Highlights
Chengdu
Highlights
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
With two clean rivers running through and two green hills decorating, Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Historic Interest Area, an ancient town full of ancient cultural architectures and custom, appeals to an increasing number of tourists from near and far. Huanglong Historic Interest Area consists of three charming parts that are free for visiting, namely the Custom Street, the Dragon Street and the core zone.
Along the Custom Street, various magnificent architectures built in different times will be a sumptuous art feast for the eyes, and the beautiful and yummy local snacks will increase your appetite greatly and make you reluctant to leave. Having traveled around the Custom Street, you will be attracted by the next station--Dragon Street, where there is a clean stream zigzagging through just like a water dragon. Along the both banks of the dragon stream, teahouses, local restaurants and specialties stores rank orderly like a comb.
Crossing the stone bridge, you will reach the core zone where the most shinning cultural heritages are waiting for you. The fish-skeleton-like lanes, the centuries-old dock and the ancient temples with old banyans around and street full of ancient local customs will be a memorable experience in your expedition. If you come here on the local festivals, the lovely local celebrations will amaze you a lot.
Opening Hours: 9:00 -- 16:30
Ticket Price: free
Location: 40 km (25 miles) away from the city center of Chengdu
Transportation:
Shuttle bus from New South Gate (xin nan men) Station will bring you here directly (10 CNY).
Emei Mountain
Consisting of four mountains with the peak of 3099 meters and covering 154 square km, E-mei Mountain is praised as the finest mountain under heaven for the rarely seen picturesque landscapes in the precipitous topography. With two rivers circling, E-mei possesses marvelous scenes--the long peaceful valley, the curtain-like rushing waterfalls, the flourishing trees and blooming flowers—together with which the Buddhist temples form a beautiful picture.
Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base
Speaking of the panda, the phrase “National Treasure of China” will hit our minds. Panda is a kind of precious wild animal species that requires a demanding living environment. Therefore, China set up many Breeding and Research Bases to provide an ideal and most suitable natural living circumstance for the Chinese Giant Panda, the base in Sichuan Province is included.
Leshan Giant Buddha
As the largest stone sculpture of Buddha in the world, the Leshan Giant Buddha, sitting at the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers, costs 90 years to complete. The idea of the creation of the giant Buddha sculpture is out of the popularity of the Buddhist in Tang Dynasty.
Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage
Du Fu, a celebrated poet in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), has left behind over 200 masterpieces of peoms for the later generations. Du Fu is known for the patriotism and his brilliant in poem. The most important factor of all about his work is compassion, which was especially inspirational for his fans.
As its name implies, the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu was Du Fu’s home a thousand years ago, while it is not so much a cottage as a museum that attracts numerous visitors. The exhibits here include a brief account of Du Fu's life and some of his original calligraphy and poems. The complex also contains three imposing statues of some of China's greatest poets; Du Fu, Li You and Huang Tingjian (the latter two were Song dynasty poets). Today, this is a pleasant site to visit, with nice buildings dotted about, teahouses and pleasant bamboo gardens to wander and explore. This site is also home to the Chengdu Du Fu society. The Thatched Cottage of Du Fu stretches out its arms to welcome visitors from all over the world.
A garden-like museum full of cultural breath is for showing people how brilliant and celebrated Du Fu is and for making your amazing expedition meaningful.
Opening Hours:
8:00 -- 18:00 (in winter)
7:30 -- 19:00 (in summer)
Ticket Price:
60 CNY for adults
30 CNY for students
Free for the people holding the local Older Card and the non-local people older than 70
Location: No. 38, Tsinghua Road, Chengdu City
Transportation: Bus No. 17, 35, 82, 84 and 301 will bring you here directly.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System, constructed in Qin Dynasty around 2,200 years ago, is a shinning pearl in the irrigation development of China, which is also praised as the “Originator of the Culture in Irrigation Work”. As the earliest irrigation work without dam in the ancient China, Dujiangyan has been making the greatest contribution to the development of the economy in Chengdu--the land of abundance.
Having witnessed centuries’ changes, the gorgeous Dujiangyan likes a record of the history attracting a growing number of tourists with the picturesque and splendid landscape. On November 29, 2000, Dujiangyan was listed as the world cultural heritage by UNESCO. Nowadays, Dujiangyan is not only the irrigation work, but also a popular scenic spot with many charming sceneries around--just like many stars twinkling around the moon.
The characterized members of the stars are the fish-mouth-like dyke--can solve the problem of irrigation in drought seasons, the bottle-neck-like sluice gate--can control the volume of inflowing water, the vent-like Feishayan--can release flood and silt from waterway to outer river, the 500-meter-long Anlan Suspension Bridge (called Couple’s Bridge)--has experienced hundreds years’ history since Song dynasty (960-1234), the garden-like Erwang-Temple with peaceful environment, and the 1800-year-old Dragon-Taming Temple.
Opening Hours: 09:00 -- 17:50
Ticket Price:
90 CNY for adults
45 CNY for kids between 1.1-1.4 meter, people between 60-69 years, the disabled and the students
Location: West Dujiangyan City, Sichuan
Transportation: Shuttle buses, subway and bus No. 1 to No. 17, 101, 102, 103, 201 and 202 will bring you here directly.
Wangjiang Pavilion
Wangjiang Pavilion with a height of 39 meters is the most shinning architecture in the Wangjiang Park that covered by green bamboo woods. Wangjiang Pavilion, built in Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), was designed as an octagonal shape with the overhanging eaves, sharp golden roof, and various exquisite figure carvings and clay sculptures of animals decorating each floor. Located on the bank of Jinjiang River, Wangjiang Pavilion provides an ideal angle for river viewing, from which it derived the present name “Wangjiang Lou”.
This splendid pavilion was built in memory of Xue Tao, a brilliant female poet in Tang Dynasty who has left behind many great poems. There are more than 100 kinds of bamboo around the Wangjiang Pavilion for Xue Tao has a passion for bamboo in her life. Around the Wangjiang Pivilion, out lay a group of memorial buildings including Wuyunxiang Hall, Quanxiang chamber, Pipa pavilion among which there are house a large amount of steles, paintings, calligraphy, inscribed couplets and poems.
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 17:00
Ticket Price: 20 CNY
Location: Wangjiang Road, Chengdu City
Transportation: Bus No. 3, 18, 19, 31 and 35 will bring you here directly.
Wuhou Memorial Temple
Covering 37,000 square meters, Wuhou Memorial Temple was built in the year of 233 in memory of Zhuge Liang, the most brilliant military counselor in the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). Inside the temple, the magnificent and exquisitely designed buildings are hiding in the flourishingly towering pine trees, creating a historic environment with a strong breath of history.
In the exhibition zone, there are a lot of valuable historic relics, including the well-known couplets created by Du Fu, exquisite carvings and sophisticated stone inscriptions, the precious works of calligraphy and painting, the statuses of the celebrities in Three Kingdoms Period as well as the room with the original appearance in which Zhuge Liang lived. The exhibitions may cause an amazing feeling likes being back to the Three Kingdoms Period.
The temple displays the suppleness of the Chinese garden. There are numerous historical relics like horizontal cribbed boards, couplets, inscribed tablets, penmanship, furnaces, Chinese tripods, etc. The SanZui (Three-Best) horizontal inscribed board, Zhuge Liang's Lung Gun couplets, Chu Si Biao and the tomb of LiuBei are the most famous one. Today the Wuhou Temple is the most famous tourist attraction of Chengdu city. It is not only a site for people to commemorate Zhuge Liang, but also serves as a museum to the history of the Three Kingdoms Period.
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 18:00
Ticket Price: 60 CNY
Location: No. 231, Wuhouci Street, Chengdu City
Transportation:
Bus No.1, 10, 57, 82, 301, 334, 335, 503, 521, 901 and 904 will bring you here directly.
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
With two clean rivers running through and two green hills decorating, Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Historic Interest Area, an ancient town full of ancient cultural architectures and custom, appeals to an increasing number of tourists from near and far. Huanglong Historic Interest Area consists of three charming parts that are free for visiting, namely the Custom Street, the Dragon Street and the core zone.
Along the Custom Street, various magnificent architectures built in different times will be a sumptuous art feast for the eyes, and the beautiful and yummy local snacks will increase your appetite greatly and make you reluctant to leave. Having traveled around the Custom Street, you will be attracted by the next station--Dragon Street, where there is a clean stream zigzagging through just like a water dragon. Along the both banks of the dragon stream, teahouses, local restaurants and specialties stores rank orderly like a comb.
Crossing the stone bridge, you will reach the core zone where the most shinning cultural heritages are waiting for you. The fish-skeleton-like lanes, the centuries-old dock and the ancient temples with old banyans around and street full of ancient local customs will be a memorable experience in your expedition. If you come here on the local festivals, the lovely local celebrations will amaze you a lot.
Opening Hours: 9:00 -- 16:30
Ticket Price: free
Location: 40 km (25 miles) away from the city center of Chengdu
Transportation:
Shuttle bus from New South Gate (xin nan men) Station will bring you here directly (10 CNY).
Emei Mountain
Consisting of four mountains with the peak of 3099 meters and covering 154 square km, E-mei Mountain is praised as the finest mountain under heaven for the rarely seen picturesque landscapes in the precipitous topography. With two rivers circling, E-mei possesses marvelous scenes--the long peaceful valley, the curtain-like rushing waterfalls, the flourishing trees and blooming flowers—together with which the Buddhist temples form a beautiful picture.
Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base
Speaking of the panda, the phrase “National Treasure of China” will hit our minds. Panda is a kind of precious wild animal species that requires a demanding living environment. Therefore, China set up many Breeding and Research Bases to provide an ideal and most suitable natural living circumstance for the Chinese Giant Panda, the base in Sichuan Province is included.
Leshan Giant Buddha
As the largest stone sculpture of Buddha in the world, the Leshan Giant Buddha, sitting at the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers, costs 90 years to complete. The idea of the creation of the giant Buddha sculpture is out of the popularity of the Buddhist in Tang Dynasty.
Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage
Du Fu, a celebrated poet in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), has left behind over 200 masterpieces of peoms for the later generations. Du Fu is known for the patriotism and his brilliant in poem. The most important factor of all about his work is compassion, which was especially inspirational for his fans.
As its name implies, the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu was Du Fu’s home a thousand years ago, while it is not so much a cottage as a museum that attracts numerous visitors. The exhibits here include a brief account of Du Fu's life and some of his original calligraphy and poems. The complex also contains three imposing statues of some of China's greatest poets; Du Fu, Li You and Huang Tingjian (the latter two were Song dynasty poets). Today, this is a pleasant site to visit, with nice buildings dotted about, teahouses and pleasant bamboo gardens to wander and explore. This site is also home to the Chengdu Du Fu society. The Thatched Cottage of Du Fu stretches out its arms to welcome visitors from all over the world.
A garden-like museum full of cultural breath is for showing people how brilliant and celebrated Du Fu is and for making your amazing expedition meaningful.
Opening Hours:
8:00 -- 18:00 (in winter)
7:30 -- 19:00 (in summer)
Ticket Price:
60 CNY for adults
30 CNY for students
Free for the people holding the local Older Card and the non-local people older than 70
Location: No. 38, Tsinghua Road, Chengdu City
Transportation: Bus No. 17, 35, 82, 84 and 301 will bring you here directly.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System, constructed in Qin Dynasty around 2,200 years ago, is a shinning pearl in the irrigation development of China, which is also praised as the “Originator of the Culture in Irrigation Work”. As the earliest irrigation work without dam in the ancient China, Dujiangyan has been making the greatest contribution to the development of the economy in Chengdu--the land of abundance.Having witnessed centuries’ changes, the gorgeous Dujiangyan likes a record of the history attracting a growing number of tourists with the picturesque and splendid landscape. On November 29, 2000, Dujiangyan was listed as the world cultural heritage by UNESCO. Nowadays, Dujiangyan is not only the irrigation work, but also a popular scenic spot with many charming sceneries around--just like many stars twinkling around the moon.
The characterized members of the stars are the fish-mouth-like dyke--can solve the problem of irrigation in drought seasons, the bottle-neck-like sluice gate--can control the volume of inflowing water, the vent-like Feishayan--can release flood and silt from waterway to outer river, the 500-meter-long Anlan Suspension Bridge (called Couple’s Bridge)--has experienced hundreds years’ history since Song dynasty (960-1234), the garden-like Erwang-Temple with peaceful environment, and the 1800-year-old Dragon-Taming Temple.
Opening Hours: 09:00 -- 17:50
Ticket Price:
90 CNY for adults
45 CNY for kids between 1.1-1.4 meter, people between 60-69 years, the disabled and the students
Location: West Dujiangyan City, Sichuan
Transportation: Shuttle buses, subway and bus No. 1 to No. 17, 101, 102, 103, 201 and 202 will bring you here directly.
Wangjiang Pavilion
Wangjiang Pavilion with a height of 39 meters is the most shinning architecture in the Wangjiang Park that covered by green bamboo woods. Wangjiang Pavilion, built in Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), was designed as an octagonal shape with the overhanging eaves, sharp golden roof, and various exquisite figure carvings and clay sculptures of animals decorating each floor. Located on the bank of Jinjiang River, Wangjiang Pavilion provides an ideal angle for river viewing, from which it derived the present name “Wangjiang Lou”.
This splendid pavilion was built in memory of Xue Tao, a brilliant female poet in Tang Dynasty who has left behind many great poems. There are more than 100 kinds of bamboo around the Wangjiang Pavilion for Xue Tao has a passion for bamboo in her life. Around the Wangjiang Pivilion, out lay a group of memorial buildings including Wuyunxiang Hall, Quanxiang chamber, Pipa pavilion among which there are house a large amount of steles, paintings, calligraphy, inscribed couplets and poems.
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 17:00
Ticket Price: 20 CNY
Location: Wangjiang Road, Chengdu City
Transportation: Bus No. 3, 18, 19, 31 and 35 will bring you here directly.
Wuhou Memorial Temple
Covering 37,000 square meters, Wuhou Memorial Temple was built in the year of 233 in memory of Zhuge Liang, the most brilliant military counselor in the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). Inside the temple, the magnificent and exquisitely designed buildings are hiding in the flourishingly towering pine trees, creating a historic environment with a strong breath of history.
In the exhibition zone, there are a lot of valuable historic relics, including the well-known couplets created by Du Fu, exquisite carvings and sophisticated stone inscriptions, the precious works of calligraphy and painting, the statuses of the celebrities in Three Kingdoms Period as well as the room with the original appearance in which Zhuge Liang lived. The exhibitions may cause an amazing feeling likes being back to the Three Kingdoms Period.
The temple displays the suppleness of the Chinese garden. There are numerous historical relics like horizontal cribbed boards, couplets, inscribed tablets, penmanship, furnaces, Chinese tripods, etc. The SanZui (Three-Best) horizontal inscribed board, Zhuge Liang's Lung Gun couplets, Chu Si Biao and the tomb of LiuBei are the most famous one. Today the Wuhou Temple is the most famous tourist attraction of Chengdu city. It is not only a site for people to commemorate Zhuge Liang, but also serves as a museum to the history of the Three Kingdoms Period.
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 18:00
Ticket Price: 60 CNY
Location: No. 231, Wuhouci Street, Chengdu City
Transportation:
Bus No.1, 10, 57, 82, 301, 334, 335, 503, 521, 901 and 904 will bring you here directly.
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
With two clean rivers running through and two green hills decorating, Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Historic Interest Area, an ancient town full of ancient cultural architectures and custom, appeals to an increasing number of tourists from near and far. Huanglong Historic Interest Area consists of three charming parts that are free for visiting, namely the Custom Street, the Dragon Street and the core zone.
Along the Custom Street, various magnificent architectures built in different times will be a sumptuous art feast for the eyes, and the beautiful and yummy local snacks will increase your appetite greatly and make you reluctant to leave. Having traveled around the Custom Street, you will be attracted by the next station--Dragon Street, where there is a clean stream zigzagging through just like a water dragon. Along the both banks of the dragon stream, teahouses, local restaurants and specialties stores rank orderly like a comb.
Crossing the stone bridge, you will reach the core zone where the most shinning cultural heritages are waiting for you. The fish-skeleton-like lanes, the centuries-old dock and the ancient temples with old banyans around and street full of ancient local customs will be a memorable experience in your expedition. If you come here on the local festivals, the lovely local celebrations will amaze you a lot.
Opening Hours: 9:00 -- 16:30
Ticket Price: free
Location: 40 km (25 miles) away from the city center of Chengdu
Transportation:
Shuttle bus from New South Gate (xin nan men) Station will bring you here directly (10 CNY).
Emei Mountain
Consisting of four mountains with the peak of 3099 meters and covering 154 square km, E-mei Mountain is praised as the finest mountain under heaven for the rarely seen picturesque landscapes in the precipitous topography. With two rivers circling, E-mei possesses marvelous scenes--the long peaceful valley, the curtain-like rushing waterfalls, the flourishing trees and blooming flowers—together with which the Buddhist temples form a beautiful picture.
Guilin
Highlights
Solitary Beauty Peak and Jingjiang Princes City
Solitary Beauty Peak, also known as Purple Hill, is located in the Jingjiang Princes City with reputation of “Southern Heaven Pillar”. At the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak, there is a Longevity Palace first built in Tang Dynasty, while a Solitary Beauty Pavilion is standing at the top. You can have a bird’s view of beautiful Guilin when you climb up 396 stone steps to the top. Dushu Rock, Taiping Rock and Crescent-shape Pond are at the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak while many ancient inscriptions are on the eastern side of the peak, for example “East or west, Guilin scenery is the best”. Other famous attractions include Snow Cave and Zhongshan Monument. 
Jingjiang Prices City, praised as a “city in a city”, was built in Ming Dynasty with a history of more than 630 years. During the 257 years from its completion to the collapse of Ming Dynasty, 14 seigniors had lived here. Jingjiang Princes City became the Examination Compound in the Qing Dynasty. Covering an area of 19.78 hectares, Jingjiang Princes City composes of Chengyun Gate, Chengyun Palace, Palace Harem and Imperial Garden with other 40 rooms, pavilions and chambers. Listed as “the key cultural relics of national level”, Jingjiang Princes City is an irreplaceable scenic spot in Guilin.
If you want to enjoy picturesque mountains and crystal clear waters, Solitary Beauty Peak, famous royal treasure hill is your best choice. If you want to read the history of Guilin, Jingjiang Princes City will meet your need.
Tips:
1. Opening Hours: 9:30am—5:30pm
2. How to Get Here: No.1, 10, 11, 14, 100 Buses.
Folded Brocade Hill
Folded Brocade Hill, with an elevation of 73m, locates to the northeast of Guilin, facing beautiful Li River. As a beautiful and well-known hill, Folded Brocade Hill consists of Mingyue Peak, Crane Peak, Siwang Hill and Yuyue Hill, covering an area of 2km². Many amazing attractions such as Folded Brocade Pavilion, Yuyue Pavilion, Wind Cave and Wangjiang Pavilion etc. are on the hill. Besides, inscriptions on precipices carved by celebrities of all the precious dynasties are the essence of all relics. 
Folded Brocade Pavilion, with a height of 5m, length of 7.5m and width of 8.5m, is architecture with single story, 4 angles, flat rooftop, red pillars and green tiles. With Yuyue Hill to the east, Siwang Hill to the west and Bright Moon Peak to the north, Folded Brocade Pavilion is harmonious with the surroundings. Stone benches standing from east to west, the northern side is the best place to appreciate the fantastic “folded brocade” and is an ideal place for rest. To the west of the pavilion, an inscription by Yu Qing of Ming Dynasty is also worth of visiting.
Wangjiang Pavilion is halfway up the hill and built during the reign of Emperor Zhengde (1506-1521) of the Ming Dynasty. Rebuilt in the years of 1954 and 1990, Wangjiang Pavilion is a pavilion with ancient style, 6m in height and dihedral angles. On the wall, a cliff inscription was carved as “a place for seeking adventures”.
Li River
Elephant Trunk Hill
Wave Subduing Hill
Reed Flute Cave
Seven Star Park
Yangshuo
Solitary Beauty Peak and Jingjiang Princes City
Solitary Beauty Peak, also known as Purple Hill, is located in the Jingjiang Princes City with reputation of “Southern Heaven Pillar”. At the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak, there is a Longevity Palace first built in Tang Dynasty, while a Solitary Beauty Pavilion is standing at the top. You can have a bird’s view of beautiful Guilin when you climb up 396 stone steps to the top. Dushu Rock, Taiping Rock and Crescent-shape Pond are at the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak while many ancient inscriptions are on the eastern side of the peak, for example “East or west, Guilin scenery is the best”. Other famous attractions include Snow Cave and Zhongshan Monument.
Jingjiang Prices City, praised as a “city in a city”, was built in Ming Dynasty with a history of more than 630 years. During the 257 years from its completion to the collapse of Ming Dynasty, 14 seigniors had lived here. Jingjiang Princes City became the Examination Compound in the Qing Dynasty. Covering an area of 19.78 hectares, Jingjiang Princes City composes of Chengyun Gate, Chengyun Palace, Palace Harem and Imperial Garden with other 40 rooms, pavilions and chambers. Listed as “the key cultural relics of national level”, Jingjiang Princes City is an irreplaceable scenic spot in Guilin.
If you want to enjoy picturesque mountains and crystal clear waters, Solitary Beauty Peak, famous royal treasure hill is your best choice. If you want to read the history of Guilin, Jingjiang Princes City will meet your need.
Tips:
1. Opening Hours: 9:30am—5:30pm
2. How to Get Here: No.1, 10, 11, 14, 100 Buses.
Folded Brocade Hill
Folded Brocade Hill, with an elevation of 73m, locates to the northeast of Guilin, facing beautiful Li River. As a beautiful and well-known hill, Folded Brocade Hill consists of Mingyue Peak, Crane Peak, Siwang Hill and Yuyue Hill, covering an area of 2km². Many amazing attractions such as Folded Brocade Pavilion, Yuyue Pavilion, Wind Cave and Wangjiang Pavilion etc. are on the hill. Besides, inscriptions on precipices carved by celebrities of all the precious dynasties are the essence of all relics.
Folded Brocade Pavilion, with a height of 5m, length of 7.5m and width of 8.5m, is architecture with single story, 4 angles, flat rooftop, red pillars and green tiles. With Yuyue Hill to the east, Siwang Hill to the west and Bright Moon Peak to the north, Folded Brocade Pavilion is harmonious with the surroundings. Stone benches standing from east to west, the northern side is the best place to appreciate the fantastic “folded brocade” and is an ideal place for rest. To the west of the pavilion, an inscription by Yu Qing of Ming Dynasty is also worth of visiting.
Wangjiang Pavilion is halfway up the hill and built during the reign of Emperor Zhengde (1506-1521) of the Ming Dynasty. Rebuilt in the years of 1954 and 1990, Wangjiang Pavilion is a pavilion with ancient style, 6m in height and dihedral angles. On the wall, a cliff inscription was carved as “a place for seeking adventures”.
Li River
Elephant Trunk Hill
Wave Subduing Hill
Reed Flute Cave
Seven Star Park
Yangshuo
Solitary Beauty Peak and Jingjiang Princes City
Solitary Beauty Peak, also known as Purple Hill, is located in the Jingjiang Princes City with reputation of “Southern Heaven Pillar”. At the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak, there is a Longevity Palace first built in Tang Dynasty, while a Solitary Beauty Pavilion is standing at the top. You can have a bird’s view of beautiful Guilin when you climb up 396 stone steps to the top. Dushu Rock, Taiping Rock and Crescent-shape Pond are at the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak while many ancient inscriptions are on the eastern side of the peak, for example “East or west, Guilin scenery is the best”. Other famous attractions include Snow Cave and Zhongshan Monument.
Jingjiang Prices City, praised as a “city in a city”, was built in Ming Dynasty with a history of more than 630 years. During the 257 years from its completion to the collapse of Ming Dynasty, 14 seigniors had lived here. Jingjiang Princes City became the Examination Compound in the Qing Dynasty. Covering an area of 19.78 hectares, Jingjiang Princes City composes of Chengyun Gate, Chengyun Palace, Palace Harem and Imperial Garden with other 40 rooms, pavilions and chambers. Listed as “the key cultural relics of national level”, Jingjiang Princes City is an irreplaceable scenic spot in Guilin.
If you want to enjoy picturesque mountains and crystal clear waters, Solitary Beauty Peak, famous royal treasure hill is your best choice. If you want to read the history of Guilin, Jingjiang Princes City will meet your need.
Tips:
1. Opening Hours: 9:30am—5:30pm
2. How to Get Here: No.1, 10, 11, 14, 100 Buses.
Folded Brocade Hill
Folded Brocade Hill, with an elevation of 73m, locates to the northeast of Guilin, facing beautiful Li River. As a beautiful and well-known hill, Folded Brocade Hill consists of Mingyue Peak, Crane Peak, Siwang Hill and Yuyue Hill, covering an area of 2km². Many amazing attractions such as Folded Brocade Pavilion, Yuyue Pavilion, Wind Cave and Wangjiang Pavilion etc. are on the hill. Besides, inscriptions on precipices carved by celebrities of all the precious dynasties are the essence of all relics.
Folded Brocade Pavilion, with a height of 5m, length of 7.5m and width of 8.5m, is architecture with single story, 4 angles, flat rooftop, red pillars and green tiles. With Yuyue Hill to the east, Siwang Hill to the west and Bright Moon Peak to the north, Folded Brocade Pavilion is harmonious with the surroundings. Stone benches standing from east to west, the northern side is the best place to appreciate the fantastic “folded brocade” and is an ideal place for rest. To the west of the pavilion, an inscription by Yu Qing of Ming Dynasty is also worth of visiting.
Wangjiang Pavilion is halfway up the hill and built during the reign of Emperor Zhengde (1506-1521) of the Ming Dynasty. Rebuilt in the years of 1954 and 1990, Wangjiang Pavilion is a pavilion with ancient style, 6m in height and dihedral angles. On the wall, a cliff inscription was carved as “a place for seeking adventures”.
Nanjing
Highlights
Shanghai
Highlights
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Standing at a towering height of 468 meters (1,536 feet), the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is not only the tallest TV tower in Asia but also the third tallest in the world. It ranks behind the 553.3-meter-high CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, and the 540-meter-high Ostankino Tower in Moscow, Russia. Located in the heart of Pudong’s Lujiazui district, the tower has become a symbol of Shanghai, drawing both locals and tourists alike. Its unique design, featuring 15 spheres of varying sizes at different heights, creates a striking and futuristic appearance.
The tower's design is said to be inspired by a famous Chinese poetic line, "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate," evoking an image of pearls scattered across a jade surface. From its observation deck, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the bustling city, the Huangpu River, and beyond. The revolving restaurant and the expansive sightseeing platform can accommodate up to 1,600 people, offering an unparalleled experience in the sky.
Construction of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower began in 1992, with an initial investment of 50 million Yuan from the government. An additional 150 million Yuan and 10 million US Dollars were raised through bank loans from 44 banks. The tower was completed and opened to the public in 1994. It is affectionately known in China as "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl," a reference to its striking design, with two massive spheres at the base and a large pearl-like structure at the top.
In 1995, the tower began broadcasting, hosting nine television channels and 10 FM radio stations. Over the years, it has become a major hub for media and telecommunications, in addition to being a top tourist destination.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower offers a wide range of amenities for visitors. At a height of 263 meters, the observation deck provides breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline. You can also visit the futuristic "Space City" exhibition hall and the Shanghai Municipal History Museum, located in the tower's base. This museum showcases the history of the city, including its transformation from a small fishing village to one of the world’s leading metropolises.
The large lower sphere of the tower features various attractions, including the "Science Fantasy City" and the "Recreational Palace." On a clear day, visitors can enjoy a view stretching all the way to the Yangtze River from the sightseeing hall. In addition to the observation areas, the tower houses a hotel with 25 elegant rooms in the smaller spheres, offering a relaxing place for visitors to stay.
At the very top of the tower is a large pearl-shaped structure, home to a rotating restaurant, shops, and additional viewing platforms. This iconic structure provides guests with a unique dining experience while enjoying Shanghai’s spectacular skyline.
Over the past decade, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower has welcomed more than 25 million visitors, including 295 overseas heads of state and dignitaries. This immense popularity has made it one of the most profitable TV towers globally. In fact, its annual revenue has exceeded that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
According to the World Brand Lab, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower ranked 96th among the 500 most valuable Chinese brands, with a brand value of 5.148 billion Yuan (approximately 6.2 billion USD). It has consistently been one of the top 20 most influential Chinese brands on the global stage in recent years.
The tower’s combination of cutting-edge technology, breathtaking views, and cultural significance has made it a must-visit attraction in Shanghai and a proud symbol of China's modern achievements.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower stands as a monumental achievement in both architecture and engineering, symbolizing Shanghai's vibrant future while honoring its rich history. Whether you’re marveling at the panoramic views, exploring the interactive exhibits, or dining in the sky, the tower promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Children’s Palace
The Bund
No. 12, The Bund, is also known as No. 12 Zhongshan East Road. It was once the location of the famous Hui Feng Bank. Built in 1923, this square-shaped building has five vaults and features a distinctive circular roof in the style of ancient Greece, with a half-spherical dome on top. The building is made of steel and is elaborately decorated, including a specially designed reception hall. The British builders of the structure were immensely proud of this creation, with some even calling it “the most exquisite building from the Suez Canal in the east to the Persian Gulf in the west.”
Walking along Zhongshan East Road, you can feel the grandeur and solemnity of the area, as if the Bund is a showcase of architectural excellence. Some say that the Bund is, in fact, "an architectural exhibition." If the architectural district of the Bund were a gallery, the rest of the area would be a showroom. In the early mornings, the Bund becomes a place for locals to exercise and enjoy the fresh air. By day, the historic buildings stand in harmony with the scenic beauty of the Huangpu River and the futuristic skyline of Pudong, making it a favorite spot for tourists. At night, the city lights bathe the Bund in a vibrant glow, enhancing its beauty. The old buildings along the riverbank stand in contrast to the modern skyline, which includes iconic structures such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Jin Mao Tower, creating a stunning view that never fails to leave visitors in awe.
On the eastern side, the Bund borders the Huangpu River, while on the west, 52 buildings line the street, each with its own architectural style—Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Renaissance, Classical, and a fusion of Eastern and Western elements. Although these buildings were constructed at different times and in varying styles, their overall design is remarkably harmonious, with each structure complementing the others.
The Bund, named after the desolate beach that once lay outside the old city of Shanghai, has become one of the city's most iconic landmarks. If you haven’t visited the Bund, then you haven’t truly seen Shanghai. The Bund symbolizes the city itself; it is a microcosm of Shanghai's history and growth.
The Huangpu River
The Huangpu River is a landmark waterway in Shanghai, stretching approximately 113 kilometers (about 70 miles) in length with a width ranging from 300 to 770 meters (about 984 to 2526 feet). Its drainage basin covers an area of 24,000 square kilometers (approx. 5,930,530 acres).
The river originates from Dianshan Lake in Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, which receives water from the upper reaches of the Taihu Lake basin. From there, the river flows downstream to Wusongkou, where it meets the Yangtze River before flowing into the East China Sea. Over the course of thousands of years, the river has carved its path, with the upper reaches running east to west, and the middle and lower reaches turning north to south, effectively dividing the city of Shanghai into Puxi (West of the Huangpu River) and Pudong (East of the Huangpu River). On either side of the river, Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks have risen: the historic Bund on the west bank and the modern financial district of Lujiazui on the east.
During a visit to the river, tourists can admire the Yangpu Bridge, the Nanpu Bridge, and the Oriental Pearl Tower, which stands in the heart of the city. The two bridges, resembling two giant dragons stretching across the Huangpu River, frame the Oriental Pearl Tower in the center, creating a stunning visual metaphor of "two dragons playing with a pearl."
On the west bank of the Huangpu River, visitors are greeted by a collection of grand, foreign-style buildings, known for their diverse architectural influences from around the world. On the east bank, in stark contrast, towering modern skyscrapers rise into the sky, symbolizing Shanghai’s rapid development into a global financial hub.
Wusongkou, located at the mouth of the river, marks the point where the Huangpu River converges with the Yangtze River and the East China Sea. During high tide, one can witness the famous "Three-Water Convergence" phenomenon, where the Huangpu River’s bluish-gray waters, the muddy yellow waters of the Yangtze, and the green waters of the East China Sea mix together, creating a striking display of yellow, green, and blue hues.
The Huangpu River serves multiple functions: it is vital for shipping, water supply, drainage, irrigation, and tourism. As one of the world’s most renowned rivers, it is both a product of nature’s transformative power and a testament to humanity’s successful practice of harnessing the river’s natural flow to serve the needs of a growing city.
Yu Garden
The garden was originally established as a private estate by Pan Yunduan, a distinguished official from Sichuan, to provide his retired father, Pan En, with a serene and tranquil retreat. After over two decades of meticulous planning and construction, Yu Garden was completed in 1577. The name "Yu" symbolizes peace and tranquility, reflecting the garden's purpose of offering solace and serenity to Pan En during his retirement years. By the late Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden had gained recognition as one of the most exquisite gardens in Southeast China.
Yu Garden exemplifies the classical Jiangnan garden style, characterized by its intricate and refined design that seamlessly integrates natural and architectural elements. The garden boasts meandering pathways, exquisite pavilions, stunning rockeries, tranquil koi ponds, and ancient trees all thoughtfully arranged to create a serene and contemplative atmosphere. Additionally, it houses an impressive collection of cultural treasures including Ming and Qing dynasty furniture, renowned calligraphy and paintings, elaborate brick carvings as well as traditional stone sculptures.
The Yulinglong Stone, one of the renowned rocks in Jiangnan, and Dianchuntang, which served as the headquarters during the Taiping Rebellion in 1853, are among the prominent features of this garden. Additionally, visitors can explore the adjacent City God Temple and vibrant shopping streets, further enhancing its appeal as a popular tourist destination.
Yu Garden opened to the public in 1961 and was designated a national key cultural heritage site in 1982. Today, it remains a must-visit attraction for those seeking to experience the beauty and tranquility of traditional Chinese garden design.
The Jade Buddha Temple
Known for its vibrant spiritual atmosphere, the Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most visited and beloved temples in Shanghai. While Longhua Temple is known for fulfilling wishes related to career success, and Jing'an Temple is sought for blessings of peace, the Jade Buddha Temple is famous for helping people with wishes for wealth and love. A visit to the Jade Buddha Temple wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its treasures—the Jade Buddha and the Sitting Buddha, which have been prized by visitors since their arrival from Southeast Asia over a century ago.
At the heart of the temple is the magnificent Jade Buddha, a serene and life-sized statue carved from a single block of jade. Alongside it, visitors can find five other Buddha statues, each radiating peace and grace. The Jade Buddha Temple has undergone multiple restorations and expansions over the years, including the relocation of the Grand Buddha Hall and the construction of the Bell and Drum Towers. These additions have enriched the temple’s cultural and artistic legacy.
Occupying an area of approximately 11.6 acres, the Jade Buddha Temple features a layout based on traditional Chinese temple architecture. The temple’s main axis is home to three grand halls, with additional structures on both the east and west sides. The temple not only holds a special place in the hearts of Shanghai’s Buddhist community but is also a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. It is recognized as one of the top ten tourist attractions in Shanghai and is listed as a key Buddhist site and a protected city monument.
In 1918, the temple was rebuilt on its present site under the guidance of Master Kecheng from the Linji school. The new structure, designed to emulate the architectural style of Song Dynasty temples, was completed after ten years of dedicated work. The complex includes a Buddha hall, pagodas, kitchens, and other traditional temple buildings, with over 200 rooms in total.
The original Jade Buddha Temple was established in 1900, near the Wusong River Bay Railway Station, under the leadership of Master Ben Zhao, a disciple of Huigen. However, the temple was destroyed during the upheaval of the 1911 Revolution, leaving only the precious Jade Buddha untouched. For a time, the statue was housed in a villa on Shendan Road (now Weian Road), before the decision was made to rebuild the temple at its current location.
Founded in 1882 by Master Huigen, the temple originally housed five jade Buddhas brought from Myanmar by the master himself. Of these, two were enshrined in Shanghai, and it is these statues that have made the temple famous.
Nestled at 170 Anyuan Road in the Putuo District of Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple is one of the city’s most revered spiritual landmarks. As its name suggests, the temple is home to the sacred Jade Buddha, a symbol of serenity and wisdom. Belonging to the Linji school of Chan Buddhism, the temple is not only a place of worship but also a center for meditation and spiritual practice.
Shanghai Museum
The Shanghai Museum is a preeminent institution in China, celebrated for its vast collection of over 120,000 invaluable cultural artifacts. Its extensive and exceptional assortment, particularly in the areas of bronze ware, ceramics, calligraphy, and painting has garnered international recognition.
Founded in 1952, the museum initially operated at 325 Nanjing West Road. In 1959, it relocated to a more spacious venue at 16 Henan South Road, where it continued its progressive growth and development. In 1992, the Shanghai government made the strategic decision to construct a new museum in the heart of the city, situated in the prime location of People's Square. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new museum building took place in 1993 and it was officially inaugurated on October 12, 1996.
The new building of the Shanghai Museum spans a total area of 39,200 square meters and stands at a height of 29.5 meters. The distinctive combination of a round dome and square base, symbolizing the concept of "Heaven is round and Earth is square," creates an aesthetically captivating effect. The design seamlessly integrates traditional cultural elements with modern architecture, establishing it as a truly unique and iconic structure among global museums.
The museum accommodates 11 permanent galleries and three exhibition halls. The architectural layout encompasses six functional areas, including exhibition spaces, storage facilities, academic and research zones, management offices, and supporting amenities. Within the premises are 12 thematic exhibition rooms showcasing a wide array of treasures such as bronze artifacts, ceramics, calligraphy masterpieces, and paintings. Additionally, the exhibits encompass coins, jade pieces, sculptures, seals as well as crafts from various ethnic minorities.
The museum's total exhibition space is 12,000 square meters, distributed across four floors. The first floor features the Ancient Chinese Bronze Gallery, Ancient Chinese Sculpture Gallery, and Exhibition Hall. The second floor showcases the Ancient Chinese Ceramics Gallery and the temporary Ceramics Gallery. The third floor is dedicated to the Calligraphy Gallery, Painting Gallery, and Seals Gallery. The fourth floor exhibits the Ancient Chinese Jade Gallery, Coin Gallery, Ming and Qing Furniture Gallery, and the Ethnic Minority Craft Gallery.
Shanghai Jinmao Tower
Standing proudly at 88 Century Avenue in the heart of Shanghai’s Lujiazui Financial District, the Shanghai Jin Mao Tower is a true marvel of modern engineering and design. Located in the bustling center of the city, the tower offers breathtaking views to the east over the Pudong New Area, to the west over downtown Shanghai and the Huangpu River, and to the south toward the vibrant commercial hub of Zhang Yang Road. To the north, it overlooks the expansive 100,000-square-meter central green space.
The Jin Mao Tower occupies 24,000 square meters of land, with a total building area of 290,000 square meters. The towering 88-story main structure rises to a height of 420.5 meters, with approximately 200,000 square meters of space. Its sleek, modern design features a stunning tapering shape, symbolizing both architectural elegance and strength. The tower’s six-story podium covers 32,000 square meters, while the three underground levels span 57,000 square meters. The building’s striking exterior is enveloped in an aluminum alloy lattice, giving it a contemporary yet timeless appeal.
Inside, the Jin Mao Tower is as spectacular as its exterior. The first two floors house the grand lobby, while floors 3 to 50 feature expansive, column-free office spaces with a ceiling height of 4 meters and a net height of 2.7 meters. The upper floors—51 to 52—house essential mechanical and electrical systems, while the 53rd to 87th floors are home to a luxurious hotel. The 88th floor boasts an observation deck, offering panoramic views of the city and beyond.
Designed by the renowned Chicago-based architectural firm SOM, with Adrian Smith as the lead designer, the Jin Mao Tower combines cutting-edge global architectural trends with traditional Chinese design elements. The building is an engineering masterpiece, with a vertical deviation of only 2 centimeters and the ability to withstand winds of up to level 12 and earthquakes of magnitude 7.
The tower’s exterior is characterized by large glass panels that reflect ever-changing hues—shifting from silver to shades of blue and green. Between the two layers of glass, a low-temperature conductor ensures the interior remains insulated from the outdoor elements.
Inside, the grand lobby features a striking archway design and walls clad in Mediterranean-style perforated marble for both aesthetic and soundproofing purposes. The polished marble floors gleam without being overly shiny, while the main hallway leading to the banquet hall is an artistic corridor showcasing Chinese calligraphy and copper reliefs that depict the evolution of Chinese script, from ancient oracle bone inscriptions to modern-day characters.
At the top of the Jin Mao Tower, the 88th floor offers the “Cloud Walk”—a 60-meter-long, 1.2-meter-wide transparent skywalk, the highest of its kind in the world. This glass walkway allows visitors to experience Shanghai from a breathtaking 340.1 meters above ground level, walking in the clouds and enjoying an unparalleled view of the city below.
Since its completion, the Jin Mao Tower has garnered numerous accolades, including the Illinois World Architecture Award in 1998 and the Shanghai Classic Architecture Gold Award in 1999. It also achieved LEED-EB certification in 2013 and was named one of the "Top Ten New Landmarks in Shanghai" in 2020.
A true symbol of Shanghai's dynamic growth, the Jin Mao Tower remains a must-see destination for those who wish to experience the cutting-edge of modern architecture while soaking in the rich cultural and historical essence of one of the world’s most exciting cities.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Standing at a towering height of 468 meters (1,536 feet), the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is not only the tallest TV tower in Asia but also the third tallest in the world. It ranks behind the 553.3-meter-high CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, and the 540-meter-high Ostankino Tower in Moscow, Russia. Located in the heart of Pudong’s Lujiazui district, the tower has become a symbol of Shanghai, drawing both locals and tourists alike. Its unique design, featuring 15 spheres of varying sizes at different heights, creates a striking and futuristic appearance.
The tower's design is said to be inspired by a famous Chinese poetic line, "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate," evoking an image of pearls scattered across a jade surface. From its observation deck, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the bustling city, the Huangpu River, and beyond. The revolving restaurant and the expansive sightseeing platform can accommodate up to 1,600 people, offering an unparalleled experience in the sky.
Construction of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower began in 1992, with an initial investment of 50 million Yuan from the government. An additional 150 million Yuan and 10 million US Dollars were raised through bank loans from 44 banks. The tower was completed and opened to the public in 1994. It is affectionately known in China as "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl," a reference to its striking design, with two massive spheres at the base and a large pearl-like structure at the top.
In 1995, the tower began broadcasting, hosting nine television channels and 10 FM radio stations. Over the years, it has become a major hub for media and telecommunications, in addition to being a top tourist destination.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower offers a wide range of amenities for visitors. At a height of 263 meters, the observation deck provides breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline. You can also visit the futuristic "Space City" exhibition hall and the Shanghai Municipal History Museum, located in the tower's base. This museum showcases the history of the city, including its transformation from a small fishing village to one of the world’s leading metropolises.
The large lower sphere of the tower features various attractions, including the "Science Fantasy City" and the "Recreational Palace." On a clear day, visitors can enjoy a view stretching all the way to the Yangtze River from the sightseeing hall. In addition to the observation areas, the tower houses a hotel with 25 elegant rooms in the smaller spheres, offering a relaxing place for visitors to stay.
At the very top of the tower is a large pearl-shaped structure, home to a rotating restaurant, shops, and additional viewing platforms. This iconic structure provides guests with a unique dining experience while enjoying Shanghai’s spectacular skyline.
Over the past decade, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower has welcomed more than 25 million visitors, including 295 overseas heads of state and dignitaries. This immense popularity has made it one of the most profitable TV towers globally. In fact, its annual revenue has exceeded that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
According to the World Brand Lab, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower ranked 96th among the 500 most valuable Chinese brands, with a brand value of 5.148 billion Yuan (approximately 6.2 billion USD). It has consistently been one of the top 20 most influential Chinese brands on the global stage in recent years.
The tower’s combination of cutting-edge technology, breathtaking views, and cultural significance has made it a must-visit attraction in Shanghai and a proud symbol of China's modern achievements.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower stands as a monumental achievement in both architecture and engineering, symbolizing Shanghai's vibrant future while honoring its rich history. Whether you’re marveling at the panoramic views, exploring the interactive exhibits, or dining in the sky, the tower promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Children’s Palace
The Bund
No. 12, The Bund, is also known as No. 12 Zhongshan East Road. It was once the location of the famous Hui Feng Bank. Built in 1923, this square-shaped building has five vaults and features a distinctive circular roof in the style of ancient Greece, with a half-spherical dome on top. The building is made of steel and is elaborately decorated, including a specially designed reception hall. The British builders of the structure were immensely proud of this creation, with some even calling it “the most exquisite building from the Suez Canal in the east to the Persian Gulf in the west.”
Walking along Zhongshan East Road, you can feel the grandeur and solemnity of the area, as if the Bund is a showcase of architectural excellence. Some say that the Bund is, in fact, "an architectural exhibition." If the architectural district of the Bund were a gallery, the rest of the area would be a showroom. In the early mornings, the Bund becomes a place for locals to exercise and enjoy the fresh air. By day, the historic buildings stand in harmony with the scenic beauty of the Huangpu River and the futuristic skyline of Pudong, making it a favorite spot for tourists. At night, the city lights bathe the Bund in a vibrant glow, enhancing its beauty. The old buildings along the riverbank stand in contrast to the modern skyline, which includes iconic structures such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Jin Mao Tower, creating a stunning view that never fails to leave visitors in awe.
On the eastern side, the Bund borders the Huangpu River, while on the west, 52 buildings line the street, each with its own architectural style—Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Renaissance, Classical, and a fusion of Eastern and Western elements. Although these buildings were constructed at different times and in varying styles, their overall design is remarkably harmonious, with each structure complementing the others.
The Bund, named after the desolate beach that once lay outside the old city of Shanghai, has become one of the city's most iconic landmarks. If you haven’t visited the Bund, then you haven’t truly seen Shanghai. The Bund symbolizes the city itself; it is a microcosm of Shanghai's history and growth.
The Huangpu River
The Huangpu River is a landmark waterway in Shanghai, stretching approximately 113 kilometers (about 70 miles) in length with a width ranging from 300 to 770 meters (about 984 to 2526 feet). Its drainage basin covers an area of 24,000 square kilometers (approx. 5,930,530 acres).
The river originates from Dianshan Lake in Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, which receives water from the upper reaches of the Taihu Lake basin. From there, the river flows downstream to Wusongkou, where it meets the Yangtze River before flowing into the East China Sea. Over the course of thousands of years, the river has carved its path, with the upper reaches running east to west, and the middle and lower reaches turning north to south, effectively dividing the city of Shanghai into Puxi (West of the Huangpu River) and Pudong (East of the Huangpu River). On either side of the river, Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks have risen: the historic Bund on the west bank and the modern financial district of Lujiazui on the east.
During a visit to the river, tourists can admire the Yangpu Bridge, the Nanpu Bridge, and the Oriental Pearl Tower, which stands in the heart of the city. The two bridges, resembling two giant dragons stretching across the Huangpu River, frame the Oriental Pearl Tower in the center, creating a stunning visual metaphor of "two dragons playing with a pearl."
On the west bank of the Huangpu River, visitors are greeted by a collection of grand, foreign-style buildings, known for their diverse architectural influences from around the world. On the east bank, in stark contrast, towering modern skyscrapers rise into the sky, symbolizing Shanghai’s rapid development into a global financial hub.
Wusongkou, located at the mouth of the river, marks the point where the Huangpu River converges with the Yangtze River and the East China Sea. During high tide, one can witness the famous "Three-Water Convergence" phenomenon, where the Huangpu River’s bluish-gray waters, the muddy yellow waters of the Yangtze, and the green waters of the East China Sea mix together, creating a striking display of yellow, green, and blue hues.
The Huangpu River serves multiple functions: it is vital for shipping, water supply, drainage, irrigation, and tourism. As one of the world’s most renowned rivers, it is both a product of nature’s transformative power and a testament to humanity’s successful practice of harnessing the river’s natural flow to serve the needs of a growing city.
Yu Garden
The garden was originally established as a private estate by Pan Yunduan, a distinguished official from Sichuan, to provide his retired father, Pan En, with a serene and tranquil retreat. After over two decades of meticulous planning and construction, Yu Garden was completed in 1577. The name "Yu" symbolizes peace and tranquility, reflecting the garden's purpose of offering solace and serenity to Pan En during his retirement years. By the late Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden had gained recognition as one of the most exquisite gardens in Southeast China.
Yu Garden exemplifies the classical Jiangnan garden style, characterized by its intricate and refined design that seamlessly integrates natural and architectural elements. The garden boasts meandering pathways, exquisite pavilions, stunning rockeries, tranquil koi ponds, and ancient trees all thoughtfully arranged to create a serene and contemplative atmosphere. Additionally, it houses an impressive collection of cultural treasures including Ming and Qing dynasty furniture, renowned calligraphy and paintings, elaborate brick carvings as well as traditional stone sculptures.
The Yulinglong Stone, one of the renowned rocks in Jiangnan, and Dianchuntang, which served as the headquarters during the Taiping Rebellion in 1853, are among the prominent features of this garden. Additionally, visitors can explore the adjacent City God Temple and vibrant shopping streets, further enhancing its appeal as a popular tourist destination.
Yu Garden opened to the public in 1961 and was designated a national key cultural heritage site in 1982. Today, it remains a must-visit attraction for those seeking to experience the beauty and tranquility of traditional Chinese garden design.
The Jade Buddha Temple
Known for its vibrant spiritual atmosphere, the Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most visited and beloved temples in Shanghai. While Longhua Temple is known for fulfilling wishes related to career success, and Jing'an Temple is sought for blessings of peace, the Jade Buddha Temple is famous for helping people with wishes for wealth and love. A visit to the Jade Buddha Temple wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its treasures—the Jade Buddha and the Sitting Buddha, which have been prized by visitors since their arrival from Southeast Asia over a century ago.
At the heart of the temple is the magnificent Jade Buddha, a serene and life-sized statue carved from a single block of jade. Alongside it, visitors can find five other Buddha statues, each radiating peace and grace. The Jade Buddha Temple has undergone multiple restorations and expansions over the years, including the relocation of the Grand Buddha Hall and the construction of the Bell and Drum Towers. These additions have enriched the temple’s cultural and artistic legacy.
Occupying an area of approximately 11.6 acres, the Jade Buddha Temple features a layout based on traditional Chinese temple architecture. The temple’s main axis is home to three grand halls, with additional structures on both the east and west sides. The temple not only holds a special place in the hearts of Shanghai’s Buddhist community but is also a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. It is recognized as one of the top ten tourist attractions in Shanghai and is listed as a key Buddhist site and a protected city monument.
In 1918, the temple was rebuilt on its present site under the guidance of Master Kecheng from the Linji school. The new structure, designed to emulate the architectural style of Song Dynasty temples, was completed after ten years of dedicated work. The complex includes a Buddha hall, pagodas, kitchens, and other traditional temple buildings, with over 200 rooms in total.
The original Jade Buddha Temple was established in 1900, near the Wusong River Bay Railway Station, under the leadership of Master Ben Zhao, a disciple of Huigen. However, the temple was destroyed during the upheaval of the 1911 Revolution, leaving only the precious Jade Buddha untouched. For a time, the statue was housed in a villa on Shendan Road (now Weian Road), before the decision was made to rebuild the temple at its current location.
Founded in 1882 by Master Huigen, the temple originally housed five jade Buddhas brought from Myanmar by the master himself. Of these, two were enshrined in Shanghai, and it is these statues that have made the temple famous.
Nestled at 170 Anyuan Road in the Putuo District of Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple is one of the city’s most revered spiritual landmarks. As its name suggests, the temple is home to the sacred Jade Buddha, a symbol of serenity and wisdom. Belonging to the Linji school of Chan Buddhism, the temple is not only a place of worship but also a center for meditation and spiritual practice.
Shanghai Museum
The Shanghai Museum is a preeminent institution in China, celebrated for its vast collection of over 120,000 invaluable cultural artifacts. Its extensive and exceptional assortment, particularly in the areas of bronze ware, ceramics, calligraphy, and painting has garnered international recognition.
Founded in 1952, the museum initially operated at 325 Nanjing West Road. In 1959, it relocated to a more spacious venue at 16 Henan South Road, where it continued its progressive growth and development. In 1992, the Shanghai government made the strategic decision to construct a new museum in the heart of the city, situated in the prime location of People's Square. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new museum building took place in 1993 and it was officially inaugurated on October 12, 1996.
The new building of the Shanghai Museum spans a total area of 39,200 square meters and stands at a height of 29.5 meters. The distinctive combination of a round dome and square base, symbolizing the concept of "Heaven is round and Earth is square," creates an aesthetically captivating effect. The design seamlessly integrates traditional cultural elements with modern architecture, establishing it as a truly unique and iconic structure among global museums.
The museum accommodates 11 permanent galleries and three exhibition halls. The architectural layout encompasses six functional areas, including exhibition spaces, storage facilities, academic and research zones, management offices, and supporting amenities. Within the premises are 12 thematic exhibition rooms showcasing a wide array of treasures such as bronze artifacts, ceramics, calligraphy masterpieces, and paintings. Additionally, the exhibits encompass coins, jade pieces, sculptures, seals as well as crafts from various ethnic minorities.
The museum's total exhibition space is 12,000 square meters, distributed across four floors. The first floor features the Ancient Chinese Bronze Gallery, Ancient Chinese Sculpture Gallery, and Exhibition Hall. The second floor showcases the Ancient Chinese Ceramics Gallery and the temporary Ceramics Gallery. The third floor is dedicated to the Calligraphy Gallery, Painting Gallery, and Seals Gallery. The fourth floor exhibits the Ancient Chinese Jade Gallery, Coin Gallery, Ming and Qing Furniture Gallery, and the Ethnic Minority Craft Gallery.
Shanghai Jinmao Tower
Standing proudly at 88 Century Avenue in the heart of Shanghai’s Lujiazui Financial District, the Shanghai Jin Mao Tower is a true marvel of modern engineering and design. Located in the bustling center of the city, the tower offers breathtaking views to the east over the Pudong New Area, to the west over downtown Shanghai and the Huangpu River, and to the south toward the vibrant commercial hub of Zhang Yang Road. To the north, it overlooks the expansive 100,000-square-meter central green space.
The Jin Mao Tower occupies 24,000 square meters of land, with a total building area of 290,000 square meters. The towering 88-story main structure rises to a height of 420.5 meters, with approximately 200,000 square meters of space. Its sleek, modern design features a stunning tapering shape, symbolizing both architectural elegance and strength. The tower’s six-story podium covers 32,000 square meters, while the three underground levels span 57,000 square meters. The building’s striking exterior is enveloped in an aluminum alloy lattice, giving it a contemporary yet timeless appeal.
Inside, the Jin Mao Tower is as spectacular as its exterior. The first two floors house the grand lobby, while floors 3 to 50 feature expansive, column-free office spaces with a ceiling height of 4 meters and a net height of 2.7 meters. The upper floors—51 to 52—house essential mechanical and electrical systems, while the 53rd to 87th floors are home to a luxurious hotel. The 88th floor boasts an observation deck, offering panoramic views of the city and beyond.
Designed by the renowned Chicago-based architectural firm SOM, with Adrian Smith as the lead designer, the Jin Mao Tower combines cutting-edge global architectural trends with traditional Chinese design elements. The building is an engineering masterpiece, with a vertical deviation of only 2 centimeters and the ability to withstand winds of up to level 12 and earthquakes of magnitude 7.
The tower’s exterior is characterized by large glass panels that reflect ever-changing hues—shifting from silver to shades of blue and green. Between the two layers of glass, a low-temperature conductor ensures the interior remains insulated from the outdoor elements.
Inside, the grand lobby features a striking archway design and walls clad in Mediterranean-style perforated marble for both aesthetic and soundproofing purposes. The polished marble floors gleam without being overly shiny, while the main hallway leading to the banquet hall is an artistic corridor showcasing Chinese calligraphy and copper reliefs that depict the evolution of Chinese script, from ancient oracle bone inscriptions to modern-day characters.
At the top of the Jin Mao Tower, the 88th floor offers the “Cloud Walk”—a 60-meter-long, 1.2-meter-wide transparent skywalk, the highest of its kind in the world. This glass walkway allows visitors to experience Shanghai from a breathtaking 340.1 meters above ground level, walking in the clouds and enjoying an unparalleled view of the city below.
Since its completion, the Jin Mao Tower has garnered numerous accolades, including the Illinois World Architecture Award in 1998 and the Shanghai Classic Architecture Gold Award in 1999. It also achieved LEED-EB certification in 2013 and was named one of the "Top Ten New Landmarks in Shanghai" in 2020.
A true symbol of Shanghai's dynamic growth, the Jin Mao Tower remains a must-see destination for those who wish to experience the cutting-edge of modern architecture while soaking in the rich cultural and historical essence of one of the world’s most exciting cities.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Standing at a towering height of 468 meters (1,536 feet), the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is not only the tallest TV tower in Asia but also the third tallest in the world. It ranks behind the 553.3-meter-high CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, and the 540-meter-high Ostankino Tower in Moscow, Russia. Located in the heart of Pudong’s Lujiazui district, the tower has become a symbol of Shanghai, drawing both locals and tourists alike. Its unique design, featuring 15 spheres of varying sizes at different heights, creates a striking and futuristic appearance.
The tower's design is said to be inspired by a famous Chinese poetic line, "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate," evoking an image of pearls scattered across a jade surface. From its observation deck, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the bustling city, the Huangpu River, and beyond. The revolving restaurant and the expansive sightseeing platform can accommodate up to 1,600 people, offering an unparalleled experience in the sky.
Construction of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower began in 1992, with an initial investment of 50 million Yuan from the government. An additional 150 million Yuan and 10 million US Dollars were raised through bank loans from 44 banks. The tower was completed and opened to the public in 1994. It is affectionately known in China as "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl," a reference to its striking design, with two massive spheres at the base and a large pearl-like structure at the top.
In 1995, the tower began broadcasting, hosting nine television channels and 10 FM radio stations. Over the years, it has become a major hub for media and telecommunications, in addition to being a top tourist destination.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower offers a wide range of amenities for visitors. At a height of 263 meters, the observation deck provides breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline. You can also visit the futuristic "Space City" exhibition hall and the Shanghai Municipal History Museum, located in the tower's base. This museum showcases the history of the city, including its transformation from a small fishing village to one of the world’s leading metropolises.
The large lower sphere of the tower features various attractions, including the "Science Fantasy City" and the "Recreational Palace." On a clear day, visitors can enjoy a view stretching all the way to the Yangtze River from the sightseeing hall. In addition to the observation areas, the tower houses a hotel with 25 elegant rooms in the smaller spheres, offering a relaxing place for visitors to stay.
At the very top of the tower is a large pearl-shaped structure, home to a rotating restaurant, shops, and additional viewing platforms. This iconic structure provides guests with a unique dining experience while enjoying Shanghai’s spectacular skyline.
Over the past decade, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower has welcomed more than 25 million visitors, including 295 overseas heads of state and dignitaries. This immense popularity has made it one of the most profitable TV towers globally. In fact, its annual revenue has exceeded that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
According to the World Brand Lab, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower ranked 96th among the 500 most valuable Chinese brands, with a brand value of 5.148 billion Yuan (approximately 6.2 billion USD). It has consistently been one of the top 20 most influential Chinese brands on the global stage in recent years.
The tower’s combination of cutting-edge technology, breathtaking views, and cultural significance has made it a must-visit attraction in Shanghai and a proud symbol of China's modern achievements.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower stands as a monumental achievement in both architecture and engineering, symbolizing Shanghai's vibrant future while honoring its rich history. Whether you’re marveling at the panoramic views, exploring the interactive exhibits, or dining in the sky, the tower promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Children’s Palace
Beijing
Highlights
Yonghegong Lamasery
Yonghegong Lamasery is a well-known lama temple of the Yellow Hat Sect of Lamaism, which is located at the northeast part of Beijing. It was originally built in 1694 as the residence of Emperor Yongzheng of Qing (1644-1911 A.D.) before his ascent of the throne. And after his death, it was renamed Yonghegong. His successor Emperor Qianlong then rebuilt Yonghegong into an imperial palace with its turquoise tiles replaced by yellow tiles (yellow was the imperial color in the Qing Dynasty). In 1744, it became a lamasery. From then on, large numbers of monks from Mongolia and Tibet and national center of lama administration live in there.
As an imperial palace, the layout of the temple differentiated from other temples. The main gate faces to the south. There are five main halls and annex connected by courtyards on its 480-meter-long north-south axis, including a glaze-tiled arch, Gate of Peace (Zhaotaimen), Buddha's Warrior Hall (Tianwangdian), which was formerly the entrance to Yongzheng's imperial palace, Hall of Harmony and Peace (Yonghegong), Hall of Everlasting Protection (Yongyoudian), Hall of the Wheel of the Law (Falundian) and Pavilion of Eternal Happiness (Wanfuge).
When you are walking through the grand glaze-tile arch patterned with decorative dragons and flowers in the first court, you will reach a three-arch gate - the Gate of Peace. In ancient times, the central passageway was for emperors. On each side of the second court next to the Gate of Peace stand the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower. Two pavilions stand symmetrically on opposite to the north. If you want to know more about the temple's history, you can have a look at the inscriptions of Chinese, Manchu, Mongolian and Tibetan engraved on steles.
The Buddha's Warrior Hall, also known as the Hall of Heavenly Kings, is the former entrance to Yongzheng's imperial palace. The hall Maitreya (Happy Buddha) was always used to greet visitors, which has a smiling face with a sandalwood pagoda on each side. Many small Buddhist images, symbolizing longevity, stand on the pagoda. Therefore, the pagoda is the Longevity Pagoda. There are four fearsome-looking Heavenly Kings or Celestial Guardians on both sides of Maitreya's shrine.
On the way to the Hall of Harmony and Peace stands a marble-based bronze incense-burner. With decorations of two dragons playing with a pearl on its six opens, it is 4.2 meters in height. Afterwards there is the Mount Sumeru, a bronze sculpture of Ming (1368-1644A.D.), representing the center of the world. On the top of it there lies a legendary paradise where Sakyamuni and men of moral integrity live after death; in the middle the dwellings of humans and below devils abide in hell.
The Hall of Harmony and Peace is formerly a place for the emperor Yongzheng to hold meetings. It was also called Mahavira Hall or Daxiongbaodian in Buddhism. Mahavira here is an honorable title of Sakyamuni in Chinese. Sakyamuni is on the altar, with Buddha of the Present in the middle with Buddha of the Past Yeja and the Buddha of the Future Maitreya on each side. On each side of the hall stand Statues of 18 Arhats. It is said that 18 Arhats were the disciples of Samkyamuni to diffuse Buddhism. The painting that you can find on the western wall is a Bodhisattva.
The Hall of Everlasting Protection (Yongyoudian) and the Hall of the Wheel of the Law (Falundian) are right behind the Hall of the Harmony and Peace, where enshrines a bronze image of Tsong Kapa -- founder of the Yellow Hat Sect. With 5 gold-plating pagodas, the golden-roofed Falundian was the place where lamas assemble to have religious activities. There is a 6-meter-high gilded bronze statue of Tsong Kapa on a lotus seat in the center of the hall.
Now there are nearly 70 lamas living in this temple. If you go there, you will find that regular religious activities are still practiced. More lamas can be seen coming here in the festival for lamas or Lamaism.
Old Beijing Hutongs
The numerous old hutongs are the distinguished features of Beijing. They symbolize the traditional community with small lanes, alleys and Siheyuan (quadrangle). The life of local people in these old hutongs makes this ancient capital look more charming. Wandering along these small lanes, you can see many quadrangles, called Siheyuan in Chinese, which are the residential quarters of natives. No one knows the exact number of these hutongs there are in Beijing.
Great Wall
It is without doubt that the Great Wall is the greatest of civil engineering project of defense in ancient China. With its gigantic scale and difficulties in its construction, it is regarded as one of the great wonders in the history of mankind. The Great Wall is really the glory of the Chinese nation, which symbolizes the ancient culture and the long-standing history of China. Stretching over the mountain ranges, it proudly shows its magnificence to us. So to speak, the Great Wall has witnessed the rises and falls of innumerable dynasties and changes on the earth. At present, though the Great Wall is no longer served as a work of military defense against harassment and invasion. It still plays an important role in linking the Chinese people with the people of the rest of the world. It is one of the great bridges that build up friendship between different peoples.
The Great Wall is starting from the Old Dragon Head of the Shanhai Pass at the seaside in the east to a distance of 10,000 li (1 kilometer= 2 lis) in the west. Snaking along the north of China, it crosses three provinces, two municipalities and two autonomous regions. It is about 6,300 kilometers long, an equivalent of about 3,915 miles.
The present-day Great Wall originated from the early ancient Chinese history. During the time of Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.), in the purpose of defending themselves and against the infringement from the neighboring states, all the principal states had the walls built in the bordering areas of the territories. For example, the three states of Qin, Zhao and Yan had high walls and fortresses built along their northern frontiers to ward off the harassment by the Huns (an ancient nomadic tribe in China) from the north. In 221 B.C., the whole China was unified by the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty to defeat the six other ducal states. The emperor gave order to link up all the walls built by the former ducal states along the northern frontiers to prevent disturbing and attacking by the Huns. And these walls form the world famous “10,000-li Great Wall”. From generation to generation, the succeeding dynasties kept on the work of maintenance and repairs or having parts reconstructed time and again. Among them, the greatest project on scale in the old days of China was carried out in the Han and Ming dynasties.
Throughout history, the Great Wall is served as the traditional defensive project. It is mainly composed by passes, walls, watchtowers and beacon towers. Builders were forced to rely upon local materials for the wall inched across the Chinese wilderness. For example, some wall was built with tamped-earth, some with stone, some with tamped mixture of reed, red willow, and sands, and some with bricks outside and stuffed earth and sands inside. The walls we see today are mainly Ming walls, primary made of stone and bricks. The key parts of the military construction are Watchtowers. They are very close to each other, among which brick towers could be two or three storeys. There is a small room on the top of the tower, surrounded by battlements. The watchtower was also used to station soldiers or store food and weapons. Thousands of passes stretch along the Great Wall. Some are between the mountains, some between the mountains and rivers, and some between the mountains and sea. During the wars, passes are the strongholds by acting as the gateways of transportation. Beacon towers are used for communicating, which can deliver the emergent military messages in a very short time.
Just like the symbol of China—dragon, the Great Wall snakes from east to west on the Oriental. Nowadays, five sections of the Great Wall are opened to public in Beijing, including Badaling section, Juyong Pass section, Mutianyu section, Jinshanling section and Simatai section.
Badaling Section
Badaling section is the outstanding part of the Great Wall. Lying in the Yanqing District, sixty kilometers northwest of Beijing, it gives vital protection for the Juyong Pass, which is one of the key passes of the Great Wall. According to its strategic importance of commanding, Badaling section is known as "giving access to every direction", which gains it the name Badaling.
Badaling was built in an early time in the ancient Chinese history. During Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period, defensive wall was constructed along the Yanshan Range to resist the marauding of the nomadic tribes. Since then the following dynasties continued to fortify the Badaling section. The wall we see today was constructed in Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.) along the ridges of mountains. The construction lasted about a hundred years long from 1505, the 18th year of Emperor Hongzhi, to the reign of Emperor Wanli.
The huge Badaling wall was strongly and firmly built. It was based on the foundation of granite slabs, surrounded by a facing of kiln-fired bricks, and covered with bricks on the top. All stuffed with pulverized lime, the slots could enable the wall to be smooth. The height of the wall is 8.5 meters. It is 6.5 meters wide at the bottom and 5.7 meters wide on the top, making it possible for 5 horses or 10 people march abreast on the top. Watchtowers are 0.5 or 1 kilometer apart from each other, which were full of vigor and grandeur, and orderly spotted the wall. The battlements and embrasures of the watchtower were in good condition in wartime. The wall winds its way along the ridge of the Jundu Mountain, rising abruptly to the peaks of each side of the Badaling. You will be amazed by its seemingly endlessness. It stretches far away into the remoteness. The wall of Badaling is 3, 741 meters long.
Among all the parts of the whole Great Wall, Badaling was the earliest section to be open to the tourists. Badaling has received 130 million tourists home and abroad. Among them, there are 370 foreign leaders and very important persons who have come to climb Badaling successively.
Mutianyu Section
Mutianyu section is 75 kilometers northeast of Beijing. Lies in Huairou District, it links Juyong Pass in the west with Gubeikou Pass in the east. Mutianyu section is called as the Majestic Pass on Precipitous Mountains, commanding its strategic importance.
Because of its relatively gentle terrain, watchtowers of Mutianyu section were built in large numbers to strengthen its defensive functions. The closest watchtowers are less than 50 meters apart from each other. Both arms of the Mutianyu section stretch upwards along the ridges of continuous mountains. On the foundation of the Ming Dynasty wall The Mutianyu section was mainly built on precipitous mountains and 5-7 meters high. It is featured with a thick cluster of watchtowers atop, strategic passed, majestic vigor and unique structure. In this section, the gate tower is the most unique building.
Simatai Section
Simatai Section lies in the Miyun County, 120 kilometers away from Beijing. It started from Wangjing Tower in the east and connected with Jinshanling section in the west. Without hordes of other tourists, it is a largely unrestored and more authentic section of the Great Wall.
Simatai section was constructed during the early years of Ming Emperor Hongwu. It is said that there was a renovation applying from 1569 to 1573. It was mainly built along the ridge of the mountains because of its location in the mountainous area. Featuring in uniqueness, ruggedness and trimness, it perfectly coordinates with the undulating terrain, which makes it more majestic and magnificent. Simatai reservoir is situated at the foot of the central part of the Simatai section, which is 600-700 meters long with the storage capacity of 50,000 cubic meters.
Simatai section is considered to be the most wonderful part of the Great Wall. Taking good advantage of the fluctuating terrain, the walls and watchtowers constitute the most essential part of the wall. It is famous for its precipitous cliffs, magnificent towers, suspension walls and rugged stairways. If you are looking from distance, you may find that the Great Wall is just like a flying dragon in the cloud. However, when you stand nearby, the wall stretches its arms along the ridges of mountains. All these make it the most amazing part of the Great Wall.
Jinshanling Section
The Jinshanling Great Wall was initially built from 1368 to 1389 in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and in 1567 and 1570 rebuilding of the Wall was mainly directed by General Qi Jiguang (1528-1588). Poems and tablet writings can be found on the Jinshanling Great Wall left from the time when Qi Jiguang directed the rebuilding of this section of the Great Wall. Continue to read more on the Great Wall history. Jinshanling is connected to the Simatai Great Wall in the east and the Panlongshan Great Wall in the west. Jinshanling has probably the highest frequency of towers per kilometer of any place along the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. It also has one of the greatest varieties of architectural and defensive styles of both wall and towers.
The total length of this section is about 11 kilometers (6.8 miles). The Wall is about 7 meters high and 5 meters wide, and is made of brick and stone. The Jinshanling Great Wall has an elevation of 700 meters. There are more than 100 watch towers along the Jinshanling Great Wall. ‘Watching Beijing Tower’ is on the highest point, from which you can see Beijing. The Jinshanling Great Wall is second only to the Badaling Great Wall in its completeness.
Tian’anmen Square
Tian’anmen(Gate of Heavenly Peace), situated at the center of Beijing meaning in English, symbolizes the People's Republic of China. Built in 1417, it was formally called Chengtianmen (Gate of Heavenly Succession). At that time, it was the front gate of the Imperial City. By the end of the Ming Dynasty, the uprising farmers led by Li Zicheng entered the city, but later when the Qing army marched upon Beijing, the Chengtianmen was destroyed under the crossfire. In 1651, it was rebuilt and named "Tian'anmen".
The Tian'anmen Rostrum, as a place to hold ceremonies of great importance, such as promulgating an imperial edict conferring the title of a queen, or announcing a newly enthroned emperor, was made known to the public all over the country. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was popular to hold the Imperial Exam system for choosing high-ranking officials by way of a palace examination, which supervised by the emperor himself. If the examinees ranked the first three, they would be entitled. What’s more, they would have the honor to be granted an audience by the emperor two days after the examination. On that day they would be called in to see the emperor in turn in the Tian'anmen Rostrum.
There is a square running 880 meters from south to north and 500 meters from east to west in front of the Tian'anmen Rostrum. It is the Tian'anmen Square – the very center of Beijing. Tian'anmen Square is the largest city square in the world with an area of 44 hectares.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Tian'anmen Square was a piece of land in front of the Imperial Palace, an open space jetting out towards the south from the Tian'anmen Gate. It had a meaning of embodying the outstanding importance of the Tian'anmen Gate and the Imperial City. In the early days of the Ming Dynasty, a gate of brick and stone was built, which is right on the site of the present Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao Zedong, called Damingmen (Gate of the Great Ming). In the Qing Dynasty it was renamed as Daqingmen (Gate of Great Qing) and after 1911 Zhonghuamen (Gate of China). Later on, another two gates of brick and stone structure were built on each site of the avenue in front the gate. Surrounded by a newly built red wall, the area within the three gates formed a small square of only 11 hectares-- Tian'anmen Square.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, common people were forbidden to enter the Tian'anmen Square. And for the officials, when they entered the gate, they had to get off horses and proceed on foot into the palace. The government offices were lined outside the wall on the east and west. According to the traditional system, the civil service organizations were set in the eastern part of the square, and the military organizations in the west.
Old buildings in the Tian'anmen Square were put down after the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in 1911. In 1957, the square expanded with an area of 44 hectares, which may hold 1 million people at a time. With Chairman Mao's Memorial Hall right behind, the Monument to the People's Heroes towered in the center of the square. To the east of the Square, there is the National Museum of China and to the west the Great Hall of People (National People's Congress building).
The Monument to the People's Heroes is the largest monument in China's history which was built in 1952. On this monument, you can see the words--"The People's Heroes are Immortal", which were written by Chairman Mao. The development of Chinese modern history and those who contributed their lives to the democratic progress are shown by the eight unusually large relief sculptures. The monument is enclosed by two rows of white marble railings. It seems very simple and beautiful.
At the south side of the Square is the Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao Zedong. This Hall is consisted by three halls, among which our dear Chairman Mao's body lies in a crystal coffin in the halls surrounded by fresh bouquets of various famous flowers and grasses.
The Great Hall of the People is in the west of the Square. Constructed in 1959, this building is the site of the China National People's Congress meetings, which also provides an impressive site for other political and diplomatic activities. With twelve marble posts, the Hall includes three parts--the Central Hall, the Great Auditorium and a Banqueting Hall. The ceiling of the Central Hall is decorated with crystal lamps and the floor paved with marble. The Great Auditorium behind the Central Hall can hold 10,000 people, while the huge Banqueting Hall can seat 5,000.
At the east side of the Square stands the China National Museum, which is another important place for you to visit. Built in 2003, it is a mergence of China History Museum and China Revolutionary Museum. This National Museum is on the opposite of the Great Hall of the People. In the China Revolutionary Museum, there are a lot of material objects, pictures, books and models, presenting the development of modern China. A large number of cultural relics are exhibited in the China History Museum, illustrating the long history and glorious culture of China from 1,700,000 years ago to 1925 when the last emperor left the throne.
Forbidden City
The Palace Museum, the imperial palace in the Ming and Qing dynasties, is the largest and best-preserved palace complex in the world today. It is also called the Purple Forbidden City in Chinese. Its name, on one side, derives from ancient Chinese astronomers' belief that God's abode or the Purple Palace. The pivot of the celestial world, is situated in the Pole Star (the middle of the Ziwei Star), at the center of the heaven. Therefore, the son of God of Heaven--the emperor, should live in the Purple City. On the other side, without special orders of the emperor eunuchs and guards, ordinary citizens were not allowed entering the Forbidden City, except for palace maids. For this reason, palaces in the Ming and Qing dynasties are called both the Forbidden City and the Purple City.
The Construction of the magnificent palace started in 1406, and ended in 1420. It took 14 years to complete the project. One year after completion, Emperor Yongle moved his capital from Nanjing to Beijing. Since then, 24 emperors have lived at the Forbidden City, 14 during the Ming Dynasty and 10 during the Qing Dynasty.
The Forbidden City covers an area of over 720,000 square meters, 750 meters wide and 960 meters long. And it has four great gates. The fabulous city, which is surrounded by a 52-meter-wide moat, has four delicate and lovely turrets overlooking both the inside and outside.
The Forbidden City has more than 8,700 wooden rooms, most of which have yellow-glazed tiles. It is a color that only emperors were allowed to use on their roof. From the northern Drum Tower and the Bell Tower to the Southern Gate of Everlasting Stability (Yongdingmen), these colorfully painted and embellished rooms are divided symmetrically into northern and southern halves. If you walk into the city, you will see the layers of halls and palaces spreading out on either side of a central axis. As the designations of the wise architectures, the splendid buildings represent the unique features of the traditional Chinese architecture and embody the incredible creativity of the ancient Chinese people. Reconstructed after being destroyed by several fires, this pearl of Chinese cultural heritage still retains its original arrangements of the Ming dynasty. Nowadays, most of the existing buildings open to visitors were reconstructed during the early Qing Dynasty.
In many ways the Forbidden City reveals ancient Confucian ideas, as it is generally designed to the principles of the Front court, Rear Market, Ancestral Sacrifice on the left and Altar on the right. Hence, the court was located in the southern or front section of the Forbidden City, where officials discussed political affairs. A large trading market was situated in the rear part of the city, providing daily necessities for the court. On the left side was the Imperial Ancestral Temple, where the emperor offered sacrifices to his ancestors. Nowadays, it is the Working People's Cultural Palace. On the right side was the Altar to the god of Land and Grain, where the emperor displayed his reverence to the god. This is now Zhongshan Park.
There are two courts in the Forbidden City: the Inner Court and the Outer Court. They are separated across the middle between the south and north ends. The Outer court is mainly composed by the Meridian Gate and the Three Front Halls, flanked by the Hall of Literary Glory (Wenhuadian) and the Hall of Martial Spirit (Wuyingdian), which witnessed various ceremonies and political activities during the Ming and Qing dynasties. While the inner court is mainly consisted by the Three Back Halls, Imperial Garden, Hall of Mental Cultivation and Palace of Abstinence, which are flanked by the Six East Halls and the Six West Halls. This was the place where the emperor was confronted with political affairs and was the residential area for the emperor and his empresses and concubines.
Compared with other contemporary palaces, the Forbidden City stressed more on balance and independence, and embodied more cultural perspectives of the specific ethnic group. Just as what was written in the book of History of Chinese Science by Joseph Needham, each part of the Forbidden City is in well balance and independence, which is just on the contrary to other palaces in the Renaissance Age. For the city, the Palace of Versailles is just acting as an object. The palace is an organic part of the whole city, combining deep deference to nature with lofty significance. As a tin far-reaching and complicated Chinese architecture, Great overall arrangements have reached the highest level, far above any other culture.
After the subversion of the Qing Dynasty by the Revolution of 1911, the last emperor Pu Yi was exiled to palaces at the rear of the Forbidden City. In 1914, the Three Great Halls in the Imperial Palace was opened as exhibition hall of antiquities. Ten years later, Feng Yuxiang staged a coup in Beijing and expelled the last emperor from the palace. Oct. 10, 1925 established The Palace Museum. And in 1961, the Forbidden City was listed as a place to be given special protection by the State Council. UNESCO listed it as World Cultural Heritage site in 1987.
The Forbidden City, as one of the world-famous royal palaces, has played an important role in the world architectural history. Many tourists both from home and abroad have been attracted by the almost 1 million rare treasures and cultural relics on exhibition there.
Summer Palace
Covering an area of 290 hectares in total, the Summer Palace spreads out some 15 kilometers away from the city center in the north western suburbs of Beijing. Three fourths of the palace is covered by a pool of water and the rest the land and hills.
The Summer Palace is the summer resort of the Qing royal family. Now it is the most intact, the best-preserved and the largest of its kind of the classical gardens in the country. Since the garden began to be built in 1153, it had undergone many a time reconstruction and renovation in the Yuan and Ming dynasties. In the period of Emperor Qianlong’s reign of the Qing Dynasty, it was still reconstructed in a large-scale. And this time was renamed the "Garden of Crystal Ripples". When it was completed in 1860, it suffered a severe destruction, led by the Anglo-French Allied Army, which brought it down to ashes. In 1886, Empress Dowager Cixi embezzled the funds allocated for the building of the navy to rebuild it and renamed it the "Summer Palace". However, in 1900, it underwent destruction again by the Eight Powers Allied Forces. Later, the1903 saw its second-time rebuild.
On the 12th of October 1911, Empress Dowager Longyu was finally forced to promulgate the abdication of the royal power. However, according to the agreement between the Qing royal family and the republic government, the Summer Palace would still be kept in the hands of the Qing royal family, while yet to be opened to outside as private property by selling admission tickets. 1924 when Puyi was ousted, the Summer Palace was taken over by the republic government and changed to be a public park.
The Qing royal family stayed in the Forbidden City in spring, autumn and winter. And when it came to summer, they went to their summer resort –Summer Palace. Hence, the Summer Palace shares the same functional quarters as that in the Forbidden City. Among these quarters, the office quarter, the living quarter and the entertainment quarter formed the magnificent scenery in Summer Palace.
Through the East Palace Gate, there is the Hall of the Benevolence and Longevity. The emperor used to handle state affairs and listen to reports by ministers and receive foreign envoys in there. It was called the Hallo of Diligent Administration by Emperor Qianlong during his reign. In 1860, it was burnt down by the Anglo-French Army. Reconstructed In 1890, it was then renamed the "Hall of the Benevolence and Longevity". During the reigns of Emperors Tongzhi and Guangxu, Empress Dowager Cixi got the real power to rule the country, and she started to handle state affairs behind the screen.
The Hall of Jade Ripples and the Hall of Happiness and Longevity are the three parts of the living quarter. Guangxu used to live in the Hall of Jade Ripples Emperor in the Summer Palace. After his failure of the Reform Movement of 1898, Emperor Guangxu was put into house arrest here. Thus, it is also regarded as an exquisitely decorated jail.
Consisting of four rooms, the Hall of Happiness and Longevity used to be the residence for Empress Dowager Cixi. The Empress moves to the Summer Palace and stays there in the hall every year on the first day of the fourth month in the lunar calendar. And she won't return until the tenth of the tenth lunar month when she had celebrated her birthday there. In the Summer Palace, there are over 1,000 people dancing attendance on the Dowager. Among them, there are 48 in the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, of whom 20 are maids-in-waiting, 20 eunuchs of importance and another 8 are the "ladies-in-waiting" by her side, normally waiting in the room behind the precious throne to attend on her.
The Long Corridor, the starting point of entertainment quarter, is at the end of the courtyard of the Hall of Happiness and Longevity. It is 728 meters long with more than 14,000 traditional Chinese paintings on the beams and rafters. The four pavilions along the corridor represent the four seasons a year. The Marble Boat can be found at the end of the Long Corridor. The original Chinese style of it was burnt down by the Anglo-French Army in 1860. In 1893, it was rebuilt into one of a western style, imitating a steam ship with two water-wheelers. In 1903 Empress Dowager Cixi built another storey of wooden structure with the decoration of colored pieces of glass. The construction of this immovable boat was to symbolize the stable and consolidated rule of the Qing regime just like a large piece of rock. It would stand still forever in the vast ocean and would, under no circumstances whatsoever be wavered or toppled.
Occupying three fourths of the total area of the Summer Palace, Kunming Lake plays important role in the adjustment of the temperature in the garden. Taking a walk in the Long Corridor and a dragon boat on the lake, you will have a wonderful feeling that you were the emperor and empress in ancient China.
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven stands in the southern part of Beijing. It was used to be the house ceremonies of emperors of worshipping heaven and praying for harvest in the Ming and Qing dynasties. This altar temple remains to be the largest existing ancient sacrificial structures across the world, more important than other three major temples, i.e. Altar to the Earth, Altar to the Sun and Altar to the Moon.
The Temple of Heaven was built in 1407 and the construction of the project took 14 years. Covering an area of 273 hectares, with two surrounding rings walls, it is four times bigger than the Forbidden City. The wall, stretching from north to south, is as long as 1,657 meters and that from east to west 1,703 meters. The outer wall is 6,553 meters in circumference while the inner wall measures 4,152 meters in perimeter.
To pray for good harvests and fine rain, emperors did regular worshipping and offered sacrifices to heaven. And the Temple of Heaven was used to the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties went and worshipped the heaven twice (and sometimes three times) a year. In the past, the tradition went that sacrifices were offered to heaven and earth in one place only. But in 1530 when the Temple of Earth was built in the north of the city, the Temple of Heaven was ever since used specially for offering sacrifices to heaven alone.
The Temple of Heaven is consisted by three sections, named the Circular Mound Altar, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, attached with some affiliated buildings like Dressing Platform, Long Corridor and Echo Wall.
The Circular Mound Altar was first constructed in 1530. In ancient China, to some extend, the altar was a place that even more important than the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The emperor would come to offer sacrifices to heaven on the altar every year on the day of the Winter Solstice. For this reason, the altar was rebuilt into a circular one in 1749. Built in the open air without shelter, the sacrificial ceremony was being held right under heaven. Therefore, it was called "Luji", or the "open air offering of sacrifices".
The Imperial Vault of Heaven was first built in 1530 as a main building in the south of the Temple of Heaven. At first, it was called "Taishendian" or the Hall for Pacifying Gods, but later changed into the present name. In 1752, the building was rebuilt into one of a single eave, which used to have double eaves. Standing 19.5 meters high and of 15.6 meters in diameter, the circular hall used to be an octagonal one in the past. The tablet of the Jade Emperor, the four stone platforms on both sides used to be for the tablets of the emperor’s ancestors of eight generations in succession, is consecrated on the central stone-platform in the Hall of Imperial Vault of Heaven.
Being of 32.72 meters in diameter, built on a three-tired platform, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests towers 38 meters' high with its eaves fanning out on three tiers, of which the upper one has a gold-plated knob on it. You will be amazed to see that such a heavy building was supported only by 28 wooden pillars with no single piece of reinforced concrete at all. The whole building was built by mortise and tenon joints without using a single nail. With each pillar in height of 19.2 meters, the four pillars in the center of the hall are called "Longjingzhu"--the Dragon Well Pillar. Only by joining hands together by two and half persons, can it be embraced. These four pillars indicate the four seasons of a year. You may find it more interesting that all pillars have their special meanings: the outside 12 pillars suggest 12 months in a year and another 12 pillars in the round wall symbolize the 12 two-hour periods of a day. And when you put the two 12 pillars together, the number you get is 24, which represents the 24 solar terms of a year. And when you add the four in the center of the hall to 24, you will get 28, which represents the 28 lunar mansions in the heaven above.
Since its first construction in 1420, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests has gone through several times of changes. At that moment, the hall was called "Dasidian"--the Hall of Grand Sacrifices, which was rectangular in shape. But in 1529, it was reconstructed into a round one with a roof of three tiers. And this time it was named "Daxiangdian"--the Hall of Grand Treatment to Heaven. Three different colors were painted in these roofs of three tiers. From the upper tier to the lower one, the colors are respectively blue, yellow and green. In 1752, these three colors were all changed into glazed tiles of dark blue. However, they were destroyed by lightning in 1889. And later in 1890, it was restored according to the original. In 2006, the whole building was renovated with all its paintings according to the same style as they done last time. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests has become the symbol of Beijing.
At present, the Temple of Heaven is very popular with tourist home and abroad. It is also an entertainment center for local people. If you go to the temple early in the morning, you will find many local people practicing Taiji, playing cards and Chinese chess and singing folk songs there.
Ming Tombs
Covering an area of 40 square kilometers with 13 Ming emperors buried, the Ming Tombs is situated at the southern foot of the Tianshou Mountain in Changping District in the north western suburban areas of Beijing. The construction of the imperial tombs had been going on ceaselessly from the year 1409 when Emperor Zhu Di started building his tomb to the fall of the Ming Dynasty in 1644, lasting a period over 200 years.
As many people know, there are 16 emperors in the Ming Dynasty. Among the 16 Ming emperors, 13 of them were buried in this tomb area, except for Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty who was buried in the Xiaoling Mausoleum in Nanjing, Zhu Yunwen, who disappeared and Zhu Qiyu, who was buried at Jinshan Hill in the western suburbs of Beijing, all other. Therefore, this area was called the 13 Ming Tombs.
It was originally built only for Emperor Zhu Di and his empress, named Changling, which is the most magnificent tomb. The succeeding twelve emperors had their tombs built around Changling. At present, the two tombs opened to the public are Changling and Dingling.
Changling is the first Ming tomb built in this area. Hence, the axle line of Changling naturally became the axle line of the whole Ming Tombs. Along with the various tombs, the Stone Tablet House come together overall as a structurally and visually unified architectural accomplishment. Though these tombs were built in different periods, they were strategically planed and built in different stages. Each tomb has its own distinct adornments. However, the entire tomb area has a unified layout and style.
Zhu Di was the third emperor in the Ming Dynasty, who was buried together with his empress in Changling. During his 22-year of reign, he was, relatively speaking, an emperor who had made quite some achievements. For example, he determined to move the capital from Nanjing to Beijing in 1421. To some extend, the move itself was an expression of far-sightedness, for it was very important to strengthen the national defense and guard frontier areas. During the period from 1405 to 1424, Zheng He, also called Eunuch Sanbao, was sent by the emperor to fulfill a diplomatic mission which was on an ever larger and broader scale in Chinese history. He went six times on board across the sea to over 30 countries in Asia and Africa.
Completed in 1416, as the place for worshipping tablets of the emperor and empress and offering sacrifices to ancestors, the Hall of Eminent Favor is situated within the second compound of Changling. The Hall of Eminent Favor in Changling is the best-preserved among the ones of the 13 tombs, which duplicated the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City. It is a very precious relic of ancient China's wooden structures.
Dingling is the tomb for Emperor Zhu Yijun, named the tomb of Stability. It is said that he was buried together with his two empresses—Xiaoduan and Xiaojing. Ascending the throne at the age of 10, Zhu Yijun was died at 58 with a reign span of 48 years. Therefore he became the emperor with the longest time in power for in the Ming Dynasty. The construction of the Dingling tomb started in 1584. It took 6 years to bring the project to finish in 1590, covering an area of 180,000 square meters and costing 8 million taels of silver.
The Dingling began to be excavated in May 1956, which brought to light the mystery of the underground palaces of the Ming Tombs. Constructed with hard stone-slabs, with a total floor space of 1,195 square meters, the underground palace is composed by five beamless vaults, called the front, the middle, the rear and the two annexes on the right and the left. Carved out of white marble and the rear hall with the bier holding three coffins for the emperor and his two queens, three thrones were laid out in the middle vault. There are over 3,000 pieces of archeological findings unearthed from the tomb.
Yonghegong Lamasery
Yonghegong Lamasery is a well-known lama temple of the Yellow Hat Sect of Lamaism, which is located at the northeast part of Beijing. It was originally built in 1694 as the residence of Emperor Yongzheng of Qing (1644-1911 A.D.) before his ascent of the throne. And after his death, it was renamed Yonghegong. His successor Emperor Qianlong then rebuilt Yonghegong into an imperial palace with its turquoise tiles replaced by yellow tiles (yellow was the imperial color in the Qing Dynasty). In 1744, it became a lamasery. From then on, large numbers of monks from Mongolia and Tibet and national center of lama administration live in there.
As an imperial palace, the layout of the temple differentiated from other temples. The main gate faces to the south. There are five main halls and annex connected by courtyards on its 480-meter-long north-south axis, including a glaze-tiled arch, Gate of Peace (Zhaotaimen), Buddha's Warrior Hall (Tianwangdian), which was formerly the entrance to Yongzheng's imperial palace, Hall of Harmony and Peace (Yonghegong), Hall of Everlasting Protection (Yongyoudian), Hall of the Wheel of the Law (Falundian) and Pavilion of Eternal Happiness (Wanfuge).
When you are walking through the grand glaze-tile arch patterned with decorative dragons and flowers in the first court, you will reach a three-arch gate - the Gate of Peace. In ancient times, the central passageway was for emperors. On each side of the second court next to the Gate of Peace stand the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower. Two pavilions stand symmetrically on opposite to the north. If you want to know more about the temple's history, you can have a look at the inscriptions of Chinese, Manchu, Mongolian and Tibetan engraved on steles.
The Buddha's Warrior Hall, also known as the Hall of Heavenly Kings, is the former entrance to Yongzheng's imperial palace. The hall Maitreya (Happy Buddha) was always used to greet visitors, which has a smiling face with a sandalwood pagoda on each side. Many small Buddhist images, symbolizing longevity, stand on the pagoda. Therefore, the pagoda is the Longevity Pagoda. There are four fearsome-looking Heavenly Kings or Celestial Guardians on both sides of Maitreya's shrine.
On the way to the Hall of Harmony and Peace stands a marble-based bronze incense-burner. With decorations of two dragons playing with a pearl on its six opens, it is 4.2 meters in height. Afterwards there is the Mount Sumeru, a bronze sculpture of Ming (1368-1644A.D.), representing the center of the world. On the top of it there lies a legendary paradise where Sakyamuni and men of moral integrity live after death; in the middle the dwellings of humans and below devils abide in hell.
The Hall of Harmony and Peace is formerly a place for the emperor Yongzheng to hold meetings. It was also called Mahavira Hall or Daxiongbaodian in Buddhism. Mahavira here is an honorable title of Sakyamuni in Chinese. Sakyamuni is on the altar, with Buddha of the Present in the middle with Buddha of the Past Yeja and the Buddha of the Future Maitreya on each side. On each side of the hall stand Statues of 18 Arhats. It is said that 18 Arhats were the disciples of Samkyamuni to diffuse Buddhism. The painting that you can find on the western wall is a Bodhisattva.
The Hall of Everlasting Protection (Yongyoudian) and the Hall of the Wheel of the Law (Falundian) are right behind the Hall of the Harmony and Peace, where enshrines a bronze image of Tsong Kapa -- founder of the Yellow Hat Sect. With 5 gold-plating pagodas, the golden-roofed Falundian was the place where lamas assemble to have religious activities. There is a 6-meter-high gilded bronze statue of Tsong Kapa on a lotus seat in the center of the hall.
Now there are nearly 70 lamas living in this temple. If you go there, you will find that regular religious activities are still practiced. More lamas can be seen coming here in the festival for lamas or Lamaism.
Old Beijing Hutongs
The numerous old hutongs are the distinguished features of Beijing. They symbolize the traditional community with small lanes, alleys and Siheyuan (quadrangle). The life of local people in these old hutongs makes this ancient capital look more charming. Wandering along these small lanes, you can see many quadrangles, called Siheyuan in Chinese, which are the residential quarters of natives. No one knows the exact number of these hutongs there are in Beijing.
Great Wall
It is without doubt that the Great Wall is the greatest of civil engineering project of defense in ancient China. With its gigantic scale and difficulties in its construction, it is regarded as one of the great wonders in the history of mankind. The Great Wall is really the glory of the Chinese nation, which symbolizes the ancient culture and the long-standing history of China. Stretching over the mountain ranges, it proudly shows its magnificence to us. So to speak, the Great Wall has witnessed the rises and falls of innumerable dynasties and changes on the earth. At present, though the Great Wall is no longer served as a work of military defense against harassment and invasion. It still plays an important role in linking the Chinese people with the people of the rest of the world. It is one of the great bridges that build up friendship between different peoples.
The Great Wall is starting from the Old Dragon Head of the Shanhai Pass at the seaside in the east to a distance of 10,000 li (1 kilometer= 2 lis) in the west. Snaking along the north of China, it crosses three provinces, two municipalities and two autonomous regions. It is about 6,300 kilometers long, an equivalent of about 3,915 miles.
The present-day Great Wall originated from the early ancient Chinese history. During the time of Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.), in the purpose of defending themselves and against the infringement from the neighboring states, all the principal states had the walls built in the bordering areas of the territories. For example, the three states of Qin, Zhao and Yan had high walls and fortresses built along their northern frontiers to ward off the harassment by the Huns (an ancient nomadic tribe in China) from the north. In 221 B.C., the whole China was unified by the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty to defeat the six other ducal states. The emperor gave order to link up all the walls built by the former ducal states along the northern frontiers to prevent disturbing and attacking by the Huns. And these walls form the world famous “10,000-li Great Wall”. From generation to generation, the succeeding dynasties kept on the work of maintenance and repairs or having parts reconstructed time and again. Among them, the greatest project on scale in the old days of China was carried out in the Han and Ming dynasties.
Throughout history, the Great Wall is served as the traditional defensive project. It is mainly composed by passes, walls, watchtowers and beacon towers. Builders were forced to rely upon local materials for the wall inched across the Chinese wilderness. For example, some wall was built with tamped-earth, some with stone, some with tamped mixture of reed, red willow, and sands, and some with bricks outside and stuffed earth and sands inside. The walls we see today are mainly Ming walls, primary made of stone and bricks. The key parts of the military construction are Watchtowers. They are very close to each other, among which brick towers could be two or three storeys. There is a small room on the top of the tower, surrounded by battlements. The watchtower was also used to station soldiers or store food and weapons. Thousands of passes stretch along the Great Wall. Some are between the mountains, some between the mountains and rivers, and some between the mountains and sea. During the wars, passes are the strongholds by acting as the gateways of transportation. Beacon towers are used for communicating, which can deliver the emergent military messages in a very short time.
Just like the symbol of China—dragon, the Great Wall snakes from east to west on the Oriental. Nowadays, five sections of the Great Wall are opened to public in Beijing, including Badaling section, Juyong Pass section, Mutianyu section, Jinshanling section and Simatai section.
Badaling Section
Badaling section is the outstanding part of the Great Wall. Lying in the Yanqing District, sixty kilometers northwest of Beijing, it gives vital protection for the Juyong Pass, which is one of the key passes of the Great Wall. According to its strategic importance of commanding, Badaling section is known as "giving access to every direction", which gains it the name Badaling.
Badaling was built in an early time in the ancient Chinese history. During Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period, defensive wall was constructed along the Yanshan Range to resist the marauding of the nomadic tribes. Since then the following dynasties continued to fortify the Badaling section. The wall we see today was constructed in Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.) along the ridges of mountains. The construction lasted about a hundred years long from 1505, the 18th year of Emperor Hongzhi, to the reign of Emperor Wanli.
The huge Badaling wall was strongly and firmly built. It was based on the foundation of granite slabs, surrounded by a facing of kiln-fired bricks, and covered with bricks on the top. All stuffed with pulverized lime, the slots could enable the wall to be smooth. The height of the wall is 8.5 meters. It is 6.5 meters wide at the bottom and 5.7 meters wide on the top, making it possible for 5 horses or 10 people march abreast on the top. Watchtowers are 0.5 or 1 kilometer apart from each other, which were full of vigor and grandeur, and orderly spotted the wall. The battlements and embrasures of the watchtower were in good condition in wartime. The wall winds its way along the ridge of the Jundu Mountain, rising abruptly to the peaks of each side of the Badaling. You will be amazed by its seemingly endlessness. It stretches far away into the remoteness. The wall of Badaling is 3, 741 meters long.
Among all the parts of the whole Great Wall, Badaling was the earliest section to be open to the tourists. Badaling has received 130 million tourists home and abroad. Among them, there are 370 foreign leaders and very important persons who have come to climb Badaling successively.
Mutianyu Section
Mutianyu section is 75 kilometers northeast of Beijing. Lies in Huairou District, it links Juyong Pass in the west with Gubeikou Pass in the east. Mutianyu section is called as the Majestic Pass on Precipitous Mountains, commanding its strategic importance.
Because of its relatively gentle terrain, watchtowers of Mutianyu section were built in large numbers to strengthen its defensive functions. The closest watchtowers are less than 50 meters apart from each other. Both arms of the Mutianyu section stretch upwards along the ridges of continuous mountains. On the foundation of the Ming Dynasty wall The Mutianyu section was mainly built on precipitous mountains and 5-7 meters high. It is featured with a thick cluster of watchtowers atop, strategic passed, majestic vigor and unique structure. In this section, the gate tower is the most unique building.
Simatai Section
Simatai Section lies in the Miyun County, 120 kilometers away from Beijing. It started from Wangjing Tower in the east and connected with Jinshanling section in the west. Without hordes of other tourists, it is a largely unrestored and more authentic section of the Great Wall.
Simatai section was constructed during the early years of Ming Emperor Hongwu. It is said that there was a renovation applying from 1569 to 1573. It was mainly built along the ridge of the mountains because of its location in the mountainous area. Featuring in uniqueness, ruggedness and trimness, it perfectly coordinates with the undulating terrain, which makes it more majestic and magnificent. Simatai reservoir is situated at the foot of the central part of the Simatai section, which is 600-700 meters long with the storage capacity of 50,000 cubic meters.
Simatai section is considered to be the most wonderful part of the Great Wall. Taking good advantage of the fluctuating terrain, the walls and watchtowers constitute the most essential part of the wall. It is famous for its precipitous cliffs, magnificent towers, suspension walls and rugged stairways. If you are looking from distance, you may find that the Great Wall is just like a flying dragon in the cloud. However, when you stand nearby, the wall stretches its arms along the ridges of mountains. All these make it the most amazing part of the Great Wall.
Jinshanling Section
The Jinshanling Great Wall was initially built from 1368 to 1389 in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and in 1567 and 1570 rebuilding of the Wall was mainly directed by General Qi Jiguang (1528-1588). Poems and tablet writings can be found on the Jinshanling Great Wall left from the time when Qi Jiguang directed the rebuilding of this section of the Great Wall. Continue to read more on the Great Wall history. Jinshanling is connected to the Simatai Great Wall in the east and the Panlongshan Great Wall in the west. Jinshanling has probably the highest frequency of towers per kilometer of any place along the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. It also has one of the greatest varieties of architectural and defensive styles of both wall and towers.
The total length of this section is about 11 kilometers (6.8 miles). The Wall is about 7 meters high and 5 meters wide, and is made of brick and stone. The Jinshanling Great Wall has an elevation of 700 meters. There are more than 100 watch towers along the Jinshanling Great Wall. ‘Watching Beijing Tower’ is on the highest point, from which you can see Beijing. The Jinshanling Great Wall is second only to the Badaling Great Wall in its completeness.
Tian’anmen Square
Tian’anmen(Gate of Heavenly Peace), situated at the center of Beijing meaning in English, symbolizes the People's Republic of China. Built in 1417, it was formally called Chengtianmen (Gate of Heavenly Succession). At that time, it was the front gate of the Imperial City. By the end of the Ming Dynasty, the uprising farmers led by Li Zicheng entered the city, but later when the Qing army marched upon Beijing, the Chengtianmen was destroyed under the crossfire. In 1651, it was rebuilt and named "Tian'anmen".
The Tian'anmen Rostrum, as a place to hold ceremonies of great importance, such as promulgating an imperial edict conferring the title of a queen, or announcing a newly enthroned emperor, was made known to the public all over the country. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was popular to hold the Imperial Exam system for choosing high-ranking officials by way of a palace examination, which supervised by the emperor himself. If the examinees ranked the first three, they would be entitled. What’s more, they would have the honor to be granted an audience by the emperor two days after the examination. On that day they would be called in to see the emperor in turn in the Tian'anmen Rostrum.
There is a square running 880 meters from south to north and 500 meters from east to west in front of the Tian'anmen Rostrum. It is the Tian'anmen Square – the very center of Beijing. Tian'anmen Square is the largest city square in the world with an area of 44 hectares.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Tian'anmen Square was a piece of land in front of the Imperial Palace, an open space jetting out towards the south from the Tian'anmen Gate. It had a meaning of embodying the outstanding importance of the Tian'anmen Gate and the Imperial City. In the early days of the Ming Dynasty, a gate of brick and stone was built, which is right on the site of the present Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao Zedong, called Damingmen (Gate of the Great Ming). In the Qing Dynasty it was renamed as Daqingmen (Gate of Great Qing) and after 1911 Zhonghuamen (Gate of China). Later on, another two gates of brick and stone structure were built on each site of the avenue in front the gate. Surrounded by a newly built red wall, the area within the three gates formed a small square of only 11 hectares-- Tian'anmen Square.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, common people were forbidden to enter the Tian'anmen Square. And for the officials, when they entered the gate, they had to get off horses and proceed on foot into the palace. The government offices were lined outside the wall on the east and west. According to the traditional system, the civil service organizations were set in the eastern part of the square, and the military organizations in the west.
Old buildings in the Tian'anmen Square were put down after the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in 1911. In 1957, the square expanded with an area of 44 hectares, which may hold 1 million people at a time. With Chairman Mao's Memorial Hall right behind, the Monument to the People's Heroes towered in the center of the square. To the east of the Square, there is the National Museum of China and to the west the Great Hall of People (National People's Congress building).
The Monument to the People's Heroes is the largest monument in China's history which was built in 1952. On this monument, you can see the words--"The People's Heroes are Immortal", which were written by Chairman Mao. The development of Chinese modern history and those who contributed their lives to the democratic progress are shown by the eight unusually large relief sculptures. The monument is enclosed by two rows of white marble railings. It seems very simple and beautiful.
At the south side of the Square is the Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao Zedong. This Hall is consisted by three halls, among which our dear Chairman Mao's body lies in a crystal coffin in the halls surrounded by fresh bouquets of various famous flowers and grasses.
The Great Hall of the People is in the west of the Square. Constructed in 1959, this building is the site of the China National People's Congress meetings, which also provides an impressive site for other political and diplomatic activities. With twelve marble posts, the Hall includes three parts--the Central Hall, the Great Auditorium and a Banqueting Hall. The ceiling of the Central Hall is decorated with crystal lamps and the floor paved with marble. The Great Auditorium behind the Central Hall can hold 10,000 people, while the huge Banqueting Hall can seat 5,000.
At the east side of the Square stands the China National Museum, which is another important place for you to visit. Built in 2003, it is a mergence of China History Museum and China Revolutionary Museum. This National Museum is on the opposite of the Great Hall of the People. In the China Revolutionary Museum, there are a lot of material objects, pictures, books and models, presenting the development of modern China. A large number of cultural relics are exhibited in the China History Museum, illustrating the long history and glorious culture of China from 1,700,000 years ago to 1925 when the last emperor left the throne.
Forbidden City
The Palace Museum, the imperial palace in the Ming and Qing dynasties, is the largest and best-preserved palace complex in the world today. It is also called the Purple Forbidden City in Chinese. Its name, on one side, derives from ancient Chinese astronomers' belief that God's abode or the Purple Palace. The pivot of the celestial world, is situated in the Pole Star (the middle of the Ziwei Star), at the center of the heaven. Therefore, the son of God of Heaven--the emperor, should live in the Purple City. On the other side, without special orders of the emperor eunuchs and guards, ordinary citizens were not allowed entering the Forbidden City, except for palace maids. For this reason, palaces in the Ming and Qing dynasties are called both the Forbidden City and the Purple City. The Construction of the magnificent palace started in 1406, and ended in 1420. It took 14 years to complete the project. One year after completion, Emperor Yongle moved his capital from Nanjing to Beijing. Since then, 24 emperors have lived at the Forbidden City, 14 during the Ming Dynasty and 10 during the Qing Dynasty.
The Forbidden City covers an area of over 720,000 square meters, 750 meters wide and 960 meters long. And it has four great gates. The fabulous city, which is surrounded by a 52-meter-wide moat, has four delicate and lovely turrets overlooking both the inside and outside.
The Forbidden City has more than 8,700 wooden rooms, most of which have yellow-glazed tiles. It is a color that only emperors were allowed to use on their roof. From the northern Drum Tower and the Bell Tower to the Southern Gate of Everlasting Stability (Yongdingmen), these colorfully painted and embellished rooms are divided symmetrically into northern and southern halves. If you walk into the city, you will see the layers of halls and palaces spreading out on either side of a central axis. As the designations of the wise architectures, the splendid buildings represent the unique features of the traditional Chinese architecture and embody the incredible creativity of the ancient Chinese people. Reconstructed after being destroyed by several fires, this pearl of Chinese cultural heritage still retains its original arrangements of the Ming dynasty. Nowadays, most of the existing buildings open to visitors were reconstructed during the early Qing Dynasty.
In many ways the Forbidden City reveals ancient Confucian ideas, as it is generally designed to the principles of the Front court, Rear Market, Ancestral Sacrifice on the left and Altar on the right. Hence, the court was located in the southern or front section of the Forbidden City, where officials discussed political affairs. A large trading market was situated in the rear part of the city, providing daily necessities for the court. On the left side was the Imperial Ancestral Temple, where the emperor offered sacrifices to his ancestors. Nowadays, it is the Working People's Cultural Palace. On the right side was the Altar to the god of Land and Grain, where the emperor displayed his reverence to the god. This is now Zhongshan Park.
There are two courts in the Forbidden City: the Inner Court and the Outer Court. They are separated across the middle between the south and north ends. The Outer court is mainly composed by the Meridian Gate and the Three Front Halls, flanked by the Hall of Literary Glory (Wenhuadian) and the Hall of Martial Spirit (Wuyingdian), which witnessed various ceremonies and political activities during the Ming and Qing dynasties. While the inner court is mainly consisted by the Three Back Halls, Imperial Garden, Hall of Mental Cultivation and Palace of Abstinence, which are flanked by the Six East Halls and the Six West Halls. This was the place where the emperor was confronted with political affairs and was the residential area for the emperor and his empresses and concubines.
Compared with other contemporary palaces, the Forbidden City stressed more on balance and independence, and embodied more cultural perspectives of the specific ethnic group. Just as what was written in the book of History of Chinese Science by Joseph Needham, each part of the Forbidden City is in well balance and independence, which is just on the contrary to other palaces in the Renaissance Age. For the city, the Palace of Versailles is just acting as an object. The palace is an organic part of the whole city, combining deep deference to nature with lofty significance. As a tin far-reaching and complicated Chinese architecture, Great overall arrangements have reached the highest level, far above any other culture.
After the subversion of the Qing Dynasty by the Revolution of 1911, the last emperor Pu Yi was exiled to palaces at the rear of the Forbidden City. In 1914, the Three Great Halls in the Imperial Palace was opened as exhibition hall of antiquities. Ten years later, Feng Yuxiang staged a coup in Beijing and expelled the last emperor from the palace. Oct. 10, 1925 established The Palace Museum. And in 1961, the Forbidden City was listed as a place to be given special protection by the State Council. UNESCO listed it as World Cultural Heritage site in 1987.
The Forbidden City, as one of the world-famous royal palaces, has played an important role in the world architectural history. Many tourists both from home and abroad have been attracted by the almost 1 million rare treasures and cultural relics on exhibition there.
Summer Palace
Covering an area of 290 hectares in total, the Summer Palace spreads out some 15 kilometers away from the city center in the north western suburbs of Beijing. Three fourths of the palace is covered by a pool of water and the rest the land and hills.
The Summer Palace is the summer resort of the Qing royal family. Now it is the most intact, the best-preserved and the largest of its kind of the classical gardens in the country. Since the garden began to be built in 1153, it had undergone many a time reconstruction and renovation in the Yuan and Ming dynasties. In the period of Emperor Qianlong’s reign of the Qing Dynasty, it was still reconstructed in a large-scale. And this time was renamed the "Garden of Crystal Ripples". When it was completed in 1860, it suffered a severe destruction, led by the Anglo-French Allied Army, which brought it down to ashes. In 1886, Empress Dowager Cixi embezzled the funds allocated for the building of the navy to rebuild it and renamed it the "Summer Palace". However, in 1900, it underwent destruction again by the Eight Powers Allied Forces. Later, the1903 saw its second-time rebuild.
On the 12th of October 1911, Empress Dowager Longyu was finally forced to promulgate the abdication of the royal power. However, according to the agreement between the Qing royal family and the republic government, the Summer Palace would still be kept in the hands of the Qing royal family, while yet to be opened to outside as private property by selling admission tickets. 1924 when Puyi was ousted, the Summer Palace was taken over by the republic government and changed to be a public park.
The Qing royal family stayed in the Forbidden City in spring, autumn and winter. And when it came to summer, they went to their summer resort –Summer Palace. Hence, the Summer Palace shares the same functional quarters as that in the Forbidden City. Among these quarters, the office quarter, the living quarter and the entertainment quarter formed the magnificent scenery in Summer Palace.
Through the East Palace Gate, there is the Hall of the Benevolence and Longevity. The emperor used to handle state affairs and listen to reports by ministers and receive foreign envoys in there. It was called the Hallo of Diligent Administration by Emperor Qianlong during his reign. In 1860, it was burnt down by the Anglo-French Army. Reconstructed In 1890, it was then renamed the "Hall of the Benevolence and Longevity". During the reigns of Emperors Tongzhi and Guangxu, Empress Dowager Cixi got the real power to rule the country, and she started to handle state affairs behind the screen.
The Hall of Jade Ripples and the Hall of Happiness and Longevity are the three parts of the living quarter. Guangxu used to live in the Hall of Jade Ripples Emperor in the Summer Palace. After his failure of the Reform Movement of 1898, Emperor Guangxu was put into house arrest here. Thus, it is also regarded as an exquisitely decorated jail.
Consisting of four rooms, the Hall of Happiness and Longevity used to be the residence for Empress Dowager Cixi. The Empress moves to the Summer Palace and stays there in the hall every year on the first day of the fourth month in the lunar calendar. And she won't return until the tenth of the tenth lunar month when she had celebrated her birthday there. In the Summer Palace, there are over 1,000 people dancing attendance on the Dowager. Among them, there are 48 in the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, of whom 20 are maids-in-waiting, 20 eunuchs of importance and another 8 are the "ladies-in-waiting" by her side, normally waiting in the room behind the precious throne to attend on her.
The Long Corridor, the starting point of entertainment quarter, is at the end of the courtyard of the Hall of Happiness and Longevity. It is 728 meters long with more than 14,000 traditional Chinese paintings on the beams and rafters. The four pavilions along the corridor represent the four seasons a year. The Marble Boat can be found at the end of the Long Corridor. The original Chinese style of it was burnt down by the Anglo-French Army in 1860. In 1893, it was rebuilt into one of a western style, imitating a steam ship with two water-wheelers. In 1903 Empress Dowager Cixi built another storey of wooden structure with the decoration of colored pieces of glass. The construction of this immovable boat was to symbolize the stable and consolidated rule of the Qing regime just like a large piece of rock. It would stand still forever in the vast ocean and would, under no circumstances whatsoever be wavered or toppled.
Occupying three fourths of the total area of the Summer Palace, Kunming Lake plays important role in the adjustment of the temperature in the garden. Taking a walk in the Long Corridor and a dragon boat on the lake, you will have a wonderful feeling that you were the emperor and empress in ancient China.
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven stands in the southern part of Beijing. It was used to be the house ceremonies of emperors of worshipping heaven and praying for harvest in the Ming and Qing dynasties. This altar temple remains to be the largest existing ancient sacrificial structures across the world, more important than other three major temples, i.e. Altar to the Earth, Altar to the Sun and Altar to the Moon.
The Temple of Heaven was built in 1407 and the construction of the project took 14 years. Covering an area of 273 hectares, with two surrounding rings walls, it is four times bigger than the Forbidden City. The wall, stretching from north to south, is as long as 1,657 meters and that from east to west 1,703 meters. The outer wall is 6,553 meters in circumference while the inner wall measures 4,152 meters in perimeter.
To pray for good harvests and fine rain, emperors did regular worshipping and offered sacrifices to heaven. And the Temple of Heaven was used to the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties went and worshipped the heaven twice (and sometimes three times) a year. In the past, the tradition went that sacrifices were offered to heaven and earth in one place only. But in 1530 when the Temple of Earth was built in the north of the city, the Temple of Heaven was ever since used specially for offering sacrifices to heaven alone.
The Temple of Heaven is consisted by three sections, named the Circular Mound Altar, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, attached with some affiliated buildings like Dressing Platform, Long Corridor and Echo Wall.
The Circular Mound Altar was first constructed in 1530. In ancient China, to some extend, the altar was a place that even more important than the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The emperor would come to offer sacrifices to heaven on the altar every year on the day of the Winter Solstice. For this reason, the altar was rebuilt into a circular one in 1749. Built in the open air without shelter, the sacrificial ceremony was being held right under heaven. Therefore, it was called "Luji", or the "open air offering of sacrifices".
The Imperial Vault of Heaven was first built in 1530 as a main building in the south of the Temple of Heaven. At first, it was called "Taishendian" or the Hall for Pacifying Gods, but later changed into the present name. In 1752, the building was rebuilt into one of a single eave, which used to have double eaves. Standing 19.5 meters high and of 15.6 meters in diameter, the circular hall used to be an octagonal one in the past. The tablet of the Jade Emperor, the four stone platforms on both sides used to be for the tablets of the emperor’s ancestors of eight generations in succession, is consecrated on the central stone-platform in the Hall of Imperial Vault of Heaven.
Being of 32.72 meters in diameter, built on a three-tired platform, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests towers 38 meters' high with its eaves fanning out on three tiers, of which the upper one has a gold-plated knob on it. You will be amazed to see that such a heavy building was supported only by 28 wooden pillars with no single piece of reinforced concrete at all. The whole building was built by mortise and tenon joints without using a single nail. With each pillar in height of 19.2 meters, the four pillars in the center of the hall are called "Longjingzhu"--the Dragon Well Pillar. Only by joining hands together by two and half persons, can it be embraced. These four pillars indicate the four seasons of a year. You may find it more interesting that all pillars have their special meanings: the outside 12 pillars suggest 12 months in a year and another 12 pillars in the round wall symbolize the 12 two-hour periods of a day. And when you put the two 12 pillars together, the number you get is 24, which represents the 24 solar terms of a year. And when you add the four in the center of the hall to 24, you will get 28, which represents the 28 lunar mansions in the heaven above.
Since its first construction in 1420, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests has gone through several times of changes. At that moment, the hall was called "Dasidian"--the Hall of Grand Sacrifices, which was rectangular in shape. But in 1529, it was reconstructed into a round one with a roof of three tiers. And this time it was named "Daxiangdian"--the Hall of Grand Treatment to Heaven. Three different colors were painted in these roofs of three tiers. From the upper tier to the lower one, the colors are respectively blue, yellow and green. In 1752, these three colors were all changed into glazed tiles of dark blue. However, they were destroyed by lightning in 1889. And later in 1890, it was restored according to the original. In 2006, the whole building was renovated with all its paintings according to the same style as they done last time. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests has become the symbol of Beijing.
At present, the Temple of Heaven is very popular with tourist home and abroad. It is also an entertainment center for local people. If you go to the temple early in the morning, you will find many local people practicing Taiji, playing cards and Chinese chess and singing folk songs there.
Ming Tombs
Covering an area of 40 square kilometers with 13 Ming emperors buried, the Ming Tombs is situated at the southern foot of the Tianshou Mountain in Changping District in the north western suburban areas of Beijing. The construction of the imperial tombs had been going on ceaselessly from the year 1409 when Emperor Zhu Di started building his tomb to the fall of the Ming Dynasty in 1644, lasting a period over 200 years.
As many people know, there are 16 emperors in the Ming Dynasty. Among the 16 Ming emperors, 13 of them were buried in this tomb area, except for Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty who was buried in the Xiaoling Mausoleum in Nanjing, Zhu Yunwen, who disappeared and Zhu Qiyu, who was buried at Jinshan Hill in the western suburbs of Beijing, all other. Therefore, this area was called the 13 Ming Tombs.
It was originally built only for Emperor Zhu Di and his empress, named Changling, which is the most magnificent tomb. The succeeding twelve emperors had their tombs built around Changling. At present, the two tombs opened to the public are Changling and Dingling.
Changling is the first Ming tomb built in this area. Hence, the axle line of Changling naturally became the axle line of the whole Ming Tombs. Along with the various tombs, the Stone Tablet House come together overall as a structurally and visually unified architectural accomplishment. Though these tombs were built in different periods, they were strategically planed and built in different stages. Each tomb has its own distinct adornments. However, the entire tomb area has a unified layout and style.
Zhu Di was the third emperor in the Ming Dynasty, who was buried together with his empress in Changling. During his 22-year of reign, he was, relatively speaking, an emperor who had made quite some achievements. For example, he determined to move the capital from Nanjing to Beijing in 1421. To some extend, the move itself was an expression of far-sightedness, for it was very important to strengthen the national defense and guard frontier areas. During the period from 1405 to 1424, Zheng He, also called Eunuch Sanbao, was sent by the emperor to fulfill a diplomatic mission which was on an ever larger and broader scale in Chinese history. He went six times on board across the sea to over 30 countries in Asia and Africa.
Completed in 1416, as the place for worshipping tablets of the emperor and empress and offering sacrifices to ancestors, the Hall of Eminent Favor is situated within the second compound of Changling. The Hall of Eminent Favor in Changling is the best-preserved among the ones of the 13 tombs, which duplicated the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City. It is a very precious relic of ancient China's wooden structures.
Dingling is the tomb for Emperor Zhu Yijun, named the tomb of Stability. It is said that he was buried together with his two empresses—Xiaoduan and Xiaojing. Ascending the throne at the age of 10, Zhu Yijun was died at 58 with a reign span of 48 years. Therefore he became the emperor with the longest time in power for in the Ming Dynasty. The construction of the Dingling tomb started in 1584. It took 6 years to bring the project to finish in 1590, covering an area of 180,000 square meters and costing 8 million taels of silver.
The Dingling began to be excavated in May 1956, which brought to light the mystery of the underground palaces of the Ming Tombs. Constructed with hard stone-slabs, with a total floor space of 1,195 square meters, the underground palace is composed by five beamless vaults, called the front, the middle, the rear and the two annexes on the right and the left. Carved out of white marble and the rear hall with the bier holding three coffins for the emperor and his two queens, three thrones were laid out in the middle vault. There are over 3,000 pieces of archeological findings unearthed from the tomb.
Yonghegong Lamasery
Yonghegong Lamasery is a well-known lama temple of the Yellow Hat Sect of Lamaism, which is located at the northeast part of Beijing. It was originally built in 1694 as the residence of Emperor Yongzheng of Qing (1644-1911 A.D.) before his ascent of the throne. And after his death, it was renamed Yonghegong. His successor Emperor Qianlong then rebuilt Yonghegong into an imperial palace with its turquoise tiles replaced by yellow tiles (yellow was the imperial color in the Qing Dynasty). In 1744, it became a lamasery. From then on, large numbers of monks from Mongolia and Tibet and national center of lama administration live in there.
As an imperial palace, the layout of the temple differentiated from other temples. The main gate faces to the south. There are five main halls and annex connected by courtyards on its 480-meter-long north-south axis, including a glaze-tiled arch, Gate of Peace (Zhaotaimen), Buddha's Warrior Hall (Tianwangdian), which was formerly the entrance to Yongzheng's imperial palace, Hall of Harmony and Peace (Yonghegong), Hall of Everlasting Protection (Yongyoudian), Hall of the Wheel of the Law (Falundian) and Pavilion of Eternal Happiness (Wanfuge).
When you are walking through the grand glaze-tile arch patterned with decorative dragons and flowers in the first court, you will reach a three-arch gate - the Gate of Peace. In ancient times, the central passageway was for emperors. On each side of the second court next to the Gate of Peace stand the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower. Two pavilions stand symmetrically on opposite to the north. If you want to know more about the temple's history, you can have a look at the inscriptions of Chinese, Manchu, Mongolian and Tibetan engraved on steles.
The Buddha's Warrior Hall, also known as the Hall of Heavenly Kings, is the former entrance to Yongzheng's imperial palace. The hall Maitreya (Happy Buddha) was always used to greet visitors, which has a smiling face with a sandalwood pagoda on each side. Many small Buddhist images, symbolizing longevity, stand on the pagoda. Therefore, the pagoda is the Longevity Pagoda. There are four fearsome-looking Heavenly Kings or Celestial Guardians on both sides of Maitreya's shrine.
On the way to the Hall of Harmony and Peace stands a marble-based bronze incense-burner. With decorations of two dragons playing with a pearl on its six opens, it is 4.2 meters in height. Afterwards there is the Mount Sumeru, a bronze sculpture of Ming (1368-1644A.D.), representing the center of the world. On the top of it there lies a legendary paradise where Sakyamuni and men of moral integrity live after death; in the middle the dwellings of humans and below devils abide in hell.
The Hall of Harmony and Peace is formerly a place for the emperor Yongzheng to hold meetings. It was also called Mahavira Hall or Daxiongbaodian in Buddhism. Mahavira here is an honorable title of Sakyamuni in Chinese. Sakyamuni is on the altar, with Buddha of the Present in the middle with Buddha of the Past Yeja and the Buddha of the Future Maitreya on each side. On each side of the hall stand Statues of 18 Arhats. It is said that 18 Arhats were the disciples of Samkyamuni to diffuse Buddhism. The painting that you can find on the western wall is a Bodhisattva.
The Hall of Everlasting Protection (Yongyoudian) and the Hall of the Wheel of the Law (Falundian) are right behind the Hall of the Harmony and Peace, where enshrines a bronze image of Tsong Kapa -- founder of the Yellow Hat Sect. With 5 gold-plating pagodas, the golden-roofed Falundian was the place where lamas assemble to have religious activities. There is a 6-meter-high gilded bronze statue of Tsong Kapa on a lotus seat in the center of the hall.
Now there are nearly 70 lamas living in this temple. If you go there, you will find that regular religious activities are still practiced. More lamas can be seen coming here in the festival for lamas or Lamaism.
Old Beijing Hutongs
The numerous old hutongs are the distinguished features of Beijing. They symbolize the traditional community with small lanes, alleys and Siheyuan (quadrangle). The life of local people in these old hutongs makes this ancient capital look more charming. Wandering along these small lanes, you can see many quadrangles, called Siheyuan in Chinese, which are the residential quarters of natives. No one knows the exact number of these hutongs there are in Beijing.
Chengdu
Highlights
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
With two clean rivers running through and two green hills decorating, Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Historic Interest Area, an ancient town full of ancient cultural architectures and custom, appeals to an increasing number of tourists from near and far. Huanglong Historic Interest Area consists of three charming parts that are free for visiting, namely the Custom Street, the Dragon Street and the core zone.
Along the Custom Street, various magnificent architectures built in different times will be a sumptuous art feast for the eyes, and the beautiful and yummy local snacks will increase your appetite greatly and make you reluctant to leave. Having traveled around the Custom Street, you will be attracted by the next station--Dragon Street, where there is a clean stream zigzagging through just like a water dragon. Along the both banks of the dragon stream, teahouses, local restaurants and specialties stores rank orderly like a comb.
Crossing the stone bridge, you will reach the core zone where the most shinning cultural heritages are waiting for you. The fish-skeleton-like lanes, the centuries-old dock and the ancient temples with old banyans around and street full of ancient local customs will be a memorable experience in your expedition. If you come here on the local festivals, the lovely local celebrations will amaze you a lot.
Opening Hours: 9:00 -- 16:30
Ticket Price: free
Location: 40 km (25 miles) away from the city center of Chengdu
Transportation:
Shuttle bus from New South Gate (xin nan men) Station will bring you here directly (10 CNY).
Emei Mountain
Consisting of four mountains with the peak of 3099 meters and covering 154 square km, E-mei Mountain is praised as the finest mountain under heaven for the rarely seen picturesque landscapes in the precipitous topography. With two rivers circling, E-mei possesses marvelous scenes--the long peaceful valley, the curtain-like rushing waterfalls, the flourishing trees and blooming flowers—together with which the Buddhist temples form a beautiful picture.
Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base
Speaking of the panda, the phrase “National Treasure of China” will hit our minds. Panda is a kind of precious wild animal species that requires a demanding living environment. Therefore, China set up many Breeding and Research Bases to provide an ideal and most suitable natural living circumstance for the Chinese Giant Panda, the base in Sichuan Province is included.
Leshan Giant Buddha
As the largest stone sculpture of Buddha in the world, the Leshan Giant Buddha, sitting at the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers, costs 90 years to complete. The idea of the creation of the giant Buddha sculpture is out of the popularity of the Buddhist in Tang Dynasty.
Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage
Du Fu, a celebrated poet in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), has left behind over 200 masterpieces of peoms for the later generations. Du Fu is known for the patriotism and his brilliant in poem. The most important factor of all about his work is compassion, which was especially inspirational for his fans.
As its name implies, the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu was Du Fu’s home a thousand years ago, while it is not so much a cottage as a museum that attracts numerous visitors. The exhibits here include a brief account of Du Fu's life and some of his original calligraphy and poems. The complex also contains three imposing statues of some of China's greatest poets; Du Fu, Li You and Huang Tingjian (the latter two were Song dynasty poets). Today, this is a pleasant site to visit, with nice buildings dotted about, teahouses and pleasant bamboo gardens to wander and explore. This site is also home to the Chengdu Du Fu society. The Thatched Cottage of Du Fu stretches out its arms to welcome visitors from all over the world.
A garden-like museum full of cultural breath is for showing people how brilliant and celebrated Du Fu is and for making your amazing expedition meaningful.
Opening Hours:
8:00 -- 18:00 (in winter)
7:30 -- 19:00 (in summer)
Ticket Price:
60 CNY for adults
30 CNY for students
Free for the people holding the local Older Card and the non-local people older than 70
Location: No. 38, Tsinghua Road, Chengdu City
Transportation: Bus No. 17, 35, 82, 84 and 301 will bring you here directly.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System, constructed in Qin Dynasty around 2,200 years ago, is a shinning pearl in the irrigation development of China, which is also praised as the “Originator of the Culture in Irrigation Work”. As the earliest irrigation work without dam in the ancient China, Dujiangyan has been making the greatest contribution to the development of the economy in Chengdu--the land of abundance.Having witnessed centuries’ changes, the gorgeous Dujiangyan likes a record of the history attracting a growing number of tourists with the picturesque and splendid landscape. On November 29, 2000, Dujiangyan was listed as the world cultural heritage by UNESCO. Nowadays, Dujiangyan is not only the irrigation work, but also a popular scenic spot with many charming sceneries around--just like many stars twinkling around the moon.
The characterized members of the stars are the fish-mouth-like dyke--can solve the problem of irrigation in drought seasons, the bottle-neck-like sluice gate--can control the volume of inflowing water, the vent-like Feishayan--can release flood and silt from waterway to outer river, the 500-meter-long Anlan Suspension Bridge (called Couple’s Bridge)--has experienced hundreds years’ history since Song dynasty (960-1234), the garden-like Erwang-Temple with peaceful environment, and the 1800-year-old Dragon-Taming Temple.
Opening Hours: 09:00 -- 17:50
Ticket Price:
90 CNY for adults
45 CNY for kids between 1.1-1.4 meter, people between 60-69 years, the disabled and the students
Location: West Dujiangyan City, Sichuan
Transportation: Shuttle buses, subway and bus No. 1 to No. 17, 101, 102, 103, 201 and 202 will bring you here directly.
Wangjiang Pavilion
Wangjiang Pavilion with a height of 39 meters is the most shinning architecture in the Wangjiang Park that covered by green bamboo woods. Wangjiang Pavilion, built in Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), was designed as an octagonal shape with the overhanging eaves, sharp golden roof, and various exquisite figure carvings and clay sculptures of animals decorating each floor. Located on the bank of Jinjiang River, Wangjiang Pavilion provides an ideal angle for river viewing, from which it derived the present name “Wangjiang Lou”.
This splendid pavilion was built in memory of Xue Tao, a brilliant female poet in Tang Dynasty who has left behind many great poems. There are more than 100 kinds of bamboo around the Wangjiang Pavilion for Xue Tao has a passion for bamboo in her life. Around the Wangjiang Pivilion, out lay a group of memorial buildings including Wuyunxiang Hall, Quanxiang chamber, Pipa pavilion among which there are house a large amount of steles, paintings, calligraphy, inscribed couplets and poems.
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 17:00
Ticket Price: 20 CNY
Location: Wangjiang Road, Chengdu City
Transportation: Bus No. 3, 18, 19, 31 and 35 will bring you here directly.
Wuhou Memorial Temple
Covering 37,000 square meters, Wuhou Memorial Temple was built in the year of 233 in memory of Zhuge Liang, the most brilliant military counselor in the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). Inside the temple, the magnificent and exquisitely designed buildings are hiding in the flourishingly towering pine trees, creating a historic environment with a strong breath of history.
In the exhibition zone, there are a lot of valuable historic relics, including the well-known couplets created by Du Fu, exquisite carvings and sophisticated stone inscriptions, the precious works of calligraphy and painting, the statuses of the celebrities in Three Kingdoms Period as well as the room with the original appearance in which Zhuge Liang lived. The exhibitions may cause an amazing feeling likes being back to the Three Kingdoms Period.
The temple displays the suppleness of the Chinese garden. There are numerous historical relics like horizontal cribbed boards, couplets, inscribed tablets, penmanship, furnaces, Chinese tripods, etc. The SanZui (Three-Best) horizontal inscribed board, Zhuge Liang's Lung Gun couplets, Chu Si Biao and the tomb of LiuBei are the most famous one. Today the Wuhou Temple is the most famous tourist attraction of Chengdu city. It is not only a site for people to commemorate Zhuge Liang, but also serves as a museum to the history of the Three Kingdoms Period.
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 18:00
Ticket Price: 60 CNY
Location: No. 231, Wuhouci Street, Chengdu City
Transportation:
Bus No.1, 10, 57, 82, 301, 334, 335, 503, 521, 901 and 904 will bring you here directly.
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
With two clean rivers running through and two green hills decorating, Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Historic Interest Area, an ancient town full of ancient cultural architectures and custom, appeals to an increasing number of tourists from near and far. Huanglong Historic Interest Area consists of three charming parts that are free for visiting, namely the Custom Street, the Dragon Street and the core zone.
Along the Custom Street, various magnificent architectures built in different times will be a sumptuous art feast for the eyes, and the beautiful and yummy local snacks will increase your appetite greatly and make you reluctant to leave. Having traveled around the Custom Street, you will be attracted by the next station--Dragon Street, where there is a clean stream zigzagging through just like a water dragon. Along the both banks of the dragon stream, teahouses, local restaurants and specialties stores rank orderly like a comb.
Crossing the stone bridge, you will reach the core zone where the most shinning cultural heritages are waiting for you. The fish-skeleton-like lanes, the centuries-old dock and the ancient temples with old banyans around and street full of ancient local customs will be a memorable experience in your expedition. If you come here on the local festivals, the lovely local celebrations will amaze you a lot.
Opening Hours: 9:00 -- 16:30
Ticket Price: free
Location: 40 km (25 miles) away from the city center of Chengdu
Transportation:
Shuttle bus from New South Gate (xin nan men) Station will bring you here directly (10 CNY).
Emei Mountain
Consisting of four mountains with the peak of 3099 meters and covering 154 square km, E-mei Mountain is praised as the finest mountain under heaven for the rarely seen picturesque landscapes in the precipitous topography. With two rivers circling, E-mei possesses marvelous scenes--the long peaceful valley, the curtain-like rushing waterfalls, the flourishing trees and blooming flowers—together with which the Buddhist temples form a beautiful picture.
Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base
Speaking of the panda, the phrase “National Treasure of China” will hit our minds. Panda is a kind of precious wild animal species that requires a demanding living environment. Therefore, China set up many Breeding and Research Bases to provide an ideal and most suitable natural living circumstance for the Chinese Giant Panda, the base in Sichuan Province is included.
Leshan Giant Buddha
As the largest stone sculpture of Buddha in the world, the Leshan Giant Buddha, sitting at the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers, costs 90 years to complete. The idea of the creation of the giant Buddha sculpture is out of the popularity of the Buddhist in Tang Dynasty.
Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage
Du Fu, a celebrated poet in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), has left behind over 200 masterpieces of peoms for the later generations. Du Fu is known for the patriotism and his brilliant in poem. The most important factor of all about his work is compassion, which was especially inspirational for his fans.
As its name implies, the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu was Du Fu’s home a thousand years ago, while it is not so much a cottage as a museum that attracts numerous visitors. The exhibits here include a brief account of Du Fu's life and some of his original calligraphy and poems. The complex also contains three imposing statues of some of China's greatest poets; Du Fu, Li You and Huang Tingjian (the latter two were Song dynasty poets). Today, this is a pleasant site to visit, with nice buildings dotted about, teahouses and pleasant bamboo gardens to wander and explore. This site is also home to the Chengdu Du Fu society. The Thatched Cottage of Du Fu stretches out its arms to welcome visitors from all over the world.
A garden-like museum full of cultural breath is for showing people how brilliant and celebrated Du Fu is and for making your amazing expedition meaningful.
Opening Hours:
8:00 -- 18:00 (in winter)
7:30 -- 19:00 (in summer)
Ticket Price:
60 CNY for adults
30 CNY for students
Free for the people holding the local Older Card and the non-local people older than 70
Location: No. 38, Tsinghua Road, Chengdu City
Transportation: Bus No. 17, 35, 82, 84 and 301 will bring you here directly.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System, constructed in Qin Dynasty around 2,200 years ago, is a shinning pearl in the irrigation development of China, which is also praised as the “Originator of the Culture in Irrigation Work”. As the earliest irrigation work without dam in the ancient China, Dujiangyan has been making the greatest contribution to the development of the economy in Chengdu--the land of abundance.Having witnessed centuries’ changes, the gorgeous Dujiangyan likes a record of the history attracting a growing number of tourists with the picturesque and splendid landscape. On November 29, 2000, Dujiangyan was listed as the world cultural heritage by UNESCO. Nowadays, Dujiangyan is not only the irrigation work, but also a popular scenic spot with many charming sceneries around--just like many stars twinkling around the moon.
The characterized members of the stars are the fish-mouth-like dyke--can solve the problem of irrigation in drought seasons, the bottle-neck-like sluice gate--can control the volume of inflowing water, the vent-like Feishayan--can release flood and silt from waterway to outer river, the 500-meter-long Anlan Suspension Bridge (called Couple’s Bridge)--has experienced hundreds years’ history since Song dynasty (960-1234), the garden-like Erwang-Temple with peaceful environment, and the 1800-year-old Dragon-Taming Temple.
Opening Hours: 09:00 -- 17:50
Ticket Price:
90 CNY for adults
45 CNY for kids between 1.1-1.4 meter, people between 60-69 years, the disabled and the students
Location: West Dujiangyan City, Sichuan
Transportation: Shuttle buses, subway and bus No. 1 to No. 17, 101, 102, 103, 201 and 202 will bring you here directly.
Wangjiang Pavilion
Wangjiang Pavilion with a height of 39 meters is the most shinning architecture in the Wangjiang Park that covered by green bamboo woods. Wangjiang Pavilion, built in Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), was designed as an octagonal shape with the overhanging eaves, sharp golden roof, and various exquisite figure carvings and clay sculptures of animals decorating each floor. Located on the bank of Jinjiang River, Wangjiang Pavilion provides an ideal angle for river viewing, from which it derived the present name “Wangjiang Lou”.
This splendid pavilion was built in memory of Xue Tao, a brilliant female poet in Tang Dynasty who has left behind many great poems. There are more than 100 kinds of bamboo around the Wangjiang Pavilion for Xue Tao has a passion for bamboo in her life. Around the Wangjiang Pivilion, out lay a group of memorial buildings including Wuyunxiang Hall, Quanxiang chamber, Pipa pavilion among which there are house a large amount of steles, paintings, calligraphy, inscribed couplets and poems.
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 17:00
Ticket Price: 20 CNY
Location: Wangjiang Road, Chengdu City
Transportation: Bus No. 3, 18, 19, 31 and 35 will bring you here directly.
Wuhou Memorial Temple
Covering 37,000 square meters, Wuhou Memorial Temple was built in the year of 233 in memory of Zhuge Liang, the most brilliant military counselor in the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). Inside the temple, the magnificent and exquisitely designed buildings are hiding in the flourishingly towering pine trees, creating a historic environment with a strong breath of history.
In the exhibition zone, there are a lot of valuable historic relics, including the well-known couplets created by Du Fu, exquisite carvings and sophisticated stone inscriptions, the precious works of calligraphy and painting, the statuses of the celebrities in Three Kingdoms Period as well as the room with the original appearance in which Zhuge Liang lived. The exhibitions may cause an amazing feeling likes being back to the Three Kingdoms Period.
The temple displays the suppleness of the Chinese garden. There are numerous historical relics like horizontal cribbed boards, couplets, inscribed tablets, penmanship, furnaces, Chinese tripods, etc. The SanZui (Three-Best) horizontal inscribed board, Zhuge Liang's Lung Gun couplets, Chu Si Biao and the tomb of LiuBei are the most famous one. Today the Wuhou Temple is the most famous tourist attraction of Chengdu city. It is not only a site for people to commemorate Zhuge Liang, but also serves as a museum to the history of the Three Kingdoms Period.
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 18:00
Ticket Price: 60 CNY
Location: No. 231, Wuhouci Street, Chengdu City
Transportation:
Bus No.1, 10, 57, 82, 301, 334, 335, 503, 521, 901 and 904 will bring you here directly.
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
With two clean rivers running through and two green hills decorating, Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Historic Interest Area, an ancient town full of ancient cultural architectures and custom, appeals to an increasing number of tourists from near and far. Huanglong Historic Interest Area consists of three charming parts that are free for visiting, namely the Custom Street, the Dragon Street and the core zone.
Along the Custom Street, various magnificent architectures built in different times will be a sumptuous art feast for the eyes, and the beautiful and yummy local snacks will increase your appetite greatly and make you reluctant to leave. Having traveled around the Custom Street, you will be attracted by the next station--Dragon Street, where there is a clean stream zigzagging through just like a water dragon. Along the both banks of the dragon stream, teahouses, local restaurants and specialties stores rank orderly like a comb.
Crossing the stone bridge, you will reach the core zone where the most shinning cultural heritages are waiting for you. The fish-skeleton-like lanes, the centuries-old dock and the ancient temples with old banyans around and street full of ancient local customs will be a memorable experience in your expedition. If you come here on the local festivals, the lovely local celebrations will amaze you a lot.
Opening Hours: 9:00 -- 16:30
Ticket Price: free
Location: 40 km (25 miles) away from the city center of Chengdu
Transportation:
Shuttle bus from New South Gate (xin nan men) Station will bring you here directly (10 CNY).
Emei Mountain
Consisting of four mountains with the peak of 3099 meters and covering 154 square km, E-mei Mountain is praised as the finest mountain under heaven for the rarely seen picturesque landscapes in the precipitous topography. With two rivers circling, E-mei possesses marvelous scenes--the long peaceful valley, the curtain-like rushing waterfalls, the flourishing trees and blooming flowers—together with which the Buddhist temples form a beautiful picture.
Guilin
Highlights
Solitary Beauty Peak and Jingjiang Princes City
Solitary Beauty Peak, also known as Purple Hill, is located in the Jingjiang Princes City with reputation of “Southern Heaven Pillar”. At the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak, there is a Longevity Palace first built in Tang Dynasty, while a Solitary Beauty Pavilion is standing at the top. You can have a bird’s view of beautiful Guilin when you climb up 396 stone steps to the top. Dushu Rock, Taiping Rock and Crescent-shape Pond are at the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak while many ancient inscriptions are on the eastern side of the peak, for example “East or west, Guilin scenery is the best”. Other famous attractions include Snow Cave and Zhongshan Monument.
Jingjiang Prices City, praised as a “city in a city”, was built in Ming Dynasty with a history of more than 630 years. During the 257 years from its completion to the collapse of Ming Dynasty, 14 seigniors had lived here. Jingjiang Princes City became the Examination Compound in the Qing Dynasty. Covering an area of 19.78 hectares, Jingjiang Princes City composes of Chengyun Gate, Chengyun Palace, Palace Harem and Imperial Garden with other 40 rooms, pavilions and chambers. Listed as “the key cultural relics of national level”, Jingjiang Princes City is an irreplaceable scenic spot in Guilin.
If you want to enjoy picturesque mountains and crystal clear waters, Solitary Beauty Peak, famous royal treasure hill is your best choice. If you want to read the history of Guilin, Jingjiang Princes City will meet your need.
Tips:
1. Opening Hours: 9:30am—5:30pm
2. How to Get Here: No.1, 10, 11, 14, 100 Buses.
Folded Brocade Hill
Folded Brocade Hill, with an elevation of 73m, locates to the northeast of Guilin, facing beautiful Li River. As a beautiful and well-known hill, Folded Brocade Hill consists of Mingyue Peak, Crane Peak, Siwang Hill and Yuyue Hill, covering an area of 2km². Many amazing attractions such as Folded Brocade Pavilion, Yuyue Pavilion, Wind Cave and Wangjiang Pavilion etc. are on the hill. Besides, inscriptions on precipices carved by celebrities of all the precious dynasties are the essence of all relics.
Folded Brocade Pavilion, with a height of 5m, length of 7.5m and width of 8.5m, is architecture with single story, 4 angles, flat rooftop, red pillars and green tiles. With Yuyue Hill to the east, Siwang Hill to the west and Bright Moon Peak to the north, Folded Brocade Pavilion is harmonious with the surroundings. Stone benches standing from east to west, the northern side is the best place to appreciate the fantastic “folded brocade” and is an ideal place for rest. To the west of the pavilion, an inscription by Yu Qing of Ming Dynasty is also worth of visiting.
Wangjiang Pavilion is halfway up the hill and built during the reign of Emperor Zhengde (1506-1521) of the Ming Dynasty. Rebuilt in the years of 1954 and 1990, Wangjiang Pavilion is a pavilion with ancient style, 6m in height and dihedral angles. On the wall, a cliff inscription was carved as “a place for seeking adventures”.
Li River
Elephant Trunk Hill
Wave Subduing Hill
Reed Flute Cave
Seven Star Park
Yangshuo
Solitary Beauty Peak and Jingjiang Princes City
Solitary Beauty Peak, also known as Purple Hill, is located in the Jingjiang Princes City with reputation of “Southern Heaven Pillar”. At the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak, there is a Longevity Palace first built in Tang Dynasty, while a Solitary Beauty Pavilion is standing at the top. You can have a bird’s view of beautiful Guilin when you climb up 396 stone steps to the top. Dushu Rock, Taiping Rock and Crescent-shape Pond are at the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak while many ancient inscriptions are on the eastern side of the peak, for example “East or west, Guilin scenery is the best”. Other famous attractions include Snow Cave and Zhongshan Monument.
Jingjiang Prices City, praised as a “city in a city”, was built in Ming Dynasty with a history of more than 630 years. During the 257 years from its completion to the collapse of Ming Dynasty, 14 seigniors had lived here. Jingjiang Princes City became the Examination Compound in the Qing Dynasty. Covering an area of 19.78 hectares, Jingjiang Princes City composes of Chengyun Gate, Chengyun Palace, Palace Harem and Imperial Garden with other 40 rooms, pavilions and chambers. Listed as “the key cultural relics of national level”, Jingjiang Princes City is an irreplaceable scenic spot in Guilin.
If you want to enjoy picturesque mountains and crystal clear waters, Solitary Beauty Peak, famous royal treasure hill is your best choice. If you want to read the history of Guilin, Jingjiang Princes City will meet your need.
Tips:
1. Opening Hours: 9:30am—5:30pm
2. How to Get Here: No.1, 10, 11, 14, 100 Buses.
Folded Brocade Hill
Folded Brocade Hill, with an elevation of 73m, locates to the northeast of Guilin, facing beautiful Li River. As a beautiful and well-known hill, Folded Brocade Hill consists of Mingyue Peak, Crane Peak, Siwang Hill and Yuyue Hill, covering an area of 2km². Many amazing attractions such as Folded Brocade Pavilion, Yuyue Pavilion, Wind Cave and Wangjiang Pavilion etc. are on the hill. Besides, inscriptions on precipices carved by celebrities of all the precious dynasties are the essence of all relics.
Folded Brocade Pavilion, with a height of 5m, length of 7.5m and width of 8.5m, is architecture with single story, 4 angles, flat rooftop, red pillars and green tiles. With Yuyue Hill to the east, Siwang Hill to the west and Bright Moon Peak to the north, Folded Brocade Pavilion is harmonious with the surroundings. Stone benches standing from east to west, the northern side is the best place to appreciate the fantastic “folded brocade” and is an ideal place for rest. To the west of the pavilion, an inscription by Yu Qing of Ming Dynasty is also worth of visiting.
Wangjiang Pavilion is halfway up the hill and built during the reign of Emperor Zhengde (1506-1521) of the Ming Dynasty. Rebuilt in the years of 1954 and 1990, Wangjiang Pavilion is a pavilion with ancient style, 6m in height and dihedral angles. On the wall, a cliff inscription was carved as “a place for seeking adventures”.
Li River
Elephant Trunk Hill
Wave Subduing Hill
Reed Flute Cave
Seven Star Park
Yangshuo
Solitary Beauty Peak and Jingjiang Princes City
Solitary Beauty Peak, also known as Purple Hill, is located in the Jingjiang Princes City with reputation of “Southern Heaven Pillar”. At the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak, there is a Longevity Palace first built in Tang Dynasty, while a Solitary Beauty Pavilion is standing at the top. You can have a bird’s view of beautiful Guilin when you climb up 396 stone steps to the top. Dushu Rock, Taiping Rock and Crescent-shape Pond are at the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak while many ancient inscriptions are on the eastern side of the peak, for example “East or west, Guilin scenery is the best”. Other famous attractions include Snow Cave and Zhongshan Monument.
Jingjiang Prices City, praised as a “city in a city”, was built in Ming Dynasty with a history of more than 630 years. During the 257 years from its completion to the collapse of Ming Dynasty, 14 seigniors had lived here. Jingjiang Princes City became the Examination Compound in the Qing Dynasty. Covering an area of 19.78 hectares, Jingjiang Princes City composes of Chengyun Gate, Chengyun Palace, Palace Harem and Imperial Garden with other 40 rooms, pavilions and chambers. Listed as “the key cultural relics of national level”, Jingjiang Princes City is an irreplaceable scenic spot in Guilin.
If you want to enjoy picturesque mountains and crystal clear waters, Solitary Beauty Peak, famous royal treasure hill is your best choice. If you want to read the history of Guilin, Jingjiang Princes City will meet your need.
Tips:
1. Opening Hours: 9:30am—5:30pm
2. How to Get Here: No.1, 10, 11, 14, 100 Buses.
Folded Brocade Hill
Folded Brocade Hill, with an elevation of 73m, locates to the northeast of Guilin, facing beautiful Li River. As a beautiful and well-known hill, Folded Brocade Hill consists of Mingyue Peak, Crane Peak, Siwang Hill and Yuyue Hill, covering an area of 2km². Many amazing attractions such as Folded Brocade Pavilion, Yuyue Pavilion, Wind Cave and Wangjiang Pavilion etc. are on the hill. Besides, inscriptions on precipices carved by celebrities of all the precious dynasties are the essence of all relics.
Folded Brocade Pavilion, with a height of 5m, length of 7.5m and width of 8.5m, is architecture with single story, 4 angles, flat rooftop, red pillars and green tiles. With Yuyue Hill to the east, Siwang Hill to the west and Bright Moon Peak to the north, Folded Brocade Pavilion is harmonious with the surroundings. Stone benches standing from east to west, the northern side is the best place to appreciate the fantastic “folded brocade” and is an ideal place for rest. To the west of the pavilion, an inscription by Yu Qing of Ming Dynasty is also worth of visiting.
Wangjiang Pavilion is halfway up the hill and built during the reign of Emperor Zhengde (1506-1521) of the Ming Dynasty. Rebuilt in the years of 1954 and 1990, Wangjiang Pavilion is a pavilion with ancient style, 6m in height and dihedral angles. On the wall, a cliff inscription was carved as “a place for seeking adventures”.
Nanjing
Highlights
Shanghai
Highlights
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Standing at a towering height of 468 meters (1,536 feet), the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is not only the tallest TV tower in Asia but also the third tallest in the world. It ranks behind the 553.3-meter-high CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, and the 540-meter-high Ostankino Tower in Moscow, Russia. Located in the heart of Pudong’s Lujiazui district, the tower has become a symbol of Shanghai, drawing both locals and tourists alike. Its unique design, featuring 15 spheres of varying sizes at different heights, creates a striking and futuristic appearance.
The tower's design is said to be inspired by a famous Chinese poetic line, "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate," evoking an image of pearls scattered across a jade surface. From its observation deck, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the bustling city, the Huangpu River, and beyond. The revolving restaurant and the expansive sightseeing platform can accommodate up to 1,600 people, offering an unparalleled experience in the sky.
Construction of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower began in 1992, with an initial investment of 50 million Yuan from the government. An additional 150 million Yuan and 10 million US Dollars were raised through bank loans from 44 banks. The tower was completed and opened to the public in 1994. It is affectionately known in China as "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl," a reference to its striking design, with two massive spheres at the base and a large pearl-like structure at the top.
In 1995, the tower began broadcasting, hosting nine television channels and 10 FM radio stations. Over the years, it has become a major hub for media and telecommunications, in addition to being a top tourist destination.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower offers a wide range of amenities for visitors. At a height of 263 meters, the observation deck provides breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline. You can also visit the futuristic "Space City" exhibition hall and the Shanghai Municipal History Museum, located in the tower's base. This museum showcases the history of the city, including its transformation from a small fishing village to one of the world’s leading metropolises.
The large lower sphere of the tower features various attractions, including the "Science Fantasy City" and the "Recreational Palace." On a clear day, visitors can enjoy a view stretching all the way to the Yangtze River from the sightseeing hall. In addition to the observation areas, the tower houses a hotel with 25 elegant rooms in the smaller spheres, offering a relaxing place for visitors to stay.
At the very top of the tower is a large pearl-shaped structure, home to a rotating restaurant, shops, and additional viewing platforms. This iconic structure provides guests with a unique dining experience while enjoying Shanghai’s spectacular skyline.
Over the past decade, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower has welcomed more than 25 million visitors, including 295 overseas heads of state and dignitaries. This immense popularity has made it one of the most profitable TV towers globally. In fact, its annual revenue has exceeded that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
According to the World Brand Lab, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower ranked 96th among the 500 most valuable Chinese brands, with a brand value of 5.148 billion Yuan (approximately 6.2 billion USD). It has consistently been one of the top 20 most influential Chinese brands on the global stage in recent years.
The tower’s combination of cutting-edge technology, breathtaking views, and cultural significance has made it a must-visit attraction in Shanghai and a proud symbol of China's modern achievements.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower stands as a monumental achievement in both architecture and engineering, symbolizing Shanghai's vibrant future while honoring its rich history. Whether you’re marveling at the panoramic views, exploring the interactive exhibits, or dining in the sky, the tower promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Children’s Palace
The Bund
No. 12, The Bund, is also known as No. 12 Zhongshan East Road. It was once the location of the famous Hui Feng Bank. Built in 1923, this square-shaped building has five vaults and features a distinctive circular roof in the style of ancient Greece, with a half-spherical dome on top. The building is made of steel and is elaborately decorated, including a specially designed reception hall. The British builders of the structure were immensely proud of this creation, with some even calling it “the most exquisite building from the Suez Canal in the east to the Persian Gulf in the west.”
Walking along Zhongshan East Road, you can feel the grandeur and solemnity of the area, as if the Bund is a showcase of architectural excellence. Some say that the Bund is, in fact, "an architectural exhibition." If the architectural district of the Bund were a gallery, the rest of the area would be a showroom. In the early mornings, the Bund becomes a place for locals to exercise and enjoy the fresh air. By day, the historic buildings stand in harmony with the scenic beauty of the Huangpu River and the futuristic skyline of Pudong, making it a favorite spot for tourists. At night, the city lights bathe the Bund in a vibrant glow, enhancing its beauty. The old buildings along the riverbank stand in contrast to the modern skyline, which includes iconic structures such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Jin Mao Tower, creating a stunning view that never fails to leave visitors in awe.
On the eastern side, the Bund borders the Huangpu River, while on the west, 52 buildings line the street, each with its own architectural style—Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Renaissance, Classical, and a fusion of Eastern and Western elements. Although these buildings were constructed at different times and in varying styles, their overall design is remarkably harmonious, with each structure complementing the others.
The Bund, named after the desolate beach that once lay outside the old city of Shanghai, has become one of the city's most iconic landmarks. If you haven’t visited the Bund, then you haven’t truly seen Shanghai. The Bund symbolizes the city itself; it is a microcosm of Shanghai's history and growth.
The Huangpu River
The Huangpu River is a landmark waterway in Shanghai, stretching approximately 113 kilometers (about 70 miles) in length with a width ranging from 300 to 770 meters (about 984 to 2526 feet). Its drainage basin covers an area of 24,000 square kilometers (approx. 5,930,530 acres).
The river originates from Dianshan Lake in Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, which receives water from the upper reaches of the Taihu Lake basin. From there, the river flows downstream to Wusongkou, where it meets the Yangtze River before flowing into the East China Sea. Over the course of thousands of years, the river has carved its path, with the upper reaches running east to west, and the middle and lower reaches turning north to south, effectively dividing the city of Shanghai into Puxi (West of the Huangpu River) and Pudong (East of the Huangpu River). On either side of the river, Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks have risen: the historic Bund on the west bank and the modern financial district of Lujiazui on the east.
During a visit to the river, tourists can admire the Yangpu Bridge, the Nanpu Bridge, and the Oriental Pearl Tower, which stands in the heart of the city. The two bridges, resembling two giant dragons stretching across the Huangpu River, frame the Oriental Pearl Tower in the center, creating a stunning visual metaphor of "two dragons playing with a pearl."
On the west bank of the Huangpu River, visitors are greeted by a collection of grand, foreign-style buildings, known for their diverse architectural influences from around the world. On the east bank, in stark contrast, towering modern skyscrapers rise into the sky, symbolizing Shanghai’s rapid development into a global financial hub.
Wusongkou, located at the mouth of the river, marks the point where the Huangpu River converges with the Yangtze River and the East China Sea. During high tide, one can witness the famous "Three-Water Convergence" phenomenon, where the Huangpu River’s bluish-gray waters, the muddy yellow waters of the Yangtze, and the green waters of the East China Sea mix together, creating a striking display of yellow, green, and blue hues.
The Huangpu River serves multiple functions: it is vital for shipping, water supply, drainage, irrigation, and tourism. As one of the world’s most renowned rivers, it is both a product of nature’s transformative power and a testament to humanity’s successful practice of harnessing the river’s natural flow to serve the needs of a growing city.
Yu Garden
The garden was originally established as a private estate by Pan Yunduan, a distinguished official from Sichuan, to provide his retired father, Pan En, with a serene and tranquil retreat. After over two decades of meticulous planning and construction, Yu Garden was completed in 1577. The name "Yu" symbolizes peace and tranquility, reflecting the garden's purpose of offering solace and serenity to Pan En during his retirement years. By the late Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden had gained recognition as one of the most exquisite gardens in Southeast China.
Yu Garden exemplifies the classical Jiangnan garden style, characterized by its intricate and refined design that seamlessly integrates natural and architectural elements. The garden boasts meandering pathways, exquisite pavilions, stunning rockeries, tranquil koi ponds, and ancient trees all thoughtfully arranged to create a serene and contemplative atmosphere. Additionally, it houses an impressive collection of cultural treasures including Ming and Qing dynasty furniture, renowned calligraphy and paintings, elaborate brick carvings as well as traditional stone sculptures.
The Yulinglong Stone, one of the renowned rocks in Jiangnan, and Dianchuntang, which served as the headquarters during the Taiping Rebellion in 1853, are among the prominent features of this garden. Additionally, visitors can explore the adjacent City God Temple and vibrant shopping streets, further enhancing its appeal as a popular tourist destination.
Yu Garden opened to the public in 1961 and was designated a national key cultural heritage site in 1982. Today, it remains a must-visit attraction for those seeking to experience the beauty and tranquility of traditional Chinese garden design.
The Jade Buddha Temple
Known for its vibrant spiritual atmosphere, the Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most visited and beloved temples in Shanghai. While Longhua Temple is known for fulfilling wishes related to career success, and Jing'an Temple is sought for blessings of peace, the Jade Buddha Temple is famous for helping people with wishes for wealth and love. A visit to the Jade Buddha Temple wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its treasures—the Jade Buddha and the Sitting Buddha, which have been prized by visitors since their arrival from Southeast Asia over a century ago.
At the heart of the temple is the magnificent Jade Buddha, a serene and life-sized statue carved from a single block of jade. Alongside it, visitors can find five other Buddha statues, each radiating peace and grace. The Jade Buddha Temple has undergone multiple restorations and expansions over the years, including the relocation of the Grand Buddha Hall and the construction of the Bell and Drum Towers. These additions have enriched the temple’s cultural and artistic legacy.
Occupying an area of approximately 11.6 acres, the Jade Buddha Temple features a layout based on traditional Chinese temple architecture. The temple’s main axis is home to three grand halls, with additional structures on both the east and west sides. The temple not only holds a special place in the hearts of Shanghai’s Buddhist community but is also a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. It is recognized as one of the top ten tourist attractions in Shanghai and is listed as a key Buddhist site and a protected city monument.
In 1918, the temple was rebuilt on its present site under the guidance of Master Kecheng from the Linji school. The new structure, designed to emulate the architectural style of Song Dynasty temples, was completed after ten years of dedicated work. The complex includes a Buddha hall, pagodas, kitchens, and other traditional temple buildings, with over 200 rooms in total.
The original Jade Buddha Temple was established in 1900, near the Wusong River Bay Railway Station, under the leadership of Master Ben Zhao, a disciple of Huigen. However, the temple was destroyed during the upheaval of the 1911 Revolution, leaving only the precious Jade Buddha untouched. For a time, the statue was housed in a villa on Shendan Road (now Weian Road), before the decision was made to rebuild the temple at its current location.
Founded in 1882 by Master Huigen, the temple originally housed five jade Buddhas brought from Myanmar by the master himself. Of these, two were enshrined in Shanghai, and it is these statues that have made the temple famous.
Nestled at 170 Anyuan Road in the Putuo District of Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple is one of the city’s most revered spiritual landmarks. As its name suggests, the temple is home to the sacred Jade Buddha, a symbol of serenity and wisdom. Belonging to the Linji school of Chan Buddhism, the temple is not only a place of worship but also a center for meditation and spiritual practice.
Shanghai Museum
The Shanghai Museum is a preeminent institution in China, celebrated for its vast collection of over 120,000 invaluable cultural artifacts. Its extensive and exceptional assortment, particularly in the areas of bronze ware, ceramics, calligraphy, and painting has garnered international recognition.
Founded in 1952, the museum initially operated at 325 Nanjing West Road. In 1959, it relocated to a more spacious venue at 16 Henan South Road, where it continued its progressive growth and development. In 1992, the Shanghai government made the strategic decision to construct a new museum in the heart of the city, situated in the prime location of People's Square. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new museum building took place in 1993 and it was officially inaugurated on October 12, 1996.
The new building of the Shanghai Museum spans a total area of 39,200 square meters and stands at a height of 29.5 meters. The distinctive combination of a round dome and square base, symbolizing the concept of "Heaven is round and Earth is square," creates an aesthetically captivating effect. The design seamlessly integrates traditional cultural elements with modern architecture, establishing it as a truly unique and iconic structure among global museums.
The museum accommodates 11 permanent galleries and three exhibition halls. The architectural layout encompasses six functional areas, including exhibition spaces, storage facilities, academic and research zones, management offices, and supporting amenities. Within the premises are 12 thematic exhibition rooms showcasing a wide array of treasures such as bronze artifacts, ceramics, calligraphy masterpieces, and paintings. Additionally, the exhibits encompass coins, jade pieces, sculptures, seals as well as crafts from various ethnic minorities.
The museum's total exhibition space is 12,000 square meters, distributed across four floors. The first floor features the Ancient Chinese Bronze Gallery, Ancient Chinese Sculpture Gallery, and Exhibition Hall. The second floor showcases the Ancient Chinese Ceramics Gallery and the temporary Ceramics Gallery. The third floor is dedicated to the Calligraphy Gallery, Painting Gallery, and Seals Gallery. The fourth floor exhibits the Ancient Chinese Jade Gallery, Coin Gallery, Ming and Qing Furniture Gallery, and the Ethnic Minority Craft Gallery.
Shanghai Jinmao Tower
Standing proudly at 88 Century Avenue in the heart of Shanghai’s Lujiazui Financial District, the Shanghai Jin Mao Tower is a true marvel of modern engineering and design. Located in the bustling center of the city, the tower offers breathtaking views to the east over the Pudong New Area, to the west over downtown Shanghai and the Huangpu River, and to the south toward the vibrant commercial hub of Zhang Yang Road. To the north, it overlooks the expansive 100,000-square-meter central green space.
The Jin Mao Tower occupies 24,000 square meters of land, with a total building area of 290,000 square meters. The towering 88-story main structure rises to a height of 420.5 meters, with approximately 200,000 square meters of space. Its sleek, modern design features a stunning tapering shape, symbolizing both architectural elegance and strength. The tower’s six-story podium covers 32,000 square meters, while the three underground levels span 57,000 square meters. The building’s striking exterior is enveloped in an aluminum alloy lattice, giving it a contemporary yet timeless appeal.
Inside, the Jin Mao Tower is as spectacular as its exterior. The first two floors house the grand lobby, while floors 3 to 50 feature expansive, column-free office spaces with a ceiling height of 4 meters and a net height of 2.7 meters. The upper floors—51 to 52—house essential mechanical and electrical systems, while the 53rd to 87th floors are home to a luxurious hotel. The 88th floor boasts an observation deck, offering panoramic views of the city and beyond.
Designed by the renowned Chicago-based architectural firm SOM, with Adrian Smith as the lead designer, the Jin Mao Tower combines cutting-edge global architectural trends with traditional Chinese design elements. The building is an engineering masterpiece, with a vertical deviation of only 2 centimeters and the ability to withstand winds of up to level 12 and earthquakes of magnitude 7.
The tower’s exterior is characterized by large glass panels that reflect ever-changing hues—shifting from silver to shades of blue and green. Between the two layers of glass, a low-temperature conductor ensures the interior remains insulated from the outdoor elements.
Inside, the grand lobby features a striking archway design and walls clad in Mediterranean-style perforated marble for both aesthetic and soundproofing purposes. The polished marble floors gleam without being overly shiny, while the main hallway leading to the banquet hall is an artistic corridor showcasing Chinese calligraphy and copper reliefs that depict the evolution of Chinese script, from ancient oracle bone inscriptions to modern-day characters.
At the top of the Jin Mao Tower, the 88th floor offers the “Cloud Walk”—a 60-meter-long, 1.2-meter-wide transparent skywalk, the highest of its kind in the world. This glass walkway allows visitors to experience Shanghai from a breathtaking 340.1 meters above ground level, walking in the clouds and enjoying an unparalleled view of the city below.
Since its completion, the Jin Mao Tower has garnered numerous accolades, including the Illinois World Architecture Award in 1998 and the Shanghai Classic Architecture Gold Award in 1999. It also achieved LEED-EB certification in 2013 and was named one of the "Top Ten New Landmarks in Shanghai" in 2020.
A true symbol of Shanghai's dynamic growth, the Jin Mao Tower remains a must-see destination for those who wish to experience the cutting-edge of modern architecture while soaking in the rich cultural and historical essence of one of the world’s most exciting cities.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Standing at a towering height of 468 meters (1,536 feet), the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is not only the tallest TV tower in Asia but also the third tallest in the world. It ranks behind the 553.3-meter-high CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, and the 540-meter-high Ostankino Tower in Moscow, Russia. Located in the heart of Pudong’s Lujiazui district, the tower has become a symbol of Shanghai, drawing both locals and tourists alike. Its unique design, featuring 15 spheres of varying sizes at different heights, creates a striking and futuristic appearance.
The tower's design is said to be inspired by a famous Chinese poetic line, "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate," evoking an image of pearls scattered across a jade surface. From its observation deck, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the bustling city, the Huangpu River, and beyond. The revolving restaurant and the expansive sightseeing platform can accommodate up to 1,600 people, offering an unparalleled experience in the sky.
Construction of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower began in 1992, with an initial investment of 50 million Yuan from the government. An additional 150 million Yuan and 10 million US Dollars were raised through bank loans from 44 banks. The tower was completed and opened to the public in 1994. It is affectionately known in China as "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl," a reference to its striking design, with two massive spheres at the base and a large pearl-like structure at the top.
In 1995, the tower began broadcasting, hosting nine television channels and 10 FM radio stations. Over the years, it has become a major hub for media and telecommunications, in addition to being a top tourist destination.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower offers a wide range of amenities for visitors. At a height of 263 meters, the observation deck provides breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline. You can also visit the futuristic "Space City" exhibition hall and the Shanghai Municipal History Museum, located in the tower's base. This museum showcases the history of the city, including its transformation from a small fishing village to one of the world’s leading metropolises.
The large lower sphere of the tower features various attractions, including the "Science Fantasy City" and the "Recreational Palace." On a clear day, visitors can enjoy a view stretching all the way to the Yangtze River from the sightseeing hall. In addition to the observation areas, the tower houses a hotel with 25 elegant rooms in the smaller spheres, offering a relaxing place for visitors to stay.
At the very top of the tower is a large pearl-shaped structure, home to a rotating restaurant, shops, and additional viewing platforms. This iconic structure provides guests with a unique dining experience while enjoying Shanghai’s spectacular skyline.
Over the past decade, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower has welcomed more than 25 million visitors, including 295 overseas heads of state and dignitaries. This immense popularity has made it one of the most profitable TV towers globally. In fact, its annual revenue has exceeded that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
According to the World Brand Lab, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower ranked 96th among the 500 most valuable Chinese brands, with a brand value of 5.148 billion Yuan (approximately 6.2 billion USD). It has consistently been one of the top 20 most influential Chinese brands on the global stage in recent years.
The tower’s combination of cutting-edge technology, breathtaking views, and cultural significance has made it a must-visit attraction in Shanghai and a proud symbol of China's modern achievements.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower stands as a monumental achievement in both architecture and engineering, symbolizing Shanghai's vibrant future while honoring its rich history. Whether you’re marveling at the panoramic views, exploring the interactive exhibits, or dining in the sky, the tower promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Children’s Palace
The Bund
No. 12, The Bund, is also known as No. 12 Zhongshan East Road. It was once the location of the famous Hui Feng Bank. Built in 1923, this square-shaped building has five vaults and features a distinctive circular roof in the style of ancient Greece, with a half-spherical dome on top. The building is made of steel and is elaborately decorated, including a specially designed reception hall. The British builders of the structure were immensely proud of this creation, with some even calling it “the most exquisite building from the Suez Canal in the east to the Persian Gulf in the west.”
Walking along Zhongshan East Road, you can feel the grandeur and solemnity of the area, as if the Bund is a showcase of architectural excellence. Some say that the Bund is, in fact, "an architectural exhibition." If the architectural district of the Bund were a gallery, the rest of the area would be a showroom. In the early mornings, the Bund becomes a place for locals to exercise and enjoy the fresh air. By day, the historic buildings stand in harmony with the scenic beauty of the Huangpu River and the futuristic skyline of Pudong, making it a favorite spot for tourists. At night, the city lights bathe the Bund in a vibrant glow, enhancing its beauty. The old buildings along the riverbank stand in contrast to the modern skyline, which includes iconic structures such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Jin Mao Tower, creating a stunning view that never fails to leave visitors in awe.
On the eastern side, the Bund borders the Huangpu River, while on the west, 52 buildings line the street, each with its own architectural style—Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Renaissance, Classical, and a fusion of Eastern and Western elements. Although these buildings were constructed at different times and in varying styles, their overall design is remarkably harmonious, with each structure complementing the others.
The Bund, named after the desolate beach that once lay outside the old city of Shanghai, has become one of the city's most iconic landmarks. If you haven’t visited the Bund, then you haven’t truly seen Shanghai. The Bund symbolizes the city itself; it is a microcosm of Shanghai's history and growth.
The Huangpu River
The Huangpu River is a landmark waterway in Shanghai, stretching approximately 113 kilometers (about 70 miles) in length with a width ranging from 300 to 770 meters (about 984 to 2526 feet). Its drainage basin covers an area of 24,000 square kilometers (approx. 5,930,530 acres).
The river originates from Dianshan Lake in Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, which receives water from the upper reaches of the Taihu Lake basin. From there, the river flows downstream to Wusongkou, where it meets the Yangtze River before flowing into the East China Sea. Over the course of thousands of years, the river has carved its path, with the upper reaches running east to west, and the middle and lower reaches turning north to south, effectively dividing the city of Shanghai into Puxi (West of the Huangpu River) and Pudong (East of the Huangpu River). On either side of the river, Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks have risen: the historic Bund on the west bank and the modern financial district of Lujiazui on the east.
During a visit to the river, tourists can admire the Yangpu Bridge, the Nanpu Bridge, and the Oriental Pearl Tower, which stands in the heart of the city. The two bridges, resembling two giant dragons stretching across the Huangpu River, frame the Oriental Pearl Tower in the center, creating a stunning visual metaphor of "two dragons playing with a pearl."
On the west bank of the Huangpu River, visitors are greeted by a collection of grand, foreign-style buildings, known for their diverse architectural influences from around the world. On the east bank, in stark contrast, towering modern skyscrapers rise into the sky, symbolizing Shanghai’s rapid development into a global financial hub.
Wusongkou, located at the mouth of the river, marks the point where the Huangpu River converges with the Yangtze River and the East China Sea. During high tide, one can witness the famous "Three-Water Convergence" phenomenon, where the Huangpu River’s bluish-gray waters, the muddy yellow waters of the Yangtze, and the green waters of the East China Sea mix together, creating a striking display of yellow, green, and blue hues.
The Huangpu River serves multiple functions: it is vital for shipping, water supply, drainage, irrigation, and tourism. As one of the world’s most renowned rivers, it is both a product of nature’s transformative power and a testament to humanity’s successful practice of harnessing the river’s natural flow to serve the needs of a growing city.
Yu Garden
The garden was originally established as a private estate by Pan Yunduan, a distinguished official from Sichuan, to provide his retired father, Pan En, with a serene and tranquil retreat. After over two decades of meticulous planning and construction, Yu Garden was completed in 1577. The name "Yu" symbolizes peace and tranquility, reflecting the garden's purpose of offering solace and serenity to Pan En during his retirement years. By the late Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden had gained recognition as one of the most exquisite gardens in Southeast China.
Yu Garden exemplifies the classical Jiangnan garden style, characterized by its intricate and refined design that seamlessly integrates natural and architectural elements. The garden boasts meandering pathways, exquisite pavilions, stunning rockeries, tranquil koi ponds, and ancient trees all thoughtfully arranged to create a serene and contemplative atmosphere. Additionally, it houses an impressive collection of cultural treasures including Ming and Qing dynasty furniture, renowned calligraphy and paintings, elaborate brick carvings as well as traditional stone sculptures.
The Yulinglong Stone, one of the renowned rocks in Jiangnan, and Dianchuntang, which served as the headquarters during the Taiping Rebellion in 1853, are among the prominent features of this garden. Additionally, visitors can explore the adjacent City God Temple and vibrant shopping streets, further enhancing its appeal as a popular tourist destination.
Yu Garden opened to the public in 1961 and was designated a national key cultural heritage site in 1982. Today, it remains a must-visit attraction for those seeking to experience the beauty and tranquility of traditional Chinese garden design.
The Jade Buddha Temple
Known for its vibrant spiritual atmosphere, the Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most visited and beloved temples in Shanghai. While Longhua Temple is known for fulfilling wishes related to career success, and Jing'an Temple is sought for blessings of peace, the Jade Buddha Temple is famous for helping people with wishes for wealth and love. A visit to the Jade Buddha Temple wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its treasures—the Jade Buddha and the Sitting Buddha, which have been prized by visitors since their arrival from Southeast Asia over a century ago.
At the heart of the temple is the magnificent Jade Buddha, a serene and life-sized statue carved from a single block of jade. Alongside it, visitors can find five other Buddha statues, each radiating peace and grace. The Jade Buddha Temple has undergone multiple restorations and expansions over the years, including the relocation of the Grand Buddha Hall and the construction of the Bell and Drum Towers. These additions have enriched the temple’s cultural and artistic legacy.
Occupying an area of approximately 11.6 acres, the Jade Buddha Temple features a layout based on traditional Chinese temple architecture. The temple’s main axis is home to three grand halls, with additional structures on both the east and west sides. The temple not only holds a special place in the hearts of Shanghai’s Buddhist community but is also a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. It is recognized as one of the top ten tourist attractions in Shanghai and is listed as a key Buddhist site and a protected city monument.
In 1918, the temple was rebuilt on its present site under the guidance of Master Kecheng from the Linji school. The new structure, designed to emulate the architectural style of Song Dynasty temples, was completed after ten years of dedicated work. The complex includes a Buddha hall, pagodas, kitchens, and other traditional temple buildings, with over 200 rooms in total.
The original Jade Buddha Temple was established in 1900, near the Wusong River Bay Railway Station, under the leadership of Master Ben Zhao, a disciple of Huigen. However, the temple was destroyed during the upheaval of the 1911 Revolution, leaving only the precious Jade Buddha untouched. For a time, the statue was housed in a villa on Shendan Road (now Weian Road), before the decision was made to rebuild the temple at its current location.
Founded in 1882 by Master Huigen, the temple originally housed five jade Buddhas brought from Myanmar by the master himself. Of these, two were enshrined in Shanghai, and it is these statues that have made the temple famous.
Nestled at 170 Anyuan Road in the Putuo District of Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple is one of the city’s most revered spiritual landmarks. As its name suggests, the temple is home to the sacred Jade Buddha, a symbol of serenity and wisdom. Belonging to the Linji school of Chan Buddhism, the temple is not only a place of worship but also a center for meditation and spiritual practice.
Shanghai Museum
The Shanghai Museum is a preeminent institution in China, celebrated for its vast collection of over 120,000 invaluable cultural artifacts. Its extensive and exceptional assortment, particularly in the areas of bronze ware, ceramics, calligraphy, and painting has garnered international recognition.
Founded in 1952, the museum initially operated at 325 Nanjing West Road. In 1959, it relocated to a more spacious venue at 16 Henan South Road, where it continued its progressive growth and development. In 1992, the Shanghai government made the strategic decision to construct a new museum in the heart of the city, situated in the prime location of People's Square. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new museum building took place in 1993 and it was officially inaugurated on October 12, 1996.
The new building of the Shanghai Museum spans a total area of 39,200 square meters and stands at a height of 29.5 meters. The distinctive combination of a round dome and square base, symbolizing the concept of "Heaven is round and Earth is square," creates an aesthetically captivating effect. The design seamlessly integrates traditional cultural elements with modern architecture, establishing it as a truly unique and iconic structure among global museums.
The museum accommodates 11 permanent galleries and three exhibition halls. The architectural layout encompasses six functional areas, including exhibition spaces, storage facilities, academic and research zones, management offices, and supporting amenities. Within the premises are 12 thematic exhibition rooms showcasing a wide array of treasures such as bronze artifacts, ceramics, calligraphy masterpieces, and paintings. Additionally, the exhibits encompass coins, jade pieces, sculptures, seals as well as crafts from various ethnic minorities.
The museum's total exhibition space is 12,000 square meters, distributed across four floors. The first floor features the Ancient Chinese Bronze Gallery, Ancient Chinese Sculpture Gallery, and Exhibition Hall. The second floor showcases the Ancient Chinese Ceramics Gallery and the temporary Ceramics Gallery. The third floor is dedicated to the Calligraphy Gallery, Painting Gallery, and Seals Gallery. The fourth floor exhibits the Ancient Chinese Jade Gallery, Coin Gallery, Ming and Qing Furniture Gallery, and the Ethnic Minority Craft Gallery.
Shanghai Jinmao Tower
Standing proudly at 88 Century Avenue in the heart of Shanghai’s Lujiazui Financial District, the Shanghai Jin Mao Tower is a true marvel of modern engineering and design. Located in the bustling center of the city, the tower offers breathtaking views to the east over the Pudong New Area, to the west over downtown Shanghai and the Huangpu River, and to the south toward the vibrant commercial hub of Zhang Yang Road. To the north, it overlooks the expansive 100,000-square-meter central green space.
The Jin Mao Tower occupies 24,000 square meters of land, with a total building area of 290,000 square meters. The towering 88-story main structure rises to a height of 420.5 meters, with approximately 200,000 square meters of space. Its sleek, modern design features a stunning tapering shape, symbolizing both architectural elegance and strength. The tower’s six-story podium covers 32,000 square meters, while the three underground levels span 57,000 square meters. The building’s striking exterior is enveloped in an aluminum alloy lattice, giving it a contemporary yet timeless appeal.
Inside, the Jin Mao Tower is as spectacular as its exterior. The first two floors house the grand lobby, while floors 3 to 50 feature expansive, column-free office spaces with a ceiling height of 4 meters and a net height of 2.7 meters. The upper floors—51 to 52—house essential mechanical and electrical systems, while the 53rd to 87th floors are home to a luxurious hotel. The 88th floor boasts an observation deck, offering panoramic views of the city and beyond.
Designed by the renowned Chicago-based architectural firm SOM, with Adrian Smith as the lead designer, the Jin Mao Tower combines cutting-edge global architectural trends with traditional Chinese design elements. The building is an engineering masterpiece, with a vertical deviation of only 2 centimeters and the ability to withstand winds of up to level 12 and earthquakes of magnitude 7.
The tower’s exterior is characterized by large glass panels that reflect ever-changing hues—shifting from silver to shades of blue and green. Between the two layers of glass, a low-temperature conductor ensures the interior remains insulated from the outdoor elements.
Inside, the grand lobby features a striking archway design and walls clad in Mediterranean-style perforated marble for both aesthetic and soundproofing purposes. The polished marble floors gleam without being overly shiny, while the main hallway leading to the banquet hall is an artistic corridor showcasing Chinese calligraphy and copper reliefs that depict the evolution of Chinese script, from ancient oracle bone inscriptions to modern-day characters.
At the top of the Jin Mao Tower, the 88th floor offers the “Cloud Walk”—a 60-meter-long, 1.2-meter-wide transparent skywalk, the highest of its kind in the world. This glass walkway allows visitors to experience Shanghai from a breathtaking 340.1 meters above ground level, walking in the clouds and enjoying an unparalleled view of the city below.
Since its completion, the Jin Mao Tower has garnered numerous accolades, including the Illinois World Architecture Award in 1998 and the Shanghai Classic Architecture Gold Award in 1999. It also achieved LEED-EB certification in 2013 and was named one of the "Top Ten New Landmarks in Shanghai" in 2020.
A true symbol of Shanghai's dynamic growth, the Jin Mao Tower remains a must-see destination for those who wish to experience the cutting-edge of modern architecture while soaking in the rich cultural and historical essence of one of the world’s most exciting cities.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Standing at a towering height of 468 meters (1,536 feet), the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is not only the tallest TV tower in Asia but also the third tallest in the world. It ranks behind the 553.3-meter-high CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, and the 540-meter-high Ostankino Tower in Moscow, Russia. Located in the heart of Pudong’s Lujiazui district, the tower has become a symbol of Shanghai, drawing both locals and tourists alike. Its unique design, featuring 15 spheres of varying sizes at different heights, creates a striking and futuristic appearance.
The tower's design is said to be inspired by a famous Chinese poetic line, "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate," evoking an image of pearls scattered across a jade surface. From its observation deck, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the bustling city, the Huangpu River, and beyond. The revolving restaurant and the expansive sightseeing platform can accommodate up to 1,600 people, offering an unparalleled experience in the sky.
Construction of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower began in 1992, with an initial investment of 50 million Yuan from the government. An additional 150 million Yuan and 10 million US Dollars were raised through bank loans from 44 banks. The tower was completed and opened to the public in 1994. It is affectionately known in China as "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl," a reference to its striking design, with two massive spheres at the base and a large pearl-like structure at the top.
In 1995, the tower began broadcasting, hosting nine television channels and 10 FM radio stations. Over the years, it has become a major hub for media and telecommunications, in addition to being a top tourist destination.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower offers a wide range of amenities for visitors. At a height of 263 meters, the observation deck provides breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline. You can also visit the futuristic "Space City" exhibition hall and the Shanghai Municipal History Museum, located in the tower's base. This museum showcases the history of the city, including its transformation from a small fishing village to one of the world’s leading metropolises.
The large lower sphere of the tower features various attractions, including the "Science Fantasy City" and the "Recreational Palace." On a clear day, visitors can enjoy a view stretching all the way to the Yangtze River from the sightseeing hall. In addition to the observation areas, the tower houses a hotel with 25 elegant rooms in the smaller spheres, offering a relaxing place for visitors to stay.
At the very top of the tower is a large pearl-shaped structure, home to a rotating restaurant, shops, and additional viewing platforms. This iconic structure provides guests with a unique dining experience while enjoying Shanghai’s spectacular skyline.
Over the past decade, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower has welcomed more than 25 million visitors, including 295 overseas heads of state and dignitaries. This immense popularity has made it one of the most profitable TV towers globally. In fact, its annual revenue has exceeded that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
According to the World Brand Lab, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower ranked 96th among the 500 most valuable Chinese brands, with a brand value of 5.148 billion Yuan (approximately 6.2 billion USD). It has consistently been one of the top 20 most influential Chinese brands on the global stage in recent years.
The tower’s combination of cutting-edge technology, breathtaking views, and cultural significance has made it a must-visit attraction in Shanghai and a proud symbol of China's modern achievements.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower stands as a monumental achievement in both architecture and engineering, symbolizing Shanghai's vibrant future while honoring its rich history. Whether you’re marveling at the panoramic views, exploring the interactive exhibits, or dining in the sky, the tower promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Children’s Palace
Beijing
Highlights
Yonghegong Lamasery
Yonghegong Lamasery is a well-known lama temple of the Yellow Hat Sect of Lamaism, which is located at the northeast part of Beijing. It was originally built in 1694 as the residence of Emperor Yongzheng of Qing (1644-1911 A.D.) before his ascent of the throne. And after his death, it was renamed Yonghegong. His successor Emperor Qianlong then rebuilt Yonghegong into an imperial palace with its turquoise tiles replaced by yellow tiles (yellow was the imperial color in the Qing Dynasty). In 1744, it became a lamasery. From then on, large numbers of monks from Mongolia and Tibet and national center of lama administration live in there.
As an imperial palace, the layout of the temple differentiated from other temples. The main gate faces to the south. There are five main halls and annex connected by courtyards on its 480-meter-long north-south axis, including a glaze-tiled arch, Gate of Peace (Zhaotaimen), Buddha's Warrior Hall (Tianwangdian), which was formerly the entrance to Yongzheng's imperial palace, Hall of Harmony and Peace (Yonghegong), Hall of Everlasting Protection (Yongyoudian), Hall of the Wheel of the Law (Falundian) and Pavilion of Eternal Happiness (Wanfuge).
When you are walking through the grand glaze-tile arch patterned with decorative dragons and flowers in the first court, you will reach a three-arch gate - the Gate of Peace. In ancient times, the central passageway was for emperors. On each side of the second court next to the Gate of Peace stand the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower. Two pavilions stand symmetrically on opposite to the north. If you want to know more about the temple's history, you can have a look at the inscriptions of Chinese, Manchu, Mongolian and Tibetan engraved on steles.
The Buddha's Warrior Hall, also known as the Hall of Heavenly Kings, is the former entrance to Yongzheng's imperial palace. The hall Maitreya (Happy Buddha) was always used to greet visitors, which has a smiling face with a sandalwood pagoda on each side. Many small Buddhist images, symbolizing longevity, stand on the pagoda. Therefore, the pagoda is the Longevity Pagoda. There are four fearsome-looking Heavenly Kings or Celestial Guardians on both sides of Maitreya's shrine.
On the way to the Hall of Harmony and Peace stands a marble-based bronze incense-burner. With decorations of two dragons playing with a pearl on its six opens, it is 4.2 meters in height. Afterwards there is the Mount Sumeru, a bronze sculpture of Ming (1368-1644A.D.), representing the center of the world. On the top of it there lies a legendary paradise where Sakyamuni and men of moral integrity live after death; in the middle the dwellings of humans and below devils abide in hell.
The Hall of Harmony and Peace is formerly a place for the emperor Yongzheng to hold meetings. It was also called Mahavira Hall or Daxiongbaodian in Buddhism. Mahavira here is an honorable title of Sakyamuni in Chinese. Sakyamuni is on the altar, with Buddha of the Present in the middle with Buddha of the Past Yeja and the Buddha of the Future Maitreya on each side. On each side of the hall stand Statues of 18 Arhats. It is said that 18 Arhats were the disciples of Samkyamuni to diffuse Buddhism. The painting that you can find on the western wall is a Bodhisattva.
The Hall of Everlasting Protection (Yongyoudian) and the Hall of the Wheel of the Law (Falundian) are right behind the Hall of the Harmony and Peace, where enshrines a bronze image of Tsong Kapa -- founder of the Yellow Hat Sect. With 5 gold-plating pagodas, the golden-roofed Falundian was the place where lamas assemble to have religious activities. There is a 6-meter-high gilded bronze statue of Tsong Kapa on a lotus seat in the center of the hall.
Now there are nearly 70 lamas living in this temple. If you go there, you will find that regular religious activities are still practiced. More lamas can be seen coming here in the festival for lamas or Lamaism.
Old Beijing Hutongs
The numerous old hutongs are the distinguished features of Beijing. They symbolize the traditional community with small lanes, alleys and Siheyuan (quadrangle). The life of local people in these old hutongs makes this ancient capital look more charming. Wandering along these small lanes, you can see many quadrangles, called Siheyuan in Chinese, which are the residential quarters of natives. No one knows the exact number of these hutongs there are in Beijing.
Great Wall
It is without doubt that the Great Wall is the greatest of civil engineering project of defense in ancient China. With its gigantic scale and difficulties in its construction, it is regarded as one of the great wonders in the history of mankind. The Great Wall is really the glory of the Chinese nation, which symbolizes the ancient culture and the long-standing history of China. Stretching over the mountain ranges, it proudly shows its magnificence to us. So to speak, the Great Wall has witnessed the rises and falls of innumerable dynasties and changes on the earth. At present, though the Great Wall is no longer served as a work of military defense against harassment and invasion. It still plays an important role in linking the Chinese people with the people of the rest of the world. It is one of the great bridges that build up friendship between different peoples.
The Great Wall is starting from the Old Dragon Head of the Shanhai Pass at the seaside in the east to a distance of 10,000 li (1 kilometer= 2 lis) in the west. Snaking along the north of China, it crosses three provinces, two municipalities and two autonomous regions. It is about 6,300 kilometers long, an equivalent of about 3,915 miles.
The present-day Great Wall originated from the early ancient Chinese history. During the time of Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.), in the purpose of defending themselves and against the infringement from the neighboring states, all the principal states had the walls built in the bordering areas of the territories. For example, the three states of Qin, Zhao and Yan had high walls and fortresses built along their northern frontiers to ward off the harassment by the Huns (an ancient nomadic tribe in China) from the north. In 221 B.C., the whole China was unified by the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty to defeat the six other ducal states. The emperor gave order to link up all the walls built by the former ducal states along the northern frontiers to prevent disturbing and attacking by the Huns. And these walls form the world famous “10,000-li Great Wall”. From generation to generation, the succeeding dynasties kept on the work of maintenance and repairs or having parts reconstructed time and again. Among them, the greatest project on scale in the old days of China was carried out in the Han and Ming dynasties.
Throughout history, the Great Wall is served as the traditional defensive project. It is mainly composed by passes, walls, watchtowers and beacon towers. Builders were forced to rely upon local materials for the wall inched across the Chinese wilderness. For example, some wall was built with tamped-earth, some with stone, some with tamped mixture of reed, red willow, and sands, and some with bricks outside and stuffed earth and sands inside. The walls we see today are mainly Ming walls, primary made of stone and bricks. The key parts of the military construction are Watchtowers. They are very close to each other, among which brick towers could be two or three storeys. There is a small room on the top of the tower, surrounded by battlements. The watchtower was also used to station soldiers or store food and weapons. Thousands of passes stretch along the Great Wall. Some are between the mountains, some between the mountains and rivers, and some between the mountains and sea. During the wars, passes are the strongholds by acting as the gateways of transportation. Beacon towers are used for communicating, which can deliver the emergent military messages in a very short time.
Just like the symbol of China—dragon, the Great Wall snakes from east to west on the Oriental. Nowadays, five sections of the Great Wall are opened to public in Beijing, including Badaling section, Juyong Pass section, Mutianyu section, Jinshanling section and Simatai section.
Badaling Section
Badaling section is the outstanding part of the Great Wall. Lying in the Yanqing District, sixty kilometers northwest of Beijing, it gives vital protection for the Juyong Pass, which is one of the key passes of the Great Wall. According to its strategic importance of commanding, Badaling section is known as "giving access to every direction", which gains it the name Badaling.
Badaling was built in an early time in the ancient Chinese history. During Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period, defensive wall was constructed along the Yanshan Range to resist the marauding of the nomadic tribes. Since then the following dynasties continued to fortify the Badaling section. The wall we see today was constructed in Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.) along the ridges of mountains. The construction lasted about a hundred years long from 1505, the 18th year of Emperor Hongzhi, to the reign of Emperor Wanli.
The huge Badaling wall was strongly and firmly built. It was based on the foundation of granite slabs, surrounded by a facing of kiln-fired bricks, and covered with bricks on the top. All stuffed with pulverized lime, the slots could enable the wall to be smooth. The height of the wall is 8.5 meters. It is 6.5 meters wide at the bottom and 5.7 meters wide on the top, making it possible for 5 horses or 10 people march abreast on the top. Watchtowers are 0.5 or 1 kilometer apart from each other, which were full of vigor and grandeur, and orderly spotted the wall. The battlements and embrasures of the watchtower were in good condition in wartime. The wall winds its way along the ridge of the Jundu Mountain, rising abruptly to the peaks of each side of the Badaling. You will be amazed by its seemingly endlessness. It stretches far away into the remoteness. The wall of Badaling is 3, 741 meters long.
Among all the parts of the whole Great Wall, Badaling was the earliest section to be open to the tourists. Badaling has received 130 million tourists home and abroad. Among them, there are 370 foreign leaders and very important persons who have come to climb Badaling successively.
Mutianyu Section
Mutianyu section is 75 kilometers northeast of Beijing. Lies in Huairou District, it links Juyong Pass in the west with Gubeikou Pass in the east. Mutianyu section is called as the Majestic Pass on Precipitous Mountains, commanding its strategic importance.
Because of its relatively gentle terrain, watchtowers of Mutianyu section were built in large numbers to strengthen its defensive functions. The closest watchtowers are less than 50 meters apart from each other. Both arms of the Mutianyu section stretch upwards along the ridges of continuous mountains. On the foundation of the Ming Dynasty wall The Mutianyu section was mainly built on precipitous mountains and 5-7 meters high. It is featured with a thick cluster of watchtowers atop, strategic passed, majestic vigor and unique structure. In this section, the gate tower is the most unique building.
Simatai Section
Simatai Section lies in the Miyun County, 120 kilometers away from Beijing. It started from Wangjing Tower in the east and connected with Jinshanling section in the west. Without hordes of other tourists, it is a largely unrestored and more authentic section of the Great Wall.
Simatai section was constructed during the early years of Ming Emperor Hongwu. It is said that there was a renovation applying from 1569 to 1573. It was mainly built along the ridge of the mountains because of its location in the mountainous area. Featuring in uniqueness, ruggedness and trimness, it perfectly coordinates with the undulating terrain, which makes it more majestic and magnificent. Simatai reservoir is situated at the foot of the central part of the Simatai section, which is 600-700 meters long with the storage capacity of 50,000 cubic meters.
Simatai section is considered to be the most wonderful part of the Great Wall. Taking good advantage of the fluctuating terrain, the walls and watchtowers constitute the most essential part of the wall. It is famous for its precipitous cliffs, magnificent towers, suspension walls and rugged stairways. If you are looking from distance, you may find that the Great Wall is just like a flying dragon in the cloud. However, when you stand nearby, the wall stretches its arms along the ridges of mountains. All these make it the most amazing part of the Great Wall.
Jinshanling Section
The Jinshanling Great Wall was initially built from 1368 to 1389 in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and in 1567 and 1570 rebuilding of the Wall was mainly directed by General Qi Jiguang (1528-1588). Poems and tablet writings can be found on the Jinshanling Great Wall left from the time when Qi Jiguang directed the rebuilding of this section of the Great Wall. Continue to read more on the Great Wall history. Jinshanling is connected to the Simatai Great Wall in the east and the Panlongshan Great Wall in the west. Jinshanling has probably the highest frequency of towers per kilometer of any place along the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. It also has one of the greatest varieties of architectural and defensive styles of both wall and towers.
The total length of this section is about 11 kilometers (6.8 miles). The Wall is about 7 meters high and 5 meters wide, and is made of brick and stone. The Jinshanling Great Wall has an elevation of 700 meters. There are more than 100 watch towers along the Jinshanling Great Wall. ‘Watching Beijing Tower’ is on the highest point, from which you can see Beijing. The Jinshanling Great Wall is second only to the Badaling Great Wall in its completeness.
Tian’anmen Square
Tian’anmen(Gate of Heavenly Peace), situated at the center of Beijing meaning in English, symbolizes the People's Republic of China. Built in 1417, it was formally called Chengtianmen (Gate of Heavenly Succession). At that time, it was the front gate of the Imperial City. By the end of the Ming Dynasty, the uprising farmers led by Li Zicheng entered the city, but later when the Qing army marched upon Beijing, the Chengtianmen was destroyed under the crossfire. In 1651, it was rebuilt and named "Tian'anmen".
The Tian'anmen Rostrum, as a place to hold ceremonies of great importance, such as promulgating an imperial edict conferring the title of a queen, or announcing a newly enthroned emperor, was made known to the public all over the country. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was popular to hold the Imperial Exam system for choosing high-ranking officials by way of a palace examination, which supervised by the emperor himself. If the examinees ranked the first three, they would be entitled. What’s more, they would have the honor to be granted an audience by the emperor two days after the examination. On that day they would be called in to see the emperor in turn in the Tian'anmen Rostrum.
There is a square running 880 meters from south to north and 500 meters from east to west in front of the Tian'anmen Rostrum. It is the Tian'anmen Square – the very center of Beijing. Tian'anmen Square is the largest city square in the world with an area of 44 hectares.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Tian'anmen Square was a piece of land in front of the Imperial Palace, an open space jetting out towards the south from the Tian'anmen Gate. It had a meaning of embodying the outstanding importance of the Tian'anmen Gate and the Imperial City. In the early days of the Ming Dynasty, a gate of brick and stone was built, which is right on the site of the present Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao Zedong, called Damingmen (Gate of the Great Ming). In the Qing Dynasty it was renamed as Daqingmen (Gate of Great Qing) and after 1911 Zhonghuamen (Gate of China). Later on, another two gates of brick and stone structure were built on each site of the avenue in front the gate. Surrounded by a newly built red wall, the area within the three gates formed a small square of only 11 hectares-- Tian'anmen Square.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, common people were forbidden to enter the Tian'anmen Square. And for the officials, when they entered the gate, they had to get off horses and proceed on foot into the palace. The government offices were lined outside the wall on the east and west. According to the traditional system, the civil service organizations were set in the eastern part of the square, and the military organizations in the west.
Old buildings in the Tian'anmen Square were put down after the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in 1911. In 1957, the square expanded with an area of 44 hectares, which may hold 1 million people at a time. With Chairman Mao's Memorial Hall right behind, the Monument to the People's Heroes towered in the center of the square. To the east of the Square, there is the National Museum of China and to the west the Great Hall of People (National People's Congress building).
The Monument to the People's Heroes is the largest monument in China's history which was built in 1952. On this monument, you can see the words--"The People's Heroes are Immortal", which were written by Chairman Mao. The development of Chinese modern history and those who contributed their lives to the democratic progress are shown by the eight unusually large relief sculptures. The monument is enclosed by two rows of white marble railings. It seems very simple and beautiful.
At the south side of the Square is the Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao Zedong. This Hall is consisted by three halls, among which our dear Chairman Mao's body lies in a crystal coffin in the halls surrounded by fresh bouquets of various famous flowers and grasses.
The Great Hall of the People is in the west of the Square. Constructed in 1959, this building is the site of the China National People's Congress meetings, which also provides an impressive site for other political and diplomatic activities. With twelve marble posts, the Hall includes three parts--the Central Hall, the Great Auditorium and a Banqueting Hall. The ceiling of the Central Hall is decorated with crystal lamps and the floor paved with marble. The Great Auditorium behind the Central Hall can hold 10,000 people, while the huge Banqueting Hall can seat 5,000.
At the east side of the Square stands the China National Museum, which is another important place for you to visit. Built in 2003, it is a mergence of China History Museum and China Revolutionary Museum. This National Museum is on the opposite of the Great Hall of the People. In the China Revolutionary Museum, there are a lot of material objects, pictures, books and models, presenting the development of modern China. A large number of cultural relics are exhibited in the China History Museum, illustrating the long history and glorious culture of China from 1,700,000 years ago to 1925 when the last emperor left the throne.
Forbidden City
The Palace Museum, the imperial palace in the Ming and Qing dynasties, is the largest and best-preserved palace complex in the world today. It is also called the Purple Forbidden City in Chinese. Its name, on one side, derives from ancient Chinese astronomers' belief that God's abode or the Purple Palace. The pivot of the celestial world, is situated in the Pole Star (the middle of the Ziwei Star), at the center of the heaven. Therefore, the son of God of Heaven--the emperor, should live in the Purple City. On the other side, without special orders of the emperor eunuchs and guards, ordinary citizens were not allowed entering the Forbidden City, except for palace maids. For this reason, palaces in the Ming and Qing dynasties are called both the Forbidden City and the Purple City. The Construction of the magnificent palace started in 1406, and ended in 1420. It took 14 years to complete the project. One year after completion, Emperor Yongle moved his capital from Nanjing to Beijing. Since then, 24 emperors have lived at the Forbidden City, 14 during the Ming Dynasty and 10 during the Qing Dynasty.
The Forbidden City covers an area of over 720,000 square meters, 750 meters wide and 960 meters long. And it has four great gates. The fabulous city, which is surrounded by a 52-meter-wide moat, has four delicate and lovely turrets overlooking both the inside and outside.
The Forbidden City has more than 8,700 wooden rooms, most of which have yellow-glazed tiles. It is a color that only emperors were allowed to use on their roof. From the northern Drum Tower and the Bell Tower to the Southern Gate of Everlasting Stability (Yongdingmen), these colorfully painted and embellished rooms are divided symmetrically into northern and southern halves. If you walk into the city, you will see the layers of halls and palaces spreading out on either side of a central axis. As the designations of the wise architectures, the splendid buildings represent the unique features of the traditional Chinese architecture and embody the incredible creativity of the ancient Chinese people. Reconstructed after being destroyed by several fires, this pearl of Chinese cultural heritage still retains its original arrangements of the Ming dynasty. Nowadays, most of the existing buildings open to visitors were reconstructed during the early Qing Dynasty.
In many ways the Forbidden City reveals ancient Confucian ideas, as it is generally designed to the principles of the Front court, Rear Market, Ancestral Sacrifice on the left and Altar on the right. Hence, the court was located in the southern or front section of the Forbidden City, where officials discussed political affairs. A large trading market was situated in the rear part of the city, providing daily necessities for the court. On the left side was the Imperial Ancestral Temple, where the emperor offered sacrifices to his ancestors. Nowadays, it is the Working People's Cultural Palace. On the right side was the Altar to the god of Land and Grain, where the emperor displayed his reverence to the god. This is now Zhongshan Park.
There are two courts in the Forbidden City: the Inner Court and the Outer Court. They are separated across the middle between the south and north ends. The Outer court is mainly composed by the Meridian Gate and the Three Front Halls, flanked by the Hall of Literary Glory (Wenhuadian) and the Hall of Martial Spirit (Wuyingdian), which witnessed various ceremonies and political activities during the Ming and Qing dynasties. While the inner court is mainly consisted by the Three Back Halls, Imperial Garden, Hall of Mental Cultivation and Palace of Abstinence, which are flanked by the Six East Halls and the Six West Halls. This was the place where the emperor was confronted with political affairs and was the residential area for the emperor and his empresses and concubines.
Compared with other contemporary palaces, the Forbidden City stressed more on balance and independence, and embodied more cultural perspectives of the specific ethnic group. Just as what was written in the book of History of Chinese Science by Joseph Needham, each part of the Forbidden City is in well balance and independence, which is just on the contrary to other palaces in the Renaissance Age. For the city, the Palace of Versailles is just acting as an object. The palace is an organic part of the whole city, combining deep deference to nature with lofty significance. As a tin far-reaching and complicated Chinese architecture, Great overall arrangements have reached the highest level, far above any other culture.
After the subversion of the Qing Dynasty by the Revolution of 1911, the last emperor Pu Yi was exiled to palaces at the rear of the Forbidden City. In 1914, the Three Great Halls in the Imperial Palace was opened as exhibition hall of antiquities. Ten years later, Feng Yuxiang staged a coup in Beijing and expelled the last emperor from the palace. Oct. 10, 1925 established The Palace Museum. And in 1961, the Forbidden City was listed as a place to be given special protection by the State Council. UNESCO listed it as World Cultural Heritage site in 1987.
The Forbidden City, as one of the world-famous royal palaces, has played an important role in the world architectural history. Many tourists both from home and abroad have been attracted by the almost 1 million rare treasures and cultural relics on exhibition there.
Summer Palace
Covering an area of 290 hectares in total, the Summer Palace spreads out some 15 kilometers away from the city center in the north western suburbs of Beijing. Three fourths of the palace is covered by a pool of water and the rest the land and hills.
The Summer Palace is the summer resort of the Qing royal family. Now it is the most intact, the best-preserved and the largest of its kind of the classical gardens in the country. Since the garden began to be built in 1153, it had undergone many a time reconstruction and renovation in the Yuan and Ming dynasties. In the period of Emperor Qianlong’s reign of the Qing Dynasty, it was still reconstructed in a large-scale. And this time was renamed the "Garden of Crystal Ripples". When it was completed in 1860, it suffered a severe destruction, led by the Anglo-French Allied Army, which brought it down to ashes. In 1886, Empress Dowager Cixi embezzled the funds allocated for the building of the navy to rebuild it and renamed it the "Summer Palace". However, in 1900, it underwent destruction again by the Eight Powers Allied Forces. Later, the1903 saw its second-time rebuild.
On the 12th of October 1911, Empress Dowager Longyu was finally forced to promulgate the abdication of the royal power. However, according to the agreement between the Qing royal family and the republic government, the Summer Palace would still be kept in the hands of the Qing royal family, while yet to be opened to outside as private property by selling admission tickets. 1924 when Puyi was ousted, the Summer Palace was taken over by the republic government and changed to be a public park.
The Qing royal family stayed in the Forbidden City in spring, autumn and winter. And when it came to summer, they went to their summer resort –Summer Palace. Hence, the Summer Palace shares the same functional quarters as that in the Forbidden City. Among these quarters, the office quarter, the living quarter and the entertainment quarter formed the magnificent scenery in Summer Palace.
Through the East Palace Gate, there is the Hall of the Benevolence and Longevity. The emperor used to handle state affairs and listen to reports by ministers and receive foreign envoys in there. It was called the Hallo of Diligent Administration by Emperor Qianlong during his reign. In 1860, it was burnt down by the Anglo-French Army. Reconstructed In 1890, it was then renamed the "Hall of the Benevolence and Longevity". During the reigns of Emperors Tongzhi and Guangxu, Empress Dowager Cixi got the real power to rule the country, and she started to handle state affairs behind the screen.
The Hall of Jade Ripples and the Hall of Happiness and Longevity are the three parts of the living quarter. Guangxu used to live in the Hall of Jade Ripples Emperor in the Summer Palace. After his failure of the Reform Movement of 1898, Emperor Guangxu was put into house arrest here. Thus, it is also regarded as an exquisitely decorated jail.
Consisting of four rooms, the Hall of Happiness and Longevity used to be the residence for Empress Dowager Cixi. The Empress moves to the Summer Palace and stays there in the hall every year on the first day of the fourth month in the lunar calendar. And she won't return until the tenth of the tenth lunar month when she had celebrated her birthday there. In the Summer Palace, there are over 1,000 people dancing attendance on the Dowager. Among them, there are 48 in the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, of whom 20 are maids-in-waiting, 20 eunuchs of importance and another 8 are the "ladies-in-waiting" by her side, normally waiting in the room behind the precious throne to attend on her.
The Long Corridor, the starting point of entertainment quarter, is at the end of the courtyard of the Hall of Happiness and Longevity. It is 728 meters long with more than 14,000 traditional Chinese paintings on the beams and rafters. The four pavilions along the corridor represent the four seasons a year. The Marble Boat can be found at the end of the Long Corridor. The original Chinese style of it was burnt down by the Anglo-French Army in 1860. In 1893, it was rebuilt into one of a western style, imitating a steam ship with two water-wheelers. In 1903 Empress Dowager Cixi built another storey of wooden structure with the decoration of colored pieces of glass. The construction of this immovable boat was to symbolize the stable and consolidated rule of the Qing regime just like a large piece of rock. It would stand still forever in the vast ocean and would, under no circumstances whatsoever be wavered or toppled.
Occupying three fourths of the total area of the Summer Palace, Kunming Lake plays important role in the adjustment of the temperature in the garden. Taking a walk in the Long Corridor and a dragon boat on the lake, you will have a wonderful feeling that you were the emperor and empress in ancient China.
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven stands in the southern part of Beijing. It was used to be the house ceremonies of emperors of worshipping heaven and praying for harvest in the Ming and Qing dynasties. This altar temple remains to be the largest existing ancient sacrificial structures across the world, more important than other three major temples, i.e. Altar to the Earth, Altar to the Sun and Altar to the Moon.
The Temple of Heaven was built in 1407 and the construction of the project took 14 years. Covering an area of 273 hectares, with two surrounding rings walls, it is four times bigger than the Forbidden City. The wall, stretching from north to south, is as long as 1,657 meters and that from east to west 1,703 meters. The outer wall is 6,553 meters in circumference while the inner wall measures 4,152 meters in perimeter.
To pray for good harvests and fine rain, emperors did regular worshipping and offered sacrifices to heaven. And the Temple of Heaven was used to the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties went and worshipped the heaven twice (and sometimes three times) a year. In the past, the tradition went that sacrifices were offered to heaven and earth in one place only. But in 1530 when the Temple of Earth was built in the north of the city, the Temple of Heaven was ever since used specially for offering sacrifices to heaven alone.
The Temple of Heaven is consisted by three sections, named the Circular Mound Altar, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, attached with some affiliated buildings like Dressing Platform, Long Corridor and Echo Wall.
The Circular Mound Altar was first constructed in 1530. In ancient China, to some extend, the altar was a place that even more important than the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The emperor would come to offer sacrifices to heaven on the altar every year on the day of the Winter Solstice. For this reason, the altar was rebuilt into a circular one in 1749. Built in the open air without shelter, the sacrificial ceremony was being held right under heaven. Therefore, it was called "Luji", or the "open air offering of sacrifices".
The Imperial Vault of Heaven was first built in 1530 as a main building in the south of the Temple of Heaven. At first, it was called "Taishendian" or the Hall for Pacifying Gods, but later changed into the present name. In 1752, the building was rebuilt into one of a single eave, which used to have double eaves. Standing 19.5 meters high and of 15.6 meters in diameter, the circular hall used to be an octagonal one in the past. The tablet of the Jade Emperor, the four stone platforms on both sides used to be for the tablets of the emperor’s ancestors of eight generations in succession, is consecrated on the central stone-platform in the Hall of Imperial Vault of Heaven.
Being of 32.72 meters in diameter, built on a three-tired platform, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests towers 38 meters' high with its eaves fanning out on three tiers, of which the upper one has a gold-plated knob on it. You will be amazed to see that such a heavy building was supported only by 28 wooden pillars with no single piece of reinforced concrete at all. The whole building was built by mortise and tenon joints without using a single nail. With each pillar in height of 19.2 meters, the four pillars in the center of the hall are called "Longjingzhu"--the Dragon Well Pillar. Only by joining hands together by two and half persons, can it be embraced. These four pillars indicate the four seasons of a year. You may find it more interesting that all pillars have their special meanings: the outside 12 pillars suggest 12 months in a year and another 12 pillars in the round wall symbolize the 12 two-hour periods of a day. And when you put the two 12 pillars together, the number you get is 24, which represents the 24 solar terms of a year. And when you add the four in the center of the hall to 24, you will get 28, which represents the 28 lunar mansions in the heaven above.
Since its first construction in 1420, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests has gone through several times of changes. At that moment, the hall was called "Dasidian"--the Hall of Grand Sacrifices, which was rectangular in shape. But in 1529, it was reconstructed into a round one with a roof of three tiers. And this time it was named "Daxiangdian"--the Hall of Grand Treatment to Heaven. Three different colors were painted in these roofs of three tiers. From the upper tier to the lower one, the colors are respectively blue, yellow and green. In 1752, these three colors were all changed into glazed tiles of dark blue. However, they were destroyed by lightning in 1889. And later in 1890, it was restored according to the original. In 2006, the whole building was renovated with all its paintings according to the same style as they done last time. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests has become the symbol of Beijing.
At present, the Temple of Heaven is very popular with tourist home and abroad. It is also an entertainment center for local people. If you go to the temple early in the morning, you will find many local people practicing Taiji, playing cards and Chinese chess and singing folk songs there.
Ming Tombs
Covering an area of 40 square kilometers with 13 Ming emperors buried, the Ming Tombs is situated at the southern foot of the Tianshou Mountain in Changping District in the north western suburban areas of Beijing. The construction of the imperial tombs had been going on ceaselessly from the year 1409 when Emperor Zhu Di started building his tomb to the fall of the Ming Dynasty in 1644, lasting a period over 200 years.
As many people know, there are 16 emperors in the Ming Dynasty. Among the 16 Ming emperors, 13 of them were buried in this tomb area, except for Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty who was buried in the Xiaoling Mausoleum in Nanjing, Zhu Yunwen, who disappeared and Zhu Qiyu, who was buried at Jinshan Hill in the western suburbs of Beijing, all other. Therefore, this area was called the 13 Ming Tombs.
It was originally built only for Emperor Zhu Di and his empress, named Changling, which is the most magnificent tomb. The succeeding twelve emperors had their tombs built around Changling. At present, the two tombs opened to the public are Changling and Dingling.
Changling is the first Ming tomb built in this area. Hence, the axle line of Changling naturally became the axle line of the whole Ming Tombs. Along with the various tombs, the Stone Tablet House come together overall as a structurally and visually unified architectural accomplishment. Though these tombs were built in different periods, they were strategically planed and built in different stages. Each tomb has its own distinct adornments. However, the entire tomb area has a unified layout and style.
Zhu Di was the third emperor in the Ming Dynasty, who was buried together with his empress in Changling. During his 22-year of reign, he was, relatively speaking, an emperor who had made quite some achievements. For example, he determined to move the capital from Nanjing to Beijing in 1421. To some extend, the move itself was an expression of far-sightedness, for it was very important to strengthen the national defense and guard frontier areas. During the period from 1405 to 1424, Zheng He, also called Eunuch Sanbao, was sent by the emperor to fulfill a diplomatic mission which was on an ever larger and broader scale in Chinese history. He went six times on board across the sea to over 30 countries in Asia and Africa.
Completed in 1416, as the place for worshipping tablets of the emperor and empress and offering sacrifices to ancestors, the Hall of Eminent Favor is situated within the second compound of Changling. The Hall of Eminent Favor in Changling is the best-preserved among the ones of the 13 tombs, which duplicated the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City. It is a very precious relic of ancient China's wooden structures.
Dingling is the tomb for Emperor Zhu Yijun, named the tomb of Stability. It is said that he was buried together with his two empresses—Xiaoduan and Xiaojing. Ascending the throne at the age of 10, Zhu Yijun was died at 58 with a reign span of 48 years. Therefore he became the emperor with the longest time in power for in the Ming Dynasty. The construction of the Dingling tomb started in 1584. It took 6 years to bring the project to finish in 1590, covering an area of 180,000 square meters and costing 8 million taels of silver.
The Dingling began to be excavated in May 1956, which brought to light the mystery of the underground palaces of the Ming Tombs. Constructed with hard stone-slabs, with a total floor space of 1,195 square meters, the underground palace is composed by five beamless vaults, called the front, the middle, the rear and the two annexes on the right and the left. Carved out of white marble and the rear hall with the bier holding three coffins for the emperor and his two queens, three thrones were laid out in the middle vault. There are over 3,000 pieces of archeological findings unearthed from the tomb.
Yonghegong Lamasery
Yonghegong Lamasery is a well-known lama temple of the Yellow Hat Sect of Lamaism, which is located at the northeast part of Beijing. It was originally built in 1694 as the residence of Emperor Yongzheng of Qing (1644-1911 A.D.) before his ascent of the throne. And after his death, it was renamed Yonghegong. His successor Emperor Qianlong then rebuilt Yonghegong into an imperial palace with its turquoise tiles replaced by yellow tiles (yellow was the imperial color in the Qing Dynasty). In 1744, it became a lamasery. From then on, large numbers of monks from Mongolia and Tibet and national center of lama administration live in there.
As an imperial palace, the layout of the temple differentiated from other temples. The main gate faces to the south. There are five main halls and annex connected by courtyards on its 480-meter-long north-south axis, including a glaze-tiled arch, Gate of Peace (Zhaotaimen), Buddha's Warrior Hall (Tianwangdian), which was formerly the entrance to Yongzheng's imperial palace, Hall of Harmony and Peace (Yonghegong), Hall of Everlasting Protection (Yongyoudian), Hall of the Wheel of the Law (Falundian) and Pavilion of Eternal Happiness (Wanfuge).
When you are walking through the grand glaze-tile arch patterned with decorative dragons and flowers in the first court, you will reach a three-arch gate - the Gate of Peace. In ancient times, the central passageway was for emperors. On each side of the second court next to the Gate of Peace stand the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower. Two pavilions stand symmetrically on opposite to the north. If you want to know more about the temple's history, you can have a look at the inscriptions of Chinese, Manchu, Mongolian and Tibetan engraved on steles.
The Buddha's Warrior Hall, also known as the Hall of Heavenly Kings, is the former entrance to Yongzheng's imperial palace. The hall Maitreya (Happy Buddha) was always used to greet visitors, which has a smiling face with a sandalwood pagoda on each side. Many small Buddhist images, symbolizing longevity, stand on the pagoda. Therefore, the pagoda is the Longevity Pagoda. There are four fearsome-looking Heavenly Kings or Celestial Guardians on both sides of Maitreya's shrine.
On the way to the Hall of Harmony and Peace stands a marble-based bronze incense-burner. With decorations of two dragons playing with a pearl on its six opens, it is 4.2 meters in height. Afterwards there is the Mount Sumeru, a bronze sculpture of Ming (1368-1644A.D.), representing the center of the world. On the top of it there lies a legendary paradise where Sakyamuni and men of moral integrity live after death; in the middle the dwellings of humans and below devils abide in hell.
The Hall of Harmony and Peace is formerly a place for the emperor Yongzheng to hold meetings. It was also called Mahavira Hall or Daxiongbaodian in Buddhism. Mahavira here is an honorable title of Sakyamuni in Chinese. Sakyamuni is on the altar, with Buddha of the Present in the middle with Buddha of the Past Yeja and the Buddha of the Future Maitreya on each side. On each side of the hall stand Statues of 18 Arhats. It is said that 18 Arhats were the disciples of Samkyamuni to diffuse Buddhism. The painting that you can find on the western wall is a Bodhisattva.
The Hall of Everlasting Protection (Yongyoudian) and the Hall of the Wheel of the Law (Falundian) are right behind the Hall of the Harmony and Peace, where enshrines a bronze image of Tsong Kapa -- founder of the Yellow Hat Sect. With 5 gold-plating pagodas, the golden-roofed Falundian was the place where lamas assemble to have religious activities. There is a 6-meter-high gilded bronze statue of Tsong Kapa on a lotus seat in the center of the hall.
Now there are nearly 70 lamas living in this temple. If you go there, you will find that regular religious activities are still practiced. More lamas can be seen coming here in the festival for lamas or Lamaism.
Old Beijing Hutongs
The numerous old hutongs are the distinguished features of Beijing. They symbolize the traditional community with small lanes, alleys and Siheyuan (quadrangle). The life of local people in these old hutongs makes this ancient capital look more charming. Wandering along these small lanes, you can see many quadrangles, called Siheyuan in Chinese, which are the residential quarters of natives. No one knows the exact number of these hutongs there are in Beijing.
Great Wall
It is without doubt that the Great Wall is the greatest of civil engineering project of defense in ancient China. With its gigantic scale and difficulties in its construction, it is regarded as one of the great wonders in the history of mankind. The Great Wall is really the glory of the Chinese nation, which symbolizes the ancient culture and the long-standing history of China. Stretching over the mountain ranges, it proudly shows its magnificence to us. So to speak, the Great Wall has witnessed the rises and falls of innumerable dynasties and changes on the earth. At present, though the Great Wall is no longer served as a work of military defense against harassment and invasion. It still plays an important role in linking the Chinese people with the people of the rest of the world. It is one of the great bridges that build up friendship between different peoples.
The Great Wall is starting from the Old Dragon Head of the Shanhai Pass at the seaside in the east to a distance of 10,000 li (1 kilometer= 2 lis) in the west. Snaking along the north of China, it crosses three provinces, two municipalities and two autonomous regions. It is about 6,300 kilometers long, an equivalent of about 3,915 miles.
The present-day Great Wall originated from the early ancient Chinese history. During the time of Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.), in the purpose of defending themselves and against the infringement from the neighboring states, all the principal states had the walls built in the bordering areas of the territories. For example, the three states of Qin, Zhao and Yan had high walls and fortresses built along their northern frontiers to ward off the harassment by the Huns (an ancient nomadic tribe in China) from the north. In 221 B.C., the whole China was unified by the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty to defeat the six other ducal states. The emperor gave order to link up all the walls built by the former ducal states along the northern frontiers to prevent disturbing and attacking by the Huns. And these walls form the world famous “10,000-li Great Wall”. From generation to generation, the succeeding dynasties kept on the work of maintenance and repairs or having parts reconstructed time and again. Among them, the greatest project on scale in the old days of China was carried out in the Han and Ming dynasties.
Throughout history, the Great Wall is served as the traditional defensive project. It is mainly composed by passes, walls, watchtowers and beacon towers. Builders were forced to rely upon local materials for the wall inched across the Chinese wilderness. For example, some wall was built with tamped-earth, some with stone, some with tamped mixture of reed, red willow, and sands, and some with bricks outside and stuffed earth and sands inside. The walls we see today are mainly Ming walls, primary made of stone and bricks. The key parts of the military construction are Watchtowers. They are very close to each other, among which brick towers could be two or three storeys. There is a small room on the top of the tower, surrounded by battlements. The watchtower was also used to station soldiers or store food and weapons. Thousands of passes stretch along the Great Wall. Some are between the mountains, some between the mountains and rivers, and some between the mountains and sea. During the wars, passes are the strongholds by acting as the gateways of transportation. Beacon towers are used for communicating, which can deliver the emergent military messages in a very short time.
Just like the symbol of China—dragon, the Great Wall snakes from east to west on the Oriental. Nowadays, five sections of the Great Wall are opened to public in Beijing, including Badaling section, Juyong Pass section, Mutianyu section, Jinshanling section and Simatai section.
Badaling Section
Badaling section is the outstanding part of the Great Wall. Lying in the Yanqing District, sixty kilometers northwest of Beijing, it gives vital protection for the Juyong Pass, which is one of the key passes of the Great Wall. According to its strategic importance of commanding, Badaling section is known as "giving access to every direction", which gains it the name Badaling.
Badaling was built in an early time in the ancient Chinese history. During Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period, defensive wall was constructed along the Yanshan Range to resist the marauding of the nomadic tribes. Since then the following dynasties continued to fortify the Badaling section. The wall we see today was constructed in Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.) along the ridges of mountains. The construction lasted about a hundred years long from 1505, the 18th year of Emperor Hongzhi, to the reign of Emperor Wanli.
The huge Badaling wall was strongly and firmly built. It was based on the foundation of granite slabs, surrounded by a facing of kiln-fired bricks, and covered with bricks on the top. All stuffed with pulverized lime, the slots could enable the wall to be smooth. The height of the wall is 8.5 meters. It is 6.5 meters wide at the bottom and 5.7 meters wide on the top, making it possible for 5 horses or 10 people march abreast on the top. Watchtowers are 0.5 or 1 kilometer apart from each other, which were full of vigor and grandeur, and orderly spotted the wall. The battlements and embrasures of the watchtower were in good condition in wartime. The wall winds its way along the ridge of the Jundu Mountain, rising abruptly to the peaks of each side of the Badaling. You will be amazed by its seemingly endlessness. It stretches far away into the remoteness. The wall of Badaling is 3, 741 meters long.
Among all the parts of the whole Great Wall, Badaling was the earliest section to be open to the tourists. Badaling has received 130 million tourists home and abroad. Among them, there are 370 foreign leaders and very important persons who have come to climb Badaling successively.
Mutianyu Section
Mutianyu section is 75 kilometers northeast of Beijing. Lies in Huairou District, it links Juyong Pass in the west with Gubeikou Pass in the east. Mutianyu section is called as the Majestic Pass on Precipitous Mountains, commanding its strategic importance.
Because of its relatively gentle terrain, watchtowers of Mutianyu section were built in large numbers to strengthen its defensive functions. The closest watchtowers are less than 50 meters apart from each other. Both arms of the Mutianyu section stretch upwards along the ridges of continuous mountains. On the foundation of the Ming Dynasty wall The Mutianyu section was mainly built on precipitous mountains and 5-7 meters high. It is featured with a thick cluster of watchtowers atop, strategic passed, majestic vigor and unique structure. In this section, the gate tower is the most unique building.
Simatai Section
Simatai Section lies in the Miyun County, 120 kilometers away from Beijing. It started from Wangjing Tower in the east and connected with Jinshanling section in the west. Without hordes of other tourists, it is a largely unrestored and more authentic section of the Great Wall.
Simatai section was constructed during the early years of Ming Emperor Hongwu. It is said that there was a renovation applying from 1569 to 1573. It was mainly built along the ridge of the mountains because of its location in the mountainous area. Featuring in uniqueness, ruggedness and trimness, it perfectly coordinates with the undulating terrain, which makes it more majestic and magnificent. Simatai reservoir is situated at the foot of the central part of the Simatai section, which is 600-700 meters long with the storage capacity of 50,000 cubic meters.
Simatai section is considered to be the most wonderful part of the Great Wall. Taking good advantage of the fluctuating terrain, the walls and watchtowers constitute the most essential part of the wall. It is famous for its precipitous cliffs, magnificent towers, suspension walls and rugged stairways. If you are looking from distance, you may find that the Great Wall is just like a flying dragon in the cloud. However, when you stand nearby, the wall stretches its arms along the ridges of mountains. All these make it the most amazing part of the Great Wall.
Jinshanling Section
The Jinshanling Great Wall was initially built from 1368 to 1389 in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and in 1567 and 1570 rebuilding of the Wall was mainly directed by General Qi Jiguang (1528-1588). Poems and tablet writings can be found on the Jinshanling Great Wall left from the time when Qi Jiguang directed the rebuilding of this section of the Great Wall. Continue to read more on the Great Wall history. Jinshanling is connected to the Simatai Great Wall in the east and the Panlongshan Great Wall in the west. Jinshanling has probably the highest frequency of towers per kilometer of any place along the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. It also has one of the greatest varieties of architectural and defensive styles of both wall and towers.
The total length of this section is about 11 kilometers (6.8 miles). The Wall is about 7 meters high and 5 meters wide, and is made of brick and stone. The Jinshanling Great Wall has an elevation of 700 meters. There are more than 100 watch towers along the Jinshanling Great Wall. ‘Watching Beijing Tower’ is on the highest point, from which you can see Beijing. The Jinshanling Great Wall is second only to the Badaling Great Wall in its completeness.
Tian’anmen Square
Tian’anmen(Gate of Heavenly Peace), situated at the center of Beijing meaning in English, symbolizes the People's Republic of China. Built in 1417, it was formally called Chengtianmen (Gate of Heavenly Succession). At that time, it was the front gate of the Imperial City. By the end of the Ming Dynasty, the uprising farmers led by Li Zicheng entered the city, but later when the Qing army marched upon Beijing, the Chengtianmen was destroyed under the crossfire. In 1651, it was rebuilt and named "Tian'anmen".
The Tian'anmen Rostrum, as a place to hold ceremonies of great importance, such as promulgating an imperial edict conferring the title of a queen, or announcing a newly enthroned emperor, was made known to the public all over the country. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was popular to hold the Imperial Exam system for choosing high-ranking officials by way of a palace examination, which supervised by the emperor himself. If the examinees ranked the first three, they would be entitled. What’s more, they would have the honor to be granted an audience by the emperor two days after the examination. On that day they would be called in to see the emperor in turn in the Tian'anmen Rostrum.
There is a square running 880 meters from south to north and 500 meters from east to west in front of the Tian'anmen Rostrum. It is the Tian'anmen Square – the very center of Beijing. Tian'anmen Square is the largest city square in the world with an area of 44 hectares.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Tian'anmen Square was a piece of land in front of the Imperial Palace, an open space jetting out towards the south from the Tian'anmen Gate. It had a meaning of embodying the outstanding importance of the Tian'anmen Gate and the Imperial City. In the early days of the Ming Dynasty, a gate of brick and stone was built, which is right on the site of the present Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao Zedong, called Damingmen (Gate of the Great Ming). In the Qing Dynasty it was renamed as Daqingmen (Gate of Great Qing) and after 1911 Zhonghuamen (Gate of China). Later on, another two gates of brick and stone structure were built on each site of the avenue in front the gate. Surrounded by a newly built red wall, the area within the three gates formed a small square of only 11 hectares-- Tian'anmen Square.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, common people were forbidden to enter the Tian'anmen Square. And for the officials, when they entered the gate, they had to get off horses and proceed on foot into the palace. The government offices were lined outside the wall on the east and west. According to the traditional system, the civil service organizations were set in the eastern part of the square, and the military organizations in the west.
Old buildings in the Tian'anmen Square were put down after the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in 1911. In 1957, the square expanded with an area of 44 hectares, which may hold 1 million people at a time. With Chairman Mao's Memorial Hall right behind, the Monument to the People's Heroes towered in the center of the square. To the east of the Square, there is the National Museum of China and to the west the Great Hall of People (National People's Congress building).
The Monument to the People's Heroes is the largest monument in China's history which was built in 1952. On this monument, you can see the words--"The People's Heroes are Immortal", which were written by Chairman Mao. The development of Chinese modern history and those who contributed their lives to the democratic progress are shown by the eight unusually large relief sculptures. The monument is enclosed by two rows of white marble railings. It seems very simple and beautiful.
At the south side of the Square is the Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao Zedong. This Hall is consisted by three halls, among which our dear Chairman Mao's body lies in a crystal coffin in the halls surrounded by fresh bouquets of various famous flowers and grasses.
The Great Hall of the People is in the west of the Square. Constructed in 1959, this building is the site of the China National People's Congress meetings, which also provides an impressive site for other political and diplomatic activities. With twelve marble posts, the Hall includes three parts--the Central Hall, the Great Auditorium and a Banqueting Hall. The ceiling of the Central Hall is decorated with crystal lamps and the floor paved with marble. The Great Auditorium behind the Central Hall can hold 10,000 people, while the huge Banqueting Hall can seat 5,000.
At the east side of the Square stands the China National Museum, which is another important place for you to visit. Built in 2003, it is a mergence of China History Museum and China Revolutionary Museum. This National Museum is on the opposite of the Great Hall of the People. In the China Revolutionary Museum, there are a lot of material objects, pictures, books and models, presenting the development of modern China. A large number of cultural relics are exhibited in the China History Museum, illustrating the long history and glorious culture of China from 1,700,000 years ago to 1925 when the last emperor left the throne.
Forbidden City
The Palace Museum, the imperial palace in the Ming and Qing dynasties, is the largest and best-preserved palace complex in the world today. It is also called the Purple Forbidden City in Chinese. Its name, on one side, derives from ancient Chinese astronomers' belief that God's abode or the Purple Palace. The pivot of the celestial world, is situated in the Pole Star (the middle of the Ziwei Star), at the center of the heaven. Therefore, the son of God of Heaven--the emperor, should live in the Purple City. On the other side, without special orders of the emperor eunuchs and guards, ordinary citizens were not allowed entering the Forbidden City, except for palace maids. For this reason, palaces in the Ming and Qing dynasties are called both the Forbidden City and the Purple City. The Construction of the magnificent palace started in 1406, and ended in 1420. It took 14 years to complete the project. One year after completion, Emperor Yongle moved his capital from Nanjing to Beijing. Since then, 24 emperors have lived at the Forbidden City, 14 during the Ming Dynasty and 10 during the Qing Dynasty.
The Forbidden City covers an area of over 720,000 square meters, 750 meters wide and 960 meters long. And it has four great gates. The fabulous city, which is surrounded by a 52-meter-wide moat, has four delicate and lovely turrets overlooking both the inside and outside.
The Forbidden City has more than 8,700 wooden rooms, most of which have yellow-glazed tiles. It is a color that only emperors were allowed to use on their roof. From the northern Drum Tower and the Bell Tower to the Southern Gate of Everlasting Stability (Yongdingmen), these colorfully painted and embellished rooms are divided symmetrically into northern and southern halves. If you walk into the city, you will see the layers of halls and palaces spreading out on either side of a central axis. As the designations of the wise architectures, the splendid buildings represent the unique features of the traditional Chinese architecture and embody the incredible creativity of the ancient Chinese people. Reconstructed after being destroyed by several fires, this pearl of Chinese cultural heritage still retains its original arrangements of the Ming dynasty. Nowadays, most of the existing buildings open to visitors were reconstructed during the early Qing Dynasty.
In many ways the Forbidden City reveals ancient Confucian ideas, as it is generally designed to the principles of the Front court, Rear Market, Ancestral Sacrifice on the left and Altar on the right. Hence, the court was located in the southern or front section of the Forbidden City, where officials discussed political affairs. A large trading market was situated in the rear part of the city, providing daily necessities for the court. On the left side was the Imperial Ancestral Temple, where the emperor offered sacrifices to his ancestors. Nowadays, it is the Working People's Cultural Palace. On the right side was the Altar to the god of Land and Grain, where the emperor displayed his reverence to the god. This is now Zhongshan Park.
There are two courts in the Forbidden City: the Inner Court and the Outer Court. They are separated across the middle between the south and north ends. The Outer court is mainly composed by the Meridian Gate and the Three Front Halls, flanked by the Hall of Literary Glory (Wenhuadian) and the Hall of Martial Spirit (Wuyingdian), which witnessed various ceremonies and political activities during the Ming and Qing dynasties. While the inner court is mainly consisted by the Three Back Halls, Imperial Garden, Hall of Mental Cultivation and Palace of Abstinence, which are flanked by the Six East Halls and the Six West Halls. This was the place where the emperor was confronted with political affairs and was the residential area for the emperor and his empresses and concubines.
Compared with other contemporary palaces, the Forbidden City stressed more on balance and independence, and embodied more cultural perspectives of the specific ethnic group. Just as what was written in the book of History of Chinese Science by Joseph Needham, each part of the Forbidden City is in well balance and independence, which is just on the contrary to other palaces in the Renaissance Age. For the city, the Palace of Versailles is just acting as an object. The palace is an organic part of the whole city, combining deep deference to nature with lofty significance. As a tin far-reaching and complicated Chinese architecture, Great overall arrangements have reached the highest level, far above any other culture.
After the subversion of the Qing Dynasty by the Revolution of 1911, the last emperor Pu Yi was exiled to palaces at the rear of the Forbidden City. In 1914, the Three Great Halls in the Imperial Palace was opened as exhibition hall of antiquities. Ten years later, Feng Yuxiang staged a coup in Beijing and expelled the last emperor from the palace. Oct. 10, 1925 established The Palace Museum. And in 1961, the Forbidden City was listed as a place to be given special protection by the State Council. UNESCO listed it as World Cultural Heritage site in 1987.
The Forbidden City, as one of the world-famous royal palaces, has played an important role in the world architectural history. Many tourists both from home and abroad have been attracted by the almost 1 million rare treasures and cultural relics on exhibition there.
Summer Palace
Covering an area of 290 hectares in total, the Summer Palace spreads out some 15 kilometers away from the city center in the north western suburbs of Beijing. Three fourths of the palace is covered by a pool of water and the rest the land and hills.
The Summer Palace is the summer resort of the Qing royal family. Now it is the most intact, the best-preserved and the largest of its kind of the classical gardens in the country. Since the garden began to be built in 1153, it had undergone many a time reconstruction and renovation in the Yuan and Ming dynasties. In the period of Emperor Qianlong’s reign of the Qing Dynasty, it was still reconstructed in a large-scale. And this time was renamed the "Garden of Crystal Ripples". When it was completed in 1860, it suffered a severe destruction, led by the Anglo-French Allied Army, which brought it down to ashes. In 1886, Empress Dowager Cixi embezzled the funds allocated for the building of the navy to rebuild it and renamed it the "Summer Palace". However, in 1900, it underwent destruction again by the Eight Powers Allied Forces. Later, the1903 saw its second-time rebuild.
On the 12th of October 1911, Empress Dowager Longyu was finally forced to promulgate the abdication of the royal power. However, according to the agreement between the Qing royal family and the republic government, the Summer Palace would still be kept in the hands of the Qing royal family, while yet to be opened to outside as private property by selling admission tickets. 1924 when Puyi was ousted, the Summer Palace was taken over by the republic government and changed to be a public park.
The Qing royal family stayed in the Forbidden City in spring, autumn and winter. And when it came to summer, they went to their summer resort –Summer Palace. Hence, the Summer Palace shares the same functional quarters as that in the Forbidden City. Among these quarters, the office quarter, the living quarter and the entertainment quarter formed the magnificent scenery in Summer Palace.
Through the East Palace Gate, there is the Hall of the Benevolence and Longevity. The emperor used to handle state affairs and listen to reports by ministers and receive foreign envoys in there. It was called the Hallo of Diligent Administration by Emperor Qianlong during his reign. In 1860, it was burnt down by the Anglo-French Army. Reconstructed In 1890, it was then renamed the "Hall of the Benevolence and Longevity". During the reigns of Emperors Tongzhi and Guangxu, Empress Dowager Cixi got the real power to rule the country, and she started to handle state affairs behind the screen.
The Hall of Jade Ripples and the Hall of Happiness and Longevity are the three parts of the living quarter. Guangxu used to live in the Hall of Jade Ripples Emperor in the Summer Palace. After his failure of the Reform Movement of 1898, Emperor Guangxu was put into house arrest here. Thus, it is also regarded as an exquisitely decorated jail.
Consisting of four rooms, the Hall of Happiness and Longevity used to be the residence for Empress Dowager Cixi. The Empress moves to the Summer Palace and stays there in the hall every year on the first day of the fourth month in the lunar calendar. And she won't return until the tenth of the tenth lunar month when she had celebrated her birthday there. In the Summer Palace, there are over 1,000 people dancing attendance on the Dowager. Among them, there are 48 in the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, of whom 20 are maids-in-waiting, 20 eunuchs of importance and another 8 are the "ladies-in-waiting" by her side, normally waiting in the room behind the precious throne to attend on her.
The Long Corridor, the starting point of entertainment quarter, is at the end of the courtyard of the Hall of Happiness and Longevity. It is 728 meters long with more than 14,000 traditional Chinese paintings on the beams and rafters. The four pavilions along the corridor represent the four seasons a year. The Marble Boat can be found at the end of the Long Corridor. The original Chinese style of it was burnt down by the Anglo-French Army in 1860. In 1893, it was rebuilt into one of a western style, imitating a steam ship with two water-wheelers. In 1903 Empress Dowager Cixi built another storey of wooden structure with the decoration of colored pieces of glass. The construction of this immovable boat was to symbolize the stable and consolidated rule of the Qing regime just like a large piece of rock. It would stand still forever in the vast ocean and would, under no circumstances whatsoever be wavered or toppled.
Occupying three fourths of the total area of the Summer Palace, Kunming Lake plays important role in the adjustment of the temperature in the garden. Taking a walk in the Long Corridor and a dragon boat on the lake, you will have a wonderful feeling that you were the emperor and empress in ancient China.
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven stands in the southern part of Beijing. It was used to be the house ceremonies of emperors of worshipping heaven and praying for harvest in the Ming and Qing dynasties. This altar temple remains to be the largest existing ancient sacrificial structures across the world, more important than other three major temples, i.e. Altar to the Earth, Altar to the Sun and Altar to the Moon.
The Temple of Heaven was built in 1407 and the construction of the project took 14 years. Covering an area of 273 hectares, with two surrounding rings walls, it is four times bigger than the Forbidden City. The wall, stretching from north to south, is as long as 1,657 meters and that from east to west 1,703 meters. The outer wall is 6,553 meters in circumference while the inner wall measures 4,152 meters in perimeter.
To pray for good harvests and fine rain, emperors did regular worshipping and offered sacrifices to heaven. And the Temple of Heaven was used to the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties went and worshipped the heaven twice (and sometimes three times) a year. In the past, the tradition went that sacrifices were offered to heaven and earth in one place only. But in 1530 when the Temple of Earth was built in the north of the city, the Temple of Heaven was ever since used specially for offering sacrifices to heaven alone.
The Temple of Heaven is consisted by three sections, named the Circular Mound Altar, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, attached with some affiliated buildings like Dressing Platform, Long Corridor and Echo Wall.
The Circular Mound Altar was first constructed in 1530. In ancient China, to some extend, the altar was a place that even more important than the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The emperor would come to offer sacrifices to heaven on the altar every year on the day of the Winter Solstice. For this reason, the altar was rebuilt into a circular one in 1749. Built in the open air without shelter, the sacrificial ceremony was being held right under heaven. Therefore, it was called "Luji", or the "open air offering of sacrifices".
The Imperial Vault of Heaven was first built in 1530 as a main building in the south of the Temple of Heaven. At first, it was called "Taishendian" or the Hall for Pacifying Gods, but later changed into the present name. In 1752, the building was rebuilt into one of a single eave, which used to have double eaves. Standing 19.5 meters high and of 15.6 meters in diameter, the circular hall used to be an octagonal one in the past. The tablet of the Jade Emperor, the four stone platforms on both sides used to be for the tablets of the emperor’s ancestors of eight generations in succession, is consecrated on the central stone-platform in the Hall of Imperial Vault of Heaven.
Being of 32.72 meters in diameter, built on a three-tired platform, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests towers 38 meters' high with its eaves fanning out on three tiers, of which the upper one has a gold-plated knob on it. You will be amazed to see that such a heavy building was supported only by 28 wooden pillars with no single piece of reinforced concrete at all. The whole building was built by mortise and tenon joints without using a single nail. With each pillar in height of 19.2 meters, the four pillars in the center of the hall are called "Longjingzhu"--the Dragon Well Pillar. Only by joining hands together by two and half persons, can it be embraced. These four pillars indicate the four seasons of a year. You may find it more interesting that all pillars have their special meanings: the outside 12 pillars suggest 12 months in a year and another 12 pillars in the round wall symbolize the 12 two-hour periods of a day. And when you put the two 12 pillars together, the number you get is 24, which represents the 24 solar terms of a year. And when you add the four in the center of the hall to 24, you will get 28, which represents the 28 lunar mansions in the heaven above.
Since its first construction in 1420, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests has gone through several times of changes. At that moment, the hall was called "Dasidian"--the Hall of Grand Sacrifices, which was rectangular in shape. But in 1529, it was reconstructed into a round one with a roof of three tiers. And this time it was named "Daxiangdian"--the Hall of Grand Treatment to Heaven. Three different colors were painted in these roofs of three tiers. From the upper tier to the lower one, the colors are respectively blue, yellow and green. In 1752, these three colors were all changed into glazed tiles of dark blue. However, they were destroyed by lightning in 1889. And later in 1890, it was restored according to the original. In 2006, the whole building was renovated with all its paintings according to the same style as they done last time. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests has become the symbol of Beijing.
At present, the Temple of Heaven is very popular with tourist home and abroad. It is also an entertainment center for local people. If you go to the temple early in the morning, you will find many local people practicing Taiji, playing cards and Chinese chess and singing folk songs there.
Ming Tombs
Covering an area of 40 square kilometers with 13 Ming emperors buried, the Ming Tombs is situated at the southern foot of the Tianshou Mountain in Changping District in the north western suburban areas of Beijing. The construction of the imperial tombs had been going on ceaselessly from the year 1409 when Emperor Zhu Di started building his tomb to the fall of the Ming Dynasty in 1644, lasting a period over 200 years.
As many people know, there are 16 emperors in the Ming Dynasty. Among the 16 Ming emperors, 13 of them were buried in this tomb area, except for Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty who was buried in the Xiaoling Mausoleum in Nanjing, Zhu Yunwen, who disappeared and Zhu Qiyu, who was buried at Jinshan Hill in the western suburbs of Beijing, all other. Therefore, this area was called the 13 Ming Tombs.
It was originally built only for Emperor Zhu Di and his empress, named Changling, which is the most magnificent tomb. The succeeding twelve emperors had their tombs built around Changling. At present, the two tombs opened to the public are Changling and Dingling.
Changling is the first Ming tomb built in this area. Hence, the axle line of Changling naturally became the axle line of the whole Ming Tombs. Along with the various tombs, the Stone Tablet House come together overall as a structurally and visually unified architectural accomplishment. Though these tombs were built in different periods, they were strategically planed and built in different stages. Each tomb has its own distinct adornments. However, the entire tomb area has a unified layout and style.
Zhu Di was the third emperor in the Ming Dynasty, who was buried together with his empress in Changling. During his 22-year of reign, he was, relatively speaking, an emperor who had made quite some achievements. For example, he determined to move the capital from Nanjing to Beijing in 1421. To some extend, the move itself was an expression of far-sightedness, for it was very important to strengthen the national defense and guard frontier areas. During the period from 1405 to 1424, Zheng He, also called Eunuch Sanbao, was sent by the emperor to fulfill a diplomatic mission which was on an ever larger and broader scale in Chinese history. He went six times on board across the sea to over 30 countries in Asia and Africa.
Completed in 1416, as the place for worshipping tablets of the emperor and empress and offering sacrifices to ancestors, the Hall of Eminent Favor is situated within the second compound of Changling. The Hall of Eminent Favor in Changling is the best-preserved among the ones of the 13 tombs, which duplicated the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City. It is a very precious relic of ancient China's wooden structures.
Dingling is the tomb for Emperor Zhu Yijun, named the tomb of Stability. It is said that he was buried together with his two empresses—Xiaoduan and Xiaojing. Ascending the throne at the age of 10, Zhu Yijun was died at 58 with a reign span of 48 years. Therefore he became the emperor with the longest time in power for in the Ming Dynasty. The construction of the Dingling tomb started in 1584. It took 6 years to bring the project to finish in 1590, covering an area of 180,000 square meters and costing 8 million taels of silver.
The Dingling began to be excavated in May 1956, which brought to light the mystery of the underground palaces of the Ming Tombs. Constructed with hard stone-slabs, with a total floor space of 1,195 square meters, the underground palace is composed by five beamless vaults, called the front, the middle, the rear and the two annexes on the right and the left. Carved out of white marble and the rear hall with the bier holding three coffins for the emperor and his two queens, three thrones were laid out in the middle vault. There are over 3,000 pieces of archeological findings unearthed from the tomb.
Yonghegong Lamasery
Yonghegong Lamasery is a well-known lama temple of the Yellow Hat Sect of Lamaism, which is located at the northeast part of Beijing. It was originally built in 1694 as the residence of Emperor Yongzheng of Qing (1644-1911 A.D.) before his ascent of the throne. And after his death, it was renamed Yonghegong. His successor Emperor Qianlong then rebuilt Yonghegong into an imperial palace with its turquoise tiles replaced by yellow tiles (yellow was the imperial color in the Qing Dynasty). In 1744, it became a lamasery. From then on, large numbers of monks from Mongolia and Tibet and national center of lama administration live in there.
As an imperial palace, the layout of the temple differentiated from other temples. The main gate faces to the south. There are five main halls and annex connected by courtyards on its 480-meter-long north-south axis, including a glaze-tiled arch, Gate of Peace (Zhaotaimen), Buddha's Warrior Hall (Tianwangdian), which was formerly the entrance to Yongzheng's imperial palace, Hall of Harmony and Peace (Yonghegong), Hall of Everlasting Protection (Yongyoudian), Hall of the Wheel of the Law (Falundian) and Pavilion of Eternal Happiness (Wanfuge).
When you are walking through the grand glaze-tile arch patterned with decorative dragons and flowers in the first court, you will reach a three-arch gate - the Gate of Peace. In ancient times, the central passageway was for emperors. On each side of the second court next to the Gate of Peace stand the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower. Two pavilions stand symmetrically on opposite to the north. If you want to know more about the temple's history, you can have a look at the inscriptions of Chinese, Manchu, Mongolian and Tibetan engraved on steles.
The Buddha's Warrior Hall, also known as the Hall of Heavenly Kings, is the former entrance to Yongzheng's imperial palace. The hall Maitreya (Happy Buddha) was always used to greet visitors, which has a smiling face with a sandalwood pagoda on each side. Many small Buddhist images, symbolizing longevity, stand on the pagoda. Therefore, the pagoda is the Longevity Pagoda. There are four fearsome-looking Heavenly Kings or Celestial Guardians on both sides of Maitreya's shrine.
On the way to the Hall of Harmony and Peace stands a marble-based bronze incense-burner. With decorations of two dragons playing with a pearl on its six opens, it is 4.2 meters in height. Afterwards there is the Mount Sumeru, a bronze sculpture of Ming (1368-1644A.D.), representing the center of the world. On the top of it there lies a legendary paradise where Sakyamuni and men of moral integrity live after death; in the middle the dwellings of humans and below devils abide in hell.
The Hall of Harmony and Peace is formerly a place for the emperor Yongzheng to hold meetings. It was also called Mahavira Hall or Daxiongbaodian in Buddhism. Mahavira here is an honorable title of Sakyamuni in Chinese. Sakyamuni is on the altar, with Buddha of the Present in the middle with Buddha of the Past Yeja and the Buddha of the Future Maitreya on each side. On each side of the hall stand Statues of 18 Arhats. It is said that 18 Arhats were the disciples of Samkyamuni to diffuse Buddhism. The painting that you can find on the western wall is a Bodhisattva.
The Hall of Everlasting Protection (Yongyoudian) and the Hall of the Wheel of the Law (Falundian) are right behind the Hall of the Harmony and Peace, where enshrines a bronze image of Tsong Kapa -- founder of the Yellow Hat Sect. With 5 gold-plating pagodas, the golden-roofed Falundian was the place where lamas assemble to have religious activities. There is a 6-meter-high gilded bronze statue of Tsong Kapa on a lotus seat in the center of the hall.
Now there are nearly 70 lamas living in this temple. If you go there, you will find that regular religious activities are still practiced. More lamas can be seen coming here in the festival for lamas or Lamaism.
Old Beijing Hutongs
The numerous old hutongs are the distinguished features of Beijing. They symbolize the traditional community with small lanes, alleys and Siheyuan (quadrangle). The life of local people in these old hutongs makes this ancient capital look more charming. Wandering along these small lanes, you can see many quadrangles, called Siheyuan in Chinese, which are the residential quarters of natives. No one knows the exact number of these hutongs there are in Beijing.
Chengdu
Highlights
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
With two clean rivers running through and two green hills decorating, Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Historic Interest Area, an ancient town full of ancient cultural architectures and custom, appeals to an increasing number of tourists from near and far. Huanglong Historic Interest Area consists of three charming parts that are free for visiting, namely the Custom Street, the Dragon Street and the core zone.
Along the Custom Street, various magnificent architectures built in different times will be a sumptuous art feast for the eyes, and the beautiful and yummy local snacks will increase your appetite greatly and make you reluctant to leave. Having traveled around the Custom Street, you will be attracted by the next station--Dragon Street, where there is a clean stream zigzagging through just like a water dragon. Along the both banks of the dragon stream, teahouses, local restaurants and specialties stores rank orderly like a comb.
Crossing the stone bridge, you will reach the core zone where the most shinning cultural heritages are waiting for you. The fish-skeleton-like lanes, the centuries-old dock and the ancient temples with old banyans around and street full of ancient local customs will be a memorable experience in your expedition. If you come here on the local festivals, the lovely local celebrations will amaze you a lot.
Opening Hours: 9:00 -- 16:30
Ticket Price: free
Location: 40 km (25 miles) away from the city center of Chengdu
Transportation:
Shuttle bus from New South Gate (xin nan men) Station will bring you here directly (10 CNY).
Emei Mountain
Consisting of four mountains with the peak of 3099 meters and covering 154 square km, E-mei Mountain is praised as the finest mountain under heaven for the rarely seen picturesque landscapes in the precipitous topography. With two rivers circling, E-mei possesses marvelous scenes--the long peaceful valley, the curtain-like rushing waterfalls, the flourishing trees and blooming flowers—together with which the Buddhist temples form a beautiful picture.
Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base
Speaking of the panda, the phrase “National Treasure of China” will hit our minds. Panda is a kind of precious wild animal species that requires a demanding living environment. Therefore, China set up many Breeding and Research Bases to provide an ideal and most suitable natural living circumstance for the Chinese Giant Panda, the base in Sichuan Province is included.
Leshan Giant Buddha
As the largest stone sculpture of Buddha in the world, the Leshan Giant Buddha, sitting at the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers, costs 90 years to complete. The idea of the creation of the giant Buddha sculpture is out of the popularity of the Buddhist in Tang Dynasty.
Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage
Du Fu, a celebrated poet in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), has left behind over 200 masterpieces of peoms for the later generations. Du Fu is known for the patriotism and his brilliant in poem. The most important factor of all about his work is compassion, which was especially inspirational for his fans.
As its name implies, the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu was Du Fu’s home a thousand years ago, while it is not so much a cottage as a museum that attracts numerous visitors. The exhibits here include a brief account of Du Fu's life and some of his original calligraphy and poems. The complex also contains three imposing statues of some of China's greatest poets; Du Fu, Li You and Huang Tingjian (the latter two were Song dynasty poets). Today, this is a pleasant site to visit, with nice buildings dotted about, teahouses and pleasant bamboo gardens to wander and explore. This site is also home to the Chengdu Du Fu society. The Thatched Cottage of Du Fu stretches out its arms to welcome visitors from all over the world.
A garden-like museum full of cultural breath is for showing people how brilliant and celebrated Du Fu is and for making your amazing expedition meaningful.
Opening Hours:
8:00 -- 18:00 (in winter)
7:30 -- 19:00 (in summer)
Ticket Price:
60 CNY for adults
30 CNY for students
Free for the people holding the local Older Card and the non-local people older than 70
Location: No. 38, Tsinghua Road, Chengdu City
Transportation: Bus No. 17, 35, 82, 84 and 301 will bring you here directly.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System, constructed in Qin Dynasty around 2,200 years ago, is a shinning pearl in the irrigation development of China, which is also praised as the “Originator of the Culture in Irrigation Work”. As the earliest irrigation work without dam in the ancient China, Dujiangyan has been making the greatest contribution to the development of the economy in Chengdu--the land of abundance.Having witnessed centuries’ changes, the gorgeous Dujiangyan likes a record of the history attracting a growing number of tourists with the picturesque and splendid landscape. On November 29, 2000, Dujiangyan was listed as the world cultural heritage by UNESCO. Nowadays, Dujiangyan is not only the irrigation work, but also a popular scenic spot with many charming sceneries around--just like many stars twinkling around the moon.
The characterized members of the stars are the fish-mouth-like dyke--can solve the problem of irrigation in drought seasons, the bottle-neck-like sluice gate--can control the volume of inflowing water, the vent-like Feishayan--can release flood and silt from waterway to outer river, the 500-meter-long Anlan Suspension Bridge (called Couple’s Bridge)--has experienced hundreds years’ history since Song dynasty (960-1234), the garden-like Erwang-Temple with peaceful environment, and the 1800-year-old Dragon-Taming Temple.
Opening Hours: 09:00 -- 17:50
Ticket Price:
90 CNY for adults
45 CNY for kids between 1.1-1.4 meter, people between 60-69 years, the disabled and the students
Location: West Dujiangyan City, Sichuan
Transportation: Shuttle buses, subway and bus No. 1 to No. 17, 101, 102, 103, 201 and 202 will bring you here directly.
Wangjiang Pavilion
Wangjiang Pavilion with a height of 39 meters is the most shinning architecture in the Wangjiang Park that covered by green bamboo woods. Wangjiang Pavilion, built in Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), was designed as an octagonal shape with the overhanging eaves, sharp golden roof, and various exquisite figure carvings and clay sculptures of animals decorating each floor. Located on the bank of Jinjiang River, Wangjiang Pavilion provides an ideal angle for river viewing, from which it derived the present name “Wangjiang Lou”.
This splendid pavilion was built in memory of Xue Tao, a brilliant female poet in Tang Dynasty who has left behind many great poems. There are more than 100 kinds of bamboo around the Wangjiang Pavilion for Xue Tao has a passion for bamboo in her life. Around the Wangjiang Pivilion, out lay a group of memorial buildings including Wuyunxiang Hall, Quanxiang chamber, Pipa pavilion among which there are house a large amount of steles, paintings, calligraphy, inscribed couplets and poems.
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 17:00
Ticket Price: 20 CNY
Location: Wangjiang Road, Chengdu City
Transportation: Bus No. 3, 18, 19, 31 and 35 will bring you here directly.
Wuhou Memorial Temple
Covering 37,000 square meters, Wuhou Memorial Temple was built in the year of 233 in memory of Zhuge Liang, the most brilliant military counselor in the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). Inside the temple, the magnificent and exquisitely designed buildings are hiding in the flourishingly towering pine trees, creating a historic environment with a strong breath of history.
In the exhibition zone, there are a lot of valuable historic relics, including the well-known couplets created by Du Fu, exquisite carvings and sophisticated stone inscriptions, the precious works of calligraphy and painting, the statuses of the celebrities in Three Kingdoms Period as well as the room with the original appearance in which Zhuge Liang lived. The exhibitions may cause an amazing feeling likes being back to the Three Kingdoms Period.
The temple displays the suppleness of the Chinese garden. There are numerous historical relics like horizontal cribbed boards, couplets, inscribed tablets, penmanship, furnaces, Chinese tripods, etc. The SanZui (Three-Best) horizontal inscribed board, Zhuge Liang's Lung Gun couplets, Chu Si Biao and the tomb of LiuBei are the most famous one. Today the Wuhou Temple is the most famous tourist attraction of Chengdu city. It is not only a site for people to commemorate Zhuge Liang, but also serves as a museum to the history of the Three Kingdoms Period.
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 18:00
Ticket Price: 60 CNY
Location: No. 231, Wuhouci Street, Chengdu City
Transportation:
Bus No.1, 10, 57, 82, 301, 334, 335, 503, 521, 901 and 904 will bring you here directly.
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
With two clean rivers running through and two green hills decorating, Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Historic Interest Area, an ancient town full of ancient cultural architectures and custom, appeals to an increasing number of tourists from near and far. Huanglong Historic Interest Area consists of three charming parts that are free for visiting, namely the Custom Street, the Dragon Street and the core zone.
Along the Custom Street, various magnificent architectures built in different times will be a sumptuous art feast for the eyes, and the beautiful and yummy local snacks will increase your appetite greatly and make you reluctant to leave. Having traveled around the Custom Street, you will be attracted by the next station--Dragon Street, where there is a clean stream zigzagging through just like a water dragon. Along the both banks of the dragon stream, teahouses, local restaurants and specialties stores rank orderly like a comb.
Crossing the stone bridge, you will reach the core zone where the most shinning cultural heritages are waiting for you. The fish-skeleton-like lanes, the centuries-old dock and the ancient temples with old banyans around and street full of ancient local customs will be a memorable experience in your expedition. If you come here on the local festivals, the lovely local celebrations will amaze you a lot.
Opening Hours: 9:00 -- 16:30
Ticket Price: free
Location: 40 km (25 miles) away from the city center of Chengdu
Transportation:
Shuttle bus from New South Gate (xin nan men) Station will bring you here directly (10 CNY).
Emei Mountain
Consisting of four mountains with the peak of 3099 meters and covering 154 square km, E-mei Mountain is praised as the finest mountain under heaven for the rarely seen picturesque landscapes in the precipitous topography. With two rivers circling, E-mei possesses marvelous scenes--the long peaceful valley, the curtain-like rushing waterfalls, the flourishing trees and blooming flowers—together with which the Buddhist temples form a beautiful picture.
Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base
Speaking of the panda, the phrase “National Treasure of China” will hit our minds. Panda is a kind of precious wild animal species that requires a demanding living environment. Therefore, China set up many Breeding and Research Bases to provide an ideal and most suitable natural living circumstance for the Chinese Giant Panda, the base in Sichuan Province is included.
Leshan Giant Buddha
As the largest stone sculpture of Buddha in the world, the Leshan Giant Buddha, sitting at the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers, costs 90 years to complete. The idea of the creation of the giant Buddha sculpture is out of the popularity of the Buddhist in Tang Dynasty.
Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage
Du Fu, a celebrated poet in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), has left behind over 200 masterpieces of peoms for the later generations. Du Fu is known for the patriotism and his brilliant in poem. The most important factor of all about his work is compassion, which was especially inspirational for his fans.
As its name implies, the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu was Du Fu’s home a thousand years ago, while it is not so much a cottage as a museum that attracts numerous visitors. The exhibits here include a brief account of Du Fu's life and some of his original calligraphy and poems. The complex also contains three imposing statues of some of China's greatest poets; Du Fu, Li You and Huang Tingjian (the latter two were Song dynasty poets). Today, this is a pleasant site to visit, with nice buildings dotted about, teahouses and pleasant bamboo gardens to wander and explore. This site is also home to the Chengdu Du Fu society. The Thatched Cottage of Du Fu stretches out its arms to welcome visitors from all over the world.
A garden-like museum full of cultural breath is for showing people how brilliant and celebrated Du Fu is and for making your amazing expedition meaningful.
Opening Hours:
8:00 -- 18:00 (in winter)
7:30 -- 19:00 (in summer)
Ticket Price:
60 CNY for adults
30 CNY for students
Free for the people holding the local Older Card and the non-local people older than 70
Location: No. 38, Tsinghua Road, Chengdu City
Transportation: Bus No. 17, 35, 82, 84 and 301 will bring you here directly.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System, constructed in Qin Dynasty around 2,200 years ago, is a shinning pearl in the irrigation development of China, which is also praised as the “Originator of the Culture in Irrigation Work”. As the earliest irrigation work without dam in the ancient China, Dujiangyan has been making the greatest contribution to the development of the economy in Chengdu--the land of abundance.Having witnessed centuries’ changes, the gorgeous Dujiangyan likes a record of the history attracting a growing number of tourists with the picturesque and splendid landscape. On November 29, 2000, Dujiangyan was listed as the world cultural heritage by UNESCO. Nowadays, Dujiangyan is not only the irrigation work, but also a popular scenic spot with many charming sceneries around--just like many stars twinkling around the moon.
The characterized members of the stars are the fish-mouth-like dyke--can solve the problem of irrigation in drought seasons, the bottle-neck-like sluice gate--can control the volume of inflowing water, the vent-like Feishayan--can release flood and silt from waterway to outer river, the 500-meter-long Anlan Suspension Bridge (called Couple’s Bridge)--has experienced hundreds years’ history since Song dynasty (960-1234), the garden-like Erwang-Temple with peaceful environment, and the 1800-year-old Dragon-Taming Temple.
Opening Hours: 09:00 -- 17:50
Ticket Price:
90 CNY for adults
45 CNY for kids between 1.1-1.4 meter, people between 60-69 years, the disabled and the students
Location: West Dujiangyan City, Sichuan
Transportation: Shuttle buses, subway and bus No. 1 to No. 17, 101, 102, 103, 201 and 202 will bring you here directly.
Wangjiang Pavilion
Wangjiang Pavilion with a height of 39 meters is the most shinning architecture in the Wangjiang Park that covered by green bamboo woods. Wangjiang Pavilion, built in Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), was designed as an octagonal shape with the overhanging eaves, sharp golden roof, and various exquisite figure carvings and clay sculptures of animals decorating each floor. Located on the bank of Jinjiang River, Wangjiang Pavilion provides an ideal angle for river viewing, from which it derived the present name “Wangjiang Lou”.
This splendid pavilion was built in memory of Xue Tao, a brilliant female poet in Tang Dynasty who has left behind many great poems. There are more than 100 kinds of bamboo around the Wangjiang Pavilion for Xue Tao has a passion for bamboo in her life. Around the Wangjiang Pivilion, out lay a group of memorial buildings including Wuyunxiang Hall, Quanxiang chamber, Pipa pavilion among which there are house a large amount of steles, paintings, calligraphy, inscribed couplets and poems.
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 17:00
Ticket Price: 20 CNY
Location: Wangjiang Road, Chengdu City
Transportation: Bus No. 3, 18, 19, 31 and 35 will bring you here directly.
Wuhou Memorial Temple
Covering 37,000 square meters, Wuhou Memorial Temple was built in the year of 233 in memory of Zhuge Liang, the most brilliant military counselor in the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). Inside the temple, the magnificent and exquisitely designed buildings are hiding in the flourishingly towering pine trees, creating a historic environment with a strong breath of history.
In the exhibition zone, there are a lot of valuable historic relics, including the well-known couplets created by Du Fu, exquisite carvings and sophisticated stone inscriptions, the precious works of calligraphy and painting, the statuses of the celebrities in Three Kingdoms Period as well as the room with the original appearance in which Zhuge Liang lived. The exhibitions may cause an amazing feeling likes being back to the Three Kingdoms Period.
The temple displays the suppleness of the Chinese garden. There are numerous historical relics like horizontal cribbed boards, couplets, inscribed tablets, penmanship, furnaces, Chinese tripods, etc. The SanZui (Three-Best) horizontal inscribed board, Zhuge Liang's Lung Gun couplets, Chu Si Biao and the tomb of LiuBei are the most famous one. Today the Wuhou Temple is the most famous tourist attraction of Chengdu city. It is not only a site for people to commemorate Zhuge Liang, but also serves as a museum to the history of the Three Kingdoms Period.
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 18:00
Ticket Price: 60 CNY
Location: No. 231, Wuhouci Street, Chengdu City
Transportation:
Bus No.1, 10, 57, 82, 301, 334, 335, 503, 521, 901 and 904 will bring you here directly.
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
With two clean rivers running through and two green hills decorating, Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Historic Interest Area, an ancient town full of ancient cultural architectures and custom, appeals to an increasing number of tourists from near and far. Huanglong Historic Interest Area consists of three charming parts that are free for visiting, namely the Custom Street, the Dragon Street and the core zone.
Along the Custom Street, various magnificent architectures built in different times will be a sumptuous art feast for the eyes, and the beautiful and yummy local snacks will increase your appetite greatly and make you reluctant to leave. Having traveled around the Custom Street, you will be attracted by the next station--Dragon Street, where there is a clean stream zigzagging through just like a water dragon. Along the both banks of the dragon stream, teahouses, local restaurants and specialties stores rank orderly like a comb.
Crossing the stone bridge, you will reach the core zone where the most shinning cultural heritages are waiting for you. The fish-skeleton-like lanes, the centuries-old dock and the ancient temples with old banyans around and street full of ancient local customs will be a memorable experience in your expedition. If you come here on the local festivals, the lovely local celebrations will amaze you a lot.
Opening Hours: 9:00 -- 16:30
Ticket Price: free
Location: 40 km (25 miles) away from the city center of Chengdu
Transportation:
Shuttle bus from New South Gate (xin nan men) Station will bring you here directly (10 CNY).
Emei Mountain
Consisting of four mountains with the peak of 3099 meters and covering 154 square km, E-mei Mountain is praised as the finest mountain under heaven for the rarely seen picturesque landscapes in the precipitous topography. With two rivers circling, E-mei possesses marvelous scenes--the long peaceful valley, the curtain-like rushing waterfalls, the flourishing trees and blooming flowers—together with which the Buddhist temples form a beautiful picture.
Guilin
Highlights
Solitary Beauty Peak and Jingjiang Princes City
Solitary Beauty Peak, also known as Purple Hill, is located in the Jingjiang Princes City with reputation of “Southern Heaven Pillar”. At the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak, there is a Longevity Palace first built in Tang Dynasty, while a Solitary Beauty Pavilion is standing at the top. You can have a bird’s view of beautiful Guilin when you climb up 396 stone steps to the top. Dushu Rock, Taiping Rock and Crescent-shape Pond are at the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak while many ancient inscriptions are on the eastern side of the peak, for example “East or west, Guilin scenery is the best”. Other famous attractions include Snow Cave and Zhongshan Monument.
Jingjiang Prices City, praised as a “city in a city”, was built in Ming Dynasty with a history of more than 630 years. During the 257 years from its completion to the collapse of Ming Dynasty, 14 seigniors had lived here. Jingjiang Princes City became the Examination Compound in the Qing Dynasty. Covering an area of 19.78 hectares, Jingjiang Princes City composes of Chengyun Gate, Chengyun Palace, Palace Harem and Imperial Garden with other 40 rooms, pavilions and chambers. Listed as “the key cultural relics of national level”, Jingjiang Princes City is an irreplaceable scenic spot in Guilin.
If you want to enjoy picturesque mountains and crystal clear waters, Solitary Beauty Peak, famous royal treasure hill is your best choice. If you want to read the history of Guilin, Jingjiang Princes City will meet your need.
Tips:
1. Opening Hours: 9:30am—5:30pm
2. How to Get Here: No.1, 10, 11, 14, 100 Buses.
Folded Brocade Hill
Folded Brocade Hill, with an elevation of 73m, locates to the northeast of Guilin, facing beautiful Li River. As a beautiful and well-known hill, Folded Brocade Hill consists of Mingyue Peak, Crane Peak, Siwang Hill and Yuyue Hill, covering an area of 2km². Many amazing attractions such as Folded Brocade Pavilion, Yuyue Pavilion, Wind Cave and Wangjiang Pavilion etc. are on the hill. Besides, inscriptions on precipices carved by celebrities of all the precious dynasties are the essence of all relics.
Folded Brocade Pavilion, with a height of 5m, length of 7.5m and width of 8.5m, is architecture with single story, 4 angles, flat rooftop, red pillars and green tiles. With Yuyue Hill to the east, Siwang Hill to the west and Bright Moon Peak to the north, Folded Brocade Pavilion is harmonious with the surroundings. Stone benches standing from east to west, the northern side is the best place to appreciate the fantastic “folded brocade” and is an ideal place for rest. To the west of the pavilion, an inscription by Yu Qing of Ming Dynasty is also worth of visiting.
Wangjiang Pavilion is halfway up the hill and built during the reign of Emperor Zhengde (1506-1521) of the Ming Dynasty. Rebuilt in the years of 1954 and 1990, Wangjiang Pavilion is a pavilion with ancient style, 6m in height and dihedral angles. On the wall, a cliff inscription was carved as “a place for seeking adventures”.
Li River
Elephant Trunk Hill
Wave Subduing Hill
Reed Flute Cave
Seven Star Park
Yangshuo
Solitary Beauty Peak and Jingjiang Princes City
Solitary Beauty Peak, also known as Purple Hill, is located in the Jingjiang Princes City with reputation of “Southern Heaven Pillar”. At the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak, there is a Longevity Palace first built in Tang Dynasty, while a Solitary Beauty Pavilion is standing at the top. You can have a bird’s view of beautiful Guilin when you climb up 396 stone steps to the top. Dushu Rock, Taiping Rock and Crescent-shape Pond are at the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak while many ancient inscriptions are on the eastern side of the peak, for example “East or west, Guilin scenery is the best”. Other famous attractions include Snow Cave and Zhongshan Monument.
Jingjiang Prices City, praised as a “city in a city”, was built in Ming Dynasty with a history of more than 630 years. During the 257 years from its completion to the collapse of Ming Dynasty, 14 seigniors had lived here. Jingjiang Princes City became the Examination Compound in the Qing Dynasty. Covering an area of 19.78 hectares, Jingjiang Princes City composes of Chengyun Gate, Chengyun Palace, Palace Harem and Imperial Garden with other 40 rooms, pavilions and chambers. Listed as “the key cultural relics of national level”, Jingjiang Princes City is an irreplaceable scenic spot in Guilin.
If you want to enjoy picturesque mountains and crystal clear waters, Solitary Beauty Peak, famous royal treasure hill is your best choice. If you want to read the history of Guilin, Jingjiang Princes City will meet your need.
Tips:
1. Opening Hours: 9:30am—5:30pm
2. How to Get Here: No.1, 10, 11, 14, 100 Buses.
Folded Brocade Hill
Folded Brocade Hill, with an elevation of 73m, locates to the northeast of Guilin, facing beautiful Li River. As a beautiful and well-known hill, Folded Brocade Hill consists of Mingyue Peak, Crane Peak, Siwang Hill and Yuyue Hill, covering an area of 2km². Many amazing attractions such as Folded Brocade Pavilion, Yuyue Pavilion, Wind Cave and Wangjiang Pavilion etc. are on the hill. Besides, inscriptions on precipices carved by celebrities of all the precious dynasties are the essence of all relics.
Folded Brocade Pavilion, with a height of 5m, length of 7.5m and width of 8.5m, is architecture with single story, 4 angles, flat rooftop, red pillars and green tiles. With Yuyue Hill to the east, Siwang Hill to the west and Bright Moon Peak to the north, Folded Brocade Pavilion is harmonious with the surroundings. Stone benches standing from east to west, the northern side is the best place to appreciate the fantastic “folded brocade” and is an ideal place for rest. To the west of the pavilion, an inscription by Yu Qing of Ming Dynasty is also worth of visiting.
Wangjiang Pavilion is halfway up the hill and built during the reign of Emperor Zhengde (1506-1521) of the Ming Dynasty. Rebuilt in the years of 1954 and 1990, Wangjiang Pavilion is a pavilion with ancient style, 6m in height and dihedral angles. On the wall, a cliff inscription was carved as “a place for seeking adventures”.
Li River
Elephant Trunk Hill
Wave Subduing Hill
Reed Flute Cave
Seven Star Park
Yangshuo
Solitary Beauty Peak and Jingjiang Princes City
Solitary Beauty Peak, also known as Purple Hill, is located in the Jingjiang Princes City with reputation of “Southern Heaven Pillar”. At the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak, there is a Longevity Palace first built in Tang Dynasty, while a Solitary Beauty Pavilion is standing at the top. You can have a bird’s view of beautiful Guilin when you climb up 396 stone steps to the top. Dushu Rock, Taiping Rock and Crescent-shape Pond are at the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak while many ancient inscriptions are on the eastern side of the peak, for example “East or west, Guilin scenery is the best”. Other famous attractions include Snow Cave and Zhongshan Monument.
Jingjiang Prices City, praised as a “city in a city”, was built in Ming Dynasty with a history of more than 630 years. During the 257 years from its completion to the collapse of Ming Dynasty, 14 seigniors had lived here. Jingjiang Princes City became the Examination Compound in the Qing Dynasty. Covering an area of 19.78 hectares, Jingjiang Princes City composes of Chengyun Gate, Chengyun Palace, Palace Harem and Imperial Garden with other 40 rooms, pavilions and chambers. Listed as “the key cultural relics of national level”, Jingjiang Princes City is an irreplaceable scenic spot in Guilin.
If you want to enjoy picturesque mountains and crystal clear waters, Solitary Beauty Peak, famous royal treasure hill is your best choice. If you want to read the history of Guilin, Jingjiang Princes City will meet your need.
Tips:
1. Opening Hours: 9:30am—5:30pm
2. How to Get Here: No.1, 10, 11, 14, 100 Buses.
Folded Brocade Hill
Folded Brocade Hill, with an elevation of 73m, locates to the northeast of Guilin, facing beautiful Li River. As a beautiful and well-known hill, Folded Brocade Hill consists of Mingyue Peak, Crane Peak, Siwang Hill and Yuyue Hill, covering an area of 2km². Many amazing attractions such as Folded Brocade Pavilion, Yuyue Pavilion, Wind Cave and Wangjiang Pavilion etc. are on the hill. Besides, inscriptions on precipices carved by celebrities of all the precious dynasties are the essence of all relics.
Folded Brocade Pavilion, with a height of 5m, length of 7.5m and width of 8.5m, is architecture with single story, 4 angles, flat rooftop, red pillars and green tiles. With Yuyue Hill to the east, Siwang Hill to the west and Bright Moon Peak to the north, Folded Brocade Pavilion is harmonious with the surroundings. Stone benches standing from east to west, the northern side is the best place to appreciate the fantastic “folded brocade” and is an ideal place for rest. To the west of the pavilion, an inscription by Yu Qing of Ming Dynasty is also worth of visiting.
Wangjiang Pavilion is halfway up the hill and built during the reign of Emperor Zhengde (1506-1521) of the Ming Dynasty. Rebuilt in the years of 1954 and 1990, Wangjiang Pavilion is a pavilion with ancient style, 6m in height and dihedral angles. On the wall, a cliff inscription was carved as “a place for seeking adventures”.
Nanjing
Highlights
Shanghai
Highlights
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Standing at a towering height of 468 meters (1,536 feet), the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is not only the tallest TV tower in Asia but also the third tallest in the world. It ranks behind the 553.3-meter-high CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, and the 540-meter-high Ostankino Tower in Moscow, Russia. Located in the heart of Pudong’s Lujiazui district, the tower has become a symbol of Shanghai, drawing both locals and tourists alike. Its unique design, featuring 15 spheres of varying sizes at different heights, creates a striking and futuristic appearance.
The tower's design is said to be inspired by a famous Chinese poetic line, "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate," evoking an image of pearls scattered across a jade surface. From its observation deck, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the bustling city, the Huangpu River, and beyond. The revolving restaurant and the expansive sightseeing platform can accommodate up to 1,600 people, offering an unparalleled experience in the sky.
Construction of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower began in 1992, with an initial investment of 50 million Yuan from the government. An additional 150 million Yuan and 10 million US Dollars were raised through bank loans from 44 banks. The tower was completed and opened to the public in 1994. It is affectionately known in China as "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl," a reference to its striking design, with two massive spheres at the base and a large pearl-like structure at the top.
In 1995, the tower began broadcasting, hosting nine television channels and 10 FM radio stations. Over the years, it has become a major hub for media and telecommunications, in addition to being a top tourist destination.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower offers a wide range of amenities for visitors. At a height of 263 meters, the observation deck provides breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline. You can also visit the futuristic "Space City" exhibition hall and the Shanghai Municipal History Museum, located in the tower's base. This museum showcases the history of the city, including its transformation from a small fishing village to one of the world’s leading metropolises.
The large lower sphere of the tower features various attractions, including the "Science Fantasy City" and the "Recreational Palace." On a clear day, visitors can enjoy a view stretching all the way to the Yangtze River from the sightseeing hall. In addition to the observation areas, the tower houses a hotel with 25 elegant rooms in the smaller spheres, offering a relaxing place for visitors to stay.
At the very top of the tower is a large pearl-shaped structure, home to a rotating restaurant, shops, and additional viewing platforms. This iconic structure provides guests with a unique dining experience while enjoying Shanghai’s spectacular skyline.
Over the past decade, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower has welcomed more than 25 million visitors, including 295 overseas heads of state and dignitaries. This immense popularity has made it one of the most profitable TV towers globally. In fact, its annual revenue has exceeded that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
According to the World Brand Lab, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower ranked 96th among the 500 most valuable Chinese brands, with a brand value of 5.148 billion Yuan (approximately 6.2 billion USD). It has consistently been one of the top 20 most influential Chinese brands on the global stage in recent years.
The tower’s combination of cutting-edge technology, breathtaking views, and cultural significance has made it a must-visit attraction in Shanghai and a proud symbol of China's modern achievements.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower stands as a monumental achievement in both architecture and engineering, symbolizing Shanghai's vibrant future while honoring its rich history. Whether you’re marveling at the panoramic views, exploring the interactive exhibits, or dining in the sky, the tower promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Children’s Palace
The Bund
No. 12, The Bund, is also known as No. 12 Zhongshan East Road. It was once the location of the famous Hui Feng Bank. Built in 1923, this square-shaped building has five vaults and features a distinctive circular roof in the style of ancient Greece, with a half-spherical dome on top. The building is made of steel and is elaborately decorated, including a specially designed reception hall. The British builders of the structure were immensely proud of this creation, with some even calling it “the most exquisite building from the Suez Canal in the east to the Persian Gulf in the west.”
Walking along Zhongshan East Road, you can feel the grandeur and solemnity of the area, as if the Bund is a showcase of architectural excellence. Some say that the Bund is, in fact, "an architectural exhibition." If the architectural district of the Bund were a gallery, the rest of the area would be a showroom. In the early mornings, the Bund becomes a place for locals to exercise and enjoy the fresh air. By day, the historic buildings stand in harmony with the scenic beauty of the Huangpu River and the futuristic skyline of Pudong, making it a favorite spot for tourists. At night, the city lights bathe the Bund in a vibrant glow, enhancing its beauty. The old buildings along the riverbank stand in contrast to the modern skyline, which includes iconic structures such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Jin Mao Tower, creating a stunning view that never fails to leave visitors in awe.
On the eastern side, the Bund borders the Huangpu River, while on the west, 52 buildings line the street, each with its own architectural style—Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Renaissance, Classical, and a fusion of Eastern and Western elements. Although these buildings were constructed at different times and in varying styles, their overall design is remarkably harmonious, with each structure complementing the others.
The Bund, named after the desolate beach that once lay outside the old city of Shanghai, has become one of the city's most iconic landmarks. If you haven’t visited the Bund, then you haven’t truly seen Shanghai. The Bund symbolizes the city itself; it is a microcosm of Shanghai's history and growth.
The Huangpu River
The Huangpu River is a landmark waterway in Shanghai, stretching approximately 113 kilometers (about 70 miles) in length with a width ranging from 300 to 770 meters (about 984 to 2526 feet). Its drainage basin covers an area of 24,000 square kilometers (approx. 5,930,530 acres).
The river originates from Dianshan Lake in Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, which receives water from the upper reaches of the Taihu Lake basin. From there, the river flows downstream to Wusongkou, where it meets the Yangtze River before flowing into the East China Sea. Over the course of thousands of years, the river has carved its path, with the upper reaches running east to west, and the middle and lower reaches turning north to south, effectively dividing the city of Shanghai into Puxi (West of the Huangpu River) and Pudong (East of the Huangpu River). On either side of the river, Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks have risen: the historic Bund on the west bank and the modern financial district of Lujiazui on the east.
During a visit to the river, tourists can admire the Yangpu Bridge, the Nanpu Bridge, and the Oriental Pearl Tower, which stands in the heart of the city. The two bridges, resembling two giant dragons stretching across the Huangpu River, frame the Oriental Pearl Tower in the center, creating a stunning visual metaphor of "two dragons playing with a pearl."
On the west bank of the Huangpu River, visitors are greeted by a collection of grand, foreign-style buildings, known for their diverse architectural influences from around the world. On the east bank, in stark contrast, towering modern skyscrapers rise into the sky, symbolizing Shanghai’s rapid development into a global financial hub.
Wusongkou, located at the mouth of the river, marks the point where the Huangpu River converges with the Yangtze River and the East China Sea. During high tide, one can witness the famous "Three-Water Convergence" phenomenon, where the Huangpu River’s bluish-gray waters, the muddy yellow waters of the Yangtze, and the green waters of the East China Sea mix together, creating a striking display of yellow, green, and blue hues.
The Huangpu River serves multiple functions: it is vital for shipping, water supply, drainage, irrigation, and tourism. As one of the world’s most renowned rivers, it is both a product of nature’s transformative power and a testament to humanity’s successful practice of harnessing the river’s natural flow to serve the needs of a growing city.
Yu Garden
The garden was originally established as a private estate by Pan Yunduan, a distinguished official from Sichuan, to provide his retired father, Pan En, with a serene and tranquil retreat. After over two decades of meticulous planning and construction, Yu Garden was completed in 1577. The name "Yu" symbolizes peace and tranquility, reflecting the garden's purpose of offering solace and serenity to Pan En during his retirement years. By the late Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden had gained recognition as one of the most exquisite gardens in Southeast China.
Yu Garden exemplifies the classical Jiangnan garden style, characterized by its intricate and refined design that seamlessly integrates natural and architectural elements. The garden boasts meandering pathways, exquisite pavilions, stunning rockeries, tranquil koi ponds, and ancient trees all thoughtfully arranged to create a serene and contemplative atmosphere. Additionally, it houses an impressive collection of cultural treasures including Ming and Qing dynasty furniture, renowned calligraphy and paintings, elaborate brick carvings as well as traditional stone sculptures.
The Yulinglong Stone, one of the renowned rocks in Jiangnan, and Dianchuntang, which served as the headquarters during the Taiping Rebellion in 1853, are among the prominent features of this garden. Additionally, visitors can explore the adjacent City God Temple and vibrant shopping streets, further enhancing its appeal as a popular tourist destination.
Yu Garden opened to the public in 1961 and was designated a national key cultural heritage site in 1982. Today, it remains a must-visit attraction for those seeking to experience the beauty and tranquility of traditional Chinese garden design.
The Jade Buddha Temple
Known for its vibrant spiritual atmosphere, the Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most visited and beloved temples in Shanghai. While Longhua Temple is known for fulfilling wishes related to career success, and Jing'an Temple is sought for blessings of peace, the Jade Buddha Temple is famous for helping people with wishes for wealth and love. A visit to the Jade Buddha Temple wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its treasures—the Jade Buddha and the Sitting Buddha, which have been prized by visitors since their arrival from Southeast Asia over a century ago.
At the heart of the temple is the magnificent Jade Buddha, a serene and life-sized statue carved from a single block of jade. Alongside it, visitors can find five other Buddha statues, each radiating peace and grace. The Jade Buddha Temple has undergone multiple restorations and expansions over the years, including the relocation of the Grand Buddha Hall and the construction of the Bell and Drum Towers. These additions have enriched the temple’s cultural and artistic legacy.
Occupying an area of approximately 11.6 acres, the Jade Buddha Temple features a layout based on traditional Chinese temple architecture. The temple’s main axis is home to three grand halls, with additional structures on both the east and west sides. The temple not only holds a special place in the hearts of Shanghai’s Buddhist community but is also a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. It is recognized as one of the top ten tourist attractions in Shanghai and is listed as a key Buddhist site and a protected city monument.
In 1918, the temple was rebuilt on its present site under the guidance of Master Kecheng from the Linji school. The new structure, designed to emulate the architectural style of Song Dynasty temples, was completed after ten years of dedicated work. The complex includes a Buddha hall, pagodas, kitchens, and other traditional temple buildings, with over 200 rooms in total.
The original Jade Buddha Temple was established in 1900, near the Wusong River Bay Railway Station, under the leadership of Master Ben Zhao, a disciple of Huigen. However, the temple was destroyed during the upheaval of the 1911 Revolution, leaving only the precious Jade Buddha untouched. For a time, the statue was housed in a villa on Shendan Road (now Weian Road), before the decision was made to rebuild the temple at its current location.
Founded in 1882 by Master Huigen, the temple originally housed five jade Buddhas brought from Myanmar by the master himself. Of these, two were enshrined in Shanghai, and it is these statues that have made the temple famous.
Nestled at 170 Anyuan Road in the Putuo District of Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple is one of the city’s most revered spiritual landmarks. As its name suggests, the temple is home to the sacred Jade Buddha, a symbol of serenity and wisdom. Belonging to the Linji school of Chan Buddhism, the temple is not only a place of worship but also a center for meditation and spiritual practice.
Shanghai Museum
The Shanghai Museum is a preeminent institution in China, celebrated for its vast collection of over 120,000 invaluable cultural artifacts. Its extensive and exceptional assortment, particularly in the areas of bronze ware, ceramics, calligraphy, and painting has garnered international recognition.
Founded in 1952, the museum initially operated at 325 Nanjing West Road. In 1959, it relocated to a more spacious venue at 16 Henan South Road, where it continued its progressive growth and development. In 1992, the Shanghai government made the strategic decision to construct a new museum in the heart of the city, situated in the prime location of People's Square. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new museum building took place in 1993 and it was officially inaugurated on October 12, 1996.
The new building of the Shanghai Museum spans a total area of 39,200 square meters and stands at a height of 29.5 meters. The distinctive combination of a round dome and square base, symbolizing the concept of "Heaven is round and Earth is square," creates an aesthetically captivating effect. The design seamlessly integrates traditional cultural elements with modern architecture, establishing it as a truly unique and iconic structure among global museums.
The museum accommodates 11 permanent galleries and three exhibition halls. The architectural layout encompasses six functional areas, including exhibition spaces, storage facilities, academic and research zones, management offices, and supporting amenities. Within the premises are 12 thematic exhibition rooms showcasing a wide array of treasures such as bronze artifacts, ceramics, calligraphy masterpieces, and paintings. Additionally, the exhibits encompass coins, jade pieces, sculptures, seals as well as crafts from various ethnic minorities.
The museum's total exhibition space is 12,000 square meters, distributed across four floors. The first floor features the Ancient Chinese Bronze Gallery, Ancient Chinese Sculpture Gallery, and Exhibition Hall. The second floor showcases the Ancient Chinese Ceramics Gallery and the temporary Ceramics Gallery. The third floor is dedicated to the Calligraphy Gallery, Painting Gallery, and Seals Gallery. The fourth floor exhibits the Ancient Chinese Jade Gallery, Coin Gallery, Ming and Qing Furniture Gallery, and the Ethnic Minority Craft Gallery.
Shanghai Jinmao Tower
Standing proudly at 88 Century Avenue in the heart of Shanghai’s Lujiazui Financial District, the Shanghai Jin Mao Tower is a true marvel of modern engineering and design. Located in the bustling center of the city, the tower offers breathtaking views to the east over the Pudong New Area, to the west over downtown Shanghai and the Huangpu River, and to the south toward the vibrant commercial hub of Zhang Yang Road. To the north, it overlooks the expansive 100,000-square-meter central green space.
The Jin Mao Tower occupies 24,000 square meters of land, with a total building area of 290,000 square meters. The towering 88-story main structure rises to a height of 420.5 meters, with approximately 200,000 square meters of space. Its sleek, modern design features a stunning tapering shape, symbolizing both architectural elegance and strength. The tower’s six-story podium covers 32,000 square meters, while the three underground levels span 57,000 square meters. The building’s striking exterior is enveloped in an aluminum alloy lattice, giving it a contemporary yet timeless appeal.
Inside, the Jin Mao Tower is as spectacular as its exterior. The first two floors house the grand lobby, while floors 3 to 50 feature expansive, column-free office spaces with a ceiling height of 4 meters and a net height of 2.7 meters. The upper floors—51 to 52—house essential mechanical and electrical systems, while the 53rd to 87th floors are home to a luxurious hotel. The 88th floor boasts an observation deck, offering panoramic views of the city and beyond.
Designed by the renowned Chicago-based architectural firm SOM, with Adrian Smith as the lead designer, the Jin Mao Tower combines cutting-edge global architectural trends with traditional Chinese design elements. The building is an engineering masterpiece, with a vertical deviation of only 2 centimeters and the ability to withstand winds of up to level 12 and earthquakes of magnitude 7.
The tower’s exterior is characterized by large glass panels that reflect ever-changing hues—shifting from silver to shades of blue and green. Between the two layers of glass, a low-temperature conductor ensures the interior remains insulated from the outdoor elements.
Inside, the grand lobby features a striking archway design and walls clad in Mediterranean-style perforated marble for both aesthetic and soundproofing purposes. The polished marble floors gleam without being overly shiny, while the main hallway leading to the banquet hall is an artistic corridor showcasing Chinese calligraphy and copper reliefs that depict the evolution of Chinese script, from ancient oracle bone inscriptions to modern-day characters.
At the top of the Jin Mao Tower, the 88th floor offers the “Cloud Walk”—a 60-meter-long, 1.2-meter-wide transparent skywalk, the highest of its kind in the world. This glass walkway allows visitors to experience Shanghai from a breathtaking 340.1 meters above ground level, walking in the clouds and enjoying an unparalleled view of the city below.
Since its completion, the Jin Mao Tower has garnered numerous accolades, including the Illinois World Architecture Award in 1998 and the Shanghai Classic Architecture Gold Award in 1999. It also achieved LEED-EB certification in 2013 and was named one of the "Top Ten New Landmarks in Shanghai" in 2020.
A true symbol of Shanghai's dynamic growth, the Jin Mao Tower remains a must-see destination for those who wish to experience the cutting-edge of modern architecture while soaking in the rich cultural and historical essence of one of the world’s most exciting cities.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Standing at a towering height of 468 meters (1,536 feet), the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is not only the tallest TV tower in Asia but also the third tallest in the world. It ranks behind the 553.3-meter-high CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, and the 540-meter-high Ostankino Tower in Moscow, Russia. Located in the heart of Pudong’s Lujiazui district, the tower has become a symbol of Shanghai, drawing both locals and tourists alike. Its unique design, featuring 15 spheres of varying sizes at different heights, creates a striking and futuristic appearance.
The tower's design is said to be inspired by a famous Chinese poetic line, "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate," evoking an image of pearls scattered across a jade surface. From its observation deck, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the bustling city, the Huangpu River, and beyond. The revolving restaurant and the expansive sightseeing platform can accommodate up to 1,600 people, offering an unparalleled experience in the sky.
Construction of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower began in 1992, with an initial investment of 50 million Yuan from the government. An additional 150 million Yuan and 10 million US Dollars were raised through bank loans from 44 banks. The tower was completed and opened to the public in 1994. It is affectionately known in China as "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl," a reference to its striking design, with two massive spheres at the base and a large pearl-like structure at the top.
In 1995, the tower began broadcasting, hosting nine television channels and 10 FM radio stations. Over the years, it has become a major hub for media and telecommunications, in addition to being a top tourist destination.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower offers a wide range of amenities for visitors. At a height of 263 meters, the observation deck provides breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline. You can also visit the futuristic "Space City" exhibition hall and the Shanghai Municipal History Museum, located in the tower's base. This museum showcases the history of the city, including its transformation from a small fishing village to one of the world’s leading metropolises.
The large lower sphere of the tower features various attractions, including the "Science Fantasy City" and the "Recreational Palace." On a clear day, visitors can enjoy a view stretching all the way to the Yangtze River from the sightseeing hall. In addition to the observation areas, the tower houses a hotel with 25 elegant rooms in the smaller spheres, offering a relaxing place for visitors to stay.
At the very top of the tower is a large pearl-shaped structure, home to a rotating restaurant, shops, and additional viewing platforms. This iconic structure provides guests with a unique dining experience while enjoying Shanghai’s spectacular skyline.
Over the past decade, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower has welcomed more than 25 million visitors, including 295 overseas heads of state and dignitaries. This immense popularity has made it one of the most profitable TV towers globally. In fact, its annual revenue has exceeded that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
According to the World Brand Lab, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower ranked 96th among the 500 most valuable Chinese brands, with a brand value of 5.148 billion Yuan (approximately 6.2 billion USD). It has consistently been one of the top 20 most influential Chinese brands on the global stage in recent years.
The tower’s combination of cutting-edge technology, breathtaking views, and cultural significance has made it a must-visit attraction in Shanghai and a proud symbol of China's modern achievements.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower stands as a monumental achievement in both architecture and engineering, symbolizing Shanghai's vibrant future while honoring its rich history. Whether you’re marveling at the panoramic views, exploring the interactive exhibits, or dining in the sky, the tower promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Children’s Palace
The Bund
No. 12, The Bund, is also known as No. 12 Zhongshan East Road. It was once the location of the famous Hui Feng Bank. Built in 1923, this square-shaped building has five vaults and features a distinctive circular roof in the style of ancient Greece, with a half-spherical dome on top. The building is made of steel and is elaborately decorated, including a specially designed reception hall. The British builders of the structure were immensely proud of this creation, with some even calling it “the most exquisite building from the Suez Canal in the east to the Persian Gulf in the west.”
Walking along Zhongshan East Road, you can feel the grandeur and solemnity of the area, as if the Bund is a showcase of architectural excellence. Some say that the Bund is, in fact, "an architectural exhibition." If the architectural district of the Bund were a gallery, the rest of the area would be a showroom. In the early mornings, the Bund becomes a place for locals to exercise and enjoy the fresh air. By day, the historic buildings stand in harmony with the scenic beauty of the Huangpu River and the futuristic skyline of Pudong, making it a favorite spot for tourists. At night, the city lights bathe the Bund in a vibrant glow, enhancing its beauty. The old buildings along the riverbank stand in contrast to the modern skyline, which includes iconic structures such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Jin Mao Tower, creating a stunning view that never fails to leave visitors in awe.
On the eastern side, the Bund borders the Huangpu River, while on the west, 52 buildings line the street, each with its own architectural style—Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Renaissance, Classical, and a fusion of Eastern and Western elements. Although these buildings were constructed at different times and in varying styles, their overall design is remarkably harmonious, with each structure complementing the others.
The Bund, named after the desolate beach that once lay outside the old city of Shanghai, has become one of the city's most iconic landmarks. If you haven’t visited the Bund, then you haven’t truly seen Shanghai. The Bund symbolizes the city itself; it is a microcosm of Shanghai's history and growth.
The Huangpu River
The Huangpu River is a landmark waterway in Shanghai, stretching approximately 113 kilometers (about 70 miles) in length with a width ranging from 300 to 770 meters (about 984 to 2526 feet). Its drainage basin covers an area of 24,000 square kilometers (approx. 5,930,530 acres).
The river originates from Dianshan Lake in Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, which receives water from the upper reaches of the Taihu Lake basin. From there, the river flows downstream to Wusongkou, where it meets the Yangtze River before flowing into the East China Sea. Over the course of thousands of years, the river has carved its path, with the upper reaches running east to west, and the middle and lower reaches turning north to south, effectively dividing the city of Shanghai into Puxi (West of the Huangpu River) and Pudong (East of the Huangpu River). On either side of the river, Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks have risen: the historic Bund on the west bank and the modern financial district of Lujiazui on the east.
During a visit to the river, tourists can admire the Yangpu Bridge, the Nanpu Bridge, and the Oriental Pearl Tower, which stands in the heart of the city. The two bridges, resembling two giant dragons stretching across the Huangpu River, frame the Oriental Pearl Tower in the center, creating a stunning visual metaphor of "two dragons playing with a pearl."
On the west bank of the Huangpu River, visitors are greeted by a collection of grand, foreign-style buildings, known for their diverse architectural influences from around the world. On the east bank, in stark contrast, towering modern skyscrapers rise into the sky, symbolizing Shanghai’s rapid development into a global financial hub.
Wusongkou, located at the mouth of the river, marks the point where the Huangpu River converges with the Yangtze River and the East China Sea. During high tide, one can witness the famous "Three-Water Convergence" phenomenon, where the Huangpu River’s bluish-gray waters, the muddy yellow waters of the Yangtze, and the green waters of the East China Sea mix together, creating a striking display of yellow, green, and blue hues.
The Huangpu River serves multiple functions: it is vital for shipping, water supply, drainage, irrigation, and tourism. As one of the world’s most renowned rivers, it is both a product of nature’s transformative power and a testament to humanity’s successful practice of harnessing the river’s natural flow to serve the needs of a growing city.
Yu Garden
The garden was originally established as a private estate by Pan Yunduan, a distinguished official from Sichuan, to provide his retired father, Pan En, with a serene and tranquil retreat. After over two decades of meticulous planning and construction, Yu Garden was completed in 1577. The name "Yu" symbolizes peace and tranquility, reflecting the garden's purpose of offering solace and serenity to Pan En during his retirement years. By the late Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden had gained recognition as one of the most exquisite gardens in Southeast China.
Yu Garden exemplifies the classical Jiangnan garden style, characterized by its intricate and refined design that seamlessly integrates natural and architectural elements. The garden boasts meandering pathways, exquisite pavilions, stunning rockeries, tranquil koi ponds, and ancient trees all thoughtfully arranged to create a serene and contemplative atmosphere. Additionally, it houses an impressive collection of cultural treasures including Ming and Qing dynasty furniture, renowned calligraphy and paintings, elaborate brick carvings as well as traditional stone sculptures.
The Yulinglong Stone, one of the renowned rocks in Jiangnan, and Dianchuntang, which served as the headquarters during the Taiping Rebellion in 1853, are among the prominent features of this garden. Additionally, visitors can explore the adjacent City God Temple and vibrant shopping streets, further enhancing its appeal as a popular tourist destination.
Yu Garden opened to the public in 1961 and was designated a national key cultural heritage site in 1982. Today, it remains a must-visit attraction for those seeking to experience the beauty and tranquility of traditional Chinese garden design.
The Jade Buddha Temple
Known for its vibrant spiritual atmosphere, the Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most visited and beloved temples in Shanghai. While Longhua Temple is known for fulfilling wishes related to career success, and Jing'an Temple is sought for blessings of peace, the Jade Buddha Temple is famous for helping people with wishes for wealth and love. A visit to the Jade Buddha Temple wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its treasures—the Jade Buddha and the Sitting Buddha, which have been prized by visitors since their arrival from Southeast Asia over a century ago.
At the heart of the temple is the magnificent Jade Buddha, a serene and life-sized statue carved from a single block of jade. Alongside it, visitors can find five other Buddha statues, each radiating peace and grace. The Jade Buddha Temple has undergone multiple restorations and expansions over the years, including the relocation of the Grand Buddha Hall and the construction of the Bell and Drum Towers. These additions have enriched the temple’s cultural and artistic legacy.
Occupying an area of approximately 11.6 acres, the Jade Buddha Temple features a layout based on traditional Chinese temple architecture. The temple’s main axis is home to three grand halls, with additional structures on both the east and west sides. The temple not only holds a special place in the hearts of Shanghai’s Buddhist community but is also a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. It is recognized as one of the top ten tourist attractions in Shanghai and is listed as a key Buddhist site and a protected city monument.
In 1918, the temple was rebuilt on its present site under the guidance of Master Kecheng from the Linji school. The new structure, designed to emulate the architectural style of Song Dynasty temples, was completed after ten years of dedicated work. The complex includes a Buddha hall, pagodas, kitchens, and other traditional temple buildings, with over 200 rooms in total.
The original Jade Buddha Temple was established in 1900, near the Wusong River Bay Railway Station, under the leadership of Master Ben Zhao, a disciple of Huigen. However, the temple was destroyed during the upheaval of the 1911 Revolution, leaving only the precious Jade Buddha untouched. For a time, the statue was housed in a villa on Shendan Road (now Weian Road), before the decision was made to rebuild the temple at its current location.
Founded in 1882 by Master Huigen, the temple originally housed five jade Buddhas brought from Myanmar by the master himself. Of these, two were enshrined in Shanghai, and it is these statues that have made the temple famous.
Nestled at 170 Anyuan Road in the Putuo District of Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple is one of the city’s most revered spiritual landmarks. As its name suggests, the temple is home to the sacred Jade Buddha, a symbol of serenity and wisdom. Belonging to the Linji school of Chan Buddhism, the temple is not only a place of worship but also a center for meditation and spiritual practice.
Shanghai Museum
The Shanghai Museum is a preeminent institution in China, celebrated for its vast collection of over 120,000 invaluable cultural artifacts. Its extensive and exceptional assortment, particularly in the areas of bronze ware, ceramics, calligraphy, and painting has garnered international recognition.
Founded in 1952, the museum initially operated at 325 Nanjing West Road. In 1959, it relocated to a more spacious venue at 16 Henan South Road, where it continued its progressive growth and development. In 1992, the Shanghai government made the strategic decision to construct a new museum in the heart of the city, situated in the prime location of People's Square. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new museum building took place in 1993 and it was officially inaugurated on October 12, 1996.
The new building of the Shanghai Museum spans a total area of 39,200 square meters and stands at a height of 29.5 meters. The distinctive combination of a round dome and square base, symbolizing the concept of "Heaven is round and Earth is square," creates an aesthetically captivating effect. The design seamlessly integrates traditional cultural elements with modern architecture, establishing it as a truly unique and iconic structure among global museums.
The museum accommodates 11 permanent galleries and three exhibition halls. The architectural layout encompasses six functional areas, including exhibition spaces, storage facilities, academic and research zones, management offices, and supporting amenities. Within the premises are 12 thematic exhibition rooms showcasing a wide array of treasures such as bronze artifacts, ceramics, calligraphy masterpieces, and paintings. Additionally, the exhibits encompass coins, jade pieces, sculptures, seals as well as crafts from various ethnic minorities.
The museum's total exhibition space is 12,000 square meters, distributed across four floors. The first floor features the Ancient Chinese Bronze Gallery, Ancient Chinese Sculpture Gallery, and Exhibition Hall. The second floor showcases the Ancient Chinese Ceramics Gallery and the temporary Ceramics Gallery. The third floor is dedicated to the Calligraphy Gallery, Painting Gallery, and Seals Gallery. The fourth floor exhibits the Ancient Chinese Jade Gallery, Coin Gallery, Ming and Qing Furniture Gallery, and the Ethnic Minority Craft Gallery.
Shanghai Jinmao Tower
Standing proudly at 88 Century Avenue in the heart of Shanghai’s Lujiazui Financial District, the Shanghai Jin Mao Tower is a true marvel of modern engineering and design. Located in the bustling center of the city, the tower offers breathtaking views to the east over the Pudong New Area, to the west over downtown Shanghai and the Huangpu River, and to the south toward the vibrant commercial hub of Zhang Yang Road. To the north, it overlooks the expansive 100,000-square-meter central green space.
The Jin Mao Tower occupies 24,000 square meters of land, with a total building area of 290,000 square meters. The towering 88-story main structure rises to a height of 420.5 meters, with approximately 200,000 square meters of space. Its sleek, modern design features a stunning tapering shape, symbolizing both architectural elegance and strength. The tower’s six-story podium covers 32,000 square meters, while the three underground levels span 57,000 square meters. The building’s striking exterior is enveloped in an aluminum alloy lattice, giving it a contemporary yet timeless appeal.
Inside, the Jin Mao Tower is as spectacular as its exterior. The first two floors house the grand lobby, while floors 3 to 50 feature expansive, column-free office spaces with a ceiling height of 4 meters and a net height of 2.7 meters. The upper floors—51 to 52—house essential mechanical and electrical systems, while the 53rd to 87th floors are home to a luxurious hotel. The 88th floor boasts an observation deck, offering panoramic views of the city and beyond.
Designed by the renowned Chicago-based architectural firm SOM, with Adrian Smith as the lead designer, the Jin Mao Tower combines cutting-edge global architectural trends with traditional Chinese design elements. The building is an engineering masterpiece, with a vertical deviation of only 2 centimeters and the ability to withstand winds of up to level 12 and earthquakes of magnitude 7.
The tower’s exterior is characterized by large glass panels that reflect ever-changing hues—shifting from silver to shades of blue and green. Between the two layers of glass, a low-temperature conductor ensures the interior remains insulated from the outdoor elements.
Inside, the grand lobby features a striking archway design and walls clad in Mediterranean-style perforated marble for both aesthetic and soundproofing purposes. The polished marble floors gleam without being overly shiny, while the main hallway leading to the banquet hall is an artistic corridor showcasing Chinese calligraphy and copper reliefs that depict the evolution of Chinese script, from ancient oracle bone inscriptions to modern-day characters.
At the top of the Jin Mao Tower, the 88th floor offers the “Cloud Walk”—a 60-meter-long, 1.2-meter-wide transparent skywalk, the highest of its kind in the world. This glass walkway allows visitors to experience Shanghai from a breathtaking 340.1 meters above ground level, walking in the clouds and enjoying an unparalleled view of the city below.
Since its completion, the Jin Mao Tower has garnered numerous accolades, including the Illinois World Architecture Award in 1998 and the Shanghai Classic Architecture Gold Award in 1999. It also achieved LEED-EB certification in 2013 and was named one of the "Top Ten New Landmarks in Shanghai" in 2020.
A true symbol of Shanghai's dynamic growth, the Jin Mao Tower remains a must-see destination for those who wish to experience the cutting-edge of modern architecture while soaking in the rich cultural and historical essence of one of the world’s most exciting cities.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Standing at a towering height of 468 meters (1,536 feet), the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is not only the tallest TV tower in Asia but also the third tallest in the world. It ranks behind the 553.3-meter-high CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, and the 540-meter-high Ostankino Tower in Moscow, Russia. Located in the heart of Pudong’s Lujiazui district, the tower has become a symbol of Shanghai, drawing both locals and tourists alike. Its unique design, featuring 15 spheres of varying sizes at different heights, creates a striking and futuristic appearance.
The tower's design is said to be inspired by a famous Chinese poetic line, "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate," evoking an image of pearls scattered across a jade surface. From its observation deck, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the bustling city, the Huangpu River, and beyond. The revolving restaurant and the expansive sightseeing platform can accommodate up to 1,600 people, offering an unparalleled experience in the sky.
Construction of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower began in 1992, with an initial investment of 50 million Yuan from the government. An additional 150 million Yuan and 10 million US Dollars were raised through bank loans from 44 banks. The tower was completed and opened to the public in 1994. It is affectionately known in China as "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl," a reference to its striking design, with two massive spheres at the base and a large pearl-like structure at the top.
In 1995, the tower began broadcasting, hosting nine television channels and 10 FM radio stations. Over the years, it has become a major hub for media and telecommunications, in addition to being a top tourist destination.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower offers a wide range of amenities for visitors. At a height of 263 meters, the observation deck provides breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline. You can also visit the futuristic "Space City" exhibition hall and the Shanghai Municipal History Museum, located in the tower's base. This museum showcases the history of the city, including its transformation from a small fishing village to one of the world’s leading metropolises.
The large lower sphere of the tower features various attractions, including the "Science Fantasy City" and the "Recreational Palace." On a clear day, visitors can enjoy a view stretching all the way to the Yangtze River from the sightseeing hall. In addition to the observation areas, the tower houses a hotel with 25 elegant rooms in the smaller spheres, offering a relaxing place for visitors to stay.
At the very top of the tower is a large pearl-shaped structure, home to a rotating restaurant, shops, and additional viewing platforms. This iconic structure provides guests with a unique dining experience while enjoying Shanghai’s spectacular skyline.
Over the past decade, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower has welcomed more than 25 million visitors, including 295 overseas heads of state and dignitaries. This immense popularity has made it one of the most profitable TV towers globally. In fact, its annual revenue has exceeded that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
According to the World Brand Lab, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower ranked 96th among the 500 most valuable Chinese brands, with a brand value of 5.148 billion Yuan (approximately 6.2 billion USD). It has consistently been one of the top 20 most influential Chinese brands on the global stage in recent years.
The tower’s combination of cutting-edge technology, breathtaking views, and cultural significance has made it a must-visit attraction in Shanghai and a proud symbol of China's modern achievements.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower stands as a monumental achievement in both architecture and engineering, symbolizing Shanghai's vibrant future while honoring its rich history. Whether you’re marveling at the panoramic views, exploring the interactive exhibits, or dining in the sky, the tower promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Children’s Palace
With a very high reputation worldwide, Chinese cuisine has become extremely popular among overseas gourmets. Chinese restaurants can be seen all over the world. This tour is designed for those Chinese cuisine lovers and brings you to taste authentic Chinese food. Our tour starts in Beijing, you can witness and climb the magnificent ancient construction of Great Wall, enjoy private family feast at one restaurant in the depth of Hutong, and also a sumptuous emperor’s dinner is served there. We flight to Chengdu to sample the Sichuan spicy food. Then come to Guilin, you experience a cruise on the world-wide famous Li River through stunning karst landscapes in Guilin and taste local special in Yangshuo. Our tour ends in Shanghai, be sated comfortable tasting the snacks while intoxicating in the wonderful sceneries. The Huaiyang cuisine in Yangzhou and Nanjing are surely to give you a deep impression and bring you aftertaste. If you are a gastronomist and interested in Chinese cuisine, contact us and join this fantastic tour.
Itinerary
When you arrival in Beijing, our guide will welcome you at the airport and bring you the private car that will take you to your hotel.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included:
We will travel to [Mutianyu Great Wall] , 80 kilometers northeast of Beijing. Mutianyu Great Wall is characterized by many watchtowers on overlapping mountain ranges. The wall, built with slabs of stone, is crenellated on both sides with bricks. Many people view that trying the crispy and tasty [Peking duck dinner] is indispensable in a visit to Beijing, so we arrange a featured dinner for you at Quanjude restaurant. The Peking duck is cooked in a special way. After the duck is roasted and dried, it looks dark red, shining with oil and crisp skin. People cannot wait to have a taste of the duck once they see the attractive appearance of the duck.
In China, the chef will show you the whole duck when it is served. Also, he will slice it into thin pieces with both skin and meat on. You can wrap duck slices, onion, and sauce in a pancake or a sesame bun in your favorite. And you can expect cold dishes or hot dishes which are served with other parts of the duck. In most cases, you can also view an amazing decoration mixed with the duck bones, Chinese watermelon and cabbage.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
[Hutong] (the Chinese word for alleys in Beijing) in Shichahai area marks the beginning of the China gourmet tour. In the morning, we will drive to the [Shichahai area] locating in the nearness of second ring road. This area is well preserved in its original appearance, presenting you the style of ancient Beijing. Every year, there are countless tourists coming from all over the world to enjoy the concentrated old Beijing by going through Hutongs sitting in a rickshaw. There’s a famous saying goes "a good restaurant never worries about its remote location". So we are going to explore one of the most famous restaurants in Beijing, and the family feast of the Mei Mansion Restaurant is our first stop. Mr.Mei lanfang, the famous Beijing opera performer who is well-known around China, lived in the mansion before. Right now, serious questions may come into your mind: what makes the Mei family private feast different from other restaurants in Bejing and what is the flavor of the dishes there? It's believed that there are three principles about the meal for Mr.Mei: no fat and greasy, the characters of good to protection of throat and voice, and benefiting skin. Huaiyang dishes in south and Beijing Tan family dishes are successively combined in the Mei family feast, and it is especially famous for its unique cooking of fish. Among them the "Seven Color Shredded fish" is worthy to having a try. It is said that the chicken conjee is a daily dish for Mr. Mei, which is daintily made with thick fragrance of chicken soup by adding vegetable juice to the conjee when the dish is ready prepared, all these make it delicate and tasty.
You can walk comfortably along the Hutong or take a rickshaw to run through the area after lunch at the Mei Mansion. Hutongs in Shichahai area are former residences of many influential officials in the past. You can best enjoy the splendid culture and history of ancient Beijing by the exploration of twisty and peaceful Hutongs.
Our dinner will be arranged somewhere near to the courtyard in Prince Gong Mansion, one of the best preserved courtyards in the capital. The dinner we have is the one cares for the way of keeping good health and combining primes of all Chinese dishes, and it is delicately-presented meal with sumptuous flavor.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast
[Tian'anmen Square] is one of the largest city squares in the world, and we will take a walk to enjoy it after breakfast. The square has a good location in the central axis of old Beijing with the Monument to the People's Heroes in the center of square. Next, we will go to the [Forbidden City], imperial palaces for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. There are 800 ceremonial buildings, 9,999 rooms, and a courtyard that can hold 100,000 people in the city. Best ancient Chinese architectural styles are well preserved here, consist an imposing view. Then we gather and go to the Zen –Cool Restaurant located at east Beijing. The decoration and clothing of waiters will make you amazed once you entered the restaurant, which give you the feeling of enjoying your meal in a "prison-house". Considering the need s of customers, it is indeed a prison theme restaurant. However, dishes here are delicately made and converging flavors from different areas. Those tasty dishes with funny and smart names will give you a brand new dining experience. The last dish is a seafood barbecue, indicating that you will start well and ends well, and be release soon.
After the meal, please follow our guide to the [Fortune Street], a fantastic street gathering gastronome and tasty foods from all over the world. You can freely to choose and go around, and try different snacks and dishes. As for dinner, we recommend an Australian Jack Restaurant that famous for its drunk kangaroo cook with red wine. Besides, there is an Italian restaurant with its freakish shape of pizzas. A Thailand restaurant is famous for its golden crab in thick soup. Certainly, there are lots of more nice foods for you to discover and enjoy.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
The morning is for your free leisure. And we will fly to Chengdu after lunch. The tour guide will meet at your arrival and you will be transferred to the hotel. It is a pleasure for you to have a leisure walk in the evening. Markets and street hawkers fill the streets dealing in everything you could possibly imagine, range from snakes and snails to fortunes and foot scrubs. Many travelers here are simply killing time or passing through a route to Tibet. However, there are lots of pleasant things to do here: feast on some great food and soak up some of the mellow atmosphere in one of the thousands of tea houses dotted about the city.
Stay overnight in Chengdu.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
We will go to experience Chengdu City after a leisurely breakfast. The unique natural conditions, beautiful environment plus the profound history make Chengdu is also a famous Chinese cultural city. The city tour to the [People’s Park]and [Kuanzhai Alley] will be an amazing one, where we can experience local people’s leisure life, feeling the relaxing pace of this southwestern city that boasts “Heaven of Abundance”.
Sichuan Cuisine which is famous for the spicy taste is considered as the four major style of cooking in China. Tasting the Sichuan cuisine is a necessary part of our trip to Chengdu. A hotpot dinner will let you know what authentic Sichuan spicy food is. More than 400 kinds of dishes such as Sautéed Pigeon Breast in XO Sauce, Stir-Fried Duck Tongues with Sichuan Chili, Kung Pao Chicken, as well as 2000 kinds of snacks such as Sichuan Style Wonton, Tangyuan (Glutinous Rice Balls) are included in Fermented Glutinous Rice Soup. You are kindly to suggest taking care of your stomach! Besides, Sichuan brocade, embroidery and lacquer ware are popular souvenirs.
Stay overnight in Chengdu.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
In the morning, we will leave for [Chengdu Giant Panda Researching and Breeding Base] by private bus. The center is located on the mountain of Futoushan in the northern suburbs of the city. The best visit time recommended by Staffs is in the morning, between 8.30 and 10am, during feeding time when the cute black and white bear may bring you great fun. If you fail to visit during the right time, the bears are probably indulging in their favorite pastime, sleeping! Next, we go to a local restaurant to savor the variety of delicious foods. And we take a flight to Guilin in this afternoon.
Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel and can relax yourself after the flight. If you still energetic enough, we suggest you to walk around downtown of the small city for a fantastic night view.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
We will get on board to start the [Li River cruise] in the morning. To fully enjoy the picturesque Li River, you can either sit on cushion comfortably or stand in the open-air viewing platform with a pleasant breeze greeting you. Make sure that you have brought lots of films or a memory card with large capacity for your digital camera because this is a photographer's dream place, where the dramatic landscapes that Chinese artists have been painting for centuries are available to capture. Lunch will be served onboard. You can really have much leisure time to enjoy the Li River picturesque scenery until we reach Yangshuo. After disembarking, we will walk to the West Street, which has received countless praise of international visitors from all over the world and famed as "Earthly Village in China". It is well developed for visitors and there are over 300 cafes, restaurants, hotels art crafts and tourist stores, foreign language clubs, internet centers and Kungfu schools in the 600 meters long street.
In the afternoon, we will take part in a [cooking class], so you can show people your talents for food and bring out some delicious Chinese dishes for a [DIY dinner].
Stay overnight in Yangshuo.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
Rice noodle is popular among local people in Guilin and many outside visitors. Local people take it as breakfast almost every day and never get tired of it. So after we drive back to Guilin city in the morning, we will have a [lunch with some Rice Noodles] in Guilinese Restaurant. And then we depart for a city tour. As we all known that the [Elephant Trunk Hill] is the symbol of Guilin; it looks like an elephant standing in the Li River and drinking the water. Another wonderful place is the [Reed Flute Cave], one of the most spectacular caves displaying karst geographical formation in various shapes. When finishing the above visits, we will continue to the nearby [South China Sea Pearl Museum], where we can learn some knowledge of pearls and have the chance to purchase real sea pearl at competitive prices.
We will take a flight to Nanjing after the dinner. Once your arrival, you will be move to the hotel and relax yourself after the flight.
Stay overnight in Nanjing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
You can visit Nanjing by yourself after breakfast in the morning. [Drink morning tea]. Huaiyang refined snacks are major features of morning tea. Steamed dumplings filled with soup of crabs roe, five tin dumpling, and other snacks are must if you want to try tasty snacks. After the rich and delightful morning tea, we walk to appreciate the beauty of this small city. And you are welcome to take a boat to sightseeing in the Slim West Lake. We will gather at the Daming Temple at lunch time, and we should take the opportunity to have a vegetarian meal because this kind of meal is only available for visitors at noon. Even though those dishes resemble meat dishes in appearance, please don't be misguided by your eyes and they are one hundred percent made of vegetables such as lotus root, mushroom, bean curd, and so on. [Daming Temple], which is famous for the unique garden scenery will be your first sightseeing spot after lunch. Dinner is arranged at a local restaurant to enjoy the well-known Wensi bean curd. It's said that there was a monk named Wensi who made this delicious dish using bean curd, lily flower and edible tree fungi (kind of mushroom). One time, the emperor tried the dish and he liked this dish very much, so it became a popular dish in the palace from then on. Finally, we drive back to Nanjing.
Stay overnight in Nanjing.
Meals included: Breakfast
We will leave for Shanghai by train in the morning and we can arrive in Shanghai at lunch time (about 2 hour train ride). After a short rest in the hotel, we set out to the Laozao Restaurant to enjoy the elegant Shanghai Benbang dish. In order to retain its original taste of the material, every dish was delicately prepared without monosodium and glutamate in the restaurant, representing you a special cooking art. After lunch, we will pay a visit to the [Jade Buddha Temple], an elegant structure famous for its Buddha statue which is carved of solid white jade and decorated by jewels. And then our guide will take you to the [Outer Bund] for a grand view of Shanghai. At that time, you maybe surprised at how modern this metropolis is while still preserving its old traditions. [Nanjing Road], the most prosperous commercial street, walking along the street will give you the chance to experience the prosperity of Shanghai. Dinner is on your own, you can choose to eat either western food or Chinese food as you like, and there are lots of delicious western restaurants available in the city.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning we can enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and then go to visit the [Yuyuan Garden], where you will find more delicate handicrafts and tasty Chinese snacks. You can choose freely among more than 500 kinds of snacks, and what is highly recommended to you is the Nanxiang Steamed Bun Stuffed with Pork and Crab Roe and Spring Rolls. A visit to the [Shanghai Museum], one of the most famous museums in China, is also include in today’s tour. Then you could be dropped at Xintiandi, an affluent car-free shopping, eating and entertainment district of Shanghai, giving you the opportunity to explore this city on your own.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, you can relax in your hotel until you are ready to move to the next destination or for your leaving departure.
Meals included:
Pricing & Accommodation
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US Dollar -
Euro -
GB Pound -
CA Dollar -
AU Dollar -
HK Dollars -
Renminbi
| 1 person | 2-5 persons | 6-9 persons | ≥10 persons | Single Room Supplement | |
| First Class Tour | $5048 | $3235 | $2816 | $2329 | $990 |
| Comfortable Tour | $4146 | $2674 | $2253 | $1907 | $570 |
| Standard Tour | $3520 | $2323 | $1975 | $1555 | $360 |
* Price in every box above is for each person.
* The default currency is in US dollar. Please use the Currency Converter to see the equivalent quote in your currency. Price is for references only, it may vary according to your actual travel itinerary, travel time, hotel price rise or fall, US dollar exchange rate fluctuation, car fuel price change and government tax adjustment, etc..
* The price is only for your reference and it is subject to seasons, high or low.Please send us your inquiry if you are interested.
* The differences between First Class Tour, Comfortable Tour and Standard Tour are mainly reflected in the hotels we use. For First Class Tour, we use mostly 5 star hotels (or hotels corresponded to 5 star ones), 4 star hotels for Comfortable Tour and 3 star hotels for Standard Tour. But there’re exceptions when there come home stay experience, remote destinations and other specified circumstances in the itinerary.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Attraction Entrance Fees
- Centrally Located Hotels
- Authentic Chinese Food
- Private Experienced Guides
- Private Cars/Van with Drivers
- Internal Flights/Train(s) in China
- Luggage Transfers
- Airport Taxes and Fuel Fees
- Service Charge & Government Taxes
- Travel Insurance
Exclusions:
- International Airfare to Enter/Leave China
- China Entry Visa Fees
- Excess Baggage Charges
- Personal Expenses
- Single Room Supplement
- Tips or Gifts to Guides/Drivers/Bellmen
Important Information
How to Pack up
We suggest that each person packs up one rollable suitcase with the weight under 20 kg/44lb. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like iPods and mobile phones.
Checklist
It's only for reference and you may not need all of them. Choose from below according to the tour you pick up:
Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travelers checks
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
ChinaExpeditionTours vouchers and trip dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Day pack for daily personal items
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Water bottle and Plastic mug for train journeys
Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts for summer months (June – September)
Long pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for Nov-April. Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves
Umbrella or waterproof jacket
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
Camera, film and memory chip
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Local Dress
Generally speaking, the dress standard is more conservative in China than it is in western countries. Things also changes quickly, nowadays the young Chinese share the same hobbies with their western counterparts. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of summers. In predominately Buddhist and Muslim regions we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Spending Money
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to internet for the recent exchange rates. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and MasterCard and other credit cards in most Chinese cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travelers checks in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in big shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. For the small shops and the street venders, they take cash (either Chinese Yuan or US dollar) only.
Meals
Eating is a big part of your traveling in China. Travelling with ChinaExpeditionTours, you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally breakfasts and lunches are included except dinners to give you the flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Your group leader or local guide will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip.
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an "emergency" fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control, necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Tipping
It is customary to tip service providers in travel industry in Asia, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $6-$10 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service, for driver, it could be half. If necessary, ask your tour leader or call your ChinaExpeditionTours tour advisor for specific recommendations based on the circumstances. If you have a tour leader for the whole tour, at the end of the trip if you felt he/she did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference. However as a guideline $6-10 USD per person, per day can be used.
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are all e-tickets. They are issued locally and you will be given the information of them prior to the flight departure.
Laundry
Generally laundry facilities are offered by our hotels for a charge. You also can go to a laundry service center near your hotel to have your clothing washed at a lower cost. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Safety and Security
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' checks, cash and other valuable items. Many of the hotels we cooperate with have safety deposit boxes which are the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. When travelling on a trip, please note that your group leader or local guides has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader or local guides will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader or local guides will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of China but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is not acceptable for ChinaExpeditionTours travelers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. Use of illegal drugs is completely contrary to this philosophy and local law. Our group leader or local guides has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or used.
Health
If you want to fully enjoy your trip abroad, a good health and confidence in physical strength are important. This trip may contain a fair amount of walking up and down steps in towns or climbing mountains. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders or local guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In China pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting a tour please carefully read the itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travelers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is highly suggested to bring forth. ChinaExpeditionTours reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader or local guides they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Medical Form
It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an "average level of fitness and mobility" is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own bags at a minimum. Travelers over the age of 70, or travelers with a pre-existing medical condition, are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that senior travelers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders or local guides work hard to ensure that all our travelers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. You must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for medical costs associated with hospitalization, emergency travel and repatriation back to your home country. Please take your insurance policy with you when you travel. You may take other cover, of course, but we require you to be adequately insured before we can allow you to participate in our programs. Your ChinaExpeditionTours leader or local guides will need to see and record your policy details at the pre-tour briefing at the starting city, so please bring a copy along to the meeting. If you arrive without travel insurance your tour leader or local guide will require you to purchase a policy before you continue your journey with us.
If you are covered by a policy arranged through your credit card company you will be asked to provide evidence of this cover, as well as a 24-hour emergency contact number. Many credit card companies do not provide an insurance policy number. In this instance, the tour leader or local guides will need to record your credit card number, as this is required to activate any request for emergency assistance. You should also bring along the travel insurance information booklet provided by your credit card company. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the requirements set out by your credit card company in order to be effectively covered and that the cover offered is of a suitable standard.
Passport & Visas
Well before travelling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate photo, that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport.
Please note that visas for China and Hong Kong are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. Americans, British, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders do currently require a visa for China. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your government. For the most up to date information please check your governments' foreign ministry website. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travelers there will probably have an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. Please note if you are travelling from China, into Hong Kong then back into China, you will need a double entry Chinese visa. Note that on some occasions people transiting through China on way to Hong Kong have been made to go through immigration and had their single entry visa stamped making this invalid. Do not allow your visa to be stamped if you are only going through transit.
Keeping in Touch
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the country, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travelers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact us so we can get into touch with your tour leader or local guide quickly by their cell phone and they can pass their cell phone to you! We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change.
Feedback
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us and we'll record you and give you ChinaExpeditionTours travel points so you can use the points to get discount for your next ChinaExpeditionTours trip or your friends' ChinaExpeditionTours tours.
Per Person
