Exploring ChinaChina is a good choice to explore and the sooner the better. It has changed dramatically in the past few years and keeps changing each and every day, becoming more and more modern, losing its authenticity. It’s most popular destinations are: Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an and Guilin. China is almost as big as the U.S.A , the 4th by size worldwide, therefore you’d have to decide whether to take a long intensive and comprehensive guided tours or a short visit and see only a few spots or attractions. Also as English is not very well spoken by the locals especially by the older generation, you should consider whether to take a guided tour or do it yourself. If you choose the latter, remember to ask your hotel attendants to write you down a note with you next designation in order to be able to present it to your taxi driver or people in the street. The Stay is not necessarily costly. You can choose your own style for accommodation taking a very luxurious hotel or a decent one at a very reasonable price. Try and experience local foods in various styles. It has nothing to do with the sort of food you are used to while dinning in your favorite Chinese restaurant. Transportation is also not a burden and you can even get domestic flight tickets in reasonable prices. The only burden is the admission fee that you have to pay to enter all these historic monuments.
Beijing ,the Capital of China, is a modern city which attracts tourists mostly for visiting the Forbidden City and its proximity to the Great Wall. Don’t skip the parks. There’s the Summer Palace where you can visit a piece of history, walking along the lake and through the gardens, temples and palaces and there’s Houhai where you can walk in the evening and enjoy the pubs, music and lively atmosphere. If you are interested in meeting the authentic Chinese people visit The Temple of Heaven Park, Jingshan Park north to the Forbidden City or better Beihai Park during the weekends, then you can watch the joy of life. People sing, dance, play the music using local unfamiliar instruments and play local games for fun. Just sit, watch and listen.
Shanghai the largest city in China, is well known for its for its Art Deco architecture of the Bund and also for its Yuyuan Gardens and the Chenghuang Temple next to it. Both are located in a traditional preserved neighborhood. Take a short walk and enjoy the sight. If you have the time, take a short ride from Shanghai to Nanjing using the express train. During a one night stay you will be able to walk along the fascinating Qin Huai River and enjoy the colorful lights, the atmosphere and Confucius Temple. Xi'an is very famous by its Terracotta soldiers. After visiting the Terracotta Army museum visit the Bell Tower and its surroundings.
Going to Guilin enables you to experience both nature and different lifestyles. Don’t stay in the city. Take a boat ride on the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo and enjoy the limestone scenery. Stay in Yangshou at least one night and enjoy the nearby attractions. Another recommended place in this region is the Longsheng County where you can meet ten ethnic minority groups. The Longsheng Rice Terraces are unbelievable. The scenery is amazing. These are known as the eighth wonder of the world. Visit Ping An built on the slopes of the hills will after climbing by foot for a mile or so or being carried in a decorated stretcher as there’s no other way to approach. Stay a night in one of the local wooden houses on stilts guesthouses.
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