China is a vast and diverse country offering a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural attractions for luxury travelers. From vibrant cities like Beijing and Shanghai to stunning landscapes such as the Yangtze River and the Great Wall, there is something for every type of traveler to enjoy in China.

1. Places to Visit:
- Beijing: The capital city of China is home to iconic attractions such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven. Visitors can also explore the historic hutongs, traditional alleyways lined with courtyard homes, and sample authentic Peking duck cuisine.

- Shanghai: This bustling metropolis is known for its modern skyline, including the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower and the historic Bund waterfront. Luxury travelers can shop at designer boutiques on Nanjing Road, visit the Shanghai Museum, and enjoy a show at the Shanghai Grand Theatre.

- Xi'an: Home to the Terracotta Army, Xi'an is a city rich in history and culture. Visitors can explore the ancient city walls, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and sample delicious local cuisine such as biang biang noodles.

- Chengdu: This city is famous for its giant pandas, which can be seen up close at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Luxury travelers can also visit the Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Ancient Street, and enjoy a Sichuan hotpot meal.

- Guilin: Known for its picturesque karst mountains and the Li River, Guilin is a popular destination for nature lovers. Visitors can take a cruise down the river, explore the Reed Flute Cave, and visit the Longji Rice Terraces.

2. 4 or 5 Star Hotels:
- The Peninsula Shanghai: This elegant hotel offers luxurious rooms with views of the Bund and the Huangpu River. Guests can enjoy Michelin-starred dining, a rooftop terrace, and a spa with traditional Chinese treatments.

- The Ritz-Carlton Beijing: Located in the heart of the city, this hotel offers spacious rooms with modern amenities, a rooftop bar with panoramic views, and an indoor pool. Guests can also enjoy fine dining at the hotel's restaurants.

- Banyan Tree Yangshuo: Nestled in the karst mountains of Guilin, this resort offers private villas with stunning views, a spa with traditional Chinese treatments, and outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking.

- The St. Regis Lhasa Resort: Located in the Tibetan capital, this hotel offers luxurious rooms with Tibetan-inspired décor, a spa with traditional treatments, and fine dining with views of the Potala Palace.

- Aman Summer Palace Beijing: Situated near the historic Summer Palace, this hotel offers elegant rooms with traditional Chinese furnishings, a spa with holistic treatments, and a restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine.

3. Luxury Cruise or Tour Companies:
- Viking Cruises: Offers luxury Yangtze River cruises with expert guides, onboard lectures, and excursions to popular attractions such as the Three Gorges Dam and Shibaozhai Temple.

- Abercrombie & Kent: Known for their luxury tours, Abercrombie & Kent offers private and small group journeys to China with exclusive experiences such as private access to the Great Wall and a traditional tea ceremony in Beijing.

- Belmond: Offers luxury train journeys on the Eastern & Oriental Express, which travels through Southeast Asia to China, stopping in cities like Shanghai and Beijing. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining, comfortable cabins, and scenic views.

- Tauck: Provides luxury tours to China with expert guides, small group sizes, and immersive experiences such as a private tour of the Terracotta Army and a traditional Peking duck dinner in Beijing.

- Crystal Cruises: Offers luxury river cruises along the Yangtze River with spacious suites, gourmet dining, and onboard entertainment. Guests can also enjoy shore excursions to historic sites and cultural attractions.

4. Things to Do:
- Walk along the Great Wall of China and marvel at the ancient fortifications and stunning views.

- Explore the vibrant markets of Beijing, Shanghai, and other cities to shop for souvenirs, antiques, and traditional handicrafts.

- Attend a traditional Chinese opera performance or acrobatics show for a taste of local culture and entertainment.

- Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare classic Chinese dishes such as dumplings, hotpot, and stir-fried noodles.

- Visit the National Museum of China in Beijing to learn about the country's history, art, and culture through its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits.

5. Brief History:
- China has a rich history dating back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations such as the Shang, Zhou, and Qin dynasties leaving behind remarkable cultural and architectural legacies.

- The Great Wall of China was built over centuries by various dynasties to protect against invasions from northern tribes, and is now one of the most iconic symbols of China.

- Chinese emperors ruled for centuries with the belief in the Mandate of Heaven, which granted them the divine right to rule and maintain order in society.

- The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912, when the last emperor was overthrown and the Republic of China was established.

- The Communist Party of China came to power in 1949 under the leadership of Mao Zedong, and established the People's Republic of China as a socialist state.

6. Reasons to Visit:
- Experience ancient history and culture at iconic sites such as the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, and the Great Wall of China.

- Enjoy the diverse cuisine of China, from Peking duck and dumplings to Sichuan hotpot and dim sum, prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques.

- Explore the natural beauty of China, from the karst mountains of Guilin and the Yangtze River to the Himalayas and the Gobi Desert, offering outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery.

- Discover the vibrant cities of China, from the modern skyscrapers of Shanghai and Guangzhou to the historic temples and pagodas of Xi'an and Chengdu, offering a mix of old and new.

- Experience the traditional arts and crafts of China, such as calligraphy, painting, silk weaving, and porcelain making, with opportunities to learn from local artisans.

7. How to Get There:
- International travelers can fly to major cities in China such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, with direct flights available from major airports around the world.

- High-speed trains connect cities within China, offering a convenient and efficient way to travel between destinations with comfortable seating and amenities.

- Luxury travelers can also arrange private transfers or hire a local guide and driver to explore different regions of China, with custom itineraries and personalized service.

- Visa requirements vary depending on the traveler's nationality, with most visitors needing a tourist visa to enter China, which can be obtained through the Chinese embassy or consulate in their home country.

8. Other Information:
- Currency: The official currency of China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also known as the Renminbi (RMB). Major credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops in major cities.

- Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China, spoken by the majority of the population. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and hotels, but it is helpful to learn some basic phrases in Chinese.

- Weather: China has a diverse climate with four distinct seasons, including hot summers and cold winters in the northern regions, and mild to tropical climates in the south. It is advisable to check the weather forecast before traveling to plan accordingly.

- Safety: China is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence in major cities. It is recommended to take normal precautions such as safeguarding valuables and avoiding crowded areas.

- Health: Travelers to China should be aware of potential health risks such as air pollution, food safety issues, and infectious diseases. It is advisable to drink bottled water, eat at reputable restaurants, and consult a healthcare provider before traveling.

Top 10 Places to Visit in China:
1. The Great Wall of China
2. The Forbidden City in Beijing
3. The Terracotta Army in Xi'an
4. The Li River in Guilin
5. The Bund in Shanghai
6. The Yangtze River Three Gorges
7. The Summer Palace in Beijing
8. The Potala Palace in Lhasa
9. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
10. The Longji Rice Terraces in Guilin