China conjures up images of history, tradition and the treasures of an ancient civilization. But whether your idea of adventure is exploring the past, hiking in the mountains, taking a slow boat on a long river or sampling dishes based on 5,000 years of gastronomic experience, the legendary "Middle Kingdom" can make a modern Marco Polo of anyone.

1. The Great Wall

The Great Wall at Jiankou, Beijing.

The Great Wall is a series of stone and earth fortifications built and rebuilt between the 6th century BC and the 16th century to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire from the nomadic peoples of the northern steppe. The latest survey put the length of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall at 8852 kilometers. (more)