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With its 5000 years of tumultuous history and cultural riches, China is among the world’s greatest travel destinations. It is surely an intoxicating and magnificent giant of a country that captivates all who travel there with its staggering contrasts and over 100 different ethnic groups.  From ultra-modern skyscrapers in Shanghai to Beijing’s ancient treasures, The Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace, Tiananmen Square, mystical landscapes of Yangshuo and Xian’s Terracotta Army; China contains over 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Luxe Voyager can arrange a variety of spectacular trips, from food tours in restaurants hidden away down the quietest hutongs and the bars with the best views over the Forbidden City, hot air ballooning over the limestone peaks of Yangshuo, panda safaris in their natural habitat, ice festivals in Harbin, to regional food tours sampling the fiery cuisine in Sichuan.

As the capital city, Beijing has been the heart of the country’s politics and culture for much of the past 700 years. Amongst the opulent palaces, temples, gardens, tombs, and crumbling gates, there is a treasure trove of gems waiting to be discovered. At the mouth of the mighty Yangtze River, Shanghai is China’s vibrant financial centre and home to amazing restaurants, trendy bars and boutique shops. Remnants of its colonial past are still evident throughout Shanghai today, giving it a very different feel to other Chinese cities. The Bund is of course its most photographed site, but other areas definitely worth a visit are the wonderful French Concession, and the beautiful Yuyuan Gardens.

Adventurous travellers should add Guilin & Yangshou and Tibet to their must-visit places: these regions of China are becoming increasingly more high-profile as more travellers discover the incredible landscape, beauty, tranquility and spirituality of these regions. It’s the perfect antidote to the frenetic big cities of China and a wonderful escape into the country’s great outdoors.