China is a land of wonders. China has withstood the test of countless wars, political struggle and change to become the global powerhouse that it is today. China is still an ancient and mys-terious land little known to the western world. From awe-inspiring works of art to tombs shrouded in mystery, there are a lot of wonders one should be wondered about !

Modern Archetectural Wonders

China's current building boom is doing more than sucking up the world's supply of steel -- it's creating a stage for some of today's boldest architecture and engineering.

Several years ago National Geographic wrote that nearly half the world's construction cranes were in operation in Shanghai alone. The resulting modernization of Shanghai and other major cities across China has been nothing less than remarkable. The Pearl TV Tower and various skyscrapers along Shanghai's Pudong District contrast the famous colonial era buildings across the Huangpu River's Bund. Hong Kong, long known as the "Jewel of the Orient" boasts a neon lined skyline that rivals any in the world. Our travelers are encouraged to take full advantage of the dining, nightlife and shopping in China's major cities.

Natural Wonders of China

The natural beauty of China's land-scapes has long been the inspiration for world famous works of art, novels, and poetry. Guilin, Suzhou, and Hangzhou epitomize such beauty and appear today much as they did centuries ago to the eyes of Marco Polo. Travelers marvel at the mystical limestone formations seen along Guilin's Li River which are unique to that region. The gardens and waterways of Suzhou and Hangzhou are some of the most beautiful in China. Of course, the Yangtze River's Three Gorges are unparalleled among China's natural wonders.

Historical Wonders of China

Beijing is the starting point for all our tours and its historical wonders con-tinue to impress the eyes no matter how many times you return to see them. The Great Wall of China is one of the true wonders of the world and it is said that one has not truly lived until they have stood upon the wall. The Forbidden City located precisely in the center of the city towers over Changan Boulevard and its sea of bicycles below. A walk though the massive pal-ace provides visitors a first-hand experience of how the Emperors lived and ruled the immense country from within its walls.

Xian, China's ancient capital fea-tures the Terracotta Warriors site, which has been called the Eight Wonder of the World. With excavation still in progress this is a remarkable chance to witness the un-covering of history in progress. Visitors to Xian also enjoy experiencing Buddhist tradition by burning incense at the Big Goose Pagoda. Tibet's Potala Palace was constructed high in the Himalayas and towers above Lhasa as the most sacred spot of Tibetan Buddhism. Visi-tors weave through its grand halls as Tibetan Monks wor-ship and sing hymns. The Dunhuang Grottoes were painted by monks to portray life upon the Silk Road through the centuries. They exist today as a testament to the bustling trade routes that led to the western world centuries ago.