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MAGNIFICENT CHINA - PART 3

MAGNIFICENT CHINA - PART 3

Date: 2019-01-25

China is an amazing country with a wide variety of experiences in the Middle Kingdom. The country boasts incredibly diverse landscapes, beautiful scenery, deserts, high mountain ranges, fertile plains, lush warm tropics and stunning views. The country should be on every traveler’s must visit list.

6.THE POTALA PALACE, TIBET

In the town of Lhasa tourists will find the another one of China’s most recognizable historic structures, the Potala Palace. Originally constructed as a fortress and residence for the Dalai Lama, it was for centuries a center of political and religious power and contains many of the religion's most important treasures. The Red Palace, first of the two Potala Palaces was built in the 17th century and contains the complex's most important shrines in the Enthronement Hall, the walls of which are covered with murals depicting scenes from the lives of the Dalai Lamas and the Tibetan kings. Highlights of the Red Palace are its many vast halls devoted to the religion's teachings, and the elaborate tombs of a number of Dalai Lamas. The White Palace was completed in 1648 and includes the sleeping quarters, studies and reception rooms. Since the Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 these rooms is mostly untouched.

7.HANGZHOU’S HISTORIC WEST LAKE

Capital of the Zhejiang province at the southernmost end of the famous Grand Canal boasts with same splendid historic sites and ancient temples. Much of this rich collection is gathered around lovely West Lake, a six-kilometer-square stretch of water in the heart of the old city, which is surrounded by numerous hills, pagodas, and temples. Divided into five distinct sections by man-made causeways dating back as far as the 11th century, it's a marvelous area to explore on foot. Tourist can visit some of the many old bridges, one of the best being the Broken Bridge linking the Baidi Causeway with the shore. Tourists can also explore Little Paradise Island with its four mini-lakes linked by the zigzagging Bridge of the Nine Arches. Tourist can also visit the fun musical fountain show held each evening.

8.THE MAUSOLEUM OF LIGHT: THE NORTHERN IMPERIAL TOMB

In the mountainous northeastern region in the old city of Shenyang tourists will find the Mausoleum of Light, also known as the Northern Imperial Tomb. It is one of northeastern most important historic sites and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site's list of Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The tomb is noted for its unique architectural style: a combination of traditionally arranged Chinese burial sites and castle-like buildings of the early Qing period. Emperor Huang Taiji who reigned from 1626 – 35 are buried here. The site is notable for its "Path of Souls," a laneway lined with stone columns and sculptures of the emperor's favorite horses.

9.LESHAN GAINT BUDDHA

Designated as aUNESCO World Heritage Site the spectacular 71-meter-tall statue towers was started in AD 713 by a Buddhist monk and completed 90 years later. This important religious icon is carved entirely from a stone cliff-face and is the largest Buddha sculpture in the world. Representing the Buddha Maitreya, the statue is even more dramatic given its location overlooking the river that it was designed to appease. The Leshan Giant Buddha can be reached by a fun ferry trip from the public docks in Leshan.

10.ZHANGJIAJIE NATIONAL FOREST PARK

The stunning natural beauty park with its many unique pillar-like rock formations is looking like some incredible alien landscape right out of a sci-fi movie. In addition to its many natural wonders, which can best be explored as part of an organized tour, the park boasts a number of new man-made attractions. The Bailong Elevator was built first and can elevate groups up to 50 people 326 meters skyward in under two minutes.At the top of this impressive structure tourists can view dramatic views all the way. The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge opened in 2016 and is heralded as the world's highest and tallest pedestrian bridge - standing 300 meters above the ground and extending 430 meters along a spectacular cliff face. It is not for the faint hearted.

To be continued...