For westerners traveling to Asia, is it better to vacation in China or Japan?

As I read through the pros for Japan vs. the cons against China in this debate, the common thread against travel to China seems to be the perceptions of the human rights abuses there. As a seasoned Asian traveler I find this an interesting point of view, particularly for those using it to support the argument that it is a risk to the traveler. Politics aside, or even included, as Japan’s historical view of human rights is equally abysmal, my vote is for China.

China and its warm and friendly people is a wonderful travel destination. The hustle and bustle of Shanghai is a worthy rival to that offered in Tokyo, yet at half the cost and with an equally entertaining kitsch and nightlife. The flavorful and spectacularly presented cuisines of China are an Epicurean delight. The variety of natural beauty is unsurpassed in Asia, from the glacial mountains of Sichuan to the idyllic beaches of Hainan. Well preserved relics and monuments to the great historical significance of China can be found it the ancient capitals of Xi’an, Nanjing and modern day Beijing. It is easy to feed the spirit and the soul in the many ornate and elaborate temples, pagodas, and numerous and well-preserved (as well as well attended) European styled cathedrals, functioning relics from China’s periods of occupation. It is easy to see how the poetically inspirational and breathtaking views from the “Five Sacred Mountains” were responsible for some of ancient China’s most memorable art and literature. By almost every measure of what makes for a memorable and enjoyable visit, the Middle Kingdom is up for the task.

It is easy to concede for those least comfortable out of their every day highly convenient and organized environment, the steely and glass monuments of efficiency and cookie cutter culture of Japan might be less threatening. It is certainly more westernized and an industrial and commercial equal in most respects to the US. But for those seeking to truly experience Asia, the warmth, hospitality and genuine curiosity of the Chinese people is unrivaled.

Of course there are negatives, as with any destination. Taxi drivers are on par with their peers worldwide in their ability to cheat you at every opportunity. The industrial pollution rivals that of the worst superfund sites. Professional beggars have become permanent fixtures at all venues where foreigners appear. Airports are overcrowded and often outdated, but manage to safely transport over 500,000 passengers a day. English is not often spoken outside of the main cities and China’s unique form of writing is no less understandable than Japan’s and the poor English translations are no less entertaining.

The great philosopher and political activist Confucius once said; “I hear I forget, I see I remember, I do I understand”. Before writing off China as a travel destination on the often-biased words of others, experience first hand the fond memories that await you there. Only then can you truly know.