The beautiful YuanYang 元阳 rice terraces in YunNan province

PingYao lies in ShanXi province, central China, about 700 kilometers (400 miles) southwest of BeiJing and 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the provincial capital TaiYuan.. PingYao is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being "an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city". PingYao is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city, founded in the 14th century. This ancient city is renowned for its well-preserved city walls and outlying temples. The city walls were constructed around 1370 and have six barbican gates. The walls are 12 meters high, with a perimeter of 6 kilometers. A 4 meter wide, 4 meter deep moat lies just beyond. There are also 72 watchtowers.

With Andy see the World ... Visitor Guide to ShanHaiGuan Overview ShanHaiGuan, located in QinHuangDao City, HeBei Province, is a renowned historical site known as the "First Pass Under Heaven." It is one of the most well-preserved and strategically important passes of the Great Wall of China, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into China's ancient military history and stunning coastal scenery. Getting There By Air: The nearest airport is QinHuangDao Beidaihe Airport (BPE), located about 20 kilometers from ShanHaiGuan. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to ShanHaiGuan. By Train: ShanHaiGuan Railway Station is well-connected with major cities like BeiJing, TianJin, and Shenyang. High-speed trains make it convenient to reach ShanHaiGuan from these cities. By Bus: Long-distance buses are available from nearby cities, including QinHuangDao and TianJin. The main bus station in ShanHaiGuan is ShanHaiGuan Long-Distance Bus Station. Getting Around Walking: The historic area of ShanHaiGuan is best explored on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate the ancient architecture and fortifications. Biking: Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the surrounding areas and nearby attractions at your own pace. Local Transport: Taxis and local buses are available for traveling to and from different parts of ShanHaiGuan and QinHuangDao. Main Attractions First Pass Under Heaven (Zhenyuan Tower) This iconic gate is the easternmost point of the Great Wall and marks the starting point of the ancient defense line. The tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and the Great Wall stretching towards the mountains and the sea. Old Dragon's Head (Laolongtou) Located where the Great Wall meets the Bohai Sea, the Old Dragon's Head is a dramatic and picturesque site. The fortifications extend into the sea, resembling a dragon drinking water. It's a unique and breathtaking part of the Great Wall. ShanHaiGuan Great Wall Museum The museum provides a comprehensive overview of the history, construction, and significance of the Great Wall. Exhibits include artifacts, models, and interactive displays that bring the history of this monumental structure to life. Jiumenkou Great Wall This section of the Great Wall is unique for its series of nine gates and the river that flows beneath it. The Jiumenkou Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a fascinating look at ancient military engineering. Wang Family Courtyard This well-preserved traditional courtyard residence offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of a wealthy family during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The courtyard is beautifully decorated with intricate carvings and traditional furnishings. Local Cuisine ShanHaiGuan's cuisine is influenced by its coastal location and northern Chinese culinary traditions. Here are some must-try dishes: Seafood: Fresh seafood from the Bohai Sea, including fish, shrimp, and crab, is a highlight of local dining. QinHuangDao Dumplings: These dumplings are known for their thin skins and generous fillings, often served with a dipping sauce. Jiaozi (Dumplings): A variety of steamed or boiled dumplings filled with meat, vegetables, or seafood. Local Snacks: Try street food such as fried dough twists, roasted sweet potatoes, and various grilled skewers. Shopping Local Handicrafts: ShanHaiGuan is known for its traditional handicrafts, including paper-cutting, clay figurines, and embroidery. These items make for unique souvenirs. Antique Markets: Explore local antique markets for historical artifacts, vintage items, and collectibles. Seafood Markets: Purchase fresh or dried seafood to take home or enjoy while you're in the area. Accommodation Luxury Hotels: For a high-end stay, consider hotels like the Shangri-La Hotel QinHuangDao or the Sheraton QinHuangDao Beidaihe Hotel, both offering excellent amenities and service. Mid-Range Hotels: Options such as the Best Western Junyu Grand Hotel and QinHuangDao Grand Hotel provide comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices. Budget Hotels: For budget travelers, hostels and budget hotels like the ShanHaiGuan Youth Hostel offer affordable and convenient lodging. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit ShanHaiGuan are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. An umbrella or raincoat is useful during the rainy season. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and be mindful of local etiquette, especially when visiting historical and cultural sites. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be very helpful. Plan Your Visit: ShanHaiGuan is best explored at a leisurely pace. Take your time to wander through the historical sites, visit local shops, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Conclusion ShanHaiGuan, with its rich history, strategic importance, and stunning coastal scenery, offers a unique and memorable travel experience. Whether you're exploring ancient fortifications, savoring fresh seafood, or strolling along the Great Wall, ShanHaiGuan provides an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of your trip to this fascinating destination in HeBei Province.

Some of her favorite places in the city ...

With Seiu Travel ... 🌹 Yongding Gate Yongding Gate was the south gate of the outer city of Beijing's old city in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the highest-regulated and largest of the seven gates in Beijing's outer city Unfortunately, the original gate was demolished in 1957, and what we see now is the rebuilt one in 2004. 🌹 Temple of Heaven and Altar of the God of Agriculture The Temple of Heaven and the Altar of the God of Agriculture are located on both sides of the central axis, showing east-west symmetry. The Temple of Heaven is the largest and most complete existing royal worship building complex in China during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Official website: http://www.tiantanpark.com/english/ The Altar of Agriculture is the largest existing royal place for worshipping the God of Agriculture in China. It is now converted into a museum of ancient Chinese architecture. Official website: http://www.bjgjg.com 🌹 Zhengyang Gate Zhengyang Gate, commonly known as the "front gate", is the south gate of the inner city of Beijing's old city, located on the south side of Tian‘anmen Square. Zhengyang Gate integrates defense, urban management and ceremonial functions and is known as the "first of the nine gates". 🌹 Tian’anmen Square and Buildings Tian‘anmen Square and buildings are composed of the Monument to the People's Heroes, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China. Official website: http://yuyue.tamgw.beijing.gov.cn 🌹 Outer Jinshui Bridge The Outer Jinshui Bridge is located in front of the Tian’anmen Tower. It was the only way from the imperial city to the southern suburbs for sacrifice (Temple of Heaven, Xiannongtan) in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is also the ceremonial space for major celebrations today. 🌹 Tiananmen Gatetower Tiananmen Gatetower was the main gate of the imperial city in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its platform was connected to the imperial city wall, together forming the southern boundary of the imperial city in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Tiananmen Gatetower was the place where imperial edicts were issued in the Ming and Qing dynasties and major state events were held in modern times. 🌹 Duan Gate Duan Gate is located on the south side of the Forbidden City, between Wu Gate and Tiananmen Gatetower, and is part of the court space. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, Duan Gate was the place where the emperor's ceremonial supplies were stored. 🌹 Forbidden City The Forbidden City was the palace city of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is an outstanding example of Chinese royal palace architecture and is located at the center of the central axis. Official website: https://intl.dpm.org.cn/index.html?l=en 🌹 Imperial Ancestral Temple and Altar of Land and Grain The Imperial Ancestral Temple and Altar of Land and Grain are the ideal capital planning model of "left ancestor and right community", and are located on the east and west sides of the Forbidden City. The Imperial Ancestral Temple, now the Working People's Cultural Palace, was the royal ancestral temple of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Official website: https://www.bjwhg.com.cn Altar of Land and Grain, now Zhongshan Park, is the most complete ancient royal altar in China for worshiping Taishe (land) and Taiji (grain). Official website: https://www.zhongshan-park.cn 🌹 Jingshan Hill Jingshan Mountain is the commanding height and important landscape node on the central axis of Beijing. Official website: http://www.bjjspark.com/index.jhtml 🌹 Wanning Bridge Wanning Bridge is the oldest bridge on the central axis of Beijing. It is an important water channel in the upper reaches of Tonghui River in the capital of the Yuan Dynasty. It is also a physical object for studying the canal transportation in Beijing during the Yuan Dynasty. 🌹 Bell and Drum Tower The Bell and Drum Tower, which was responsible for the city's timekeeping and time reporting functions during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, was an important urban management facility. 00:00:00 Highlights 00:01:09 Yongding Gate - the southern gate of Beijing's old city 00:03:42 Remains of the road in the southern section of Beijing's central axis 00:05:26 Temple of Heaven - a place for offering sacrifices to heaven 00:28:18 Altar of Agriculture - a place for offering sacrifices to the god of agriculture 00:36:09 Zhengyang Gate and Qianmen Street 00:41:49 Tian‘anmen Square and buildings 00:49:09 Forbidden City 01:12:52 Imperial Ancestral Temple - a place for offering sacrifices to royal ancestors 01:16:27 Altar of Land and Grain - a place for offering sacrifices to the land and grains 01:20:38 Jingshan 01:29:05Wanning Bridge 01:32:28 Bell and Drum Tower - the northernmost end of the central axis

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Architectural design and decor inspiration 激发美好生活理念的灵感 Bonus film - Five friends each transforms a random house in the suburbs of BeiJing and their work becomes a big success 北京5個好友，改造房子後，帶火整個村

The amazing panoply of sights and sounds that is the incredibly diverse and both naturally and culturally beautiful country that makes it a travel destination top pick. With Cee-Roo ...