It has been said that China is not a country. It’s really a different world, one possessing origins of the oriental civilizations. China is considered to be the third largest country in the world with reference to area and population. This country of dragon occupies Central and East Asia. It is bound by many countries: Mongolia, Russia and Kazakhstan to the north, North Korea, to the east, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, India, Bhutan and Nepal to the south as well as India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to the west. China’s territory consists of mountains in the west, semi-desert in the north, fertile plains in the northeast, and a basin way down in the farthest east as well as the south with the Yangtze River running through it.

Since China is comparable to a continent, first-time travelers had better spot their itinerary to the outstandingly attractive tourist sites so as to see landmarks identifying the symbols of the country. For tourists visiting for the very first time, these sites in China are a must see, like seeing the Eiffel Tower or La Champs-Elysees when in France. It is also recommended that you shouldn’t miss these cosmopolitans: Beijing, the China’s capital city, Shanghai, the Paris of China and Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province where you can see the Great Wall and the recently discovered Army Terracotta Warriors. Also, if you want to, you can include Hong Kong and Macau in your trip so as to have a customary shopping spree after a long quest for exotic experiences.

Generally, most travelers from the other hemisphere would find no difficulty in appreciating the completely different atmosphere in this country. One, especially the health-minded, might even find him/herself too easy to adopt this way of commuting. Isn’t it appealing to cycling around while indulging in the authentically awesome oriental ambience?

However, visitors are not bound to climb the Great Wall or marvel at the extravagant structures only. Plenty of adventurous recreational activities also exist. Up north, the highlands are superb for hiking while camel rides through the desserts of the inner land are also worth trying. Horse riding allows you to immerse into nature as does cycling. You can also opt to ice-skate and ski in the winter, even explore caves in the southwest provinces or follow the footsteps of Marco Polo on the Silk Road at Xi’an.

Also worthwhile is taking note that China is creating new avenues for tourism. The China National Tourism Administration has set up a new series of tours based on different themes that will take visitors to the very indigenous essences of China. Folk Arts are being focused on with the Culinary Kingdom in 2003, Catch the Lifestyle in 2004, and Visit China in 2005. There has never been a time like now that you are being given an opportunity to dismantle your doubts that have long cast over on this mystic land.

Major cities in China

Beijing
A long history has left several world famous historical sites in the capital of Beijing. For example, the Great Wall, constructed more than 2,000 years ago, meanders through mountains and valleys for hundreds of kilometers. On the Shijing Mountain, there are more than 340 volumes of 15,000 stone tablets carved with Buddhist scriptures …read more

Guilin
Built over 2,000 years ago during the Qin Dynasty and named after the fragrance of osmanthus, Guilin has been famous for its picturesque scenery. The Lijiang River flows from northeast to southeast like a jade ribon meandering past Guilin. Boating on Lijiang River, one sees the spectacular hills meandering and undulating along both sides of the river. Located in the subtropical zone in the southern part of the country, it boasts a pleasant climate throughout the year …read more

Shanghai
Located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, Shanghai is China’s most comprehensive industrial and commercial city. Travellers nowadays may visit the city because of its commercial activities rather than scenic beauty. However, it is its long and intrigued history that makes Shanghai known to the world. Developed as a commercial harbour since the 10th century, the city’s rise and fall has been significant to China’s economy …read more

Xi’an
Dubbed as the cradle of Chinese civilization, Xi’an has much to explore in terms of architectural wonders and cultural heritage. Situated in the central part of Guanzhong Plain in Shaanxi Province, some 900km southwest of Beijing, Xian was the capital of China for more than a millennium. It was one of the largest capital cities with the largest population in world history. After centuries of lying dormant, Xian is now one of the fastest developing cities in China, a modern metropolis of more than 2 million people …read more

Other destinations

• Tibet
• Inner Mongolia
• Yunnan
• Kumming
• Dali
• Lijiang
• Jinghong
  

China: The Basics

Here is essential information you need to know before making a plan to travel to China.  Language Health Visa Currency Drinking water Best time to visit Electricity