While there are no mountains to climb in the city of Shanghai, you can have a heightened experience climbing Lupu Bridge. Choose a clear, sunny day and hop in a taxi to the bridge that straddles the Huangpu River. This is longest arch bridge in the world with its 550-meter-long arch span is 32 meters longer. The length of on-site welding totals more than 40,000 meters—comparable to the total length of the inner-city elevated freeway of Shanghai.

In order to complete the climb, you need to be healthy and capable to climb unaided, because the experience includes climbing 367 steps at high altitude and exposing under the weather. All cardiopulmonary diseases (including hypertension), dizziness, and equilibrium disorder may affect your climbing safety.

Hand-carried bags and other stuff are not allowed on the bridge. Climbers will be asked to remove them and leave them at the depost, They also must pass through a metal-detector.

Once you reach the top, take in the vast panoramic view, which now includes a good shot of the future site of the Shanghai World Expo 2010. Remember to bring your camera along and take advantage of the great many snapshot opportunities.

If you’ve been to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) there is no need to see any other mountain. Situated in eastern China’s Anhui Province and popular with its breathtaking sweeping landscapes and misty peaks, the Yellow Mountain offers extraordinary scenes and views from what can look like the edge of the world.

Whether you look there are oddly-shaped pine trees and rock formations. Huangshan is actually an entire range of mountains and valleys, jutting rocks, shimmering pools, gurgling water falls and the ephemeral clouds. As an international ecotourism point of interest, UNESCO listed the mountain as an official World Cultural Heritage Site in 1990.

The trees of Mount Huangshan occupy an especially important place in China’s botanical research. Here you will find century-old pines, firs, ginkgoes, actinidia, Chinese torreyas and camphor woods– remnants of the glacial era. The Huangshan Mountain Range also provides a natural habitat for a wide variety of creatures. Among the mountain-dwellers are monkeys, goats, deer, pangolin and squirrels, in addition to an active bird population. The climate there is mild and humid, and the temperature is agreeable during all four seasons.

Getting there: Huangshan is accessible from Shanghai by overnight train, a five-hour bus ride or one hour by air. Expect expensive accommodation and food in the mountains everything is transported up the mountain by man-power: witness tough workers carrying live chickens or flats of coke cans in buckets hanging from wooden beams over their shoulders, and still making it up the mountain faster than you.

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Tongatapu is Tonga’s main island, and the location of the former British protectorate’s capital, Nuku’alofa. The second city of Mu’a is also there, along with most of the commercial activity and grandiose official residence of the king. Nuku’alofa is full of Victorian buildings, churches, old graveyards, bustling markets and a classic Pacific waterfronts. Most of the island’s hotels are there, though this is very mush a shabby working town. Photo by: msdstefan

Indeed, most visitors make Tongatapu a stepping stone to the offshore coral islands of Fafa, Atata and Pangaimotu, which offer excellent beach holidays. Along with a number of other islands in the main lagoon off Nuku’alofa, they are very like the ever popular Manamuca Islands in Fiji, but without the same tourist pressure. Photo by: fabvirge

But Tongatapu itself is not resort island. It is a combination of history and natural beauty. Much of this largely island is covered in plantations, the eastern end is relatively undeveloped, with deserted sandy beaches, coves and caves. The south coast is wild with dramatic scenery and high cliffs, punctuated with sandy coves. Photo by: fangie2000

When to go: Any time – the tropical climate is even all year round and Tongatapu is milder than Fiji or Samoa, with less rainfall. Population: 71,000. Getting there: Various international flights serve the airport at Fu’amotu. Photo by: richkaro

Photo by: forcefeed:swede

Yasawa Islands sits majestically to the north of the Mamanucas Archipelago, and are much less commercially orientated than their southern cousins. They are consisting of 16 larger islands and dozen of smaller ones. They are impressive islands, with breathtaking beaches and enchanting fishing villages, which provide an opportunity to observe the traditional way of life. These islands offer plenty for everybody, from fabulous beaches and clear lagoons to exclusive resorts for the well-heeled. Photo by: msdstefan

The islands have been a popular cruise destination from the 1950s, but land-based tourism was forbidden. Since then the popularity of the islands has been growing and they moved from back-packer heaven to mainstream destination. New development is unavoidable, but the wonderful island scenery has not been touched and there is more than enough coastline to go around. Resort are tend to be isolated. most of the island villages are without electricity or running water. But there is fresh water everywhere, so the locals know how to survive. Photo by: ryanocerous1979

Indeed many of the resort are owned and operated by friendly islanders, retaining a rustic charm that combines with the majestic scenery to ensure the visitors Yasawas feel because they discover the real ‘South Pacific’. Photo by: Alasdair Milne

When to go: Any time, there is no specific period hot and dry conditions predominate, with cool nights. Population: 6,000. Getting there: From Lautoka by fast catamaran (2-4 hours) or seaplane (20 minutes). Arrange it all upon arrival at Nadi International Airport. Photo by: ryanocerous1979

If you approach Porto Santo by air, the whole island seems a glorious-golden yellow against the glistening cobalt blue sea. The island is known as ‘painting made by god’ and is 46 km to the northeast of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean. The island tending to remind of North Africa, rather than Europe – a starkly beautiful desert landscape of palm trees and cacti, dotted with pine groves and small wheatfields. Photo by: Tiagoto

The island is only 14 km long and 5 km wide with an incredible golden san beach, stretching 9 km along the south coast. Photo by: fernangar

The islander survive largely by fishing, subsistence farming and goat-herding, using donkeys for transport and oxen to tresh the grain. The main town Vila Baleira on the sout coast is a beautiful cluster of white-washed houses with medieval monuments, and small cafes, where you can hide in the shade of palm trees watching the fishing boats. This is one of the least developed beach resort in Europe – an unspoilt island paradise. Photo by: ctcsherry

When to go: February to October but if you taking children avoid July and August when the island is invaded by families. Population: 4,474. Getting there: Daily car ferry or fly from Madeira. You should know: The golden sand of Porto Santo is said to have therapeutic treatments. Photo by: f_araujo_abreu

Photo by: PLSeabra

The Chausey Islands are located in the English Channel, south of Jersey, but are not generally included in the geographical definition of the Channel Islands, though geologically they join with them to form a larger archipelago. The islands are popular with French visitors and almost ignored by the English – there is no ferry Chausey and other islands. Photo by: asalha

This archipelago is little more than a cluster of grey granite lumps just above the sea surface. Subject to one of the highest tidal variation in the world, it is said that there are 365 islands at low tide and 52 in high tide. Awesome! Fierce sea currents create a multitude of rocky inlets, linked by vast sandy stretches. Photo by: vatch2006

Only the island, Grand Ile support any population. Cars and bicycles are banned, so the pace of life is pedestrian in the best sense of the word. Even in summer time the facilities on the island are limited, so the best way to enjoy the ever changing landscape is with a good pair of boots and a packed lunch. A coastal path encircled the island and formed good beach access. Photo by: monsieurson

When to go: June to September. Population: Winter 10, Summer, 100. Getting there: By ferry (summer only) from Saint – Malo or Granville. You should know: The local seafood is fantastic and fresh, try the lobster, mussels and oysters. Sailing through the archipelago many islets. Photo by: Naonerd

Photo by: ninifantasy

Rugen is the largest of Germany’s islands, nearly 1,000 sq km with 570 km long wiggling coastline of steep cliffs and broad, shallow inlets. It is a picture-book paradise of white cliffs, wide sandy beaches, wood and moorland with romantic castles, old churches and old-fashioned towns of fin de siecle villas. Photo by: mario_65

The main town is called Sassnitz, the ‘Gateway to Scandinavia‘. It is a colourful port with the longest seawall in Europe, a 1,450 m long mole where you can spend hours watching the boats come in – from passenger liners to fishing skiffs. Nearby is Jasmund National Park where the sheer chalk cliffs with their extraordinary charm, plunge dramatically into the sea. Behind the dense beech forest, there is unusually diverse woodland including wild apples and pears. There are several idyllic resorts dotted around the coast in the south east – old spa town with incredible clean beaches. Photo by: rhewson630@rogers.com

In contrast to the woods and hills of the eastern site, is a low-lying area of saltmarsh wetlands, tidal flats and peat bog with an incredible variety of flora and fauna. The lagoons there are heaven of thousands of migrating cranes. Photo by: nahaase

When to go: Rugen is beautiful at any time of year. The tourist season is April to October. Population: 73,000. Getting there: By boat – either across the Strelasund on the car ferry from Stahlbrode to Glewitz, or across the Baltic from Scandinavia. Photo by: eagle-ffm

Photo by: elpolam

Noorderlicht is an old dock place, used by 250 artists working in the fields of theater, film, media, architecture and design. The place is both cafe & restaurant and also a little getaway from the city. Especially when the weather is holding up, it’s a perfect way to spend a late afternoon contemplating your day in Amsterdam on the terrace overlooking the IJ and part of the city center.

The staff is very informal, laid back and friendly, but not particularly speedy when it’s busy. The food is always fresh, healthy and delicious. The menu changes with the seasons and offers a variety of prices, so you can decide if you want to stay on a budget or splurge a little. The desserts are to die for, especially the plum tarte tatin and hangop pudding with rhubarb sauce.

Getting there: An absolute must! From the new Aanmeersteiger behind Central Station, where the big ferry to Amsterdam Noord-establishes, leaves a NDSM ferry to the wharf. Hence it is five minutes walk to Northern Lights. Over 50 more after arriving straight and then turn right at the NDSM. Walk 300 meter straight to the sheds on your left. At the end you see right to a transparent dome ‘t IJ. Just make sure you don’t miss the last ferry back to civilization. Ferries operate daily at 12:00 till 22:00.

The Museum of Quai Branly is a hybrid museum mixing post-colonial and postmodern. The museum is an attempt to merge art and ethnography. It is neither the Louvre nor the Musée de l’Homme. Quai Branly plays a role in transmission not only of knowledge, but also of testimony and emotion, offering visitors a choice of possibilities for taking part in a dialogue of cultures.

The museum boasts with an unusual profile from Jean Nouvel’s sienna-toned cubes piercing the postured exterior to the anti-gravitational plant wall by Patrick Blanc,. Entering through a Jurassic garden, the visitor commences on a winding tour through Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas.

Shows, music salons, master classes… the museum of Quai Branly is ready to transport you to all four corners of the world, from Morocco to Brazil, from India to Mexico, to discover other cultures and unique artists. As well as a school for documentary filmmaking in the tradition of the direct cinema of Jean Rouch, Richard Leacock and Fred Wiseman, Varan proposes an evening of screenings every three months at the museum.

The gallery installation (one critic dubbed the spotlit cases “monster lighting”) can be disorienting, swiftly shifting between tribes and continents with hidden text panels and interactive stations. That said, the 3,500 objects (out of a total 30,000) on permanent display are incredible. With a little perseverance, you might actually learn about them.

Getting there: The location of the museum Rue 37 Quai Branl 75007 Paris and there is easy access to the museum, by car/metro/bus. Entry to the museum is via rue de l’Université or via Quai Branly.

Atzaro is a century old family finca converted into luxurious accommodations with a cutting edge gastronomical restaurant and a blissful spa. It is nestled secretly in its own orange grove stands with an oasis of rest, where the flavours of orange blossom, rosemary and lavender mix to indulge your senses. It’s a luxury getaway for anyone looking for the more natural side of Ibiza.

The Atzaro offers a wide range of facilities and services as well as it’s wonderful landscaped gardens, with many fountains and private chill-out corners which make this 10 hectare estate and grove an ideal venue for self indulgence and an outstanding setting for any event.

There are reatment temples, couples or individuals, feature beautifully hand crafted ceilings and decor exquisitely accented with rich tropical woods, reflecting an Asian design philosophy carefully blended with Arabian and Ibizencan influences. The Spa facilities features Sauna, Hamm am (Turkish bath), gym, and a 43-meter lap pool. In a separate temple guests may exercise open classes or private sessions offering fitness at its best.

The cuisine has great respect for using the finest and freshest ingredients and produce, a combination of vibrant, cutting edge flavours, great ambience, friendly but yet professional service, an extensive wine list and exquisite surroundings make the restaurant a truly memorable experience.

Their rooms are divided between the old finca with it’s classical Ibizencan architecture. Both mix a sanctuary of open spaces and beauty where one can enjoy peaceful moments. All rooms have their private terraces (some have romantic fireplaces and skylights) with private plunge pool, fountains and outside daybed.

The Los Roques Archipelago is one of the world’s biggest National Marine Parks, and lies 145 km due north of La Guaira, the mainland port for Caracas. About 50 coral cays and sand bars are arranged in a huge lagoon, but it’s only from the air you get true idea of its scale – it covers the same area as the whole of Virgin Islands. Photo by: Márcio Cabral de Moura

The isles are shielded from eastern currents by a 24 km coral reef running from north to south and the second reef, running 32 km from east to west. They form a pristine environment that attracts only the most discerning visitors, who come in their own boats or yachts in search of solitude and tranquility, or in small groups by light aircraft, often just for a day, from Caracas or elsewhere on the Venezuelan mainland. The islands residents came from Isla Margarita and are descendants from 110 families. Photo by: Márcio Cabral de Moura

They will welcome you as temporary family members, and you will find that, along with the old style of manners, they still use the old ways of fishing to catch lobsters, king conch and Spanish mackerel. Los Roques is a countless transmutations of blue and green beauty and sharing the natural vibes of a totally unspoiled ecosystem. Photo by: Márcio Cabral de Moura

When to go: Year-round. Between July and September storms makes the water less suitable for scuba-diving. Population: 1,500. Getting there: By light aircraft from Caracas or by boat from Isla Margarita. You should know: There are no words to describe the sense of peace you get in Los Roques. Photo by: Márcio Cabral de Moura

Isla Grande is where Panamanians escape for the weekend to get rid of the city system. You jump in a car or bus, and in two hours you swap Panama City for snorkelling in the Caribbean, on the maze of coral reefs that mark the edge of the Portobelo National Park. Photo by: ursucookie

Isla Grande is on 166 m from the mainland. Although it’s thick with tropical flowers, coconut palms and greenery, the largest of the islands in the area and the easiest and cheapest to get to, nobody went until the potholes in the road from Portobelo were repaired. By the time that happened, La Isla was safe from either ribbon development or high-end exclusivity. There are still no roads on the island – just a walkway that merges bars, markets, street vendors, small restaurants and few hotels. Big part of the island isn’t even accessible, because it’s carved up into half a dozen private estates, and apart from the path across its centre, you enjoy its charms from the waterline. Photo by: lburgee

Isla Grande is your chance to do a full-on tropical Caribbean island, with excellent reefs, and turquoise waters. It’s so lovely and people are so happy to be there. You’re expected to join in; and often you will find one or more communities that has always lived there. Make sure you’ve got food, drink, music and good fellowship to help your day go well. Photo by: perkele_cold

When to go: Any day of the week, any time of the year. Population: 200. Getting there: By car or bus from Sabanitas or Portobelo, to La Guaira, then by water taxi for a five minutes ride to the island. Photo by: Mikecron

Cocos Islands are discovered in 1609, they were settled and owned by a single family from 1872 until the Australian Government acquired them in 1978. A pristine white beach is so typical of the beautiful Cocos Islands. The 27 coral islands are formed into two large, heavily vegetated atolls. They are the only atolls that Darwin ever visited but the coral ecosystem remains intact – and you can still see in their pristine conditions, exactly why they played such an important part in his theory of evolution.

North Keeling, set apart from the other islands, isn’t even inhabited, but you can come across extreme rarities like the Cocos buff-banded rail, robber land crabs, and both green and hawksbill turtles among other wonders, under its protection as Pulu Keeling National Park.

The Cocos islanders live on Home and West Islands, both given over to copra and coconut plantations that only add to their tropical glamour. There is no tourist industry at all. Wild place populated with divers and kite-surfers. However there are facilities for visitors, sponsored by the islanders who take in personal interest everyone who come. If you happen to be there, you are welcome to participate in the school fete, sports day or concert night. The tradition of hospitality is both, Australian and Malay.

The islanders, as much as the islands themselves, have retained a form of unpolluted innocence, and share a mutual respect that visitors immediately respond to. These islands are a dreamscape worthy to travel for.
When to go: Year-round. The winds last from April to September. But between that period the islands is second home for professional kite maniacs. Rain is most intense between March and July and usually falls in the evening after long sunny day. Population: 446. Getting there: By air, from Perth, to West Island, Cocos Islands. Photos by: Christian Bartens

In the Pacific Ocean, in British Columbia, the Queen Charlotte Islands are peaks of a submerged mountain chain. The seven largest islands of the 1,884 islands and islets in the archipelago are Langara, Graham, Moresby, Louise, Lyell, Burnaby and Kunghit. Just 2 km into the sea, the continental shelf falls away dramatically to the immense depths of the ocean, and this is Canada’s most active earthquake area. Photo by: marc_guitard

Naikoon Provincial Park, in the north-east of Graham Island, covers a range of diverse environments including sandy beaches and dunes, sphagnum bogs, ancient forests and rivers. The landscape was formed during the last Ice Age out of the deposits left by retreating glaciers. The main attraction here are the endless stretches of broad sandy beaches. On the north beach is Tow Hill, a 100 m outcrop of basalt columns which make a dramatic landmark. Also worth seeing is Rose Spit, an ecological reserve, where you can spot migrating birds travelling over the Pacific. Photo by: g d gustafsson

The Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site is in the south of the archipelago. The wilderness area of 138 islands stretching 90 km from north to south is only accessible by boat or charted aircraft. Mountains rise steeply to the west, and the coastline is dotted with stunning inlets, coves, bays and islands. This is great place to observe whales, bald eagles, nesting seabirds, black bears, river otters and sea lions. Photo by: Sam Beebe / Ecotrust

Rainforest and upland bog, salmon steams, estuaries and kelp beds sustain a rich diversity of life there.
When to go: April to November. Population: 4,935. Getting there: Fly to Vancouver or Prince Rupert to Sandspit, or take a ferry from Prince Rupert. You should know: This is a tranquil area with little development, so do not expect busy resort hotels with all the tourist comforts. Photo by: Yonn Yeth-Lachance

Photo by: Stef Olcen

The Ibiza Rocks Hotel is situated in the centre of San Antonio, just 300m from the beach. The team of the hotel took over one of the largest hotels with the intention of revamping it, celebrating the glory of rock, naturally. There are 2 outdoor pools, 4 bars including the Electric and Back Stage bars, Ibiza Rocks Shop selling an amazing range of Ibiza Rocks merchandise and an on site supermarket.

This year are their pool and stage view rooms – book one of these babies for you and your friends and you can enjoy the Tuesday night live shows from the comfort and privacy of your very own balcony. Gig tickets are included with all of these premium rooms.

Most of the guests are 18-24 year old Brits who’ve come for a party, so don’t expect peace and quiet. In addition to the constant entertainment, there’s a large gaming room courtesy of X-box, and the consoles can be rented for in-room use. If you’re game for some action and sleep is not a priority, Ibiza Rocks Hotel is in the heart of the action. Rooms are higher grade furnishings with twin beds in the main lounge, a double terrace with pool view, plasma screen TV, fresh fruit and flowers on arrival and maid service and fresh towels 6 days per week.

When to go: June to September. Getting there: Fly to Ibiza, then car/bus to  San Antonio. The hotel is at only 300m from the beach and sunset bars.