Jokhang Temple
The 1300-year-old Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Tibet.A constant wave of devout pilgrims prostrate outside is a testament to its timeless charm. The golden Buddha statue in the center here is the most revered in all of Tibet. Jokhang was originally built to house the Buddha statues brought to Tibet by the Nepali wife of King Songtsen Gampo. However, another image, the High King Shakyamuni, was later brought here by the king’s other wife (Princess Wencheng of China). It is this image that gives Jokan both its name and its spiritual power.Jokhang means “Chapel of Jowo”. The two-story Jokhang is best visited in the morning, but the crowds of pilgrims scooping yak butter can get quite large. In the afternoon it is accessed through a side entrance, but only the first-floor chapel is visible (then only through the grate) and no pilgrims.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Of China’s surreal landscapes, Zhangjiajie must vie for one of the most impressive. A forest of beautifully weathered spires rises from lush valleys filled with dripping moss, fragrant flowers and acrobatic monkeys. At dawn, the ensemble is accompanied by a chorus of chirping insects. The national park covers 690 km² and deciding where to go can be a daunting task. The hotel will provide maps and help you plan the route that best suits your needs. The first thing to know is that there are two main entrances.The main gate city Wulingyuan (Wǔlíngyuán) and the less developed forest park (Forest Park Sēnlín Gōngyuán). There are other entrances, but you can’t use them unless you make a reservation. From either entrance, all routes start at the valley floor and climb to the top of the tower where the main viewpoint is located. A network of funiculars, glass elevators, mini monorails, and free shuttle buses will take you there, but no matter how you get there, you’ll still have to walk a considerable distance. If departing from Wulingyuan, you will need to queue at the entrance for the chairlift or monorail bus (hikers go to the monorail). Crowded like a park. The park is big enough to accommodate a large group of people, and you won’t have trouble finding solitude if you hike most of the trails. If you start from Forest Park, he hikes the flat valley floor to the lift for about two hours, or starts climbing to the top after an hour. There are 5 main scenic spots in total.Tianzi Mountain, Yangjiajie, Yuanjiajie, Jinbuxi, Huangshi Village. You can’t see all the areas in one day, so plan accordingly. From April to September it is very hot and humid. It rains often, so be prepared.
The Bund
An icon of Shanghai during the concession era, the Bund was the city’s Wall Street, the site of frenzied commerce and wealth. Originally a towpath for hauling rice barges, the Bund (an English inscription for muddy waterside causeway) has gradually been transformed into an epic loop of Shanghai’s most powerful banks and trading houses . The best activity here is to stroll through the contrasting bones of the past and the futuristic geometry of Pudong’s skyline. Most of the Art Deco and Neoclassical buildings here were built in his early 20th century and are impressive to those – if not noticeably Chinese – who enter the bustling port town by boat. provided a view of Today, it has evolved into a designer shopping and dining district, with the city’s most exclusive boutiques, restaurants and hotels considering the Bund the only place. Evening visits are rewarded with stunning views of Pudong and the lit-up splendor of the Bund. Other options include Huangpu River cruises and relaxing in great bars and restaurants. At the northern end of the trail, Huangpu Park is home to the modest Bund History Museum, which houses a collection of old photographs and maps. Come here early to enjoy the mesmerizing spectacle of morning gymnastics.
Yuyuan Gardens & Bazaar
With shaded alcoves, glistening fish ponds, pavilions, pine trees sprouting from rock gardens and throngs of Japanese tourists, Yu Garden is one of Shanghai’s top attractions, but it gets overwhelmingly crowded on weekends. Spring and summer flowers bring a fragrant floral aspect to the garden, especially the lush petals of the Shanghai flower Magnolia grandiflora. Other trees include thick needle-studded Arhat pine, willows, ginkgo biloba, cherry blossoms and majestic sequoias. A wealthy Ming dynasty official, the Pan family, established these gardens and took him 18 years (1559–77) to tend them until they were bombed during the Opium Wars of 1842. The garden was again destroyed during French retaliation for attacks on nearby French concessions during the Taiping Rebellion. These restored gardens are fine examples of Ming garden design. Next to the garden entrance is the Zhonghuting Tea House, which was once part of the garden and is now one of the most famous tea houses in China. The adjacent bazaar may be kitschy, but it’s fine to browse if you can handle the onslaught of crowds.The nearby Taoist Temple of the City God is also worth a visit. Just outside the bazaar is Old Street, better known as Middle Phanbang Road. It is a busy street lined with souvenir shops and coffee shops.
Potala Palace
Once home to the Tibetan government and winter residence of the Dalai Lama, the magnificent Potala Palace is Lhasa’s most important landmark. The first glimpse of the towering fortress-like walls is a moment that will be remembered for years to come. An architectural marvel even by modern standards, his 13-storey palace rises 130 meters above his Marpo Ri (red hill) and has more than 1000 rooms. Pilgrims and tourists alike shuffle across the three floors, past dozens of magnificent chapels, golden stupas and chapels. The site was first recorded in the 7th century when King Songtsen Gampo built a palace here. Construction of the current building began in 1645 during the reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama and took over 50 years of labor and craftsmanship to complete. It is impressive enough that Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai sent his country’s army to protect the country from the Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution. The layout of the Potala Palace includes the rooftop White Palace (the eastern part of the building) used as the residence of the Dalai Lama and the central Red Palace used for religious purposes. Among the Red Palace’s most impressive chapels are the jeweled golden chortens (Tibetan stupas) tombs of several past Dalai Lamas. The 13th Dalai Lama and his 14th apartment in the White Palace offer a more personal glimpse into palace life. Potala tickets are limited and guides must book timeslots several days in advance. Arrive at the palace approximately 1 hour before your scheduled time. After a security check (no water or lighters allowed), follow other visitors up the stairs to enter the palace. On the way, you will pass a ticket office where you buy tickets. If you arrive later than the time stated on your voucher (or forget your voucher), your ticket may be refused. Photography is prohibited inside the chapel.
West Lake
The West Lake, the classical Chinese definition of beauty, is quite enchanting. Pagoda-crowned hills rise above willow-lined waters, and boats float slowly through the idyllic countryside of laid-back charm. Boardwalks, immaculately placed benches, parks and gardens surrounding the lakeshore offer visitors a thousand and one vantage points to admire the pristine scenery. Originally a lagoon of the Qiantang River, the lake was only formed in the 8th century when the governor of Hangzhou dredged the marshes. As time went on, the lake’s splendor was gradually cultivated.Gardens were planted, pagodas were built, and dams and islands were constructed from dredged silt. The noted poet Su Dongpo himself took part in the development of the lake by building the Su Dam (Sudi, Sudi) while serving as provincial governor in the 11th century. This was not an original idea. The poet and governor Bai Juy built the Bai Dam (Báidī) some 200 years ago. Lined with willow, plum and peach trees, the traffic-free dam with its crescent bridge invites a relaxing excursion. On the north shore of Baidam lies the lake’s largest island, Gushan Island (啴山島), home to the Zhejiang Provincial Museum and Zhongshan Park. The buildings and gardens on the island were once the site of Emperor Qianlong’s holiday palace and gardens in the 18th century. The island also has a charming seal engraving society. Closed for renovations during research, it is dedicated to the ancient art of carving a personal signature name seal (chop). The northwest corner of the lake is surrounded by the beautiful Quyuan Garden. The garden spans many islets and is known for its fragrant spring lotus flowers. Near the Xiling Bridge (Xīling Qiáo) is the tomb of Su Xiaoxiao, her 5th-century prostitute who died of grief while awaiting the return of her lover. Her spirit is said to haunt the area and you can hear the bells on her dress at night. A small island in the lake is the Little British Island, from which you can catch a glimpse of her three pools reflecting the moon, her three small towers on the south side of the island. Each has his five holes that are lit by candles on the Mid-Autumn Festival night. From Xiaoyingzhou Island, you can see the red carp pond where thousands of red carp swim. Impromptu opera singing, ballroom dancing, and other cultural activities are frequent around the lake. If the weather permits, don’t forget to head to the east bank for a photo of the sun setting over the West Lake. Although rarely needed, musical fountains come to life at regular intervals throughout the day and night near Lakeview Park. Congestion can be a serious problem here. Especially beware of public holidays when all Chinese vacationers seem to be strolling around the lake. Leave early in the morning to escape the crowds. It’s also the perfect time to catch a quiet Tai Chi session or two on the lakeshore. The best way to explore the lake is by bike or on foot.
Yungang Caves
One of the finest examples of Chinese Buddhist cave art, these 5th-century caves are truly spectacular. With 51,000 ancient statues and celestial bodies, it looks smaller than everything else in Shanxi. Carved by the Turkic-speaking Tuoba, the Yungang Grottoes drew their designs from Indian, Persian and even Greek influences that swept the Silk Road. Work began in 460 AD and it took him 60 years to complete all 252 caves, the oldest collection of Buddhist sculptures in China. Pass through the visitor center and a replica temple on the lake before arriving at the cave. There may be some caves that are closed for restoration, but this is a rotating base. Despite weathering, many of the Yungang statues still retain their beautiful pigments.Especially the deep-cut caves are well protected from the elements, but water intrusion from above is always a danger. Many caves were once covered with wooden structures. The very impressive caves 5 to 13 are surrounded by recently built wooden temples, many of which have long been lost. Some of the caves contain intricately carved square stupas or central columns that you can walk around. Frescoes abound, with graceful depictions of animals, birds, and angels, some still vividly painted, and almost every cave with his 1000 Buddha motifs (small Buddhas sitting in niches). is included. Eight caves house giant Buddha statues. The largest is in Cave 5 and is a 17m tall seated golden-faced Buddha. Like many of the frescoes here, the frescoes in this cave are badly damaged and destroyed, but note the painted vaulted ceiling. Colorful Cave 6, Shakyamuni’s Cave, is also stunning, resembling the best Indiana Jones epic set with legions of Buddhist angels, bodhisattvas, and other celestial bodies. In the center of the cave, a square block stupa or pillar meets the ceiling and is flanked by two tiers of Buddha statues. Most foreign tourists don’t notice the bright red oil paint graffiti on the right side of the cave’s main door frame, which reads Dàtóng Bāzhong, Datong No. 8 Middle School.Cultural Revolution. The frescoes here are also badly scratched by the youngest visitor of the era of the riots, with the 50-year-old date “76.12.8” being roughly etched. Double-chambered Cave 9, Axoke Buddha Cave, is also a spectacular sight with a giant seated golden-faced Buddha. Caves 16 to 20 are the earliest caves in Yungang, carved under the supervision of the monk Dan Yao. Cave 16, the Standing Buddha Cave, has a huge standing Buddha whose central part has been severely eroded. The walls of the cave are pierced with small niches containing Buddha statues. Cave 17 houses a huge 15.6-meter-tall seated statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva. Examine the exceptional quality of the carvings in Cave 18. Some faces are fully rendered. Cave 19 contains a huge 16.8m tall statue of Sakyamuni. Cave 20 (460-470 AD), completely exposed to the elements, originally represented a trinity of Buddha images (Past, Present and Future Buddha). The giant seated statue in the middle is a representative icon of Yungang, and the Buddha statue on the left has somehow disappeared. A prayer mat is placed in front so that worshipers can pray. After the last cave, you’ll find your way to an elegant and informative museum (9:30am-4:30pm) detailing the Wei kingdom and the artworks within the caves. English subtitles are limited. However, most of the caves have proper Chinese/English subtitles. An English-speaking guide can be hired for ¥150. Their services include visits to museums. Please note that some caves allow photography and others do not. To get to the cave, take bus 603 (3 yen, 45 minutes) from Datong Station to the last stop. Buses run every 15 minutes. Taxi fares from Datong are about 40 yen one way. Along the way, you’ll pass the less attractive but interesting Datong Coal Mine.
Gyantse Kumbum
Commissioned by a local prince in 1427 and located next to Parcho Monastery, Gyantse Kumbum is the city’s main attraction. This 32-metre-high chorten features white tiers adorned with decorative stripes and a golden crown-like dome. But the interior is just as impressive, with elaborate paintings (kumbum meaning “100,000 photographs”) inside endless little chapels. The shooting fee is 10 yen (ticket fee not included, bring cash). Gyantse Kumbum has been described as the most important species in Tibet. In the Buddhist world, there are only two ruined, distant, taboo contemporaries.Jonan Khumbum, 60 km northeast of Lhatse, and Chong Liwoche, further afield west of Tsang. However, it is widely believed that Gyantse Kumbum’s style and size are unmatched. Once inside, follow a clockwise path marked by a red arrow, pass through his six floors where pilgrims mutter, and take in dozens of small chapels hidden in the walls along the way. Many of the chapel’s statues were damaged during the Cultural Revolution, but the murals are well weathered. They date to the 14th century and were clearly influenced by Newar forms, if not made by Newar (Nepal) artisans. Experts also see evidence of Chinese influence, and the fusion of these Newar and Chinese forms with Tibetan sensibilities has resulted in the emergence of a syncretic but distinctly Tibetan style of painting. On the first floor he has a two-storey main chapel with four he, facing the cardinal point. Four chapels are consecrated:Shakyamuni of the South (Shakyamuni Thukpa; two disciples, Medicine Buddha and Guru Rinpoche). Suhavati, the “Pure Land of the West” and home of the Red Opagume (Amitabha) of the West. North of Malmeze (Dipankara, Buddha in the past). And to the east is Tushita, another ‘pure land’ and home to the orange-faced Jumpa (Maitreya). In between are some excellent murals depicting minor tantras and guardian deities. Statues of his four guardian kings to the east mark the way to the upper floors. On the second floor, clockwise from the stairs, the first four chapels are dedicated to Jamperyan (known in Sanskrit as Manjushri), Chenlesig (Avalokiteshvara), Tsepame (Amitayus) and Dorma (Tara). increase. Most of the other chapels are dedicated to wrathful patron deities, such as Dorkar (White Tara; 12th chapel from the stairs), Chana Dorje (Vajrapani; 14th chapel) and Mikiyoba (Akshobuya; 15th chapel) It is Thunder). The chapel on this floor is visible only through the door window. The third floor is also occupied by a series of his two-storey chapels at base points representing the four Dhyani Buddhas.Red Opam (Amitabha) in the south. Orange he Rinchen Jungne (Ratnasambhava) to the west. The green Dongyo Drupa (Amogasiddi) is to the north. Blue Mikiyoba (Akshobhya) in the east. There are several other chapels dedicated to the fifth Dhyani Buddha, the White Namse (Vairokana). Again, most of the other chapels are filled with angry gods. Eleven chapels on the fourth floor are dedicated to teachers, interpreters, and translators of an obscure sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Exceptions are His Three Kings of Northern Tibet (his 8th chapel clockwise from the stairs) and Guru Rinpoche (10th chapel). The fifth floor, also known as the Bangpa, contains four chapels, with elaborate mandalas giving access to the Kumbung roof. Most people are fascinated by the stunning scenery, especially when looking south to the old town, with the white-walled Gyantse Dzong perched on a huge cliff in the background. A hidden staircase behind the statue on the east side leads to his sixth floor, which leads to a porch at eye level painted on the wall (this floor was closed for renovation in his 2018). was). The top step of Kumbum represents the tantric manifestation of Sakyamuni (Sakya Thukpa), but you will find that the way up is blocked.
Summer Palace
A marvel of Chinese garden design and one of Beijing’s must-see attractions, the Summer Palace was a royal retreat for emperors escaping the stifling summer slumps of the former imperial capital, and more recently a playground for the Empress Dowager Cixi. A (short) morning or afternoon exploring the waterways, pavilions, bridges and temples is sufficient, but well worth a full day exploring. The domain was a royal garden for many years until it was greatly expanded and beautified by Emperor Qianlong in the 18th century. He raised an army of workers to deepen and enlarge Lake Kunming (Kunming Hú), originally a reservoir dug by the Yuan dynasty, and overlooked the imperial naval excavators from the top of the hill. It is said Anglo-French troops destroyed the palace at the end of the Second Opium War in 1860. Empress Dowager Cixi began overhauling in 1888 and allocated funds for a modern navy. A marble boat on the northern shore of the lake was her only nautical concession, if not quite submerged. Enraged by the Boxer Rebellion, foreign forces attempted to burn the Summer Palace again in 1900, necessitating further restoration work. By 1949 the palace fell into disrepair again and needed a major overhaul. The glittering Kunming Lake occupies his three-quarters of the park, above which towers Changshou Mountain (Wanshou Mountain, Wanshou Mountain) with an eight-tiered Buddhist incense pagoda. This is the most elaborate and costly restoration project in Cixi’s large-scale redesign. Situated on a north-south axis, the pagoda towers behind the Cloud Exile Hall built by Emperor Qianlong for his mother’s 60th birthday. At the base of Longevity Hill, which hugs the northern shore of the lake, is the Long Corridor, a 2,300-foot (728 m) covered, decorative walkway. Thousands of works of art adorn each transom, pillar, and vaulted ceiling, depicting picturesque landscapes, popular myths, Buddhist scenes, and folklore from across China. At the western end of the Long Corridor is Cixi’s Marble Her Boat, a place of entertainment (and a common garden design motif), and at the eastern end is her living quarters, the Hall of Fame, Siheyuan. reflects the traditional layout of The courtyards of Beijing always have dusty furniture from the Qing dynasty. Continue east to Cixi’s three-story grand theater where she watched her beloved Peking Opera. At the nearby Hall of Mercy and Longevity, Empress Dowager Wu continued her official retirement by pulling government strings. Get a glimpse of the magnificent throne room inside. The outdoor rock garden is designed to mimic Suzhou’s famous lion forest. Also note the dragon and phoenix statues in the courtyard, symbols of the emperor and empress. Fenghuang is the star here, clearly showing that her female girlfriend Cixi is running the show. If you have time, circle the lake along the West Causeway. You can exit the palace through the West Gate and take the West Point Line back into the city or along the East Coast. Based in Hangzhou’s famous Su Dam, the willow- and mulberry-lined dam begins northwest of Marble Boat. The Yutai Bridge, which dates back to the reign of Emperor Qianlong, has a beautiful moon hump and crosses the point where the Yu River joins the lake. Behind Longevity Hill, Suzhou Street is built to mimic the waterways and architecture of Jiangsu’s famous canal city. Here, the emperor and his concubines pretended to be commoners and “shopped” for jewels in spare shops lining the seafront, with eunuchs taking the role of shopkeepers. Today, it’s ironically jam-packed with authentic souvenir shops.
Army of Terracotta Warriors
The Terracotta Army is not just Xi’an’s most important attraction.It is his one of the most famous archaeological discoveries in the world. This underground, life-sized army of thousands has quietly watched over the soul of China’s first unifier for more than 2000 years of his life. Qin Shi Huang feared the defeated spirits that awaited him in the afterlife, or hoped, as most archaeologists believe, that his death reign would continue as it had in his lifetime. However, the guardians of his tomb date back to the 3rd century BC. – Today we offer some of the greatest insights we have of the ancient Chinese world. The discovery of an army of warriors was entirely accidental. In 1974, while drilling a well, a farmer discovered an underground vault that eventually yielded thousands of terracotta warriors and horses in battle formation. Over the years, the place became very famous and many of its unusual features are known today. Especially the fact that no two soldiers have the same face. The on-site wraparound theater provides an overview of how the characters were formed. You can hire a guide (low season/high season 150/200 yen) or you can try audio his guide (40 yen + deposit 200 yen). You can then visit the sites in reverse order to build the most impressive pit worthy of the finale. Start with Pit 3, the smallest pit with 72 warriors and horses. It is believed to be the army headquarters, as many dignitaries have been unearthed here. Interestingly, the north room was used to make offerings before battles. Pit 2 is next, with about 1,300 warriors and horses, and a closer look at five soldiers.A kneeling archer, a standing archer, a cavalryman and his horse, a lieutenant general and a general. The level of detail is extraordinary.Everything from the expression, hairstyle, armor, and profile of the shoes is unique. Pit 1, the largest pit, is the most impressive. Housed in a building the size of an airplane hangar, it is said to house 6,000 warriors (only 2,000 are on display) and horses, all facing east and ready to fight. The vanguard of 3 rank archers (both crossbows and longbows) follows a main body of soldiers originally armed with spears, swords, dagger axes, and other long-shafted weapons. The infantry was accompanied by his 35 chariots, but these wooden chariots had long decayed. The two bronze chariots and horses unearthed 20 meters west of the Qin Shi Huang Tomb are as amazing as the soldiers. These are now on display in a vast modern museum called the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Cultural Relic Exhibition Hall (Qǐnshǐhuángdìlíng Chénliètīng), along with some of the original weapons and an up-close look at the lieutenant general. . . You can take pictures, but signs prohibit the use of flash (mostly ignored) or tripods. Among the more kitschy souvenirs, you can personalize your warrior statue with your own face (¥100) or have your picture taken next to a fake warrior (¥10). Gifts in the theater building In his shop, you can also buy all kinds of terracotta ornaments, from warrior paperweights to life-size statues. There is also a friendly store for jade, jewellery, etc. The Terracotta Army is easily accessible by public bus. Take air-conditioned bus 914 or 915 (8 yen, 1 hour) from Xi’an Railway Station. Buses depart every 4 minutes from 6am to 7pm. I will go to the end by bus. The bus also goes to Huaqing Hot Springs and Qin Shi Huang’s Tomb (belonging to the Terracotta Army). The parking lot is a 15-minute walk from the site, but electric buggies (5 yen) are also available. There is a good cafe in the theater building if you want to eat here. Take the exit back to the car and bus parking lot and take another route past various restaurants and fast food including McDonald’s. The bus will take you back to town from the parking lot.
Temple of Heaven Park
An oasis of orderly Confucian design, the 267-acre Temple of Heaven Park is unique. It was originally a huge stage for the emperor (literally “son of heaven”) to pray for a good harvest on the winter solstice and perform solemn ceremonies to seek God’s redemption and atonement. Since 1918, this private imperial estate has been open to the public who still gather daily to practice tai chi, spin the gymnastic bar and sing revolutionary songs profusely. Do not expect worshipers to pray. This is not a temple, but a place of esoteric, Confucian-inspired national technology. The emperor, the Son of Heaven, visited his Temple of Heaven twice a year, with the more important ceremonies taking place on the winter solstice. Royal entourages moved quietly from the Forbidden City to the Emperor of Heaven, while citizens were instructed to close all windows and stay indoors. It contained a long line of aristocrats, officials and musicians. The imperial palanquin was 12 m long and 3 m wide and employed 10 porters. Although there are four main entrances to the park (East and West gates are the most convenient for visitors; no transfer tickets can be purchased after 4pm), access to the Imperial Palace was through the Shoyokomon gate in the south. A circular altar led. On this open pedestal, ceremonies to heaven performed personally by the Emperor each winter solstice were performed according to solemn protocol. Arranged in three rows, the circular altar revolves around the emperor’s number 9. Odd numbers were considered sacred in imperial China. Nine (ninth) is his largest single-digit odd number and a homonym for longevity. The altar is arranged on his three tiers, and on the top tier are his nine stone rings arranged in multiples of nine. Stairs and railings are also multiples of 9. North of the round altar is the Palace of Heaven, surrounded by a low circular wall known as the echo wall. Despite its grandiose appearance, the vault of heaven was a storeroom in which spirit plates of the gods and other materials needed for ceremonies on the circular altar were kept. , the base is square. This pattern comes from the ancient Chinese belief that the heavens are round and the earth is square. The 65m diameter Echo Wall is named for its unique acoustic properties. A few meters from the wall, you’ll hear a soft word or two on the other side of the circle (but the chatter of other tourists may drown it out!). Starting from the Imperial Vaults of Heaven, the majestic 360-meter-long Red Stairway Bridge is the Imperial Road that leads to the magnificent center of the Temple of Heaven, a place of prayer for good harvests. A much-photographed icon, the three-winged Hall of Good Harvest is made entirely of wood without the use of nails, with a heavy roof supported by 28 wooden pillars. Built around 1420, it was destroyed by lightning in 1889. The following year, a faithful replica was constructed using Ming construction techniques, using timber imported from the United States, as there were no trees large enough for this work in China at the time. Rich in esoteric symbols, the central four largest pillars represent the seasons, the next ring’s twelve pillars represent the months, the outermost twelve pillars represent the day, each representing twelve hours of two hours. It is divided into “clocks”. A vivid dragon and phoenix relief depicting the emperor and empress writhe on the ceiling. The Animal Slaughterhouse, which is connected to the Prayer Hall for Good Harvest by an ornate long corridor, was the place where cattle, sheep, deer, and other animals were slaughtered and prepared before being sacrificed to the gods.Copper on display To see the cauldron and septic tank, you need to show your passport. On the west side of the park, the Music Station of the Gods is where drummers, flutists and bell-tollers gather before imperial ceremonies. It is now a museum, with exhibits focused on the imperial court’s ceremonial music, Zhongxiaolu, and a gallery dedicated to ancient Chinese musical instruments. The Lenteng Palace, adjacent to the west side of Heaven’s Gate, is where the Emperor crouched in preparation for the winter solstice ceremonies and refrained from all earthly pleasures for a day or two. It resembles a miniature Forbidden City, surrounded by a moat and with its own drum and bell tower. A passport is required for entry. Since 1918, Temple of Heaven has been opening its doors to Beijing’s ancient “hundreds” – literally ordinary people. Amid nearly 4,000 gnarled cypress trees, locals perform Tai Chi, Kung Fu his routines, dances, or impromptu choirs and orchestras, enthusiastically performing old revolutionary songs You can see that The driving range to the northeast of the park offers some of the best people-watching in Beijing. Here you might see his 70s on gymnastic bars and other sporting feats.
Mogao Grottoes
The Mogao Grottoes are considered one of the most important collections of Buddhist art in the world. At the height of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the site was home to his 18 monasteries, more than 1,400 monks and nuns, and countless artists, translators, and calligraphers. English-language tours, running at 9am, noon and 2.30pm, are included in the ¥258 ‘A’ ticket admission price, which gives you access to eight caves; the alternative ¥100 ‘B’ ticket is for Chinese-language tours, with access to four caves. Due to a significant increase in visitor numbers (including school tours), access procedures have been revised, requiring all visitors to the Mogao Grottoes to pass through a visitor center several kilometers from central Dunhuang.258 The Yen ‘A’ ticket includes transportation to the caves, access to 4 museums, and admission to 2 30-minute movies. Inside the cave, which is not normally open to visitors, at his IMAX theater in the visitor center. From the visitor center, ‘A’ and ‘B’ ticket purchasers are taken by special coach to the cave, 15 km away. The 100 yen B ticket is only for those with a good understanding of the Chinese commentary (includes transportation to Mogao Grottoes and access to 3 museums). After the tour, you are free to roam the site and return to the visitor center by bus of your choice, but none of the caves are accessible. The ¥50 “C” ticket only includes access to the movies inside the Visitor Center Cinema. “A” tickets are limited to 6000 per day. B tickets are limited to 12,000 per day. Buying a ticket is not easy. “A” tickets can be pre-purchased online at the cave’s official website (Chinese website only; at the time of writing, a Chinese phone number and Chinese ID card are required for purchase) or in Dunhuang (or , ) An inconveniently located reservation and ticket center in Mogao Grottoes, a separate reservation office in the eastern part of the city, with English-speaking staff. During peak season, tickets must be purchased at the Mogao Grottoes Reservation Ticket Center one day in advance. Of the 492 caves, 20 “open” caves rotate fairly regularly. Entry is strictly controlled and no one is allowed to enter. The ‘A’ ticket allows access to 8 caves, including the famous Hidden Library Cave (Cave 17), 2 Big Buddha statues in Cave 96, including the 35.5m tall giant Buddha (the iconic 7 Buddha statues behind) A tour of about 2 hours is offered. -story Pagoda) and another Buddha statue in Cave 148, a giant 26-meter-tall reclining Buddha, as well as precious manuscript fragments written in classical Uyghur and Manichean languages . The cheaper ‘B’ ticket gives you access to half of the cave and is useful if you have limited time (but remember that the ‘B’ ticket tour is in Chinese only). Photography is prohibited inside the cave. Sites remain closed in case of rain, snow, or sandstorms. History Wealthy merchants and important officials were the main donors responsible for the creation of the new caves. I thanked him. The traditional date attributed to the creation of the first cave is AD 366. The cave was unused for about 500 years after the fall of the Yuan Dynasty and was largely forgotten until it was ‘rediscovered’ by a series of foreign explorers in the early 20th century. Northern Wei, Western Wei & Northern Zhou Caves These are the earliest of the Mogao Grottoes and are distinctly Indian in style and iconography. All stupas have a central pillar representing the stupa (symbolically containing the Buddha’s ashes), which devotees surround during prayer. The colors come from the valuable minerals malachite (green), cinnabar (red) and lapis lazuli (blue) imported from Central Asia. The art of this period is characterized by attempts to express the spirituality of those who have transcended the material world through asceticism. Wei statues are graceful figures with slender, elaborate features and relatively large heads. Kita Zhou’s character has ghostly white eyes. Sui cave The Sui dynasty (AD 581–618) was short-lived and largely a transitional period between the Sui and Tang dynasties. This can be seen in the Sui caves of Mogao.The graceful Indian curves of Buddha and Bodhisattva statues are beginning to give way to the more austere styles of Chinese sculpture. The Sui Dynasty began when a general of Chinese or mixed descent seized the throne of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, uniting northern and southern China for the first time in 360 years. Tang cave The Tang Dynasty (AD 618–907) was the height of the Mogao Dynasty. The techniques of painting and sculpture were highly sophisticated, and some important aesthetic developments took place, notably the sex change of Guanyin (from male to female) and the flying Apsara. Beautiful murals depicting the Western paradise of Buddhism offer a glimpse into court life, music, clothing and architecture in China’s Tang Dynasty. About 230 caves were carved during the religiously diverse Tang Dynasty. Among them are his two impressive caves with giant seated Buddha statues. The statue of Maitreya in Cave 96 (believed to represent Emperor Wu Ze, who used Buddhism to consolidate his power) was originally weather-beaten and stands at 35.5 m high, his third tallest in the world. A tall Buddha statue. The Buddha statue is carved from top to bottom with scaffolding, and its anchor holes are still visible. Post Tan Cave After the Tang Dynasty, the economy around Dunhuang declined, and the magnificence and vitality typical of Tang painting was gradually replaced by simpler drawing techniques and flatter figures.983-1227 The mysterious Western Xia Kingdom, which ruled over much of Gansu until 1920, began introducing Tibetan influences, making many additions to the Mogao Grottoes. Departure and Arrival The Mogao Grottoes are 25 kilometers (30 minutes) southeast of Dunhuang, but tours start and end at the visitor center about 5 kilometers from Mingshan Road near the train station. A green minibus (¥3 one-way) runs every 30 minutes from the front of the Silk Road Yiyuan Hotel (Liyuan Hotel) to the visitor center.
Forbidden City
Surrounded by 3.5 km of walls in the heart of Beijing, the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City is China’s largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings and attracts 16 million visitors each year. Large enough to accommodate comfortably. This otherworldly palace was steeped in despicable rituals and shared more than 900 buildings with eunuchs, servants, and concubine entourages until the republic overthrew the last Qing emperor in 1911. It was the secluded home of his two dynasties of imperial rule. 2020 marks his 600th anniversary in the Forbidden City. The palace aims to celebrate the Forbidden City by ensuring that the most part of its history as a tourist attraction is open to visitors. The Forbidden City, Gùgōng Bówùguǎn, officially known as the Forbidden City, first opened in 1925, just one year after the deposed “last emperor” Puyi was expelled from the empire. That’s it. courtyard. Built by the Ming Yongle Emperor between 1406 and 1420, the construction of the Forbidden City was a huge undertaking, hiring battalions of workers and craftsmen. Pillars of precious southern wood were transported from the jungles of southwestern China to the capital, and blocks of quarried stone were transported to the palace through intricate ice roads in winter. The Forbidden City, once built, was governed by a silly code of rules, protocols and superstitions. His 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties ruled China from a closed world, often unexpectedly and haphazardly, until a revolution wiped them out a century ago. did. Despite its age, most of the buildings you see are his post-18th-century Qing Dynasty constructions and renovations. Fire was a constant danger, so huge brass water barrels were everywhere. Plan Your Visit The Forbidden City can be explored in a few hours, but a full day will be busy and enthusiasts will take several excursions. Most visitors focus their energies on the representative State He Room and Parade Ground, which occupy the central axis of the complex’s outer courtyard (southern half). But the real thrill is exploring the labyrinth of courtyards and halls on either side of a central axis on a more human scale, or parading over 10m-high walls to see the palace from above. Enter the Forbidden City In Imperial times, the penalties for uninvited entry were severe, but mere mortals couldn’t even get close. The Imperial City surrounded the Forbidden City with another series of massive walls and was separated by four heavily guarded gates, including the Gate of Heaven’s Peace, where a portrait of Mao Zedong hangs. , enter the Meridian Gate, a huge U-shaped entrance at the south end of the complex. It was once reserved for the emperor. Gongs and bells sounded the emperor’s entry and exit, while lesser mortals used small gates:Troops used the west gate, civilians the east gate, and servants the north gate. The emperor also reviewed his army from the Meridian Gate, judged prisoners, proclaimed the New Year’s calendar, and oversaw the flogging of troublesome ministers. Passing through the Meridian Gate, you enter a spacious courtyard, which resembles a Tatar arch and crosses the Golden He Stream (Jīn Shuǐ), which is crossed by five marble bridges. Head to the gate. The court could accommodate his 100,000 imperial audience. Mounting the Wall As of 2018, visitors can zoom in on the walls of the Forbidden City just inside and east of the Meridian Gate, then follow it east to the Corner Pagoda and north to the East Prosperity Gate. The route includes the historic building gallery with corner tower exhibition space and the magnificent East He Prosperity Gate. A total of about three quarters of the 3.4 km long wall can now be climbed. A great opportunity to get away from the crowds and take great photos. First Side Gallery Turn west in the vast courtyard to visit the Hall of Valor, where the emperor received his ministers, before passing through the Gate of Supreme Harmony to reach the Forbidden City’s main attraction. It houses changing exhibits. Just south is the furniture gallery in the area known as the Southern Storehouse, which first opened in 2018. East of Meridian Gate, the Museum of Literature was once the residence of the Crown Prince. It was rebuilt in 1683 after a fire. The exhibits are also changed throughout the year, but there are times when the museum is closed from November to March. Three Major Halls Depicting the Chinese characters for King (王; wáng), his three-story marble terrace houses his three Great Halls (三大殿; Sān Dàdiàn), the glorious heart of the Forbidden City. The Supreme Harmony Hall is the Forbidden City’s most important and largest structure, and was once the tallest building in the capital. It was used for national events such as the emperor’s birthday, coronation, and the appointment of military leaders. The Hall of Supreme Harmony contained the ornate Dragon Throne (Lóngyǐ), from which the emperor presided over quivering officials. The entire court had to touch the ground nine times before the emperor (a practice known as koutoeing). The back of the throne is carved with Xumishan, the Buddhist paradise that symbolizes the supremacy of the throne. Currently, it can only be seen from the outside, and you can actually see it using a rugby scrum. Behind the Yamatoden is the Chuowaden, which was used as a passageway for the emperor. Here he made last-minute arrangements, rehearsed speeches, and had a pastor. On display are his two palanquins from the Qing Dynasty, which were the emperor’s means of transportation in the Forbidden City. Puyi, the last emperor of the Qing dynasty, used bicycles and modified parts of the palace grounds to make it easier to navigate. His third of the great halls is the Hall of Preservation of Harmony, used for feasts and later for imperial exams. The hall is devoid of buttresses, and behind it is a 250-ton marble imperial pavement carved with dragons and clouds. It was towed into town along an elaborate ice route. I had to wait until winter.