It was indeed, Chinese business executives who arrived first, fascinated by the wisdom, innovation and entrepreneurship that encompass Israel’s remarkable story and growth. In 2015, the bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded $11 billion compared to a mere $50 million when diplomatic relations officially began 25 years ago, in 1992.<\/p>\n
Now, there is a substantial rise in the number of leisure tourists too.<\/p>\n
The airlines have certainly sat up and taken notice. Until 2016, only El Al, Israel’s national airline, operated direct flights between China and Israel. In April 2016, Hainan Airlines, China’s fourth largest airline, began operating weekly flights between Beijing and Tel Aviv while Cathay Pacific will launch its first direct Hong Kong to Tel Aviv route in March 2017.<\/p>\n Check Out Dan Hotels In Tel Aviv >>\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n This increased capacity is expected to further strengthen links in trade, science, high-tech, agriculture, and particularly tourism.<\/p>\n Israel’s Tourism Ministry has responded with a number of initiatives, including opening a first-ever course for tour guides that targets Chinese speakers in 2013. By the end of 2016, Israel is believed to have approximately 70 such certified Chinese-speaking tour guides.<\/p>\n “Israel has plenty to offer. This is reflected by the substantial year on year rise in visitors”<\/p>\n “Whether they are a business delegation with free time or pure leisure travelers, Israel has plenty to offer. This is reflected by the substantial year on year rise in visitors,” one of Israel’s Mandarin-speaking tour guides told us. For some of China’s Christian tourists, it\u2019s the Old City that is the main draw to the Holy Land.<\/p>\n For others, it\u2019s an opportunity to get a first-hand view of places they only hear about. Coming from the more affluent provinces of China, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, many have already traveled around Asia, Australia and the UK and are becoming more adventurous and curious in their travels.<\/p>\n Dan Boutique hotel in Jerusalem<\/p><\/div>\n Wrapped in mystery and endless secrets, the Old City is without doubt one of the most visited spots in Jerusalem, which balances an incomparable 4,000 year history with a modern and vibrant culture, including gourmet restaurants and an exciting nightlife.<\/p>\n The Old City invites you to explore the world famous holy sites of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In the Jewish Quarter, you can visit the Western Wall, considered one of the holiest places in the Jewish religion. In the Christian and Armenian Quarters are important landmarks and churches such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre that are holy to Christians of all denominations.<\/p>\n Dan Hotels in Jerusalem >><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The Muslim Quarter houses the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock that are sacred to the Muslim faith. Whether you are interested in religion, archeology, architecture or history, strolling through the Old City’s narrow streets, alleys and markets will leave an impression like no other.<\/p>\n For Chinese visitors, the Dead Sea is always a favorite on any bucket list. Just an hour away from Jerusalem, the Dead Sea is the lowest dry point on earth, offering mineral-rich waters that allows you to float miraculously and reap the benefits of this famous health destination, known for its range of skincare benefits, treatments and products, such as Ahava cosmetics.<\/p>\n “We have had tour groups here, who may only have a few hours of free time, and they love going to the Dead Sea. They take photographs of themselves covered in mud and then often head straight to the airport!” said another tour guide.<\/p>\n The Dead Sea<\/p><\/div>\n Cosmetics, Judaica, jewelry and diamonds are among the many treasures available across Israel, and nowhere is the shopping experience arguably more complete than Tel Aviv. Israel’s thriving coastal city boasts numerous retail jewels – notably Dizengoff Center, the largest shopping mall in Tel Aviv and the iconic Azrieli Center, a modern and glitzy shopping mall filled with designer brands and an international food court.<\/p>\n More recently, the opening of the stylish indoor market at Sarona attracts large numbers of visitors keen to sit down and sample a range of high quality cuisine from around the world.<\/p>\n The Chinese love of food is well known, and is even included in the morning greeting \u2013\u201c\u65e9\u9910\u5403\u4e86\u6ca1\u6709\uff1f\u201d\u2013 and that pure love of food, particularly Chinese food, is shared by Israelis and Jewish people alike. It is highlighted best in an old joke:<\/p>\n A Jewish man and a Chinese man were talking. The Jewish man said how wise the Chinese are.<\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d replied the Chinese man, \u201cOur culture is over 4,000 years old. But, the Jews are a very wise people, too.\u201d<\/p>\n The Jewish man replied, \u201cYes, our culture is over 5,000 years old.\u201d authentic banquet to 50 guests on January 27<\/p><\/div>\n For restaurants and hotels in Israel, the challenge remains to adapt their menus to suit the tastes of these special guests, and there are huge signs of progress. As the Chinese community enjoys two weeks of celebrations for the Year of the Rooster, Haifa’s Dan Carmel Hotel<\/a><\/strong><\/span> joined the festivities, serving up an authentic banquet to 50 guests on January 27 (picture above).<\/p>\n![\"political_strip4\"](\"https:\/\/www.danhotels.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/political_strip41.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>The Dead Sea is always a favorite on any bucket list<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n
\nThe Chinese man asked: “That\u2019s impossible, he replied. Where did your people eat for a thousand years?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/a>