With a history that stretches back 40 centuries, the People's Republic of China has been ruled under many different dynasties and ruling systems, and with recent improving ties with the West, is poised to be a major component to the world's economic future. China's 1.2 billion people (the highest of any country in the world) are mostly spread throughout the eastern and southern part of the country, including its major cities, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou and Hong Kong (thanks to its recent independence from Britain).

Great Wall of China (North of Beijing): 4,163 mile wall (from east to west) built to defend against invasions. Construction started in the 7th century BC and continued on and off up through the 17th century. Has over 10,000 beacon towers used for housing troops, weapons and for communicating with other towers via fire and smoke signals.

Imperial Palace (Beijing): Located in the Forbidden City, Gugong, this palace housed 24 emperors, from the Ming to the Puyi Dynasties. Over 8,000 lived in this 8,706 room palace, including numerous concubines, servants and eunuchs, who were ideal for guarding the living quarters of women.

Yu Gardens Bazaar (Shanghai): The Yu Gardens is a classic Chinese rock, pond, fish garden area built between 1559 to 1577 during the Ming Dynasty. The Yu Gardens Bazaar is an area of souvenirs hops and food stands located just outside.

Six Banyan Temple and Flowery Pagoda (Guangzhou): Cherished Buddhist cultural site built in 537 AD. Contains 1,000 year-old bronze statue of Zen Master Huineng and 3 gold Buddhas. 184 ft. pagoda provides 17 story views.

Jade Buddha Temple (Shanghai): Contains 6-foot tall seated Jade Buddha, carved from a piece of white jade in Burma and brought to China in 1882.

The ideal time to travel to China, in terms of weather and affordability, is during the spring (March - April) and fall months (September - October). Good luck on finding cheap flights to China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Harbin and Hong Kong. Remember to set your arrival/departure dates for Monday through Thursday which are the cheapest days of the week to fly.