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The People’s Republic of China

From the soaring skyscrapers of Hong Kong to the natural beauty of the remote areas, The People’s Republic of China is a place that has much to offer visitors.

China is one of the largest and most diverse republics in the world. It is currently in the grip of social and economic growth on a grand scale. With the return of Hong Kong and the sprawling growth of Beijing, to soaring mountain regions and hidden lagoons and beaches, China is a land that begs to be explored.

Beijing

Beijing is by no means reflective of the rest of China, but instead is almost ornamental by comparison and is held up as the nation's jewel. The city's most famous gem is the Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved cluster of ancient buildings in China. Off limits for 500 years, the complex was home to the Ming and Qing dynasties. This area and the palace within have been razed to the ground many times but has been continually restocked with all manner of delights.

The Forbidden City was established in 1420 and was designated by the Chinese State Council as a key national cultural heritage protection site in 1961. In 1987 it was named as a UNESCO 'World Cultural Heritage' site. The city boasts the largest and most intact ancient palatial architectural complex anywhere in the world.

Worth seeing – and subject of a large scale conservation project partly organised by the World Heritage Fund is one of the most historically significant and architecturally rich sites in China: the Qianlong Garden. Built between 1771 to 1776 by Emperor Qianlong - fourth Emperor of the Qing Dynasty - the Garden has survived this long because of a remarkable imperial edict that Qianlong issued during his lifetime: namely that this area of the Forbidden City would be preserved after his own enjoyment of it for his retirement, as part of a palace for 'super sovereigns' - that is, for emperors who retired. Were it not for that edict, it is likely that this complex would have been significantly altered by subsequent reigning sovereigns in the Forbidden City, as was a common practice.

The impressive Palace Museum can also be found in the Forbidden City in Beijjing. Established in 1925 on the foundation of a palace of both the Ming and Qing Dynasties The Palace Museum is a large comprehensive national museum that embraces the palatial architectural complex, ancient art, and imperial court history. The museum is dedicated to the conservation of its ancient architecture, collections and ancient court history through archiving, research, and display so they may be enjoyed by people from all walks of life.

At the heart of Beijing is the infamous Tiananmen Square which - despite the notoriety is has received since the violent supression of pro-democracy demonstrations there in the late 1980's - is still quite a spectacle. A beautiful open space, the square is rivalled only by nearby Tiananmen Gate, which is a national symbol. For a glimpse of Ming architecture that cannot be bettered, visit the Temple of Heaven in Tiantan Park, the grandeur of which typifies Beijing.

For more serious cultural and historical attractions, a trip to the Chinese Revolution History Museum and the Military Museum are worth including. If after all that you are in need of a break, then try an afternoon at the burnt remnants of the Old Summer Palace and its gigantic grounds. On the outskirts of Beijing, it is one of the finest sights to see here. It encompasses the Kunming Lake and its fine arched bridge within its parkland grounds.

Guilin

Guilin is Guangxi's most famous attraction. This is one of the more scenic and floral areas of China, despite the influence of tourism. Fabulous views are to be found by the riverside at Reed Flute Cave, where the stalagmites and stalactites are decorated with coloured lights.

For a more unique experience there are many caves to be explored around the town, but for the less adventurous a short trip to Yangshuo with the rest of the tourist horde is a viable alternative. Western influences here include restaurants, cinemas and cuisine for those who get homesick. Other activities and sights of note are Moon Hill with its spectacular lunar shaped hole, the Black Buddha Caves, New Water Caves or a cruise down the Li River from Yangshou to the picturesque town of Fuli.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the most dynamic places on the planet. It boasts the busiest deep-water seaport in the world and it is built around making and enjoying money. The underlying roots of this culture, however, are still deeply Chinese despite this being one of the last British colonies to go.

You will need a good couple of days to adjust to the fast-paced lifestyle, but once you do, try a trip to the beaches or outlying islands to truly appreciate the change in speed.

Hong Kong Island is home to the must-visit attraction of Victoria Peak. Here you will be treated to some of the most fantastic views in the world. For a very different experience why not try Aberdeen? This is where 6,000 people either live or work (and sometimes both) on the many junks anchored in the harbour.

Although expensive, a Sampan tour around the harbour is a great experience, as is dining in one of the floating restaurants.

The most popular beach here is the southern Repulse Bay. This is another place to escape the frantic and fraught lifestyle of the city. Other must-see attractions include the crowded madness of the Central Market, the Man Mo Temple and the Zoological and Botanical Gardens.

Inner Mongolia

Inner Mongolia is a large grassy area which, in theory, will highlight to the tourist an older way of life. Do be selective when choosing your tour of the area as some of the operators are less than honest, getting the locals to don their traditional garb and hide the Levi's and Harley Davidsons.

Hohhot is the capital of Inner Mongolia, but this is the place where much of the scamming goes on. Try a visit to the much more remote Huiteng Xile area, which is much less visited and more picturesque.

Kowloon Peninsula

Kowloon Peninsula is where one will find Tsim Sha Tsui. This is a tourist stronghold and consists of one square kilometre of shops, restaurants, bars and photography stores. It is also home to the Hong Kong Museum of History, the Cultural Centre, the Space Museum and the Peninsula Hotel.

Highlights include the Promenade in East Tsim Sha Tsui, which is ideal for a stroll to take in the wonderful views of Victoria Harbour, especially after nightfall.

Macau

Macau has been a point of interest ever since the Portuguese began arriving in the 1500s. It has many points of cultural interest due to the joining of many cultures, typified by the ruins of St Paul's cathedral which was built by the Japanese, designed by the Italians and is frequented by the Portuguese.

The city view to be had from Monte Fort or Guia Fortress is fabulous, and for history the Kun Iam Temple is a must. The local foods are an exotic blend of Portuguese and Chinese and the casinos and gambling houses dominate the nightlife, which is very like Hong Kong.

Outlying Islands

There are 234 outlying islands to be explored from China. Many are uninhabited and uninhabitable, but conversely the island of Cheung Chau is about 2.5 square kilometres and has around 20,000 residents. It has been compared to a Honolulu without the traffic.

Lantau is the largest of the islands at 142 square kilometres and with a population of 30,000. It is home to several monasteries, including Po Lin Monastery. One of the most endearing things about this island is that it has managed thus far to avoid the massive development that other islands have fallen foul to. Other islands in the same vein include Lamma, Peng Chau, and Poi Toi. For a different experience why not try Tung Lung Chau which is mainly uninhabited.

Shanghai

China's largest city Shanghai has had many nicknames, all of which imply the heavy Western influence that is prevalent here. The Huangpu River splits the city and most of the city's highlights are located in Puxi.

The prime attraction in Shanghai has to be shopping, and this is at its best in Frenchtown and along the Nanjing Donglu. The Bund is a rapidly expanding area dominated by the banks of the West. It is also home to grand strips of hotels, shopping streets and nightclubs.

A new place to explore is the Old French Concession Area. This is a great place for food lovers who should head for the Yuyuan Gardens and Bazaar for snacks, scenery and speciality shops. If you want to feel like you're really exploring, check out the Jade Buddha Temple along the Suzhou Creek.

Old Shanghai is still a worthwhile attraction with the Shanghai Exhibition on Renmin Square and the Shanghai Exhibition Centre to the west of the town centre offering the inquisitive a multitude of historical and cultural delights.

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall is famously the world's longest man-made structure. Stretching 6,352km long, the wall passes closest to the capital city Beijjing at Badaling. Actually the prodcut of five seperate building periods, this mighty structure is visible from space, contains barrack houses, complex fortifications and defensive technology that dwarfs the likes of Britain's Hadrians Wall. Slightly further away - about another 15 miles - is Mutianyu, which is far less crowded and tourist orientated. If you want merchandise, cable car rides and a carnival atmosphere then go to the former. The latter is much more relaxed and personal experience.

The New Territories

The New Territories are where a third of Hong Kong's population live in the newly constructed towns. That aside, there are still plenty of scenic and unpopulated areas ideal for hikers, campers, ramblers and bird watchers. Sai Kung Peninsula in the east, Mai Po Marsh and Plover Cove Reservoir are all favourite spots.

On the outskirts of Kam Tin is Shui Tau. This is a small community famous for carved roofs and traditional Chinese houses.

Xinjiang

Xinjiang is the largest province in China and is inhabited by almost a quarter of China's national minorities. Away from the cultural melange in the centre, mountains and huge, sparsely populated desert areas dominate Xinjiang. The remote nature of this desert land has also led to it being used by the Chinese military for testing nuclear weaponry.

Ürümqi is the capital of Xinjiang but there are no other points of note that need to be mentioned about it. About 80 miles east of here you will come across the most unforgettable sight in Xinjiang, Tianchi, the lake of Heaven. This small blue lake is set in a desert halfway up the side of a mountain and surrounded by tree covered hills. The huts of the Kazak people who inhabit the region add to the magical feel of the place. In the height of the summer months you can even visit the nearby Number 1 Glacier.

Yunnan

Yunnan is the site of many natural phenomena and for this reason is one of the most attractive places in the whole of China. The region's capital, Kunming, has a mild climate all year round and explorable markets and restaurants. However, the real attractions in the area lie many miles from the capital.

The city of Dali has a stunning mountain backdrop, the Erhai Lake, as well as cheap beer and quaint restaurants. For an electric atmosphere try visiting during the Third Moon Fair in April.

Lijiang - in the north of the region - is a place of cultural interest due to it being the home of the Naxi people. The nearby Leaping Tiger Gorge, which is fabulous for exploring and treks, also add to the attraction.

The government has for a long time been trying to develop the Xishuangbanna region in the south, so try to get a visit in soon to appreciate the jungle areas filled with wild elephants, tigers and golden-haired monkeys.

For more useful information on the People's Republic, visit: China.org

The official language in the People's Republic of China is Mandarin, although English is 'co-official' in Hong Kong, due to the recent and long-standing adminstration ties with the UK. Portuguese is similarly regarded as a 'co-official' language in Macau. Several minority languages are also spoken and used officially in remoter areas of this vast country. Of these Uyghur is used widely in Xinjiang, Mongolian in Inner Mongolia and Tibetan in the Chinese controlled parts of Tibet. From London to Beijing is approximately 10 hours. Average summer (July to September) temperature: 21-26°C.

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