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A China travel adventure offers virtually limitless possibilities, from space-age metropolises like Shanghai and Beijing to the snowcapped mountains of Tibet. The world's second largest country and comfortably its most populous, it's a kaleidoscope of sights, colours and experiences that would take several lifetimes to explore fully. So where do you start? Allow us to offer up a few pointers…
FAST FACTS
Language: Standard Chinese
Currency: Renminbi (Yaun)
Electricity: 220V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter China.
Dialling Code: +86
Time Zone: (GMT+08:00)
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Undoubtedly one of the world's most famous monuments, the Great Wall of China is a triumph of ancient Chinese engineering that dates back to the early 7th century and stretches over 5,500 miles. There are many locations to visit but the Mutianyu section is a good bet, being reasonably accessible from Beijing and relatively uncrowded.
See all trips that visit the Great Wall of China
You'll need a full day to explore even a fraction of the 980 buildings and several thousand chambers of this sprawling palace complex. Located in central Beijing, it was constructed in the 15th century and was the centre of Chinese government for over 500 years. It's also known as the Imperial Palace but its popular nickname arose because no one was allowed in or out without the Emperor's permission, on pain of death.
See all trips that visit the Forbidden City
This underground mausoleum of terracotta figures was discovered in 1974, completely by chance. It's since gone on to become one of the world's most famous archaeological sights and one of the biggest China attractions. The figures depict the armies of Qin Shi Huang, China's first Emperor, and over 8000 horses, chariots and warriors.
Situated in Beijing's Dongcheng District, this Daoist temple complex was constructed in the early 15th century during the reign of the Yongle Emperor. It consists of three main collections of buildings, including the show-stopping Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, constructed entirely from wood without the use of a single nail.
See all trips that visit Temple of HeavenThere's so much to see and do in China that the real problem can be deciding where to start. Our top 5 will help get you going.
This traditional festival commemorates the suicide of Qu Yuan, a well-loved Chinese poet who drowned himself in 278BC. It takes place on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, and see locals race traditional dragon boats and chow down on zòngzi, rice dumplings steamed in bamboo leaves.
For more information on Dragon Boat Festival, click here.
China's dizzying array of festivals means there's likely to be something going on wherever and whenever you visit the country. We've put together a top 5.
Guangzhou
The colossal tomb of King Zhao Mo Guangzhou was discovered in 1983. Amongst the many items discovered here was a unique burial gown (made of 2291 individual pieces of jade), along with the remains of 15 courtiers who were buried alive with the King in order to serve him in the afterlife. Tough gig.
For more information on the the Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, click here.
Beijing
Located in a decommissioned military factory compound, Beijing's 798 Art District is home to countless museums and galleries. Our favourite is Pace Beijing, a large space featuring a standout collection of Chinese and international works.
For more information on Pace Gallery, click here.
This museum of ancient Chinese art is located in a distinctive building in the People's Square, and is one of the best known in the country. It's home to over 120,000 exhibits in varying media, including sculptures, bronzes, ceramics, jades, paintings and calligraphy.
For more information on the Shanghai Museum, click here.
Beijing
This gigantic museum of art and history is located on Tiananmen Square and is one of the big Beijing attractions. It's over 300m in length and home to over a million exhibits dating from prehistoric China through to the Quing Dynasty, with highlights including the Simuwu Ding, the heaviest piece of ancient bronzeware in existence.
For more information on the National Museum of China, click here.
China's rich history and culture means there are many excellent museums and galleries to be explored here. We've compiled a top 5 to get you started.
The undisputed China food heavyweight champion. Slivers of succulent roast duck with thinly sliced cucumber and spring onions, wrapped up in small pancakes then dipped in hoisin sauce.
Best eaten at
Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant, Dongsi 10th Alley, Dongcheng, Beijing
Consisting of minced meat or shrimp with vegetables wrapped up in a thin skin of dough, these bite-sized mouthfuls of joy are served all over the country, but Xi'an is their spiritual home. There are more varieties than you could possibly sample in one sitting, but you'll have fun trying!
Best eaten at
Defachang, 3 West St, Lianhu, Xi'an
These wafer thin pancakes are a very popular Beijing street food. Also known as 'Tuckahoe Pie', they're made from flour, sugar and a powdered edible fungus said to have health-giving properties, with various fillings including nuts, honey and crushed pine kernels.
Best eaten at
Wangfujing Night Market, 186 Wangfujing St, Dongcheng, Beijing
A highly popular Shanghai food, Hairy Crabs are enthusiastically consumed in autumn, when they're in season. Cooked in bamboo steamers, they're slightly sweet, with tender meat and tasty roe. Delicious eaten with vinegar and washed down with some Shaoxing rice wine, foodies rate them amongst the top Shanghai attractions!
Best eaten at
Wang Bao He, 603 Fuzhou Rd, Huangpu, Shanghai
This dish of shredded pork sautéed in sweet bean sauce is a Beijing food classic. Served with shredded leek and soya bean wraps, it's a China travel 2015 must-try.
Best eaten at
Jin Ding Xuan, 77 Hepinglixi Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Comfortable shoes - Especially if you have big feet! You’ll be doing a lot of walking here, and you'll struggle to find larger shoe sizes in China.
A transformer - Most wall sockets in China will accept European, North American and Australian plugs, but Americans beware! Voltage here is 220V, so you'll need a transformer if you want to avoid frying appliances that run on USA voltage.
Toiletries - Bring enough to last your trip, especially if you're precious about the kind you use. You may have a hard time finding familiar brands here.
A scan of your passport - Either stored on the Cloud or backed up on your phone or USB key. The same goes for other important details like credit card numbers.
Space - Make sure you leave enough room in your luggage for all those gifts, souvenirs and trinkets!
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All trip prices are in GBP £
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws
plus passport and visa information check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
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