Chinas paradoxes are many, Shanghais skyscrapers contrast with Beijings historical treasures, while in rural provinces, mechanisation is slow. Its history is one of turmoil in between periods of stability.
The civil war in 1945 defined the China of today. Defeated Nationalists fled to Taiwan, while victorious Communists founded the People's Republic of China. Prior to that, China endured eight years of brutal occupation by the Japanese imperial army from 1937, souring relations between the two countries to this day.
The convulsions of the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s preceded major economic reforms but little political liberalisation prompted widespread protest. In 1989, thousands occupied Beijings Tiananmen Square, the army clearing the square with great loss of life and the government reasserting political control.
History and politics aside, China is a land of superlatives, encompassing the Yangtze River, the Silk Road, the bamboo forests of the giant panda and misty peaks immortalised in traditional ink paintings. China has 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Chinese food ranks among the world's great cuisines. From acrobatics to martial arts, calligraphy to Chinese opera, the vibrant, distinctive culture of this great land is everywhere to be seen.
Spectacular Tibet has been open to tourists since 1980. Occupied by China since 1950, the Cultural Revolution seriously damaged its cultural identity, yet Tibets way of life and historically important Buddhism traditions have endured. Now linked by train to the rest of China, Tibets unique culture faces renewed threats, from hordes of immigrant Han Chinese settlers and tourists.
China is set to become the worlds major economic power within 20 years. Growth has come at great environmental cost. However, it has also spurred on Chinas rapidly improving tourism infrastructure. Beijing is currently undergoing a huge investment programme for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Flexibility and patience are still required to travel around China but, in return, China rewards visitors with memories to treasure for a lifetime.
China has a great diversity of climates. The northeast experiences hot and dry summers and bitterly cold winters. The north and central region has almost continual rainfall, hot summers and cold winters. The southeast region has substantial rainfall, with semi tropical summers and cool winters. Central, southern and western China are also susceptible to flooding, China is also periodically subject to seismic activity
China offers over 15,000 attractions that range from man made and natural, to spiritual and cultural. With it's desert lands, dramatic mountains and natural rivers and amazing shore lines, China is one of the most popular destinations in East Asia.
There are a vast number of different escorted tours of China available, including several once in a lifetime opportunities. The Great Wall of China stretches from east to west covering about 4,163 miles, winding through valleys and across mountains! The construction began around 600-700 BC and continued for over 2000 years and through 20 dynasties!
The wall is as much as 25 feet high in some areas and is one of the world's largest building projects ever completed. The wall began as a series of sections built by individual states for protection, but was joined together as one wall during the Qin Dynasty.
Many different companies offer a range of tours of China, but it is important to book with one that offers experience as well as local knowledge, which is why Kuoni are one of the most popular companies with UK travellers.
Uncovered in 1974, the Terracotta Warriors are a breathtaking example of the talent of China's artisans! These amazing warriors are over 2000 years old and form a complete life size army along with chariots and horses!
With the painstaking attention given to even the smallest of details, every statue in this extraordinary army is different and unique. Each on has it's own personality that displays a deep sense of pride in China's artisans.
You won't want to miss China's Forbidden City, home to the world's largest palace. Construction of The Forbidden City was begun in 1406 and it served as the home to 24 emperors from the Qing and Ming Dynasties.
Setting in the heart of Beijing, the Palace was erected as a replica of the Purple Palace in Heaven where God lived. The complex holds 90 palaces and courtyards, there are 980 buildings that have 8,704 rooms!
The magnificent architecture is an attraction in itself, but now called the Palace Museum, it contains thousands of historical treasures. There are hundreds of thousands items on display from ceramics, paintings, bronze ware, jade, porcelain and much more!
The mystical paradise of Shangri-La became a reality in 2002, when the Chinese government granted Zhongdian County the permission to officially change it's name! This picturesque little township emits the harmonious tranquility that became so famous in the novel.
Shangri-La's snow capped mountains, beautiful natural lakes and forests have captivated tourists and locals for many years. It was also honoured by becoming the first national park in China.
There are numerous natural rivers, lakes and waterfalls and its vast shoreline is populated with over 5,000 islands! There's something for everyone from bike trails, hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, snowboarding and cave exploration!
With all the different China Toursto choose from, you can truly discover this land of enchantment and experience some of the most beautiful architecture in the world. No one could visit this wonderful country without being affected by its proud sense of history and culture!
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