Top 55 Places to Visit in a Lifetime - (Includes a Free Multi-functional Military Compass worth 30 yuan) (1CD with 1 Manual attached)

Author: Luo Yingzhong / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: These places are the dreams of a lifetime. This book will take you on a convenient, novel, and enchanting journey through China. Here, you can visit the magnificent Terracotta Army in the ancient capital Xi'an, experience the border town Fenghuang as described by Shen Congwen, and witness the grandeur of the Yellow River's waters flowing to the sea. You can also stroll leisurely in Shangri-La, the paradise on earth, and feel the beauty of "the wind blows low, revealing herds of cattle and sheep." Additionally, you can explore the last secret realm of humankind—the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon—feeling the magic of nature. Moreover, the book comes with a multifunctional military compass worth 30 yuan, a must-have!
In many corners of China, there are countless places that leave a deep spiritual impact. These places radiate the light of civilization, spread ancient and sacred thoughts, illuminate people's hearts, and attract countless gazes: the ancient capital Xi'an, the "Jiangnan of the Frontier" Ili, the tribal village in the clouds Kanas, and Shangri-La, the paradise on earth. 50 places, 50 realms, 50 mysterious journeys. Facing such scenery, who can remain indifferent!
■ The Forbidden City, also known as the Purple Forbidden City, is located in the center of Beijing, 1 kilometer north of Tiananmen Square, opposite the south gate of Jingshan. It is 753 meters wide from east to west and 961 meters long from north to south, covering an area of 720,000 square meters, making it the largest palace complex in the world. The Forbidden City is surrounded by a moat 52 meters wide and 6 meters deep. Inside the moat stands a wall with a circumference of 3 kilometers and a height of nearly 10 meters, with gates on all four sides: the Meridian Gate to the south, the Divine Prow Gate to the north, the Eastern Prosperity Gate to the east, and the Western Prosperity Gate to the west. On each corner of the wall stand four corner towers, exquisitely designed and delicate.
The Forbidden City can be broadly divided into two parts: the southern working area, known as the Outer Court, and the northern living area, known as the Inner Court. All buildings in both areas are arranged along a central axis, symmetrically on both sides, in perfect order. The Outer Court is where the emperor handled state affairs and mainly consists of three grand halls: the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. Among these, the Hall of Supreme Harmony is the tallest and most magnificent, measuring 60.1 meters wide, 33.33 meters deep, and 35.05 meters high. Here, grand ceremonies such as the emperor's enthronement, wedding, investiture, appointment of generals, and military expeditions were held. Thousands of people would shout "Long live the emperor" three times, while hundreds of ritual instruments and drums would resound, showcasing the grandeur of the imperial court.
The Hall of Central Harmony, located behind the Hall of Supreme Harmony, was where the emperor rested before major ceremonies and received audiences. The Hall of Preserving Harmony to the north was used for imperial banquets and palace examinations. The Inner Court includes the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Palace of Union, and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, as well as the Eastern and Western Six Palaces on both sides. This was where the emperor and his concubines lived, commonly referred to as the "Three Palaces and Six Courtyards." To the north of the living area lies a small but exquisite imperial garden, a place for imperial family members to relax and play.
The Forbidden City is magnificent in scale, orderly in layout, exquisite in architecture, luxurious and splendid, and houses numerous rare cultural relics. It is the essence of ancient Chinese architecture, culture, and art.
Transportation: Reaches via Bus 1, 4, 52, 103, and 111.
■ Badaling Great Wall
The Great Wall stretches over 6,000 kilometers and is one of the greatest architectural marvels in the world. It was first built during the Qin Dynasty and has been expanded and repaired through the ages. Most of the Great Wall we see today was built during the Ming Dynasty. Badaling Great Wall is one of the most representative sections of the Ming-era Great Wall. It serves as the outpost of the important pass of Juyong Pass, with an altitude of 1,015 meters, terrain, and strong fortifications, making it a strategic military location throughout history.
Standing on the Badaling Great Wall, one can gaze into the distance, witnessing rolling mountains and the majestic, rugged northern landscape stretching endlessly. The Great Wall is magnificent due to the mountains, and the mountains are more perilous because of the Great Wall. "He who has not reached the Great Wall is not a true hero." The Great Wall is a must-visit destination for tourists from all walks of life in Beijing, both ancient and modern. To date, over 300 renowned figures from around the world, including Nixon and Thatcher, have climbed Badaling to admire the breathtaking scenery of the Min Mountains. P12-13