China is as diverse as it is crowded. It's a large and rapidly changing country. It's countryside that is filled with rural agriculture and village communities that follow the same traditions their ancestors followed. It also has some of the world's most rapidly evolving and cosmopolitan cities. Explore vibrant Shanghai and feast on the city's famous dumplings. See the city lit up at night and shop in stores that clearly highlight this city as a fashion capital of the world. Head to Beijing, where old and new sit next to each other. Wander through the meandering hutongs that date back centuries or visit some of the new and modern shopping centers. Head south to the the stunning Tiger Leaping Gorge or north the the open and empty Inner Mongolia. China has so much to offer travelers that many spend weeks, if not months, trying to see it all.

The people of China are eager to chat, even if you don't understand their language. It's a welcoming country and, while it may feel overwhelming at first, you'll quickly make yourself right at home.

Prices are on the rise in China and this trend is likely to continue. Visit now, as it will only become more expensive in coming years. It is possible to save some money if you plan ahead. If you're hoping to stay in hostels, it is worth it to get a hosteling international card. Many hostels in the larger cities are members and offer discounts. Also, instead of eating all of your meals in restaurants, take advantage of the street food available in cities. It's more affordable than sit down restaurants and it gives you the chance to try some uniquely authentic Chinese food that you'll never find at the takeaway restaurant back home. Whether you're traveling on trains or buses, make reservations as soon as possible as the more affordable seats tend to fill up quickly. If you're traveling all over China, it's worth taking a few flights as tickets are reasonably priced and the time you save will be invaluable.

The Great Wall: Right outside of Beijing you'll find the Great Wall. It can be visited either on a tour or by public transit and you can find crowded sections, and those that are essentially deserted. Take your pick.
The Forbidden City: The Forbidden City is just north of Tiananmen Square and served as the imperial seat for Ming and Qing dynasty emperors between 1420 and 1912.
The Terracotta Warriors: The Terracotta Warriors protected the tomb of the first emperor o the Qin dynasty, who was buried in 210 BC. They were discovered by a farmer in 1974.

Hot Pot: The Chinese Hot Pot starts as a pot of boiling water that sits on a burner in the middle of your table. The water is usually seasoned with herbs and vegetables. You prepare the soup yourself, and it typically includes thinly sliced lamb or beef, several types of noodles and vegetables and flavors such as ginger or garlic. The soup is served with a side of peanut dipping sauce which you add after the meats are cooked.
Shanghai Soup Dumplings: This Shanghai specialty is a unique twist on dumplings. They're steamed with a broth inside, that explodes with flavor in your mouth on first bite. They're delicious, but watch out, they're hot! They're most often prepared as a breakfast dish, but they're so good you'll likely want to have them several times while you're in the city.
Peking Duck: This Beijing specialty is a crispy duck, served with a special sauce and flat pancakes. There are restaurants throughout the city that offer this specialty, but ask around as some are better than others. The bones of the duck are often boiled into a soup or broth which is then served to you at the end of the meal.