Many tours to China start in the cities and make their way out on rural paths to China’s beautiful countryside and sleepy villages. When in Beijing, be sure to take a stroll through Tiananmen Sqaure and explore the mystical Forbidden City and the Temple of Confucius, while at night, we suggest a trip on the Hai river where you can enjoy a uniquely inspiring view of Beijing’s stunning neon skyline. You may want to take in the picturesque town of Wuzhen, nicknamed the Venice of the East; it’s built on a series of canals that mirror the ancient stone bridges and traditional buildings above. Of course no trip to China is complete without a visit to the Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum: home to Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s terracotta army whose task it was to protect the emperor’s entry into the afterlife. It was made a UNESCO site in the 1980’s and is a must see for anyone serious about Chinese culture and history.

If you can, then plan your trip to coincide with the Lantern Festival that falls around the end of February each year. Lanterns are lit all over the country and floated into the night sky – incredible to see, along with firework displays and celebratory folk dances. Chinese New Year is a wonderful festival – full of street parades, parties and ancient practises including offerings to deities, banquets and dragon dances. The major cities are the best places to witness this vast country-wide celebration.

One of our China specialists, Shian Lee, offers you more inspirational tips, click here to read the article

It is best to have a stopover in Hong Kong to make value for your money and time, a pit stop at Macau is worth considering