Several sections of the Great Wall of China, a man-made phenomenon that has become a symbol of Chinese civilisation, can be viewed in the Beijing area. In Yanqing county in northwest Beijing is the 600-year-old Badaling Fortification, representative of the Ming dynasty sections of the Great Wall. Other sections can be seen at Jinshanling, Mutianyu and Simatai. The Great Wall, 4,000 miles (6,350km) long, was built in stages from the 7th century BC onwards, snaking its way across the mountains and valleys of five provinces in northern China as a mammoth defence bulwark.
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The magnificent Summer Palace in northwest Beijing at Kunming Lake was built in 1750 by the Emperor Qianlong, and continued to be an imperial residence until the Empress Dowager Cixi died in 1908. The palace and stunning gardens are open to visitors, who enter through the East Palace gate, pass through a grand courtyard into the Hall of Benevolent Longevity, the Hall of Jade Ripples, and the Hall of Joyful Longevity. Empress Cixi's private theatre in the Garden of Moral Harmony is a must-see, as is the long corridor that skirts Kunming Lake's northern shoreline to reach the marble boat, an elaborate two-storey structure of finely carved stone and stained glass.
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About 25 miles (40km) south of Beijing in the Fangshan District is the Zhoukoudian Cave, source of the largest collection of Homo erectus fossils from any single site in the world. The fossils recovered from Zhoukoudian represent about forty individuals. Most famous of these remains is a cranium element commonly known as the 'Peking Man', the world's earliest fire-using primitive man who lived between 200,000 and 700,000 years ago. German anatomist Franz Weidenreich studied the Peking Man remains in the 1930s and recognised 12 anatomical features that he believed Peking Man shared with modern Chinese, a milestone in the study of paleoanthropology. Visitors to the Zhoukoudian site on Dragon Bone Hill can view a comprehensive seven-room exhibition of fossils and artefacts depicting human evolution and the lifestyle of primitive man. Visitors can also enter the cave where the Peking Man cranium and other Homo erectus remains were found.
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The picturesque Bund, Shanghai's waterfront promenade stretching for one mile (2km) along the bank of the Huangpu River, was once the most famous street in Asia, and is still renowned for its strip of Art Deco buildings. One of the grandest of these buildings, formerly the City Communist Party headquarters, is now the home of the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. The wide riverfront promenade on the east bank of the river provides a captivating view of Shanghai, particularly at night. From the Bund visitors can take a river trip down the Huangpu to the mouth of the Yangtse. Boats leave regularly from the Shiliupu Pier south of the Bund and the trip takes about three hours.
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The new Shanghai Museum is situated on the People's Square, the political and cultural centre of Shanghai. The square itself boasts a giant musical fountain and some attractive green recreational areas where locals dance and fly kites. It is surrounded by the City Hall, an underground shopping centre and the Grand Shanghai Theatre. It is the Shanghai Museum, opened in 1996, however, that draws the most interest. The building is shaped like a giant bronze urn, and the museum contains a collection of 123,000 cultural artefacts in 21 categories. Chief among the museum's collections are bronze ware, ceramics, calligraphy and art works.
Tel: (0)21 6372 5300 |
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The Yuyuan Gardens date back to 1559 to the Ming Dynasty, and are the best example of Chinese classical gardens in Shanghai. The relatively small gardens are laid out in an intricate design with pavilions, rockeries, ponds and a traditional theatre arranged in an ornate maze. The gardens are on Yuyuan Street in downtown Shanghai and can be reached via the Town God Temple Market, a warren of shops and stalls that is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist bazaar.
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Hangzhou, about 120 miles (190km) south of Shanghai, is one of China's designated seven famous ancient capital cities. It is also the provincial capital of Zhejiang province. Known for its scenic beauty it has been tagged 'Paradise on Earth'. Hangzhou touts two scenic resorts: the West Lake and another section encompassing the Fuchun River and Thousand-Islet Lake. These resorts are dotted with 'willow pattern' scenes like weeping willows, peach trees, stone bridges, rockeries and painted pavilions, interspersed with ancient tombs, monasteries and temples.
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Qin Terracotta Army Museum |
A group of peasants digging a well north of Mount Lishan in Lintong county, about 18 miles (30km) from Xi'an, in 1974 unearthed fragments of a life-sized warrior figure. Because the site of the discovery was just one mile (2km) from the as yet unexcavated tomb of Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, who ruled between 246 and 210 BC, archaeologists grew excited. Further excavation revealed several timber-lined vaults filled with thousands of greatly detailed terracotta soldiers and their horses and chariots: an entire army assembled in position to follow Emperor Qin into eternity. The pits containing the army are now open to public viewing and thousands of visitors flock to gaze at the stunning array of figures with their vivid facial expressions. The Terracotta Army Museum consists of the original pit that was discovered in 1974, which has been enclosed within a hangar-like building to preserve the ranks of 6,000 soldiers found there. A second pit, containing 1,400 figures of cavalrymen, horses and infantrymen, and 90 wooden chariots, is also part of the museum. Visitors can also see Qin's Mausoleum and view almost 100 sacrificial pits containing the skeletons of horses, complete with hay, that were buried with him as well as about 20 tombs holding the remains of his counsellors and retainers. The emperor's tomb itself is under a 249ft (76m) high mound that has not yet been excavated, but is believed, according to historical records, to have contained rare gems and other treasures.
Tel: (0)29 8139 9001 |
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Shaanxi Provincial History Museum |
The graceful complex of buildings that constitute the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum in Xi'an's southern suburbs is built in the style of a Tang Dynasty pavilion, and is in itself worth seeing. The museum's exhibits, however, are even more breathtaking, consisting of 113,000 artefacts unearthed in the province and chronologically arranged in three exhibition halls. The exhibits cover the Han, Wei, Jin, North and South, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Quing dynasties, as well as the prehistoric and bronze period.
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On a 538 square foot (50,000 sq metre) site east of Xi'an city, on the bank of the Chanhe River, are the remains of the ancient settlement of Banpo, dating from about 5,000BC. The remains were discovered in 1953 by workers laying the foundations for a factory, and are the most complete example of an agricultural Neolithic settlement in the world. The site contains the ruins of more than 40 homes, 200 storage pots, a collection of pottery and tools, a pottery-making centre and more than 250 graves belonging to a matriarchal community of the Yangshao culture. There is an on-site museum, built in 1958, constructed over the excavation site with two smaller exhibition halls displaying the archaeological artefacts that have been unearthed at the site.
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The hot springs about 22 miles (35km) east of Xi'an city, at the base of the Lishan Mountains, is where the ancient emperors bathed and relaxed in scenic surroundings. The spa has been operating since the days of the Tang Dynasty, and its warm (109°F/43°C) mineral waters, containing lime, sodium carbonate, and sodium sulphate, are still enjoyed by locals and visitors today. The waters are particularly recommended for the treatment of dermatitis, rheumatism, arthritis and muscular pain. The ancient imperial bathing pools can be visited, including the Hibiscus pool, dating from 712AD, which has been restored and is open to the public. There is also a fascinating museum at the site containing building materials from the Tang Dynasty. Another attraction at the Springs is the Hovering Rainbow Bridge. This bridge reflects the sunset in such a way that it appears to be a rainbow.
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Pride of China's Islamic community, of whom about 60,000 live in Xi'an city, is the Great Mosque near the Drum Tower in the Muslim residential area. Islam came to China along with Arab merchants and travellers in around 600AD. The Great Mosque in Xi'an is the best-preserved ancient mosque in China, having been built in 742AD during the Tang Dynasty. It is built in traditional Chinese style with platforms, pavilions and halls, and is rectangular in shape, divided inside into four courtyards. Visitors can explore the passages, courtyards and archways and admire the furniture and fittings, most of which date from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The main prayer hall can accommodate 1,000 and its ceiling bears more than 600 classical scriptures in colourful relief.
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The vast Potala Palace stands on a clifftop above Lhasa, considered the greatest achievement of Tibetan architecture. The palace was originally built in the 7th century by the then emperor for his bride. It was later partially destroyed by lightning, but restored and extended in 1645 by the Fifth Dalai Lama when he became political and religious leader of Tibet. The Fifth Dalai Lama took up residence in the palace in 1653, and it remained the Dalai Lamas' official residence until the exile of the 14th Dalai Lama in 1959. The palace is renowned for its interior splendour. It consists of two main sections: The White Palace is the secular section containing offices, dormitories, a Buddhist seminary and printing house. The Red Palace is the ornate sacred sanctuary containing chapels where mummified remains of three Dalai Lamas lay, and the Great West Hall, with its fine rich murals.
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The Jokhang Temple lies in the heart of old Lhasa. It was built nearly 1,300 years ago but remains the spiritual centre of Tibet, drawing pilgrims from all over the region who come to demonstrate piety to Buddha. The original structure was enlarged under the reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama and it now stands as the product of Han, Tibetan and Nepalese architectural design. The temple contains numerous valuable cultural relics and sacred sculptures, and features some magnificent murals in the main hall. An annual prayer festival is held in the temple, which is also the venue for the initiation of the Dalai Lamas.
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Tashi Lhunpo is one of Tibet's most revered and influential monasteries, lying about a mile (2km) to the west of Shigatse at the base of Drolmari Mountain. It dates from 1477, having been founded by the first Dalai Lama, and became the seat of the Panchen Lama in 1713. The monastery today houses about 800 monks in its 3,229 square foot (300 sq m) buildings. The oldest section of the monastery is the main chanting hall that houses the throne of the Panchen Lama. The tallest section is the Maitreya Chapel, which contains the world's largest brass statue of Maitreya. The seated figure is 86ft (26m) high and contains extraordinary amounts of gold, brass and about 1,400 precious gems.
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The Shigatse prefecture is the gateway for climbers to the North Col climbing route of the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest, towering 29,028ft (8,848m) on the border between Tibet and Nepal. The Tibetan name for the peak is Mount Quomolangma, which means 'The third goddess'. Access to the Everest Base Camp is via the town of Tinggri. About 20 miles (30km) from the town tracks take climbers on a 48-mile (78km) trek to the camp. About six miles (10km) from the base camp is the highest monastery on earth, Rongbuk Monastery at an altitude of 16,728ft (5,099m). The monastery is being restored and offers hostel accommodation. Just south of the monastery is the world-renowned Rongbuk Glacier.
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The unique Palkhor (Baiju) Monastery is sited about 143 miles (230km) south of Lhasa and 62 miles (100km) east of Shigatse, at the foot of Dzong Hill. It has an unusual structural style and houses a collection of pure silk costumes worn in Tibetan opera, all richly embroidered, that date from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The monastery is also unique in that it is the only one known to accommodate monks from three different orders: the Gelugpa, Sakyapa and Kahdampa monks all get along famously.
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Lying at the centre of Beijing, the Forbidden City, called Gu Gong in Chinese, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the biggest and best preserved complex of ancient buildings in China, and the largest palace complex in the world. Construction of the palace complex began in 1407 and for 500 years this inner sanctum was off-limits to most of the world as the emperors lived in luxury, secluded from the masses, surrounded by their families, court officials, servants, eunuchs, concubines and other members of court. The Forbidden City and its centrepiece, the magnificent palace, have a permanent restoration squad, which continually works to keep the 800 buildings and 9,999 rooms inside the Forbidden City complex in top repair. The once Forbidden City is now open to all visitors.
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The famous square at the heart of Beijing, recently renovated, is still not much to look at, but it attracts curious tourists simply because it was the scene of so many historic events and is the largest city square in the world. In the ancient imperial days it was a gathering place and the site of government offices, but more modern history, particularly the 1989 massacre of pro-democracy demonstrators, has made it a site of great political significance. Major rallies took place in the square during the Cultural Revolution when Mao Tse Tung reviewed military parades up to a million strong. The square is surrounded by several monuments, some ancient and some modern, including the former gates to the Forbidden City, the Gate of Heavenly Peace and Qianmen (the front gate); the Chinese Revolution Museum; and the Mao Mausoleum where China's former leader lays preserved in state.
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Although Chairman Mao Zedong requested to be cremated it was decided hours after his death in 1976, that he would be embalmed. Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China from 1945 until his death, it is said that after his death doctors reportedly pumped him so full of formaldehyde that his body swelled excessively. After draining the corpse and getting it back to a suitable state, they created a wax model of Mao Zedong, lest his body wouldn't recuperate. It is unknown today, which version of the Great Helmsman is on display at the Mausoleum at any given time. The Mausoleum itself was built in 1977, on the prior site of the Gate of China, the main gate of the Imperial City during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
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A place of tranquillity and grand imperial beauty, the Beihai Park in Beijing is a peaceful natural haven after a long morning of busy sightseeing. One of the oldest and most authentically preserved imperial gardens in China, the history of Beihai Park extends over 1,000 years to the ancient Liao dynasty (916-1125AD). Built up through five dynasties, the park is an emblem of olde worlde China and the ancient Chinese art of landscaped gardens with artificial hills, colourful pavilions and intricate temples, dominates. Kublai Khan lived in what is now the Round City of Beihai Park and the Tibetan style White Dagoba, built in 1651 on Jade Island (JiongHua), is a landmark for both Beihai Park and Beijing, having been constructed on the suggestion of a famous Tibetan Lama priest, NaomuHan.
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Beijing's prominent art district is home to 798 Space, a former electronics factory, which built components for China's first atomic bomb and early satellites. Exhibiting the latest in contemporary Chinese art in its lofty space, 798 Space is a visual delight to any traveller. Besides the regular national and international exhibitions, there is also a film and video viewing area and a tempting gallery bookshop. The precinct itself is dotted with avant-garde statues, charming coffee shops and noodle bars, and a plethora of other wonderful art galleries to visit.
Tel: (0)10 5978 9180 |
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The Qing Temple is home to the Ancient Bell Museum (Gu Zhong Bowuguan) and is a must see for travellers en route to the Summer Palace. The temple, originally known as 'Awakened Life Temple', apparently wasn't experiencing enough 'awakening' and a 47-ton bell, with a height of 22.77 feet (6.94m) was transported to the temple on ice sleds in 1743. The bell is inscribed with Buddhist Mantras on both the inside and outside of the body and features over 227,000 characters in all. The bell was often chosen by the emperors to pray for rain and blessings for the people of China and was one of three projects that Emperor Yongle in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) commanded after re-establishing Beijing as the capital. The other two were the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. The bell is considered as an auspicious article in the Chinese tradition and nowadays it is rung 108 times to begin the celebrations at grand ceremonies.
Tel: (0)10 6255 0819 |
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For more than 20 years, Beijing's Underground City, a bomb shelter just beneath the ancient capital's downtown area built in case of nuclear attack, has been virtually forgotten by Beijing locals, despite being infamous amongst foreigners since its official opening in 2000. A sign near the entrance announces this rarely visited attraction a 'human fairyland and underground paradise'. Aside from some rather odd recent additions, the Underground City features factories, stores, guesthouses, restaurants, hospitals, schools, theatres, reading-rooms, a roller-skating rink and many other curious features. Built from 1969 to 1979 by more than 300,000 local citizens including school children, The tunnels were initially built to accommodate all of Beijing's six million inhabitants upon completion. Winding for over 18 miles (30 km) and covering an area of 85 square kilometers from eight to eighteen meters under the surface, the underground City includes more than 1,000 anti-air raid structures.
Tel: (0)10 6702 2657 |
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Located within the Beijing Zoo, the Beijing Aquarium is the world's largest inland aquarium. It's an absolute must see with features such as an imaginative Amazon rainforest, complete with piranha, as well as an exquisite shark aquarium where the very brave can plunge into the tank with these infamous predators. Families flock to see the dolphin shows at 11am and 3pm and a boat from the canal south of the aquarium runs to the Summer Palace, giving visitors the opportunity to sightsee while en route to the attraction.
Tel: (0)10 6217 6655 |
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The Beijing National Stadium |
Also known as The Bird's Nest due to its appearance, this colossal stadium was the hub of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, hosting all of the track and field events as well the opening and closing ceremonies. The unique-looking steel support structures framing the stadium, weigh in at 110, 000 tons (99,790kg), making the stadium the largest steel structure in the world. The stadium has reopened as a tourist attraction, and the public can tour the facilities, or visit the ski resort now housed inside.
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The Chime-Long Group offers a variety of attractions for visitors including a circus, a waterpark and a theme park. Chime-Long International Circus is the world's largest permanent circus, while the waterpark is also the largest of its kind; the Chime-Long Paradise theme park won't disappoint either!
Tel: Chime-Long Waterpark (020)847 80 333; Chime-Long Paradise (020)399 32 888 |
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Happy Valley Amusement Park (Beijing Huanle Gu) |
This amusement park, which opened in 2006, is a fantastic place to spend the day with the little ones. Featuring 40 rides, such as the Energy Collector, Trojan Horse and the Crystal Wing Rollercoaster, and IMAX Theatre and even a shopping centre, kids of all ages will have a screaming good time at the Happy Valley Amusement Park.
Tel: 010 6738 3333 |
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Milu Park is a large public park located in Beijing is the perfect place to take the kids for a picnic for the day. With plenty of open space to run around, Milu Park is also an ecological research centre and serves as natural park for Beijing's animals. Milu deer, which nearly became extinct in the 1800s and which the park is named after are one of the park's best attractions and kids will love trying to spot these creatures.
Tel: 010 8796 2105 |
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The fascinating Sony ExploraScience museum is an interactive educational centre encouraging children to take an interest in science. The museum features live science shows and interactive educational exhibits combined with Sony's latest digital technology. The museum is divided into four themed sections, covering illusion, refraction, light and sounds. All small enquiring minds will love a trip to the Sony ExploraScience.
Tel: 010 6501 8800 |
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The Beijing World Park features 100 miniature models of some of the world's most famous attractions from over 50 countries across the globe. A great place for the kids to learn and enjoy naming the attractions as they stroll through the replicas, sight such as Egypt's Great Pyramids, France's Eiffel Tower, India's Taj Mahal and even New York City's Manhattan island, complete with Empire State Building and World Trade Center.
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The perfect place to take the kids on a rainy day, Fundazzle features ball pools, trampolines, a two-storey jungle gym, a toddler area with cars, swings, seesaws and houses. On the weekends there are even arts and crafts classes and performances for the kids to enjoy.
Tel: 010 6500 4193 |
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Guangdong Provincial Museum |
Founded in 1959, this venue is home to the museum, the Lu Xun Memorial House, the Red Tower and the Sun Yat-sen University observatory. Displays include the Lu Xun exhibition, the Chaozhou Wood Carving exhibition, various Shiwan-style ceramics, ancient pottery and chinaware, and traditional Chinese calligraphy posters.
Tel: (020) 838 38 432 |
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Temple of the Six Banyan Trees |
A must-see attraction in Guangzhou is the impressive Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. This ancient Buddhist temple was built in 537 AD, during the Liang Dynasty, and still attracts many local and foreign visitors. One of the temple's best features is the magnificent statue of Kuan Yin.
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South China Botanical Garden |
Founded in 1929, the South China Botanical Garden has a plethora of local flora to admire, including collections of magnolias, orchids and medicinal herbs. Various examples of bonsai, as well as bamboo and endangered plants are also featured in the gardens.
Tel: (020)372 52 711 |
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There are cable cars that visitors can use to view the beautiful scenery of Baiyun (White Cloud) Mountain, running for just over a mile (1.7km) between Yuntai Garden and Peak Park. There are phenomenal views of Pu Valley, the Nengren Temple and the sprawling cityscape of Guangzhou.
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The Grand Canal is one of the largest man-made canals in the world, running right through Hangzhou all the way up to Beijing. It was built section by section in the Sui Dynasty around the 7th century as a major transportation development, but is today used mainly for water diversion and tourism. Boat trips along the Grand Canal are a popular way to see scenic river towns in southern China, with many beautiful views.
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This limestone cave, about 3 miles (5km) outside of Guilin, has impressive rock formations that resemble everything from lions and monkeys to the skyline of Guilin itself. Guides will take you on an hour-long tour through the cave and point out various formations, and inscriptions on the wall that date back to the Tang dynasty. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside the cave, and be prepared to wait for more people if you are in a group of less than 20.
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The stone forest about two hours' drive from Kunming is a UNESCO-listed site, with many limestone pillars and stalagmites poking out of the ground. It is well worth seeing, but can be crowded with tourists at peak times as over three million people visit every year. You can avoid the masses by going in the morning or early evening, and avoiding weekends and Chinese public holidays.
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