Clara Montalba, 20-something, Swedish, student

I visited China about four years ago and if the opportunity arose again, I'd be very interested to go back and see more of the country.I visited a friend who grew up in China and together we traveled to different parts of the country. Out of the 10 or so cities I visited during my time in China, Shanghai and the area around Lugu Lake (on the border between Sichuan and Yunnan provinces) stood out to me with their beauty and intriguing history. Discovering the country with my friend was the best thing about my trip. I cannot pinpoint one experience as more unforgettable than the others, because the trip as a whole was full of them. The days we spent around the Tiger Leaping Gorge or climbing Huangshan are examples of days I'll never forget. The experience one can have in China as a tourist is very dependent on one's connection to the country. Visiting friends, I had a wonderful time, but had I not known people there I might've struggled with the language in some areas.

Laura Davis, 20-something, South African, recent college grad

I have been to China four times due to various reasons. My footsteps have covered multiple cities, including metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai and the ancient capitals of Hangzhou and Xi'an. Among all the cities I have visited, Shanghai is probably my favorite as I have always felt at home there. It is a combination of old colonial and modern architectural styles with ancient temples stuck between. A port city with culture and traditions is definitely a city for me. During my time in China, I found people extremely helpful and very kind. In terms of traveling, I never found any difficulties. There is a language barrier, but I think food and shelter is something we can communicate to people without knowing the language. I think the tourist industry in China has developed into a well-organized entity and there is something for all age groups. I would be very happy to go back there again.

Martin Hoppe, 40-something, German, civil servant

I've been to China both on business trips and for leisure, and I definitely want to go back again. It's such a diverse, huge country rich in culture. It is vibrant and international in many aspects, yet very authentic and exotic in others. My last visit there was about 10 years ago and I was fortunate enough to travel to a few cities apart from Beijing. I really loved Kunming, a very modern, clean city with a pedestrian zone that has preserved some of its past. Kunming is a city I could see myself living in. Xi'an, with its old town and imperial tombs, is an absolute highlight, rivaled only by the Forbidden City in Beijing. I very much hope fate will allow me to visit there again. China is a tourist destination that requires your full attention at all times. So be aware, and you will have a wonderful time.

Derek Hird, 40-something, British, lecturer

I've been in China about 10 times and would like to go back. Highlights have to be the great eating and wide ranges of food, the friendliness and warmth of the people, and the spectacular and unique scenery. I remember Huangshan and Huashan for their gorgeous scenery, Xi'an for its city walls and great snacks, Suzhou for its wonderful gardens, the hutong of Beijing, the old villages of Huizhou and Hong Kong's urban vibrancy and country parks. My frustration comes when I don't fully understand what people are saying. After years of learning Chinese, I still can't understand everything, particularly in the rural areas. These are my most awkward moments - when I can't understand what people say. I think China as a tourist destination is fantastic, although without any knowledge of the language and culture, visitors are missing out on a lot. I must say that the pollution is keeping me from going back to China. It urgently needs sorting.

James Quarmby, 40-something, British, lawyer

I went to Hong Kong for a weeklong business trip this year. The highlight during my trip was the dinner on Victoria Peak. The view was remarkable, the food good and the service great. But I probably would not go back to Hong Kong as a tourist because it is just too busy. There are too many people everywhere. If you plan to go somewhere on the metro from 8 am to 9:30 am, it is just nuts. Although it is easy to get around in Hong Kong, personally I would rather visit cities on the Chinese mainland, such as Guilin, with its limestone mountains, or the island of Hainan. I think the Chinese are very hospitable. I think that if I went to the nation's more rural parts, the language gap would be a problem. I would probably make sure I had an English-speaking local guide.

Wang Mingjie

(China Daily European Weekly 10/31/2014 page7)