Beijing: within the city limits is in many ways one great historic museum. The Forbidden City, now a museum and Public Park, but formerly the residence of the Ming and Qing Emperors, with the Imperial Palace, lying inside it and surrounded by a high wall is well worth a visit. Tiannanmen Square, the largest public square in the world, surrounded by museums, parks, the zoo, the Temple of Heaven, an excellent example of the 15th century Chinese architecture, the Summer Palace, the former court resort for the emperors of the Qing Dynasty, the Great Wall, the Ming Tombs where the 13th Ming Emperors chose to be buried. The Great Wall said to be the only man made structure visible from the moon, is a spectacular site not to be missed. It is one of the universally acknowledged wonders of the world.

Xian: the capital of Shaanxi Province, most famous of the Tomb of the Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi and its terracotta figures over 6000 lifesize warriors and horses buried along with the Qing Dynasty Emperor.

Shanghai: One of the world’s largest cities and in some ways more like New York. Lying at the estuary of the Yangtze River, it is the center of China’s trade and industry. Squares, historic avenues, old towns and magnificent gardens, splendid parks and museums, busy harbours, palaces, pagoda and temples all co-exist in this bustling metropolis.

Suzhou: one of China’s oldest cities and one of her most beautiful, there are over 400 historical sites and relics. The Grand Canal and Tiger Hill are also worth a visit.

Guilin: famous for its spectacular landscape, echoed so evocatively in the paintings and wall hangings well – known in the west. Visitors can climb the hills, take river trips and visit the parks, lakes and caves.

Guangzhou: sometimes known as “the City of Flowers”, is a subtropical metropolis on the south coast, only 113 km from Hong Kong. Parks, museums, temples, hot springs and trips to nearby mountains are the main attractions.