China is the ideal location for tourists seeking picturesque sites that are historically educational. The scope of this article discusses three such sites that are considered must sees by most visitors. The Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, and the Terracotta Warriors all offer tremendous insight into Chinese history, architecture, and culture. Moreover, they represent perfect places to visit in China for those lacking a basic understanding of the country’s past and traditions. Some first time visitors to China find it beneficial to begin their voyage in Beijing as the city is quite westernized, easing the sense of culture shock.
The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, located directly in the center of Beijing, near the famous Tiananmen Square, housed the emperor’s Imperial Palace and all other central governmental buildings from 1420 until 1912 (the city was rebuilt in the late 1640s after its destruction by foreign invaders). Construction of the ancient walled city began in 1406 during the rule of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1386-1644). It is an awe inspiring, massive sight to behold. Its walls stand 32 feet; its moat is 170 feet wide while being six feet deep; and it occupies a space covering 25 square miles. Incredibly, the Forbidden City is comprised of 980 buildings which play host to a total of 9,999 rooms. This was done by design as the number nine is seen as very auspicious to the Chinese. The city is accessed via gates found on the northern and southern ends. Currently, tourists are directed to enter the city through the southern entrance known as the Meridian Gate. While within the city, guests are directed on an informative tour complete with audio guides in a myriad of languages. The northern exit, known as the Gate of Divine Prowess serves as the only way to depart the city. While in Beijing, the Great Wall of China is only a two hour bus ride northeast toward the city of Jizhou.
The Great Wall of China
Jizhou, was an important military city during the Ming Dynasty. Here one can visit a small museum dedicated to the garrison that was stationed there during Ming times. Construction of the Great Wall of China began on approximately the year 221 BC during the short lived Qin Dynasty (r. 221-206BC). The wall was continually repaired and altered until the fall of the Ming Dynasty in 1644. It is essentially a time capsule back to the masonry technology used by the ancient Chinese during these periods. The wall was built for defending Imperial China from people in the north they referred to as “barbarians” (Mongolians). As such, the wall was constructed with a pathway where soldiers patrolled as they gazed out over the surrounding areas. However, tourists should be aware that parts of the wall have fallen into disrepair, rendering these areas of the wall difficult to hike along. The wall is visited by thousands daily. It is a large source of revenue for the Chinese government as well as those who work near it. Therefore, there are many different varieties of lodging options, ranging in price along the entire length of the wall. Whereas the Great Wall is a marvelous example of ancient military masonry, the Great Silk Road, beginning in Xian, a 13 hour car ride from Beijing is an example of construction that had economic well-being in mind. Xian, an ancient capital city of China is where the world renowned Terracotta Warriors are located.
The Terracotta Warriors
The Terracotta Warriors are a gigantic collection of life sized sculptures made during the 3rd century BC depicting the armies of Shi Huang, the first and only emperor of the Qin Dynasty. The height of the sculpted soldiers is dictated by their roles in life. The tallest sculptures are dressed in clothes only a general would have worn, as the height of the soldiers decreases so do their ranks. Along with the soldier sculptures are also those of horses, chariots, and non-military personnel. They were unearthed in 1974 by local farmers who were tilling the land. It is believed that the majority of the sculptures remain buried. All the pieces found on the site were crafted in nearby areas and moved to Shi Huang’s mausoleum to offer him protection in the afterlife. There is an $11 fee to gain access to the warriors. Once inside the structure built to house the sculptures, visitors are presented with a movie shown on a 360 degree screen illustrating how the army was discovered. Currently, there are three pits numbered in their order of discovery; Pit 1, containing hundreds of sculptures depicting primarily soldiers and horses is the largest. The site is open from 8am-6pm; it takes roughly three hours to do the entire tour.
Conclusion
China is a country replete in culture and history that dates back to approximately 2500 BC. The Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, and the Terracotta Warriors are ideal tourist destinations when considering a trip that includes the most iconic places in the country.
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