China is a prime holiday destination with an eclectic mixture of breathtaking scenic landscapes, the most modern and vibrant cities, a fascinating mix of ethnic cultures as well as renowned historical and cultural landmarks.

With so much to offer, it is no wonder that tourists to China cannot get enough of this amazingly diverse country. You will thus be spoilt for choice as you will always have the opportunity to try out something or somewhere different every time you visit the country.

So you are planning your next China holiday, but how do you go about selecting what to see, do and eat among the countless offerings available? Do not worry, as I shall provide you with a guide with information on the activities, shopping and food that you can indulge in the next time you visit China.

Stimulating and engaging activities

For those of you who just cannot wait to get your adrenaline pumping, you can consider hiking or trekking across some of the most incredible landscapes. You can try a hike along the Great Wall of China, granting you a first-hand experience of traversing the world-famous icon. Or you can consider hiking through beautiful Guizhou and its varied landscapes of verdant forests, terraced rice fields and rugged peaks.

If you prefer to be more deeply engaged in authentic local cultures, you can visit ethnic minorities in places such as Yunnan and learn about their distinctive tribal folklore and way of life. You can also pay a visit to the Shaolin Temple in Henan province where you can witness some spectacular kungfu displays.

Those who might choose to remain closer to civilization can play golf in some of the best golf courses in China. These can be found along the southeastern coast in places like Guangdong and Yunnan.

Shopping for the most exquisite local products

No trip to China is complete without shopping for some of the rich cultural and herbal products that China is known for. Carpets, artworks, porcelain, handicrafts, teas and medicines are among some of the products that are worthy of your attention in China.

One item which you cannot miss is Chinese silk. It has a rich and high quality texture and many intricate coloured patterns, making silk embroidery from places such as Guangdong and Sichuan popular with tourists.

Shopping in major cities would also be a delight. You can find many market stores selling all kinds of clothes, bags, shoes and other accessories at low prices. All you have to do is to bargain to get the best deals.

Food, glorious food!

Chinese cuisine is renowned throughout the world and is even ranked one of the world’s top three cuisines. With cuisine elevated to an art form, you will not find a more visually- or gastronomically-pleasing gourmet experience elsewhere. Whether your favourite dish is Beijing’s Peking Duck or Guangdong’s steaming dim sums, you will be able to find tasty delicacies almost anywhere you visit.

You do not have to visit fancy restaurants to sample some authentic cuisine; just patronize one of many street stalls commonly found in any city. The variety of snacks with distinctive flavours and styles of cooking will surely leave a deep impression on you.