A part of the world that has been civilised for nearly 5,000 years, and in fact has considered itself the centre of the world, China has had a major impact internationally on art, culture and science. It remains a land filled with mystery and a storehouse of archaeological and cultural treasures. China’s geography is vast, as are its climate extremes. The country’s topography is rich in scenic landscapes, ranging from the peaks of the Himalayas to dramatic river gorges and vast desert regions.