocal health care arrangement with the UK or European mainland. All health care must be paid for at the time, so you need adequate insurance in case it's a big hit.

Go next

 * Normandy and Brittany are within an hour or two by ferry. St Malo is the most interesting of the ferry ports (a day trip may be possible) and onward transport plies to Rennes.
 * Poole and Portsmouth are the main ferry ports on the UK mainland.
 * Southampton has the best selection of flights between the UK and Channel Islands.

title: Channel Islands


text:
Channel Islands (California)

The Channel Islands, also known as the Santa Barbara Islands, lie off the coast of California in the United States, between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles and lie in  Santa Barbara County, Ventura County and Los Angeles County.

Northern islands

 * Anacapa Island - part of Channel Islands National Park
 * San Miguel Island - part of Channel Islands National Park
 * Santa Cruz Island - part of Channel Islands National Park
 * Santa Rosa Island - part of Channel Islands National Park

Southern islands

 * San Clemente Island -is the southernmost of the Channel Islands. SNC is owned by the US Navy, and is used for sea, air and land tactical training. It lies about 60 miles south of Long Beach, California and 75 miles northwest of San Diego. The island is not accessible to civilians, because it houses restricted Navy facilities. The waters off San Clemente are used for kayaking, scuba diving and fishing. The Great Escape takes diving parties out of Long Beach. Fishing on charter or open party boats, such as Newport Landing Sportfishing or LA Harbor Sportfishing for Calico Bass, Black Bass, White Sea Bass, Halibut, Rockfish, and Homeguard Yellowtail. Seasonally migrating Yellowtail and Barracuda.
 * San Nicolas Island - small island, relatively flat, located in the northeastern-most position of the southern group. Owned by the US Navy, and is used for an instrumentation range. San Nicolas is the furthest of the Channel Islands from the mainland, located 7-8 hours by boat from Long Beach. The island itself is not accessible to civilians, because it houses numerous classified facilities. However, the waters off San Nicolas are used for scuba diving. Large spiny lobsters are the target of the eager divers. However, the diving environs are quite rough and available to experienced/certified divers only. Because of its hostile but productive dive environment, it has become legendary among California divers. This island is best known as the setting of the legend of Juana Maria, as told in the novel Island of the Blue Dolphins.
 * Santa Barbara Island - part of Channel Islands National Park
 * Santa Catalina Island - the only island with significant permanent civilian settlements and tourist accommodations: the resort town of Avalon and the unincorporated village of Two Harbors.

Cities

 * - Located on Catalina Island.

Other destinations

 * Channel Islands National Park - The visitor center is located in Ventura. The park encompasses five islands (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara) and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archaeological resources found nowhere else.

title: Channel Islands (California)


text:
Channel Islands (disambiguation)

There is more than one place called the Channel Islands:

 * Channel Islands - An island group between England and France. The main islands are Jersey and Guernsey.
 * Channel Islands (California) - An archipelago of eight islands off the coast of Southern California.
 * Channel Islands National Park - A United States national park that consists of the five northernmost islands of the California Channel Islands.

title: Channel Islands (disambiguation)


text:
Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park comprises five rugged islands off the coast of Ventura County and Santa Barbara County in Southern California. Formerly home to ancient villages and 19th-century ranches, the national park is now a nature reserve with beautiful landscapes, peaceful hikes, unique wildlife, and great sea-kayaking.

Five of the eight islands in the Channel Islands archipelago are part of the national park: Anacapa Island, Santa Barbara Island, Santa Cruz Island, San Miguel Island and Santa Rosa Island.

Understand
This isolated chain of islands just off the Southern California coast boasts pristine natural splendor. Half of the Channel Island National Park's are underwater and the area is home to 2,000 species of plants and animals. Visitors to the park can explore waters surrounding the islands for some of California's best sea-kayaking and diving, or trek through the interior of the park's larger islands.

History
For over 10,000 years, the northern Channel Islands have hosted a diverse range of peoples and cultures. The large number and undisturbed condition of archeological sites on the islands are shedding light on coastal migration patterns of the earliest Americans and their subsistence in the marine environment. Human remains discovered in 1959 at Arlington Springs on Santa Rosa Island have been dated to more than 13,000 years of age, among the oldest dated human remains in North America.

New information about the Island Chumash, the native population that inhabited these islands for thousands of years, continues to fascinate historians and visitors alike. These native people relied on the sea for much of their sustenance and manufactured tools and trade items from shells and stones. The Chumash were able to travel between the islands and the mainland in plank canoes, called tomols, which were constructed out of redwood trees drifting down the coast.

In 1542, explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo reached San Miguel Island while voyaging along the American coast seeking new lands for conquest and development. For 200 years, explorers and traders visited the islands where they hunted otters, seals, and sea lions for their pelts and oil, greatly increasing the exploitation of the marine resources and introducing diseases that decimated the native populations.

Claimed for Spain by the early explorers, the islands fell under Mexican rule in 1821. Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa were awarded as Mexican land grants with the intent of raising livestock. Initial ventures into sheep and cattle ranching began on these islands in the 1830s. With California statehood in 1850, the islands became part of the United States. Each of the five northern Channel Islands was developed for livestock ranching during some period of the 19th and 20th centuries. Taking advantage of the expansive fields and altering much of the natural environment, ranchers and vaqueros, or cowboys, built successful sheep and cattle ranches. Many historic ranch buildings remain on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands today.

The U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard all established posts on the northern Channel Islands during the 20th century. Light towers were constructed on Anacapa and Santa Barbara Islands in the 1910s, and a full light station was built on East Anacapa Island in 1932, run by the Coast Guard into the 1960s. Coastal defense build-up led to the establishment of an Army base in 1943 and an Air Force Base in 1950, both on Santa Rosa Island. The Navy managed San Miguel Island from 1948 until it transferred management to the National Park Service in 1967. The Navy also continues to maintain a small post on Santa Cruz Island.

Today National Park Service personnel and park visitors form the primary population of the five northern islands. Established as a National Monument in 1938, Anacapa and Santa Barbara islands were the first two islands under NPS management. In 1980 legislation creating Channel Islands National Park added the three remaining Northern Channel Islands.

Flora and fauna
A variety of organisms can be found on and around the Channel Islands, from top predators like bald eagles and sharks, to intertidal residents such as seastars and barnacles, to the tiniest parasites living on other animals and plants.

Because of their isolation and remote nature, the Channel Islands support fewer native animal species than similar habitats on the mainland. Species that reached the islands were aerial, such as birds and bats, or rafted across the water on debris and other material. Over time some vertebrate species evolved into distinct subspecies on the islands. A total of 23 endemic terrestrial animals have been identified in the park, including 11 land birds, that are Channel Island subspecies or races.

The Santa Barbara Channel to the north serves as a major marine mammal migration corridor, particularly whales. Keep your eyes open in late winter and early spring.

Climate
Although the park is in sunny southern California there are distinct seasons, each with its own character and unique mood.

In addition, visitors also should be aware that ocean and weather conditions vary considerably from day-to-day and island-to-island. Although this makes planning your visit a little difficult, we must remember that this unpredictable and, at times, unforgiving weather is one of the main reasons that the islands have been afforded so much isolation and protection from the rapid changes seen on the mainland. It is, in part, what makes the Channel Islands such a unique and wonderful place.

In general, the islands have a Mediterranean climate year-round. Temperatures are relatively stable, with highs averaging in the mid-60s (°F) and lows in the low-50s.

However, visitors to the islands must be prepared for high winds, fog, rough seas, and sea spray at any time. Winds are often calm in the early morning and increase during the afternoon. High winds may occur regardless of the forecast, especially on the outer islands, Santa Rosa and San Miguel (30-knot winds are not unusual). Anacapa, eastern Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara Islands have more moderate winds. Dense fog is common during the late spring and early summer months, but may occur at any time. Ocean water temperatures range from the lower 50s (°F) in the winter to the upper 60s in the fall.

Visitor information

 * Park website

Get in
The islands are only accessible by boat. Island Packers is the official park concessionaire and provides boat access to all islands. Visits by private boat are also possible, following the instructions from the National Park Service.

The boat rides are beautiful with opportunities to spot wildlife if you're lucky: dolphins, whales, sea lions, and seabirds. Sit on the top level of the boat for the best views, or on the bottom near the stern (back) if you're prone to seasickness.

The boat trip on Island Packers from Ventura Harbor to Scorpion Bay at Santa Cruz Island takes a little over an hour, and can be rough. Bring warm (and preferably waterproof) outerwear even in the summer; expect to get some ocean spray, and you may get wet. If the seas are too high, the concessionaire may cancel the trips for that day.

Fees and permits
There are no entrance fees to visit the park. However, a fee is charged for camping on the islands. The fee includes the National Park Service fee that supports the operation of the campgrounds and a reservation fee by the company that manages the reservation system for the national parks.

Get around
On the islands there is no transportation besides your own two feet or a kayak. No bikes and no cars.

Kayaks can be brought with you or rented with some extra planning.

See
The park consists of five of the eight Channel Islands, and all waters within one nautical mile (1.8 km) from land.

San Miguel Island
San Miguel is the westernmost island, and as a result receives the brunt of the northwesterly winds, fog, and severe weather from the open ocean. The cold, nutrient-rich water surrounding the 9,491-acre, eight-mile-long and four-mile-wide island is home for a diversity of sea life, including 100,000 northern elephant seals, California sea lions, northern fur seals and harbor seals that breed at varying times throughout the year on Point Bennett (30,000 may be on the beach at any particular time). Submerged rocks make the nearly 28-mile coastline a mariner's nightmare. Rough seas and risky landings did not daunt the Chumash who lived here, nor did they deter the first European explorer, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, in 1542. Ranchers raised sheep from 1850 to 1948. Later, the Navy used the island for a bombing range. Today, native species are making a recovery in this sanctuary.

Much of San Miguel island is closed to exploration due to unexploded ordnance, sensitive habitat, and archaeological sites unless accompanied by a park ranger or a park naturalist. The caliche forest, an area of petrified tree stumps is accessible with a guide via a five-mile round-trip hike. Point Bennet, home to thousands of seals and sea lions, can be reached with a guide via a 16-mile (25-km) round-trip hike.

Cuyler Harbor beach, the Cabrillo Monument, the Lester Ranch site, and the ranger station are all accessible without a guide and can all be reached via the Nidever Canyon trail, which begins on the beach at the top of the dune above Gull Rock and climbs along the east wall of the canyon.

Santa Rosa Island
The second-largest island, with 53,051 acres - 15 miles long and 10 miles wide - offers rolling hills, deep canyons, a coastal lagoon, and beaches adorned with sand dunes and driftwood. The Chumash called it Wima or "driftwood" because channel currents brought ashore logs from which they built tomols, plank canoes. For thousands of years unusual animals and plants made the island their home. Flightless geese, giant mice, and pygmy mammoths are extinct, while the island fox, spotted skunk, and munchkin dudleya (one of six plant species found only on this island) still live here.

Island features: Chumash and ranching history; Torrey pines; snowy plover; Lobo Canyon; sand dunes; beaches.

Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz is the most accessible, and thus most visited, of the islands in the park. The island offers pristine beaches, rugged mountains, lonely canyons, grass-covered hills, and several unique animal and plant species. The largest island in the national park, with 61,972 acres, Santa Cruz is 22 miles long and from two to six miles wide. A central valley splits the island along the Santa Cruz Island fault, with volcanic rock on the north and older sedimentary rock on the south. Today, the Nature Conservancy and National Park Service preserve and protect the island.

Island features: historic ranches; island fox; island scrub jay; tidepools at Smugglers' Cove; Painted Cave, the second largest sea cave in the world.

Anacapa Island
Twelve miles from the mainland a five-mile-long spine of rock emerges from the ocean, breaks into three islets, and offers itself as home to 265 species of plants and a bevy of seabirds-with the largest brown pelican rookery in the United States. On charts the island of 737 acres appears as East, Middle, and West Anacapa. The Chumash called it Anyapakh or "mirage." It was anything but a mirage on the night of December 2, 1853, when the sidewheel steamer Winfield Scott running at full speed crashed into rocks off Middle Anacapa and sank. The Coast Guard built a light beacon in 1912 and a light station in 1932.

Western gulls nest on Anacapa Island From April through mid-August. During this time, visitors will encounter seabird rookery conditions: guano, strong odor, constant noise, bird carcasses, and birds protecting their territory.

Island features: bird rookeries; Chumash middens; giant coreopsis; tidepools; kelp forests; sea caves; arches.

Santa Barbara Island
Steep cliffs of this smallest island - 644 acres or about one square mile - rise above rocky shores to a grassy mesa flanked with twin peaks. Gabrieliño/Tongva Indians fished here. Explorers, seal and abalone hunters, ranchers, and the military took their toll. Today, after years of species and habitat loss, animals and native vegetation are making a remarkable recovery. Among those found here are Xantus' murrelets, a seabird that nests in crevices in the cliffs, and the Santa Barbara Island live-forever, a rare plant found only on this island.

Island features: seabird, seal, and sea lion rookeries; island night lizard; wildflowers; kelp forests.

Do
Hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, swimming. Beautiful, rugged terrain awaits on the islands' hiking trails.

Channel Islands National Park has amazing sea cave kayaking. Santa Barbara Adventure Company offers guided sea cave kayaking tours on several of the islands including Scorpion Bay on Santa Cruz. They also offer multi-day trips if you are considering camping and kayaking. This is a great way to see the islands and the safest way to tour the sea caves. .

Buy
Souvenirs and a few last-minute supplies are for sale at the ferry office in Ventura. Limited supplies are also sold near Scorpion Harbor on Santa Cruz Island.

Eat
There is no food sold on the islands, so pack all you need to eat and plan to pack out all your trash. On the ferry, limited food options are available in the galley.

Feeding the wildlife is illegal.

Drink
Bring plenty of water. Potable water is available from only two places, Scorpion Canyon campground on Santa Cruz Island and Water Canyon campground on Santa Rosa Island, and is not available on San Miguel, Santa Barbara, or Anacapa. (Indeed, the reason Anacapa has no island foxes is because there's not even a reliable natural source of fresh water there.)

Sleep
A lot of visitors come on day trips for hiking, kayaking, or beachgoing. If you want to sleep on the islands, there's no lodging, only camping.

Campgrounds
Advanced camping reservations are required for all of the park's campgrounds; reservations can be made by calling or online. Campsites are generally located close to one another and if the campground is filled to capacity conditions may be crowded. No trash service is provided and all campers must pack out their own trash. Be prepared to carry your camping gear from the landing areas to the campgrounds.

Stay safe
Due to the weather variation which can occur in the Park, visitors to the islands should dress in layers, with short and long pants, fleece jacket or sweatshirt, windbreaker, hat, sunscreen, and waterproof outer clothing. Reapply sunscreen frequently as the islands are very exposed. In addition, visitors should wear sturdy hiking shoes with non-slip soles.

There are no supplies on the islands. Take water, food, and other necessities. Watch your step — ladders, railings, and stairs may be wet. Stay back from cliff edges; they may be crumbly or undercut—a fall could be fatal. In this remote location, help may be hours away.

Do not approach marine mammals, such as whales, seals, and seal lions. Check for ticks and watch out for poison oak and cactus. Deer mice on the islands may carry diseases, including deadly hantavirus. Avoid all contact with mice and other wild animals. Keep food in rodent-proof containers. In an emergency on the islands, contact a ranger or concession employee, or use a cell phone to dial 911. On the water, use a marine radio VHF channel 16.

Ravens on the islands know people bring food, and tend to hang around the campgrounds and landing areas. They are smart, hungry, and persistent. They know you have food, and they want it. Do not be surprised to find one eating your sandwich if you leave your backpack unattended for a few minutes.

Go next

 * Catalina Island - The only island in the Channel Islands with significant permanent civilian settlements and tourist accommodations: the resort town of Avalon and the unincorporated village of Two Harbors.
 * Ventura - Located on the coast east of the Channel Islands, Ventura is home to many interesting shops, the historic Mission San Buenaventura, and is the gateway for most excursions to the national park.

title: Channel Islands National Park


text:
Channing

Channing is in northern Dickinson County in Upper Peninsula, Michigan.

Understand
Channing began as a railroad junction called Fort Siding. Although the railroad is still active there is no longer passenger service.

In 1892, a post office was established named Channing, after John Parke Channing, a mining engineer who surveyed the area. The post office continues to serve ZIP code 49815.

By car
There are three main road routes into Channing.
 * The greater Channing area is served by the M-95 from the north and south. Channing is about 24 miles (39 km) north of Iron Mountain on M-95.
 * From Ralph, the main route in is Turner Road.

By snowmobile
Channing is north of trail 16 and west of trail 5.

Drink
The most popular nightclub/bars in downtown Channing are Cuculi's and the Channing Restaurant.

title: Channing


text:
Chanthaburi

Chanthaburi (Thai: จันทบุรี, /tɕan.tʰá.bù.riː/), 245 km from Bangkok, is the capital of the eponymous province in Eastern Thailand. It is a useful transport hub for accessing the islands Ko Chang and Ko Kut and also several of the border crossings with Cambodia.

Understand
Chantaburi is known for tropical fruits, particularly durian, and gems. The surrounding hills are rich with verdant forests and scenic waterfalls. Nearby there are quiet fishing villages and peaceful beaches.

There are three bridges over the river in central Chanthaburi: one to the north, this is the one you will cross if coming from the north; about 500 m south of this is a footbridge facing the cathedral; then about 400 m south west of this, around a bend in the river, is a second road bridge. The both banks of the river between the two road bridges have a small collection of bars and restaurants.

History
Chanthaburi has long been inhabited, with neolithic artefacts having been discovered in the region. Chong was the first Mon-Khmer hunter-gatherer community to have settled in the eastern forests in what are now Chanthaburi, Trat and Rayong Provinces around the 13th century CE. The first settlement in Chanthaburi was near Khao Sa Bap. The forest area, especially on the boundary between Chanthaburi and Trat, was abundant in herbs and forest products such as gamboge, lac, wax, cardamom, eaglewood, rattan, and cinnamon. Deforestation for cultivation as well as habitation by Thai and Chinese people has shrunk the forest. Hunting and gathering has been made illegal, so the hunter-gatherers were forced to change their lifestyle and become urban labourers or farmers. Most of the "Chong" now live at Ban Khlong Phlu in Amphoe Khao Khitchakut. A new city was established in 1657 CE at Ban Lum on the west bank of the Chanthaburi River. At the fall of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya in 1767, King Taksin the Great, then Phraya Wachiraprakan, led a troop of some 500 soldiers to break through and head eastward to occupy Chanthaburi. He took 5 months to store foodstuffs and recruit a troop of 5,000 Thai and Chinese soldiers to regain the independence of the kingdom. Monuments and memorials built to commemorate the historic event well reflect the pride of the people of Chanthaburi. The city was relocated to the highlands at Ban Noen Wong in the reign of King Rama III to prevent a Vietnamese invasion, but due to its distance from water sources was moved back to Ban Lum in the reign of King Rama V. Chanthaburi was occupied by France for 11 years in a Thai–French dispute. Thailand had to surrender its territory on the east bank of the Mekong River to France in return for Chanthaburi, which was later established as a province in 1933.

Get in
Chantaburi is about 4 hours by bus from Bangkok.

The nearest border crossing with Cambodia is at Ban Pakard, which faces Phsar Prum in Cambodia. It is 1–2 hours from Chantaburi by minibus (~100 baht) or songthaew (~40 baht). Pailin is a further 18 km (USD4 by motorbike taxi) from the border. If direct connections to Ban Pakard are hard to find, take any northbound bus on Hwy 317 (i.e., to Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, or Aranyaprathet). Ask to get off at Pong Nam Rong (โป่งน้ำร้อน, write it in Thai so you can show it to the bus driver). In Pong Nam Rong, songthaews connect with the border crossing. Northbound buses will call at Aranyaprathet, the busiest Thai-Khmer crossing. For coastal Cambodia, head to Trat in Thailand and continue to the Koh Kong border from there.

By car
The province is accessible by 5 routes:

 * 1) Hwy 3, start from Bang Na, Bangkok, via Chon Buri – Bang Saen – Si Racha – Pattaya – Sattahip – Ban Chang – Rayong – Chanthaburi, a total distance of 330 km.
 * 2) Hwy 36, start from km140 on Sukhumvit Rd in Bang Lamung, Chonburi, turn left at Krathing Lai T-junction via Pira Circuit to end at Choeng Noen, Rayong Province, a distance of 60 km, then turn onto Hwy 3 for 108 km to Chanthaburi, a total distance of 308 km.
 * 3) Hwy 344, the Ban Bueng – Klaeng route, saving a distance of up to 70 km, start from km98 on Sukhumvit Rd in Chonburi, via Ban Bueng in Chonburi Province, Wang Chan and Klaeng in Rayong Province, a distance of 110 km. Continue on Hwy 3 for 58 km to Chanthaburi, a total distance of 266 km.
 * 4) Linking the northeast and the east, start at km200 on Hwy 33 from Kabinburi of Prachin Buri Province, turn right at km230 in Sa Kaeo Province onto Hwy 317, continue for 189 km via Wang Nam Yen, Soi Dao, Pong Nam Ron, Makham to Chanthaburi, a total distance of 219 km from Kabinburi.
 * 5) Motorway – Hwy 7, start from Si Nakharin Rd in Bangkok and end in Pattaya, Chonburi, a distance of 90 km. Then continue on Hwy 36 for 50 km and Hwy 3 for another 108 km, a total distance of 248 km.

By bus
From Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) on Sukhumwit Rd
 * Air conditioned Bus Transport Co., Ltd., there are buses leaving daily, for more details, Tel. +66 2 3912504; Chanthaburi office, Tel. +66 39 322197.

Private operators:
 * Cherdchai Tour Tel. +66 2 3912237; Chanthaburi office, Tel. +66 39 350357.
 * Pornnipa Tour Tel. +66 2 3915179; Chanthaburi office, Tel. +66 39 311476, +66 39 311278.
 * Suparat Tour Tel. +66 2 3912331; Chanthaburi office, Tel. +66 39 350223.

Non-air conditioned bus. There are non-scheduled buses leaving the Eastern Bus Terminal, for more details: Tel. +66 2 3912504.

From Mo Chit 2 or Northern Bus Terminal (Chatuchak) on Kamphaeng Phet Rd

 * Transport Co., Ltd., there are buses leaving daily, Tel. +66 2 9362852

Private operators: Buses are also available from Chanthaburi to other provinces including Aranyaprathet, Nakhon Ratchasima, Trat, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Saraburi, Buriram, Prachinburi, and Tak. For more information, contact the Chanthaburi Bus Terminal at Tel. +66 39 322197.
 * Cherdchai Tour Tel. +66 2 9360199
 * Pornnipa Tour Tel. +66 29 362256-7
 * Suparat Tour Tel. +66 2 9363888, +66 2 9363939

By minivan
Victory Monument (Anusawaree Chai) in Bangkok has minivans to many nearby cities, including Chantaburi. The van to Chantaburi takes 2½-3½ hours depending on the driver and traffic. It makes one stop about an 75 km outside Bangkok. The van stops in Chantaburi just outside town at the Tesco Lotus. The vans also leave from the Tesco going to Victory Monument.

The vans usually run from 06:00-20:00. They leave every hour, but make sure you arrive 20–30 minutes before the time you want to leave, because when the van is full (13 people) it will leave and another van may not be available for another hour. The cost is 200 baht each way (Sep 2011).

Get around
There are songtaews around the bus station and certain other points of interest. The old city/downtown area is walkable, but it would be recommended to rent a motorbike (near bus station) if you are looking to go further out.

See

Do
Rayong-Chantaburi Route

Chanthaburi-Krathing Wrathing Waterfall Route

Markets

Eat
Local specialties to Chanthaburi (and Eastern Thailand) include

 * kuai tiao mu lieng (Thai: ก๋วยเตี๋ยวหมูเลี้ยง, /kǔaj.tǐaw mǔː liaŋ/), pork noddle soup with local herbs and often pineapple
 * mu chamuang (Thai: หมูชะมวง, /mǔː tɕʰá.muaŋ/), pork sweet-sour curry with chamuang leaves
 * pad krawan (Thai: ผัดกระวาน, /pàt krà.waːn/), green cardamom stir-fry

Fruit: the best durian, rambutan, and mangosteens in Thailand. Durian snacks such as durian kwuan and crispy fried durian thot krop are nice.

Thailand

 * Ko Chang
 * Ko Kut
 * Trat
 * Rayong
 * Sa Kaeo

Cambodia

 * Koh Kong - southern border town and seaside resort
 * Pailin - gem town and former Khmer Rouge stronghold in Cambodia
 * Siem Reap - via the Aranyaprathet-Poipet border to the north

title: Chanthaburi


text:
Chantilly

Chantilly, a town to the north of Paris and its metropolis, is the site of one of the most famous and beautiful French châteaux.

By car
Take the A1 Autoroute du Nord (Paris - Lille motorway) northwards from Paris, take the Chantilly exit, southwards from Lille, take the Survilliers exit. Alternatively, drivers can take the RN 16 or RN 17 trunk roads. Chantilly is usually less than one hour's drive from Paris (depending on traffic).

By train

From the Gare du Nord in Paris - SNCF Grandes Lignes (27 min), from Châtelet les Halles - RER Line D (45 min).

On foot
To walk from the terminal (at the head of the SNCF lines), get off at the Chantilly stop and walk to the château from the terminal, around 30-35 min.

By bus
There is a Cariane bus from the train station to Senlis that also stops at the entrance to the château. The fare within the city of Chantilly is free.

By taxi
To access the château from Chantilly station, you can take a taxi from the station (€6).

Go next
Paris

title: Chantilly


text:
Chantilly (Virginia)

Chantilly is a city in Fairfax County, Virginia near Dulles International Airport. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum is the most popular attraction in Chantilly.

Get in
The Dulles International Airport is close to the Air and Space Museum. To get to the museum from the airport, take Fairfax Connector bus 983.

By bus

 * Fairfax Connector is the local bus service. A few useful routes: #650 connects to the Metro Orange Line at Vienna/Fairfax-GMU station, #901 connects to the Metro Silver Line at Herndon station, and #983 runs between the Udvar-Hazy Center (see below) and Dulles Airport.

Get around

 * Car - A car would be the best mode of transportation in Chantilly.

See

Do

Hiking, biking, and camping are various outdoor activities that can be done at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park.

Buy
Chantilly does not have department stores or malls. However, there are local antique stores and local shops.

Antique shops

 * Treasures of Time - 4315-B Walney Road
 * Shayan Oriental Rugs & Antiques - 14240 Sullyfield Cir # J

Specialty shops

 * Wild Birds Unlimited - 13950 Lee Jackson Memorial
 * DJ Feathers Aviary - 14240-P Sullyfield Circle

Eat
American food

Asian Food
 * Otani Japanese Steak House - 13952 Lee Jackson Memoria (Japanese)
 * Wong Kok Asia Cuisine - 43090 Peacock Market Plz (Chinese/Japanese)

Italian and pizza

Mexican food
 * Anita's New Mexico Style Mexican Food, Inc - 13921 Lee Jackson Memoria (Mexican)

Cafe & deli

Sleep

 * Holiday Inn Select Chantilly, 4335 Chantilly Shopping Center
 * Homestead Studio Suites, 4504 Brookfield Corporate Drive
 * Hyatt Place Dulles Airport South, 4994 Westone Plaza
 * Holiday Inn Select Chantilly, 4335 Chantilly Shopping Center
 * Homestead Studio Suites, 4504 Brookfield Corporate Drive
 * Hyatt Place Dulles Airport South, 4994 Westone Plaza
 * Homestead Studio Suites, 4504 Brookfield Corporate Drive
 * Hyatt Place Dulles Airport South, 4994 Westone Plaza

Go next

 * Centreville
 * Fairfax has the most activities to do and places to see.
 * Herndon has a great farm attraction. The farm is called Frying Pan Park and Kidwell Farm
 * Reston is a good little escape for a small town center with good restaurants.

title: Chantilly (Virginia)


text:
Chao Phraya Basin

The Chao Phraya Basin or South Central Plains is the historic heartland of Thailand, mostly visited for Bangkok and the archaeological sites of Ayutthaya and Lopburi.

Other destinations

 * Ko Kret, an island in the Chao Phraya River.

Get in

 * Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok city.

title: Chao Phraya Basin


text:
Chaoyang

 * This page describes a city in Liaoning. For the district in Beijing, see Beijing/Chaoyang.

Chaoyang (朝阳; Cháoyáng) is a city in Liaoning Province in China.

Understand
This is the site of the oldest civilisation found in China, a neolithic culture that is almost 7,000 years old. Chaoyang also was a centre of Buddhism starting in the 4th century C.E. Chaoyang is known as China's 'fossil city' because of the groundbreaking paleontological discoveries that have been made there, including feathered dinosaurs and ancient birds and insects.

title: Chaoyang


text:
Chaozhou

Chaozhou (潮州; Diê5ziu1 in Teochew, Cháozhōu in Mandarin) is a city in Guangdong Province in China, and the main cultural center of the Chaoshan region.

Understand
Chaozhou is in the easternmost part of Guangdong Province in the north of the delta of the Han River, which flows through the city. It borders Shantou to the south, Jieyang to the southwest, Meizhou to the northwest, the province of Fujian to the east, and the South China Sea to the southeast.

Administratively, Chaozhou is divided into two districts and one county. Xiangqiao (湘桥) district forms the downtown core of the city, with Chao'an (潮安) district to the west, and Raoping (饶平) county to the east.

Many overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia can trace their ancestry to the area, with Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Pontianak and Johor Bahru being prominent examples of cities where Teochews form the majority among the ethnic Chinese community. In addition, Teochews also form one of the largest non-Cantonese communities in Hong Kong, and play a prominent role in the city's economy.

Talk
Teochew is the main local language, which is closely related to Minnan, and mutually intelligible to some extent. Locals are very proud of their language despite government attempts to standardise Mandarin as a common language, so any attempts to speak Teochew will be met with encouragement, and may even get you preferential treatment in shops and restaurants. As the main cultural center of the region, the Chaozhou dialect is regarded as the prestige dialect of Teochew, thus making it a good place for those interested in learning the language.

As Chaozhou is part of Guangdong province, many people speak Cantonese as a second language. As with elsewhere in mainland China, standard Mandarin is the only language taught in schools so expect all educated people to be fluent in Mandarin. English is not widely spoken, though staff at the higher end hotels will be able to speak English.

Despite many residents having relatives in the much more international city of Hong Kong and in overseas Chinese communities, non-Chinese visitors are not common here so expect some friendly curiosity and attempts at conversation from people if you visit, especially from kids and teenagers who know a little bit of English. The city is developing with China's economic expansion, so visitors and facets of Western culture, while still infrequent, are becoming more common.

By plane
Chaozhou does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport in Jieyang. It also serves international flights to Hong Kong and Bangkok on China Southern Airlines as well as to Singapore on Jetstar Asia and Taiwan.

Via Guangzhou

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport offers Intercity Bus service. You can stay at Shantou Tourist General Corporation. The price of the ticket is ¥20 each.

By train
The Shenzhen to Shanghai high speed rail has a stop at Chaoshan, which serves both Chaozhou and Shantou. From Chaoshan rail station, north exit, take a frequently running city bus to Chaozhou city center (about 45 minutes, ¥5).

By bus
From Shantou, there are regularly scheduled buses to Chaozhou from the China Travel Services bus station, for about ¥18-19.

By taxi
From Shantou, you can take taxis (45 min - 1 hour, ¥15) at the intersection of the Shantou Radio & Television station (汕头市广播电视台) along Chaoshan road (潮汕路). The taxi drivers will stop along the way to pull additional passengers in.

Get around

 * Try to walk as the main old parts of Chaozhou are easily walkable.
 * Take a taxi is the fastest simplest way to travel longer distances and is relatively inexpensive from ¥20-30. If you are staying at a hotel, they can page a taxi for you and help you with heading to your intended location.
 * Try a bicycle if you have one or can find a rental business. Just make sure to pack a face mask on heavy pollution days.
 * Try a bus, if you are up for excitement. Bus stops are found all throughout the city.

Do
Taste Local Cuisine: Chaozhou is renowned for its unique Chaoshan cuisine, including Chaozhou beef hotpot (潮州牛肉火锅), Chaozhou porridge (潮汕粥), and Chaozhou stewed dishes (潮汕炖菜). Don't miss the opportunity to savor the local delicacies.

Visit Historical Sites: Chaozhou boasts numerous historical landmarks such as Chen Family Ancestral Temple (陈氏宗祠), Fucheng Confucian Temple (富城孔庙), and Kaiyuan Temple (开元寺). These places reflect the rich history and culture of Chaozhou.

Explore Natural Scenery: Chaozhou and its surroundings offer beautiful natural attractions like Fenghuang Mountain (凤凰山), Dan'an Mountain (丹南山), and Tangdi River (南唐河). You can engage in outdoor activities like hiking, mountain climbing, or picnicking.

Shopping: Chaozhou is also a great place for shopping, where you can purchase local specialties, crafts, and souvenirs from local markets and shops.

Participate in Traditional Cultural Activities: If time allows, you can take part in traditional cultural activities such as watching Chaozhou opera performances or learning Chaoshan martial arts.

Visit Chaozhou Museum: Chaozhou Museum displays many valuable historical artifacts and artworks, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the region's history and culture.

Buy
Chaozhou considers itself the "Ceramic Capital of China" and you will notice that there are a lot of ceramics for sale, often at very inexpensive prices.

Eat
Teochew (Chiuchow) cuisine, the cooking style originating from Chaozhou. Famous examples of local dishes include fish balls (鱼丸), braised goose (卤鹅), cold crab (冻蟹), pork trotter jelly (猪脚冻) and taro paste (芋泥). A popular street dish is oyster omelette (蠔煎 háojiān in Mandarin, 蠔烙 o5 luah4 in Teochew), which differs greatly from the more famous Taiwanese version.

Drink
A local speciality is kung fu tea (工夫茶), a type of black tea that is also popular in Xiamen and in Taiwan.

Go next

 * Shantou
 * Xiamen, by high speed train about every 15 minutes during the day. Takes 1.5 hours. Get to the Chaoshan high speed train station via city bus in 45 minutes (¥5).
 * Guangzhou, by high speed train.Takes 3 hours.
 * Shenzhen, by high speed train. Takes 2 hours.
 * Hong Kong, via Shenzhen

title: Chaozhou


text:
Central South (Bahia)

The Central South is an inland region in the state of Bahia in Brazil. It is famous of being centre of the diamond rush of 19th century.

Cities

 * — draw visitors to the mountainous landscapes of Serra das Éguas
 * — this charming city with cobblestone streets serves as a "base camp" of visitors setting out to explore the Chapada Diamantina National Park
 * — the main hub for Vale do Capão and the Chapada Diamantina National Park
 * — a valley and a village in the Chapada Diamantina National Park
 * — among the coldest cities in the Northeast Region of Brazil, it hosts the Bahia Winter Festival

Other destinations

 * — its many rivers make incredible waterfalls as they fall off the vertical walls of the mountains. The vegetation is of open grassy fields with isolated trees (similar to the African savannah) with some thicker vegetation along the rivers.

title: Central South (Bahia)


text:
Chapada Diamantina National Park

Chapada Diamantina National Park (Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina) is in the center of the state of Bahia in Brazil.

History
The national park was created in 1985 to protect Serra do Cincorá and to attract growing number of ecotourists.

Landscape
This scenery mountain range includes mountains, valleys, monoliths, caves, rivers and waterfalls. Highest parts of the park raise over 2000 m above sea level (average being 1000 m above sea level) and offer breathtaking views. The area is about 400 km inland, west of Salvador in Bahia state in the Northeast region of Brazil in the middle of the dry sertão (back-country plains).

It is an important water source with many rivers starting here. These rivers make incredible waterfalls as they fall off the vertical walls of the mountains. The vegetation is of open grassy fields with isolated trees (similar to the African savannah) with some thicker vegetation along the rivers.

Flora and fauna
At the top of the flat top hills the vegetation is particularly weird and fantastic. Wildlife is not very easy to spot. Apart from humming birds and vultures you are unlikely to see the anteaters or jaguars which live here.

Get in
You can start from Lençóis, by plane from São Paulo and Salvador or bus from Salvador (Real Expresso - R$72). Coaches are clean, comfortable (good reclining seats) and air conditioned. The bus’ suspension also deals with the potholes and lumps better than a car’s. There’s a conductor and a driver aboard. Depending on season, there may be one or two services every day between Salvador and Lençois. Just check the departure times in the apps of Clickbus or Buscaonibus.

If the departure times from Salvador or the arrival times in Palmeiras do not fit for you, you can take a bus to Seabra and change the bus there to Palmeiras.

From Brasilia there are buses, too. You can depart in the afternoon and arrive in the late morning in Seabra. It costs around R$170 (Feb 2021). There you may have to walk six minutes to another intercity bus station. Just ask where you arrive. The bus to Palmeiras is for R$7 and to Lençois R$15 (Feb 2021). The app from Buscaonibus shows all operating bus companies on this route with their departure times.

Another option is to go to Vale do Capão which is at walking distance of many places of interest, and more quiet than Lençóis.

Fees and permits
As of Apr 2015 the NP has not been established, and they won't charge you to enter it

Get around
Guides and travel agencies tend to be quite overpriced in Lençóis and Vale do Capão. As of January 2017 the average cost of a 1 day tour from Lençóis is about R$200.

See
The best sights and experiences will be found on walks into the mountains. These can be short excursions (eg to see the Fumaça waterfall) or longer treks such as a 4-5 day Capão and Pati Valley hike.

 * Cachoeira da Fumaça - the highest waterfall (380 m) of Brazil is so high that the water never hits the ground. It vaporizes in the air by the force of the wind and sun. Access usual from guided tours starting in Lençóis that make the whole trip to and from, or using Vale do Capão, but if starting from Vale do Capão, walk 3km from the main village, get to the entrance, pay a donation (they won't force you), they will offer you a guide, but it is an easy 2-hour walk, with only two places where the trail forks (pay attention). Start in the early morning (best if hot season) and you will be back for lunch.
 * Cachoeira do Sossego - another spectacular waterfall easily accessible from Lençóis.
 * The caverns of Lapa Doce and Pratinha - a must for cave enthusiasts.
 * Poço Encantado - Enchanted Pool with incredibly blue water (entrance 20 Rs).
 * Poço Azul - Snorkeling in the incredibly blue water for R$15.

Eat
Godó de banana is a must try when visiting Chapada Diamantina. It's a dish created by the prospectors of diamonds who first inhabited the region and consists of: unripe cooked bananas, different types of meat (including sausage, dry/jerked beef and bacon), tomatoes, parsley and spring onions.

You find specific restaurants in the articles of Vale do Capão and Lençóis.

Lodging
Lençois is the most developed town in the Chapada Diamantina thanks to its accessible position and to its history as a wealthy mining and trading town in the 19th century and beyond. If you stay at the very pretty Hotel Canto dos Aguas, it’s a 2-minute walk into the town, crossing a smart bridge into the town square (Praça Nagôs).

Since commercial agriculture and mining is now banned in the National Park, the remaining handful of families in the Pati Valley make a living providing accommodation to hikers. They are basic, but impressive in the circumstances and more comfortable and responsible than camping. Maps of the Chapada have the few houses marked on it and labeled with the names of their inhabitants.

A couple of cheap pousadas are also available in Palmeiras, but there is not much point of staying here. Better head straight to Vale do Capão. Jeeps do the trip for R$15 usually.

Vale do Capão has many places to stay for all budgets. If you fancy camping you can stay at the Pousada Sempre Viva, you get plenty of room for your tent, plus cement bungalows and cheap rooms with toilet. You can haggle for longer stays. A bunk bed in a dormitory there is for R$50 per night (March 2021).

Camping
Inside the National Park in the Vale do Paty trail you can do camping in locals houses, they will give you firewood and the kitchen to use.

Otherwise you can camp anywhere else, but beware of camping close to a river, because of flash floods. A few people have drowned already.

Stay safe
Evening storms are quite frequent in the area.

Go next

 * Salvador by intercity bus from Lençois or Palmeiras
 * Brasilia by intercity bus from Seabra

title: Chapada Diamantina National Park