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Asia & The Pacific FactfileCHINACapital: BeijingPopulation: 1.3 billionCurrency: YuanOfficial Language(s): MandarinChina is a vast and varied country, which rewardsthe visitor with world-class sites such as theTerracotta Warriors and the Great Wall, stunningscenery including the limestone peaks of Guilinand the majestic Yangtze River a diverse cultureand exciting cities such as Beijing, Shanghai andHong Kong.What To SeeChina’s cities: Beijing is modernising at atremendous pace, but still retains a historic air,both in the Forbidden City and with its Hutong(narrow streets) offering a glimpse into a moretraditional way of life. Shanghai is one of themost dynamic cities in the world. Hong Kong hassomething for everyone, from fantastic shoppingto a romantic harbor and fascinating museums.Ancient China: For a more traditional view ofChina, Xian, as well as being home to the aweinspiringTerracotta Warriors, has impressive citywalls, a number of outstanding temples and afascinating mix of Buddhist and Islamic influences.In Central China, Pingyao is surrounded by acompletely intact Ming dynasty city wall, and thiswell-preserved city, a UNESCO site. The townof Lijiang, in Yunnan Province, has an old townof cobbled streets, wooden buildings, canals andlively markets, and gives an excellent insight intotraditional Chinese life. Also worth visiting are theWuzhen water towns, the idyllic ancient villagesin Wuyuan County, the picturesque villages ofHongcun and Xidi close to Huang Shan (YellowMountain), and Fenghuang, a riverside town inHunan Province that’s a throwback to old China.When To GoChina’s huge size means the climate varies greatly,but the key tourist areas such as Beijing, Xian andthe Yangtze River are best visited from late Marchto early May and from late September to earlyNovember to avoid extremes of weather. ForYunnan Province, April to October is a pleasanttime to visit.120 I Asia & Pacific 2011TIBETCapital: LhasaPopulation: 2.62 millionCurrency: Renminbi (RMB)Official Language(s): TibetanFor centuries, Tibet has been shrouded in mystery.Today this little-known land is recognized forits astonishing mountain scenery, stunning lakesancient temples and monasteries and traditionalTibetan culture.What To SeeGyantse is located 254 km southwest of Lhasa,in the Nyang Chu valley. Observe Tibetanlife and explore the sights and monasteries ofthis major city. Gyantse’s main attraction isKumbum, a beautifully designed stupa. Perchedhigh above Gyantse is the 14th century Dzong,or fort, which was attacked by the Britishunder Sir Francis Younghusband in 1904.At an altitude of 12083 feet is Lhasa, oneof the world’s highest cities. Looming overthe city is the architectural marvel, the PotalaPalace, Lhasa’s cardinal landmark and thetraditional winter residence of the Dalai Lamas.The greatest sights around Lhasa, such as thesacred Jokhang Temple, the Norbu Lingkaand the Barkhor market area, all proclaimTibet’s unique past.When To GoThe best time to travel Tibet is between Apriland October, and peak season is from May toSeptember. The best months are May, June,September or October as July and August arerainy months.JAPANCapital: TokyoPopulation: 127.9 millionCurrency: YenOfficial Language(s): JapaneseJapan is a country like no other, at once futuristicand high tech, but where traditional Japaneseculture lives on strongly in places like Kyoto.What surprises most visitors is the naturalbeauty, particularly around Mount Fuji and theJapanese Alps.What To SeeTokyo is an exciting city of bustling squaressuch as Shinjuku, flashing neon, high-risedepartment stores, noodle bars and top classhotels. Also worth visiting are the ImperialPalace gardens and Tsukiji Fish Market.Southwest of Tokyo lies Mount Fuji, and themost famous spot to appreciate the volcano isHakone National Park, a region of lakes, peaksand volcanic hot springs. There is a fantasticcable car ride from Mount Soun-zan, whichin good weather conditions offers superbviews of Mount Fuji. It is worth spending anevening or two at a traditional onsen (hotspring) hotel here and enjoying the clean airand natural beauty of Hakone National Park.When To GoJapan is best visited in spring or autumn, whenthe weather is at its most pleasant. Anotheradvantage of visiting at this time is to enjoy eitherthe cherry blossom in spring or the vibrant redand golden brown colors of Japan’s autumn.THAILANDCapital: BangkokPopulation: 65 millionCurrency: BahtOfficial Language(s): Thai (official), EnglishThailand has a fascinating Buddhist culture with anumber of beautiful temples, mountain scenery,delicious cuisine and stunning beaches. Bangkok, anenergetic city that offers something for everyone.What To SeeMekhala Cruises is a collection of three beautifullyrestored rice barges, which provide comfort andstyle on the Chao Phraya River. The itineraryfeatures an overnight journey on Chao Phraya River,retracing the paths of former royal processions.Chao Phraya River has long been the lifeline ofThailand, and this journey offers an insight into thelives of rural communities. The hustle and bustle ofcosmopolitan Bangkok is replaced by the tranquilityof the countryside just a few hours into the journey.When To GoThe best time to visit most of Thailand is betweenNovember and February this is when it rains theleast and it is not too hot. This period is alsoThailand’s main season for festivals.