Chopsticks and Chinese Dragons

Chopsticks and Chinese Dragons

LONDON, June 13, 2012-

                    Top five places to see in China

  China is a vast, varied and beautiful country, which rewards its visitors with
world-class sites such as the Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall, stunning scenery
including the limestone peaks of Guilin and the majestic Yangtze River, a diverse culture
and exciting cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Without the bother of
reaching for the guidebook, travel company Cox & Kings, specialist in arranging holidays
to China [http://www.coxandkings.co.uk/far-east/china ], highlights the ‘must see’ top
five places to visit. So dust off that bag, book a holiday and get packing!

  Beijing

  Located in northern China, Beijing is the capital powerhouse of ancient history dating
back over 3,000 years. This Far Eastern jewel is one of the great ancient capitals of
China. As the Chinese proverb goes “A single day of sub-zero temperature is not enough to
create three feet of ice”, so allow plenty of time to submerge yourself in this great
city! A must see on any Beijing itinerary is the mighty Forbidden City. Situated in the
heart of Beijing and built in the 15th century during the Ming Dynasty, the Forbidden City
is one of the finest preserved imperial palaces in China. Stretched over 178 acres this
UNESCO world heritage site features 90 palaces, courtyards, 980 buildings and 8,704 rooms.
Marvel at the traditional architecture and imperial history before hotfooting it to
Jingshan Park to see the panoramic view of the palace. Sunset is one of the best times to
capture this awe-inspiring scene!

  Xian

  Xian, the ‘eternal city’ is one of the oldest settlements in China. Here you can visit
a 3,000 year old banpo village with archaeological remains dating back to the Neolithic
Age. The Famen Temple holding the finger bones of Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, is a
great attraction for Buddhist enthusiasts. Or if you seek an archaeological site that
packs a punch, head to the Terracotta Army. Over 2,000 years old, the life size terracotta
figures features 8,000 warriors and 670 horses positioned in battle, representing the
armies that belonged to China’s first Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

  The Yangtze River

  To feel the beating heart of China is to experience the Yangtze River, the third
longest in the world. Almost 4,000 miles long, the Yangtze entwines through 11 provinces.
From glistening glaciers of the Tibetan plateau down to the rush of Shanghai, embark on a
cruise to see some of its exhaustive natural beauty. Drift through the three mighty gorges
Qutang, Wu and Xiling for one of the best views of soaring mountains and staggering
landscapes in this oriental paradise.

  Guilin

  Limestone pinnacles and luscious vegetation are the hallmark of Guilin. Featuring two
rivers and four lakes in the south of China, Guilin is a region of beautiful bamboo
groves, crystal clear waters and captivating caves. Enjoy a boat trip on Li River and flow
past picturesque traditional fishing villages. Alternatively, head down below to the
subterranean world of Reed Flute Cave. Over three miles in length, the cave allegedly
dates back 500,000 years. Illuminated with eerie stalagmites and stone pillars, Reed Flute
Cave will captivate even the most well-travelled tourist.

  Yunnan Province

  Off-the-beaten track, in the pocket of south-west China lays Yunnan, the sixth largest
province. Yunnan is the perfect destination for the explorer who wants to get under the
skin of this mysterious country, looking beyond lanterns, chopsticks and Chinese dragons.
Yunnan is a trekker’s paradise and one of China’s best kept secrets. Delve into tropical
rainforests featuring over 2,500 varieties of flora and fauna and 30 endangered species
including red pandas and snow leopards. Venture towards Lake Dian filled with charming
fishing villages and farmland, or head to the mountainous north-west to view the Three
Parallel Rivers National Park. This watery gateway is a UNESCO world heritage site and
where Asia’s greatest rivers Yangtze, Mekong and Salween collide in a staggering
geographical wonder.

  Cox & Kings, the luxury travel specialist for tailor-made holidays to China
[http://www.coxandkings.co.uk/far-east/tailor-made-holidays-china ], was established in
1758 and is built upon high quality service and attention to detail. The company continues
to flourish as an independent tour operator, with operations in London, the US, Japan,
Australia and throughout India. Cox & Kings organises luxury tours to India
[http://www.coxandkings.co.uk/indian-subcontinent/india-tours ], Latin America, the Middle
East, the Far East, Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific and the
Caribbean.

  NOTE TO EDITORS:

  Cox & Kings is the world’s longest established travel company. Its history stretches
back more than 250 years to 1758 when Richard Cox was appointed regimental agent to the
Footguards (later the Grenadier Guards). The company’s fortunes grew hand in hand with the
British Empire and by the early 20th century the company was acting as agent and banker
throughout the armed forces and as a shipping agent. In 1922 Cox & Co merged with the
Henry S King bank, which had strong connections with India. The bank became part of Lloyds
and the shipping agency grew separately, evolving into the modern travel company.

Source: Cox & Kings

For more information, please contact: Emily Brewer +44(0)1273-322845 (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address))