/ @blessedjoy-jo3kq
Amazing Places to Visit in China
The Forbidden City, also known as the Purple Forbidden City, was built during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty and served as the residence for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It covers an area of about 720,000 square meters, with a building area of approximately 150,000 square meters, and contains over 9,000 rooms in various palaces. Every corner of this place is imbued with rich historical and cultural value.
Upon entering the Forbidden City, you will first see the Taihe Gate Square, where large ceremonies and celebrations were held. Passing through the Taihe Gate, you will arrive at the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the largest palace in the Forbidden City, where the emperor held significant ceremonies. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is awe-inspiring with its towering architecture and resplendent decorations.
Li River and Guilin
For nature lovers, a cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo on the Li River is a must-do experience. The river’s banks are adorned with bizarre peaks, lush bamboo groves, and tranquil waters, creating a picturesque scene that has inspired poets and painters for centuries. Be sure to explore the charming town of Yangshuo, where you can cycle through rice fields and sample local delicacies.
The Li River stretches about 83 kilometers, starting from Mopanshan Pier in Guilin and extending to Fuli Pier in Yangshuo. Along the way, the most famous sights include Nine Horses Fresco Hill, Yellow Cloth Shoal, and Xingping Ancient Town. During the cruise, visitors can marvel at the various karst peaks, some resembling camels, old men, or pen racks, each with its unique shape and charm.
Guilin’s landscape is renowned as "the best under heaven." The karst topography here is formed by crustal movements and long-term erosion, showcasing unique natural wonders. Cruising the Li River, you’ll witness the beauty of mountains and water intertwined, as if you were in a dynamic ink painting. The river water is crystal clear, surrounded by verdant bamboo on both sides, with rolling green hills in the distance, offering breathtaking scenery.
The Terracotta Army
Explore the mysteries of the Terracotta Army in Xi'an. Discovered in 1974, this astonishing archaeological site showcases thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots, all meticulously crafted to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Each terracotta figure is detailed and unique, making this site a fascinating study of ancient art.
Located to the east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum in the Lintong District of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, the Terracotta Army pits form the core part of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Museum. The site is divided into three main pits, covering a total area of about 20,000 square meters. Nearly 8,000 terracotta soldiers and horses are arrayed in the pits, presenting a grand and magnificent sight.
Pit 1 is the largest, covering an area of about 14,260 square meters in a rectangular shape. This pit contains the main force of infantry and chariots, with around 6,000 terracotta figures. The soldiers are arranged in orderly rows, as if ready to march into battle. Each soldier's posture, expression, and attire are distinct, showcasing the high level of artistry and detailed carving techniques of the craftsmen of that time.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Step into the real-life version of Pandora from the movie "Avatar" at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Home to towering sandstone pillars, deep canyons, and mist-covered peaks, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers breathtaking scenery. For adventurers, the glass bridge spanning the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon provides a heart-pounding experience.
Located in the northwest of Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is China's first national forest park, covering an area of 4,800 hectares. It is renowned for its unique sandstone peak forest landscape, with thousands of peculiar sandstone pillars standing amidst dense forests, creating a mysterious and spectacular view. The floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie "Avatar" were inspired by this place.
The most famous attractions within the park include Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and Golden Whip Stream. Yuanjiajie is known for its unique topography and magnificent scenery, making it the best spot to view the sandstone pillar forest. Tianzi Mountain is hailed as an "enlarged bonsai, miniature fairyland," where you can enjoy sea-of-clouds sunrises, bizarre peaks, and ancient pines and cypresses. Golden Whip Stream, reputed as "the most beautiful canyon in the world," features crystal-clear water and shaded green trees along its banks, making it ideal for hiking.