While we could spend an eternity expounding upon the gastronomical advantages of traveling to China, we’d be leaving out some of the more legitimate reasons why the intrepid choose to leave the comforts of the West behind and venture into the "Middle Kingdom." Beijing, China’s capital and one of the most popular cities for study-abroad students, combines historical sites like the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace with modern attractions that are the envy of the world, among them the 2008 Olympic venues. Shanghai, known Euro-centrically as the "Paris of the Orient," offers not only a vibrant nightlife scene: its gorgeous waterfront skyline is also ideal for your next Facebook cover photo. China juxtaposes the chaos of its urban jungles with the serene tranquility of the countryside. Just a short train ride away from the condensed cities on the east coast are towns and villages that look like they haven’t changed since emperors ruled China. Here, rice paddies extend onto mountain steppes and lush bamboo canopies provide shade for farmers who have survived the turbulent roller-coaster ride of modern Chinese history: Japanese occupation, the Great Leap Forward, the Cultural Revolution, the Tiananmen Square crackdown. Like many things in China, those in the rural areas have learned how to adapt and survive to the rapidly changing world without losing their distinct way of life. You might feel like an outsider at first, but Chinese locals are easily won over when they see a foreigner attempting to speak their language. You’ll be surprised what you can learn about Chinese culture and traditions—and, of course, food.