China is still staunchly communist, but since it introduced capitalism in special economic zones, its economy has grown to the second largest one in the world after the United States. The new plan was the brainchild of leader Deng Xiaoping, who took part in the Long March from 1934-35. He introduced the changes in the early 1980s, and China has never looked back. It now boasts sophisticated cities in which hotels rival the best on the planet. It's great to step back into history and visit sites such as the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall of China. Fly there or even take a train from Hong Kong to Beijing. I found my trips there and unforgettable experience.