20 yuan note: Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

Guilin is famous for its gorgeous rivers, lakes and hills, rice noodles and a small but infinitely charming hillside village called Yangshuo.

The unique rock formations makes it a top 10 destination for locals and foreigners alike. Lying inland from Shanghai, one of the best ways to get there is by train, and the old-style slow sleeper train is an experience in itself.

Rail tickets are sold at the train stations. Though they nominally have English service, it's better to show them a written Chinese itinerary.

Tickets for the slower trains go on sale 5-10 days before travel, and 10-20 days for high-speed trains.

For national holidays you should book as early as possible. Even with a soft sleeper, a 24-hour journey to Guilin costs just 540 yuan (US$79).

50 yuan note: Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet

Tibet has long been on everyone's list of must-see places in China, but tourists may need an Alien's Travel Permit in addition to your Chinese visa to visit.

Only domestic travel agencies can apply for a permit and there is only one permit a group.

Foreign tourists to the region have to book an itinerary with a Chinese agency.

Before 2006, Tibet Tourism Bureau had a Shanghai office, but since then the bureau has withdrawn their regional offices. The tour operator, Tibet Travel Expert, which originally served the bureau, is still here, though under the umbrella of a private tour agency Shanghai Odyssey.

100 yuan note: Great Hall of the People, Beijing

As well as the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, Beijing has an endless supply of temples, museums and other cultural treasures. As the capital of China, you are likely to go to Beijing as much for business as for pleasure, so it pays to travel in comfort.

There are a range of high-speed trains crisscrossing the country, and one of the fastest runs between Beijing and Shanghai. Look out for the letter Z heading up the train ID to indicate a super fast train traveling at 160km/h. For maximum efficiency, take the overnight sleeper leaving Shanghai at 7pm and arriving at 8am in Beijing.

If you don't have time to queue at the train station, you can book tickets through your hotel, travel agent, or Websites. There are also downtown ticket booths on Nanjing Road W. and Fuzhou Road.

(Shanghai Daily September 19, 2008)