China
Lke Never Before
After years of hiding from western eyes, China has transformed itself into a true heavyweight on the global tourism scales. Welcoming more than 55 million foreign visitors each year, China is by far the most-visited country in Asia and one of the top travel destinations in the world. According to statisticians, it might well soon eclipse France as the world’s most popular tourist destination.
One of the most ancient civilisations on earth, China’s heritage spans the ages and is home to Neolithic structures, the Silk Road, and more than 2,000 years of Dynastic reign. The country’s long and proud cultural heritage is reflected by the fact that it is home to no fewer than 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are more ‘must-see’ cultural attractions in China than travellers could ever hope to experience in a single visit, including fascinating sights like the Summer Palace, the Stone Forest, and the Beijing National Stadium.
Tourists to China looking to explore its incredible natural bounty will be particularly blown away by the Five Sacred Mountains, as well as the Jiuzhaigou Valley, a natural wonderland filled with snow-capped mountain peaks, crystal-blue lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation; a prime example of the astonishing variety of China’s natural landscape.
China is an enigmatic and mysterious country, where modernity and tradition, as well as progress and conservatism, all coexist in a tumultuous morass. It is one of those countries that has tourists returning home filled with a far greater sense of wonder at the world than when they left.
What to see and do in China
- The Imperial Palace (or Forbidden City) is the best-preserved ancient structure in China.
- Every visitor to China should see the famous Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an.
- The Potala Palace, once the residence of the Dalai Lama, is a window into Tibetan culture.
- Exploring the Underground City is a surreal and intriguing experience.
- Join thousands of cultural pilgrims for a walk along a section of the Great Wall of China.
- Visit China’s most famous animal at the Chengdu Panda Center.
- Experience the juxtaposition of old and new Shanghai by walking along The Bund.
- Take a ride on the Maglev Bullet Train.
- Take a trip to the Huaqing Hot Springs to bathe like an emperor.