This remarkable 5,000-year-old civilization offers a vibrant and intriguing combination of the ancient and modern.

From the exceptionally remote deserts of the wild northwest to the ultra-modern city of Hong Kong in the south, the diversity of this vast country’s archaeology, architecture, cuisine, and cultural heritage is astounding.

From ancient historical sites and antique relics to grand imperial palaces, exquisite water towns and enchanting natural wonders, there's so much to explore that it can at times seem overwhelming. Top attractions include the Forbidden City, The Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and Chengdu’s panda sanctuaries.

But try to avoid a jam-packed itinerary as one of the great joys of touring China lies in aimlessly wandering through the backstreets and exploring the immaculate public parks, traditional teahouses or tranquil hidden temples.

Whether you prefer a slow boat down the Yangtze or taking in the extraordinary architecture, shopping and nightlife of Shanghai, exploring China provides countless opportunities for adventure.