China Travel and Tourism Guide

China is one of the world's oldest civilizations, consisting of states and cultures dating back more than six millennia. China's physical and cultural landscape is one of the most diverse among nations. China means "territory in the centre/middle" [of the world] and is home to 1.3 billion people.

There are deserts, high plains, tall & mountains. There are many ethnic groups, & at least as many languages. Regional cuisines may not have made their way overseas and you would be lucky to sample them outside of their provincial context. Food is an important part of Chinese life, but a fine dinner of 10 courses, in some regions, costs the equivalent of ten US dollars.

In the coastal or bigger cities, development occurs so fast that if you had been there only 5 years ago, you probably would not recognize it now. The modern part of Shanghai is probably more gleaming than any city in the "West"." There are also many old cities and archeological sites with ancient fortifications & temples, which bring alive images from China's complex history.

Whether you go to China for its history, scenic or natural beauty, pandas or people, and food or engineering wonders, you will find more than you expect. China is not just a country. Simply said its just a completely different world that you need to see & experience for yourself to believe.

Mandarin is China's official language. It is spoken by more people (885 million) than any other language in the world.