For centuries, China has endured the test of political struggle and countless wars to become the global heart that it is nowadays. With 1.3 billion people and 55 cultural groups flourishing within its borders, China is a fortress of legend, myth and culture. From tombs shrouded in mystery to awe-inspiring works of art, we’ve uncovered China’s Seven Wonders.
Xi’an, Shaanxi Province (Terra Cotta Warriors)
Back in 1974, while digging a fountain in the municipal of Xi’an, Chinese agriculturalists discovered a secretive tomb packed with 8,000 statues of ancient Chinese fighters. Built around 221 B.C., these 8,000 warriors are said to guard Emperor Qin’s tomb. As per the Chinese tradition, death is merely a continuity of life. Chinese people can take everything they possess with them in death.
Mount Hengshan, Shanxi Province (Hanging Monastery)
Situated at the foot of Mount Hengshan on the west precipice of Jinxia Gorge, the Hanging Abbey has been satisfying visitors with wonders for over 1,500 years. The antique, sacred shrine stands 15 stories above the ground and is held only by its worn, timber beams. Despite the harshest climate conditions, as well as a massive earthquake in 1303, the Hanging Abbey has remained unharmed.
Jiayuguan Pass, Gansu Province to Shanhaiguan Pass, Hebei Province (The Great Wall)
Possibly, China’s most iconic man-made construction is its massive Great Wall. Stretching over 4,000 miles from Shanhaiguan Pass in the East to Jiayuguan Pass in the West, the Great Wall definitely lives up to its name. The creation of the Great Wall started in 221 B.C, under Emperor Qin and continued up until the Qing Dynasty. The aim of the spectacular wall was to protect the Chinese kingdom from any offensive militaries.
Leshan City, Sichuan Province (Leshan Buddha)
The Leshan Buddha is the biggest Buddha on the planet. Over 1,200 years ago, the Leshan Buddha was created off a cliff by dedicated Buddhist monastics; it took over 92 years to construct. How massive is the biggest Buddha in the world? The statue is of over 233 feet high and over 90 feet wide. As per the local legend, the river waters situated nearby used to be risky and took many lives over the years. After the creation of Leshan Buddha, the hazardous waters calmed and life in Leshan City prospered.
Wudang, Hubei Province (Mount Wudang)
The slopes of Mount Wudang are adorned with attractive bridges, palaces and temples – each made in harmony with the adjoining landscape. The peaceful city of Wudang is home to the Golden hall, one of China’s most holy sites. Recognised as one of the most outstanding examples of religious architecture around the world, Mt. Wudang’s 90-ton Golden Hall was covered completely in gold in Beijing before being moved to the top of Mt. Wudang.
Yangtze River (Shi Bao Zhai Temple)
Situated on the south bank of the huge Yangtze River, the Shi Bao Zhai Temple stands 12 levels high and is connected to a cliff without a single nail. Followers had to risk their lives before the temple was built, in order to pay tribute to the sculptures of Buddha at the top of the mountain. The ‘windows’ is the secret of how the temple withstood the test of time. The windows enable the wind to be absorbed throughout bad weather, protecting the temple from any possible havoc.
Beijing, China (Forbidden City)
The Forbidden City in Beijing is the biggest antique palace in the world. For over 600 years, it has symbolised Chinese political power. Stretching over 6 million square feet and comprising over 10,000 rooms, the Forbidden City was constructed to symbolise God’s palace in heaven.
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