China is an extremely huge country, filled with tourist resources; this is why millions of people visit this scenic country every year returning home with smiles and only smiles, plus the desire to return. Most travelers come to experience its tons of attractions, including exquisite gardens, interesting historical sites, breathtaking landscapes and colorful national customs but what makes China one of the world’s top visited tourist destinations is the Great Wall – the most revered treasure of the country and a myriad of World Heritage Sites that never fails to amaze (so far, the number of its sites on the List has reached 41). A tour to China means a memorable, awe-inspiring odyssey through more than five thousand years!
With abundant cultural and natural wonders, today China has the third largest number of World Heritage Sites around the world.
Mogao Grottoes (Caves)
Also known as ‘Thousand Buddha Cave,’ this World Heritage Site (declared in the year of 1987) is a system of 492 Buddhist cave temples, extending some 1.6 kilometers, located on the eastern slope of Rattling Sand Mountain, near the Dunhuang city in Gansu province. The history of these architecturally significant wonders dates back to the 4th century when Yue Seng carved the first grotto in 366 AD during the rule of the Eastern Jin Dynasty.
The grottoes vary in size and are blessed with some of the finest examples of Buddhist art, including 45,000 square meters of mural, 2,000 statues and around 415 painted clay figures that still possess their bright colors. Work on the grottoes ceased in the 14th century and the secret of their protection from natural erosion is their cave location.
Mount Taishan
With its peak rising 1,545 meters above sea level, the sacred and most venerated Mount Tai (‘shan’ meaning ‘mountain’) is another must-see in China, situated in Shandong Province, in the Central Plains of the country. Symbolizing the Chinese spirit and ancient civilization, Mt. Taishan has been the venue of past emperors for nearly two thousand years.
Besides historic relics, Mt. Taishan has much to offer its visitors, there is an abundance of fine artworks, diversified stone inscriptions done by both ancient emperors and celebrities; add to this the unique natural scenery that is sure to take your breath away. The five most beautiful areas on Mount Taishan include the Dai Temple, the East Route, the West Routes, the Mid-heaven Gate, and the Jade Emperor Summit. It would really be a great pity to miss any of these wonders.
Old Town Lijiang
Famed for its brilliant ethnic culture and genuine folk customs, magnificent architecture that bears elements from several cultures, and ancient water-supply system of great complexity and ingenuity that still continues to function in an efficient way, the exceptional Old Town of Lijiang (Lijiang refers to both the name of the city and of the county) is ideally nestled in a dramatic landscape, about 150 kilometers from Burma.
Built in the late Song Dynasty and the early Yuan Dynasty, at the base of a mountain beside streams, Lijiang Old Town covers a total area of 3.8 square kilometers. Some of the highlights of this picturesque town are the Sifang Square, the Wanggu Pagoda upon the hill, and the Black Dragon Park. The town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 4, 1997. If you ever happen to visit China, it’s highly recommended to pay a visit to Lijiang – the only un-walled old city. I am sure, you’ll enjoy every minute.
To provide tourists with an excellent experience, Chinese government has recently invested billions of RMB to protect its attractions and improve their facilities!
