Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an, China

Giant Pandas, glaciers, palaces and spectacular scenery - with so many things to see, an escorted tour of China is the only way to see this fascinating and vast country. Here are our top highlights.

Terracotta Warriors

You'll never forget the sight of thousands of lifelike soldiers standing in rigid lines, some armed with real weapons as if ready to fight. The Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum is based east of Xi'an and the army was created for the first Qin emperor's mausoleum. This is one of the world's most spectacular discoveries.

Giant Pandas

Pay a visit to the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Centre. A national treasure of China, these charming, yet endangered, Giant Pandas live in a simulated natural environment so the centre can encourage a breeding and rearing programme. There's also a Giant Panda museum, plus other types of panda and rare birds.

Leshan Giant Buddha

While drifting along the Dadu River, gaze up at the world's largest Buddha. Carved into the cliffs, this 230ft-high statue of smiling Maitreya was initiated by a monk who believed the statue was needed to ward off an evil river spirit. This amazing statue took 90 years to build and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check out its three-metre long fingers and over 1000 buns on its head.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Find yourself surrounded by incredible panoramas. Everywhere you look you'll see grand mountain peaks dusted with snow, thick forests, pretty streams and bright meadows covered in a sea of flowers. The landscape is straight out of a film and you'll have the chance to explore. Don't miss photographing the mighty glacier.

Yangtze River

Sail up the Yangtze River - the third longest in the world - on a cruise through the Three Gorges passage. Rocky mountains will soar skywards like walls either side of you, squeezing the river into a winding ribbon flowing through the gorge. Poets and painters have been inspired by the amazing scenery and you'll also get to see the Gorges Dam, an incredible modern construction.

Forbidden City and Summer Palace

Explore Beijing's Forbidden City, a gigantic imperial palace once home to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Surrounded by a moat, the palace is home to rare treasures hidden underneath the palace's bright rooftops. The Summer Palace is your next stop - its Chinese gardens are rated among the best in the world.

Humble Administrator's Garden

Covering over 12 acres, the Garden of the Humble Administrator is one of the most famous in China. It was originally built in the Ming Dynasty by a former government servant during his retirement. Today the garden is full of water features, pavilions and octagonal pagodas set against a beautiful landscape of bamboo forests, pine trees and rock formations.

Great Wall

Shy away from the tourist traps and visit the less-crowded section of the Great Wall of China. Stand in one of the guard towers and look out over the Mutianya section meandering across the hillside, then walk along its ramparts and photograph this astounding manmade wonder.

A choice of escorted tours to China

China is fascinating but can be difficult to travel alone due to language barriers and the sheer size of the country. An escorted tour is a great way to discover the highlights above and Kuoni's china tours feature a tour manager who will meet you in London and guide you throughout your China holiday. Our most popular tours include:

Incredible China - A 19-day journey discovering Beijing, Shanghai and the mighty Yangtze River.

Along the Yangtze - A 15-night tour of China, including a four-day cruise along the Yangtze River.

China Highlights - A 15-night tour that includes Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guilin.

A Taste of China - A nine-night tour taking in the sights of Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai.

KUONI CONCIERGE

If you wish to pre-arrange restaurant reservations, holiday experiences or private airport transfers visit the Kuoni Concierge.

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