China is the third largest country in the world, 9,326,410 sq km in area. It is also the world’s most populated country, home to almost one-fifth of the world population. Having been under communist government since 1949, China has undergone economic and social reforms the past few years, which include among others opening its cultural and historical treasures to foreigners.
The ideal time to go to China is in spring (March and April) or autumn (September and October) when temperatures are not extremely cold or hot. The days are usually pleasant but the nights can be quite cold. An umbrella or raincoat should come in handy because rain is frequent at this time.
China has a variety of transport facilities. For travels within cities, the ideal transports are cars for hire, taxis, autorickshaw and even bicycles. Planes fly to all provincial capitals and other large cities. Trains go to all parts of the country except Tibet. If no trains are available, buses are a cheaper but slower option. Ferries and boats offer rides along major rivers like the Yangtse.
Hong Kong is the ideal entry point to China by plane, although larger cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xiamen also cater to international flights. China can also be reached via train — Russian Trans-Siberian Express passes through China, as do trains from Kazakhstan. By road, China is accessible by bus or hired transport from most its neighbors except India due to political conflict.
Image via Wikipedia
The most popular tourist destination in China is the Great Wall of China, also included in the Seven Wonders of the World. The Forbidden City in Beijing is where the Imperial Palace has lain for five centuries now.
The Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an refer to life-size terracotta warriors, about 8000 in all, that “guard” the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (the first ruler of a unified Chinese empire, and the man who started constructing the Great Wall of China). One of China’s oldest cities, the city of Suzhou, is surrounded by a moat which was built on a network of canals (taking water from the Grand Canal, considered as China’s greatest engineering exploit after the Great Wall).
There are many other must-see attractions in China that depict the grandeur of China’s past, its architecture, its colorful culture and traditions, and the industriousness of its people.
