China

China first opened its doors to visitors in the 1970s, and since then, millions have flocked to this amazing Asian country. China is one of the world's four Ancient Civilisations, and its language dates back thousands of years and consists of a multitude of different cultures. It's the home of Kung Fu, and tai chi, ancient tea practices, diverse cuisines, natural medicine, calligraphy, and fireworks.

See the Seven Ancient Wonders of China within this ancient empire. The Great Wall of China stretches for 6,000 km and is one of the longest man-made structures on Earth. The World's largest Palace: the Forbidden City reigned for over 500 years. It's the size of 80 football fields! Then there's the Terracotta Warriors, the Hanging Monastery, and so many more historical wonders throughout this vast and captivating country.

China is now more than age-old memories, with world-class shopping, restaurants bars, and nightclubs, ever-growing. In Shanghai, visit Speak Low for its fabulous cocktails, while in Beijing, Janes & Hooch offers a range of beers, and there are many other hidden gems behind doors. The Bund is one of Shanghai's most popular places. Take the tunnel and travel under the Huangpu River and witness ancient China juxtaposed by its most neon modern extreme. See the views from one of the skyscrapers like the World Financial Centre, Jin Mao Tower, or Shanghai Tower - by day or night; they are spectacular.

For those into adventure, China offers an array of national parks. Hiking, cycling, mountain climbing, everyone's catered for. Zhangjiajie National Park, with its towering stone pillars, is one of the most visited, especially being the location for the movie Avatar. Jiuzhaigou is often called the "Land of Fairy Tale" and toted to be the most beautiful landscape in Sichuan Province, declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. Then to an extreme on the Nepal-Tibet borderline, lies Mt. Everest National Park, one of the marvels for climbers from around the world.

China has a little and a lot for everyone.

Best Time to Visit China

Travel in China can be enjoyed year-round with four main seasons. Summer, from June to August, sees high temperatures and long warm days. It is also when most rain falls and peak tourist season, especially for the domestic Chinese, using the holiday time to explore their own country. Winter in the north can become cold, very cold. It is not unusual for temperatures to dip to below zero in Beijing, and even more, the north you venture. Pack warm insulating layers for a visit in winter.