Canton, China
Canton is a city whose history reflects that of all of China. It has been a foreign trading port for over 2,000 years, a pivotal flash point during the Opium Wars, and a center for revolutionary activities - for which it gained its recognition as the "Birthplace of Modern China." It was here that Sun Yatsen and Mao Zedong began reshaping their nation over 60 years ago. See Sun Yatsen's impressive Memorial Hall, the famous Flower Pagoda, and Shamian Island, the atmospheric enclave of aging but still grand colonial buildings of the old British and French taipans. Or, visit the Canton Zoo, home of Canton's most famous residents, the giant pandas.

Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong is the cosmopolitan hub of the Far East. This former British colony reverted to Chinese control in 1997, yet the culture-rich atmosphere remains. See the Wong Tai Sin Temple, tour local markets and the floating village of Aberdeen. Take the Tram to the top of Victoria Peak for one of the world's most exciting views, or cross the harbor aboard one of the famous Star Ferries. After shopping and exploring, enjoy high tea at the favored retreat of many world travelers-the Peninsula Hotel.

Ningbo, China
Rarely visited by Westerners, Ningbo retains an aura of unspoiled authenticity. This busy port is most famous for its library, the oldest in China, featuring over 80,000 rare books, mostly from the Ming era. On a tour, visit the picturesque White Pagoda, the Tiantong Temple, one of the largest Buddhist complexes in China, and the bustling fish and produce market, a great place to observe everyday life in the People's Republic close-up.

Shanghai, China
From opium wars to junks and barges, images of Shanghai flood the senses. The real Shanghai is a teeming metropolis of 11 million, bustling with energy, towering skyscrapers and art deco buildings, honking traffic and shopping crowds. But once you enter China's largest city, you'll find Eastern ways abound: Tai Chi along the Bund, the serenity of exquisite ponds and gardens, and an endless flotilla of sampans edging along the Huangpu River. Explore Shanghai old and new: the busy bazaars and alleyways of the Old Town, Yu Garden, the Wuxingting Tea House, Long Hua Temple and more.

Tianjin/Beijing, China
From the port of Tianjin, you can venture to the ancient capital of China: Beijing. It is a veritable treasure-trove of historic wonders, including the Forbidden City where you enter the world of The Last Emperor, a complex of incredible historic significance and physical grandeur. Just outside the walls of the Imperial Palace lies the largest plaza on earth, Tiananmen Square, home to Mao's Monument and his Mausoleum. At the Summer Palace, you'll step into a pastoral mist of natural and man-made beauty: 700 acres of stunning parkland, dreamy lakes, fascinating temples and halls. The Summer Palace evokes a feeling of serenity as you wander through fairy-tale landscapes and manicured gardens. Then witness the efforts of nearly a million workers who walled in an empire by hand. As you climb the Great Wall toward one of its towers, the spirit of endurance and determination takes hold, a poignant reminder of the painstaking endeavors of 2,500 years ago.