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Are you looking for an amazing location to spend your next vacation? Do you like exploring? Many people are having the same thoughts as you, and it can be hard to find the perfect place to go next! However, what about giving China a go? You can go on your own, or another popular choice is to book group trips to China.
If you are one of the latter, this article is the ultimate guide in showing the best places to visit when you take the leap and explore what the great country has to offer. From places of natural beauty, expansive walls and cute animals. Not ignoring the flavour-rich street food and more, China is a place that must be explored once in a lifetime!
So, where should you go when you get off the plane to get the best out of your adventure?
https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-concrete-wall-surrounded-by-trees-1653823/
Visit The Great Wall of China
The wall, one of the biggest and well-known landmarks of Chinese history, is located in the North of the country. It was built over hundreds of years, with different dynasties making their impact known with extensions and reinforcements of the wall. Its main aim was to stop the invasion and protect the silk trade which was Chinas biggest commodity of the time. Most of the first sections of the wall have been lost over time, but in recent times the wall has been restored and now protected as a national landmark.
Seeing it for the first time, the sheer size and length of the wall will be the first parts that will hit you hard. That, plus the added beauty of the surroundings that give the wall its majestic and natural feel. Although the wall is hundreds of years old, restoration works in recent years have really made the wall stand out as both old, but in very good condition for its age, and it’s one of those landmarks that everyone must see once in their lifetimes!
Get lost within The Forbidden City
Ever wanted to get lost within the Forbidden City? This is one of those trips that will require a big chunk of your day. The Forbidden City is located right in the middle of the city of Beijing and is the largest imperial palace in the world. Apart from its majestic and Chinese architecture, the pure luxury and beauty of this palace are one of the main reasons that a visit to this amazing part of the world is necessary!
Built-in the 1400s, along with its sheer age, it also took 14 years to build, which just goes to show how big and how beautiful this palace really is. A palace that is named as a city really shows enough about its size! The Palace alone also houses around 980 buildings spanning 70 different palace compounds. Seriously, after these statistics, you cannot argue or downplay its size now!
So, are you sold on the Forbidden City? It would be a surprise if you were not, but definitely give it a visit if you are going to be in China, as this is another landmark that is a must-see is anyone’s lifetime.
A guarded tomb
What is the Terracotta Army? They are a span of many statues of soldiers made of terracotta, but they were built to accompany the chasmic tomb of China’s first-ever Emperor as a guard for the afterlife. There are not just a few of them, there are thousands of them. Lifesize models of human soldiers. Within the museum, there are three ‘pits’ to explore. Pit One houses the most, with 2000 of the soldier’s on display. The pit is the size of an airline hanger, and the expanse really puts into perspective how many soldiers were created for this tombs protection. It really is breathtaking.
The Second Pit houses more soldiers, but these soldiers are also accompanied by terracotta houses in a battle formation. This pit was discovered in the ’70s and shows that the army was displayed in a certain format, and it has been a mystery as to how this format was found or why they were put in this formation.
The Third and Final Pit is on the western part of the tomb and was discovered in 1980. It carries and houses bronze chariots being pulled along by four terracotta horses each. With more soldiers set in a certain formation. But, it wasn’t just bronze and terracotta found in these pits. The chariots were filled with 1720 pieces of Gold and Silver ornaments, and the carriages themselves were so well made, that they are one of the best-preserved examples of Chinese heritage. If this has not persuaded you to go and explore the army for your self then nothing will! Once again a great place to see for yourself if you have the chance!
Cuteness Overload!
One of the many things that China is famous for is its wildlife and places of natural beauty. Of course, how could you not want to see the amazing and super adorable Giant Pandas! With only 2000 in the wild, you should definitely try your best to see one if you are in the region. Adorable and very tame animals, they are very peaceful and produce new cubs every two years (on average)
Residing in bamboo rich forests in the region Chengdu in Sichuan Province, visitors from around the world come to see them. They are a huge part of Chinese culture and also the emblem of wildlife protection charity WWF. They are dwindling in numbers so it makes it even more worthwhile to come and see these magnificent animals whilst exploring the lands of China.
Take the Leap!
Has this article persuaded you? If not, further research certainly will! China is such a vast and amazing country to explore, with a rich and deep history, and customs that are very different from the western way of life. So, when you are discussing with friends and family about where to go on holiday next, why not give China a go?
If you do indeed choose to go, enjoy, take this article with you, and have a blast exploring and delving into the deep history that fills China!
