Top Attractions in China

China isn't just about the Great Wall or the Forbidden City; there are many other appealing tourist spots like Huyen Khong Pagoda (Son Tay) and Lac Son Great Buddha (Sichuan).

With a history spanning at least 3,500 years, China boasts a unique and ancient culture along with captivating tourist destinations.

Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (Xian, Shaanxi)

In 1974, while digging a well in the eastern foothills of Mount Lishan, near the city of Xian, a local farmer stumbled upon an underground vault containing around 8,000 life-size terracotta soldiers and horses. Created around 221 BCE, these terracotta warriors were intended to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

According to Chinese beliefs, the dead continue their lives in the afterlife, and Emperor Qin Shi Huang erected an entire empire with clay warriors to protect him in a tomb complex covering nearly 350 square meters. Excavation and archaeological research are ongoing due to the fragility of the terracotta warriors and the mysteries surrounding Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb that are yet to be unraveled.

Huyen Khong Pagoda (Hang Son Mountain, Son Tay)

Nestled deep within a cliff on Hang Son Mountain in Son Tay province, Huyen Khong Pagoda, also known as Hanging Monastery, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in China. The temple was built around 1,500 years ago, perched about 50 meters above the rugged mountain cliff.

Despite enduring harsh climatic conditions over many centuries, including an earthquake in 1303, Huyen Khong Pagoda still stands tall, thanks to its sturdy wooden pillars made from ironwood - a local hardwood - and supporting columns. It's an ideal destination for travelers seeking spiritual journeys.

Great Wall of China

Regarded as one of the greatest architectural feats created by human hands, the Great Wall stretches 21,196 kilometers and is a source of pride for the Chinese people. Construction began in the 5th century BCE, with the most famous section built on the orders of Emperor Qin Shi Huang between 220 and 200 BCE, continuing through the Qing dynasty.

The purpose of this monumental structure was to protect China from invasions by the Huns, Mongols, Turks, and other nomadic tribes from regions now part of Mongolia and Manchuria. The Great Wall of China remains one of the most visited tourist attractions in China.

Lac Son Great Buddha (Lac Son City, Sichuan)

Lac Son Great Buddha stands as the tallest stone Buddha statue in the world. Over 1,000 years ago, this sculpture of Maitreya Buddha was carved into the cliffside by devoted practitioners and completed after 90 years. Rising to a height of 71 meters, the statue portrays Maitreya Buddha seated with both hands resting on his knees.

Legend has it that this river area was once extremely perilous, claiming numerous lives. Since the construction of this colossal monument, rock layers have settled into the riverbed, altering the currents and making navigation safer. Today, Lac Son Great Buddha is a highly renowned tourist attraction in China.

Wudang Mountain (Hubei Province)

Wudang Mountain, also known as Mount Taihoa, is a mountain range located south of the city of Shiyan in northwest Hubei province. It boasts 32 Daoist temples scattered across its peaks, with the most prominent being the Golden Temple, made of bronze plated with gold weighing 405 tons, constructed in 1416. Wudang Mountain is also considered one of the cradles of martial arts within Daoism, with Tai Chi and Eight Extremes boxing developed since the 13th century.

Thach Bao Trai Temple (South Bank of the Yangtze River)

Thach Bao Trai Temple, a unique temple on the southern bank of the Yangtze River, was built by Emperor Qianlong in the 18th century. The temple comprises 12 floors, perched vertically on a tall rock. The secret to the temple's resilience, defying the test of time until today, lies in its windows. They are specially designed to absorb wind, reducing the impact of harsh weather and protecting the temple from damage.

The scenery from the temple offers a breathtaking view. However, the beauty of Thach Bao Trai Temple is currently threatened by the influence of the Tam Hiep Dam, causing the water level of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River to rise.

Forbidden City (Beijing)

The Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace, located in the heart of Beijing, is the world's largest palace complex. For over 500 years, it has been the symbol of China's political power. The Forbidden City has a rectangular shape with an area of 250,000 square meters, comprising 980 buildings and 8,886 rooms, surrounded by a 7.9-meter-high and 6-meter-thick wall, with a moat 52 meters wide.

At the four corners are four watchtowers, and four gates on all four sides are the Meridian Gate, the Divine Might Gate, the East Glorious Gate, and the West Glorious Gate. Before the 20th century, ordinary people who dared to enter the Forbidden City would face decapitation. Today, it is the most famous tourist attraction in China, and tourists are allowed to visit within a designated area.

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Source: Travel Guide by Mytour – Via VnExpress