It would be stupid to pretend the inspiration for most trips to this bold and brash country isn't the Great Wall of China, so let's kick start with what makes this so 'great'.

The wall was originally constructed with tamped earth as a way to protect the first Emperor Qin Shi Huang's land against nomads from Inner Asia. Since then, over a million men have been utilised through it's various stages of expansion and redevelopment and as it now stands, the wall spans across more than 13,000 miles with an arrray of more modernised materials. Most of it can be found in remote mountainous regions, deserts and grasslands, meaning the popular access points are within reaching distance of Beijing. Due to the quieter, less visited nature of the site it is recommended to experience the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Upon arrival, visitors have the option to absorb the gorgeous scenery and access the wall from the comfort of a cable car or ski lift (alternatively it's a pretty strenuous uphill climb). This well preserved segment provides a pleasant stroll along part of the monumental structure, allowing visitors to experience the snake-like way the wall wraps itself along the unmanufactured surrounding lands. The footing is uneven and at times quite steep, which makes magnificent photos but not great for those unsteady on their feet. Turning right and walking as far as the restored section allows will also tease more close up views of the unrestored state of the wall. After a few hours of exploration, you can then top your day off with a thrilling ride back down the hillside by taboggan.

For those more adventurous beings, opt for a multi day hike to the rural areas of this wonder!

Next in line (literally) are the Terracotta Warriors, which can be found in Xi'an - a bullet train away from Beijing, or a short flight away from various other popular destinations. The First Emperor of China can again be thanked for providing China with such a tourism hotspot. His well known fear of immortality and other such beliefs caused him to order the construction of an army that could protect him from his enemies in after life. The most fascinating thing about these remarkable pottery figurines is the fact they weren't discovered until 1974, over 2000 years after their creation! 

Whilst there is a short ten minute clip on loop giving a brief summary of the history, having a guide for your visit is crucial as it ensures you tour the site in the most recommended order. Entrance to the warriors also includes the mausoleum and burial site of the Emperor himself, 1.5km away. Whilst you won't see the tomb, a short stop is recommended as it is possible to see into the laboraties undertaking restoration processes - giving a real insight into the delicacy of the task at hand!

To finish off your trip to the Terracotta Warriors, hire a bike and cycle around the top of Xi'an's fortifications. An alternative method is to walk it; a full circuit will take a couple of hours, but you also have the option of popping off at various points if you're a bit short for time. Once the evening draws to a close you could exit the wall and make way to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to view the largest musical fountain in Asia. The pagoda alone is a popular daytime attraction, but the added effects in the evening definitely make it something different!

China isn't just cities and buildings, it also sports some of the best scenery in the world, and the region of Yangshuo and Guillin is a great place to go for an intense hit of dramatic landscapes. The toothy peaks of the limestone karsts scatter views in all directions, not to be outdone by the beauty of the Li River winding in and around for 83km between the two. For an infamous photo in Chinese tourism, head to the nearby town of Xing Ping and recreate your own version of the picture found on the current 20 yuan note. Yangshuo is also the perfect gateway into the agricultural elements of rural China; surrounding villages are packed full of rice paddies and farmers working the fields with water buffalo. Whilst cycling through these or taking a walking tour is more than enough, you can elevate your experience by travelling the short hour and a half from Guillin to Longji, home to 'the Dragon's Backbone'. A stunning 40 minute hike will demonstrate the essence of the nickname, offering views from the summit down across the terraces, which are packed full of more than 700 years of history!

The Li River isn't the only one known for it's gorgeous location. A popular activity for a well balanced trip to China is a cruise along the Yangtze River. With various levels of accomodation standards and a collection of on-shore activities breaking up the journey, this truly is appropriate for most budgets and levels of cruising experience. Be sure to build your journey around the cruise you want as they don't operate daily!

Throw your preconception of Chinese food out of the window and be ready to explore a whole new range of cuisine, bursting with spice and flavour. Those willing to really push the boat out can delve into the likes of chicken feet, duck heads and deep fried spiders. The more cautious will be pleased to know that the palette doesn't need broadening too far into the extremes, with each region offering their own take on the classics found on most UK high streets.

Typically and most traditionally found in Beijing, the Peking duck is a staple classic for all to try. The duck will come served with pancakes, cucumber, scallion and delicious hoisin sauce, served similarly to in the UK. To get it from one of the best, try Da Dong Roast Duck restaurant in the Dongcheng District. A consistent award winner for the specialist delicacy as well as leading the way in modernised duck roasting methods.

Moving on to the dumpling, something more few and far between in the UK but unavoidable in all provences of China. Don't make the mistake of thinking one experience of these is enough as every restaurant will have it's own take on how to serve them. Most famous are the dumplings from the Sichuan region, served swimming in spicy chilli oil. The dumpling is potentially one of the easiest dishes to bring home as part of your cooking fortee, so why not try your hand at a good cooking class to impress your friends with this simple but effective dish?

Visitors to Chengdu can also be spoiled to the traditional Chengdu Hotpot. Also harbouring the recognisable traits of classic Sichuan cuisine, the hotpot comes packed full of flavour and heat. To really experience the essence of a traditional hotpot, this dish is best enjoyed in a social environment or amongst a group of friends!

A little trickier to get to but fantastic for a second time visit to China. Fans of the box office hit Avatar may know the inspiration behind The Hallelujah Mountains comes from Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, located in the Northwest Hunan province. It is easy to fill your time here, with the main elements of the park taking at least two days to explore. Visitors can initially test their fear of heights with a cable car ride up Tianenmen Mountain before braving the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge. With a total length of 430 meters and a height of 300 meters, this is definitely not for the faint-hearted. 

Contrasting the vistas of Zhangjiajie comes Jiuzhaigou. Rivalling Canada in the clarity and turqoise tones of it's waters, this National Park almost feels misplaced. While it's possible to see the highlights in one day, a few days is definitely better - especially considering the tricky nature of it's location (10 hour drive from Chengdu.) Popular with Chinese tourists, the look out points are noticably crowded. However, their consistent and unhindered use of the park bus allows willing walkers to enjoy the scenery inbetween completely unspoiled. Whilst it is easy to rack up 20km on your fitbit, the park bus comes in excellent use to escort you between any parts you dont want to do on foot.

Park maps act as an excellent tool but all receptionists in local hotels can advise on the best routes. Be sure to arrive early as entrances are heaving before the doors even open!

Whilst a lot of cities offer photogenic scenes and recognisable silhouettes, not many deliver a sharp contrast in metallic and glass clad high rises with neo-classical colonial structures, both of which can be found on either side of the Huang Pu River in Shanghai. More commonly referred to as 'The Bund', Waitan is a waterfront area that offers stunning views across the river to the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, as well as a handful of others sported in the world's top 30 tallest buildings!

It's no secret that China has issues with smog; instead of checking the official radar systems many locals will use the visibility of these skyscrapers from their homes as an indication of the pollution levels - if you can't see it, don't go outside! For those willing to brave the 128 story Shanghai Tower, you have the option of paying to access the observation deck up on the 118th floor. Alternatively if you want the views with more bang for your buck, try the bar on the 92nd floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center for a drink instead - access is free through the hotel entrance round the back - a nice way to end your Shanghai City Tour.

Beijing has a very different approach to Shanghai with a far less cosmopolitan feel. Aside from the extremely efficient new metro network, the age-old elements of Chinese culture and architectural features consistantly shine through. Best experienced on foot, take a Walking Tour Through Beijing's Hutongs. These narrow laneways separating traditional courtyard residences date back as far as the 13th Century, whilst many have been demolished and modernised you can wander through plenty offering the original features. No visit to Beijing is complete without a jaunt to Tiananmen Square. Originally famed for being the largest public square in the world, it was catapulted to headlines by the massacre of protesting students in 1989. A visit will generally include the mausoleum of Mao Zedong, hopefully witnessing a changing of the guards by the Monument of the People's Heroes as well as a tour around the Forbidden City, just over the road.

Most notably, Chengdu made the map for homing the Giant Panda Research Base for Breeding. With only about 1,500 of these black and white beauties left in the wild, a natural sighting is extremely rare. The 'Panda Sanctuary' is not only a fantastic tourist attraction but a key contributor into the recent movement of the Giant Panda off the list of endangered species, as the lazy nature of their breeding habits and annual three day fertility window means the reproduction process is few and far between. Starting in 1987 with just 6 pandas rescued from the wild, the non-profit facility has homed 124 newborns and expanded to 83 captive pandas. A day here will be full of 'oohs' and 'aahs' as you witness the pandas in various stages of life, unarguably the cutest in their playful toddler years. However, don't allow yourself to let the pandas side track you from other worthwhile attractions nearby. A short train ride to Leshan and you can find (easily) the 71m high Big Buddha. Pair this with the buddhist temples and shopping highlights within Chengdu's own city limits and your few days will soon be full!

For more inspiration, take a look at our China Holidays pages.