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Bike Riding Tours In Jamaica

Maxx — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 05:46:55 +0000

Bike riding tours are a wonderful way to explore Jamaica. Traveling by automobile just can't provide the same experience. You miss so much, like the scents carried by the wind – the smell of the ocean, the tropical forests, the mountains, and the abundant flowers and other plants. The slower pace allows you to really see what you're looking, to talk to local people, and to really savor the experience of Jamaica.

Blue Mountain Bicycle Tours, Ltd., located at 121 Main Street, in Ocho Rios, is one of the most well known providers of these sorts of adventures. Their specialty is a day long bike tour that begins 5,600 feet up in the Blue Mountains, which are the highest mountains in the Caribbean. Blue Mountain Bicycle Tours, Ltd., makes these tours available out of both Ocho Rios and Kingston, Jamaica, providing charter bus service from these points to the mountain for groups as large as 150, with the average group being made up of about 40 people. All necessary biking equipment is also provided, as are meals, and rates are reasonable — $93US for adults and $65US for children under 12 years of age.

The bicycle tour is all down hill, which makes it appropriate for almost all age groups – age 7 is the youngest recommended for participation — and means that you'll be able to devote your most or your energy to enjoying the magnificent scenery. And, magnificent it is! Bikers pass through stunning mountain vistas that include the remarkable coffee plantations that produce the Blue Mountain coffee beans that are becoming well known to coffee connoisseurs for their superior taste and quality, and enjoy wild life sights that are found nowhere else in the world outside of Jamaica. They'll see waterfalls and have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool, clear mountain water. You'll want to remember to bring a swimsuit, towel and camera.

Manfred's Jamaican Mountain Bike Tours, located in Saint Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica, offers a wonderful one-week get away tour. Participants enjoy quality lodging and excellent local cuisine on a 500 acre farming estate in Apple Valley. Each day features a bicycle tour to a different part of Jamaica, revealing parts of the country far beyond the usual tourist destinations. This experience of the real Jamaica – beyond the glitter and glitz of the tourism industries – is simply unparalleled.

In Negril, Rusty's Xcellent Adventures offers a variety guided bicycle tours at different skill levels. Biking equipment and, if necessary, biking instructors, are available. For those who prefer independent exploration, there are numerous places throughout Jamaica that offer bicycle rentals, as well as rentals of scooters and the like.

Bicycle tours are an excellent way to explore Jamaica. In addition to enjoying the natural Jamaica, its 'real' people and culture, you'll be doing so in away that has less of a negative environmental impact. Bicycle tours allow you to slow down and to savor your surroundings, collecting memories – and perhaps even a newfound cultural awareness and understanding — that will last a lifetime.

National Parks And Nature Reserves In Jamaica

Maxx — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:22:55 +0000

Jamaica's natural beauty is one of the island nation's outstanding features. Fortunately, for the people of Jamaica and the world, the nation has seen to it that a great deal of the natural flora and fauna has been preserved and protected, devoting a great deal of land to parks and preservation. There are even areas that still remain pristine and wild, untouched by the tourism industry or local development.

Blue Mountains National Park is among the most well known of the national parks and reserves. Some of the most beautiful scenery in the country is to be found within this almost 200,000-acre area. More than one-third of the plants that bear flowers in contained in this mountain range, whose peak rises to 7,402 feet, and its near by neighbor, the John Crow Mountains, are unique to Jamaica, found no other place on earth. The forests here are home to 28 species of birds and serve as a migration stop for more than 150 other types of birds. The park contains the largest remaining rainforest in all of Jamaica. Naturally, hiking and camping are the favored activities here.

Falmouth, Jamaica, is home to Swaby's Swamp Safari. A four-acre mangrove swamp, reserve offers guided tours to view the wetlands wildlife. Among the sights to be seen several types of crocodiles native to Jamaica. Cashoo Ostrich Park is a nature reserve and working farm. There are hundreds of ostriches, hiking paths and fruit orchards. The ostriches are a big hit with children and adults alike, and the experience of seeing these large and magnificent creatures at close range is unforgettable.

Montego Bay Marine Park is another well known nature reserve. Visitors will find sharks, several species of stingrays, moray eels, and numerous other types of fish. There are coral reef formations and dense areas of mangrove trees, which serve as home to a wide variety of wildlife. Excellent scuba diving and snorkeling draw many visitors to this park and reserve.

The Royal Palm reserve is set in the Great Morass swamplands. There is an abundance of wildlife living in the Great Morass's 7,000-acres of wetlands. Among these diverse creatures are numerous crocodiles, and a wide range of birds, including herons and egrets, living amongst the mangroves. Also located in the Great Morass is the Negril Watershed Environmental Protection Area, dedicated to tropical preservation and protection.

Marshall's Pen was a plantation in the 1800's. Today it is a bird sanctuary that welcomes visitors both for group tours and the average day tour. Many of the birds native to Jamaica can be seen here, as well as visitors from migrating flocks.

While most of Jamaica's travel destination fame has to do with the more traditional joys of sun, sand and surf, as well as the fabulous luxury resorts and hotels, there are amazingly natural and beautiful places on the island. Parks and reserves are numerous, as are opportunities to see the natural flora and fauna at its best and most undisturbed.

See The Birds Of Jamaica

Maxx — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 02:00:55 +0000

Jamaica, with its mountains and wild areas, is a wonderful place for birdwatchers. The island is home to 200 species of birds, more than 20 of which are found only in Jamaica, as well as the many varieties that have made Jamaica part of their migratory routine.

For up close and personal bird experiences, Rockland's Bird Sanctuary is hard to beat. Also known as Rockland's Feeding Station, it is located just a few miles outside of Montego Bay, close to a town called Anchovy. The main attraction is the feeding of the birds, which allows for an up close view of lovely hummingbirds and other varieties. There is an $8 entrance fee, and a guided tour through the grounds, where numerous birds can be seen, costs a bit extra. The hours are from 2pm to 5pm daily, which is when the birds are fed.

Three of the four varieties of hummingbird in Jamaica reside at Rockland's Bird Santuary. These tiny birds will come right up to visitors when offered a bottle of sugar water. Some will even sit on a finger as they eat. Black-faced Grassquits, Yellow-faced Grassquits and Orangequits will eat seed from the hands of visitors.

Near the outside birdfeeders, there are benches available for people to sit and watch as various species come to feed. Among these are Jamaican Orioles, Common Ground-doves, Caribbean Doves, Banaquits, and Greater Antillean Bullfinch. The guided tour wanders through a nearby forest, which is home to such birds as the Jamaican Woodpecker, White-chinned Thrush, Rufous-tailed Flycatcher, Jamaican Tody, Jamaican Euphonia, Jamaican Vireo, Jamaican Becard, Vervain Hummingbird, Loggerhead Kingbird and Sad Flycatcher. This area is also a migratory visiting spot to several types of birds. These include the Black-throated Blue Warbler, American Redstart and Northern Parula.

For those who prefer to see their birds in a more natural setting, there are plenty of opportunities for bird watching in the many national parks and nature reserves of Jamaica. Early morning is the prime viewing time for most species.

The numerous hiking tours available in the area of the Blue Mountains and the John Crow Mountains, as well as those available to explore parts of Cockpit Country, will allow the birdwatcher to see a wide variety of birds in their natural settings. For those interested in less strenuous bird watching, the many parks and gardens attract birds throughout the island. Hope Gardens and Castleton are a good place to catch sight of some of the larger, more colorful varieties. Exploring the shores of the Black River and in the area of Saint Elizabeth's Parrottee Bay will often allow the bird watcher to encounter native water bird species.

The birds of Jamaica are many and varied, and for this reason, the wilderness areas of Jamaica have attracted bird watchers from all over the world. In addition to species of birds that are found only in Jamaica, there is a fascinating array of birds that pass through on their annual migratory flights. The bird sanctuary offers an uncommon degree of interaction, and is the perfect preparation for bird watching in the wild. Relaxing or adventurous, Jamaica has the perfect bird watching setting for you.

Reggae History Attractions In Jamaica

Maxx — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:29:55 +0000

While there are many things that Jamaica is known for, it is perhaps best known internationally for its association with the very roots of reggae music. Kingston, Jamaica, is known the world over for being home to some of the biggest names in reggae history. The best known of all, of course, is Bob Marley, whose music continues to be heard around the globe, not only via personal collections and radio play, but also in mainstream commercial advertisements, which is a testament to the effect Bob Marley had on music and culture.

The Bob Marley Museum is a favorite tourist attraction. Located at 56 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica, the museum is open Monday through Saturday, from 9:30am to 4pm. Admission prices are just over $8 for adults, just under $7 for people 13 to 18 and a little over $3 for children 4 to 12. The museum is housed in what was once Bob Marley's home and recording studio, and is brightly painted in the traditional Rastafarian hues of red, yellow and green.

Among the featured attractions there are a mural by Jah Bobby, which is an artistic representation of the life of Bob Marley, beginning with his birth and including highlights from his life and musical career. Visitors can see his living space, view a short documentary about his life and enjoy wandering through a nearby medicinal herb garden. Also on site is the Queen of Sheba restaurant. The building itself is remarkable in that it preserves many architectural details from earlier periods, such as latticework and moldings, an arched doorway and even includes rear servant's quarters.

Another important historical reggae related site, officially opened in 1999 as Trench Town Culture Yard, as Jamaica's first site dedicated to the urban culture that saw the blossoming of reggae music. Prince Charles of England was among those who attended the February 6 opening.

Located in Kingston, Jamaica, at the lower end of First Street, in the midst of what was once government housing projects, and where Bob Marley and many other reggae greats – including Peter Tosh, The Wailing Souls, and Toots and the Maytals – found inspiration for the songs they wrote, as well as gave public performances, this cultural center celebrates the history of reggae. There are many artistic and cultural displays, including sculptures, murals, and other works of art. There is also a small museum on site and a gift shop. Guided tours are available.

Island Car Rentals, of Kingston, offers what they call a Bob Marley Tour, for which they charge $48 per person. They require at least two people to sign up for the tour, and then their knowledgeable tour guides pick up the tourists at their hotel and take them through the various Kingston spots associated with Bob Marley's life and history.

Reggae music has touched countless lives throughout the world. The historical sites associated with the beginning of the reggae musical and cultural movements attract an international blend of tourists seeking to pay their respects to those who've meant so much to them.

Stop To Smell The Flowers In Jamaica

Maxx — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 03:40:55 +0000

The tropical climate, cooled by ocean breezes, of Jamaica assures the growth of many fragrant and beautiful flowers. Jamaica is full of gardens, open to the public, in which to relax and smell the flowers, watch the birds flitting here and there, and enjoy the surrounding views of open sky and lush, tropical vegetation. There are also professional flower nurseries that can be toured, as Jamaica exports a large number of flowers.

Cranbrook Flower Forest is a wonderful example of what Jamaica has to offer those who choose to take the time to smell the flowers while on their Jamaican holiday. It is found at Llandovery, which is near Saint Anne's Bay and located on what was once, during the colonial area, a water mill. It is open every day from 9am to 5pm, and does charge an admission fee, which includes a guided tour conducted by its knowledgeable staff. The fee is $6 for those 12 years of age and older and $3 for those under 12.

It is a professional nursery, growing an incredible variety of flowers on 130 acres. Many of these flowers are exported to the United States. There are greenhouses to be toured, with orchids and anthuriums, as well as beautiful outside gardens for wandering and relaxing. In addition to the gardens, there are numerous other sights to be seen, including waterfalls, natural rain forest growth, fountains and peaceful bodies of water. There are trails that can be explored, and for those who'd like to do so by horseback, the charge is $30 for a 2-hour excursion.

In the hills of Saint Andrew, Jamaica, visitors can enjoy a unique botanical experience at the Cinchona Botanical Gardens. This place is of historical relevance as well, as it has been in operation since 1868. In addition to a wide diversity of plant life, its altitude – which starts at 4,500 feet and extends to about 5,500 feet above sea level – offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Castleton Gardens is another remarkable, historic botanical garden site in Jamaica. It has been serving as a botanical garden site since 1862, and many of the plants species that were brought to the island, such as the tangerine, navel orange and Bombay Mango, were tried out first in this site to see if they would be able to survive in and adapt to the local climate. In addition to many, and often unusual, species of plants able to be seen at this 30-acre site, visitors will also see a wide variety of birds and other creatures. There are plenty of places for relaxing and swimming is also available.

Hope Botanical Gardens and Zoo offers both beautiful floral and tropical plants, as well as a small zoo. Located in Saint Andrew parish, on Old hope Road, these gardens were once a part of the Hope Estate. In 1881, a segment was bought by the Jamaican government to serve as an experimental garden, to try out new varieties of export crops, particularly new strains of sugar cane and coffee. Today, it is an attractive and quiet place, wonderful for spending a relaxing afternoon.

The gardens Jamaica are a spectacular visual experience. They are also, however, an important part of the history of Jamaica. A trip to Jamaica should definitely include some time among the flowers.

Shopping In Jamaica

Maxx — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:30:55 +0000

No vacation in Jamaica is complete without a little bit of shopping to bring home a souvenir or two from your Jamaican journey. Aside from souvenirs, there are a great number of local products that are available nowhere else. In addition, the local art community is famous for creations that can grace the collection of any art enthusiast. The first step to enjoying a successful shopping experience is to know where to look for those special, unique items that will allow you to bring home a little piece of island culture.

Harbour Street, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, features an open-air craft market, where locals come to sell their wares. Among the many varied offerings, you'll find hand-made jewelry of beads and semi-precious stones, textile products, including clothing of varying style and quality, some of which are richly colored cottons and sturdy natural fibers. There are often hand carved, wooden household items and small wood sculptures, created by some of the island's many skilled artisans.

Island Village, at the Turtle beach Complex in Ocho Rios, is the perfect shopping area for those interested in reggae and island music culture. With more than 30 shops offering a variety of Bob Marley souvenir items, reggae culture inspired clothing, books, posters, and, of course, music, you'll need a full day to explore this village. Staying the day, though, will be no problem. There are many cafes and restaurants, and an assortment of sights to be seen, including a museum devoted to reggae and island culture.

For those who prefer a more upscale shopping atmosphere, Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay is sure to satisfy. This busy thoroughfare hosts an eclectic blend of boutiques and strip malls, set amongst some of the best hotels and eating establishments on the island. Taj Mahal in Ocho Rios is a shopping mall built on a grand scale, featuring a variety of upscale products, and also offers some of the best coffees, rums, and cigars on the island. Kingston is one of the best places in Jamaica to buy quality artwork by some of the nation's best artists. Frame Center Gallery and the Mutual Life Gallery are among the best known, and are recognized even beyond the island for the quality of art made available for viewing and purchase.

Those desiring a degree of authenticity, something representative of the culture beyond the tourist industries would do well to pay attention to the small shops and stands to be found throughout the island. The further away from the tourist centers the better when it comes to finding those special, unique items that reflect native culture. Some of the unusual take home items to be found in this way include the spices used in native cuisine and home items that are both artistic and practical.

There are many wonderful areas for shopping in Jamaica, whether it is local crafts and creations or upscale bargains that interest you. It is important to note that a certain degree of haggling over prices is expected, and is just a part of the experience.

Historical Pre Columbian And Colonial Sites In Jamaica

Maxx — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 12:03:55 +0000

Long before the first Europeans wandered to the shores of Jamaica, the island was inhabited by native peoples who, even in those far back times, already had a society influenced by thousands of years of culture. Little remains of these native peoples, other than the collected relics that are displayed in museums on the island and the touch of their influence that can be seen in the culinary and cultural traditions of some segments of today's native populations. With the arrival of the Europeans came the colonial era, the remains of which can still be seen today, in historical buildings and collected artifacts.

There are a few fascinating collections relics remaining from the early native inhabitants. Coyaba River Garden is one of the places in which these relics are on display. Located on Shaw Park Ridge Road in Ochos Rios, Jamaica, Coyaba River Garden is the site of lush and beautiful tropical gardens that make the perfect setting for their museum, which houses an assortment of pre-Columbian era artifacts, including some of those left behind by the Arawak, an early sea-faring native tribe that inhabited the island. Open daily from 8am to 6pm, there is a small admission charge of $5 for those over 12 years of age.

When the Europeans settled, they created numerous plantations. Many of these still remain, restored as tourist sites. Among these is the Rose Hall Great House, built in the late 1800's on what was a huge sugar plantation, with 2,000 slaves to work the fields. This house achieved notoriety for the numerous deaths and murders that occurred there through the years, including the strangling death of one of the later mistresses of the plantation. Located just outside of Montego Bay on Rose Hall Highway, the site is open to visitors and offers guided tours. The hours are 9am to 6pm daily, and there is a $15 admission charge for those over 12. For those under 12 the rate is $10.

Just outside of Ocho Rios, tourists to Jamaica can view a working plantation that has been restored as an educational site. In addition to touring the working farm areas, there trails for horseback riding. Prospect Plantation, on Route A3, offers tours three times per day, Monday through Saturday, at 10:30am, 2pm and 3:30pm. The tour rates are $6 for children under 12 and $12 for everyone over 12. The horseback riding rates are $20 per hour.

Spanish Town offers a splendid experience of 18th century British architecture, as well as structural remains of early Spanish rule. Walking is the best way to get the full effect of this lovely city. Spanish Town is also home to Saint James, which is the oldest cathedral, not only in Jamaica, but also in the Western Hemisphere. Elegant and beautiful, this is a sight that should not be missed.

Jamaica is full of small historical sites and museums. For those interested in such things, there are numerous places for exploration, with each of the complex eras of the history and culture of Jamaica represented. Wandering these sites, taking in the rich social and cultural history, will certainly leave the visitor with a greater understanding and appreciation of the Jamaica of today.

River Sights And Tours In Jamaica

Maxx — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:14:55 +0000

Water is a major feature of the lovely island nation of Jamaica. While most well known for the joys of its amazing beaches, Jamaica is also home to a number of equally amazing rivers. With river activities that range from peacefully gliding along by boat, taking in sights of the widely varied flora and fauna, to the exciting and exhilarating experience of white water rafting, a vacation to Jamaica is not complete without a visit to one or more of its fine rivers. Tours are widely available and easy to arrange.

Operating out of Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica, J. Charles Swaby's Black River Safari offers an unforgettable experience of the largest river in Jamaica, the Black River. Traveling upriver for six miles, through wetlands that are home to more than 100 species of birds, visitors will see a wide variety of wildlife, including an endangered species of crocodile that has chosen to make this special river area its home. The plant life is varied, with all three of Jamaica's mangrove types in abundance, along with a couple varieties of palm trees and other natural forest vegetation. A delightful highlight of the tour is a visit to one of the most natural waterfalls in Jamaica, the Y.S. Waterfalls, which have been unmarred by tourist industry excesses. The experienced guide will provide detailed information on the flora and fauna, as well as the local history.

Chukka Cove Adventure Tours, located a short distance outside of Ocho Rios, Jamaica, offers a variety of adventure and tour packages. Among these many fascination exploration opportunities is the River Tubing Safari. Adults and children over 6 years of age can enjoy a three-mile long trip down the White River in a tube. This trip is preceded by a tubing and water safety presentation and takes a little under four hours to complete. There are many sights to be seen along the river's banks, including coconut plantations, bamboo groves and other lush and natural riverbank vegetation. Guides are knowledgeable and well-trained, parents can feel confident in the safety of the tour, but, of course, should exercise common sense and caution.

For a more relaxing river tour, in Port Antonio a delightful tour by raft of the Rio Grande can be arranged at reasonable rates. For $40, two people can enjoy a three-hour journey by bamboo raft, and will be accompanied by a local guide to steer the raft along. A perfect setting for an afternoon picnic, the rafting trip will pass through a variety of sights with a local flavor, drifting through beautiful, tropical rural areas.

There are many guided river tours available throughout Jamaica. While some are meant for the casual tourist looking for a peaceful and relaxing experience, there are many geared for those with an interest in eco-tourism, seeking a serous look at the flora and fauna of Jamaica, which is known for several rare species of plant and animal life. There are also a variety of tours that are meant for those whose taste runs towards the more extreme water sport adventures. Local tourist information stations and hotel staff are able to provide information on the best tours for you.

Visit Waterfalls In Jamaica

Maxx — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 03:07:55 +0000

Jamaica may be one of the most beautiful island nations in the Caribbean, famous for its coastal areas – the beautiful beaches, coves and bays – but it is not just sun and surf beach adventures. Jamaica is also home to the highest mountain peaks in the Caribbean, to dense growth forests, and even to tropical rainforests. This varied terrain had produced a number of waterfalls, each lovely in its own right. Some are popular tourist destinations, but others, due to their location, see fewer visitors, and thus, retain much more of their natural wonder.

Dunn's River Falls is the most popular of the waterfalls in Jamaica, as it is easily accessible to tourists, especially those coming off of the cruise ships for a few hours or the evening. Located just outside of Ocho Rios, these 600-foot waterfalls attract crowds. The scenery is beautiful, despite the touch of commercialism, and the guided climb is not too strenuous, though slippery rocks do cause the occasional bump or bruise. There are places at the bottom and on the way up to refresh, wading and splashing in the cold, clear mountain water. The admission fee is $10 for people 12 and up, $8 for 11 and under, with no charge for children under 2. The site is open daily from 8:30am to 5pm, though on the days when cruise ships pull in to port, it opens early, at 7Am, to accommodate visitors.

The Y.S. Falls are a different sort of experience, and are located by the Black River, on a papaya plantation. Juta Tours, which operates out of Negril, Jamaica, at 2 Market Street, offers a guided tour that takes about half a day, and is really the best way to experience these much more natural falls. The fee is $12 and Juta Tours is open from 9:30am to 3:30pm, Tuesday through Sunday.

Just outside of Port Antonio, near Hope Bay on Route A4, are the Somerset Falls. These beautiful falls are in a natural, green setting, full of unusual plants and flowers. This peaceful spot definitely does not draw the crowds that other places more convenient to tourists do. Part of that may be due to the fact that visitors need to travel by water – either make a short swim or float along in a raft – to see these rushing waters. However, the site staff members are there to assist and are attentive and courteous. Just on the other side of the waterfall is a small cave, a perfect place to take in the sight and sound of the waterfall. It is definitely worth the time and effort, and is a sight that should not be missed.

These are just a few of the waterfalls to be seen in Jamaica. Aside from the few that regularly attract tourists, most are in delightfully peaceful settings, rich in local flora and fauna, and full of the color and sound that make Jamaica the beautiful island that it is. There are a variety of hiking trails and tours from which you can see the rest of Jamaica's beautiful waterfalls, easily arranged with the assistance of the hotel staff, who'll be happy to suggest local guides.

Jamaican Cuisine

Maxx — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 07:41:55 +0000

There's more to Chinese cuisine than meets the taste buds. There is also what meets the eye, the ear and the imagination. Chinese culture demands attention to the entire presentation of a meal, and that includes the blend of flavors, the subtlety of the spicing, how appealing the colors and arrangement of the food is and how well it plays on the imagination of the diner. This is a concept that is as foreign to most Westerners as an appreciation for the nuance of a single brushstroke in an ideograph. To the Chinese, though, the name of a dish plays its own part in the presentation when they serve a meal to guests.

The subtlety is lost on most Americans, who'd rather know what's going to be on their plate than enjoy a bit of imagery with their meal. Some of the most common names survive – Seven Happiness, a dish that includes shrimp, lobster, scallop, fish, pork, beef and chicken in a delicate sauce with vegetables, for instance. Seven happiness indeed – what mouth wouldn't be happy with that?

In China, however, many honored and respected restaurants still cling to the old traditions. At the Confucius House, for instance, one can dine on Two Phoenix from One Egg, An Oriole Welcoming Spring and As Luck As One Wishes. The Fangshan Restaurant in Beihai Park serves Phoenix in Its Nest and "Frog and Abalone". The Fangshan Restaurant has also revived an ancient tradition – the complete Manchu-Han Banquet. Created during the Qing Dynasty as a celebration of important events, the Manchu-Han Banquet consists of 234 hot dishes, 28 cold dishes, cakes and fruit. Such a lavish spread is it that it often is held over the course of several days.

It was during the Northern and Southern Dynasties that the practice of giving poetic names to dishes truly flourished. While many dishes were named simply for their appearance, many others included a play on words in their names – subtle references to the ingredients wrapped in a beautiful title. Thus, a dish of shredded fish with orange might be called 'powdered gold and minced jade". Shrimp with green peas and scallions might bear the name 'Coral, Pearl and Jade'. Some were far more fanciful – and in some cases descriptive of the elaborate preparation that turned a plate of food into a landscape or a scene from history. One such dish is chicken and soft-shelled turtle, served in its shell and named "the Conqueror says goodbye to his concubine".

It's only fitting that Hunan cuisine, generally considered to be the most visually appealing of the Chinese regional cuisines, should also feature the most fanciful and delightful names. Who cares what the ingredients are when your host serves you 'Footsteps of the Phoenix' and "Pearls in the Snow"? They are truly names fit for the dishes that graced the tables of emperors.