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Beer and carnival

Beer lovers can enjoy the tradition of Oktoberfest right in Beijing, at the Xiedao (Crab Island) Holiday Resort until Aug 15. Eight huge Bavarian-style beer tents are up at the resort, to cater to more than 80,000 people. Beers are served the German way and German musicians will perform Chinese songs at the festival. All staff will be decked out in traditional German outfits and another 200 German beer girls have been flown in from Europe for the event. There will also be heart-stopping carnival rides. Admission is free and there are free shuttle buses from downtown Beijing to the island. For more info, log on to: www.xiedao.com/html/index.asp

Diving in Maldives

Maldives is renowned as an ideal destination for diving. Its warm seas, high visibility underwater throughout the year and the marvelous coral reefs make it a hot option for diving enthusiasts. At the Dive and Travel Awards 2011 and the Marine Diving and Beach Resort Fair 2011, it won two acclaimed destination awards: "Best Diving Area" and "Best Dreaming Area".

You need not be a professional diver because all resorts and safari boats give you basic to advanced training. Even the most reluctant diver can enjoy the beauty of Maldivian underwater life on a drift dive with the guidance of experienced dive instructors. For details, log on to:www.visitmaldives.com.

Chinese Valentine's Day in Tainan

To celebrate Chinese Valentine's Day, Tainan in Taiwan will be transformed into a monthlong city of love. The month long Chinese Valentine's Day Festival will have various activities including happiness trips, love concerts and wedding dress parades. Ten different love routes will show visitors the romantic side of Tainan. Teenagers aged 16 are invited to climb the highest mountain in Tainan as part of a coming of age ceremony. More details at http://tw.tranews.com.

Holiday in Ko Chang Island

Ko Chang is Thailand's new tourist haven, so bookmark this as your summer vacation destination this year. Situated to the east of the country in the province of Trat on the Cambodian border, it is Thailand's second- largest island after Phuket, boasting several amazing natural wonders: undisturbed rainforest, steep hills, cliffs, waterfalls, notable wildlife, fine beaches, coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. The Ko Chang tourism site is www.kochangisland.com.

(China Daily 08/07/2011 page16)