At an elevation of 1,200 meters, Tianmen Mountain is a marvel of natural beauty, with towering sandstone pillars, lush forests, and stunning vistas that will take your breath away. But that’s not all – this mountain is also steeped in history and culture, with ancient temples, intricate carvings, and legends that will transport you back in time.

Getting There

First things first, how do you get to Tianmen Mountain? The mountain is located within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which is about 40 kilometers from Zhangjiajie City. You can take a bus or taxi from Zhangjiajie City to the park’s entrance, and then transfer to a cable car or bus to reach the mountain’s base.

Cable Car or Hiking?

Now, the big question – do you want to take a cable car or hike up the mountain? If you’re looking for a more leisurely experience, the cable car is a great option. It takes about 8 minutes to reach the top, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. 😍 If you’re feeling more adventurous, why not try hiking? There are several hiking routes to the top, ranging from easy to challenging. The hike takes about 2-3 hours, and offers breathtaking views of the mountain’s unique landscapes.

Top Attractions

Once you reach the top of Tianmen Mountain, you’ll be rewarded with a wealth of natural and cultural attractions. Here are some of the top things to do:

Tianmen Cave: This stunning cave is located at the top of the mountain, and features intricate carvings, statues, and murals that tell the story of Chinese mythology.

Tianmen Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to the god of Tianmen Mountain, and offers a glimpse into China’s rich cultural heritage.

Yunmeng Fairy Summit: This summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, and is a great spot for photography.

Tianmen Mountain Peak: At 1,200 meters, this peak is the highest point of the mountain, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Tips and Tricks

Before you start your journey up Tianmen Mountain, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for hiking and exploring.

Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Consider hiring a guide to help you navigate the mountain and learn about its history and culture.

Plan your itinerary in advance to avoid missing out on any must-see attractions.

Don’t forget your camera, as you’ll want to capture the mountain’s breathtaking scenery and unique landmarks.

With an area of 451 square kilometers, this national park is home to an incredible array of landscapes, including towering sandstone pillars, lush forests, and sparkling waterfalls. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or an adventure-seeker, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park has something for everyone.

Planning Your Visit

Before you start your journey, it’s important to plan your visit carefully. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park:

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is from March to November, when the weather is mild and comfortable. Avoid visiting during the peak season (July and August) if you prefer smaller crowds.

How to Get There: The park is located in the northwest of Hunan province, about 40 kilometers from Zhangjiajie City. You can take a bus or taxi from Zhangjiajie City to the park’s entrance.

Accommodation: There are several accommodation options within the park, including hotels, hostels, and camping sites. Consider booking your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.

Tickets: Entrance tickets to the park cost around ¥248 (approximately $36) per person. You can purchase tickets at the park’s entrance or online in advance.

Must-See Attractions

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is home to numerous natural wonders and cultural landmarks. Here are some of the top attractions you won’t want to miss:

Tianmen Mountain: This iconic mountain is the park’s main attraction, featuring towering sandstone pillars, lush forests, and stunning vistas. Take a cable car or hike to the top for breathtaking views.

Yellow Dragon Cave: Explore this stunning limestone cave, which features a variety of unique rock formations, underground lakes, and even a “hidden” village.

Baofeng Lake: This tranquil lake is surrounded by towering cliffs and lush forests, offering a peaceful retreat from the crowds. Take a boat ride or hike around the lake for a relaxing afternoon.

Golden Whip Stream: This scenic stream is perfect for a leisurely hike, with its gentle flow and picturesque surroundings. Follow the stream through the forest and discover hidden waterfalls and pools.

Tips and Tricks

To make the most of your visit to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, keep these tips in mind:

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for hiking and exploring.

Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Consider hiring a guide to help you navigate the park and learn about its history and culture.

Plan your itinerary in advance to avoid missing out on any must-see attractions.

Don’t forget your camera, as you’ll want to capture the park’s breathtaking scenery and unique landmarks.

Geography and Climate

The Li River is located in the northeastern part of Guilin City and flows southward through the city’s urban areas. It is approximately 43 kilometers long and has a total drainage area of 2,170 square kilometers. The river’s source is in the Mao’er Mountains, and it flows through several scenic areas, including the famous Li River Scenic Area, before emptying into the Gui River.

The climate in Guilin is subtropical, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The best time to visit the Li River is from April to October, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its peak.

Scenic Attractions

The Li River is famous for its picturesque scenery, which includes towering limestone karst mountains, steep cliffs, and tranquil waters. The river winds its way through a series of scenic areas, each with its own unique charm. Some of the most popular attractions along the river include:

The Li River Scenic Area: This area is the most popular section of the river and features stunning karst mountains, picturesque villages, and lush greenery.

Elephant Trunk Hill: A hill that resembles an elephant’s trunk, this is a popular spot for photography and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Reed Flute Cave: A beautiful cave filled with colorful stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a variety of reeds that can be used to make flutes.

Guilin City: The river flows through the heart of Guilin City, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline and surrounding mountains.

Cultural Significance

The Li River has played an important role in Guilin’s history and culture. It has been a source of food, transportation, and inspiration for the local people for centuries. The river is also a popular destination for artists, poets, and writers, who come to capture its beauty and tranquility.

In addition, the Li River has been the site of several significant historical events, including the Battle of Guilin, which took place in 1944 during World War II.

Tourism and Recreation

The Li River is a popular destination for tourists, with a variety of activities and attractions available. Visitors can take a scenic boat tour along the river, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and villages. The river is also a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and hiking.

In addition, several festivals and events are held along the Li River throughout the year, including the Guilin Li River Festival, which celebrates the river’s cultural and natural beauty.

Conservation Efforts

The Li River is an important natural resource, and conservation efforts are in place to protect its scenic beauty and ecological balance. The Guilin government has implemented measures to reduce pollution and protect the river’s ecosystem, including the establishment of nature reserves and the promotion of sustainable tourism practices.

Visitor Information

Visitors to the Li River can access the river from several locations in Guilin City, including the Li River Scenic Area, Elephant Trunk Hill, and Reed Flute Cave. The river is open to visitors year-round, and boat tours are available from April to October.

In conclusion, the Li River is a scenic wonder that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. Its stunning scenery, rich culture, and historical significance make it a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Guilin, China.

Geography and Climate

The Yangtze River flows through a diverse range of landscapes, from the towering mountains of the Tibetan Plateau to the fertile plains of the Yangtze River Delta. The river’s source is located in the Geladandong Mountain, in the western province of Qinghai, and it flows through 11 provinces and regions before emptying into the East China Sea.

The Yangtze River Delta, which covers an area of over 180,000 square kilometers, is home to some of China’s most prosperous cities, including Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou. The delta is also known for its rich agricultural land and diverse wildlife, including the endangered Chinese alligator and the finless porpoise.

The Yangtze River has a subtropical monsoon climate, with temperatures ranging from -20°C in winter to 40°C in summer. The river’s water level varies greatly throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months and the lowest levels during the winter months.

Economic and Cultural Significance

The Yangtze River has played a vital role in China’s economic and cultural development for centuries. It has been an important transportation route for goods and people, connecting the interior of China with the coastal regions. The river is also a major source of hydroelectric power, with the Three Gorges Dam, located on the river’s middle reaches, being one of the largest dams in the world.

The Yangtze River is also known for its cultural and historical significance. The river has been the inspiration for countless works of literature, art, and music, and has played a role in many important events in Chinese history. The river’s scenic beauty, including the famous Three Gorges, has made it a popular tourist destination, with millions of visitors each year.

Environmental Concerns

Despite its importance, the Yangtze River is facing numerous environmental challenges. The river has been affected by pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction, which have had a negative impact on the river’s ecosystem and wildlife. The construction of the Three Gorges Dam has also raised concerns about the river’s water quality and the impact on local communities.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect the Yangtze River and its ecosystem. The Chinese government has launched initiatives to clean up the river and restore its natural habitats, and organizations such as the Yangtze River Conservation Society are working to raise awareness and protect the river’s wildlife.

The Yangtze River is a vital and fascinating waterway that has played a crucial role in China’s history and development. Its diverse landscapes, cultural significance, and economic importance make it a unique and valuable resource that must be protected and preserved for future generations.

The Terracotta Army

History of the Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army was created over 2,000 years ago during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE). It was built by Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who was the first emperor to unify China and create a centralized state. The emperor believed that the Terracotta Army would help him rule the empire in the afterlife, just as he had in life.

The construction of the Terracotta Army began in 210 BCE, soon after Emperor Qin Shi Huang ascended to the throne. It took over 720,000 workers and craftsmen more than 10 years to complete the army. The Terracotta Army was buried with the emperor in a massive mausoleum complex in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China.

Discovery of the Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers who were digging a well in Xi’an. The farmers stumbled upon a large number of terracotta statues, which they initially thought were ancient Buddhist statues. However, upon further inspection, they realized that the statues were actually soldiers and horses.

Excavation of the Terracotta Army

The excavation of the Terracotta Army began in 1975, and it took over 10 years to uncover the entire army. The excavation process was slow and painstaking, as the statues were fragile and had to be carefully removed from the soil.

The Terracotta Army is divided into three main sections: the Infantry Army, the Cavalry Army, and the Chariot Army. The Infantry Army consists of over 6,000 soldiers, each with a unique facial expression and clothing. The Cavalry Army consists of over 1,000 horses and riders, while the Chariot Army consists of over 100 chariots and horses.

Features of the Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army is known for its life-sized statues, which are between 1.8 and 2.2 meters tall. Each statue is made of terracotta, a type of clay, and weighs around 100 kilograms. The statues are intricately detailed, with each soldier having a unique facial expression, clothing, and weapons.

The Terracotta Army is also known for its impressive military formation. The soldiers are arranged in a formation that resembles a real army, with soldiers standing in ranks and files. The formation is designed to protect the emperor’s tomb from evil spirits and invaders.

Significance of the Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is a testament to the advanced craftsmanship and engineering skills of ancient Chinese civilization. The Terracotta Army is a remarkable achievement, given the technology and resources available at the time.

Secondly, the Terracotta Army provides valuable insights into ancient Chinese history and culture. The statues are based on real soldiers and weapons, which provides a glimpse into the military tactics and strategies of the time.

Thirdly, the Terracotta Army is a symbol of China’s rich cultural heritage and is considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and attracts millions of visitors each year.

The Terracotta Army is a remarkable archaeological discovery that provides valuable insights into ancient Chinese history and culture. The life-sized statues of soldiers, horses, and chariots are a testament to the advanced craftsmanship and engineering skills of ancient Chinese civilization. The Terracotta Army is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture, and it continues to fascinate visitors from around the world.

Xinjiang is nearly four times the size of California and has a long and diverse history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Stone Age.

The region is home to many ethnic minority groups, including the Uyghurs, who make up the largest ethnic group in Xinjiang, and other groups such as the Kazaks, Mongols, and Tajiks.

Xinjiang has its own unique culture, with influences from both Chinese and Islamic traditions. The region is known for its traditional music, dance, and art, including the famous Xinjiang silk road dance.

The region is also home to many famous historical figures, including the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, who was born in Xinjiang, and the famous Muslim poet and philosopher, Al-Farabi, who was born in Kazakhstan but spent much of his life in Xinjiang.

Xinjiang is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Tian Shan mountains, the Taklamakan Desert, and the Pamir Plateau. The region is also home to many rare species, such as the snow leopard, the Tibetan antelope, and the Gobi bear.

The region has a rich resource of mineral resources, including coal, oil, natural gas, and gold.

Xinjiang has a diverse cuisine, with influences from Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Russian cuisines. Some of the region’s famous dishes include pilaf, naan bread, and kebabs.

The region has a long history of trade and cultural exchange, with the ancient Silk Road passing through it. The region is also home to many important historical sites, including the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, the Great Wall in Beijing, and the Forbidden City in Beijing.

Xinjiang is a popular destination for tourists, with many attractions such as the Heavenly Lake, the Tian Shan Mountains, and the Xinjiang Museum. The region also has a rich cultural heritage, with many festivals and traditions, such as the traditional Uyghur wedding, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.

In conclusion, Xinjiang is a region with a rich history, diverse culture, and unique traditions. It is a popular destination for tourists and offers a glimpse into a unique and fascinating part of the world.

Diaoyutai Ginkgo Avenue, Beijing

Located in the heart of Beijing, Diaoyutai Ginkgo Avenue is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of autumn. The path along the wall of Diaoyutai State Guesthouse is lined with ginkgo trees that turn a vibrant yellow in autumn, creating a stunning contrast against the clear blue sky. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the path, take in the scenery, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Qixia Mountain, Nanjing

Qixia Mountain, located in Nanjing, is a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers. The mountain is known for its stunning red leaves that blanket the ground in autumn, creating a picturesque scene that attracts visitors from all over the world. Visitors can take a hike up the mountain, enjoy the scenery, and take plenty of photos to capture the memories of their visit.

Kanas Lake, Xinjiang

Kanas Lake in Xinjiang is a hidden gem that is worth visiting in autumn. The lake is surrounded by mountains and forests, which turn golden and red during autumn, creating a stunning contrast against the deep blue water of the lake. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake, enjoy the scenery, and experience the local culture.

Ethnic Dong People’s Village, Guizhou Province

The Ethnic Dong People’s Village in Guizhou Province is a charming destination that offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Chinese culture. The village is home to the Dong people, an ethnic minority group known for their unique customs and traditions. Visitors can experience the local culture by participating in traditional activities, enjoying local food, and taking in the beautiful autumn scenery.

Red Beach, Panjin, NE China

Red Beach in Panjin, NE China, is a stunning destination that offers visitors a unique autumn experience. The beach is known for its vibrant red leaves that create a stunning contrast against the blue sky and yellow sand. Visitors can take in the scenery, enjoy water sports, and relax in a peaceful atmosphere.

Autumn is a beautiful season in China, and there’s no shortage of beautiful destinations to visit. From bustling cities to peaceful villages, China has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant autumn experience or a relaxing getaway, China is the perfect destination. Book your trip to China and create memories that will last a lifetime!

THE FORBIDDEN CITY

The Forbidden City is a palace complex in Dongcheng District, at the center of the Imperial City of Beijing. Constructed in the 15^th century, it is believed to be one of the most beautiful and iconic sites in Beijing. In the past, it used to be an imperial palace and winter residence of royal dynasties. Its size and architecture are still incredibly impressive. The complex consists of 980 buildings, encompassing 8,886 rooms and covering 720,000 square metres (72 ha). All of that is surrounded by a 10-meter-high wall towers, imperial gardens, temples and Zhongshan Park. The Forbidden City was designed to reflect philosophical and religious principles, which can be seen in the choice of colors and ornaments of the buildings. The whole complex is a masterpiece of architecture with a deep historical and cultural meaning.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

• The tour consists of a lot of walking, so prepare to bring comfortable shoes and clothing, as well as water and snacks.
• Opening hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• There’s a special line of bus that drives tourist specifically to the Forbidden City.

THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA

The Great Wall of China is without doubts the most iconic site in Beijing. It’s a series of fortifications built across the borders of ancient China. It was constructed as a means of protection from nomadic groups from Europe. Today the Great Wall of China is considered one the most important architectural object in the whole world. Grandiose and magnificent, it stretches on for over 20 000 km (12 000 mi) in total. The early walls can be dated back to the 7^th century BC. The whole complex was open to public in 1950s and is counted among the most popular tourist attraction in China and Asia. Though challenging, a hike along the Great Wall of China is an absolute must for first-time visitors!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

• This much-visited section of the Great Wall can get busy, so if possible try to plan your trip for an early arrival.
• It is advised to take part in an organized tour.

TIANANMEN SQUARE

Tiananmen Square (the Square of Heavenly Peace) is the world’s largest inner-city square. It is also one of the best-known sites in Beijing. The square lies in front of the Forbidden City and holds a deep historical meaning. It was built to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Chinese Republic in 1958. Today the square is famous for its incredible size, as well as many important and tourist-approved sites. The Great Hall of People, National Museum of China or Mausoleum of Mao Zedong are all places that you can visit while walking along the square. Its historical, cultural and architectural meaning makes Tiananmen Square an absolute must-see.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

• It can be easily reached by Subway Line 1, bus or a taxi.
• During festive seasons in China, Tiananmen Square can get very crowded.
• Walking around the square in the summer may be difficult, as there are no trees that could offer shade.

LAMA TEMPLE

The Yonghe Temple, famously known as the Lama Temple, is a temple and monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The site is very popular among tourists and can be considered one of the most iconic symbols of Beijing. Built in the 17^th century, the Lama Temple is a stunning example of Chinese architecture. The complex consists of 661 rooms that are spread on the ground of about 6.6 hectares. Its cultural and historical meaning is absolutely invaluable. Lama Temple still plays a significant role in Tibetan Buddhism. Some of It can be argued that the Lama Temple is the best place to immerse yourself in a culture and festivities of Beijing.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

• Opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• The tour should take about 1-2 hours.

JINGSHAN PARK

Jingshan Park is an imperial park covering 23 hectares (57 acres) immediately north of the Forbidden City in the Imperial City area of Beijing. The whole area is filled with beautiful temples, breathtaking gardens, and stunning Pavilions. Jingshan Park is the highest point in Beijing Old Imperial City and offers a fantastic view on both the Forbidden City and modern Beijing. It’s a great place to wander around, admire nature, and mingle with the locals. Its architecture and style will take you back to the atmosphere of the ancient China!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

• Jingshan Park is not very big. A visit should take about 1-2 hours.
• There are lost of bus stations nearby, some of which are Xibanqiao Station (西板桥站), Jingshan Back Street Station (景山后街站), Jingshan East Street Station (景山东街站), Jingshan East Gate Station.

Beijing can be overwhelming! If you don’t know what to do there, stick to our list. It will be a great start in your Beijing adventure!

Skyline of Pudong

Pudong district located in the eastern part of Huangpu river in Shanghai city. The services like super fast magnetic elevation trains, ferries, efficient taxis and buses make it easy for the tourists to reach Pudong, can see number of magnificent skyscrapers, museums and parks.

Oriental pearl TV tower becomes the main attraction in Pudong among the tourists. This 468 meter high TV tower is the second highest TV tower of china, known for unique architectural style. The tower includes three large and five smaller spheres, larger s[here at top of tower known as space module.

The second sphere of tower at 259 meter from the ground offers glass floor viewing platform, to explore sky of Shanghai, becomes most thrilling experience to get from Shanghai city.

The third tallest Skyscraper of China, Jinmao tower also situated besides of oriental TV tower, viewing platform at 55th floor of the tower offer spectacular view of the city. The attractions in Pudong also includes Shanghai ocean aquarium, century park, Shanghai municipal museum and financial center tower.

Yellow Mountains

Yellow mountains are located in Anhui province of Eastern part of China, Standing at height of 6115 feet. The hot springs, pine tress, clouds, winter snowscapes and oddly shaped rocks are the main attractions to experience at yellow mountains. It is one of the best place to watch sunset and sunrise, also much popular hiking place in the country. Yellow mountains are also listed within UNESCO’s world heritage sites.

There are 140 different sections opened for tourists in yellow mountains. Hiking becomes popular activity in yellow mountains. The secure steps built at the cliffs of yellow mountains also let the tourists to explore beauty of surrounding places.

There is also a 39 foot tall 8 meter long stone called flying stone, balanced on comparatively light ledge, one of interesting sight at yellow mountains. Tourists will also get hotel services at the top of yellow mountains.

Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan

Jiuzhaigou valley is a nature reserve and national park located in Sichuan, protected area also listed on world heritage sites. This valley is much popular for it’s colored lakes, multi-level waterfalls, snow covered peaks. The presence of giant panda and golden snub-nosed monkeys also makes this site as focal point among tourists. Jiuzhaigou can be visit year around, in autumn the entire valley and lakes makes brilliant coloration.

There are three main valley in Jiuzhaigou, rize valley, zechawa valley and Shuzeng valley, form a ‘Y’ shape on meeting. Jiuzhaigou valley also includes 114 lakes in total and number of waterfalls, have different coloration of water. The green-blue color of water of lakes visible even in winter season. The continual variation of flora also can see in the valley within change of altitude over time.

Li River Cruise

The li river flow through Guangxi Zhuang region of China. The spectacular river sights make it as one of top water wonders in the world. Li river cruise is one of popular tourist activities in the country. The river rip start from the range of Guilin and end at Yangshou, over 83 kilometers.

The tourist can see beautiful landscapes, rolling hills, steep cliffs, caves and forest on both sides of the river. The experienced guides will share interesting stories about various river side attraction with tourist during the river trip. Visitors also get chance to make a look at lifestyle of number of villages , aged more than 500 years, located at bank of Li river.

Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong

The third largest harbor in the world, located between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon peninsula. It is the most popular tourist attraction of Hong Kong city, known for it’s spectacular panoramic view. The symphony of lights in Victoria harbor at night time featuring 40 skyscrapers becomes one of the best thing to experience from Hong Kong, in the year 2005 it got listed on Guinness book of world records as world’s largest permanent light and sound show.

The night time cruise at victoria harbor becomes best way to experience symphony of lights. Victoria tower at the height of 554 meters, on top of victoria mountain offers spectacular view of entire harbor. It is also becomes location to host a number of public shows including fireworks display on night of lunar new year.

Temple of Heaven, Beijing

One of the most popular holy places in China, situated in Central Beijing. Much popular for it’s architectural design, another world heritage of the country. It is also found as a Taoist temple, one of re religious tradition of China, perfect example of imperial architecture of Ming dynasty.

Temple of heaven was built by Yongle emperor in between period of 1406-1420, to worship heaven annually to get good harvest. The design of temple reflect the relation between sky and earth. The circular wall within temple of heaven represents heaven and rectangular wall of this temple represents Earth.

The four main pillars within the prayer hall of this temple represents four seasons and twelve inner columns represents twelve months in an year. Morning is the best time to visit temple of heaven, will get quite atmosphere. A special martial arts style called Tai Chi also can be experience by the visitors from temple of heaven,concentrate on development and control of consciousness.

Mogao Caves, Dunhuang

Mogao caves also called as caves of thousand Buddhas, located in Dun huang of western China. There are about 600 surviving caves in the network of mogao caves, out of them only thirty caves are opened for public. These caves includes many Buddhist arts those are spanning a period of 1000 years and more.

First part of mogao caves are carved down in the year 366, from vision of Buddhist monk Le Zun to built thousand Buddhas at the site. At earlier time mogao caves became a place for meditation, had become place of pilgrimage in later following centuries. The cave paintings reflect as visual representation of enlightenment, became major religious center at time of Tang Dynasty.

The texts produced with woodblock printing technology, an ancient Chinese method to print text on cloth date to year 220 also discovered from mogao caves. Out of 30 accessible caves at magao caves tourist can only visit 15 caves in a single day. Visitors can also explore rare murals, sculptures of Buddha from different centuries and over 50000 manuscripts written on wall of mogao in different languages.

Terracotta Army, Xian

Thousands of clay soldiers buried with mausoleum of first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huan is known as terracotta army. It became the one of most significant discoveries in the history of archaeology. Terracotta army includes 8000 clay soldiers, 520 horses and 130 chariots, tom of first emperor remain excavated.

The construction of this mausoleum dated back to 246 BC, just after Qin Shi Huan taking throne as first emperor of China, at the age of 13. Life sized clay soldiers and horses are arranged in a battle formation. Discovered from pit near to tom of first emperor.

Archaeologist also discovered clay formations of musicians, dancers and acrobats from another pits of mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang. After the discovery of terracotta army in 1974 Chinese government made the site as a historical museum within one year. Now both foreign and local tourists can visit this site.

Forbidden City, Beijing

It is also known as imperial palace, the largest palace in the world, located in Beijing. The entire complex of forbidden city covers an area of 183 acres, consist of 980 buildings those have 8707 rooms in total. Forbidden city holds largest collection of ancient wooden structures in the world, listed on UNESCO’s world heritage site in the year 1987. Every year forbidden city attracts more than 10 million visitors every year.

The construction of forbidden city started in 1407 by emperor Zhu Di, took fourteen years for the completion. All roofs of buildings in forbidden city decorated with yellow glazed tiles since yellow became symbol of Chinese emperors. The entire palace complex is surrounded and protected by 7.9 meter tall city wall and 170 foot wide moat.

From 1420 to 1920, for 500 years forbidden city housed 24 different Chinese emperors. The ancient Chinese decorations, royal architectural styles, paintings, deluxe halls and royal garden attracts million of foreign visitors today. The palace museum also have collection of 1.17 million pieces of arts from Ming and Qing dynasty, includes paintings, ceramics, sculptures, enamel objects…Etc.

Great Wall of China

Most recognizable landmark of China, longest man made structure and one of seven wonders of the world. In fact it is a discontinuous network of network of wall built to protect the borders of China. Great wall have total length of 8850 kilometers, including length of trenches and defense barriers.

Great wall of China was built by different dynasties of China in different centuries. The first part of great wall built between BC 220 to 206 by first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. Stones, wood, tampered earth and bricks are main material used for the construction of great wall.

It includes guard towers, beacon towers, stairways, bridges and battlements. The height of great wall measured up to 25 feet and 15 to 13 feet wide. It is also became the longest cemetery in the world, one million people lost their life during construction of great wall.

The most visited section of great wall of China is Badaling, It was originally built in the year 1504 by Ming dynasty and restored in 1957. Nowadays all facilities like hotels, restaurants and cable cars are available within this area.

1. Great Wall of China

This is something that probably doesn’t have to be reminded of. The Great Wall of China is the country’s landmark and one of the world’s most admired wonders. Many anecdotes about this site are being repeated worldwide, such as the one claiming the Wall is visible from the Moon. Unfortunately, this romantic tale is probably not true, yet luckily you don’t have to go to the Moon to see the Great Wall.

The construction of the fortifications started in 5^th century BC and lasted for following centuries until the 16^th century (with a lot of maintenance on the way, building, rebuilding, fixing, etc.). Parts of the fortifications are now ruined, but some were renovated and are well-preserved. The most famous section is Bādálǐng, near Zhangjiakou. Sections around Beijing municipality are popular too. Jinshanling, on the other hand, isn’t as popular as them, but worth seeing as it is one of the most scenic parts of the Great Wall.

2. Li River in Guilin

The landscape with rolling hills, Karst Mountains, steep cliffs and mysterious caves makes the Li River in Guilin one of the most charming tourist attractions in China. You can go on a cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, sit in a bamboo raft and sail the river while these breathtaking views surround you.

3. Terracotta Army

The Qin Tomb Terracotta Warriors and Horses is a special treat for all history and art-lovers. The collection of sculptures presents the armies of the first China’s emperor, Qin Shi Huang, and it dates back to the third century BC. The sculptures mostly depict warriors, chariots, and horses, but there are some non-military figures as well (acrobats, athletes, musicians and officials). It’s a form of funerary art, created to protect the emperor after his death. The emperor is buried in the mausoleum together with his treasures. Imagine the astonishment of local farmers who discovered this site in 1974. They were digging a well for water when they came across this amazing gem.

4. Forbidden City

The name “Forbidden City” sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? It’s a translation of Chinese name “Zijin Cheng,” which means “Purple Forbidden City.” The purple refers to the North Star (because its Chinese name includes the word “purple”) that according to Chinese astrology was a place of emperor’s residence in heavens. Why forbidden? Probably because when the emperor lived in the Forbidden City, nobody could neither enter nor leave the palace without his permission. It’s the biggest palace in the world and covers 72 hectares. The whole complex includes 980 buildings. Right now the palace is a museum with extensive imperial collections and one of the most impressing tourist attractions in China.

5. The Bund in Shanghai

The Bund area is one of Shanghai’s landmarks. Art Deco, Romanesque, Renaissance, Baroque and other architectural styles can be seen there, altogether 52 buildings being a proof of architects endless creativity. There are both European colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers. The area is sometimes being called “a museum of buildings.”

6. Yangtze River

The Yangtze is one of the biggest rivers in the world, it’s over 6000 kilometers long, and hence on its banks are numerous sites and cities. Between cities Chongqing and Yichang, in the Three Gorges area, there’s a stunning cruise ship route.

7. Yellow Mountain

This scenic area is a paradise for all mountain-lovers. The scenery consists of beautiful Huangshan Pine trees. Peculiarly-shaped rocks and magically looking clouds you can see from above. There’s no doubt that the Yellow Mountain is one of the greatest natural tourist attractions in China. It has inspired many Chinese artists and poets. There are approximately 60 000 steps carved into the side of the mountain. If you don’t fancy climbing the stairs, you can also use a cable car to reach the summits.

8. Lhasa

In Tibetan Lhasa means “the land of gods.” and it’s also a perfect name for this wonderful place, the capital of Tibet. Even though it’s now a region of China, once you enter Lhasa, you can still feel the Tibetan spirit. The majestic Himalayas surround the mysterious, yet fascinating city. There are numerous sites in Lhasa, but one you surely can’t miss is the Potala Palace. The palace, a former residence of the Dalai Lama, lies scenically 130 meters above the Lhasa valley.

9. Mogao Caves

The system of Mogao Caves consists of 492 Buddhist temples. The construction probably started in the 4^th century, when Lè Zūn, a Buddhist monk, had a vision of thousand Buddhas bathed in golden light. The inspired monk therefore decided to build a cave. The construction he had begun went on for centuries. Rock-cut temples are full of wonderful Buddhist artworks, and it makes them a fantastic tourist attraction. In China, there are two more examples of similar ancient temples, Longmen Grottoes and Yungang Grottoes.

10. Leshan Giant Buddha

This gigantic statue stands 71 meters high and is carved out of a cliff face. The locals use to say: “The Mountain is a Buddha and the Buddha is a mountain.” You’ll find the statue in the Sichuan province, not far from the city of Leshan. Leshan Giant Buddha faces the scenic Mount Emei. The whole area is beautiful and also historically significant with its Buddhist temples.

11. Summer Palace

The Summer Palace lies in Beijing and is an excellent ensemble of gardens, temples, bridges, pavilions, lakes and palaces. The Kunming Lake, the Summer Palace’s central point, and the 60 meters high Longevity Hill are dominating the landscape. Emperor Qianlong built the complex was in the 18^th century, and it was a beautiful summer residence for imperial families.

12. Victoria Harbour

Hong Kong has a striking skyline that you can see from Victoria Harbour. Besides that, it is also one of the greatest modern tourist attractions in China. While you visit the Victoria Harbour, you can see the skyscrapers of Hong Kong and also the Tsim Sha Tsui shoreline.

The bay is a strategic location, which sits between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. It used to be an important part of the British Empire. Now Victoria Harbour is a highly busy harbor, a major tourist point and a center of China’s foreign trade.