An endlessly intriguing culture and a staggering array of natural and man-made sights

Roughly equivalent in size to the United States of America, the People’s Republic of China is home to more than four times as many people and is at least as diverse geographically and culturally as its fellow superpower, if not more so. With a history spanning nearly 4000 years, China boasts an exceptionally eclectic range of world-class tourist attractions, from the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Warriors of Xian and Beijing’s Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven to the spectacular Yangtze and Li Rivers, Huangshan’s Yellow Mountains, the Silk Road and, of course, the nation’s famed giant pandas, which can be encountered up close at a number of zoos nationwide. In 2010, a staggering 40 Chinese sites were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Beyond that is China’s fascinating cuisine and culture – dim sum, green tea, kung fu, dragon boats, Confucianism, the Beijing Opera, the cheongsam and acupuncture are just a few of the unique things you're likely to encounter while on a visit to the self-described 'Central (or Middle) Kingdom'.