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The Great Wall winds its way across China covering over 5,500 miles (8,850 km). While the latest construction occurred after 1368 during the Ming Dynasty, construction of the Great Wall began over 2,000 years ago. In fact, the Great Wall is actually made up of a number of interconnecting walls spanning China that different dynasties and warlords constructed over the years.A visit to the Great Wall is truly one of the most memorable and impressive experiences you’ll have in China. While the new discovery doesn’t mean you can happily stroll an extra few thousand kilometers (much of the Wall is disrepair), you can find stretches that are fascinating to hike along.
The Forbidden City
Palace Museum or Forbidden city , sits at the center of Beijing, directly north of Tiananmen Square where the famous portrait of Mao Zedong hangs on the palatial crimson wall. It was the imperial seat for Ming and Qing dynasty emperors from 1420 until 1912 when the last emperor, Pu Yi, abdicated. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.The Forbidden City is located in the heart of Beijing, directly north of Tiananmen Square.
- Surrounded by 10m high walls and a 52m wide moat
- Measures 961m from north to south and 753k from east to west, covering 720,000 square meters
- Each side has one gate. Tourists today enter through the southern Meridian Gate (Wu men) and exit through the northern Gate of Spiritual Valor (Shenwu men).
- 70 halls and palaces, totaling 9,999 rooms comprise the palace which spans a north-south axis
- Multiple galleries displaying portions of the imperial treasure trove
The Hutongs
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A Hutong is an ancient city alley or lane typical of Beijing, where Hutongs run into the several thousand. Surrounding the Forbidden City, many were built during the Yuan (1206-1341), Ming (1368-1628) and Qing (1644-1908) dynasties. In the prime of these dynasties the emperors, in order to establish supreme power for themselves, planned the city and arranged the residential areas according to the etiquette systems of the Zhou Dynasty. The main buildings in the Hutong were almost all quadrangles - a building complex formed by four houses around a quadrangular courtyard. The quadrangles varied in size and design according to the social status of the residents. The big quadrangles of high- ranking officials and wealthy merchants were specially built with roof beams and pillars all beautifully carved and painted, each with a front yard and back yard. However, the ordinary people's quadrangles were simply built with small gates and low houses.
Guilin
Guilin, a cultural city with a history of over 2,000 years, is world famous for its serene landscapes, mysterious limestone formations, mist covered hills and bamboo groves. The region boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and is one of the most photographed areas of China. The city of Guilin is located on the Li River, surrounded by the exotic geographic formations that seem to evoke a mystical feeling in all who travel here. Although it is a small, slow-paced town, Guilin has a highly developed tourism infrastructure. But it is the breathtaking beauty, peacefulness, and tranquility in such a magical setting that rewards those who visit Guilin. Be sure to bring your camera.
Li River
The Li River, 160 km long, originates on Cat Hill, the main peak of Mount Yuecheng to the north of Guilin. With an elevation of 2141.5 metres, Cat hill is known as the "No.1 Peak in South China". A boat excursion down the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo following an 83 km long belt of strange landforms, is like travelling along a traditional Chinese painting. You may be also in luck and seeing the ospreys catching fish on the river. Other places of interest include Folded Brocade Hill, Elephant Trunk Hill, Seven-Star Rock and Park and Green Lotus Peak.
Yangshuo
65 km to the southeast of Guilin, Yangshuo is a beautiful mountain city. Surrounded by 18 peaks, the city looks like a lotus flower in full bloom.
Guangzhou
The mausoleum of the 72 Martyrs commemorates the struggle against the Qing dynasty and the Memorial Garden to the Martyrs of the Canton Uprising is tribute to heroes of the 1927 Revolt. Time permitting, sightseeing includes the early old city of Foshan to visit the 1000 year-old Ancestral Temple and celebrated crafts factories.
Overlooking the Huangpu River, Shanghai is home to 16 million people and is one of China's largest, most cosmopolitan cities. It is a beautiful city mixing traditional Chinese and 21st century architecture. And at night, the city comes alive with lights which line highways, buildings and the Huangpu River. In the newly built rising Pudong, east of the Huangpu River, it has fast become home to multinational companies with operations in China and Asia.
The Bund
Stretching about a 1.6 km along the Huangpu River, once known as the Wall Street of Asia, China's most famous waterfront is lined with 1930's-era buildings. One of the most elegant and famous of these is the Peace Hotel, recently remodeled. It towers over the harbour and offers wonderful views. The waterfront park along the Bund is a popular meeting place for Chinese and foreign visitors, as well as occasional performers. Early morning visitors will see young and old practicing Tai Chi, martial arts, and ballroom dancing. Side streets in the area have charming 20's and 30's style shops and restaurants.
Nanjing Road
The ultimate shoppers' Mecca and Shanghai's "Fifth Avenue" offers China's greatest variety of retail stores, restaurants, sweets shops, gift boutiques, and cozy night clubs.
Temple of the Jade Buddha
Two of China's most famous jade Buddhas are housed within these temple walls. Each figure is carved from a single piece of white jade, with one carved in a rarely found reclining position.
The Old Town
It is easy to lose yourself in the narrow, winding alleys of Shanghai's Old Town. Stroll through the local bazaar and shop for traditional handicrafts, crossover the pond for lunch and tea in Huxinting Teahouse and then rest in the Garden of the Purple Clouds of Autumn and enjoy its classical Chinese landscaping.
Yu Yuan Gardens
This 16th century garden is a maze of colourful pavilions, ponds, stone dragons, arching trees and flowers, surrounding the instantly recognizable zigzag bridge. It is one of China's finest examples of Ming Dynasty gardens and architecture.
Tibet
There is one caveat Lhasa, 'I'ibet's capital, sits at nearly 12,000 feet, and altitude sickness is a real possibility. Visitors should plan on at least a few days in the capital to acclimatize before setting out for monastery visits. 'I'he holiest Buddhist temple in Tibet and bestloved temple in Lhasa is the Jokhang where hundreds of worshipers prostrate themselves in prayer before entering In the Barkhor, a huge market next to the temple, merchants sell just about everything, including beautiful silver, coral and turquoise beaded jewelry.The great monasteries of Drepung and Sera outside the city also have a wealth of religious artwork.
A special permit authorized by the 'I'ibet Travel Authotity, and a Chinese visa as well, are required for Tibet. Contrary to what is often assumed, individuals can travel solo with a guide and driver, although it can be difficult to arrange for accommodations.
West Lake
It covers a total area of about 60 square kilometers, with I00 or 80 picturefique scenic spots or key historical sites. Back in the Southern Song Dynasty, the West Lake was already famous for its ten scenic spots, which were given imperial recognition by Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong during the Qing Dynasty. Ten new West Lake scenic spots have been named in recent years. Gushan (Solitary Hill), the Su Causeway and Bai Causeway as well as the three artifical islets on the West Lake are a must for tourists. They may also find it an enjoyable experience to tour Wushan Hill, Yuhuang Hill and Baoshi (Precious Stone) Hill around the lake, the three famous springs at Longjing, Hupao and Yuquan and Shiwu Cave, Yanxia Cave and Ziyun Cave.
Viewing Goldfish at Flower Harbor, Lotus in the Bree2e at Quyuan and Listening to Orioles Singing in the Willows are also interesting scenes to visit. The recently opened four museums on silk, tea, Chinese medicine and kilns offer much for the visitors to see.
Tidal Bore at the Qiantang River
The extraordinary surging tide of the Qiantang River is a world-renowned natural wonder caused by the gravitation of the celestial body, the centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the earth and by the peculiar bottleneck shape of the Hangzhou Bay.
Huge tides occur between the first and fifth day and between the Isth and Igth day of each lunar month.
When the bores surge into the river with the momentum of an avalanche, it creates a magnificent and breath-taking scene. At one time, the difference of the tidal wave reached g meters high.
The Feat Of The Yellow River
The Yellow River runs ceaselessly day and night. lt has nurtured The Chinese nation and bred the Chinese civilization. The Yellow River is what we proud of the most. The Yellow River from its place of origin passes Qinghai and Gansu, turns north at Ningxia's Shizuishaa to Inner Mongolia. Then the Yellow River be comes mild and quiet. The Yellow River's flow has brought the grasslands with lushness and richness.
TOURIST PLACES IN JAPAN
Japan is a country which is comprised of islands . As a travel destination, it offers a fascinating time for the visitors. A wide range of attractions, sights, historical places and natural beauties of the country combine with a colorful cultures in this country. In Japan the past meets the future. Japan attractions can be visited by dividing the country into regions. Eastern and Central Region, Northern Region, Southern Region and Western Region
Mount Fuji
Standing high with a height of 3, 774 meters, Mount Fuji is a volcanic cone that last erupted in 1707. Located amidst various scenic spots, Mount Fuji has five trails through which one can reach the summit of this majestic mountain in Japan.
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is one of the most undistinguishable attractions in Japan as it resembles the Eiffel Tower of Paris.Tokyo Tower is another of the top 10 tourist attractions in Japan located in Tokyo, and it's truly one of the best places in town to enjoy great views of Tokyo and Mount Fuji in the distance. Besides enjoying the panoramic views, you’ll also find inside Tokyo Tower a neat wax museum and art gallery.
Osaka
Osaka is the third largest city in Japan, its population exceeding 2.5 million. In terms of importance it holds the second place following the country's capital. For many centuries Osaka served as the main economic motivating force of the Kansai region. Earlier the city of Osaka was known as Naniwa. It was the first even known capital of Japan. Afterwards the capital moved from one city to another as country's emperors changed.
It could have become the capital of Japan, when back in the 16th century Osaka was chosen to be the place of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's castle, but it never to happen. After the death of Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu brought to an end the family tree of the Toyotomi and established a new place for the government, Edo (Tokyo).
Tokyo Imperial Palace
Tokyo Imperial Palace is one of the most historic and iconic attractions that you can visit in Tokyo, especially during the Holiday Season. During the Emperor’s Birthday and New Years you’re allowed to enter the Imperial Palace inner grounds to catch a sneak-peek of the Imperial Family.
If you’re visiting Tokyo Imperial Palace any other time of the year, you’ll still be able to enjoy a tour of the Imperial Palace bridges, the main gate and other public areas
Ueno Park, Tokyo
Ueno Park is a large park located near the Ueno Station. The park was opened for the public back in 1873. Its visitors have a wide range of attractions to choose from. The statue of Saigo Takamori stands at the south entrance of the park. Saigo Takamori played an important role in the history of Japan. During the early Meiji Period he was one the main figures in performing Meiji Restoration of 1868.
There are a lot of museums in Ueno Park. Some of the most notable art museums are: the Tokyo National Museum, the NationalScience Museum , the National Museum for Western Art and the Tokyo Metropolitan Fine Art Gallery
Hiroshima Peace Memorial
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial in Hiroshima is, undoubtedly, one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Japan to visit, especially if you’re a history buff wanting to learn more about the events of the Atomic Bomb.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is truly one of the must-see places in Japan, even if you’re not interested in history. The Hiroshima Memorial features so many moving pictures of the aftermath of the events that will bring a tear to your eye!
Nagoya Port
Nagoya Port is located in Nagoya and it is another popular attraction to visit in Japan as this attraction itself boasts a few other attractions such as an icebreaker ship (Fuji), which was used in expeditions to the Antarctica. (Note. The Fuji icebreaker is now docked at Nagoya Port and open to tourists for tours)
Ginza, Tokyo
This is the most prestigious districts in Tokyo in terms of shopping, dining and entertainment. It includes a huge number of department stores, art galleries, restaurants and night clubs. The land here is extremely expensive, for instance a square meter is worth over 10 million yen, which is about $100,000. In Ginza one may find all of the world's leading fashion and cosmetics brand names.
The name of the district comes from the silver coins mint that struck coins in the period between 1612 and 1800. The silver coin was called ginza, thus the name of the district. Ginza started turning into an upmarket shopping district after the Great Kanto Earthquake, which took place in 1923.
There is also the Italia Mura attraction nearby where you’ll find the replica of Venice’s top attractions Grand Canal and San Marco Square. Besides these, Nagoya Port is also home to the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium where you can see beautiful marine life such as orcas and whales
