China
Despite it's communist occupation for over fifty years China is a very fascinating travel destination. Lifestyles in the interior have changed little over the past few centuries. Farmers still plow rice and cornfields with oxen; grain is dried on the flat roofs or roadways before being hand threshed. Traditional blackened teeth, a sign of beauty, are still present in China's older generation as is the adoration of China's youngest generation.
The Great Wall is one of our planets most amazing sites. Three thousand years old, built by hand, the Great Wall spans more than 4,000 miles, longer than the United States is wide. The Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian are another national treasure as are the thousands of historic and 'natural beauty' sites throughout China. Shanghai is a modern, sophisticated city whose international foods, shopping and sites would rival any in New York or London. But it is the people of China who make the travel experience so meaningful. All a visitor needs to feel their warm and friendly nature is a smile.
With a little adventurous spirit the visitors will find the food of China fresh and tasty with a host of regional flavors. Salty flavors from Southern China, sweet, mild sauces from Shanghai, hot and sour flavors from the north and western parts of China. Unfortunately, many packaged tourist trips take tourists to rather bland, overcooked restaurants, so it's no wonder the food reviews aren't very good.
China is country rich in art, handicrafts and manufacturing. Silk Road Gathering travels to China on regular basis to find the most interesting, rare and unique collectibles.
