China kept itself to itself for thousands of years, and
foreigners still find it difficult to penetrate the inner depths of
this fascinating and enigmatic country. There is a great deal to
discover in this, the world's most populated country, with more
than 1.3 billion citizens, and the third largest in the world
territorially. What makes it attractive as a destination for
Western tourists is its fascinating culture and valuable
antiquities. Ruins and relics from Neolithic settlements and the
dynastic reigns of the mighty emperors are there to behold, along
with adventures along the legendary ancient trade routes, such as
the Silk Road. The Forbidden Palace, Great Wall, and X'ian's
Terracotta Army, are just some of the incredible attractions to be
seen in this ancient Eastern empire.
The People's Republic of China has been under communist
government since 1949, but is currently undergoing social and
economic development. Emphasis is being placed on tourist
facilities and infrastructure. China is opening the doors to its
wealth of historical and cultural treasures and visitors are
flooding in to be amazed and awed. Organised tours are still the
favoured way to explore China, but independent travel is slowly
becoming easier. The major cities, like Beijing and Shanghai, are
modern metropolises offering fast food and glitzy stores alongside
centuries-old historical buildings and traditional eating houses.
Archaeological wonders vie with amazing architecture in the
interior, while majestic mountains and remote monasteries crown the
northern areas.
