Travel China Guide
China is a beautiful country rich in natural and humanmade attractions. That’s why tourists always have something to see.
But there are some must-visit places, according to Travel China Guide, that you should see during your China holidays.
I have selected the top 9 most exciting and impressive attractions of China; one of them is Chinese Hollywood, but we are not talking about it today.
Among them, you will find:
- Natural attractions;
- Palaces and army;
- Sanctities;
- Miracles of the modern world.
Our acquaintance will begin with the natural attractions of China.
What to see in China?
Li River
Unfortunately, there are just a few rivers in China that are not polluted; the best ones are. This is a kind of payment for economic development. But still, there are some places not touched by industrialization.
The most picturesque and beautiful river is Li River. This river weaves between forest hills, small fishing villages, and rice fields. The river cruise route from Guilin to Yangshuo is the most bright and accessible.
Huangshan Mountains
In contrast to Chinese rivers, mountains are as beautiful as they were thousands of years ago. This place is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Travel China Guide: Huangshan Mountains are translated as “Yellow Mountains.” On the tops of granite peaks, high trees grow hidden by clouds, and when sun rays come through them, excellent light and color effects are formed.
Besides that, one more attraction, only a manmade one, the Bridge of Immortals, is situated on the top of the mountains. In order to get to it, one may walk along the ancient path with 60 thousand carved steps or use blessings of civilization and move up by means of the ropeway.
Potala Palace
Potala Palace, which at the same time is the largest pagoda in the world, is situated in Lhasa City, Tibet, at a height of 3.7 thousand meters.
This is the palace considered to be the residence of the Dalai Lama, but the last Lama is at variance with the PRC’s government, which is why he lives in India. The total area of the palace is 360 thousand meters; its height is 170 meters. It is the most significant monumental construction in Tibet.
It is worth visiting, even if you are not interested in Buddhism. The view of the Himalayas surrounding the palace will touch your feelings.
Forbidden City
Forbidden City, or Forbidden Palace, is one of the world’s most famous and large palaces. The total area of the castle is over 72 hectares. For almost five centuries, China’s emperors governed the country from this very place.
The Forbidden Palace was home to 24 emperors. Nowadays, it is one of the most visited museums in China.
It is a complex consisting of various constructions substantially reflecting Chinese culture and architecture. It is situated in the very center of Beijing, opposite the Mao Mausoleum. It is worth mentioning that the best time to visit is morning, as there are long lines of tourists at other times.
The Terracotta Army
This is the army of Quin Shi Huang, an emperor dedicated to accompanying him in another world. The Terracotta Army consists of:
- Over 8 thousands of soldiers;
- 130 carts horsed with 520 horses;
- One hundred fifty horses of horse cavalry.
And all these statues are made in full length, and their detail is awe-inspiring. Each sculpture has each detail picked in, and all 8 thousand soldiers are different.
The Terracotta Army was founded in 1974, and in 1987, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. This attraction is situated in Xian – the ancient capital of China.
The Mogao Caves
In fact, the name Mogao Caves is literally translated as “caves, not for tall people”; the Mogao Caves are a sanctuary complex consisting of 492 sanctuaries. It is considered to be one of the earliest Buddhist holy places in China. This complex is situated 25 kilometers from Dunhuang City. In the first place, The Mogao Caves are famous for their frescos.
The total area of all frescos is 42 thousand square meters. One more peculiarity of this place is the period of its construction. In total, this complex was built for almost a thousand years – from the IV to the XIV century.
The Giant Buddha of Leshan
From its name, one can understand that it is a huge attraction. This statue of Buddha, situated near Leshan City, is considered to be one of the largest in the world. Its height is 71 meters. And it is no coincidence.
According to the Chinese metric system, 71 meters equals 360 fathoms, which means 360 days of the Chinese calendar and 360 points on the human body.
The uniqueness of this statue of Buddha is that it is carved in a cliff. Earlier, its body was hidden behind the pagoda; but after it burned, the figure is fully seen.
Great Wall of China
Great Wall of China is the eighth Wonder of the World. This is usually the number one attraction in your travel China guide. Of course, if it was up to me to create a rating, it would also take the first place.
Everybody knows this place, even those who don’t know where China is situated. The wall’s length is 8851 kilometers; it is built in the northern part of China. Construction of the Wall started in the 3rd century B.C.
During the rule of different dynasties in the Celestial Empire, the Wall was destroyed and reconstructed. In 1987, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, and now it is the most visited attraction in China.
By the way, the popular myth that the Great Wall of China is seen from space is somewhat controversial. For now, it is only confirmed that it can be seen on satellite images. Many people have visited this place.
You may even meet a beautiful and famous Chinese actress or actor walking around enjoying this popular Chinese landmark – Travel China Guide.