enigmatic mystery
For centuries the Great Wall allowed China to slumber in splendid isolation; a sleeping dragon, unknown to the majority of Westerners. Today, you can still glimpse the enigmatic mystery of ancient China in its art, its palaces, its hauntingly beautiful rural landscapes and painterly water scenes. You can cruise along mist-laden rivers, past towering mountain islands. You can watch fishermen and their cormorants at work. You can meet warriors from another age, preserved for all time in terra cotta. In short, you can embark upon a journey you’ll never forget.
There are umpteen reasons for visiting China. Here are our expert consultants’ favourites.
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
One of the world’s most wondrous sights – and experiences! Walking along the Wall at Mu Tian Yu will take you snaking through a landscape of rolling green mountains, giving you unrivalled, photogenic views plunging into a precipitous ravine.
HUTONGS, BEIJING
It may start off as a quirky, jolty jaunt but it will soon be transformed into a journey back to a bygone era, as your rickshaw careers through the ancient alleyways and teeming, lanes of Hutongs – the old town of Beijing.
XI’AN CITY WALL
Millions of Chinese cannot be wrong. The most popular form of transport in China is still, of course, the bicycle. And there is no better way of touring Xi’an’s 14 km wall. Riding at your own pace you’ll have superb views over the city.
WALK THE HOLLYFORD VALLEY WALK
This uniquely Chinese way of fishing has been practised for hundreds of years and is the ultimate example of man working in harmony with another creature to earn a living for both. Fascinating to watch during a picturesque, early evening boat trip.
LI RIVER CRUISE
Irresistible, especially if you’re a keen photographer. The Li River Cruise flows through an ever-changing landscape – one beautiful scene following another – as you glide past soaring limestone outcrops, from enchanting fishing villages to the vibrant market town of Yangshuo.
THE MAGLEV, SHANGHAI
A journey that’s a destination in itself, and the ultimate experience for railway enthusiasts. The Maglev is a train levitated by electromagnetic force, travelling at up to 430 kph. So it reaches the airport – 30 km from central Shanghai – in just seven minutes.
AMAN AT SUMMER PALACE, BEIJING
A true ‘destination hotel’ the Aman is arranged in a series of pavilions just a few steps from the fabulous Summer Palace. Originally built over a century ago to accommodate the Empress Dowager Cixi’s visitors, Aman is a fascinating haven of peace and beauty.
YANGTZE CRUISE AND THREE GORGES DAM
For sheer, awe-inspiring civil engineering technology, you simply cannot miss the world’s largest hydroelectric project – the vast Three Gorges Dam. But the Yangtze River Cruise is also about great natural beauty, and the watery landscapes that inspired some of china’s greatest artists.
SHANGHAI ACROBATIC TROUPE SHOW
There’s small wonder the acrobatic troupe draw near-capacity crowds for every show. You will be astounded at the agility, skill and flawless precision of the acrobats perfectly choreographed and mesmerising performances. Astonishing to see what feats of balance and coordination humans are capable of.
THE TERRCOTTA ARMY, XI’AN
Look into the face of one of the finely sculptured terracotta warriors and you will be meeting a character from centuries ago. Each warrior is an individual, thought to represent an actual person in the Emperor QinShi Huangdi’s entourage.
