Vacation With A Difference In Fascinating & Historic China

If you are looking for a unique experience while traveling the world, China is an exciting destination, with impressive architecture, great views and cities. One major attraction is the Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World. Another unique monument is the Terracotta Army in Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi province. Meanwhile, the Great Pandas are a living attraction in this Asian nation as is the beautiful Yangtze River. Read on to find out more about the top attractions to see on vacation in China.

The Great Wall of China

Any vacation in the country should include a visit to the Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World. Pictured above and top, it is easy to see why this incredible piece of architecture has received that award. The wall was constructed along an east-to-west line, stretching across the historical northern borders of China.

Meanwhile, an archaeological survey revealed that the wall, including its natural defensive points along the way, stretches an incredible 13.171 mi (21,196 km). Moreover, the construction of the Great Wall of China was a magnificent feat indeed. The wall is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It has been said that it is possible to see the wall from the Moon, although apparently, the astronauts made no mention of it. However, according to NASA, on a clear day, they could just make it out from space.

Terracotta Army

This next incredible feat of architecture and sculpture was discovered by chance by local farmers in the Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province in 1974. It can only be imagined the wonder of uncovering the collection of terracotta sculptures, depicting the armies, horses and chariots of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang.

The Terracotta Army is one of the most fascinating examples of funerary art, buried with the Emperor when he died in around 210-209 BCE. These days, the sculptures stand in row after row, with around 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses. As can be seen from the image below, the scale of the site is amazing.

What makes it truly unique is that each soldier has his own unique features. Meanwhile, the army’s duty was to protect the Emperor in his afterlife. The sculpture collection is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been dubbed the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.

Chengdu Panda Conservation Center, China

One of the rarest animals in the world, the Giant Panda is considered a Chinese national treasure. However, due to their rarity there are reportedly only around 1,500 Giant Pandas left in the world. These include pandas living in the wild, as well as in nature reserves in Dujiangyan City, Chongzhou City and Dayi County.

Meanwhile, travelers can see these amazing animals in the Sichuan Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve, located around 81 mi (130 km) from Chengdu. Considered the largest of its kind in the world, the breeding and conservation center nestles in a metropolitan district of Chengdu, Sichuan Province in Southwest China. Visiting these cute animals is a must-see experience in China.

Cruise the Yangtze River

To best experience China’s scenic landscapes, a Yangtze River cruise is a must. At 3,915 mi (6,300 km) in length, this is the longest river in China and the third-longest river in the world. Moreover, the Yangtze is also the longest river to flow only within one country.

The best way to experience the scenery is on a Yangtze River cruise, which normally lasts for around four days. Along the way, you sail through the Three Gorges, a fascinating landscape of vertical cliffs that beautifully frame the river.

Meanwhile, if you haven’t visited the Chengdu Giant Panda Conservation Center, you can do so as part of the river cruise experience.

Take time out to enjoy the diverse and beautiful landscapes, historic architecture and cosmopolitan cities of China. You may find yourself returning to cruise on the Yangtze River once more.