Grand Park Xian has launched a unique �Ancient Xian Winter Exploration Tour� package designed to showcase the many fascinating attractions of China�s ancient Silk Road city of Xian, home to the world famous Terracotta Warriors.

Recently acquired by Park Hotel Group, the former Grand Castle Hotel in Xian has been renamed Grand Park Xian, and its services tailored to provide guests from around the world with easy and convenient access to the city�s many unique cultural attractions.

"Xian has a long history and culture, beautiful scenery and warm and hospitable people,� stated Grand Park Xian General Manager, Mr Ip Hon Ming. �Here at Grand Park Xian we are committed to working hand in hand with the local government to promote Xian�s many attractions and also promoting Xian as a model city."

From December 1, 2008 to February 28, 2009 (including Lunar New Year holidays) and priced at only RMB2, 800 per person, the �Ancient Xian Winter Exploration Tour� package offers guests a 4-day 3-night package at the centrally located 5-star Grand Park Xian, including luxurious accommodation and an opportunity to savour authentic ancient-style local culinary dishes.

Guests can also enjoy skiing in the scenic Xian Cui Hua Mountains at the extremely competitive rate of RMB560 upwards for 2 people. This can be arranged through the hotel�s concierge.

The Cui Hua Mountain ski field is just 45 minutes� drive from the city. Covering an area of 600 acres, it is divided into two areas, one for beginners and the other for more experienced skiers. Guests can receive assistance from any of the 30 senior ski instructors, upgrade their skiing techniques and enjoy the beautiful snow covered scenery. The package also includes daily buffet breakfast, round-trip airport transfers, day trips to the Museum of Terracotta Warriors, the recently opened Hanguangmen Museum, and Yuanjiacun, where guests can experience Xian�s scenic countryside. They can also enjoy an ancient �Empress Banquet� comprising 11 Xian culinary delicacies specially prepared by Grand Park Xian�s Executive Chef.

A highlight of the �Ancient Xian Winter Exploration Tour� is a visit to the Hanguangmen Museum, located on the south of Tianshuijing. Located a short 10-minute walk from Grand Park Xian and opened to public on 28 September 2008, the museum is located near the West gate of Tang Imperial City Wall. Constructed during the Tang Dynasty under the reign of Emperor Sui Wenti, Hanguangmen is regarded as the launch point for the famous Silk Road. During the High Tang Era, Hanguangmen was also regarded as an �Avenue of Super Stars�, where noted celebrities, such as Li Bai, Du Funand Wu Daozi resided.

The Hanguangmen museum features exhibits dating back over 1,400 years and is regarded as a unique record of Chinese history. Next to it is the Chinese Calligraphy Art Museum featuring myriad Chinese calligraphy art exhibits. The museum occupies an area of 4,000 square meters, while its architecture mirrors the historic city wall. The museum is also a unique part of the Silk Road ruins.

The �Ancient Xian Winter Exploration Tour� package also includes a visit to Yuanjiacun, a truly unique location where guests can gain a true appreciation of the Guanzhong lifestyle. Located 70 kilometres west of the hotel, Yuanjiacun features antique Chinese guardian lions and an ancient carriage with rare wooden wheels. Traditional shops located along one of the city�s ancient streets offer a range of traditional products and further insights into the daily life of ancient local residents. At the other end of the street, villagers can be seen singing Shaanxi Opera Qinqiang.

A short distance from Yuanjiacun is the Zhao Mausoleum of Emperor Tang Taizong, the largest royal mausoleum in the world. Among all the excavated sites located here, the best-preserved stone carvings are found at Emperor Tang Suzong�s tomb.

About Grand Park Xian

The spectacular Grand Park Xian in China�s ancient capital Xian, evokes the grandeur of an ancient palace and uniquely designed in the historic architectural style of the adjacent ancient City Wall.

Boasting the tallest atrium lobby in the city famed for the World Heritage-listed �Terracotta Warriors�, the luxurious 5-star hotel originally opened in 1993, and was rebranded following an extensive renovation in 2008.

Facing the south gate of the ancient City Wall in the heart of Xian�s city centre, Grand Park Xian is an ideal base for business, leisure and sightseeing � surrounded by major shopping malls and offices and within walking distance of nearby historic sites and famous scenic spots.

The decor of the 338 guestrooms, including 40 suites, is sophisticated yet traditional � with Chinese-style furniture and folkloric art featured alongside modern facilities which include Broadband Internet access and 32� LCD televisions, with environmentally-friendly recyclable amenities.

The towering 10-storey hotel features two restaurants � the signature Park Palace restaurant serving authentic Cantonese and local cuisine, and the all-day Verandah Caf� serving international and Asian cuisine.

Six versatile banquet rooms, including a 440 square metre pillar-free ballroom, cater for weddings, social gatherings and medium-sized MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) events. The hotel also features a Lobby Lounge, business centre, hotel shop and executive lounge exclusively for Executive Floor guests.

Managed by Park Hotel Group, Grand Park Xian is a member of Summit Hotels & Resorts�. Park Hotel Group currently owns and manages 7 hotels in Asia, while Summit Hotels & Resorts� has 135 luxurious member hotels and resorts in over 40 countries and cities.

For more information please visit: www.parkhotelgroup.com or www.grandcastlehotel.com.

For reservations and information, please call +86-29-87608888 ext 1009 or send email to reservation@grandcastlehotel.com.

About Xian China�s ancient capital is world-renowned for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Terracotta Warriors located in The Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, located 40 kilometres to the east. With more than 3,100 years of history, Xian is today an important cultural, industrial and educational centre in the country�s central-northwest and is also home to facilities for research and development, national security and China�s space programme. Among numerous tourist attractions at the eastern debut section of the Silk Road are the well-preserved City Wall, Drum Tower, Bell Tower, Muslim quarter shopping district, Great Mosque, and two spectacular towers each over 1,000 years old, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Small Wild Goose Pagoda. The 5,000-year-old Banpo Neolithic village, discovered in 1954, is just outside the city. Xian also boasts the world�s largest Internet caf� with more than 3,000 computers. Natural attractions range from Mount Hua, one of China�s most visited mountains, to Mount Zhongnan, Mount Taibai and Lishan. Xian�s international airport is the largest in northwest China with direct flights to Hong Kong, Tokyo, Nagoya and Bangkok. - end -

For further information, please contact:

Grebstad Hicks Communications Francis Lau / Minnie King / Denise Ho Tel: 852 2810 0532 Fax: 852 2525 7972 Email: francis.lau@ghcasia.com / minnie.king@ghcasia.com / denise.ho@ghcasia.com