China is fast becoming one
of the most popular tourist destinations in the world with people travelling to
the country in order to experience it for themselves. Thanks to the massive diversity of different
sights to see in the country along with the rich culture and vast history, it
is a place like no other, and one that has to be seen to be believed.
China is much more than just a country, when you visit China
it's like being in a whole different world. The heritage and history of this
beautiful country that spans back over 5,000 years, virtually makes it a
wonderland for millions of tourists each year!
China
offers over 15,000 attractions that range from man made and natural, to
spiritual and cultural. With it's desert lands, dramatic mountains and natural
rivers and amazing shore lines, China
is one of the most popular destinations in East Asia.
There are a vast number of different escorted tours of China
available, including several once in a lifetime opportunities. The Great Wall of China
stretches from east to west covering about 4,163 miles, winding through valleys
and across mountains! The construction began around 600-700 BC and continued
for over 2000 years and through 20 dynasties!
The wall is as much as 25 feet high in some areas and is one of the world's
largest building projects ever completed. The wall began as a series of
sections built by individual states for protection, but was joined together as
one wall during the Qin Dynasty.
Many
different companies offer a range of tours of China,
but it is important to book with one that offers experience as well as local
knowledge, which is why Kuoni are one of the most popular companies with UK travellers.
Uncovered in 1974, the Terracotta Warriors are a breathtaking example of the
talent of China's
artisans! These amazing warriors are over 2000 years old and form a complete
life size army along with chariots and horses!
With the painstaking attention given to even the smallest of details, every
statue in this extraordinary army is different and unique. Each on has it's own
personality that displays a deep sense of pride in China's artisans.
You won't want to miss China's Forbidden City,
home to the world's largest palace. Construction of The Forbidden City was begun
in 1406 and it served as the home to 24 emperors from the Qing and Ming
Dynasties.
Setting in the heart of Beijing, the Palace was
erected as a replica of the Purple
Palace in Heaven where
God lived. The complex holds 90 palaces and courtyards, there are 980 buildings
that have 8,704 rooms!
The magnificent architecture is an attraction in itself, but now called the Palace Museum,
it contains thousands of historical treasures. There are hundreds of thousands
items on display from ceramics, paintings, bronze ware, jade, porcelain and
much more!
The mystical paradise of Shangri-La became a reality in 2002, when the Chinese
government granted Zhongdian
County the permission to
officially change it's name! This picturesque little township emits the
harmonious tranquility that became so famous in the novel.
Shangri-La's snow capped mountains, beautiful natural lakes and forests have
captivated tourists and locals for many years. It was also honoured by becoming
the first national park in China.
There are numerous natural rivers, lakes and waterfalls and its vast shoreline
is populated with over 5,000 islands! There's something for everyone from bike
trails, hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, snowboarding and cave exploration!
With all the different China
Tours to choose from, you can truly discover this land of enchantment and
experience some of the most beautiful architecture in the world. No one could
visit this wonderful country without being affected by its proud sense of
history and culture!
Aspen Travel
are specialists in offering a range of escorted China Tours with companies like
Kuoni and Wendy Wu amongst others. Their
experience in providing bespoke holidays for the discerning traveller makes
them a popular choice with people who prefer to get off the beaten track and
see a country for at their own pace.
