Big walls, weird foods, long marches, hoi sin sauce and huge volumes of tea might currently be all you think of when someone mentions China, but if you can get past the language barrier, this is one of the most rewarding destinations on the planet.

There's a little something for everyone. Animal lovers will want to visit the giant pandas of Chengdu. Shoppers will love Beijing's markets, where you can buy anything (almost, but not quite, literally). Then there's the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, the Forbidden City, the list goes on...

It's not an easy place to visit, with plenty of red tape and a notoriously two-tiered pricing structure, but make the effort and you'll be rewarded in spades.

China   China for beginners   Country editor   Travel tips and tales   Free tourist information   Photos   Relevant books How to do it   Recommended routes   Hostels and accommodation   Getting around   Getting there What can I do?   Ideas & things to do   What's on, where & when Essentials   Climate advice   Visa requirements   Top tips   Etiquette and stuff   Facts of use / interest   Help and assistance   Ideas of cost   Staying healthy Volunteer & Eco Travel   Search list... First 48 hours   First 48 hours

Idea of the month Join an overland journey through Tibet, Xian and Beijing >> Gapyear.com recommended hostels Check out and book our top-rated hostels throughout China >> Paid TEFL jobs Graduates wanted: well-paid jobs teaching English to children or adults in China. >> Teaching English in China Paula Weale shares her experiences of teaching English in China... >> Diary update How much of a culture shock is China? Find out from the backpackers who have been... >>