China is a remarkable five-year-old civilization that offers a vibrant and intriguing combination of the ancient and modern. From the exceptionally remote deserts of the wild northwest to the ultra-modern city of Hong Kong in the south, the diversity of this vast country's archaeology, architecture, cuisine, and cultural heritage is astounding. From ancient historical sites and antique relics to grand imperial palaces, exquisite water towns and enchanting natural wonders, there's something for every type of traveller. The Forbidden City, The Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and Chengdu's panda sanctuaries are among the most visited attractions. Although there is so much to explore, try to avoid a jam-packed itinerary as one of the great joys of touring China lies in aimlessly wandering through the backstreets and exploring the immaculate public parks, traditional teahouses or tranquil hidden temples. Whether you prefer a slow boat down the Yangtze or taking in the extraordinary architecture, shopping and nightlife of Shanghai, exploring China provides countless opportunities for adventure.
Also known as the cradle of humanity, Beijing is the epicentre of China’s economic, political and educational hub. The city is famous for its Hutongs which are formed by lines of traditional courtyard residences (siheyuan). Since the mid-20th century, many hutongs have been demolished to make way for new roads and buildings. A visit to Beijing will give you a glimpse into China’s imperial past. Highlights of Beijing include: Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Olympic Stadium; it is also the gateway for the opportunity to climb the legendary Great Wall of China.
Located at the heart of the Weihe Plain, bound by the Weihe River in the north and the Qin Mountain Range in the south, Xian is the undisputed root of Chinese civilization and an important economic, cultural, and industrial centre of the central-northwest region. The city provides visitors with modern facilities as well as numerous world-class ancient, religious, and cultural attractions showcasing the great changes in the country. Must-see attractions include the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi, the immaculately restored and mighty city wall, and of course, the primary attraction, the astonishing display of approximately 2,000 life-like terracotta warriors, horses, and chariots. The assemblage has been billed by the tourist industry as the Eighth Wonder of the World and a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO.
Guilin is an attractive city and an extremely popular tourist destination in North Guangxi, China. The city is renowned for its magnificent natural landscape of dramatic limestone karst hills and its colourful minority culture. At the centre of the city lie two beautiful lakes, Shanhu (Cedar) and Ronghu (Banyan), remaining from a medieval-era moat that once surrounded the city. Boats travel through these and other lakes via connected rivers. While the city boasts hundreds of wonderful attractions, the most famous are the Li River, the nearby resort town of Yangshuo, and the picturesque Longji Terraced Fields.
Situated in Guilin, Guangxi Province in the south of China, Yangshuo is a county featuring a popular eponymous tourist resort town. The area is best known for its spectacular scenery characterised by magnificent karst mountains, caves, temples and the picturesque Li River. Visitors typically take a cruise down the river which delivers them at the bustling little town which features some remarkable historical Chinese architecture. The main attraction within the town is the 1400-year-old West Street which is lined with a dizzying array of shops, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Visitors can also enjoy the nightly performance of a show called ‘Impressions of Liu Sanjie’ which is performed on the Li River, with the audience seated on the river bank and twelve karst hills forming a dramatic backdrop. Other popular activities in the area include mountain climbing, bamboo-rafting and cycling through the through the dreamy hills and valleys.
Centred around the city of Chongqing and the Yangzi River, the province of Chongqing is an exciting area for commerce and travel. The Yangzi is the world's third longest river, offering hour-long or multi-day cruises from Chongqing city, providing exceptional views of both the wilderness areas along the river and the city's incredible skyline. Visitors should be sure to witness the famous 'Twelve Views of Bayu', all set in and around the city. These include the Ayi River, Changshou Lake, the Furong Cave, Black Mountain, the Three Natural Bridges, the Gorges of Mount Wu, the Tongjing Hot Pools and the Huangshui Forest. Other not-to-be-missed destinations include Wuxi County on the Daning River, Dazu Rock Carvings situated on Dazu County's steep hillsides, and the Diaoyu Fortress, providing evidence of China's historic resistance to Mongol forces.
Located on the estuary of the famed Yangtze River, the renowned international metropolis of Shanghai is a bold and brash mix of East and West. It is home to some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, historical shikumen houses blending the styles of Chinese houses with European design flair, and it has one of the richest collections of Art Deco buildings in the world. Must-see attractions include the Yuyuan Gardens, loaded with classical Chinese architecture; the many traditional Chinese tea houses serving a wide range of tea along with traditional delicacies; Shanghai Museum with its impressive ancient bronze exhibit; and even a Chinese take on Madame Tussauds which offers a fascinating mix of Chinese and western figures, from film stars to athletes and world leaders.
