China is mysterious and huge. Guides to it has hundreds of pages and dozens of attractions that need to be inspected without fail.
Forbidden City in Beijing
Inside Beijing there is another city. It is a large palace complex, which is recognized as the largest in the world. It is called the Purple Forbidden City. At one time, 24 emperors ruled China. Each of them was considered the heavenly son, and their abode was the center of China and the whole World. The specific city within the city was distinguished by secret rituals and closed religious events. Everywhere there were symbols, signs and symbols for secret concepts. The purple city was closed to outsiders and attracted the attention of curious people.
Now the city has become part of the Palace Museum. Now it is called simply the Gongun, which translates as "the former palace." Now it is a huge museum for tourists, which cannot be viewed all in one visit.For those who still decided to feel the spirit of ancient China, we can recommend to highlight at least two days to view the exposition and get an audio guide. The mastering of the material will help reading the book "The Last Emperor of China Pu Yi".
Chengdu: a breeding place for bears - symbols of the country
The big bamboo bear is a symbol of China since ancient times. Pandu is revered on a par with dragons and the Great Wall of China. Already in the 20th century, diplomats gave these rare bears to their partners in order to establish good relations. This was called panda-diplomacy. Pandas are rarely found in zoos of other countries and most often there they are on loan. In China, bamboo bears are bred in several areas in the mountains. Most of them in Sichuan.
Chengdu is one of the largest centers for the breeding and study of pandas. Already at 9 am crowds of tourists walk here, since at this time the bears have breakfast, which is an amusing sight. At noon, the furry inhabitants of the center will fall asleep and look at them is not so interesting. If the observation of a slow black and white animal is bored, then you can switch your attention to the so-called red panda. This kid is no bigger than a big cat, but he looks no less funny than a classic panda. The red panda belongs to another family, but retains the charm of a cute little animal.
Kashgar on the Silk Road
The Great Silk Road is an interweaving of paths, on which trade caravans used to go, connecting Asia and Europe. It was in those places where these paths intersected, huge cities appeared that continue to develop and flourish. The unique city of Kashgar is located on the western edge of the Takla Makan desert. It may seem that you are not at all in China, in a classic eastern city. Around winding streets, noisy bazaars, pilaf and flat cakes, as well as numerous mosques.
Kashgar is a city of small people. Here the Uygur and Chinese cultures merge. The city itself is divided into two completely different parts. If you want to visit the real Kashgar, then you need to hurry, as the new Chinese part irresistibly absorbs the Uigurian. The most interesting here is the bazaars. Here you can find spices, colorful fabrics, dishes, dried fruit, carpets. A greater variety of goods appears on Sunday. On this day, the market is especially rich. This time and place is the best for the purchase of souvenirs and gifts.
Qiandaohu Lake
The lake arose after the Xin An river spilled as a result of the construction of a hydropower plant and flooded a huge area. In addition to Qiandaohu, many other lakes appeared here. But the most picturesque is exactly Lake Thousand Islands. About thirty cities are sheltered under tons of water, as well as the unique City of Leo (Shi Chen), which is more than thirteen hundred years old. Those who decide to dive, will open the world of ancient temples with curved roofs, dragons made of stone, houses with unusually thick walls and other original items.
Zhouzhuang: a city on the water
After visiting the modern and bustling Shanghai, it is necessary to fill your soul and mind with peace. You can discover it in a new capacity in the idyllic city of Zhouzhuang. Instead of streets there are canals filled with water. The oldest buildings in the city are more than 700 years old. Here you can plunge into the Middle Ages, sailing on a boat in the fog on the silvery smooth surface of the water. Time flows slowly here. Walking along the narrow lanes smoothly flow into unhurried lunches and visits to local tea shops. Also here it is most pleasant to delve into the basics of the art of calligraphy. At night, this place turns into a fairy tale: illuminated curved bridges and unusual rooftops fascinate the eyes.
Mount Huangshan
In Anhui province there is a picturesque mountain Huangshan. It will completely coincide with the images offered by the authors of martial arts movies. On the slopes of the mountain grow old pines, buried in thick fog. This situation can cause strong indescribable emotions.Having reached the summit, you can feel yourself the lord of the world - the opening views are breathtaking.
Dyaolou
Unusual buildings of three floors were erected in the province of Guandu not so long ago - at the beginning of the 20th century. These buildings in the countryside are designed to protect against the attacks of enemies with their fortified walls. The architects who designed the buildings decided to take the best from several of the most popular architectural styles in the world. Dyaolou can safely be called one of the most beautiful places in China, worthy to visit and remember it.
Huangoshu Waterfall
Those who come to see this landmark will see tons of water crashing down from a height of 250 feet. This is the largest waterfall in Asia. It looks impressive and can be seen from all sides. You can easily walk around the waterfall itself and get around it from either side.
Yalong Bay
Yalong Bay is a picturesque beach in Hainan Province. It has the shape of a graceful crescent and is always warm here. This place can easily compete with tropical resorts: the sand is fine and white, hotels are luxurious, palm trees are high and green. Also, tourists can pamper themselves with excellent food and numerous entertainment.
China is an inexhaustible source of new impressions and knowledge. In addition to the unique places described above, tourist guides recommend visiting the Wuyi Mountains, the imperial estate in Chengde, the Shennongjia Nature Reserve, Enshi Canyon, the Wulingyuan Alley in the Huanan Province, the Fenghuang Village and hundreds more wonderful places from which you can’t leave indifferent.
