China, a nation with 5,000 years of civilization, has long enchanted the world with unique cultural traditions, diversified ethnic life and beautiful landscape.

The landscape of China resonates with oriental charm. The wide land, lofty mountains, vast ocean and winding rivers, are studded with manmade masterpieces, such as the Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing, Emperor Qin's Mausoleum in Xi'an, the Mogao Grottos in Dunhuang, the Suzhou Gardens and more. History has bestowed China with priceless cultural and natural heritage -- a heritage shared by all humanity.

Apart from its unique natural and cultural environment, China is also distinctive for its remarkable blend of historical appeal and modern openness. Its ancient traditions are now well integrated with continual progress in science, technology, and modern culture. Twenty years of reform and opening-up have turned China into an increasingly dynamic country with a fast-growing economy. Today, cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen are sporting new looks, the Chinese culture is gaining new depth, and the national economic and cultural undertakings are making enormous headway. China is steadily becoming a truly modernized country.