Tourism in China has exploded over the last decades. Every year, more and more people visit the Land of the Dragons which is now the third most visited country in the world.
Top Places to Visit in China
These are some of the essential places that you should definitely visit.
The Great Wall of China
This is the longest and largest man-made structure in the world. It is so big that it can be seen from the moon and took years to build. Emperors, warriors, and warlords from different dynasties have played their part in the construction of the Great Wall. Originally it was built so that invading barbarians will not be able to take over the country.
The Forbidden City
Also known as the Palace Museum, The Forbidden City can be found in Beijing. It used to be the imperial seat for both Ming and Qing dynasties. If you visit this place, you will definitely feel like you are in ancient China. The palace is located north of Tiananmen Square, another historic landmark that you might want to visit. This place a popular tourist destination since a lot of Chinese history can be learned from here. In 1987, it has received an UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Terracotta Army
In 1974, a farmer accidentally discovered thousands of life-statues. These statues resemble warriors and no other statue is the same as another. Each statue is unique and that is what made them very admirable. The statues were probably buried in 210 BC. A trip to China will not be complete without visiting the Museum of the Terracotta Army.
Hangzhou
China is a country that is rich in panoramic sceneries. You should definitely visit Hangzhou. This place is so beautiful that it is considered to be a paradise on earth. Hangzhou is a city that features beautiful gardens. You will also see a lot of temples and pavilions in this city. You should not forget to bring your camera if you plan to visit Hangzhou. It is considered to be a paradise for photographers.
Jiuzhaigou Valley
If it is panoramic scenes you want, you should definitely visit the beautiful valley of Jiuzhaigou. Feast your eyes on the crystal blue lakes and majestic waterfalls. You will definitely love this place. The peace and tranquility that this place offers is superb. The good thing about this valley is that it is populated by a number of Tibetan villages. You could speak to the Tibetan people and learn more about their culture.
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven (Tian Tan) was built for worshipping and offering sacrifices by the emperors, who were believed to be the only people that could directly communicate with Heaven. It has also become the largest park in Beijing, offering pleasing footpaths between ancient cypress trees.
Summer Palace
Being the largest royal garden in Beijing, the Summer Palace (Yi Heyuan) consists of more than 3000 structures, including pavilions, corridors and bridges. It is renown for its marvelous views and refined craftwork ,that uses the finest of materials. It has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Llama Temple
The Llama Temple (Yong Hegong) is not only the biggest, but also the most perfectly preserved temple devoted to Tibetan Buddhism in Beijing. It was originally the residence of Yong Zheng, the emperor of the Qing Dynasty. It consists of several buildings with various themes, and displays thousands of Buddha statues of all sorts and sizes.
Potala Palace
This palace used to be the seat of the Dalai Lama. The palace stands at over twelve thousand feet. That is why you should prepare yourself for a very tiresome climb. Nevertheless, once you reach the top, you will definitely feel satisfied.