Stretching from the plains of Mongolia down to the warm climates of South-East Asia and with a long, proud history. China has a huge amount to offer for any tourist up for an adventure.

Beijing

This city of 20 million is the true definition of a metropolis. Spend your time in Beijing visiting the indoor markets – the best for ‘real’ branded products, where haggling is a difficult but rewarding game – and getting lost amongst the towering skyscrapers. Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City provide insights into the lengthy, turbulent past of ancient and modern China. Whilst other historical sites including the Summer Palace and the Ming tombs should not be missed. Take a trip to the Temple of Heaven too; dotted with religious buildings, this 15th century park still attracts both tourists and locals.

If you have enough time, get your fix of the Great Wall at the Huangya Pass near Tianjin, where a military barracks that doubles as a hotel is a scenic – if basic – place to sleep. The more touristy part of the wall is located at Badaling, where the view of watchtowers snaking away over the hills is simply unparallelled.

Xi’an

Located in Shaanxi province, Xi’an is an extraordinary, modern city. Explore the Great Mosque, shop in the muslim quarter and visit the remarkable terracotta warrior collection – that is when you’re not high street shopping and tasting local food. In the city centre, the drum and bell towers and big goose pagoda are definite must-sees, and a hidden gem lies in the small wild goose pagoda, a place of peace and contemplation tucked away from the frenzied lifestyle outside. The temple is at the heart of a scenic park, where burning incense, calming lakes and a local painting shop all meld together to create a serene, uplifting atmosphere.

Tongchuan

Approximately 65km north of Xi’an is the town of Tongchuan, which remains relatively unknown to tourists. In the evenings, the broad town square becomes a hive of activity – from tai chi to ballroom dancing, live orchestra to chinese opera and even open air aerobics, this plaza becomes a lively hub as soon as the sun sets. Fan dancers, street vendors, and rollerblading circuits play their part in making this unexplored town an unforgettable one.

During daylight hours make sure to visit Yuhua mountain and palace, as well as helping to support a village-run nature park known as ‘Shenshe Fragrant Valley Wetland’. It’s a newly established reserve located on the town’s outskirts, and is a rare example of eco-tourism in a country dominated by industrialisation.

Natalie Cherry

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