If this is your first -- or likely your only -- visit to China, try to get beyond the capital. The U.S. information agency is China National Tourist Office, 350 Fifth Ave., Suite 6413, New York, NY 10118; 888-760-8218; www.cnto.org.

A FEW TOP PICKS:

• Train to Tibet: Opened in July 2006, the 2,500 mile rail line from Beijing to Lhasa runs across spectacular scenery along the Roof of the World. The trip takes 47 hours but is well worth it -- as long as you're able to book a soft sleeper (four to a compartment, about $165 per person.) Special Tibet permit required. Tips: Book early, and check with your doctor to be sure you can handle the altitude. www.chinatibettrain.com.

• Shanghai: The few ''tourist'' attractions can't compete with Beijing, but the architecture and museums are a magnet for culture creatures. Grab a a nighttime cruise on the river or walk along the Bund. SEE STORY, 12J.

• Xian: The famed terra cotta army discovered by farmers in 1974 was designed to protect Emperor Qin Shi-huang, China's unifier, in the afterlife. The 7,000 soldiers were buried for 2,000 years; more than 1,000 have been restored. Most are viewed in situ -- a far different experience from seeing them in a museum exhibition. Save time for wandering along Xian's city wall.

• Yangtze River Cruise: A standard part of many package tours, the river is well worth visiting for its controversial dam project and views -- when you can see anything through the haze and pollution.

• Chengdu: Home of the pandas. See them at the zoo, or better yet, at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, where you can actually hold babies. www.panda.org.cn.

• Guilin/Yangshuo: The limestone towers near the Li River boast some of China's most spectacular scenery. Guangxhi Province in the southwest, where Guilin and Yangshuo are located, is also home to Zhuang and Miao ethnic minorities.

• Hong Kong/Macau: Ten years after returning to Chinese control, Hong Kong remains a bubbly metropolis that manages to retain an air of authenticity. www.discoveryhongkong.com, www.macautourism.gov.mo. SEE STORY, 12J.

-- JANE WOOLDRIDGE

Join the discussion

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered user of MiamiHerald.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

     Showing: Oldest first Newest first Most-recommended first Least-recommended first

@Nyx.AuthorDisplayName@ wrote on @Nyx.PostedAtTime@:

@Nyx.repliedToText@

@Nyx.replyAnswerText@

Reply to this Comment @Nyx.Recommender@ @Nyx.AbuseReporter@