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.
Lijiang is an attractive city and well-known tourist destination in the northwest part of China's Yunnan Province. Once a commercial centre in the 1300s, its Old Town area features lovely cobblestone streets, canals and a central market square lined with charming shops and tempting restaurants. The city is known for its wonderfully fresh air, clear streams, breathtaking snowy mountains and unspoilt natural landscape inhabited by the Naxi and several other ethnic minority groups. Must-see attractions include Black Dragon Pool which offers panoramic views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountains; the Baisha Naxi Embroidery Institute; and Mu Palace, where the Mu Clan of the Naxi people ruled for over 400 years.
Yunnan Province, located in southwestern China, has become a popular destination for travellers due to its stunning natural scenery and diverse culture. The province boasts an array of unique attractions, such as the Stone Forest, a natural wonder with towering limestone formations that have been shaped by erosion over millions of years. Another must-visit destination in Yunnan is the ancient town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and vibrant local culture. The province is also home to several ethnic minorities, including the Yi, Bai, and Naxi people, each with their own distinct traditions and customs. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by visiting traditional villages, attending cultural festivals, and trying local delicacies such as Yunnan's famous rice noodles.
Floating high in the Hengduanshan Mountains near the Tibetan border is Deqen, a relatively small city north of China's Yunnan Province set in a valley alongside the Mekong River Gorge. Deqen sees very few tourists - primarily due to its remote location and high altitude - but those who make the trip find it a convenient base for trekking in the spectacularly scenic landscape of mirror-like alpine lakes, beautiful meadows, and incredible canyons. Adventure seekers are awed by the snow-capped mountains, most famously the imposing Meli Snow Mountain, which soars up to 6,470 metres. Other highlights include The Feilai Temple provides panoramic views of the town and its surroundings, the Xidang Hot Springs and the Meilixue Mountain Nature Reserve, which offers excellent trekking opportunities to the Taizi Temple and the Minyong Glacier.
Set in the in China’s Yunnan Province, formerly known as Zhongdian and sometimes called 'Gyalthang' in Tibetan, Shangri-la City offers travellers an intoxicating combination of Tibetan and Han Chinese culture. In a wide, sweeping valley surrounded by towering mountains, the town is the capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Deqin - the largest self-governing Tibetan area outside of the province of Tibet itself. Visitors can look forward to visiting the impressive Songzanlin Monastery, the lovely Pudacuo (or Putacuo) National Park, the quaint little 100 Chicken Temple which features a number of colourful prayer flags, and the Golden Temple which is home to the world’s largest prayer drum.
