Tianjin Panshan Mountain Scenic Area

Panshan Mountain is listed among the national 5A Scenic Spots and is well-known for its natural scenery, Buddhist temples, and royal gardens.

The mountain was first recorded in books from the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD) and became popular in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Seventy-two temples, 13 exquisite towers, and a royal garden were built on the mountain and were well-regarded by several Chinese emperors.

The main peak of Panshan Mountain is Guayue Peak and is surrounded by other peaks including Zigai Peak to the south, Zilai Peak to the north, Jiuhua Peak to the east, and Wujian Peak to the west. The splendid pine trees, clear streams, and the grotesque stones all make Panshan Mountain Scenic Spot attractive.

Ideal sightseeing season: Early January to early March

Opening hours: 8:00—18:00

Ticket price:

I. A single ticket: 118 yuan per person (a free ticket to the Painting and Calligraphy Academy in Panshan Mountain + a ticket for Tianxia Panshan—a performance introducing Panshan's scenery).

II. Ticket packages:

⑴198 yuan/person (an entrance ticket + a single trip electro-mobile ticket going up to the top + a one-way cableway ticket to Wansong Temple)

⑵168 yuan/person (an entrance ticket + a one-way cableway ticket to Wansong Temple)

⑶178 yuan/person (an entrance ticket + a one-way cableway ticket to Guayue Peak)

III. A student or a senior ticket: 62 yuan per person

Address: Lianhualing village, Guanzhuang Town, Jizhou District, Tianjin.

Telephone: +86-22-29821235

Website: http://www. chinapanshan. com/index. html (Chinese)

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle is a park on the central California coast and a National Historic Landmark. It was designed by Julia Morgan for William Randolph Hearst from 1919 until 1947. In 1957, the Hearst Corporation donated the fortune to the state of California. Since that time, it has been a state historic park where its large collection of art and antiques are open for public tours. Despite its location far from any urban center, the site attracts roughly one million visitors per year.

Guided Tours

·Tour 1 is recommended for first-time visitors. It now includes the movie, Hearst Castle: Building the Dream.

·Tour 2 gives visitors a closer look at the main house's upper floors, Mr Hearst's private suite, the libraries, and the kitchen.

·Tour 3 looks at the Castle's North Wing, guest rooms and the guest house Casa del Monte.

·Tour 4 includes the impressive gardens and grounds, the largest guest house, the wine basement, and the Hidden Terrace.

·The evening tour is a special tour that allows visitors to experience the castle at night as one of the Hearst's own visitors might have.

Ticket Prices

Hearst Castle accepts VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.  Free day-use parking is available for automobiles， motorcycles， tour buses and recreational (消遣的) vehicles.

*Children under 6 are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Reservation (预订) Information

While tickets may be purchased at the Visitor Center upon arrival, tour reservations can be made online now or by calling 1-800-444-4445. See below for times.

Visit www. hearstcastle. org for more information.

The London Eye

One could spend months walking through the streets of London and still not see the whole city. But thanks to the London Eye, visitors can now have a bird's-eye view of London's skyline.

And by riding in one of its 32 capsules (乘坐舱)，visitors can see up to a distance of 40 kilometers, or even as far as Windsor Castle (on a sunny day, of course).

The London Eye Highlights

Inside the capsules, you can use the touch screen devices to read more information on the different buildings and landmarks you'll be able to see during your visit. Also included in your ticket is the London Eye 4D Cinema Experience, where visitors can watch a four-minute video to see the London Eye in 4D in its special theatre.

Special Tips

◆Make sure you bring a set of binoculars (双筒望远镜) with you!

◆A ride on the London Eye is not advised for anyone who is extremely afraid of heights.

◆If you plan to travel by coach, you will need to book coach parking and pay in advance before your arrival. The service is free, and the booking allows parking for twenty minutes before and after drop-off time.

Opening Hours and Ticket Prices

The London Eye is open every day (except Christmas). However, opening and closing times change depending on the time of the year you visit. So you'd better check out the London Eye's official website before you visit.

There are Saver Tickets (priced at £21. 20 per adult), but if you want to avoid the long lines, it may be a good idea to buy a Fast Track ticket which is priced at £28 for an adult. It is highly suggested that you buy these tickets from the official website and save 10% on the total ticket costs.