ONTHEGROUND

Wendy Wu Tours

has a range of fully escorted group tours of China, as well as a selection of itineraries for independent travellers which include Guilin, Yangshuo and Longji. Short stay packages are priced from $650 pp twin share and include four nights’ accommodation, touring with English-speaking guides, entrance fees and some meals. The all-inclusive 17-day Southern Odyssey also includes Guilin and is priced from $6780 pp twin share including international flights.

www.wendywutours.com.au Helen Wong’s Tours

have nine group itineraries ranging from 14-25 days that include a three-night program in Guilin and a cruise on the Li River. A 25-day Grand Tour also features Guilin, Yangshuo and Longji priced from $6250 pp twin share ex Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

www.helenwongstours.com W Beijing

– Chang’an is the latest addition to Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ growing portfolio of nearly 140 hotels in Greater China, with another 130 in the pipeline. The 349-room W Beijing is located on Chang’an Avenue, with easy access to some of Beijing’s greatest attractions including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the National Museum of China, and the Silk Market. Opening rates which are valid until the end of April start at RMB 1,288 (around A$252) per night, plus taxes.

Hiltonworldwide Beijing Sunrise Kempinksi

The 306-room which opened in December is nothing short of an architectural wonder. Perched on the edge of Yanqi Lake, 60 kilometres from Beijing, the hotel is built in the shape of the rising sun and is said to symbolise harmony, unity and infinity. The new Yanqi Island leisure complex is made up of 14 hotels including the Yanqi Hotel with 111 guestrooms and suites, in addition to 12 boutique hotels with 178 guestrooms and suites. Facilities include 14 restaurants and bars, landscaped gardens, a private marina, spa, recreational and a Kid’s Club.

www.kempinski.com

continues to expand its offering throughout China. The latest property to open is the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel QinghaiGolmud (pictured left), the first international hotel in Golmud in Qinghai Province which is on the Tibetan Plateau. The 112-room hotel is centrally located along the Kunlun Mountain Pass and offers easy access to nearby attractions such as the Chaerhan Salt Lake (the largest salt lake in China) and the snow-covered Geladandong Peak. Hilton has also recently announced plans to bring the Hampton by Hilton brand to China, with the first hotel expected to open by the end of 2015.