Shanghai has one of the most beautiful and futuristic skylines in the world. The views from the west banks of the Huangpu River attract thousands at any given moment.
Qingdao is famous for their Tsingtao beer. The German influence doesn't stop there as you can see by the architectural influence in the original city center.
China is extremely hot and humid in July. So, attending a wedding in Qingdao where the weather is moderate and fresh was a blessing.
The Taoist temples of Laoshan where the mountains meet the Yellow Sea are peaceful and incredibly scenic.
The scale of Beijing is overwhelming. The vast area of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City alone would occupy a huge chunk of real estate in any major city.
It is said Great Wall of China can be seen from outer space. It runs approximately 13,170 miles (21,196 kilometers). The section at Mutianyu has iconic views of the meandering ramparts and towers.
The discovery of the Terra-cota Army near Xi'an blew away the world of archeology. The amount of preparation for Emperor Qin's afterlife is mind boggling.
An overnight stay in Dubai on the way home was one of the highlights of the trip. It would have been better to spend more time there and marvel at the amazing architecture.
