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China is a world power, its population approaching a billion and a half people, likely to become stronger as its economic system integrates with that of the West, and as its people's cultural strengths and remarkable history become even better known than they are. It is one of the cradles of civilization, at least 5000 years old, its Great Wall almost the only human structure visible from outer space-which means that even aliens want to go there! Parts of the country are ultra-contemporary-skyscrapers and internet cafes, while other parts are suspended at various points in time, with oxen pulling the plough of very early times, Tiananmen Square evokes modern change, X'ian's Terracotta Army stands at the ready in another century, and time disappears altogether on the Roof of the World at Lhasa in Tibet. Sometimes a name change transforms a place from past to present; Dalian is the ancient city of Canton (the English again). Travel through time and distance reflect the many struggles China has known through the ages. Tourism is not altogether established as an industry-it takes such an enormous country a while to move away from Chairman Mao-but it's worth the inconveniences you'll experience to go there. Consider establishing a theme-such as following the Silk Road or going to the birthplaces of celebrated painter of different ages-as a way of experiencing the variety of landscapes and peoples that China offers.