China is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the
world. In fact, for most of that time they were a world power.
It wasn't until the Industrial Age, when they began to lag a
little, that they fell behind on the world stage. That and a
large war in the 20th century caused them problems. Today, in
the 21st century, China is a different country, and it's still
changing. As it relaxes internal policies, more and more people
are traveling there to experience the rich, cultural history of
the Chinese people.
From the cities to the countryside, there are many interesting
places to see in China. Here are just a few of some of the more
popular and famous destinations for travelers to China:
The Great Wall - Built
many, many years ago, the Great Wall is a man-made object that
can be seen from space. When you consider when it was built -
and why - it's quite an impressive feat. Even today, people
from all over travel to see and walk on the Great Wall that
once protected the entire Chinese Empire. This is truly one of
the seven ancient wonders of the world.
The Forbidden City - Open
to the public finally, The Forbidden City is a breathtaking
look at "ancient" China. Located in the city of Beijing, north
of Tiananmen Square in the center of the city, this is an
attraction that you must see if you travel to China. Be
prepared to do what it takes to gain entrance, though.
The Yangtze River - A river
tour down the Yangtze really allows you to get a feel of what
it's like to be Chinese and live in the area. The natural
beauty of the area is amazing. And the man-made Three Gorges
Dam is a marvel in its own right. Be sure to stop and give
that a check if you're in the area.
Wolong Nature Preserve -
Giant Pandas are well known the world over as being something
from China. The government there takes a lot of care to make
sure this endangered species makes it. If you want to see a
giant panda up close and personal, a trip to Chengdu, in
Sichuan province is in order.
Depending on where you are in this large Asian country, the
weather is going to be different. The north parts of the country
experience cold weather, while the central region is mostly
temperate. Southern China is sub-tropic, which means lots of
humidity. So, depending on where you go in the country, you'll
want to make sure you bring appropriate clothes to wear.
Facts About China
China is one of the world's
most populous countries, with nearly one fifth of the world's
population living in the country.
Fireworks - and gunpowder -
was first created in China.
Ceramic plates originated
in China.
China is a pretty amazing blend of ancient culture and modern
technology. Since the last decade of the 20th century, the
country has started growing by leaps and bounds, slowly but
surely loosening the tight grip the government has kept on the
people since the Civil War in the 1940s. Today, it's a different
China, but it still has a rich history to explore and marvel at.
In fact, today is one of the best times to travel to China and
see everything they've been able to accomplish in the country.
While you may or may not agree with the politics of China, that
shouldn't stop you from visiting this country and experiencing
everything they have to offer. From natural wonders to man-made
marvels of architecture and ingenuity, the country of China is
worthy of a visit. The places and destinations talked about
above are just a small number of the interesting places to see
in China. With a little research, you're sure to find a
destination (or two) in China that makes for the trip of a
lifetime.
About
China