A is for Army

But not a marching army; for this is an army frozen in terracotta. The Terracotta Warriors is one of the best archaeological success stories of all time and consists of thousands of soldiers and their horses.

B is for Bartering

Everything is negotiable in China. Head to the markets and try out your negotiating skills in the country renowned for manufacturing most of the world’s goods.

C is for Criminal Body Doubles

Using a body double to stand in a courtroom and serve out prison sentences is not uncommon for the richest Chinese citizens. Termed ding zui, the practice is denied by the government but has been proven by facial recognition technology.

D is for Dragon Boat Festival

An icon of Chinese culture, Dragon Boat races take place in June. Expect a party and a lively atmosphere as the drums beat from the bow of each boat.  

E is for Emei Shan

You can take a cable car or you can walk to this sacred mountain in Sichuan province. A monastery lies at the top and for a not-soon-forgotten experience travellers can spend the night with monks.

F is for Forbidden City

A moat shields this ancient wonder from the modern encroachment of Beijing. The emperor’s palace is one of the largest ancient structures in the world.

G is for Great Wall

Everyone has heard of it and even orbiting astronauts can see it. China’s best-known tourist attraction is worth the hype. Try the Mutianyu section for a private, less-tourist frequented experience.

H is for Han dynasty cities

Pingyao in Shanxi province is the pick of the bunch and duly received UNESCO accreditation in 1997. A 14th century town, it is a city of crumbling walls, laneways and temples.

I is for Impossible

Which is the word some of the architecture invokes. China has lead the charge this millennium in building some of the most staggering sky-scrapers in the world, the best of which are found in Shanghai.

J is for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Not just a mountain but the world’s southernmost glacier, this scenic spot is renowned for cascading pools of white-green water and soaring snowy peaks. 

K is for Kung-fu

The ultimate place to watch or learn kung-fu moves is in the majestic setting of the Shaolin Temple, in the Henan province. Surrounded by mountains and an amazing stone Pagoda Forest, this is a must-see.

L is for Labrang Monastery 

A Tibetan pilgrimage site, this temple complex inspires devotion and spirituality with its prayer wheels, incense and isolation.

M is for Madame Mao’s Dowry

This is a shop dedicated to all things that date from the era of modern China’s father, Mao Zedong. The Shanghai destination is filled with cultural revolution propaganda posters and even has a statue of Chairman Mao himself.

N is for Nanshan Ski Resort

Who knew you could ski so close to Beijing? There’s tobogganning, a snowboarding park and ten ski trails just an hour and a half from the capital.

O is for One in five

One in every five people in the world is Chinese. Home to more than 1.3 billion people, the massive population lead to a one-child policy, which has recently been eased.

P is for Panda

The animal icon of China is best seen in Chengdu at the panda-breeding centre. You could also try your luck tracking them in high bamboo forests, but they are notoriously elusive.

Q is for Qing dynasty

This was the last imperial dynasty of China prior to the formation of the republic. This dynasty began in 1644 and lasted through to 1912.

R is for Rice

Do as the locals and order rice after your main meal. For them, rice is a way to fill up if the main course of meat or vegetables hasn’t quite satisfied. 

S is for Silk Road

A most exotic and evocative journey forged by the traders of ancient empires can be relived today. China Bestours has a 14-day Golden Silk Road tour from $4280 including international air tickets, four-star accommodation and meals.

T is for Toilet Paper

The Chinese invented loo roll in the 1300s. But it wasn’t for the masses – just the emperors. They also invented ice cream, kites, gunpowder and the compass.

U is for Ummm

Don’t let “ummm” characterise your conversations with Chinese locals. Buy a Mandarin or Cantonese phrase book or download an app such as Pleco to help you converse.

V is for Visa

China has recently introduced a 72-hour visa in Guangzhou and those transiting through Shanghai or Beijing can also spend 72 hours without a visa. If you are staying longer, you must apply for a tourist visa before you leave.

W is for Water Splashing Festival

Let loose with the liquid at what has to be China’s most enjoyable festival. It takes place in April and is mainly celebrated in Jinghong. Legend has it that the more soaked you are the luckier you will be.

X is for Xian 

The Xian ancient culture and art festival takes place in September each year and involves stilt walking, a gong and drum procession, puppet shows and dance performances. 

Y is for Yangtze

This is China’s and Asia’s longest river and it offers access to villages, cities and the Three Gorges Dam, a monumental engineering feat. The most popular way to see it is on a river cruise journey.

Z is for Zhangjiajie

This national park may have a hard-to-pronounce name but it will be instantly recognisable as the mountainous inspiration for the film Avatar. Expect cone-shaped rock formations carpeted with green and blurred by clouds.