The Capital of Tibet used to be a great place to experience the Himalayas and observe the local, religious Tibetan population. Things have changed. Lhasa has become more modern and certainly more Chinese, not in the least because of the railway system that takes you there from mainland China straight here.
Foreigners need a tibet travel permit and join an organised tour to discover Tibet.
Shigatse is the 2nd largest city in Tibet. The Panchen Lama has his home here in the Tashilhunpo Monastery.
Capital of China and one of the largest, busiest and most incredible cities in the world and home of the Chinese Government. Visit the Tiananmen Square with Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and - of course - the Great Wall of China nearby. If you have the time, try the Opera or Peking Duck!
Chengdu is capital of Sichuan province where very spicy food is common. Tourists stay in Chengdu, a so-called garden city, mainly to see the world-famous Giant Panda center and as an easy starting point to Leshan (Giant Buddha) and Mount Emei.
The Great Wall of China needs no introduction. It served to protect mainland China from Mongolian invaders and took decades to build. Now it is the only structure that can be seen from the moon.
Xian is the 1st capital of China mostly known for the archeological finds of the Terracotta Army, a real size stone army where real people and horses are said to have posed to be carved in stone. The stone wall around the city centre also makes Xian quite unique.
Datong is a major city with on an important travel route with temples, murals and caves.
Leshan is home to the Giant Buddha. This 71-metre tall stone statue, built between 713 and 803, is a thru miracle and the largest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world.