China, one of the world's oldest civilisations, is a fascinating destination for travellers. Over the past 25 years China has been rapidly modernising and has begun welcoming the outside world after decades of choosing to keep itself hidden from most of the western world. Once suspicious of foreigners, China today is charming and hospitable, and has truly flung its doors open to visitors. Indeed, China's pace of development is so quick that it is catching up to the West.

The third-largest country in the world in land area and the largest in population, China has a fascinating past. Today there is limitless opportunity to explore. Experience the land that was once enchanted with emperors and developed a culture that produced a way of life much different from the rest of the world. The land of the panda offers cultural relics and scenic landscapes, populated by a race of people who revere and respect age and wisdom and who have evolved their own style that is so uniquely 'Chinese'.

China is bursting with mysteries and wonders. Great cities abound, with Shanghai offering a cosmopolitan 'World City' aura, Beijing a sleek modernism along with expression of architectural grandeur, befitting its capital status. Guangzhou, the mystical 'Canton' of Asia, showcases productivity and manufacturing might. Visitors can marvel at the Great Wall, be awed by the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, stroll around the Forbidden City, delight in dining lakeside in gorgeous Hangzhou and sampling delicacies such as bird's nest soup or 100-year-old eggs.

Accommodation in China, as one would expect from such a transformational country, is available in every kind. Beach and snow areas offer world-class resorts, cities offer tall, gleaming luxury hotels, and tourist destinations offer a staggering multitude of choice for all of China's visitors.