Henan & Central China

Standing silent guard over their emperor for more than 2000 years, the are one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries ever made. Its not just that there are thousands of the life-sized figures lined up in battle formation; its the fact that no two of them are alike each one is animated with a distinct expression. This is an army and one made up entirely of individuals. Gazing at these skilfully sculpted faces brings the past alive with a unique intensity.

Time-warped is a true gem: an intact, walled Chinese town with an unbroken sense of continuity to its Qing-dynasty heyday. Pingyao ticks most of your China boxes with a flourish: imposing city walls, atmospheric alleys, ancient shopfronts, traditional courtyard houses, some excellent hotels, hospitable locals and all in a compact area. You can travel the length and breadth of China and not find another town like it. Step back in time and spend a few days here, it's unique.

Buddhist art taken to sublime heights, these 5th-century house some of the most remarkable statues in all of China. Carved out of the harsh yellow earth of Shanxi and surrounded by superb frescoes, the statues inside the caves represent the highpoint of the Tuoba peoples culture and draw on influences from as far away as Greece and Persia. Marvel at how the pigment clinging to some of them has miraculously survived 1500-odd years, and admire how sacred the statuary remains to followers of Buddhism.

An ethereal form of moving meditation to some, an awesome arsenal of martial-arts techniques to others, taichi is quintessentially Chinese. Daily practice could add a decade or more to your lifespan or give you some handy moves for getting on those crowded buses. And its not all slow-going: Chen style has snappy elements of Shaolin boxing and itll give you a leg-busting workout. Join classes in the hills of , the birthplace of taichi, and put some magic and mystery into your China adventure.

yuan ()

Language

Mandarin, Cantonese

Visas

Needed for all visits to China except Hong Kong, Macau and 72-hour or under trips to Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Guilin, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian and Shenyang.

Money

ATMs in big cities and towns. Credit cards less widely used; always carry cash.

Mobile Phones

Inexpensive pay-as-you-go SIM cards can be bought locally for most mobile phones. Buying a local mobile phone is also cheap.

Time

GMT/UTC +8

When to Go

High Season (MayAug)

Prepare for summer downpours and crowds at traveller hot spots.

Accommodation prices peak during the first week of the May holiday period.

Shoulder (FebApr, Sep & Oct)

Expect warmer days in spring, cooler days in autumn.

In the north this is the optimal season, with fresh weather and clear skies.

Accommodation prices peak during holidays in early October.

Low Season (NovFeb)

Domestic tourism is at a low ebb, but things are busy and expensive for Chinese New Year.

Weather is bitterly cold in the north and at altitude, and only warm in the far south.

Useful Websites

Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com/china) Destination information, hotel bookings, traveller forum and more.