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Xian
is probably the most under-rated destination in China. It was the capital of China for 11 centuries under the Han and Tang dynasties, a rich city on the Silk Route. It's most famous for the chance to visit the Terracotta Army (picture above) of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum (this is a full day-trip outside the city - it is not directly in Xian). However, it also has many of China's most ancient buildings, including the Great Goose Pagoda, the Lesser Goose Pagoda, the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, ancient streets and the huge City Walls - and that's just the centre. Outside the city there are ruins of the Banpo Culture; 27 other Mausoleums of Han and Tang Emperors of the feudal era; notable Buddhist Temples such as the Blue Dragon Temple; the Forest of Stone Tablets; and much more!
Guangzhou
Guangzhou could not be more contrasted with Xian - a modern city of bright lights and fast-moving commerce. This is a place to have fun! Excellent restaurants and fun night life abound. But there are some historic sights and artefacts to occupy your mind too!
From Guangzhou, there is a train to Hong Kong, but because it's a non-reservation service (except in the very expensive 1st-Class section) it can be an unreliable fight to get on - so we recommend the ferry or hydrofoil - a GREAT way to enter Hong Kong!
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