Highlights van China

About the destination: Yangshuo County (simplified Chinese: 阳朔县; traditional Chinese: 陽朔縣; pinyin: Yángshuò Xiàn) is a county under the jurisdiction of Guilin City, in the northeast of Guangxi Province, China. Its seat is located in Yangshuo Town. Surrounded by karst peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River it is easily accessible by bus or by boat from nearby Guilin. In the 1980s, the town became popular with foreign backpackers, and by the late 1990s packaged tourists began arriving in greater numbers. At that time, domestic tourism represented only a small fraction of the tourists but by 2005 domestic tourists outnumbered foreign tourists by a great margin. Today, the town has become a resort destination for both domestic and foreign travelers. The history of West Street dates back to over 1400 years ago. At that time, there were only a few grocery stores in the street. Now, the street has become popular with locals and foreigners alike. There are signs written in both Chinese and English. Due to the relatively high number of foreign visitors to the area many locals in Yangshuo can speak some English, which is uncommon for a Chinese town of its size.

About the destination: Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. It is a dynamic harbor city and one of Asia's major financial centers. It consists of Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the New Territories, and more than 260 small islands. Hong Kong Island presents an impressive skyline and is the main focus of most tourists. Hong Kong is a mix of ocean, islands, modern skyscrapers, old temples and fishing villages. The heart of the city is Victoria Harbor which both divides and connects Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. The most famous view of Hong Kong is from the Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island, reached by the Peak Tram. Other main attractions to visit in Hong Kong are the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island, the old colonial buildings of Central amidst the uniquely modern and mirrored towers, some interesting museums, the densely populated areas of Kowloon and Mong kok and the picturesque and more peaceful areas of Stanley and Aberdeen. A city full of life and soul, Hong Kong offers an electric atmosphere, a vibrant cultural life, delicious cuisine, shopping, exciting night life, and many more surprises that will amaze even the most demanding tourist.

About the destination: Zhangjiajie is located in central China, northwest Hunan Province, over 1,000 kilometers from both Shanghai and Beijing. Zhangjiajie is famous for its precarious peaks, limpid streams, dense forests, and large karst caves. Zhangjiajie was thrust into foreigner travelers' eyes after the movie Avatar. The Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar were inspired by Heavenly Pillar in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. In 1982, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park became China's first national forest park.

About the destination: Xi’an is a historic city in Shaanxi Province in China. Xi’an lies in the central part of Guanzhong Plain between the Wei River to the north and the Qinling Mountain to the south. It is a harmonious town, where tradition and modernity stand side by side. Xi’an has immense historical significance and it houses some of the famous China attractions and some of the most important archaeological sites in China. The city was the capital for 13 dynasties, and a total of 73 emperors ruled here, with so much history within the ground the city lies upon, it is no wonder that there are so many historical ruins, museums and cultural relics to be found here. The most important sites to visit in Xi’an are the City Wall of Xi'an, the world's largest city wall, the Grand Mosque and the historic Qin Terra Cotta Warriors. But the city is filled with historical relics with 72 tombs of Emperors and palaces, temples and multiple other reminders of the past. Other notable sites in and around Xi'an include the Large and Small Wild Goose Pagodas, which were built in the Tang Dynasty. Xi'an is also home to one of China's best museums, the Shaanxi History Museum, which contains an outstanding collection of artifacts from the various early dynasties that ruled China.

About the destination: Welcome to Xinzhou, a hidden gem in the Shanxi Province of northern China. Nestled amidst the rolling hills and rich cultural tapestry of the region, Xinzhou offers an authentic taste of Chinese history and tradition. As you traverse its ancient streets and marvel at its historical sites, you'll find yourself immersed in stories that date back thousands of years. Begin your journey with a visit to Wutai Mountain, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains in China. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a serene haven of spirituality and natural beauty. The mountain is dotted with ancient temples, including the renowned Xiantong Temple and Tayuan Temple, both of which offer stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere for reflection. Whether you're a devout pilgrim or simply an admirer of majestic landscapes, Wutai Mountain is sure to leave a lasting impression. Explore the vibrant local markets of Xinzhou, where you can sample regional delicacies and shop for unique artisanal crafts. The city's culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional Shanxi flavors, including the famous vinegar-based dishes and hand-pulled noodles. Don't miss out on trying the local specialty, "daoxiaomian," a type of knife-cut noodle that is both hearty and delicious. The friendly locals are always eager to share their culinary traditions, making every meal an opportunity to connect with the culture. Finally, delve into the rich history of Xinzhou by visiting the Yanmen Pass, a crucial fortification along the ancient Great Wall of China. This historic site offers a glimpse into the strategic military importance of the region and provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The well-preserved architecture and informative exhibits make it a must-see for history enthusiasts. Whether you're exploring ancient temples, savoring local cuisine, or uncovering historical treasures, Xinzhou promises an unforgettable adventure for every traveler.

About the destination: Situated in northern China, Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China, the most populous country in the world. With a population of over 21million people, it is the nation's second-largest city after Shanghai. Beijing is a modern city of impressive new urban and commercial developments that looks towards the future but it is intrinsically linked to its imperial past. Beijing is renowned for its lavish palaces, ancient temples, and huge stone walls and gates. Its art treasures and important government and cultural institutions have long made the city a center of culture and art in China. The heart of the city and most important landmark is Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square. The Tiananmen Gate separates the square from the Forbidden Palace, one of the city’s must-sees. The Forbidden Palace was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today it is known as the Palace museum and is one of the wonders of ancient China. Other Beijing’s main attractions are The Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and the ancient alleyway neighborhoods, where you can find traditional Beijing architecture, called Hutongs. Beijing is a good base to visit some of China’s major landmarks such as the Great Wall of China and the Ming Tombs. Some great world famous cultural and heritage sites, a thriving nightlife, great sporting facilities given as a legacy from the 2008 Olympic Games, great food such as Peking Duck, and good entertainment options like the Beijing Opera, make Beijing a fascinating city offering a lot to visitors.

About the destination: Although Hohhot has only been the capital of Inner Mongolia since 1947, it has taken on the role with ease and with a rapidly growing population (currently at around 1.6 million) it has begun to challenge Baotou as the region's industrial and economic powerhouse. Despite only around 11% of the city's population are indigenous Mongols, Mongolian Buddhism (an offshoot of Tibetan Buddhism) still continues to thrive, and Mongolian culture is actively preserved. As a new capital, the city lacks an abundance of historical and tourist sites. However, it is still definitely worth visiting if in the area. The city is at its greenest and most pleasant in Spring and early Summer. Because of the large Hui Muslim population, restaurants with a green or yellow sign are generally Halal and will not serve pork. Mentioning pork to the owner is considered a grave insult and should be avoided. Take the opportunity to sample the mutton dishes instead.

About the destination: Bayannur is a prefecture city in the province of Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China. It limits to the north with Mongolia, to the south with Wuhai, to the west with Jiayuguan and to the east with Baotou. The city is crossed by the Lin River, a tributary of the Yellow River.

About the destination: Situated on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, this lively provincial capital makes a good base from which to dive into the surrounding sights and on to the more remote regions of Qīnghǎi and beyond. Though many travellers use Xīníng (西宁) as a jumping-off or landing point from the Qīnghǎi–Tibet Railway, it’s also a wonderful place to explore the province’s varied cultures – Muslim (Huí, Salar and Uighur), Tibetan and Han Chinese – especially the dynamite culinary mix that these groups bring together.