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
The Humble Administrator's Garden, located in SuZhou, JiangSu province, is one of the most famous classical gardens in China. Built in the early 16th century during the Ming Dynasty, this garden is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design, featuring beautiful pavilions, serene ponds, lush greenery, and exquisite rock formations. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in traditional Chinese garden art.
History
The garden was originally created by Wang XianChen, a retired government official, who sought to design a peaceful retreat for himself. Over the centuries, the garden changed hands multiple times, undergoing various renovations and expansions. Despite these changes, the garden has retained its original layout and classical elements, reflecting the aesthetics and philosophical principles of traditional Chinese gardens.
Main Attractions
Central Garden
The Central Garden is the heart of the Humble Administrator's Garden, featuring a large pond surrounded by lush plants, winding paths, and elegant pavilions. Key highlights include:
Lotus Pavilion: A beautiful structure overlooking the pond, offering a tranquil spot to enjoy the view of blooming lotus flowers in summer.
Hall of Distant Fragrance: Named after the lotus flowers whose fragrance can be smelled from afar, this hall is one of the garden's main buildings, known for its elegant design.
Eastern Garden
The Eastern Garden features a series of smaller ponds, rockeries, and pavilions, creating a more intimate and secluded atmosphere. Notable features include:
Small Flying Rainbow Bridge: A charming stone bridge that arches gracefully over a small pond.
Hall of 36 Mandarin Ducks: Named after the mandarin ducks often seen in Chinese art, this hall offers picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
Western Garden
The Western Garden is characterized by its open spaces and carefully arranged rockeries and plantings. Highlights include:
Hall of the Thirty-Six Mandarin Ducks: Featuring beautiful carvings and a serene ambiance.
GuanYun Peak: A striking rock formation representing a mountain peak, showcasing the garden's sophisticated use of stones.
Architecture and Design
The Humble Administrator's Garden exemplifies the principles of traditional Chinese garden design, which seeks to create harmony between nature and human-made structures. The garden's architecture and layout incorporate the following elements:
Water Features: Ponds and streams are central to the garden's design, reflecting the sky and surrounding plants, and adding a sense of tranquility.
Rockeries: Carefully arranged rocks and rock formations symbolize mountains and add a dynamic visual element to the landscape.
Pavilions and Halls: These structures provide spaces for relaxation and contemplation, offering various perspectives of the garden.
Plantings: A diverse array of plants, including bamboo, lotus, and seasonal flowers, enhance the garden's beauty and symbolize different virtues and qualities.
Visiting Tips
Best Time to Visit: The garden is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer are particularly lovely when flowers are in bloom. Autumn offers stunning foliage, and winter provides a peaceful, serene atmosphere.
Opening Hours: The garden is open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM (hours may vary seasonally).
Getting There: The garden is located in the heart of SuZhou and is easily accessible by public transportation or taxi. The nearest metro station is Lindun Road Station (Line 1).
Guided Tours: Consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the garden's history, architecture, and cultural significance.
Photography: The garden offers countless photo opportunities. Be sure to bring your camera and take your time capturing the beauty of the landscape.
Respect the Environment: Help preserve the garden by not picking flowers, climbing on rocks, or littering. Respect the tranquility of the space and other visitors.
Huangshan, also known as the Yellow Mountains, is a renowned mountain range in southern Anhui Province. Famous for its stunning granite peaks, ancient pine trees, hot springs, and the mystical sea of clouds, Huangshan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular destination for tourists and photographers. ... more ...
The Hakka Tulou are unique, fortress-like buildings located in the mountainous areas of Fujian Province. These large, circular or rectangular earthen structures were built by the Hakka people, an ethnic group known for their migratory history. The Tulou are notable for their communal living spaces, defensive features, and remarkable architectural design.
Who are the Hakka People?
The Hakka are a subgroup of the Han Chinese, known for their migratory history and resilience. Originating from northern China, the Hakka migrated southwards over several centuries, settling in the mountainous regions of southern China. The name "Hakka" means "guest people," reflecting their history of migration and settlement in new areas.
Hakka culture places a strong emphasis on education, family unity, and community cooperation. Despite facing hardships and displacement, the Hakka have maintained their unique cultural identity and traditions.
Historical and Cultural Background
Origins and History
The construction of Tulou began during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and continued through the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) Dynasties. These buildings were designed to provide protection and communal living for large families or clans, often housing up to 80 families in a single Tulou.
Cultural Significance
The Tulou reflect the Hakka people's need for security and their communal lifestyle. The buildings are designed to be self-sufficient, with living quarters, storage areas, and defensive structures all incorporated into the design. The Hakka culture values family unity, and the Tulou are a physical manifestation of this principle.
Architectural Features
Design and Structure
Tulou are typically large, multi-storied structures built with thick earthen walls that provide insulation and protection. The outer walls are made from rammed earth, mixed with stone, bamboo, and wood, making them extremely durable. The interiors are organized around a central courtyard, with rooms for living, storage, and communal activities.
Defensive Capabilities
The design of the Tulou includes defensive features such as narrow windows and a single, reinforced entrance. These elements were intended to protect the inhabitants from bandits and wild animals. The circular shape of many Tulou also allows for effective communication and defense within the building.
Communal and Social Aspects
Living Arrangements
The Tulou were built to house entire clans, with each family having its own designated area within the structure. The central courtyard served as a communal space for social activities, celebrations, and meetings. This layout fostered a strong sense of community and cooperation among the inhabitants.
Self-Sufficiency
The Tulou were designed to be self-sufficient, with areas designated for food storage, livestock, and agricultural activities. This self-sufficiency was essential, as the Tulou were often located in remote, mountainous areas where resources needed to be carefully managed.
UNESCO World Heritage Status
Recognition
In 2008, several Fujian Tulou were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This recognition highlights their architectural uniqueness, cultural significance, and historical importance. The Tulou are considered outstanding examples of communal living and defensive architecture.
Conservation Efforts
Efforts to preserve the Tulou focus on maintaining the traditional construction techniques and protecting the buildings from modern threats such as tourism pressure and environmental degradation. These efforts aim to ensure that the Tulou remain a living part of Hakka culture.
Conclusion
The Hakka Tulou are extraordinary structures that embody the resilience, ingenuity, and communal spirit of the Hakka people. These architectural marvels continue to stand as a testament to the Hakka's ability to adapt and thrive in challenging environments. As both historical treasures and vibrant communities, the Tulou attract visitors from around the world, offering a glimpse into a unique way of life.
The Great Wall (长城 Chángchéng): Located in Beijing, Hebei, Tianjin, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, and Shanxi. An ancient fortification stretching across China's northern border, built to protect against invasions. ... more ...
Follow this traveler's videos of places walked and adored.
Discover some of China's incredibly diverse natural landscapes.
Including JiuZhaiGou, the YuLong River, the ShiLin Stone Forest, DunHuang desert and oasis, Tiger Leaping Gorge and ZhangJiaJie.
Chinese culture is founded on the harmony of people and nature and the reverence of natural beauty ...
Plus, the beautiful Flight of the Dragon ...
DānXiá Shān is a world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site Geo-Park.
The area comprises a reddish sandstone which has been eroded over the years into a series of outcrops with spectacular cliffs and unusual rock formations.
There are a number of temples in the mountains and many scenic paths. FuYiJiang River winds through the mountains and boat trips are possible.
Tiger Leaping Gorge in YunNan province lies 60 kilometers north of LiJiang and is part of the UNESCO 'Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan' World Heritage Site.
The gorge in gorgeous 4K by Milosh Kitchovitch ...
Hiking with Tim and Glo ...
The site of the leaping rock close up, by Valpard ...
The gorge is one of the world's deepest canyons and is populated by a few villages of the NaXi minority. Around 15 km in length, the gorge is located where the river passes between 5,600 meter high Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the 5,400 meter high HaBa Snow Mountain in a series of rapids below steep 2000 meter cliffs. Legend says that in order to escape from a hunter, a tiger jumped across the river at its narrowest point (still 25 meters wide, though with a rock in the middle).
There are a fair number of basic guesthouses for hikers, so your visit does not need to be rushed. These can also provide meals or snacks to passers by.
The Hiking Trails.
Hiking the entire length of the gorge is possible. There are two paths.
The 'the high road' is well-maintained by the locals and marked, although sometimes narrow, and is used by the Naxi as part of everyday life. This trail is longer than the lower road, approximately 22 kilometers (14 miles), but more varied. It features a variety of micro-ecosystems and waterfalls, and is probably the best choice if you only take one of the paths.
The 'low road' is a stretch of pavement (until recently a simple mule track) crossed by several waterfalls. This path more closely follows the Yangtze, so there are more views of the river and a stronger sense of being in a gorge.
Where the high road descends to meet the lower road, one can climb down to the river near the Tiger Leaping Stone, the point at which the tiger is said to have leaped across in two bounds.
Preparation
That the gorge is outstandingly beautiful is coupled with the need for care. The environment is natural and so the almost absence of safety clutter puts the responsibility on the those visiting. Rockfalls are not unknown. Prepare for wet weather, which can arrive suddenly, and use suitable shoes. Take extra care when crossing wet rocks and in general don't take risks; think first. Don't go alone in case of accident. Take a mobile phone. Swimming and kayaking are extremely dangerous and must be avoided. Don't go off track; take a map (essential). Head back to your lodgings well before dusk as, being within a gorge, light fades quickly.
HuangShan is well known for its beautiful scenery, sunsets and sunrises, unusually shaped granite peaks, ancient pine trees, hot springs, winter snow, and views of the clouds from above. Some of the peaks rise more than 1,800 meters (6,000 feet). HuangShan is a frequent subject in traditional Chinese paintings and literature.
HuangShan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of China's most popular tourist destinations. The HuangShan area is also noted for Chinese teas of high quality.
In the first film, a group of photographers spend a week on the Yellow Mountain and show that patience and dedication pays off ...
HóngCūn is a well preserved 800 year old village in southern AnHui province, near the southwest slope of Mount HuangShan.
Award-winning Virtual Reality film ...
A trip to HongCun ...
The first Buddhist temple in China was constructed here in SiChuan province in the 1st century A.D. The addition of other temples has turned Éméi Shān into one of Buddhism's holiest sites and is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains of China.
All in all, there are now seventy six Buddhist temples and monasteries, most of them located near the mountain top.
The first two films focus on the most well-known - the Golden Summit and the 48 meters tall statue of Samantabhadra, known in Mandarin as PǔXián PúSà 普賢菩薩.
HuangLong ('Yellow Dragon' - the appearance of the pools along HuangLong Valley) lies 150 kilometers (93 miles) north-northwest of the provincial capital ChengDu. All in all, it covers an area of almost 2,000 square kilometers.
This area is known for its colorful pools formed by calcite deposits, as well as diverse forest eco-systems, snow-capped mountain peaks, waterfalls and hot springs. There are also a number of temples. HuangLong is also home to the Giant Panda.
Step back in time with Tim and Glo as they visit HóngCūn, in the historical HuiZhou region of southern AnHui province, near the south west slope of Mount HuangShan, plus the close-by MuKeng Bamboo Forest.
The architecture and features of the approximately 150 residences that date from the Ming and Qing dynasties are among the best of their kind in China. One of the largest residences open to visitors, ChenZhi Hall, also contains a small museum.
Together with nearby XiDi, the village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Scenes from the film 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' were filmed on location here.
A beautiful film of the scenic area around ÉMéiShān and LèShān Dàfó, SìChuān province.
Mount EMei is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China on which there are nearly 70 Buddhist monasteries.
At 71 meters (233 feet) in height, LeShan Giant Buddha is the largest stone Buddha in the world.
Emei Shan (Emei Mountain, 3,099 m / 10,167 ft) is one of the four Chinese Buddhist sacred mountains.
Emei Shan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (together with the nearby LeShan Giant Buddha) as "an area of exceptional cultural significance as it is the place where Buddhism first became established on Chinese territory ... The first Buddhist temple in China was built on the summit of Mount Emei in the 1st century CE ... Mount Emei is also notable for its exceptionally diverse vegetation, ranging from subtropical to sub-alpine pine forests. Some of the trees there are more than 1,000 years old."
Included in this beautiful film : the summit of Mount Emei, WanNian Si Temple, QingYin Ge and BaoGuo Si Temple.
Don't miss this great film !
LiJiang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; "LiJiang is an exceptional ancient town set in a dramatic landscape which represents the harmonious fusion of different cultural traditions to produce an urban landscape of outstanding quality."
Filmed during two days hiking in the Tiger Leaping Gorge.
At a maximum depth of approximately 3790 meters, from the YangTze River to mountain peak, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world.
Tiger Leaping Gorge lies between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and HaBa Snow Mountain. It is part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas UNESCO World Heritage Site.
'Nine Villages Valley', SiChuan province.
Aqua pools, streams and waterfalls, and snow capped peaks, surrounded by red and gold leaves - a very beautiful place ...
The LeShan Giant Buddha 乐山大佛 is located in SiChuan province and is a 233 foot tall stone statue constructed during the Tang Dynasty.
Emei Shan (3,100 meters / 10,200 feet) is one of the four Chinese Buddhist sacred mountains.
Emei Shan is UNESCO World Heritage Site (together with the Leshan Giant Buddha) : "...an area of exceptional cultural significance as it is the place where Buddhism first became established on Chinese territory... The first Buddhist temple in China was built on the summit of Mount Emei in the 1st century CE."
Documentaries ...
石林, ShiLin County, YunNan, south China.
This area, covering around 500 square kilometers in all, lies about 90 km east of the provincial capital KunMing and is comprised of seven scenic areas featuring amazing limestone karst rock formations.
The Stone Forest began around 270 million years ago as a shallow sea. Extensive deposits of sandstone overlaid by limestone accumulated during the Permian period. Subsequent uplift of this region followed by exposure to wind and rain shaped the landscape we see today.
Filmed in Ultra HD (4K).
PingYao (平遥) is a county in ShanXi province, central China.
PingYao is located approximately 700 kilometres (400 miles) southwest of Beijing and 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the provincial capital TaiYuan.
PingYao is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city, founded in the 14th century. This ancient city, which is renowned for its well-preserved city walls and outlying temples, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
ZheJiang province.
Xī Hú is a fresh water lake with the city on side. There are numerous temples, pagodas, gardens, bridges and artificial islands within and around the lake. West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an outstanding example of Chinese garden arts and the guiding principle of harmony between human and nature.
Mount SiGuNiang, in SiChuan province, is famous for its beautiful scenery.
The surrounding area is reputed to be the "Oriental Alps". Mount SiGuNiang National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park comprises Mount SiGuNiang and the surrounding three valleys, namely ChangPing Valley (长坪沟), HaiZi Valley (海子沟) and ShuangQiao Valley (双桥沟), covering an area of 2,000 square kilometers.
Mount Siguniang
The Giant Buddha, which is around 70 meters in height, was carved out from the hill during the Tang dynasty (618–907). It took 90 years to complete.
The LeShan Giant Buddha is part of the Mount Emei Scenic Area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area has exceptionally diverse vegetation, ranging from subtropical to sub-alpine pine forests. Over time, additional temples established nearby making this an important place in Buddhism. There is a lot to see and explore.
Slideshow (with some great photos) :
The caves, full of beautiful Buddhist art, are located near DaTong in ShanXi province, north east China (west from Beijing), and date from the 5th century.
Buddhism came to this area via the northern Silk Road that linked Xi'An with Kashgar
Step back in time in the ancient village of HongCun, 宏村.
HongCun is located near the south west slope of Mount HuangShan.
The architecture and carvings of the approximately 150 residences dating back from the Ming and Qing dynasties are said to be among the best in China. One of the largest residences open to visitors, ChenZhi Hall, also contains a small museum.
Together with XiDi, the village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some scenes from the movie 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' were filmed on location in HongCun.
HuangShan (Yellow Mountain) is a group of mountains in AnHui province, east China.
Famous for its rugged peaks, unusual rocks and tenacious pine trees, this beautiful landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Eight hundred years ago, Marco Polo described HangZhou as the most enchanting place on Earth.
West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adjacent to the West Lake is a scenic area that includes historical pagodas and other cultural sites, blended with the natural beauty of the landscape, including Phoenix Mountain. The lake is crossed by two causeways.
Check out this beautiful city, two hours from Shanghai, the famous West Lake and the wonderful show 'Impression West Lake' ...
Yellow Mountain, 黄山, in AnHui province, between ShangHai and WuHan, is one of China's most popular travel destinations. An area of outstanding natural beauty, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
SanQing Shan, 三清山, is a renowned Taoist sacred site located 25 miles (40 km) north of YuShan County in JiangXi Province.
With outstanding natural scenery, plants and wildlife, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that in all covers 230 square kilometers.
SanQing means the "Three Pure Ones" in Chinese as Mount SanQing is composed of three main summits: YuJing, YuShui, and YuHua, representing the Taoist trinity. YuJing (rising 1820 meters above sea level) is the highest.
三峰峻拔、如三清列坐其巅
JiuZhaiGou Valley (九寨沟), literally 'Nine Villages Valley', is a nature reserve and national park located in the north of SiChuan province, near the GanSu border.
JiuZhaiGou is part of the MinShan mountains on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, and is known for its many multi-level waterfalls, colorful mineral lakes and snow-capped peaks. The elevation ranges from 2,000 to 4,500 meters (6,600 to 14,800 feet). It lies 330 km (205 miles) north of the provincial capital of Chengdu and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This remote region has been inhabited by various Tibetan and Qiang peoples for many centuries.
The valleys here are lined with 55 km of roads for shuttle buses, as well as wooden boardwalks and small pavilions. The boardwalks are typically located on the opposite side of the lakes from the roads.
Many visitors will first take the shuttle bus to the end of RiZe or ShuZheng valley, then make their way back downhill by foot on the boardwalks, taking the bus when the next site is deemed too distant.
JiuZhaiGou is a ten hour bus ride from ChengDu, or one can fly from ChengDu or ChongQing to JiuZhai HuangLong Airport, then take an hour long bus ride to HuangLong, or a 90 minute ride to JiuZhaiGou. There is also a daily flight to Xi'An, in the peak season, and from BeiJing, ShangHai and HangZhou.
The Ming Tombs are a collection of mausoleums built by emperors of the Ming dynasty. They lie within the ChangPing District of BeiJing Municipality, 40 kilometers (25 miles) north-northwest of Beijing city center.
The site was chosen based on the principles of Feng Shui by the third Ming emperor, YongLe. Construction began after completion of the Imperial Palace (Forbidden City) in 1420. Subsequent emperors placed their tombs in the same valley; 13 in total.
The siting of the Ming dynasty imperial tombs was carefully chosen according to Feng Shui principles. A key guide is that bad spirits and cold winds from the north must be deflected; therefore, an arc-shaped valley area at the foot of the JunDu Mountains was selected. This 40 square kilometer area, enclosed by mountains in a pristine, quiet valley with dark earth and tranquil water became the necropolis of the Ming dynasty.
A 7 kilometer (4 mile) path named the Spirit Way, or Sacred Way, leads into the complex, lined with statues of guardian animals and officials, with a front memorial gate consisting of three arches called the Great Red Gate; constructed in 1540, it is one of the biggest stone archways in China.
Further in, lies the ShenGong ShengDe Stele Pavilion with a 50 tonne stone statue of BiXi carrying a memorial tablet. Four white marble HuaBiao (pillars of glory) are positioned at each corner of the pavilion; at the top of each is a mythical beast. Then come two pillars on each side of the path, whose surfaces are carved with a cloud design, and tops are shaped like a cylinder; these are of a traditional design and were originally beacons to guide the soul of the deceased, The path leads to 18 pairs of stone statues of mythical animals, which are all sculpted from single blocks; these are all larger than life size. After, the path leads to a three-arched gate known as the Dragon and Phoenix Gate.
Two of the mausoleums are open to visitors, but it is the beauty of the valley, with orchards, and the sheer scale of the area used for the tombs, that make this a nice day out in the countryside.
The exquisitely beautiful LiJiang (丽江) is located in YunNan province in south west China and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is populated mainly by the NaXi ethnic minority. LiJiang lies close to Tiger Leaping Gorge and the Snow Dragon Mountain.
Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡 / HǔTiào Xiá) is a beautiful canyon on the JinSha River, a primary tributary of the upper YangTse River. It lies about 60 kilometers (38 miles) north of LiJiang in YunNan province, south west China and is part of the 'Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan' UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tiger Leaping Gorge is around 15 kilometers (9 miles) in length and passes between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain in a series of rapids below towering 2,000 meter (6,600 feet) cliffs.
This film shows part of the lower trail and the spot where legend says a tiger jumped the rapids at their narrowest point (some 20 plus meters).
ZhangJiaJie is one part of WuLingYuan National Forest Park in HuNan province, south China, and is a wonderland of strange peaks, stunning valleys, ancient trees, caves and waterfalls. There are over 500 scenic spots in this area of outstanding natural beauty; it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In all, it covers around 700 square kilometers (270 square miles).
The ancient town of LiJiang, in YunNan province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with over 800 years of history. It was an important hub of the South Silk Road, along which many items were traded, including tea. It is home to the NaXi ethnic minority.
LiJiang has lots of boutique hotels and cosy hostels in traditional architecture. The town, with its cobbled streets, streams and bridges, features many crafts (embroidery, silverware, drums and more) plus a wide variety of street snacks and restaurants.
JiuZhaiGou ('Nine Villages Valley') in south west China is a UNESCO World Heritage site, nature reserve and scenic area.
A great film by Sticker Travel ...
SuZhou lies in JiangSu province, just west from ShangHai Municipality, between the ebb of the YangTse river and TaiHu lake.
SuZhou has a history of over 2,500 years. The city's canals, bridges, pagodas, and gardens have contributed to its standing as one of the top tourist attractions in China. The 'classical gardens of SuZhou' were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997 and 2000. SuZhou is sometimes referred to as the 'Venice of the East'.
Surrounded by mountains on three sides, ChengDe in HeBei province, about 3 hours north east of Beijing, was a summer retreat for Ming emperor KangXi and also assocaited with emperors YongZheng and QianLong.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it features numerous scenic spots and is a great long weekend break. It is centered on the largest imperial park in China, with a surrounding wall of over 10km, which is a great hike. Within lie lakes and pagodas; beyond are eight temples in various architectural styles.
The park lies to the west of China's largest freshwater lake, PoYang Lake.
The national park covers an area of around 500 square kilometers (about 320 square miles) with more than 90 mountain peaks. The tallest, HanYang Peak, soars to a height of 1475 meters (4,850 feet). LuShan National Park owes its reputation to its varied and spectacular features that embraces ravines, waterfalls, grottoes, rocks and streams. There are 12 main scenic areas, including 37 attractions.
West Lake (Xi Hu) is a famous fresh water lake located in the center of HangZhou, provincial capital of ZheJiang in east China.
The lake is divided by a number of causeways and there are numerous temples, pagodas and other scenic spots dotted around.
West Lake has influenced poets and painters in China, Korea and Japan throughout centuries for its beauty, historical relics and garden/landscape design, with its harmony of human construction and nature.
West Lake was desclared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011.
LiJiang has a history of more than 800 years.
The old town, with its picturesque streams and bridges, traditional architecture and cobbled streets, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The second film shows the 'Black Dragon Pool'.
A UNESCO World Heritage site.
The first Buddhist temple in China was built here in SiChuan province during the 1st century A.D. in the beautiful surroundings of the Mount Emei and in view of its peak. Over the centuries, the addition of other temples turned the area into one of Buddhism's holiest. The most remarkable - the Giant Buddha at LeShan - was carved out of a hillside in the 8th century and looks down on the confluence of three rivers. At 71 meters in height, it is the largest Buddha in the world.
This beautiful area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is home to the HaNi and Yi minorities. The ancient practice of terraced farming maintains irrigation and preserves the top soil from being washed down the hillsides.
The beautiful capital of ZheJiang province.
HangZhou was the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty and remained so until the Mongol invasion of 1276 (the start of the Yuan dynasty).
The West Lake is a famous fresh water lake located in the historic center of HangZhou. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011.
The Putuo ZongCheng Temple in ChengDe, HeBei province, is a Qing dynasty Buddhist temple.
The complex was constructed between 1767 and 1771 during the reign of emperor QianLong (1735–1796). It is located just north of the ChengDe Mountain Resort. Along with the equally famed Puning Temple, it is one of the Eight Outer Temples of ChengDe (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
The temple was modeled after the Potala Palace in Tibet. The temple complex covers a surface area of some 220,000 square meters, making it one of the largest in China.
The Mountain Resort in ChengDe 避暑山庄 (BìShǔ ShānZhuāng literally means "Mountain Villa for Avoiding the Heat") was an imperial get-away. Built between 1703 and 1792 during the Qing dynasty, the vast Mountain Resort covers a total area of 5.6 square kilometers (2.2 square miles) and is surrounded by a mini 'Great Wall', which one can walk. It contains a variety of gardens, pagodas, temples and palaces representing the styles from various regions of China.
Mount Tai is one of China's Five Sacred Mountains and has been a place of worship for at least 3,000 years.
Mount Tai (or TaiShan, though there is a city called TaiShan in GuangDong - a different place) is a mountain of both historical and cultural significance which is located north of the city of Tai'An in ShanDong province. The tallest peak is the Jade Emperor Peak which reaches a height of 1,533 meters (just over 5,000 ft).
In total, there are 22 temples, 100 ruins, 820 stone tablets, and over 1,000 cliff-face and rock inscriptions, including the Wordless Stela that stands in front of the Jade Emperor Temple. Legend tells that the emperor who commissioned the stela was dissatisfied with the planned inscription and decided to leave it blank.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
An area of extraordinary karst peaks.
120 kilometers from KunMing. A UNESCO World Heritage site. This Scenic Area comprises 350 square kilometers and is divided into a number of zones.
