Destination overview

Silk and jade, dim sum and fried rice, tai chi and acupuncture. All these things and more have filtered through into Western culture becoming, to some, an intrinsic part of life.

But there is more to the vast land we call China. A whole lot more. From the Army of Terracotta Warriors to the Great Wall that snakes its way across the country, you’ll find a land of truly ancient history and complex contrasts. Huge soaring peaks that haven’t changed much over the centuries, to cities that have been modernised so quickly it’s hard to imagine they were sleepy fishing villages less than a decade before.

Yet, despite this rapid adoption of industry and commerce, China has still managed to maintain its fascination and beauty. Just look at Beijing. The thriving centre of China is moving into the millennium, but still manages to captivate with its delightful mix of ancient and modern architecture and traditional ways.

Beijing is where you’ll find the country’s largest and best-preserved cluster of ancient buildings – the Forbidden City. Two dynasties of Emperors rarely left its sumptuous surrounds, except to escape the oppressive heat at the airy Summer Palace. Take a stroll around its immense array of temples, pavilions and sparkling lakes set into jewel-like gardens and you’ll understand why they loved it here.

If you ever get tired of watching the stately grace of tai chi, you can go and fly a kite in Tiananmen Square, browse for curios in Liulichang Street, or bicycle through winding, narrow hutongs past rows of Qing dynasty courtyards. A definite must-see is a visit to the Temple of Heaven Park and Lama Temple.

Beijing is the perfect stepping-off point for a trip to the Great Wall and the Yungang Caves, which hold over 50,000 Buddhist statues and other incredible ancient artwork. Tai Shan, the most revered Taoist peak, is easier to get to from the lovely seaside city of Yantai in the Shandong Province. Considered one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilisation, the platform where the Ming Dynasty fought pirates still stands today. Monsoon winds keep it warm and humid in the summer and between the long coastline and multiple islands, the seafood connoisseur will be in heaven. So will the wine buff, as Yantai is China’s prime wine area, with Zhangyu Red holding pride of place. One of the most inhabitable places in the world, the beaches, islands, rivers and undulating hills form a picture postcard backdrop. Along with a host of photographs, make sure you leave with some Zibo porcelain, shells carved in Qingdao, and a kite from Weifang.

Another beautiful area is Qiandao Lake near Hangzhou. Warm and subtropical, this year-round destination is part of one of the largest National Parks in the world. It has clear waters, lush vegetation and soaring mountains which continue to captivate holiday-makers. You will be delighted and refreshed by Plum Peak Islet, Five Dragons and Longshan Island, Thousand Island Lake, Mt Wuyishan and Tai Lake. And let’s not forget Mt Huangshan, Heaven Pool and West Lake. They are all magnificent in their own right, with spectacular scenery and an intoxicating atmosphere. For those who like a little retail therapy, go to Qing He Fang Street in Hangzhou for silks, Longjing tea, fans, parasols and brocades.

ASIA

Shanghai, considered the place to shop, is a little further away, but still within reach if you’re keen. Old Street, part of Fangbang Road, is lined with specialist tourist shops.

And, we must not forget Hong Kong. From shopping megacentres to quirky markets, there’s very little you can’t buy here. Clothing, jewellery and electronics are the best buys and clothing can usually be made to order. The Temple Street Night Market is worth visiting, and it is cheap and interesting to shop in the Apliu Street Market. Keep a look out for second-hand electronic goods while you’re there. You never know what you’ll find. But it’s not all about shopping. There are excellent hikes in the New Territories. Victoria Peak offers fantastic views, while a trip across Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry is something all visitors to Hong Kong just have to do, while the beaches, especially on the outlying islands are worth a look.

The dim sum banquets (try Hoi Yat Heen) have to be sampled, as does the huge variety of noodle dishes. The seafood is sublime, and the alleys of Lan Kwai Fong hold good late-night bars and eateries.

On the opposite end of the scale is Lijiang, near the Nepalese border. Remote and surrounded by stunning scenery, it’s famous for the wooden houses and canals in the old city. Even bicycles aren’t allowed on its ancient cobblestone streets. Lijiang was once an important stop on the ancient Tea Horse Road and the Naxi people still maintain much of the original Dongba culture. The matriarchal society of the Mosuo at Lugu Lake also retains many cultural traditions. Lijiang is also a good stop-off point for skiing the Jade Dragon Snow Mountains. Or, if you prefer to use your own two feet, you’ll be entranced by the surrounds. The 13 peaks provide sanctuary for a wonderful array of flora and fauna, as well as provide a stunning backdrop to the Moon-Embracing Pavilion at Black Dragon Pond.

For a tropical idyll in China, go to Haikou on Hainen Island. There is a plethora of brilliant beaches, the most popular being Holiday Beach. The diving in Yalong Bay is also excellent and there is no shortage of places to snorkel. The central highlands are thickly-forested and great to hike in. For those who prefer to walk on flatter surfaces, there’s always golf. And Sanya’s Number One Market offers everything under the sun. Hainen Island has an abundance of good food and exotic tropical fruits like coconut, mango, carmbola and longan are plentiful. Some of them even feature in the local fare of Wenchang Chicken, Dongshan Mutton, Jaiji Duck and Hele Crab. And try to sample the local spirit, baijiu, while you’re at it.

Follow the Silk Road, walk the Great Wall, sail the Yangtze River - wherever you go in China, you will be stepping into a tiny part of a long and dramatic history that has helped shape the world.