Those who travel to the Orient do so to view a civilization that’s ancient. Perhaps the biggest attraction here are the ancient relics that remind the world – Chinese and visitors alike – that this country is unlike any other in the world. With strong ties to its past and firm roots in the present and future, China is a country that’s distinct.

Four of the biggest stops for tourists include the cities of Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai and Guilin. Here visitors will find a mix of the old and the modern melded in a way that makes both vitally important to the Chinese people. Ancient cultural practices mix with modern technology and ways as reminders of the past peek around every corner. All four destinations offer their own unique draws, but each speaks loudly to the country’s rich history.

Beijing is the country’s capital and gives visitors a real feel for what was, what is and what will be. The city mixes modern conveniences with ancient practice. Shanghai, too, is a bustling metro area that’s known as the country’s financial heartbeat. Keep in mind though that this city, too, is ancient and there’s lots of history to be uncovered. Xi’an is known for its terracotta warriors and horses in the mausoleum of the first emperor. This site is an incredible archeological uncovering and it’s visited by thousands and thousands annually. Guilin is a natural beauty that’s smaller than the other destinations, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a punch.

Those visiting China often come to see the major attractions. Not the least of which, of course, is the Great Wall. This is found in northern China and runs for about 2,000 miles from Jiuquan to Shanhaiguan. This ancient structure was finished in 204 B.C. or thereabouts and includes walls that are fifteen to twenty-five feet thick and more than fifteen feet high!

Mount Taishan is one of the country’s most impressive natural features. It includes 112 peaks and has many temples and ruins to see. It was and is the location for personal pilgrimages and more for thousands of years.

The Beijing Imperial Palace is one of the country’s most incredible man-made features. Second only to the wall in awe factor, this palace has 9,000 rooms.

Even with more open tourism, China remains a land of mystery, one many choose to visit. Those who travel abroad will find the destinations in China are breathtaking and incredible. Few things here are built on a small scale and visitors are as likely to find a connection to the ancient past as they are to enjoy the modernization of cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.

The Simatai wall is divided into two sections: the east and west. The latter was built on a slope less violent than the east, and has a large number of towers in excellent state of preservation. The eastern portion of the wall leaves visitors speechless. The winding construction is distributed all over a mountain range (over 1000 meters high). This section has 15 towers of which is the most fabulous Xiannü tower that allows us to see architectural splendor power used in the construction of Simatai. There is a legend for those visiting the tower, then a platform is a bridge located between two dizzying precipices, and says those who cross that bridge is a hero.

Simatai is, as you can see, one of the most beautiful sections of the wall, but not for anyone looking for a relaxing time walking. As a mountain range located in the slopes are very steep and to be part of the wonders of the world has decided not to alter or renew it, thus keeping its rustic look.

One is the traversed 10 kilometers on the wall, which includes two different tracks: the first is called Jinshanling Great Wall, which has a semi reconstructed path, away from the first run (Bendaling) that is closer Beijing. Jinshanling is a large expanse of wall that is hardly visited by most tourists because of its remoteness and general lack of knowledge. It has stunning scenery that displays the route of the wall along the mountains, with parts in very good condition. The second part of the journey is called Simatai. This is a little more removed from above and presents a different landscape: the wall damaged and corroded by time, but in its original condition without rebuilding. It may not sound very tempting to state it, but it’s a different experience that ensures highly original landscapes.

While the journey is long and in several areas the wall presents many difficulties, it’s worth a quiet walk along the old stone bricks without suffering at the time of taking a photograph. In many hotels, hostels and tourism agencies are guided tours for this unique journey, which although a little more expensive than the original, as you visit two courses, worth making sure.

While all major Chinese cities will not have any problem finding good shops where to buy Chinese tea varieties in Beijing / Beijing is home to almost a thousand street tea shops and tea-related products. This is the street Maliandao. Located southwest of Xuanwu District in Beijing / Beijing, the street extends Miliandao mile, where they happen tea shops where not only can sample and buy, but also Chinese traditions know about tea.
On the street Maliandao come to focus until eight major shopping centers with hundreds of shops dedicated to tea. In short, if you like tea, visiting the street Maliandao is required on your journey to Beijing / Beijing.