IN Poland, a country in central Europe located between Germany and Ukraine, you can find everything: mountains, beaches, mysterious lakes, deep forests and world-class historic monuments. The climate is temperate and the people are warm and hospitable. Polish cities provide loads of culture while villages and small towns offer the opportunity to get away from the bustle of modern life. All this comes with a backdrop of natural landscapes that are wild, untouched, more diverse than in most countries in the world and easily accessible.

History has left a huge and precious cultural heritage, a great number of historical buildings: castles, palaces, manors and charming tenement houses. Visiting them is likely to be an exciting experience for lovers of history, architecture, painting, sculpture or applied arts.

Poland lies in the heart of Europe - geographical center of the continent is right here. Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is not far from other European cities. Paris and London are only two hours away by plane, Vienna, Berlin or Prague not much more than an hour. Polish airports have connections with more than 30 countries, operated by 25 airlines including British Airways, SAS, Air France and Lufthansa.

Poland is known as a host country of international congresses and business meetings. More and more foreign guests enjoy the rich variety of spa services. Whatever your tastes and interests are, there is always something to do in Poland.

Warsaw

Warsaw is a fascinating city with its magical atmosphere. While walking around the city it is hard to believe that it was almost razed to the ground during World War II. The key landmark of Warsaw's historical heritage is the Royal Castle, meticulously rebuilt after destruction during WWII. The Warsaw Mermaid is a symbol of the city - her statue near the Vistula River is keeping city safe.

The nearby Old Town, with its medieval layout and beautiful stylish houses, draws tourists to small tea houses, restaurants, souvenir shops, museums, galleries and street artists' open-air displays. The Royal Castle Square and Old Town Square attract crowds especially during artistic events and musical groups' performances.

The Royal Route leads along historical houses, manors and magnificent palaces from Royal Castle Square to the real treasure of Warsaw - the elegant Lazienki Park with 18th-century palaces, gardens and pavilions. The statue of the ingenious Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin is located in the park. There are many statues of Chopin all around the world, including one in Shanghai's Zhongshan Park, but the one in Lazienki Park is known worldwide to all music lovers. The best opportunity to enjoy magnificent Chopin's music is The International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, which is held every five years in Warsaw.

Many changes have occurred in the city over the recent years, it's becoming more modern and dynamic. The best example is Copernicus Science Centre, which conducts modern science communication through interactive exhibitions addressed to different groups of people.

Some people come to Warsaw to see the social-realist architecture. The most famous example is the Palace of Culture and Science, built in the 1950s. A wide panorama of Warsaw can be seen from the palace's 30th floor.

Cracow

Cracow was Poland's capital in the Middle Ages and during the Renaissance. The city was never destroyed so people can still enjoy its mysterious and magnetic atmosphere. Often mentioned as one of the most beautiful European cities, listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, Cracow is a favorite tourist destination in Poland. Awarded European City of Culture in 2000, Cracow has a strong influence on Polish culture. The excellent Jagiellonian University is counted among the oldest European universities. The magnificent Main Market Square, the real heart of the city, is the largest medieval market square in Europe. Nowadays it's a favorite place of all kinds of street artists and traveling musicians. There are magnetic cafes, restaurants, bars, galleries, museums and shops in almost every historic townhouse. In the center of the market square there is the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), in which you can buy luxury jewelry or amazing handcrafts. Next to Cloth Hall stands a magnificent Gothic St Mary's Church, which houses the biggest and one of the most beautiful medieval altars in Europe - carved in lime wood by Veit Stoss.

The Royal Castle on the Wawel Hill towers over the city. Worth seeing are Renaissance arcades and the Royal Chambers with a collection of tapestries. The Wawel Cathedral, which is part of the whole complex, is not only a magnificent historical church, but also the national Pantheon. Cracow is also known as "A City of Dragon," because of its legendary and mysterious dragon, which lived under Wawel Hill. The Great Dragon Parade is held here every year.

Not so far from Cracow there is a place that can not be missed - Wieliczka Salt Mine. It is one of the world's oldest salt mines still in operation, 25 million tons of salt have been mined over the last 1,000 years. The main attraction is the underground museum gallery, created by the nature with elaborately shaped salt crystal, chambers and shrines, salt statues and lakes. An underground sanatorium was established because of the specific microclimate. Underground restaurant gives an opportunity to enjoy meal 125 meters below ground level, you can even organize a wedding there.

Tri-City

Gdansk, together with Sopot and Gdynia, is called Tri-City. It is one of Poland's biggest attractions, especially in the summer.

Since 2004 Gdansk is the twin city of Shanghai, however the cooperation between the two regions goes back many years, to year 1951 when first joint venture company was settled in Shanghai. It is called Chipolbrok, Chinese–Polish Joint Stock company.

Soak in the atmosphere of the old city by walking along the streets of Old Town. While enjoying the walk, don't forget to stop at the statue of Neptune at the top of Neptune Fountain. According to a legend, Neptune helped to create the famous Gdansk liquor Goldwasser, a delicious herbal alcohol that contains small pieces of pure gold.

In August you can't miss Dominican Fair, which is one of the biggest and the oldest cultural events in Poland, and one of the oldest in Europe (history goes back to 13th century). At the Dominican Fair you can buy almost everything - amazing piece of art, traditional handcraft, delicious food or luxury jewelry.

Gdansk is also known for its high quality amber. Amber from Baltic Sea is known worldwide for the highest quality and in folk medicine it is appreciated for magical and healing properties. Amber has been collected on the shores of the Baltic Sea since at least 1st century BC. Today it's used to produce breathtaking, exclusive and elegant jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings. It's also used to produce astonishing small handcrafts.

Sopot and Gdynia host luxurious casinos. The Tri-City is also famous for its seafood. Baltic Sea has all kinds of fish, like herring, cod, salmon, eel, turbot and flounder.