China is a big country; the third largest in the world, after Russia and Canada. There is lots to see and do in China, so one should do some research before a trip and choose an intinerary that best meets your interest. My first trip to China included visits to the capital cities of each of the country's provinces. For me, that was a good choice and I thoroughly enjoyed the itinerary. My upcoming visit to China will begin with a similar itinerary, revisitng some of the same cities I enjoyed during my first visit. After China, I will be traveling to Tibet.
Common entry points for the country are Beijing, in the northeast, or Shanghai on the east coast. Some airlines fly directly from the U.S. while other routes might include a stop at Hong Kong and then connecting to a flight which will take you into China.
The Great Wall of China can be viewed just a short distance northwest of Beijing. The capital city will be a busy place in 2008, hosting the summer Olympic games. In somewhat the center of the country is Xian which is famous for the 6000 terra cotta soldiers uncovered in the mid-1970s. Chongqing (Chungking) is just south of the country's center, and Wuhan is between it and Shanghai. Kunming is in the southwest of China. Not shown but in the far west is Dali ("doll lee"), a delightful small city with lots of interesting things to see and do.
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