The main attractions of Greater China Automatic translate

The People’s Republic of China holds one of the richest cultural heritages on the planet, accumulated over five millennia of uninterrupted history. Majestic mountain peaks, ancient imperial palaces, sacred Buddhist monasteries, classical oriental gardens with ponds and beautiful, elegant bridges — every corner of this vast country tells its own remarkable story of the Middle Kingdom. Modern China carefully preserves its historical treasures, many of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and attract millions of travelers from around the world.

The Great Wall of China – the ancient guardian of the empire

The Great Wall of China stretches for over 21,000 kilometers across 15 provinces and remains the only man-made structure visible from space. This defensive system was built from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century, uniting the fortifications of various Chinese dynasties into a single defensive line. The wall crosses deserts, mountains, and plains, demonstrating the engineering genius of its ancient builders.

The northern sections of the wall, such as Mutianyu and Badaling, are the best preserved and accessible to visitors. Construction materials ranged from stone and brick to rammed earth, and the mortar used was a mixture of rice glue and slaked lime. The wall ends on the seashore, and its other end disappears into the deserts of Gansu Province.

The Forbidden City is the residence of the sons of heaven.

The Forbidden City in Beijing is the largest palace complex in the world, almost twice the size of the Vatican. Over five centuries, 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties ruled here. The complex contains nearly a thousand buildings, arranged according to strict feng shui and the concept of yin and yang.

Construction of the palace lasted 14 years and was completed around 1420. Until 1925, ordinary citizens were forbidden to enter the premises under penalty of death, hence the name "Forbidden." Today, its numerous halls house museum exhibits featuring collections of porcelain, clocks, furniture, and imperial relics.

The Terracotta Army - guards of the first emperor

The Terracotta Army in Xi’an is striking in its scale and detail — more than seven thousand unique figures of warriors, horses, and war chariots. Construction of the mausoleum and army took 38 years, under the orders of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Each statue features individual facial features and weaponry, reproducing the appearance of real soldiers of the era.

The discovery of this archaeological wonder has provided invaluable information for the study of the history, military science, and crafts of the Qin Dynasty. The Terracotta Army reflects the military might and organizational structure of the ancient empire.

Potala Palace – the heavenly abode

The Potala Palace in Lhasa rises to an altitude of 3,750 meters above sea level, making it the highest ancient palace in the world. The complex consists of the White and Red Palaces — the former symbolizing the secular power of the Dalai Lama, while the latter served religious purposes. The palace, stretching 350 meters from east to west, contains over a thousand rooms.

The first palace was built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo, but the structure’s current appearance took shape in the 17th century. In 1994, the Potala Palace was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The name "Potala" means "abode of Avalokiteshvara," the bodhisattva of compassion in the Buddhist tradition.

Zhangjiajie National Park – Pandora Mountains

Zhangjiajie National Park in Hunan Province became famous as the inspiration for the floating mountains in the film Avatar. More than three thousand sandstone pillars, up to 200 meters high, create fantastical landscapes amidst tropical forests. The 150-meter-high Jiankunzhu Outlier appears to float in the sky in foggy weather.

Particularly popular is the "Heaven’s Gate," a 130-meter-long natural passageway in Tianzi Mountain. The park, covering 264.6 square kilometers, was China’s first national forest park. For visitors’ convenience, cable cars and a unique glass elevator built into the rock face have been built.

Mogao Caves: A Treasure of the Silk Road

The Mogao cave complex near the Dunhuang oasis comprises 492 shrines, built over a millennium. The first Buddhist caves were carved in 366 CE by monks, making Dunhuang a center of Buddhist teachings along the Silk Road. The complex’s frescoes cover 42,000 square meters.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a cave library containing 50,000 documents, scrolls, and artifacts was discovered here. These finds provide insight into the cultural diversity and spiritual life along the Silk Road. The caves demonstrate a unique fusion of Eastern and Western artistic traditions.

Leshan Giant Buddha - a stone giant

The world’s largest stone statue of a seated Buddha, standing 71 meters tall, stands in Sichuan Province. Construction began in 713 at the initiative of the monk Haitong and lasted 90 years. The statue was intended to protect passing ships from whirlpools at the confluence of three rivers.

The Buddha’s head reaches 14.7 meters in height, each ear is 7 meters long, and the width of each foot is 8.5 meters. Drainage channels are skillfully concealed in the folds of the garment and details of the body, protecting the sculpture from moisture. The statue is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

West Lake – the poetic heart of Hangzhou

West Lake in Hangzhou is considered the epitome of an idealized Chinese landscape. This 6.5-square-kilometer freshwater lake is surrounded by cloud-covered hills and adorned with pagodas, temples, and gardens. Three dams — Sudi, Bodi, and Yangongdi — divide the lake into five picturesque sections.

The lake is famous for its ten classic views with poetic names: "Autumn Moon over a Smooth Lake," "Wind in Lotuses," and "Fish in a Flower Pool." In 2011, the West Lake Cultural Landscape was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The lake is associated with many romantic legends, including the famous "Legend of the White Snake."

Shaolin Monastery – the cradle of martial arts

The Shaolin Monastery in Henan Province is recognized as the cradle of Zen Buddhism and the center of martial arts. According to legend, the foundations of Shaolin kung fu were laid by the Indian monk Bodhidharma, who developed a set of physical exercises to strengthen the body after long periods of meditation. The monks developed approximately 1,500 styles and branches of wushu.

The modern monastery is open to the public and hosts martial arts shows. The complex is protected by the state and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous Talin Pagoda Forest serves as the burial site of hundreds of monks. Shaolin monks had a profound influence on the spread of Buddhism and martial arts in Korea and Japan.

Modern tours to China offer the opportunity to explore these outstanding monuments of Chinese civilization. Each attraction represents a unique aspect of the rich culture and history of the Celestial Empire.

Suzhou’s Classical Gardens: Living Poetry

The Classical Gardens of Suzhou represent masterpieces of Chinese landscape art, recognized by UNESCO in 1997. The gardens’ history begins in the sixth century, when Suzhou was the capital of the ancient Wu Kingdom. Of the 69 surviving gardens, eight stand out for their mastery of miniature landscapes.

The modest administrator’s 7.8-hectare garden is considered a benchmark for garden design. Its central section is organized around the "Lotus Breeze" pavilion, offering views of blooming lotuses. Every element — from the Taihu stones to the fan-shaped windows — creates a living picture, embodying the philosophy of harmony between man and nature.

Lijiang Old Town, a heritage of the Naxi people

The ancient city of Lijiang in Yunnan Province has preserved the authentic appearance of a medieval Chinese settlement. The city emerged 800 years ago at the intersection of the Great Tea Road and the southern branch of the Silk Road. It is home to a compact community of over 25,000 Naxi people, who preserve their traditional crafts.

A unique feature of Lijiang is its lack of a fortified wall. According to local legend, the ruler’s surname "Mu" surrounded by a wall would have meant "no escape," so the city was not fortified. The ancient water supply system still serves the city’s residents.

Victoria Peak – the pearl of Hong Kong

At 552 meters, Victoria Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island and one of the region’s main tourist attractions. Around 7 million tourists visit the peak annually, ascending the historic funicular railway. From the summit, breathtaking panoramas of the city’s skyscrapers and Victoria Harbor open up.

Every evening at 8:00 PM, you can watch the famous "Symphony of Lights" from the peak — a laser show listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest permanent light show in the world. The peak is surrounded by scenic hiking trails and viewpoints, including the popular Peak Circle Walk.

The rich cultural heritage of Greater China reflects the millennia-long history of one of the world’s most ancient civilizations, with each relic telling a unique story about the interaction of man with nature, the spiritual quest, and the artistic achievements of the Chinese people.