China is a vast country full of amazing things – from ancient traditions to cutting edge technology, this captivating country offers it all!
Did you know that Chinese people were the pioneers in developing an appreciation of tea? Or that they invented paper? Furthermore, did you know they have some of the fastest trains worldwide?
1. The Great Wall
The Great Wall is one of the world’s most breathtaking landmarks, stretching over thousands of miles through mountainous landscapes, deserts and grasslands in China. An amazing feat of engineering constructed through generations of Chinese people’s blood and sweat. A familiar symbol that plays an essential role in Chinese culture.
The Great Wall was constructed to defend China from invading tribes and Mongol invaders, stretching across most of northern China from Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC) through Ming Dynasty (1370-1644 AD).
There are various ways to experience the Great Wall. Tour companies typically provide half or full day treks, while multi-day tours may include pit stops and camping trips. More adventurous visitors may try running a marathon along it! Huangyaguan Great Wall Marathon takes place annually and is considered one of the world’s toughest marathons; runners must climb twice up 5,164 steps spanning both sections of Great Wall before turning back down it twice again for another loop – or there are half and 8.5 km distance options also available if tackling full marathon is too daunting!
If you’re in search of something more family-oriented, visit Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Known for its panoramic views and high concentration of guard towers, there are also fast food restaurants as well as a cable car/puley car available to make this section of Great Wall more accessible for visitors with limited mobility.
2. The Terracotta Warriors
The Terracotta Warriors have become an iconic image of Chinese culture around the world. Most people have witnessed these life size warriors and horses assembled into battle formations either at an exhibition in a museum, as an image in a book, or perhaps even on their own walls at home.
In 1974, farmers digging near Xi’an accidentally unearthed one of history’s greatest architectural finds: life-sized terracotta warriors and horses buried as part of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb as an attempt at immortality; this massive army was meant to protect him in the afterlife as well as unify China, build the Great Wall and standardize writing and currency systems.
Estimates suggest that over 8,000 soldiers have been interred alongside the Emperor. Alongside warriors are 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses. Although originally, figures were painted, most have since faded with time.
Terracotta warriors and horses are an incredible sight, boasting intricate detail that brings lifelike figures to life. Estimates place their age between 2000-2300 BCE. Although all are in great condition today, a few heads may have gone missing from when first discovered – they should definitely be included when visiting Xi’an!
Visit the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an at their dedicated museum located on-site every day except Monday from 8:30am to 5:30pm and plan for at least two to three hours to visit them, possibly even hiring a guide if desired to maximize your experience.
Attractions at Terracotta Warriors can be best enjoyed during China’s national holidays such as Spring Festival in late January/early February, Labor Day Holiday from May 1-3 and National Day Holiday on October 1. If possible, visiting during these periods will ensure seeing them without crowds; otherwise off-peak winter periods between March to May and September to November are still good ways of seeing the warriors without massive numbers.
3. The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, situated at the center of Beijing, is an opulent complex of palaces, courtyards and buildings which was home to 24 Chinese emperors from 1406 until Republic of China formation in 1912. Ordinary people were not permitted entry, hence its name. The complex symbolizes Chinese imperial power while serving as an excellent example of Chinese architecture and urban planning.
It takes an entire day to tour this vast complex. There are numerous interesting sights to see and discover within its walls; among the most remarkable of these are palace pillars made of whole logs with intricately carved designs that give each one its own unique shape. Additionally, many ancient Chinese rules of design were followed when designing it – such as its central north-south axis.
Another remarkable element of the Forbidden City is its use of nine, an auspicious number representing eternity and its use throughout its complex can be seen through things like room numbers or doornail count on each gate. Furthermore, the Palace Museum houses over 1 800 000 artifacts.
Visit the Forbidden City and you will gain insight into Chinese history and culture from ancient China. Its preservation makes it worth your while to visit, offering a glimpse into how Chinese viewed themselves and their world during ancient times.
The Forbidden City is home to numerous legends and rumors, such as ghostly figures that inhabit its palace or haunt its grounds; beheadings; political unrest occurring within its walls are other legends that circulate.
While the Forbidden City is known as an epicentre of Chinese history and culture, its connections to math and science cannot be underestimated. Take for instance the Chinese calendar which uses both lunar and solar cycles. Furthermore, Temple of Heaven was used by Chinese astronomers to calculate these calendars as well as any heavenly bodies they encountered within its walls.
4. The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of Asia’s most revered landmarks and must-sees, representing an amazing symbol of Chinese strength and spirit. More than just an impressive monument, its memory lives on through legends and stories related to this remarkable and historic structure.
Visitors who first experience the Great Wall may be taken aback at its sheer scale. Stretching approximately 6000 miles long and built over two millennia by various dynasties ruling China, its size may astound visitors. Primarily used as defense against invaders from outside sources but also serving as an important unification project, its construction served both military and unification functions simultaneously.
As the Great Wall was being constructed, many Chinese citizens were conscripted into laboring on it, often at great personal cost. One such worker was Meng Jiangnu; upon learning of her husband’s death due to excessive work she wept until reaching Shanhaiguan Pass and caused 800 li (400 kilometers) of wall to collapse with her tears.
An interesting fact about the Great Wall is its composition; it consisted of rammed earth, bricks and stones held together with not cement but rather processed rice flour as mortar between each brick – this unique form of wall construction was economical and simple to erect.
Visits to the Great Wall of China are more than just sight seeing tours; visitors can also enjoy plenty of activities along its length. Hiking is one of the most popular pursuits on this famous structure; other visitors may enjoy night hiking at Simatai section or riding slideways or running marathons at Mutianyu or Badaling sections.
Many unusual activities can be enjoyed on the Great Wall of China, including camping, skydiving, bungee jumping and even painting a portrait of yourself in front of it!