Simon Foster - CHINA's Three Gorges & Xi'an

Try to use local, ecologically aware companies or individuals who care about the place in which they live. All too often the proceeds from tourism find their way to big travel agents who have little (if any) concern for eco-travel, so using locals will help to conserve the status quo, as well as supporting the regional economy.

Get involved in local projects, either with direct input during your trip or financially on your return (see Animal Protection Organizations , Charitable Organizations , Conservation Organizations , and the Putting Something Back sections in the destination chapters).

Help to preserve local crafts by buying direct from the craftsmen.

Never purchase any products made from endangered species, no matter what the vendor may tell you.

Never leave litter – aim to leave a place cleaner than you found it.

Recycle wherever possible.

Try to get around under your own steam – only use fuel-guzzling transport when necessary. Offset your carbon miles at www.climatecare.com.

Keep to marked trails when cycling or hiking.

Conserve water – don't leave the tap running and only get hotel linen washed when really needed.

Don't use soap or detergents in natural bodies of water.

The Top 25

Below is a list of my 25 favorite placesand pastimesin the areas covered by this book. While by no means definitive, if you manage to see and do all that follows, you'll get a real flavor for what this giant land has to offer – contrast and diversity.

Beijing– Imagine China of old at the imperial trio of sights: the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. Eat Beijing duck in Beijing. Walk the Great Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai.

Chengde– Take a hike and a boat ride through the parkland of the imperial Mountain Resort.

Xi'an– Stare in awe at Qin Shi Huang's Terracotta Warriors. Cycle along the top of Xian's imposing ancient city walls.

The Three Gorges– Relish a boat trip up the spectacular Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong Stream

Shanghai– Witness the mindboggling contortions and agility of the Shanghai acrobats. Enjoy an evening stroll along the colonial Bund, with the bright lights of China's future shining from across the river in Pudong.

Suzhou– Visit one of the city's exquisitely styled traditional gardens.

Hangzhou– Take a bike trip out to the famous tea-growing village of Longjing. Enjoy a boat ride across the enduringly beautiful West Lake.

Huangshan– Ascend the majestic and mystical Yellow Mountains for scenery fresh from a scroll painting.

Guilin & Around– Enjoy a cruise along the Li River, which winds its way through the fairytale wonderland of Guangxi's mystical tower karst mountain scenery. Take an exhilarating bike ride between the forest of pinnacles to one of the region's bustling, colorful and sometimes disarming produce markets. Hike up to the breathtaking Dragon's Backbone rice terraces above Ping'an village.

Guangzhou– Tuck into the finest Cantonese dim sum in the world, in Canton. Enjoy the quiet life on the sleepy former colonial enclave of Shamian Island.

Hong Kong– Shop 'til you drop. Take the Star ferry across the harbor seemingly adrift amidst a sea of skyscrapers. Enjoy a day-trip to the beaches, hiking trails and fish restaurants of Lamma Island, only 30 minutes by boat from the bustling metropolis.

Macau– Forget you're in China for a while with an amble around the peninsula's stunning colonial Portuguese architecture. Pay your respects to the Goddess of the Sea at the A-Ma Temple.

Anywhere– Practice tai chi at sunrise in the park with hundreds of others. Soak up a traditional Chinese massage to soothe those aching traveler's limbs.

Suggested Itineraries

The following itineraries can all be completed in seven to 10 days; if you have more time you can combine any of them to make a longer trip.

The Imperial North

Arrive in Beijingand spend a few days soaking up the Imperial sights– the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palacesand the Great Wall. Spend your evenings enjoying Beijing duck, operaand maybe a trip to the acrobats. If you have time, take a train up to Chengdeand spend a couple of days enjoying the imperial retreat before returning to the capital and flying on to Xi'an. Allow a full day at the Terracotta Warriorsand another day to explore the fascinating walled city. Make sure you enjoy a Dumpling Banquet, as well as dinner in the Muslim markets. Reflect on your trip in the overnight train back to Beijing.

Cruise the Three Gorges

Fly into one of the international hub airports (Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong or Shanghai) and then on to Chongqing. Spend a day in this mountainous city before boarding your boatfor the spectacular three-day tripto Yichang(or Wuhan). Stop off at the Ghost City of Fengduand take a stunning side-trip up the Lesser Three Gorgesor Shennong Streamalong the way. Disembark and fly on to your choice of the international hubs, where you can spend time enjoying the city and surrounding attractions before flying home. Remember that, if you choose the same hub to fly into and out of, this should reduce your ticket price.

Shanghai, Silk & Tea

Fly to Shanghaiand spend a few days in the vibrant heart of modern China. Promenade the Bund, shop on Nanjing Lu, visit Shanghai Museum, take a boat tripalong the Huangpu and enjoy a drink at the top of the Jinmao Tower overlooking it all. In the evenings, see the famed acrobats, try some Shangainese cuisineand experience some of the best nightlifein China. Take a bus or a train to Suzhoufor a day or two of silk shopping, strolling the narrow streets and canalsand admiring the splendor of the city's famous traditional gardens, maybe taking a day-trip to one of the smaller water towns nearby. From Suzhou take an overnight boat journey along the Grand Canal (or a train) to Hangzhoufor a couple of relaxing days exploring West Lakeand the tea-growing hillsthat surround the city. Take the bus to Huangshanand ascend its stunning peaks, capped by lone pines and temples. If you have any extra time, you could visit the beautiful villages around Shexianand Yixianbefore returning to Shanghai for your flight home.

Shanghai skyline

Big City Lights & Rural Delights

Fly into Hong Kongand spend a few days discovering its diverse attractions – from shopping in bustling Kowloonto hikingalong one of the islands'well-marked lush trails. Eat dim sum downtown and head up Victoria Peakfor an after-dinner drink to remember. Take a boat or a train to Guangzhouand sample yet more Cantonese delights, along with some fine colonial architecture, maybe stopping off in modern Shenzhenfor a peek at the new China. From Guangzhou, take a bus, train or flight to Guilinand spend a day visiting its mountainous and man-made attractions. The following morning take a boatalong the Li Riverto Yangshuo, where you can spend the next few days hikingand cyclingthrough the famed idyllic limestone scenery. Head back to Guilinfor the return flight to Hong Kong. Take the ferry over to Macauand enjoy a day or two soaking up the splendid architecture, fine cuisine, small fishing villages, temples and beaches.