MM Rahmatullah: China is the world`s most populous country in the world. Its a country in East Asia. Covering approximately 9.6 million square kilometres, it is the world`s third largest country by area. China has a old and long history with a vast territory. There are many wonderful places there, which attract any types of tourists in the world. In my brief article I`ve listed for you the top must-visit attractions in China for any classic China tours.
Great Wall of China: One of the iconic symbols of China, the Great Wall is the longest wall in the world, an awe-inspiring feat of ancient defensive architecture. Its winding path over rugged country and steep mountains take in some great scenery. It deserves its place among "the New Seven Wonders of the World" and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China. The wall spans from China`s western frontier to the east coast, totaling around 5,000 km (3,100 miles), but the most integrated and best-preserved sections are close to Beijing. So this is what people usually mean when mentioning the Great Wall of China.
Forbidden City in Beijing: China`s largest and most important building, the Forbidden City also known as the ImperialPalace is situated in the very heart of Beijing and is a must-see when visiting the country. Started during the Yuan Dynasty between 1271-1368, much of the complex seen today was built between 1406 and 1420 as the residence of 24 Ming and Qing Emperors, whose presence forbade the entry of anyone other than the imperial family and their courtesans. Covering some 720,000 square meters and protected by a 10-meter-high wall with watchtowers and a wide moat, this massive complex consists of areas set aside for ceremonial and administrative purposes, as well as a private residence used by the emperor. While it can take many hours to see everything, highlights include the five white marble Golden River Bridges; the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a 35-meter-tall building housing the imperial throne; the exquisite emperor`s banquet hall (the Hall of Preserving Harmony); and the Palace Museum with its large collection of art and artifacts from the Ming and Qing dynasties, to name but a few. Other important attractions in the vicinity of the ImperialPalace include famous Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven, one of the country`s most important religious sites, which dates back to the 15th century.
Terracotta Army in Xi`an: The Terracotta Army has laid underground for more than 2,000 years. However, in 1974, farmers digging a well uncovered one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world. In 1987 it became World Cultural Heritage. It is significant because the hundreds of detailed life-size models represent the army that triumphed over all other Chinese armies in the Warring States Period (475–221 BC), and who were the decisive factor in forming a united China. It raises interesting questions about why it was made, which await your consideration when you come face-to-face with soldiers of the past.
Bund in Shanghai: The Bund is one of the most recognizable architectural symbols of Shanghai. It showcases the world with its colonial European buildings and skyscrapers the other side of the Huangpu, housing one of the world`s foremost business districts. The Bund was Shanghai`s most prosperous area in late 19th century and early 20th century. When the first British company opened an office at the Bund in 1846, it became the epitome of elegance.
Li River in Guilin: The karst landscape along the Li River has captured the heart of artists. Generations of Chinese painters and poets have been inspired by the beauty of nature there, using their pens and brushes to capture the breath-taking natural scenery. Nowadays it`s a popular photography destination. When Chinese travelers seek a place for natural beauty, they first think of Li River and Yangshuo. The 83-kilometer-long section of the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo is the most beautiful. The river landscape is decorated with startling hills, steep cliffs, and farming villages, and is lined with bamboo groves. The Li River was listed as one of the "World`s Top Ten Watery Wonders” by America`s National Geographic Magazine.
Summer Palace: An easy 15-kilometer commute from Beijing, the sumptuous ImperialSummerPalace is set amid more than 700 acres of beautiful parkland and is one of China`s most visited attractions. While the palace itself was built in 1153, its large lake was added in the 14th century to enhance the ImperialGardens. Highlights include the magnificent Hall of Well-being and Longevity with its throne, and the beautiful Great Theatre, a private three-story structure built in 1891 to satisfy the imperial family`s love of opera and still used for performances of traditional Chinese plays and musical events. Other highlights include the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, with its lovely gardens and courtyards, as well as many miles of picturesque pathways and walking trails. If time allows, try to also take in the ruins of the OldSummerPalace, said to have once been one of the country`s most elaborate and architecturally attractive palaces, but which was sadly destroyed by colonial forces in the mid Eighteen Century.
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