Beijing and the north coast offer illustrious history and still retain much of the imperial grandeur that can be seen in the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. A visit to Tianjin and Qingdao will take you on a fascinating journey back into the imperialist period. Many parts of China, such as Tibet, evoke magical and romantic images such as ancient monasteries, stunning natural beauty and a rich history that will capture the interest of everyone. The magnificent Yellow River flows through Central China and is regarded as the centre of Chinese civilisation which it has been for many years. It is in central China where visitors can explore and pebbled paved streets, narrow alleys and ancient quarters which are lined with shops and markets. The charm of Hong Kong lies in its eclectic mix of old and new with cluttered streets and alleys contrasting with monstrous towering skyscrapers. Hong Kong is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city which is famed for its shopping delights, amusement parks, nightlife and much more. Macau, where the Portuguese traders first dropped anchor in 1513, makes for a fascinating visit and will leave you enchanted with its charming fountains, pastel buildings and interesting museums. Macau is also gamblers’ haven with several casinos operating here. The south west of China offers a much more relaxed pace with its diverse landscape including alpine highlands, limestone pinnacles and jungles. This part of China offers tranquillity and a different holiday experience as you visit minority villages, primeval forests and the evergreen Kunming. Sichuan is noted for its delicious cuisine but there are some wonderful sights to visit including the incensed filled temple of Emeishan and the Big Buddha at Leshan. Nature lovers will not want to miss out visiting the Chengdu Giant Panda Research Centre and the Woolong Nature Reserve while in Sichuan. In reality, there is much more to China than words can ever describe and only a visit there will truly allow you to experience all of its grandeur, history and fascinating culture. The best times to visit the lowlands are between March and April. It is always best to spend some time planning your trip to China as the country is so big and it will undoubtedly be impossible to cover all of it in a short time. If you are planning to visit China during Chinese New Year, it is best to pre book your accommodation well in advance as hotels are usually fully booked during this time. Most visitors will need to get visas to enter mainland China and you are advised to check with your nearest Chinese consulate or embassy with regards to visa application procedures. | 
