Which places in europe do Chinese tourists want to visit?

[Mosaic]

I'm planning a trip for a friend who is Chinese but has lived in Japan for some time, and I'd like to be able to hit on a place on mainland Europe that ticks as many boxes as possible for their short visit. As far as I have experienced, first-time visitors from the east have a hazy perception of what they would enjoy. Anyone got suggestions or ideas - especially if you or a friend are from the Chinese community and wouldn't mind sharing what was best / to be avoided from your first visit.
Thanks in advance!

[237SJ]

I`m not Chinese and without wishing to generalise about races I find they seem to prefer urban rather than rural places. Like the Japanese (in fact more than the Japanese) they are quite status driven and basically love buying Western brands. They love markets and love brands such as Burberry. Anywhere with city interests and shopping such as London, Paris or Rome might appeal.

[boxtops]

They seem to love history and ritual - we often get coachloads here at Dover Castle, and certainly when I lived in Brighton it was the same at the Brighton Pavilion. London is probably the best central base, with things to see such as the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace - especially changing of the Guard (and Brighton is only an hour away on the train).

[Mosaic]

Thanks - this fits with what I'd thought so far ie a city rather than beach or rural.

[237SJ]

You`re right there. They don`t really "do" beach. The face creams, cleansers etc for sale in the far east all have whitening agents in them. They want to have as whiter skin as possible and the last thing they want is a tan!

[dzug2]

Not so sure - Moreton in Marsh rail station (in the Cotswolds) has recently put up signs in (I think - nobody local is certain) Japanese directing visitors to the bus stop.

I think it's the 'big name' attractions that draw visitors from anywhere.

[amaltman47]

A must is Edinburgh. The train station is in the centre. Princess street,the castle, the gardens, the history...oh yes and sean connery (james bond) was born here amongst others to numerous to mention.