China is certainly a country on the move and now is a great time to visit. I am running two 18 day tours in September and October 2015, which will certainly give and insight into China and what makes this huge country tick. The combination of modern day, the history and ancient traditions along with some natural beauty and nature will fulfill everyone’s curiosity.
Tea is from China and was then taken to India and introduced to the British. Tea takes on a different dimension in this country and many Chinese don’t go anywhere without their flask of tea. Above is a tea ceremony where 5 different teas including Jasmine tea are tasted. 
Rubbing shoulders with the Chinese – they retire at 50 and go to public places to do Tai chi, play mar jam, chess, dance,
It keeps them young.
Discovered in 1974 by 4 farmers digging a well. Each one is modelled on a real soldier and has a different face and expression. The warriors were made over 2000 years ago to protect the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, in his after life More and more are being excavated all the time and more and more pits are opening. Even during the few years I have been going to China so much more have been dug up and pieced together. 
Xian also has a great city wall. It takes about an hour to cycle around it.
Home to the Last Emperor and a vast complex of palaces and courtyards. My group and I got locked in the Emperor’s concubines’ bedroom last time I was here!!!
What I consider to be the centre of China’s politics and history. China has moved on since the terrible events of Tianamen Square in 1989. Though censorship is still rife and guides are not allowed to explain what happened here in 1989. Criticism of Chairman Mao and the Chinese government is not permitted and can be dangerous. No democracy or freedom of speech here in China but the people do generally have a much better life since the economic reforms and since China opened up to foreign investment. Deng Xiaoping opened China to the Global market famously saying about trading with foreigners ”It doesn’t matter whether the cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice!!” 
Walking on the Great Wall of China is just incredible and something I never thought I would do. I think about the history behind it and the manpower it took to build it. Can it be seen from the Moon? Apparently yes it can! Though last time I had that discussion with some clients one informed me that Elvis lives on the Moon. Whether the wall can be seen form the Moon or not, it certainly is impressive.
