| CHINA'S HIGHLIGHTS
Forbidden City, Beijing
This area of ceremonial buildings, centred around the Imperial Palace, is considered the heart of ancient China, from where the emperor governed as the ritual mediator between heaven and earth. Entrance to the vast Imperial Palace was formerly denied to ordinary people; today gates lead to a fascinating display of Chinese history in what is probably the best-preserved site of classical Chinese architecture.
Great Wall
Obviously this present-day world wonder is very long, but the main point of access is called Badaling, just north of Beijing. Apart from preparing for the challenge of the Wall itself, get ready for the avalanche here of tourists streaming past endless stalls selling tacky souvenirs. From the high points however, you'll be rewarded with views of breathtaking scenery, where the mighty wall winds up and down the mountainous contours.
Terracotta Warriors, Xian
Undeniably one of China's main atttractions to visitors (though, as one wit pointed out, these historic figures wouldn't be so famous if they had been called the Clay Soldiers). At Bingmayong, 35km east of Xi'an, the 7000-strong terracotta army is only part of a grand tomb, called Qin Shihuang Ling, built by the first Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, between 221BC and 191 BC.
Longmen Shiku Caves, Luoyang
These Buddhist caves, along both banks of the Yi Jiang River outside Luoyang, were built between the 5th and 7th centuries, with most of the figures and grottoes sponsored by noblemen of the time. There are more than 1300 grottoes and 700 niches containing 40 pagodas, 2,780 inscriptions and more than 10,000 statues and images, forming a superb display of Buddhist art spanning several dynasties.
Shanghai
China's booming business centre of China, also with a vibrant cultural scene. The soaring skyscrapers of the Pudong area across the Huangpu River symbolise the new whizz-bang economy, while the riverfront boulevard the Bund reflects what some might consider its glamorous colonial days, when Shanghai was called the Paris of the East.
Yangzi Gorges
The three gorges on China's longest river are the Xiling Xia, Wu Xia and Qutang Xia, comprising some 190km of exquisite scenery through steep, mountain walls. Boat cruises include visits to the construction site of the controversial Three Gorges Dam Project. See 'em now before they're flooded.
Scenery around Guilin
This city in the southern Guangxi province is nothing special in itself, but in the surrounding countryside are some gems, including: Duxiu Feng, the Peak of Solitary Beauty; Fubo Shan, a hill containing the legendary Returned Pearl Cave; and to the northwest of the city is Ludiyan; Reed Flute Cave, which contains a fantastic array of stalagmites and stalactites.
Hong Kong , Victoria Harbour
For some of the most spectacular cityscape views in the world, take a ride on a ferry across Victoria Harbour from Hong Kong island to Kowloon. The skyline is currently dominated by the 370-metre tall Bank of China Tower, but with its non-stop construction work in progress, this irrepressible city is constantly changing.
Kashgar
The ultimate destination on the Silk Road, the mystical ancient trade route in the far west, linking China to Europe. With its mosques and bazaars and markets selling everything from fine silk to furs and handicrafts, this city feels more like Teheran than Beijing. Which it should do as it is closer to Iran than to its own capital city.
Potala Palace, Lhasa
The spiritual and private residence of Dalai Lamas since the 17th century, the gold-clad roofs and white walls of the Potala Palace stand out proud for miles across the Tibetan plateau. The most splendid and valuable vault is for the fifth Dalai Lama: decorated with four tons of gold, and innumerable diamonds, turquoise, corals, and pearls.
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