China’s rich cultural history is matched only by the grandeur and contrasts of its landscape. In Beijing you will find the stunning, futuristic architecture of the 2008 Summer Olympics only miles from the ancient Forbidden City, once the sprawling, exclusive home of China’s emperors. The bustling urban landscape of Beijing strikes a stark contrast with the serene hills of China’s southwest with its tranquil, ancient villages nestled among steep, lush mountains. Despite these dramatic differences in geography and environment, the people of China share thousands of years of common experience and accomplishment.