Ancient China tour locations: Touring ancient sites in China

by Brett Gevers March 13, 2023, 12:05 am 1.8k Views 78 Comments

Exploring the Ancient History of the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic structures in the world and has been a part of the Chinese landscape for centuries. It has served to protect the Chinese from invaders throughout its long history. This article will provide an overview of the ancient history of the Great Wall of China, from its construction during the Qin Dynasty to its many renovations during the Ming Dynasty.

The Great Wall of China was first constructed during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC). It was built to protect the borders of the Chinese Empire, which stretched from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert. The construction of the wall was a massive undertaking and involved hundreds of thousands of laborers. The wall was built using both stone and brick, and was designed to be nearly impenetrable.

During the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), the Great Wall was extended and strengthened. This period saw the construction of watchtowers along the wall, which were used to alert the Chinese of any potential invaders. During this period, the wall was also used to mark and maintain the boundaries of the Chinese Empire.

The most extensive work on the Great Wall was carried out during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). During this period, the wall was completely rebuilt, with more watchtowers, guardhouses and fortifications being added. This period also saw the construction of the Great Wall of China’s most iconic feature: the Badaling section. This section of the wall is the most visited by tourists today and was built to protect the Chinese capital from northern invaders.

Throughout its history, the Great Wall of China has served as a powerful symbol of Chinese culture and history. It has been a testament to the strength and resilience of the Chinese people and has been a source of pride for many Chinese citizens. Today, the Great Wall of China is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in the world.

Touring the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an: An Unforgettable Experience

Xi’an, the ancient capital of China, is home to the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors. Every year, millions of visitors make the journey to this incredible archaeological site to experience the awe-inspiring army of life-sized terracotta figures that were once part of the funerary art of China’s first emperor, Qin Shihuang.

Touring the Terracotta Warriors is an unforgettable experience. Upon arriving at the site, visitors will be amazed by the sheer size of the warriors, which stand as tall as 6 feet. They are arranged in battle formation in three pits and are thought to depict the military forces that the emperor commanded during his lifetime.

Visitors will be guided through the various pits, which contain a total of 8,000 warriors, 130 chariots, and 670 horses. As they explore the site, they will learn about the importance of the warriors in Chinese history, as well as the incredible craftsmanship and skill that went into creating them.

The tour also includes a visit to the adjacent Qin Shi Huang Museum, which houses a variety of artifacts related to the emperor’s life. Here, visitors can view historical objects such as weapons, pottery, and coins, as well as a replica of the emperor’s throne and other interesting items.

The Terracotta Warriors are a must-see for anyone visiting Xi’an. For those looking to experience a piece of history and to be marveled by the intricate craftsmanship of the warriors, a tour of the Terracotta Warriors is an unforgettable experience.

Five of the Most Impressive Ancient Chinese Sites to Visit

1. The Great Wall of China: The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications that were built to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire. It is one of the most identifiable landmarks in the world, stretching over 5,500 miles in length. It is the longest man-made structure in the world and is considered a symbol of China’s strength and power. Visitors to the Great Wall can learn about its history, explore its various sections, and take in the stunning views from the top.

The Forbidden City: Once the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City is a sprawling complex of palaces, gardens, and temples located in the heart of Beijing. It is home to numerous ancient artifacts and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors to the Forbidden City can explore its many courtyards and pavilions, wander through its gardens, and view its impressive architecture.
The Terracotta Army: Located in Xi’an, the Terracotta Army is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world. This vast army of life-size terracotta figures was constructed to protect the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Visitors to the site can view the thousands of figures, learn about their history and significance, and even take a tour of the nearby museum.
The Temple of Heaven: The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings located in Beijing. The temple was used by emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to pray for good harvests and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Visitors to the temple can explore its many buildings, observe locals practicing traditional rituals and ceremonies, and marvel at its incredible architecture.
The Summer Palace: Located in the outskirts of Beijing, the Summer Palace is a sprawling imperial retreat. The palace is renowned for its beautiful landscaped gardens and its grand imperial structures, such as the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity. Visitors can explore the palace grounds and take in stunning views of Kunming Lake and the nearby hills.Discovering the Ancient Buddhist Caves of DunhuangThe ancient Buddhist Caves of Dunhuang are a remarkable historical treasure located in the Gansu province of western China. The complex, comprising more than 492 decorated grottoes, is considered one of the most important examples of Buddhist art from the 4th to the 14th century.

The caves were constructed over a period of several hundred years, beginning in the 4th century and ending in the 14th century. The earliest caves were constructed by a Buddhist monk named Yue Zun and his followers. They were later expanded and adorned by various Buddhist sects, including the White Lotus, Pure Land, and Tibetan Buddhism.

The central feature of the caves are the magnificent murals that adorn their walls and ceilings. These murals depict stories from Buddhist mythology, as well as scenes from everyday life. Other caves contain statues of Buddha and other Buddhist figures, often surrounded by beautiful stone carvings.

In addition to the artwork, the caves contain many important historical artifacts. These include scrolls, manuscripts, and documents that provide insight into the lives and beliefs of those who lived and worshipped in the caves over the centuries.

The caves are open to the public, and visitors can explore the artwork and artifacts that have been preserved over the years. Guides are available to help visitors learn more about the history and culture of the caves.

The caves of Dunhuang are a remarkable example of ancient Buddhist art and culture, and a testament to the importance of preserving cultural heritage. They are a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the history and culture of this region of the world.

Climb the Steps of the Forbidden City: A Guide to the Imperial Palace of Beijing

high-angle view of concrete building and stairs

The Forbidden City is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of China. Located in the heart of Beijing, it is an impressive structure that has been the home of Chinese emperors since the Ming Dynasty in 1420. Visiting the Forbidden City is a must-do for any traveler to Beijing. Here is a guide to the Imperial Palace of Beijing, also known as the Forbidden City.

Upon entering the Forbidden City, visitors should start by exploring the Outer Court. This area of the palace is where the emperor conducted state affairs and held grand ceremonies. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the largest and most important building in the Outer Court. It was used for ceremonial events such as coronations, investitures, and imperial weddings. Other notable buildings in the Outer Court are the Hall of Central Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony.

The Inner Court is the residential area of the Forbidden City. This is where the emperor and his family lived, and only a select few were allowed access. The most important building in the Inner Court is the Palace of Heavenly Purity. This is where the emperor would conduct private audiences and spend time with his family. Other notable buildings in the Inner Court are the Palace of Earthly Tranquility and the Hall of Union and Peace.

Visitors should also take time to explore the gardens and courtyards of the Forbidden City. There are several gardens and courtyards within the palace grounds, each with its own unique character. The Imperial Garden is the largest and most impressive of all the gardens. It is filled with lush vegetation, intricate sculptures, and beautiful pavilions. Other notable gardens include the Garden of Tranquility and the Garden of Virtue.

Visiting the Forbidden City is an unforgettable experience. By following these instructions and exploring the Outer Court, Inner Court, and gardens of the palace, visitors will gain an appreciation for the grandeur and importance of this ancient imperial palace.