reported by Debbie Mason Book now, avoid Olympian challenge later Three decades ago, the word "luxury" was a six-letter word that in China could land you in jail-or at best in the deep, dark countryside for a dose of "re-education" in a paddy field or wheat mill. Just 30 years after late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping kick-started economic reforms to save the flailing Communist giant, moneyed Beijingers whose grandparents would have been garbed in drab blue Mao suits now shop at Gucci and Chanel.  » Read more »

40 trips of a lifetime You can delve deeper into an unfamiliar culture when you're able to gain access to places, events, and people that are normally off-limits. Below are 40 examples of such extraordinary experienced worldwide, ranging in price from $80 to $12,000? Because of their nature, these opportunities are subject to change and even cancellation. Not all are available every day, some only in limited quantities, and most cannot be booked á  » Read more »

San Diego's Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Holiday Traditions La Jollans Betsy and Scott McClendon also experienced special access and insider events when they visited China in April 2006. "We were dreading being part of a tour," Besty told me, "but Imperial Tours enabled us to go behind the scenes and have extraordinary adventures." "When we visited the Forbidden City in Beijing, our group was taken to a gate that led to a private section of grounds.  » Read more »

    China News Contents Travel Snippets Hotel/Restaurant Update For Hong Kong, Shanghai & Beijing Imperial Tours News Blast Odds N Ends – Interview With Last Emperor's Brother Discovery – Chinese Museology's Brave New World   Dear Guy,  In this issue you will learn:  What Pu Ren,  » Read more »

As it readies for the 2008 Olympics, Beijing strives to redefine its images as an ultra-modern capital city with world-class facilities. As a result, the number of choices in luxury hotel accommodations continues to expand at a dizzying rate. However, most options remain centrally located near Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Bill Clinton regularly stays at the St. Regis Hotel (http://www.stregis.com/beijing), Known for its personalized service. All accommodations feature warm,  » Read more »