In this world of global tourism, there are very few unspoiled areas. One spot that can boast such a title is Jiuzhaigou Valley, or Nine Village Valley as it is commonly called. This picturesque alpine location lies in the Sichuan province, around 450 kilometers from the capital, Chengdu. Its English name comes from the nine traditional Tibetan villages scattered throughout its 240 square kilometers. The local villagers live in harmony with the land’s thick forest, 114 sparkling lakes, bubbling springs, and waterfalls. Agriculture and private vehicles are forbidden in the spot, which is protected as a World Heritage site. As you might imagine, the Nine Village Valley is a haven for n...

While China is known for its fast-paced urban cities, that’s not all this Asian nation has to offer. For a more relaxed experience make sure you set aside some time to boat down the Li River, or Lijiang River as it is sometimes known. Cruising from Guilin to Yangshuo is an excellent way to enjoy the beauty of the Guangxi Province. The journey gives you a taste of a different side of China, one far removed from the vibrant metropolises of Beijing and Shanghai. You’ll drift past peasants enjoying a simpler way of life, tending their rice paddies and floating about on bamboo rafts. The scenery too is spectacular, from the stunning Karst peaks to the mysterious caves. Keep your eyes peel...

On your trip to China you must allow time to see the terracotta warriors and horses, which are regarded by many historians as the most significant archaeological discovery of the last century. You’ll find them at the Terracotta Army Museum in Lintong, Xi’an in the Shaanxi Province. It lies 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum. This ruler, known as China’s first emperor, commissioned the creation of this model army during his reign from 211 to 206 BC. The life-sized figures, carved from terracotta and poised for battle, are the museum’s star attractions. Each is completely unique, with his own facial expression, hairstyle, clothes, and ges...

The Great Wall of China isn’t the only giant historic site in China. In the Mount Emei Scenic Area, near the city of Leshan in the Sichuan province, you’ll find Leshan Dafo, or the Leshan Giant Buddha. This seated stone sculpture was carved from a cliff face during the Tang Dynasty. It was the brainchild of the Chinese monk Haitong, who believed the giant religious carving would calm the area’s rivers. It seems he may have been right. Today the Minjiang, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers flow gently by the Giant Buddha’s feet. Skeptics may say the stone used to create the Buddha found its way into the waters, thereby altering their currents. But true believers feel it was the...

No trip to China would be complete without visiting The Great Wall, a man-made marvel regarded as one of the great wonders of the world. Known as Changcheng, or long wall, to the locals, the Great Wall travels for some 6700 kilometers following the southern edge of inner Mongolia. In its journey it stretches through deserts, mountains, and grasslands. It was originally built more than 2000 years ago as separate walls dividing the warring states of Yan, Zhao, and Qin. Then during the Qin Dynasty, the emperor joined the walls to fend off the invading Huns. Today some parts of the wall are in ruins, but its historical significance and sheer size ensure tourists continue to visit. One of the...

The giant panda is one of the world’s most beloved animals, and sadly one of the most endangered. No visit to China would be complete without observing one of these real-life teddy bears. It’s estimated that just 2500 giant pandas roam freely in China’s mountain forests today, their numbers severely depleted through habitat loss. While your chances of spotting one in the wild are slim, some of China’s many wildlife parks showcase their national animal. Beijing Zoo is home to Gu Gu, a notorious giant panda who’s made international headlines for his feisty temper. Pandas may be docile by nature, but Gu Gu doesn’t take kindly to trespassers. On three separate occ...