Experiencing China

(NAPSI)-One of the world's most ancient civilizations has become a popular modern getaway. Last year alone, China drew more than 900,000 visitors from the U.S. That may be because in addition to diverse landscapes that range from lush jungles to snow-capped mountains, the historic land is home to some of the most revered treasures in the ancient world.

And certainly the economy of travel there-lodging, food and shopping-make it a very attractive vacation for Americans.

Ancient temples and pagodas speak of centuries of religious thought and culture. Similarly, imperial palaces, once home to ancient rulers, reveal the relics of a distant time.

China, however, offers travelers more than a glimpse of the past. The ancient country has modern adventures and a variety of activities the whole family can enjoy.

For example, travelers are invited to cruise down the Yangtze, the third longest river in the world. The route cuts through enormous mountain ridges and leads to many small villages and farms. Vacationers can take side trips into the Yangtze River Valley. Legend has it that wild creatures (similar to "Bigfoot") once roamed the area.

Visitors can also travel the historic "Silk Road," stopping to experience the mountains, glaciers and deserts they encounter along the way.

This year marks a new tourism theme for China: folk art. The China National Tourism Administration offers a booklet called Folk Arts-China.

The program highlights both large-scale folk art festivals, and local temple fairs. It's meant to help people experience much of the culture the vast country has to offer.

For more information visit www.cnto.org.

China.

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