China is one of the world’s most ancient civilizations still in existence. As such, it has a treasure trove of historical structures, sites and artifacts. Many student groups tour Beijing first, since the capital city contains attractions like the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Tiananmen Square, and is near sections of the Great Wall. Shanghai, the largest city in China by population, has several world-class museums and art galleries like the Shanghai Museum and the China Art Museum. It also has many beautiful parks and gardens, as well as ancient temples and pagodas. Other popular destinations include Xi’an, with the Terracotta Army, and southern cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen near Hong Kong.