China

From ancient cultures to astonishingly progressive modern technology and cities, the China of today offers the traveller the most contrasting travel experience imaginable.

But, where to start? The Great Wall offers the most iconic bucket list item to cross off, but you must add to that the amazing Terracotta Warriors. With those ticked off, you can hug the eastern seaboard for the rich history of Beijing and the eye-watering development of Shanghai. That leaves so much more to consider – small villages and river towns give insight into one of the world’s most ancient continuous cultures, while the never-ending landscapes of the west give way to jaw-dropping Himalayan panoramas. Cap it off with some Hong Kong hedonism, and you’ve just scratched the surface of the largest travel destination in the world.

All this is made possible by copious quantities of a cuisine that is so much more complex and varied (not to mention tastier) than your local Chinese takeaway, and a journey amongst a people that are as welcoming and unique as they are vast in number.

Image by zhu difeng, Shutterstock