China Tour, 2014.

China, officially known as the People's Republic of China, is a vast and diverse country located in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with over 1.4 billion people. The country boasts a diverse landscape that includes mountains, plateaus, deserts, and rivers. The Himalayas, including Mount Everest, form its southwestern border.

China has one of the world's oldest continuous civilisations, with a history spanning over 5,000 years. The country was ruled by various dynasties, including the Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming, each leaving a lasting impact on Chinese culture and society.

Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but there are many regional languages and dialects. Chinese cuisine is incredibly diverse, with regional specialities such as Sichuan's spicy dishes, Cantonese dim sum, and Beijing's Peking duck.

China has experienced rapid economic growth over the past few decades, becoming the world's second-largest economy. Key industries include manufacturing, technology, and agriculture. China is a global leader in the production of electronics, textiles, and machinery. China is at the forefront of technological innovation, with advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, 5G, and renewable energy.

China is a single-party state governed by the Communist Party of China. The President of China is the head of state, and the Premier is the head of government.

In 2014, I went on an escorted tour of China. I had always wanted to walk on the Great Wall of China, and this holiday made it possible for me to cross this off my bucket list. It was my first time in China or Asia, and I had a great time. These stories are all about my travels to China, the places I visited, the things I saw, and the people I met there.

Today, we had the morning at leisure in Shanghai before going on a cruise along the Huangpu River to view the Shanghai skyline from the river. After this, we went to Nanjing Road for some retail therapy.