Step back in time to ancient China with a walk along the famed Great Wall, one of the most remarkable structures on Earth. This UNESCO-listed attraction is an incredible feat of engineering.

The hutongs are a labyrinth of narrow lanes in the old quarter of Beijing that date back over 300 years. They are draped in history and the unique architecture offers an insight into past times in the capital, before glass and steel replaced brick and mortar.

While many residents have called this area home for generations, it is also sprinkled with signs of contemporary life, with trendy bars, cafes, restaurants and boutiques lining the pedestrianised streets.

For nearly a half-century Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908) used her cunningness and connections to rule China from behind the throne.

Chinese people love tea – it is more than just a drink; it is a way of life and an intrinsic part of ancient Chinese culture. China has many styles of tea ceremonies and various ways of brewing tea.

Back in the 1930s, at the beginning of World War Two, thousands of German Jews escaped Nazi persecution by fleeing to Shanghai, making the city the Oriental ‘Noah's Ark’. At a time when few countries were welcoming, Shanghai opened its door to these displaced people.

The hutong alleys are the best place to see and feel Beijing’s authentic culture and these narrow lanes also hide many culinary treasures.

Chengdu is the capital of southwestern Sichuan province and is best known for its most famed residents – the Giant Pandas. It is a very happy place and has been voted as China’s happiest city for many years.

Beijing’s markets stock everything from fruit and vegetables to fresh meat and seafood, all on open-air display. You will also find a myriad of herbs and spices that give Chinese cuisine its distinctive flavours.

Chongqing is enormous! Often called ‘Little Hong Kong’, this massive metropolis combines an enthralling urban cityscape with traditional cultural elements. This large municipality is located at the convergence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers.