Zhongshan, literally meaning 'Middle Mountain,' is an incredible tourist spot, located on the Zhongshan Island, in Guangdong province. Sprawling over an area of about 1500 square kilometers, this dynamic city forms part of the western region of the Pearl River Delta, which in turn is a prominent waterway that links Guangzhou with Macau and Hong Kong. Zhongshan is situated about 1500 kilometers south of Beijing - the capital city, and is north of Zhuhai and south of Guangzhou.

Originally known as Xiangshan during ancient times, Zhongshan has a long as well as interesting history dating back to the Neolithic Age, which is about 5000 years ago. According to records, the Gu Yue aboriginals settled and fished and hunted here. Later, during the times of the Jin Dynasty, Xiangshan became a part of Dong Guan County. Xiangshan was renamed on 15th April 1925, to honor Sun Yat-sen, who is considered the father of modern China.

Later in October 1949, the Zhongshan County was liberated. From then onwards, the county has been categorized into Doumen County, Zhuhai County, and Panyu County. In 22nd December 1983, Zhongshan gained the status of a city. Today, Zhongshan is an industrial city. However, Zhongshan is also much famed as a place of historical significance.

The city boasts of a great number of attractions, scenic attractions and places of historic prominence to superb parks, interesting museums, and beautiful temples. Listed below are some of the not to miss attractions in the city.

Former Residence of Sun Yat-Sen - Located about 30 kilometers from Zhongshan, in Cuiheng Town, this is a two-storied building that is a blend of traditional Chinese and modern western styles. A specialty of this building is that it was designed by Dr. Sun Yat-sen himself. Within the building, there is an exhibition hall, which has on display many arts and artifacts that throw light on the life of Dr Sun Yat-Sen.

Radio Museum of China Museum of Fine Arts of Zhongshan - This museum is first of its kind in the country. Exhibited here are about 2000 radios, which range from the first generation radios to radios that are still in use. Each of the items found here are collected by Qiu Jianqiu - a music and hi-fi fan.

The Zhongshan Park - Occupying an area of about 70 acres (about 25 hectares), this park is located at the heart of the Inner City, to the west of Tian'AnMen Gate. The park is situated at the former site of the Temple of National Revival, also known as Xingguosi, during the reign of dynasties such as Liao and Jin.

Al though many of the original buildings have been vanished, still some ancient cypresses can be found here. Highlights within the park cover the Taimiao, otherwise known as Imperial Ancestral Temple, and the Shejitan, also known as the Altar of Land and Grain, which was built in 1421. This area was converted into a Central Park in 1914, and later in 1928, it was renamed to Zhongshan Park in order to commemorate Dr. Sun Yat-sen.

Also, worth mentioning is the Music Hall within the park, which is really an amphitheater where several popular concerts and dramas are regularly conducted. Additionally, the park is ancient cypresses as well as attractive pavilions, summer houses, and incredible rock gardens. Above all, the park is also much famed for its blooming as well as vivid species of flowers.

Cuiheng village - Situated about 18 kilometers south-east of Zhongshan, Cuiheng Village is a place of great prominence, as it is the home town of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. One of the specialties of this place is Science Fiction Film Center, which is located close to the Cuiheng Village.

Other must-visit attractions in the place are the Zhongshan Hot Spring Golf Club, which is a golfers' paradise, Zimaling Park, and the Zhongshan Hot Spring Scenic Spot. Further, people touring the place can engage in a number of activities.

In short, Zhongshan has everything for a wonderful vacation. It is therefore not a wonder why people from across the world visit here per year. Hence, the place allows tourists to choose from a number of accommodation options, from upscale hotels and resorts to boutique and budget accommodations. Some of the most sophisticated hotels in the area come with rooms that are replete with high-end comforts.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts http://www.shangri-la.com/ currently owns and manages 54 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 27,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.