China Travel Guide

The People's Democratic Republic of China, the most populated country in the world, is such a huge country that it is difficult, if not impossible, to give a short overview of what to expect during a visit. I visited China in September 1995 and will limit the following information to the cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an, writing from my personal experience.

The capital Beijing, in the northeast of the country, is surrounded by the mystique of the Chinese empire. Its main attraction is of course the Forbidden City, a huge complex of palaces which was the residence of the Emperor and where only a select number of people were allowed. The Forbidden City is located next to Tiananmen Square. Throughout the city there are various other tourist attractions, of which the Temple of the Moon, in the south, is probably the most popular to visit.

North of Beijing lies its other main attraction: The Great Wall of China. This architectural masterpiece, spanning several thousand kilometres throughout the country, was built to prevent invasions from Mongolia. Most parts of it now are too deteriorated to visit, but certain sections have been preserved and restored for the tourists. Needless to say, climbing up the wall (or actually just walking up the steps) is a special experience rewarded by magnificent views from one of the many watch towers.

Xi'an, an hour's flight southwest from the capital, is home to the Terracotta Warriors. This huge army of statues of soldiers with their weapons, chariots and horses was created for the emperor Qin, who wished to commandeer an army after his death as well. The first of various sites was uncovered by farmers working on the land in the 1970's. While the Terracotta Warriors are Xi'an's main attraction, the ancient city itself, with its almost intact city walls, is quite interesting too.

Shanghai is China's largest city and has always been the country's most open to the outside world. Shanghai has always been an important trading post, and merchants from all over the world conducted business here. In the 1920's and 1930's, Shanghai was on a par with other metropoles such as New York, London and Paris.
Now it is a rapidly changing city with a skyline dominated by modern skyscrapers and towers. Shanghai bustles with activity and is ready for the future. The world's first and fastest commercial magnet train operates here between the city centre and Pudong Airport, reaching speeds of more than 300 miles per hour.

Websites:

• China National Tourist Office
• China Travel Service
• Travel China Guide
• Air China