Natural wonders, man made wonders, architecture, modernity, antiquity, art, culture... There is so much to see and experience within this one country! Each landscape amazes with its uniqueness, sheer beauty and magic. You can spend an eternity wondering the land and discovering more and more hidden gems, untouched places and long-standing ancient walls. It is a true challenge picking the best places to see in China but here they are.
Natural wonders, man made wonders, architecture, modernity, antiquity, art, culture... There is so much to see and experience within this one country! Each landscape amazes with its uniqueness, sheer beauty and magic. You can spend an eternity wondering the land and discovering more and more hidden gems, untouched places and long-standing ancient walls. It is a true challenge picking the best places to see in China but here they are.
About 500 miles north of Beijing is China's old capital, Shenyang, dating back to the early days of the Qing Dynasty. This is where the second best preserved Imerial Palace is after the Forbidden City. It was used as the residence of the first Qing Emperors and its vast grounds feature some incredible courtyards and many historic artifacts. While there, ensure to visit the Mausoleum of Light (Zhaoling), also known as the Northern Imperial Tomb. It is as astonishing structure with unique architecture and impressive "Path of Souls" walkway surrounded by stone columns and sculptures of the emperor's favorite horses.
The site, believed to represent the cradle of Chinese origins is only about 30 miles from Beijing, in the Zhoukoudian region of the Dragon Bone Mountain. This is where a fascinating discovery was made by archaeologists and anthropologists, The Peking Man! The well preserved human remains date to about 500,000 - 700,000 years back and there is a clear evidence of the Peking Man's use of fire. The Zhoukoudian site now showcases this important discovery in human history and evolution.
One of the most incredible views in China is the sight of the Longji Terraced Rice Fields near Guilin. This genius irrigation system is as amazing as it is functional. Built for over 400 years, the layers and layers of rice fields stacked over each other in a continuous magical sequence is overwhelmingly mesmerizing.
One of the most magical and outrageously stunning places in China is the Li River crossing in Guilin! Take a river cruise and be completely and utterly taken away by the calm waters, green landscapes and towering hills covered in vegetation. The mist and mystery will transcend you into a different dimension of complete bliss and awe at the powerful creativity of mother nature.
One of the most important temples in Shanghai and China is the Jade Buddha Temple. It was named for the two Jade Buddha statues imported to the city and worshiped at this exquisite monastery. They, however, are not the only fascinating feature! Situated in the Grand Hall are the gold Buddha statues looking over from the high pedestal. Explore the halls and passages of the Jade Buddha Temple for more of its hidden treasures and feel free to converse and ask the monks and guides questions to better understand the religion and rituals of China.
The most stunning avenue of Shanghai is The Bund, the city's promenade, where each building along this one mile of architectural beauty is absolutely outstanding. The Bund originated as a British settlement where unique houses, banks and trading headquarters line the avenue, one more beautiful than the other in Gothic, Baroque, Art Deco and Neo-Classical styles. Walk along the riverside and marvel at this incredible beauty. Day or night, it is an outstanding sight!
The landscape of Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan is so unique that it appears to have come from out of this world! Over 3,000 peculiar peaks of quartz sandstone come out sharply from the ground at an incredible height, seemingly reaching the sky as they cut through the mysterious fog. Most famous of which are the spectacular Tianzi Mountain, Camel Peak, Drunk Stone Peak and Five Finger Peak. Over 30 canyons cut through Wulingyuan at an astonishing dept of over 2,000 meters while hundreds of streams, springs, lakes, pools, and waterfalls give the fairy tail charm to the entire area. Visit the mysterious caves and marvel at the beautiful stalactites of Yellow Dragon Cave. There is so much to see and experience in this rural wonderland!
The Terracotta Army of the first Chinese Emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, is considered one of the most important and impressive archaeological finds of all times! Thousands of solder sculptures were unearthed in the Xian area, around the emperor's tomb and close to where his capital city was. Qin Shi Huangdi ordered to have his entire army made of clay and buried to accompany him in the afterlife. What is even more amazing is that each statue is life size and has its own distinctive facial features, expression, hair, clothes and carries a real weapon. This astonishing discovery depicts the reality of those glory days - the art of war and army formations, culture, clothes, and so much more. The entire site is now made into a museum, structures were erected around the Terracotta Warriors to shield them from the elements. Not all has been excavated and not all is on display but the most amazing site of a few thousand warriors in army line-up with their horses and weapons are open to see and admire.
The Forbidden City, this mysterious palace spreading over hundreds of thousands of acres and encompassing thousands of rooms, is the greatest and most admirable place in China. The incredible palace was built during the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century and wildly enlarged during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It was always accessible only to royalty and forbidden for the ordinary people aka The Forbidden City. Now, it is the greatest museum of Beijing - The Palace Museum - allowing everyone a peak into the past. Feel the history come alive as you explore the maze of squares, halls, gates, pavilions, sleeping quarters, and temples behind the fortification walls.
Known as one of the wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China absolutely deserves its title! Dating back to the first emperors of China, centuries and centuries back, it was built to protect the country's borders from invasions. The Great Wall, with all of its branches, measures over 20,000km. The most famous part of it was built by the Ming Dynasty and measures to about 8,850km. Along the total length of the Great Wall around Beijing, there are eight major sections including Badaling, Juyongguan, Huanghuacheng, Jiankou, Mutianyu, Gubeikou, Jinshanling, and Simatai. Badaling is the most popular of all and only about 80km from the city while Mutianyu provides the most impressive vistas and is only about 70km from Beijing.
There is so much history and beauty surrounding the "north-capital" of China, Beijing! So much to see, explore, learn and admire... walking along the paths of history and standing in awe before some of the most astonishing wonders of the Oriental world.
There is so much history and beauty surrounding the "north-capital" of China, Beijing! So much to see, explore, learn and admire... walking along the paths of history and standing in awe before some of the most astonishing wonders of the Oriental world.
Asia is such an incredible destination with countless treasures to discover. Here are some of the best places to visit where natural beauty, cultural diversity and outstanding architecture will make the experience absolutely unforgettable.
Asia is such an incredible destination with countless treasures to discover. Here are some of the best places to visit where natural beauty, cultural diversity and outstanding architecture will make the experience absolutely unforgettable.
Myrtle Beach is the ultimate family vacation destination! The center and entertainment mecca of the Grand Strand with miles of beautiful brown-sugar colored sandy beaches that invite for all day fun-in-the-sun and reveal breathtaking scenery at night for all romantics taking a quiet walk. Sit by the water and enjoy an outstanding meal or go on a shopping spree. Take the family and venture to the classic amusement parks or learn while you play at the cool museums. Why not a great round of golf by the scenic oceanfront?! Whatever you do, you'll create wonderful memories for a lifetime!
Myrtle Beach is the ultimate family vacation destination! The center and entertainment mecca of the Grand Strand with miles of beautiful brown-sugar colored sandy beaches that invite for all day fun-in-the-sun and reveal breathtaking scenery at night for all romantics taking a quiet walk. Sit by the water and enjoy an outstanding meal or go on a shopping spree. Take the family and venture to the classic amusement parks or learn while you play at the cool museums. Why not a great round of golf by the scenic oceanfront?! Whatever you do, you'll create wonderful memories for a lifetime!
Situated along the Danube River, Budapest is an architectural treasure of a city where Neoclassical, Baroque, Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings shape the mesmerizing outlook of Hungary's capital. Not by accident is it called "Paris of the East"! The outstanding cuisine, hipster ruin pubs, chic cafes and trendy restaurants welcome visitors and provide a place to sit back, enjoy and take in the unique atmosphere of Budapest. Famous for its thermal baths, Budapest has been a favorite healing and pleasurable soaking place ever since the Romans. The rich history of the country is also concentrated and commemorated throughout the capital where traces of World War II, communism and turmoil can still be seen but they are overshadowed by the new beginnings, symbols of liberty and prosperity.
Situated along the Danube River, Budapest is an architectural treasure of a city where Neoclassical, Baroque, Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings shape the mesmerizing outlook of Hungary's capital. Not by accident is it called "Paris of the East"! The outstanding cuisine, hipster ruin pubs, chic cafes and trendy restaurants welcome visitors and provide a place to sit back, enjoy and take in the unique atmosphere of Budapest. Famous for its thermal baths, Budapest has been a favorite healing and pleasurable soaking place ever since the Romans. The rich history of the country is also concentrated and commemorated throughout the capital where traces of World War II, communism and turmoil can still be seen but they are overshadowed by the new beginnings, symbols of liberty and prosperity.
Lisbon, a colorful and vibrant city, known for its wonderful year-round weather, beautiful Manueline architecture and Fado music. It is an incredible destination where hill top vistas, waterfront promenades and historic monuments compete for attention. Meet the friendly people and embrace the true cafe culture to experience Lisbon as it was meant to be experienced.
Lisbon, a colorful and vibrant city, known for its wonderful year-round weather, beautiful Manueline architecture and Fado music. It is an incredible destination where hill top vistas, waterfront promenades and historic monuments compete for attention. Meet the friendly people and embrace the true cafe culture to experience Lisbon as it was meant to be experienced.
Paris, the city of love & city of light, famous for its breathtaking architecture, decadent food, high fashion and exquisite art! The city itself is inspiring! Just walk along its streets and feel the romance, elegance and sophistication. The grandeur of its iconic monuments, from the Eiffel Tower to the Arch de Triumph, the breathtaking Champs Elysees and the petite alleys, the famous baguettes and pastries, the astonishing museums and overall cultural and historic heritage make Paris the ultimate destination and create an experience of a lifetime.
Paris, the city of love & city of light, famous for its breathtaking architecture, decadent food, high fashion and exquisite art! The city itself is inspiring! Just walk along its streets and feel the romance, elegance and sophistication. The grandeur of its iconic monuments, from the Eiffel Tower to the Arch de Triumph, the breathtaking Champs Elysees and the petite alleys, the famous baguettes and pastries, the astonishing museums and overall cultural and historic heritage make Paris the ultimate destination and create an experience of a lifetime.