China is one of the most intriguing vacation locations in the world. It provides an astonishing blend of ancient history, natural beauty and contemporary wonders. Every year, millions of foreign visitors go to China to see its hundreds of world-famous buildings and attractions. But what are the most renowned locations in China, the ones that everyone speaks about?
Great Wall of China
Most people’s first association with China will be with the Great Wall. If you ever find yourself in China, this is the one attraction you just must see. The wall was first constructed in the country’s northern areas as a barrier against nomadic invaders. The wall’s construction began in the 7th century B.C., and it was expanded upon by various kingdoms throughout the centuries.
The Great Wall of China is roughly 13,171 miles (21,196 kilometers) long and portions of it have been dismantled and rebuilt throughout the years.
Many people believe that the wall is the only structure on Earth that can be seen from space.
Since it turns out, this isn’t quite right, as it can’t be seen with the naked eye from a low Earth orbit, and certainly not from the moon. But these statements indicate exactly how massive and crucial the wall is.
Among the Great Wall’s many well-visited segments are:
Mutianyu in Beijing, a completely renovated stretch with nice views and less people
The Beijing neighborhood of Badaling is the most visited due to its status as the city’s most well-preserved and comprehensive area. Shanhaiguan Great Wall in Hebei province, which is also known as Shanhaiguan Pass because of its strategically vital positions Jiayuguan in Gansu for its distinctive architecture and city of the same name.
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is one of China’s most recognized landmarks for its historical importance.
It is the finest example of ancient Chinese architecture and the biggest imperial palace in the world.
The structure, centrally located in Beijing, was constructed between 1406 and 1420 during the Ming era. It features more than 9,000 rooms and hallways to explore.
The palace was once home to the emperors of China but is now a museum that includes thousands of artefacts from the past. The term “imperial artifacts” include not just art but also literature, paintings, and calligraphy.
It’s fascinating to roam the Forbidden City and fantasize about the lives of ancient rulers. You may want to bring earplugs in case the people are too loud for you.
Enter the palace grounds in the south by either the Meridian Gate or the Wumen, and exit through the gates in the north or the east.
Terracotta Army
Farmers in the area around Xi’an stumbled across the terracotta warriors and their tomb in 1974 after unearthing fragments of a clay figure. Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum was constructed between 246 and 206 BC; he was the first emperor of China. In an area of the tomb that has not yet been explored, the emperor’s bones have remained untouched.
The almost 8,000 warriors were the product of an estimated 720,000 builders. These terracotta soldiers were made to guard the Emperor’s Tomb, but they are pieces of art in their own right.
Each warrior is life-size and weighs roughly 600 pounds. And, no two warriors are the identical, with each one showcasing their own distinctive face characteristics, hairdo, gestures, posture, or clothes.
The army also contains horses and chariots, all of them eager to take on the emperor’s foes, even in death.
The location is now part of the Terracotta Army Museum in Xi’an, which is covered by a massive warehouse-style roof.