Discusses the history and culture of China, offers practical travel advice, and recommends accommodations, restaurants, transportation, and attractions.

Fodor's correspondents highlight the best of China, including Beijing's Forbidden City, Hong Kong's harbor views, the Silk Road’s walled towns, and Yunnan's forests and gorges. Our local experts vet every recommendation to ensure you make the most of your time, whether it’s your first trip or your fifth. [308 vs 278] MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS from the Great Wall to the Qing Tombs PERFECT HOTELS for every budget BEST RESTAURANTS to satisfy a range of tastes GORGEOUS FEATURES on Chinese empires, food, and tea VALUABLE TIPS on when to go and ways to save INSIDER PERSPECTIVE from local experts COLOR PHOTOS AND MAPS to inspire and guide your trip

Ready to experience China? The experts at Fodor’s are here to help. Fodor’s Essential China travel guide is packed with customizable itineraries with top recommendations, detailed maps of China, and exclusive tips from locals. Whether you want to climb the Great Wall, explore the Forbidden City, or discover the Terracotta Warriers, this up-to-date guidebook will help you plan it all out. This new edition has been FULLY-REDESIGNED with a new layout and beautiful images for more intuitive travel planning! Fodor’s Essential China includes: • AN ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE GUIDE that visually captures the top highlights of China. • SPECTACULAR COLOR PHOTOS AND FEATURES throughout, including special features on Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Chinese food, the Terracotta Warriors, and Chinese tea. • INSPIRATIONAL “BEST OF” LISTS identify the best things to see, do, eat, drink, and more. • MULTIPLE ITINERARIES for various trip lengths help you maximize your time. • MORE THAN 60 DETAILED MAPS help you plot your itinerary and navigate confidently. • BRAND NEW HOTEL AND RESTAURANT REVIEWS in major cities like Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian and Kunming offer options for every taste. • TRIP PLANNING TOOLS AND PRACTICAL TIPS: guides to getting around, saving money and time, beating the crowds; basic Chinese language phrases; and a calendar of events. • LOCAL INSIDER ADVICE tells you where to find under-the-radar gems, along with the best tours. • HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL OVERVIEWS add perspective and enrich your travels. • COVERS: Lantau island and Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, The Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City in Beijing, Shanghai Disneyland in Pudong, the Terracotta Warriors in Xian, Chengdu, Sichuan and the Panda Breeding Research Center, Yangtze river cruises, Chongqing and more. ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor’s has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. Planning on visiting Southeast Asia? Check out Fodor’s Thailand: with Cambodia & Laos, and Fodor’s Vietnam.