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China (officially the People's Republic of China) is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country.China is the world's largest economy by GDP at purchasing power parity, second-largest economy by nominal GDP, and the world's second wealthiest country by total wealth. The country has the fastest growing major economy and is the world's largest manufacturer and exporter. China is a recognized nuclear-weapon state with the world's largest standing army by military personnel and second-largest defense budget. China received 55.7 million inbound international visitors in 2010, and in 2012 was the third-most-visited country in the world. It also experiences an enormous volume of domestic tourism; an estimated 740 million Chinese holidaymakers traveled within the country in October 2012. China hosts the world's second-largest number of World Heritage Sites (56) after Italy, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world (first in the Asia-Pacific). It is forecast by Euromonitor International that China will become the world's most popular destination for tourists by 2030. Wikipedia

Tourism in China is a growing industry that is becoming a significant part of the Chinese economy. The rate of tourism has greatly expanded over the last few decades since the beginning of reform and opening-up. The emergence of a newly rich middle class and an easing of restrictions on movement by the Chinese authorities are both fueling this travel boom. China has become one of world's largest outbound tourist markets. According to Euromonitor International, economic growth and higher incomes in nearby Asian countries will help China to become the world's number one tourist destination by 2030. Since 2012, tourists from China have been the world's top spender in international tourism, leading global outbound travel. In 2016, the country accounted for 21% of the world's international tourism spending, or $261 billion. (Do note that the stats include journeys made to the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Taiwan; in 2017, these accounted for 69.5m of the so-called "overseas" journeys.) As of 2018, only 7% of Chinese had a passport, so the "potential for further growth is staggering", according to a UK news report. Wikipedia

Tourist Attraction Rating Categories is a rating system used by the Chinese authorities to determine the quality of the attraction relative to its peers in terms of safety, sanitation and transportation. It is broken up into five categories which are A (or 1A, the lowest level), AA (2A), AAA (3A), AAAA (4A) and AAAAA (5A, the highest level). The categories are awarded based on, amongst other factors, the importance of the site, transportation, tours as well as issues related to safety and sanitation. The system was established in 1999 and extended in 2004 (when the category AAAAA was introduced). The ratings are administered by the China National Tourism Administration[needs update] (CNTA) and are based on the code "Categories and Rating Standard of Tourist Attractions". Wikipedia

Notable ancient capitals: Xi'an, Shaanxi Nanjing, Jiangsu Luoyang, Henan Xuchang, Henan Hangzhou, Zhejiang Zhengzhou, Henan Anyang, Henan Kaifeng, Henan. Wikipedia

Renowned historic cities and old towns: Chongqing Guangzhou, Guangdong Chengde, Hebei Zhengding, Hebei Jingziguan, Henan Wuhan, Hubei Fenghuang, Hunan Huai'an, Jiangsu Luzhi, Jiangsu Suzhou, Jiangsu Tongli, Jiangsu Yangzhou, Jiangsu Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Zhouzhuang, Jiangsu Shenyang, Liaoning Hancheng, Shaanxi Jinan, Shandong Qufu, Shandong Shanghai & Zhujiajiao Pingyao, Shanxi Chengdu, Sichuan Huanglongxi, Sichuan Lizhuang, Sichuan Tianjin Dali, Yunnan Jianshui, Yunnan Lijiang, Yunnan Nanxun, Zhejiang Wuzhen, Zhejiang Xitang, Zhejiang. Wikipedia

Famous sites: Mountain Lu, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, also called Mountain Lu National Park Changbai Mountains, an important nature reserve home to the rare Siberian tiger Grand Canal of China Great Wall of China Silk Road, abandoned cities along this famous ancient trading route. Huangshan, Anhui Mount Jiuhua, Anhui Mount Tianzhu, Anhui Forbidden City, Beijing, once the center of the 'Chinese imperial universe' and off-limits to the masses - now open to all Summer Palace, Beijing Temple of Heaven, Beijing Dazu Rock Carvings, Chongqing Three Gorges, Chongqing and Hubei Gulangyu Island, Fujian Mogao Caves, Dunhuang, Gansu these 1,000-year-old man-made caves on the old Silk Road contain some of China's most impressive Buddhist heritage Kuling town, Jiujiang, located on top of Mountain Lu, a former summer resort for European settlers in southern China Li River, Guangxi, where boat trips are taken to see the contorted peaks that have been immortalized in Chinese scroll paintings Caohai Lake, Guizhou, where many experience being punted along this shallow lake to see many of China's varied birdlife Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, Harbin, Heilongjiang, where extravagant and bizarre sculptures can be seen from life-size ice castles with rainbow lighting to fantastical snowy tableaux Yabuli Ski Resort, Heilongjiang, the country's largest ski resort where many Chinese take their skiing holiday. Longmen Grottoes, a parade of Buddhist figurines and reliefs, near Luoyang, Henan Wudang Mountains, Hubei Old Yalu Bridge, Dandong, Liaoning, a half-demolished bridge to North Korea is still an important relic of the Korean War. Terracotta Army, Xi'an, Shaanxi, the former ancient capital, these 2,200-year-old life-size soldiers guard the tomb of China's first emperor. Confucius Mansion, Qufu, Shandong, home to nearly eighty generations of the great sage's clan. Mount Tai (or Tai Shan), Shandong, a holy peak home to immaculate temples and pavilions The Bund, Shanghai, an elegant parade along the Huangpu River of colonial architecture juxtaposed with Shanghai's skyscrapers The Hanging Temple at Mount Heng, Shanxi is a temple clinging to a precipice and a series of grottoes containing a panoply of Buddhist statuary Yungang Grottoes, near Datong, Shanxi is a renowned Buddhist site. Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan, the world's largest carved Buddha Mount Emei, Sichuan Mount Qingcheng, Sichuan Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet originally built by King Songtsän Gampo in 637 to greet his bride Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, home to one of China's most unique minorities - the Dai people West Lake, Hangzhou, Zhejiang. Wikipedia

Tourist resources in China can be divided into three main groups: natural sites, historical and cultural sites, and folk customs. China hosts the world's largest number of World Heritage Sites (55) Natural sites The terraced rice paddies of Yuanyang County, Yunnan Mount Emei, Sichuan Zhang jia jie China's mountains, lakes, valleys, caves and waterfalls: Mount Tai (Tai Shan) in the east, Mount Hengshan in the south, Mount Hua in the west, Mount Hengshan in the north, and Mount Song in the center of China have been called the Five Sacred Mountains since antiquity. The Taishan massif, which snakes through central Shandong, is admired by Chinese as paramount among them. Another mountain celebrated for its beauty is Huangshan in southern Anhui, known for its graceful pines, unusual rocks, cloud seas and hot springs. Jiuzhaigou, Huangguoshu Waterfall, and Guilin are all located in southwestern China. Jiuzhaigou in northern Sichuan is a beautiful "fairyland valley" running over 40 km through snow-covered mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and forest. The Huangguoshu Waterfalls in Guizhou are a group of waterfalls, 18 above-ground and four below, which can be heard from five km away. The Li River in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region winds its way through karst peaks for 82 km between Guilin and Yangshuo. On the plateau in northern China are many spectacular lakes. The Tianchi (Heavenly Pool) in the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang Autonomous Region is 1,980 meters above sea level. This 105-m-deep lake is crystal clear, the high mountains surrounding it carpeted with green grass and colorful flowers. Along the renowned Three Gorges of the Yangtze River are many scenic spots and historical sites; the Qutang Gorge is rugged and majestic, the Wu Gorge elegant, deep and secluded, the Xiling Gorge full of shoals and reefs and rolling water. The Lesser Three Gorges are lush with greenery, flanking water so clear you can see to the bottom. The Three Gorges Dam built here is China's biggest key hydro-power project. Historical and cultural sites Beauties Wearing Flowers, by Zhou Fang, 8th century China's long history has left many cultural relics and the title of "China Top Tourist City" has gone to the first group of 54 cities. The Great Wall, a symbol of the Chinese nation, is also a prime example of historical sites that have become major tourist attractions. As the greatest defense-structure project in the history of human civilization, it dates back more than 2,000 years ago to the Spring and Autumn and the Warring States periods - huge in its scale and grandeur. There are more than ten sections of the Great Wall open to tourists, including the passes, blockhouses and beacon towers at Badaling in Beijing, Laolongtou in Hebei and Jiayuguan Pass in Gansu. Grottoes filled with precious murals and sculptures are concentrated along the ancient Silk Road in Gansu. The best known are the Mogao Caves, a "treasure house of oriental art", with 492 caves with murals and statues on the cliff faces. There are 45,000 sq m of murals and over 2,100 colorful statues, all of high artistry. In the south, grotto art is represented in Sichuan by the Leshan Giant Buddha, carved into a cliff face. Seventy-one meters high and 28 meters wide, it is the largest sitting Buddha in stone, showing the carving skill of ancient craftsmen. The Shaolin Temple in Henan, the birthplace of Chinese Zen Buddhism and famous for its Shaolin Kung Fu martial arts, dates back to 495 AD. Here can be seen the Ming period Five-Hundred-Arhats Mural and Qing period Shaolin kungfu paintings. In Hubei, the beautiful Wudang Mountain, with 72 peaks covering an area of 30 km2 (12 sq mi), form a sacred site of Taoism, which preserves one of China's most complete and largest-scale ancient Taoist architecture. In western Sichuan, Mount Emei, dotted with ancient Buddhist temples and structures, is one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains｡ Most of China's 101[citation needed] cities classified as famous historical and cultural cities are over 1,000 years old. South of the Yangtze River, Suzhou and Hangzhou, long known as "paradise on earth", are crisscrossed with rivers, lakes, bridges, fields and villages, as beautiful as paintings. Today's well-preserved ancient cities includes that of Pingyao in central Shanxi, but was also the site of the Neolithic era Yangshao and Longshan cultures, 5,000 to 6,000 years ago. Ancient Lijiang in Yunnan is not only the center of Dongba culture of the Nakhi ethnic group but also a meeting place for the cultures of Han, Tibetan and Bai ethnicities. Built in the Song dynasty, this city has many stone bridges, stone memorial arches and dwelling houses, which provide precious materials for architectural history and can be called a "living museum of ancient dwelling houses." Folk customs Lugu Lake, Yunnan "March Street" celebrated by the Bai people in Dali, Yunnan, is associated with the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy suppressing a devil to help the Bai people. It became traditional to burn incense and offer sacrifices to commemorate her virtues every year and the festival has become a major annual gathering for Bai commercial, cultural and sports activities. The Water-Sprinkling Festival of the Dai ethnic group in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, is a lively occasion taking place in the spring. People chase and pour water (a symbol of good luck and happiness) over each other, among other activities such as dragon boat racing and peacock dance. Lugu Lake between Sichuan and Yunnan has become a tourist destination following the building of a new highway giving access to this area. The matriarchal society of the 30,000 local Mosuo people is noted for its "no marriage" traditions and is called the last women's kingdom on the earth. Mosuo women, local dugout canoes and undulating singing style are considered unique to Lugu Lake. Wikipedia

The China National Tourism Administration promotes a tourist theme every year; 1992 was "Friendly Sightseeing Year." Then came "Landscape Tour", "Tour of Cultural Relics and Historical Sites", "Folk Customs Tour", "Holiday Tour", and "Ecological Environment Tour." From 2000 to 2004, the themes were "Century Year", "Sports and Health of China", "Folk Arts of China", and "Culinary Kingdom of China", and "Catch the Lifestyle." The themes for 2005 were "China Travel Year" and "Beijing 2008 -- Welcome to China." In order to strengthen exchange and cooperation with the international tourism industry, the China National Travel Administration is planning a series of related events, including the Shanghai-hosted "2005 International Tourism Fair of China", the Beijing-hosted 2005 annual meeting of the Federation of Travel Agencies of France, and "the 2005 China-Australia Tourism Symposium." The China International Online Travel Fair 2005 held in March was comprehensive, providing an online exchange and trading platform between tour companies themselves and with their customers. Since 2013, all regions in China have had tourism publicity events under the "Beautiful China" umbrella, but with a different theme for each area.[citation needed] The year 2018 was declared as "Beautiful China – Year of Integrated Tourism" while 2017 was declared as "Beautiful China – Year of Silk Road Tourism". Wikipedia

The fast development of China's transportation infrastructure provides wide-ranging travel for domestic and overseas tourists. Throughout China a great many hotels and restaurants have been constructed, renovated or expanded to satisfy all levels of requirement, including many with five or six star ratings. All large or medium-sized cities and scenic spots have hotels with complete facilities and services for both domestic and international visitors. China has regulated international travel agencies. On June 12, 2003, the China National Tourism Administration and the Ministry of Commerce jointly issued Interim Regulations on the Establishment of Foreign-funded or Wholly Foreign-owned Travel Agencies. On July 18, 2003, the China National Travel Administration approved the registration of JALPAK International (China) Ltd. as the first wholly foreign-owned travel company to enter China's tourist market, mainly handling Japanese tourism in China. On December 1, 2003, TUI China Travel Company was formally established in Beijing—the first overseas-controlled joint venture in China's tourism industry. The controlling party is Martin Buese China Limited and TUI Europe's largest travel group and their Chinese partner is China Travel Service. Wikipedia

This is a list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China. China has 56, ranking second in the world just below Italy (58). China ratified The Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage on 12 December 1985. These sites comprise some of the most essential part of China's valuable and rich tourism resources. Since joining the International Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1985, China has 56 World Heritage Sites to date; of these 38 are cultural heritage sites, 14 are natural heritage sites, and 4 are cultural and natural (mixed) sites, ranking second in the world. In addition, there are also several Chinese documents inscribed in UNESCO's list Memory of the World, which registers the world's documentary heritage. Furthermore, China has a rich non-material cultural heritage, with several of them inscribed on UNESCO's list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Wikipedia

China is a huge country in Eastern Asia (about the same size as the United States of America) with the world's largest population. With coasts on the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, it borders 14 nations (Afghanistan, Pakistan (through the disputed territory of Kashmir), India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam to the south; Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to the west; Russia and Mongolia to the north and North Korea to the east). This number of neighboring states is equaled only by China's vast neighbor to the north, Russia. The roughly 5000-year-old Chinese civilization has endured through millennia of tumultuous upheaval and revolutions, periods of golden ages and anarchy alike. Through the recent economic boom initiated by the reforms of Deng Xiaoping, China is once again one of the leading nations in the world, buoyed by its large, industrious population and abundant natural resources. The depth and complexity of the Chinese civilization, with its rich heritage, has fascinated Westerners such as Marco Polo and Gottfried Leibniz through the Silk Road and more ways of culture exchange in centuries past, and will continue to excite - and bewilder - the traveler today. Wikitravel

Regions of China: Northeast China (Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang) dōngběi, "rust-belt" cities, vast forests, Russian, Korean, and Japanese influence, and long, snowy winters North China (Shandong, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Henan, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin) The Yellow River Basin, cradle of China's civilization and historic heartland Northwest China (Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, Qinghai and Xinjiang) A historical borderland, with grasslands giving way to deserts and mountains, and with the ancient Silk Road connecting China to Europe. Northwest China is home to many Muslims and ethnic minorities who at times formed independent kingdoms. Southwest China (Tibet, Yunnan, Guangxi and Guizhou) The exotic part, minority peoples, spectacular scenery, backpacker havens and Buddhism South-central China (Anhui, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hubei, Hunan and Jiangxi) Farming areas, mountains, river gorges, temperate and sub-tropical forests Southeast China (Guangdong, Hainan and Fujian) Traditional trading center, manufacturing powerhouse, and ancestral homeland of most overseas Chinese East China (Jiangsu, Shanghai and Zhejiang) The "land of fish and rice" (China's equivalent of the "land of milk and honey"), traditional water towns, and cosmopolitan, prosperous boomtowns. Wikitravel

Cities of China: Below is a top ten list of some of those most important to travellers in mainland China. Other cities are listed under their specific regional section. See the Dynasties and capitals section for a detailed list of China's many previous capitals. Beijing (北京) — the capital and cultural centre Chengdu (成都) — "The home of giant pandas". It was established before Xi'an. It is the capital city of Sichuan Province and offers the best and the most spicy food. Guangzhou (广州) — one of the most prosperous and liberal cities in the south, near Hong Kong Guilin (桂林) — popular destination for both Chinese and foreign tourists with sensational mountain and river scenery Hangzhou (杭州) — famously beautiful city and major centre for the silk industry Kunming (昆明) — capital of Yunnan and gateway to a rainbow of ethnic minority areas Nanjing (南京) — a renowned historical and cultural city with many historic sites Shanghai (上海) — famous for its riverside cityscape, China's largest city is a major commercial center with many shopping opportunities Suzhou (苏州) — "Venice of the East," an ancient city famous for canals and gardens just west of Shanghai Xi'an (西安) — the oldest city and ancient capital of China, home to ten dynasties including the Han and the Tang, terminus of the ancient Silk Road, and home of the terracotta warriors Yangzhou (扬州) — "Epitome of China" with a history of over 2,500 years, Marco Polo served as the city's governor for three years in the late 13th century. You can travel to many of these cities using the new fast trains. In particular, the Hangzhou - Shanghai - Suzhou - Nanjing line is a convenient way to see these historic areas. Wikitravel

Other destinations in China: Great Wall of China (万里长城) — longer than 8,000 km, this ancient wall is the most iconic landmark of China Hainan (海南) — a tropical paradise island undergoing heavy tourist-oriented development Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve (九寨沟) — known as the habitat of giant pandas and for its many multi-level waterfalls and colourful lakes Leshan — most famous for its huge riverside cliff-carving of Buddha and nearby Mount Emei Mount Everest — straddling the border between Nepal and Tibet, this is the world's highest mountain Mount Tai (泰山 Tài Shān) — one of the five Taoist sacred mountains in China, and because of its history, the most-climbed mountain in China Tibet (西藏) — the Tibetan Buddhist majority and their traditional culture make it distinct Turpan — in the Islamic area of Xinjiang, this area is known for its grapes, harsh climate and Uighur culture Yungang Grottoes — more than 50 mountain-side caves and recesses number are filled with 51,000 Buddhist statues. Wikitravel

China's attractions are endless. Especially near the coast, if you run out of things to see in one city, the next is usually a short train ride away. History buffs, nature lovers and beach-goers are all catered to in China, where attractions range from the majestic Forbidden City in Beijing to the breathtaking scenery of Jiuzhaigou. Because of its sheer size and long history, China has the third-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, after Italy and Spain. Karst formations, Guilin Karst Scenery The gumdrop mountains and steeply sloping forested hills with bizarre rock formations favored by traditional Chinese artists are not creative fantasy. In fact, much of southern and southwestern China is covered in strangely eroded rock formations known as Karst. Karst is a type of limestone formation named after an area in Slovenia. As limestone layers erode, the denser rock or pockets of different stone resist erosion forming peaks. Caves hollow out beneath the mountains which can collapse forming sinkholes and channels leading to underground rivers. At its most unusual Karst erodes to form mazes of pinnacles, arches and passageways. The most famous example can be found in the Stone Forest (石林 Shílín) near Kunming in Yunnan. Some of the most famous tourist areas in China feature spectacular karst landscapes — Guilin and Yangshuo in Guangxi, and much of central and western Guizhou province. Sacred sites For sacred mountains, see the next section. Several sites in China have famous Buddhist art: Yungang Grottoes in Shanxi Province - more than 51,000 Buddhist carvings, dating back 1,500 years, in the recesses and caves of the Yangang Valley mountainsides Mogao Caves in Gansu province - art and manuscripts dating back to the 4th century Dazu Rock Carvings near Chongqing - dating from the 7-13th century Longmen Grottoes - 5-10th century Mountains China is home to many sacred mountains. The Five Great Mountains (五岳 wǔyuè), associated with Taoism: Mount Tai (泰山), Shandong Province (1,545 meters) Mount Hua (华山), Shaanxi Province (2,054 meters) Mount Heng (Hunan) (衡山), Hunan Province (1,290 meters) Mount Heng (Shanxi) (恒山), Shanxi Province (2,017 meters) Mount Song (嵩山）, Henan Province, where the famous Shaolin Temple (少林寺) is located (1,494 meters) The Four Sacred Mountains (四大佛教名山 sìdà fójiào míngshān), associated with Buddhism: Mount Emei (峨嵋山), Sichuan Province (3,099 meters) Mount Jiuhua (九华山), Anhui Province (1,342 meters) Mount Putuo (普陀山), Zhejiang Province (297 meters, an island) Mount Wutai (五台山), Shanxi Province (3,058 meters) The three main sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism: Mount Kailash, Tibet (5,656 meters), also known as Gang Rinpoche in Tibetan, also one of Hinduism's holiest mountains visited by many Hindu pilgrims Kawa Karpo Amnye Machen There are also other well-known mountains. In China, many mountains have temples, even if they are not especially sacred sites: Mount Qingcheng (青城山), Sichuan Province Mount Longhu (龙虎山), Jiangxi Province Mount Lao (崂山), Shandong Province Mount Wuyi (武夷山), Fujian Province, a major tourist/scenic site with many tea plantations Mount Everest, straddling the border between Nepal and Tibet, world's highest mountain Mount Huang (黄山) (Yellow Mountain), in Anhui province, with scenery and temples Mount Wudang (武当山), near Danjiangkou in Hubei, Taoist mecca, birthplace of taichi and Wudang kung fu Changbaishan/Paektusan (Chinese:长白山 Korean:백두산), the most sacred mountain in the world to both ethnic Manchus and Koreans, located on the border with North Korea Revolutionary Pilgrimage Sites Shaoshan (韶山) - First CCP Chairman and Chinese leader Mao Zedong's hometown Mount Jinggang (井冈山) - The first CCP rural base area after the 1927 crackdown by the KMT Ruijin (瑞金) - Seat of the China Soviet Republic from 1929 to 1934 Zunyi (遵义) - Site of the Zunyi Conference where Mao Zedong joined the Politburo Standing Committee Luding (泸定) - Site of a famous forced crossing of a high mountain river Yan'an (延安) - Primary base area for the Communist Party from 1935 to 1945 Wuhan - Site of the 1911 Wuchang Uprising that led to the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China Guangzhou - Site of the Whampoa Military Academy where both KMT and Communist leaders (Chiang Kai Shek, Zhou Enlai, Mao Zedong) trained and led troops and political study groups before the Northern Expedition of 1926-27. Itineraries Some itineraries cover trips that are entirely within China: Two weeks to a month in China A week near Hong Kong Along the Yangtze river Along the Yellow river Along the Grand Canal Yunnan tourist trail Overland to Tibet Long March Others are partly in China: Europe to South Asia over land Silk Road - ancient caravan route from China to Europe Karakoram Highway - Western China to Pakistan through the Himalayas On the trail of Marco Polo Overland Kunming to Hong Kong. Wikitravel

Martial Arts and Taichi Those with the time and inclination may study China's famed martial arts. Some, such as tai chi (太极拳 tàijíquán) can be studied by simply visiting any city park in the early morning and following along (there will be eager, potential teachers, too). Other martial arts require in-depth study. Famous martial arts programs include those at the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song and Wu Wei Temple near Dali. Massage High-quality, reasonably priced massages are easily found. Traditionally, massage is a trade for the blind in Asia. Expert work costs ¥15 to ¥30 an hour. Almost any hairdresser will give a hair wash and head massage for ¥10. This often includes cleaning out ear wax and some massage on neck and arms. With a haircut and/or a shave, ¥15-25. In large cities, expect to pay ¥40 or more for a cut and wash. Foot massage (足疗 zúliáo) is widely available, often indicated by a picture of a bare footprint on the sign. It costs ¥15-60. Whole-body massage is also widespread, costing ¥15 or more per hour. There are two varieties: ànmó (按摩) is general massage; tuīná (推拿) concentrates on the meridians used in acupuncture. The most expert massages are in massage hospitals, or general Chinese medicine hospitals, usually at ¥50 an hour or a bit more. The best value is at tiny out-of-the-way places some of whose staff are blind (盲人按摩 mángrén ànmó). These three types of massage are often mixed; many places offer all three. Language for massage: tòng (痛) and bú tòng (不痛) are "pain" and "no pain" hǎo (好) and bù hǎo (不好) are "good" and "not good"; hěn hǎo (很好) is "very good" or "great" yào (要) is "want", bú yào (不要) "don't want" yǎng (痒) is "that tickles" A masseur or masseuse might ask "does this hurt": tòng bú tòng? or tòng ma?. Answer tòng or bú tòng. Be aware some massage shops or hair salons are fronts for prostitution. Venues advertising massages by the blind and without neon lighting are usually legitimate massage parlours and generally do not offer sex. Traditional arts If planning a long stay in China, consider learning some of the traditional arts. Traveling to China is a unique chance to learn the basics, or refine already acquired skills, directly from master practitioners in the arts' home country. Many cities have academies that accept beginners, and not knowing Chinese is usually not a problem as learning is by example and imitation. Calligraphy (书法 shūfǎ), a term that covers both writing characters and painting scrolls (that is, classical landscapes and the like) remains a national hobby. Many calligraphers practice by writing with water on sidewalks in city parks. Classes are offered for learning to play traditional Chinese instruments (inquire in shops that sell these as many offer classes), to cook Chinese cuisine, or even to sing Beijing Opera (京剧 jīngjù). Fees are usually modest, and the necessary materials will not exactly break the bank. The classes require being in the same place for a long enough time, and showing sufficient respect; it is better not to join these classes as a tourist attraction. Traditional pastimes China has several traditional games often played in tea gardens, public parks, or even on the street. Players often attract crowds of on-lookers. Two famous strategy-based board games that originated in China are Go (围棋 wéiqí) and Chinese chess (象棋 xiàngqí). Mahjong (麻将 májiàng), a game played with tiles, is popular and often (well-nigh always) played for money, although its regional variations require learning new rules when visiting different areas. Among the most well known variants of this game are the Cantonese, Taiwanese and Japanese versions. Chinese checkers (跳棋 tiǎoqí ), despite its name, did not originate in China but can be found. Many Chinese are skilled card (扑克牌 pūkèpái) players; Deng Xiaoping's love for bridge (桥牌 qiáopái) was particularly renowned. Volunteering China offers varied opportunities for volunteering and giving back, such as wildlife conservation with Panda bears, English, sports education and community aid. There are many ways to get in contact with the desired volunteer project, one of which is a comparison platform. On Volunteer World, a social startup from Germany, all volunteering options in China are listed. Wikitravel

China is one of the world's oldest civilizations. Its long and rich history is present in people's thinking and values, and in the art, architecture, and feats of engineering that remain from dynasties past. After a tumultuous 20th century, China has dramatically re-emerged as an economic powerhouse. Its rapid development has been paralleled by an ascent onto the international stage as a global superpower. Of course there are growing pains when high-rises and factories surge up to dwarf centuries-old pagodas, but there's also a strong sense of enthusiasm and optimism about what the future holds. If you visit now, you can see the relics of millennia of history and experience the signs of further transformations in progress. Wikivoyage

China's hierarchy of administrative divisions has 22 provinces (省 shěng) which tend to have their own cultural identities, and 5 autonomous regions (自治区 zìzhìqū), each with a designated minority ethnic group. These along with four municipalities (直辖市 zhíxiáshì) make up what is known as mainland China. Northeast China (Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang) Historically known as Manchuria, the Northeast is a land of steppes, vast forests, and long snowy winters. Culturally influenced by Russia, Korea, and Japan, it contains a mix of modern cities and "rust belt" industrial towns that have become neglected. North China (Shandong, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Henan, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin) The plains of North China around the fertile Yellow River basin were the cradle of Chinese civilization. They have been the political center of Chinese empires for millennia, and are home to the modern capital, Beijing. Northwest China (Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, Qinghai, Xinjiang) A historical borderland, with grasslands giving way to deserts and mountains, and with the ancient Silk Road connecting China to Europe. Northwest China is home to many Muslims and ethnic minorities who at times formed independent kingdoms. Southwest China (Tibet, Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Guizhou) Minority peoples, spectacular scenery, and backpacker havens. South-central China (Anhui, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi) Yangtze River Basin area, farms, mountains, river gorges, temperate and sub-tropical forests. South China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan) Traditional trading center, manufacturing and tech powerhouse. East China (Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Fujian) The "land of fish and rice", traditional water towns, and China's new cosmopolitan economic center. Wikivoyage

Cities in China: Here are nine of China's most interesting cities for travelers. Others are listed in region articles. 1 Beijing (北京) — the capital, cultural center, and home of the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and other important historical sites 2 Chengdu (成都) — capital of Sichuan province, known for tingly-spicy food, and home of the giant pandas 3 Guangzhou (广州) — one of the most prosperous and liberal cities in the south, near Hong Kong, and main center of Cantonese culture 4 Hangzhou (杭州) — built around West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and southern terminus of the Grand Canal 5 Harbin (哈尔滨) — capital of Heilongjiang, which hosts the Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival during its bitterly cold winters 6 Kashgar (Chinese: 喀什, Uyghur: قەشقەر) — center of Uyghur culture, with a beautiful and well-preserved old town, and the famous Id Kah Mosque 7 Nanjing (南京) — the capital during the early Ming Dynasty and Republic of China era, a renowned historical and cultural city with many historic sites 8 Shanghai (上海) — China's largest city, famous for its riverside cityscape, a major commercial center with many shopping opportunities 9 Xi'an (西安) — the oldest city and ancient capital of China, terminus of the ancient Silk Road, and home of the terracotta warriors You can travel to many of these cities using the new fast trains. In particular, the Hangzhou - Shanghai - Suzhou - Nanjing line is a convenient way to see these historic areas. Wikivoyage

Other destinations: Some of the most famous tourist attractions in China are: 1 Great Wall of China (万里长城) — longer than 8,000 km, this ancient wall is the most iconic landmark of China 2 Hainan (海南) — a tropical paradise island undergoing heavy tourism-oriented development 3 Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve (九寨沟) — known for its many multi-level waterfalls, colourful lakes and as the home of the giant pandas 4 Leshan — most famous for its huge riverside cliff-carving of Buddha and nearby Mount Emei 5 Mount Everest — straddling the border between Nepal and Tibet, this is the world's highest mountain 6 Mount Tai (泰山 Tài Shān) — one of the five sacred Taoist mountains in China, and the most-climbed mountain in China 7 Tibet (西藏) — with a majority of Tibetan Buddhists and traditional Tibetan culture, it feels like an entirely different world 8 Yungang Grottoes (云冈石窟) — these mountain-side caves and recesses number more than 50, and are filled with 51,000 Buddhist statues 9 Guilin karst (桂林) — sensational mountain landscapes that have long been the subject of Chinese paintings China has over 40 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Wikivoyage

UNESCO Sites in China: Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Beijing and Shenyang Forbidden City, Beijing and Shenyang Cultural 1987 Extended in 2004 Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor Xi'an Cultural 1987 Mogao Caves Dunhuang Cultural 1987 Mount Taishan Shandong Mixed 1987 Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian Western and Southern Suburbs, Beijing Cultural 1987 The Great Wall Mostly North China Cultural 1987 Mount Huangshan Huangshan Mixed 1990 Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area Huanglongsi National Park Natural 1992 Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve Natural 1992 Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area Wulingyuan Natural 1992 Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains Hubei Cultural 1994 Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa Tibet Cultural 1994 Extended in 2000 and 2001 Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde Hebei Cultural 1994 Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu Shandong Cultural 1994 Lushan National Park Lushan Cultural 1996 Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area Emeishan National Park Mixed 1996 Ancient City of Ping Yao Pingyao Cultural 1997 Classical Gardens of Suzhou Suzhou Cultural 1997 Extended in 2000 Old Town of Lijiang Lijiang Cultural 1997 Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing Haidian District, Beijing Cultural 1998 Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing Chongwen District, Beijing Cultural 1998 Dazu Rock Carvings Dazu Cultural 1999 Mount Wuyi Fujian Mixed 1999 Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun Anhui Cultural 2000 Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties Xianling tomb, Zhongxiang | Eastern Qing tombs, Zunhua | Western Qing tombs, Yixian and Baoding | Ming tombs, Changping | Xiaoling, Chang Yushun, Qiu Cheng, Wu Liang, Wu Zhen, Xu Da and Li Wenzhong tombs, Nanjing Cultural 2000 Extended in 2003 and 2004 Longmen Grottoes Luoyang Cultural 2000 Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System Qingchengshan-Dujiangyan National Park Cultural 2000 Yungang Grottoes Datong Cultural 2001 Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas Three Parallel Rivers National Park Natural 2003 Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom Huanren County, Liaoning Province and Ji'an, Jilin Province Cultural 2004 Shared with North Korea Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains Sichuan Natural 2006 Yin Xu Anyang Cultural 2006 Kaiping Diaolou and Villages Kaiping Cultural 2007 South China Karst Shilin Mixed 2007 Natural heritage since 2007, extension in 2014 Fujian Tulou Fujian Cultural 2008 Mount Sanqingshan National Park Jiangxi Natural 2008 Mount Wutai Wutaishan National Park Cultural 2009 China Danxia Hunan, Guangdong, Fujian, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, and Guizhou provinces Natural 2010 Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in "The Centre of Heaven and Earth" Dengfeng Cultural 2010 West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou Hangzhou Cultural 2011 Chengjiang Fossil Site Chengjiang Natural 2012 Site of Xanadu Inner Mongolia Cultural 2012 Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces Southern Yunnan Cultural 2013 Xinjiang Tianshan Xinjiang Natural 2013 Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor Cultural 2014 Shared with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan The Grand Canal North China, East China Cultural 2014 Tusi Sites Hunan, Hubei, Guizhou Cultural 2015 Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape Central Guangxi Cultural 2016 Hubei Shennongjia Hubei Natural 2016 Kulangsu: a Historic International Settlement Fujian Cultural 2017 Qinghai Hoh Xil Qinghai Natural 2017 Fanjingshan Guizhou Natural 2018 Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City Hangzhou Cultural 2019 Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (Phase I) Yancheng Natural 2019 Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China South Fujian Cultural 2021. Wikivoyage*

China's attractions are endless and you will never run out of things to see. Especially near the coastal areas, when finished with one city, the next one is usually just a short train ride away. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover or someone who just wants to relax on a nice beach, China has it all from the majestic Forbidden City in Beijing, to the breathtaking scenery of Jiuzhaigou. Even if you live in China for many years, you'll find that there's always something new to discover in another part of the country. Perhaps unsurprisingly due to its sheer size and long history, China has the third largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, after Italy and Spain. China is on the border between two bioregions. Eurasian wildlife can be seen in the north and west, and South Asian wildlife can be found in the south and southeast. Karst formations, Guilin Karst scenery The gumdrop mountains and steeply sloping forested hills with incredible rock formations favored by traditional Chinese artists are not creative fantasy. In fact, much of southern and southwestern China is covered in intricate eroded rock formations known as karst. Karst is a type of limestone formation named after an area in Slovenia. As limestone layers erode, the denser rock or pockets of different stone resist erosion forming peaks. Caves hollow out beneath the mountains which can collapse forming sinkholes and channels leading to underground rivers. At its most unusual karst erodes to form mazes of pinnacles, arches and passageways. The most famous example can be found in the Stone Forest (石林 Shílín) near Kunming in Yunnan. Some of the most famous tourist areas in China feature spectacular karst landscapes — Guilin and Yangshuo in Guangxi, Zhangjiajie in Hunan, and much of central and western Guizhou province. Sacred mountains See also: Sacred sites of China Mountains are an important part of Chinese geomancy, and there are many mountains which have religious significance in Chinese Buddhism and Taoism. These mountains often serve as a popular backdrop in Chinese period dramas, and have traditionally been associated with various Chinese martial arts sects. Today, these mountains continue to house many Taoist and Buddhist temples, and continue to serve as scenic backdrops that attract many domestic tourists. Five Great Mountains The Five Great Mountains (五岳) are associated with the five cardinal directions in Chinese geomancy, and are believed to have originated from the body of Pangu (盘古), the creator of the world in Chinese mythology. Mount Heng (恒山), the Northern Mountain (北岳) in Shanxi province. Literally the "eternal mountain". Mount Heng (衡山), the Southern Mountain (南岳) in Hunan province. Literally the "balancing mountain". Mount Tai (泰山), the Eastern Mountain (东岳), in Shandong province. Literally the "peaceful mountain". Mount Hua (华山), the Western Mountain (西岳) in Shaanxi province. Literally the "splendid mountain". Mount Song (嵩山), the Central Mountain (中岳) in Henan province. Also home to the famed Shaolin Monastery (少林寺), historically famous for its warrior monks. Literally the "lofty mountain". Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism Temples at Mt Wutai The Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism (四大佛教名山) are traditionally associated with four different Bodhisattvas, who are revered in Chinese Buddhism. To this day, these mountains continue to be scenic spots with prominent Buddhist temples. Mount Wutai (五台山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Manjusri (文殊菩萨), in Shanxi province. Mount Emei (峨眉山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Samantabhadra (普贤菩萨), in Sichuan province. Mount Putuo (普陀山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (观音菩萨), the most popular Bodhisattva in Chinese Buddhism, in Zhejiang province. It isn't a mountain, but rather an island off the Chinese coast. Mount Jiuhua (九华山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha (地藏菩萨), in Anhui province. Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism Although there are many sacred mountains in Chinese folk religion, the Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism (四大道教名山), together with the Five Great Mountains are considered to be the holiest among them. These continue to be scenic spots that feature prominent Taoist temples. Mount Wudang (武当山), regarded by most Chinese to be the holiest of all sacred mountains for Taoists, in Hubei province. Traditionally regarded to be a major center of Chinese martial arts, and the main rival to the Shaolin Monastery (albeit a friendly one). Mount Longhu (龙虎山) in Jiangxi province. Mount Qiyun (齐云山) in Anhui province. Mount Qingcheng (青城山) in Sichuan province. Flowers Peach blossoms in a Chinese park While Japan's cherry blossoms may be better known, China's plum blossoms (梅花 méi huā) and peach blossoms (桃花 táo huā) are often considered to rival the cherry blossoms in sheer beauty. Plums tend to flower during the coldest part of winter, often during heavy snowfall, making them a symbol of resilience, and is the national flower of the Republic of China that once ruled Mainland China. Peaches, on the other hand, tend to flower in the spring. These trees can be viewed in many parks, particularly in the northern and eastern parts if China, but also at higher elevations in the south. Both flowers are highly revered in traditional Chinese culture, and are frequently featured in traditional Chinese arts and crafts. The peony (牡丹花 mǔ dān huā) is also highly revered, and represents honor and wealth. Unlike the plum and peach blossoms, peonies grow on shrubs rather than trees. They typically flower in late spring to early summer. Performing arts Main article: Chinese performing arts As a large and diverse country, China is home to a wide array of performing arts, both traditional and modern. While some genres are popular nationwide, there are also some which are only popular in specific regions, and the various ethnic minorities also have their own unique traditions. Two genres that are popular nationwide, and are also regularly performed internationally are Beijing opera (京剧 jīngjù) and Yue opera (越剧 yuèjù). Other sites Sites of the Chinese revolution can be seen in our Chinese Revolutionary Destinations article. Significant Buddhist sites in China can be found in our Buddhism article. Itineraries Some itineraries cover trips that are entirely within China: Along the Yangtze river Along the Yellow river Along the Grand Canal Around Erhai Lake by electric scooter Hong Kong to Kunming overland Long March Overland to Tibet Qinghai–Tibet railway Yunnan tourist trail Others are partly in China: Silk Road - ancient caravan route from China to Europe Karakoram Highway - Western China to Pakistan through the Himalayas On the trail of Marco Polo. Wikivoyage

Massage High-quality, reasonably priced massages are available throughout China. Expert work costs ¥20-80 per hour. Almost any hairdresser will give a hair wash and head massage for ¥10. This often includes cleaning out ear wax and some massaging of the neck and arms. With a haircut and/or a shave, prices range from ¥25-100 with prices higher in large cities and in higher-class or tourist-oriented establishments. The availability of foot massage (足疗 zúliáo) is often indicated by a picture of a bare footprint on the sign. Prices are from ¥15 to about ¥60. Full-body massage is offered at prices from ¥15 an hour up and in two varieties: ànmó (按摩) is general massage; tuīná (推拿) concentrates on the meridians used in acupuncture. These three types of massage are often mixed; many places offer all three. Massage is a traditional trade for the blind, and the best value is often at tiny out-of-the-way places with blind staff (盲人按摩 mángrén ànmó). The most expert massages are in massage hospitals, or general Chinese medicine hospitals, usually costing around ¥50 an hour. Some massage places are actually brothels. Prostitution is illegal in China but quite common and often disguised as massage. Most hot-spring or sauna establishments offer all the services a businessman might want for relaxation. Many hotels offer massage in your room, and additional services are almost always available once she is the room. Pink lighting or lots of girls in short skirts in smaller establishments probably indicates considerably more than just massage is on offer (and quite often they cannot do a good massage either). The same rule applies in many hair salons which double as massage parlors/brothels. The non-pink-lit places usually give good massages and generally do not offer sex. If the establishment advertises massage by the blind, it is almost certainly legitimate. For basic phrases to use when getting a massage, see Chinese phrasebook#Getting a massage. Traditional arts When planning an extended stay in China, consider learning some of the traditional arts. Traveling to China is after all a unique chance to learn the basics, or refine already acquired skills, directly from master practitioners in the arts' home country. Many cities have academies that accept beginners, and not knowing Chinese is usually not a problem as you can learn by example and imitation. Calligraphy (书法 shūfǎ), a term that covers both writing characters and painting scrolls (that is, classical landscapes and the like) remains a popular national hobby. Many calligraphers practice by writing with water on sidewalks in city parks. Other traditional arts which offer classes include learning to play traditional Chinese instruments (inquire in shops that sell these as many offer classes), cooking Chinese cuisine, or even singing Beijing Opera (京剧 jīngjù). Fees are usually modest, and the necessary materials will not exactly break the bank. The only requirement is being in the same place for a long enough time, and showing sufficient respect; it is better not to join these classes as a tourist attraction. Martial arts As with traditional cultural arts, those with the time and inclination may be interested in studying China's famed martial arts. Some, such as tai chi (太极拳 tàijíquán), can be studied at a basic level by simply visiting any city park in the early morning and following along. You will likely find many eager teachers. However, learning martial arts to a level that allows you to use them competently in an actual fight requires years of study and training under a master, which often has to start from childhood. In English, Chinese martial arts are often called "kung fu" and we follow that usage below. However in Chinese, the general term for martial arts is wǔshù (武術), while gōngfu (功夫, "kung fu") is the term for the skill or power that practitioners acquire. Chinese martial arts are traditionally classified into northern and southern styles, with northern styles generally known for emphasizing powerful strikes with fully extended limbs, and southern styles generally known for fast strikes close to the body. Northern Chinese martial are further classified into two groups named for two mountain areas with monasteries which are centers of kung fu — Shaolin Temple on Mount Song and the Wudang Mountains. Shaolin are the hard or external styles emphasizing speed and power, while Wudang are the soft or internal styles emphasizing breath control and smooth movement. Of course it is nowhere near that simple; Shaolin experts also move extremely smoothly and a Wudang master has plenty of speed and power. Other well-known centers of kung fu include Southern Shaolin in Quanzhou, Fujian, Wu Wei Temple near Dali and Wing Chun (Bruce Lee's style) in Foshan, Guangdong. Shanghai has a martial arts museum at a Physical Education university. Square dancing Square dancers at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing In public parks, squares or plazas, or indeed anywhere in a city that isn't fenced off and is large enough (like a parking lot), you will increasingly find, in the early morning and late evening, groups of (mostly) older women doing what looks like low-impact aerobics to music with a dance beat coming from a nearby portable speaker. This activity is called guǎngchǎngwǔ (广场舞), roughly translated into English as "square dancing", because of where it takes place (not to be confused with the traditional American folk dance of the same name). It originated in the mid-1990s among women (known as dàmā (大妈), or "dancing grannies" in English) who had just been forced into retirement as a way to stay fit, socialize and recall their own youth during the Cultural Revolution (indeed, many of the songs used are propaganda from that era, or current Chinese pop hits). By 2015 noise and space issues had provoked violent confrontations in some cities and led the government to introduce, then hastily withdraw, standard dance routines. It's interesting to watch at the very least as a modern folk phenomenon, and indeed some groups don costumes and props for their routines. Some tourists, particularly Russians visiting Manchurian cities, have joined in. However, this is often frowned upon, as many square dancers compete competitively and are only practicing publicly due to a lack of practice space otherwise. If you are tempted to do so, only join groups that appear to be casually-oriented (no apparent dance uniform or complicated routines) and go to the rear row where beginners follow the leader and learn the moves. You should avoid, or at least practice extreme caution when joining near several groups in a space barely enough for all of them — turf battles have been known to start and given the novelty of a foreigner participating in square dancing, you may be seen as a final provocation of member poaching. Ballroom dancing is also moderately common; western-style square dancing or line dancing are less common but not unknown. Traditional pastimes China has several traditional games often played in tea gardens, public parks, or even on the street. Players often attract crowds of on-lookers. Chinese chess (象棋 xiàngqí) is the world's most-played chess variant. It is similar to but distinct from Korean chess (Korean: 장기 janggi), but quite different from Japanese chess (Japanese: 将棋 shōgi) and international chess, though they all have enough in common that a good player of one will find another easier to learn. It is a very popular pastime in China, and you can often see elderly Chinese having games with each other in the parks. There are also numerous national tournaments, from school tournaments all the way up to professional ones, and the top players often become major celebrities, with large prizes and numerous TV shows about the game. Go (围棋 wéiqí, lit. "the surrounding game") is a strategy board game. Players place their stones to surround the most territory on the board. While the rules are simple, the strategy and tactics are very complex. There are professional Go players, some of whom are major celebrities, tournaments with large prizes, and some TV shows about the game. Mahjong (麻将 májiàng) is popular and almost always played for money. Mahjong uses tiles with a variety of Chinese symbols and characters. Players draw and discard tiles trying to complete a hand with particular sets of tiles. The nearest Western equivalent (not very near!) would be card games like rummy or canasta. While game play is broadly similar, the rules of mahjong in China differ significantly between regions, and from the Taiwanese and Japanese versions, meaning that you will have to learn new rules everywhere you go. The Chinese government has an officially-sanctioned standardized form of mahjong that is used in national competitions in an attempt to be fair to people who grew up playing with different rules, which is also used in international competitions like the World Series Mahjong. However, this standardized form is very rarely played outside of officially-sanctioned competitions. Many Chinese are skilled at cards (扑克牌 pūkèpái); Deng Xiaoping was renowned for his love for bridge (桥牌 qiáopái). Wikivoyage

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• International luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Moscow, Russia Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand Rosewood London, England International luxury hotels offer high-quality amenities, full-service accommodations, on-site full-service restaurants, and the highest level of personalized and professional service in major or capital cities. International luxury hotels are classified with at least a Five Diamond rating or Five Star hotel rating depending on the country and local classification standards. Example brands include: Grand Hyatt, Conrad, InterContinental, Sofitel, Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, The Peninsula, Rosewood, JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton.
• Lifestyle luxury hotels & resorts: Shangri-La's Fijian Resort in Yanuca Island, Fiji Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates Raffles Praslin, Seychelles Lifestyle luxury resorts are branded hotels that appeal to a guest with lifestyle or personal image in specific locations. They are typically full-service and classified as luxury. A key characteristic of lifestyle resorts is focus on providing a unique guest experience as opposed to simply providing lodging. Lifestyle luxury resorts are classified with a Five Star hotel rating depending on the country and local classification standards. Example brands include: Waldorf Astoria, St. Regis, Shangri-La, Oberoi, Belmond, Jumeirah, Aman, Taj Hotels, Hoshino, Raffles, Fairmont, Banyan Tree, Regent and Park Hyatt.
• Upscale full-service hotels: Upscale full-service hotels often provide a wide array of guest services and on-site facilities. Commonly found amenities may include: on-site food and beverage (room service and restaurants), meeting and conference services and facilities, fitness center, and business center. Upscale full-service hotels range in quality from upscale to luxury. This classification is based upon the quality of facilities and amenities offered by the hotel. Examples include: W Hotels, Sheraton, Langham, Kempinski, Kimpton Hotels, Hilton, Lotte, Renaissance, Marriott and Hyatt Regency brands. Wikipedia
• Boutique hotels: Boutique hotels are smaller independent non-branded hotels that often contain mid-scale to upscale facilities of varying size in unique or intimate settings with full-service accommodations. These hotels are generally 100 rooms or fewer. Wikipedia
• Focused or select service hotels: Small to medium-sized hotel establishments that offer a limited number of on-site amenities that only cater and market to a specific demographic of travelers, such as the single business traveler. Most focused or select service hotels may still offer full-service accommodations but may lack leisure amenities such as an on-site restaurant or a swimming pool. Examples include Hyatt Place, Holiday Inn, Courtyard by Marriott and Hilton Garden Inn.
• Economy and limited service hotels: Small to medium-sized hotel establishments that offer a very limited number of on-site amenities and often only offer basic accommodations with little to no services, these facilities normally only cater and market to a specific demographic of travelers, such as the budget-minded traveler seeking a "no frills" accommodation. Limited service hotels often lack an on-site restaurant but in return may offer a limited complimentary food and beverage amenity such as on-site continental breakfast service. Examples include Ibis Budget, Hampton Inn, Aloft, Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn, and Four Points by Sheraton.
• Extended stay hotels: Extended stay hotels are small to medium-sized hotels that offer longer-term full-service accommodations compared to a traditional hotel. Extended stay hotels may offer non-traditional pricing methods such as a weekly rate that caters towards travelers in need of short-term accommodations for an extended period of time. Similar to limited and select service hotels, on-site amenities are normally limited and most extended stay hotels lack an on-site restaurant. Examples include Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Residence Inn by Marriott, Element, and Extended Stay America.
• Timeshare and destination clubs: Timeshare and destination clubs are a form of property ownership also referred to as a vacation ownership involving the purchase and ownership of an individual unit of accommodation for seasonal usage during a specified period of time. Timeshare resorts often offer amenities similar that of a full-service hotel with on-site restaurants, swimming pools, recreation grounds, and other leisure-oriented amenities. Destination clubs on the other hand may offer more exclusive private accommodations such as private houses in a neighborhood-style setting. Examples of timeshare brands include Hilton Grand Vacations, Marriott Vacation Club International, Westgate Resorts, Disney Vacation Club, and Holiday Inn Club Vacations.
• Motel: A motel, an abbreviation for "motor hotel", is a small-sized low-rise lodging establishment similar to a limited service, lower-cost hotel, but typically with direct access to individual rooms from the car park. Motels were built to serve road travellers, including travellers on road trip vacations and workers who drive for their job (travelling salespeople, truck drivers, etc.). Common during the 1950s and 1960s, motels were often located adjacent to a major highway, where they were built on inexpensive land at the edge of towns or along stretches of freeway. New motel construction is rare in the 2000s as hotel chains have been building economy-priced, limited-service franchised properties at freeway exits which compete for largely the same clientele, largely saturating the market by the 1990s. Motels are still useful in less populated areas for driving travelers, but the more populated an area becomes, the more hotels move in to meet the demand for accommodation. While many motels are unbranded and independent, many of the other motels which remain in operation joined national franchise chains, often rebranding themselves as hotels, inns or lodges. Some examples of chains with motels include EconoLodge, Motel 6, Super 8, and Travelodge. Motels in some parts of the world are more often regarded as places for romantic assignations where rooms are often rented by the hour. This is fairly common in parts of Latin America.
• Microstay: Hotels may offer rooms for microstays, a type of booking for less than 24 hours where the customer chooses the check in time and the length of the stay. This allows the hotel increased revenue by reselling the same room several times a day. Wikipedia

• Single hotel rooms are for single travellers. In many hotels, a single room is actually the same as a double room.
• Double hotel rooms are for two travellers sleeping in the same bed. Might be used by one guest and is referred as Double Sole/Single use.
• Twin hotel rooms have two separate single beds.
• Triple hotel rooms have either three separate beds, or a double bed plus a single bed.
• Quads hotel rooms are designed for 4 people or more.
• Hotel Suites are complete apartments with multiple rooms, generally intended for longer stays. Wikitravel

• Bed and breakfast (B&B) hotels: The morning meal is included. This may range considerably from a simple roll and coffee to an elaborate spread.
• Half board (aka half pension, demi-pension, modified American plan) hotels: A hotel rate that includes breakfast and one additional meal, typically dinner. Also called Modified American Plan and demi-pension.
• Full board (aka full pension, full American plan) hotels: A hotel rate in which three meals a day are included in the price.
• All inclusive hotels and All-inclusive resorts: All meals and drinks are included. The list of "free" drinks is usually limited though: house wine is probably OK, champagne probably isn't. Wikitravel

• Six and seven-star hotels: The notion that a hotel can be six or seven stars is a joke among travel professionals since most respectable hotel rating systems do not give out a rating higher than five stars. The consensus is since so few hotels really can achieve the five star rating then there shouldn't be a rating higher than five stars. An example of a claimed "seven star" hotel is Dubai's Burj al-Arab. It's certainly one of the most luxurious hotels in the world (as awarded earlier by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine). In reality, it is a 5 star deluxe property (the alleged seven star status is not often corrected in the media, though).
• Five-star hotels: The five-star hotels is the quintessential luxury hotel, offering thrills above and beyond the actual needs of the travel. They have restaurants and night spots that are world class, with food and entertainment that draw non-guests to sample it too. Five-star hotels also tend to have opulent and expensive decorations; fancy gyms, swimming pools and spas. Major five-star chains compete to offer the most ludicrous thrills imaginable: Loews offers dog-walking services, while Conrad will let you order from a menu of pillows. Needless to say, all this comes at a steep price, and you're unlikely to be able to justify the expense of a five-star for ordinary business travel. The other downside to five-stardom is that hotels that can jump through all the hoops to achieve the rating are likely to be large and impersonal. Major chains: Orient-Express Hotels, Conrad (Hilton), InterContinental (IHG), Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts, St. Regis, Le Meridien, W, JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton (Marriott), Fairmont, Raffles and Swissotel (FRHI), Shangri-La, Kempinski, Mandarin Oriental, Sofitel (Accor), Four Seasons, Regent, Langham International, Mövenpick Hotel and Resorts
• Four-star hotels: The four-star hotel is a good business hotel. Everything works smoothly, there's Internet in every room, a well-equipped business center, they'll arrange your airport transfer and room service is palatable and only somewhat expensive. And your boss will probably not faint when they see the bill. Major chains: Hilton, Marriott, Novotel (Accor), Crowne Plaza (IHG), Kimpton Hotels and Radisson BLU Hotels (Carlson Rezidor). Wikitravel
• Three-star hotels: Three-star hotels are solid but dull. Your room will have an attached bathroom and there's probably a restaurant downstairs and 24-hour reception service. Major chains: Mercure (Accor), Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inn (IHG), Best Western Wikitravel
• Two-star hotels: In this class, hotels will typically be small to medium size and offer more extensive facilities that one star hotels. Two star means no-frills hotel. In many countries, two stars means that your room may have its own bathroom and there's almost certainly a TV and perhaps a telephone in your room, but rooms are bare-bones and you're unlikely to want to spend any more time than strictly necessary inside. Major chains: Ibis (Accor), Comfort Inn, Motel 6, Super 8 and Etap
• One-star hotels: You don't see many of these, and with reason. One-stars are not just no-frills, but often downright dodgy: rooms are barely functional, shared bathrooms are somewhere down a corridor and the painted ladies from the all-hours karaoke bar next door dance the horizontal tango all night long in the room next to yours.
• Unrated hotels: Unrated hotels are a mixed bag. Most, it is safe to say, are hotels that are either too dodgy to achieve even the meager requirements of a one-star — or, alternatively, too small and personal to be able to offer (say) 24-hour room service, although the service and amenities offered are otherwise of five-star caliber. There are also selective hotel groups for smaller properties that generally select for high quality, boutique hotels. Wikitravel

• Destination resort: A destination resort is a resort that itself contains the necessary guest attraction capabilities so it does not need to be near a destination (town, historic site, theme park, or other) to attract its patrons. A commercial establishment at a resort destination such as a recreational area, a scenic or historic site, amusement park, a gaming facility, or other tourist attraction may compete with other businesses at a destination. Consequently, another quality of a destination resort is that it offers food, drink, lodging, sports, entertainment, and shopping within the facility so that guests have no need to leave the facility throughout their stay. Commonly, the facilities are of higher quality than would be expected if one were to stay at a hotel or eat in a town's restaurants. Some examples are Atlantis in the Bahamas; the Walt Disney World Resort, near Orlando, Florida, United States; PortAventura World, near Barcelona on the Costa Daurada in Spain; Costa do Sauípe, Northeastern Brazil; Laguna Phuket, Thailand and Sun City, near Johannesburg, South Africa. Closely related to resorts are convention and large meeting sites. Generally, they occur in cities, where special meeting halls, together with ample accommodations and varied dining and entertainment, are provided.
• Seaside Resort: A seaside resort is a town, village, or hotel that serves as a vacation resort and is located on a coast. Sometimes the concept includes an aspect of official accreditation based on the satisfaction of certain requirements, such as in the German Seebad.[a] Where a beach is the primary focus for tourists, it may be called a beach resort. Wikipedia
• All-inclusive resort: Entrance of an all-inclusive resort in Egypt An all-inclusive resort charges a fixed price that includes most or all items. At a minimum, most inclusive resorts include lodging, unlimited food, drink, sports activities, and entertainment for the fixed price. In recent years, the number of resorts in the United States offering "all-inclusive" amenities has decreased dramatically. In 1961, over half offered such plans, but in 2007, less than a tenth do so. All-inclusive resorts are found in the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica, Dominican Republic; in Egypt, and elsewhere. Notable examples are Club Med, Sandals Resorts, and Beaches Resorts. An all-inclusive resort includes three meals daily, soft drinks, most alcoholic drinks, gratuities, and usually other services in the price. Many also offer sports and other activities included in the price as well. They are often located in warmer regions. The all-inclusive model originated in the Club Med resorts, which were founded by the Belgian Gérard Blitz.
• Recreation Resort: A spa resort is a short-term residential/lodging facility with the primary purpose of providing individual services for spa goers to develop healthy habits. Historically, many such spas were developed at the location of natural hot springs or sources of mineral waters. Typically over a seven-day stay, such facilities provide a comprehensive program that includes spa services, physical fitness activities, healthy diet programs, and special interest programming. Golf resorts are resorts that cater specifically to the sport of golf, and they include access to one or more golf courses and/or clubhouses. Golf resorts typically provide golf packages that provide visitors with all greens and cart fees, range balls, accommodations, and meals. A view of a typical ski resort and ski lifts In North America, a ski resort is generally a destination resort in a ski area. The term is less likely to refer to a town or village. A megaresort is a type of destination resort of an exceptionally-large size, such as those along the Las Vegas Strip. In Singapore, integrated resort is a euphemism for a casino-based destination resort. A holiday village is a type of self-contained resort in Europe whose accommodation is generally in villas. A holiday camp, in the United Kingdom, refers to a resort whose accommodation is in chalets or static caravans.
• Timeshare Resort: There are more than 1500 timeshare resorts in the United States that are operated by major hospitality, timeshare-specific, or independent companies. They represent 198,000 residences and nearly 9 million owners, who pay an average $880 per year in maintenance fees. A reported 16% of the residences became vacation rentals. Wikipedia

• Advertising photography: Advertising photography photographs made to illustrate and usually sell a service or product. These images, such as packshots, are generally done with an advertising agency, design firm or with an in-house corporate design team.
• Architectural photography: Architectural photography focuses on capturing photographs of buildings and architectural structures that are aesthetically pleasing and accurate in terms of representations of their subjects.
• Event photography: Event photography focuses on photographing guests and occurrences at mostly social events.
• Fashion and glamour photography: Fashion and glamour photography usually incorporates models and is a form of advertising photography. Fashion photography, like the work featured in Harper's Bazaar, emphasizes clothes and other products; glamour emphasizes the model and body form. Glamour photography is popular in advertising and men's magazines. Models in glamour photography sometimes work nude.
• 360 product photography: 360 product photography displays a series of photos to give the impression of a rotating object. This technique is commonly used by ecommerce websites to help shoppers visualise products.
• Concert photography: Concert photography focuses on capturing candid images of both the artist or band as well as the atmosphere (including the crowd). Many of these photographers work freelance and are contracted through an artist or their management to cover a specific show. Concert photographs are often used to promote the artist or band in addition to the venue.
• Crime scene photography: Crime scene photography consists of photographing scenes of crime such as robberies and murders. A black and white camera or an infrared camera may be used to capture specific details.
• Still life photography: Still life photography usually depicts inanimate subject matter, typically commonplace objects which may be either natural or man-made. Still life is a broader category for food and some natural photography and can be used for advertising purposes.
• Real Estate photography: Real Estate photography focuses on the production of photographs showcasing a property that is for sale, such photographs requires the use of wide-lens and extensive knowledge in High-dynamic-range imaging photography.
• Food photography: Food photography can be used for editorial, packaging or advertising use. Food photography is similar to still life photography but requires some special skills.
• Photojournalism: Photojournalism can be considered a subset of editorial photography. Photographs made in this context are accepted as a documentation of a news story.
• Paparazzi: Paparazzi is a form of photojournalism in which the photographer captures candid images of athletes, celebrities, politicians, and other prominent people.
• Portrait photography and wedding photography: Portrait and wedding photography photographs made and sold directly to the end user of the images.
• Landscape photography: Landscape photography depicts locations. Wildlife photography demonstrates the life of wild animals. Wikipedia

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