Silk and jade, dim sum and fried rice, tai chi and acupuncture. All these things and more have filtered through into Western culture becoming, to some, an intrinsic part of life. But there is more to the vast land we call China. A whole lot more. From the Army of Terracotta Warriors to the Great Wall that snakes its way across the country, youll find a land of truly ancient history and complex contrasts. Huge soaring peaks that havent changed much over the centuries, to cities that have been modernised so quickly its hard to imagine they were sleepy fishing villages less than a decade before. Yet, despite this rapid adoption of industry and commerce, China has still managed to maintain its fascination and beauty. Just look at Beijing. The thriving centre of China is moving into the millennium, but still manages to captivate with its delightful mix of ancient and modern architecture and traditional ways. Beijing is where youll find the countrys largest and best-preserved cluster of ancient buildings the Forbidden City. Two dynasties of Emperors rarely left its sumptuous surrounds, except to escape the oppressive heat at the airy Summer Palace. Take a stroll around its immense array of temples, pavilions and sparkling lakes set into jewel-like gardens and youll understand why they loved it here. If you ever get tired of watching the stately grace of tai chi, you can go and fly a kite in Tiananmen Square, browse for curios in Liulichang Street, or bicycle through winding, narrow hutongs past rows of Qing dynasty courtyards. A definite must-see is a visit to the Temple of Heaven Park and Lama Temple. Beijing is the perfect stepping-off point for a trip to the Great Wall and the Yungang Caves, which hold over 50,000 Buddhist statues and other incredible ancient artwork. Tai Shan, the most revered Taoist peak, is easier to get to from the lovely seaside city of Yantai in the Shandong Province. Considered one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilisation, the platform where the Ming Dynasty fought pirates still stands today. Monsoon winds keep it warm and humid in the summer and between the long coastline and multiple islands, the seafood connoisseur will be in heaven. So will the wine buff, as Yantai is Chinas prime wine area, with Zhangyu Red holding pride of place. One of the most inhabitable places in the world, the beaches, islands, rivers and undulating hills form a picture postcard backdrop. Along with a host of photographs, make sure you leave with some Zibo porcelain, shells carved in Qingdao, and a kite from Weifang. Another beautiful area is Qiandao Lake near Hangzhou. Warm and subtropical, this year-round destination is part of one of the largest National Parks in the world. It has clear waters, lush vegetation and soaring mountains which continue to captivate holiday-makers. You will be delighted and refreshed by Plum Peak Islet, Five Dragons and Longshan Island, Thousand Island Lake, Mt Wuyishan and Tai Lake. And lets not forget Mt Huangshan, Heaven Pool and West Lake. They are all magnificent in their own right, with spectacular scenery and an intoxicating atmosphere. For those who like a little retail therapy, go to Qing He Fang Street in Hangzhou for silks, Longjing tea, fans, parasols and brocades.