The History of the Great Wall's Construction

The history of the Great Wall's construction: The history of the Great Wall's construction can be traced back
to the 9th century B.C. during the Western Zhou Dynasty as a way to resist attacks from the nomadic people to the north. Many fortresses were built to resist the invasion. Around the 7th or 8th century B.C., in order to strive for supremacy and defense, the rulers from the Spring and Autumn period began building the Great Wall on their border lines based on their own defensive needs. The Great Wall of the State of Chu in the 7th century B.C. was the first wall built, and then the states of Qi, Han, Wei, Zhao, Yan, Qin and Zhongshan also began constructing walls in succession for self defense. At that time, the characteristics of the Great Wall were: the walls were different in the east, south, west and north, and their length ranged from hundreds of kilometers to around 2,000 kilometers. In order to distinguish these walls from those built by Qin Shi Huang, the historians called them "the Great Wall of the pre-Qin Dynasty" as a whole.
In 221 B.C., Qin Shi Huang eliminated the six states, unified the whole of China, ended the chaos of war in the Spring and Autumn period, accomplished the great cause of national reunification, and established the first centralized feudal state in China. In order to ensure safe and stable production and to prevent invasions and harassment from the strong nomadic nationality to the north, the Qin Dynasty began constructing the Great Wall. In addition to using the original parts built by the states of Yan and Zhao in northern areas, the Great Wall was extended to Lintao County in the west and Liaodong in the east with a length of over 5,000 kilometers. Therefore, it was also praised as the "Wanli Great Wall," meaning it is very long.
After Qin Shi Huang, almost every emperor extended the Great Wall during their reign in central China, including the Han, Jin, Northern Wei, Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, Song, Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Among them, the Han, Jin and Ming dynasties had the largest construction scale, and the walls built during the three dynasties were all 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers in length and had different locations. As for the nationalities that once took part in the construction of the Great Wall, many minorities also renovated and extended the Great Wall during their reign in addition to the Han nationality. More parts of the Great Wall were built during the reign of minority nationalities than the Han nationality. During the Kangxi Emperor period in the Qing Dynasty, although the large-scale construction of the Great Wall was stopped, some similar walls were indeed built in a few places. It can be said that during the more than 2,000 years of history from the Spring and Autumn period to the Qing Dynasty, the construction of the Great Wall had never been truly stopped.

Top 5 Destinations to Visit in China

Here we check out the top 5 destinations in China most favored by the millionaires and billionaires. 

Sanya

Renowned for its tropical climate, Sanya is one of the three prefecture-level cities of Hainan. And it has emerged as a popular tourist destination for mild year-round weather, sunshine, beaches, hot spring. The main sights are the Guanyin Statue of Hainan, Yalong Bay, Tianya Haijiao, Deer Turing Head Park and so on.

Many tourists visit Sanya to see sapphire seas, and feel the warm radiance of the sun on their checks while cool ocean water sucks the sand from between their toes. 

Hong Kong

With a land mass of 1104 square meters, Hong Kong is an important hub in East Asia with global connections to many of the world’s cities. Also, it is a unique destination that has absorbed people and cultural influences from place as diverse as Vietnam and Vancouver and proudly proclaims itself to be Asia’s World City.

Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate, but is cooled in winter by sea breezes. The best time to visit Hong Kong is between October and December, with the least rainfall, less chance of a typhoon, less humid and more sunshine. 

Yunnan

Lies in the southwest of China, Yunnan is well known for its breathtaking landscapes and enchantingly natural scenes. Visitors who tour in Yunnan could find sky-piercing snow mountains, thick primitive forests, mysterious deep valleys, torrential rivers, calm and limpid highland lakes, and many wonderful Karst mountains.

Yunnan also shows colorful and unique ethnic folk customs. Beautiful mountains and simple life of local people are the main attractions for those who want to travel Yunnan.

Qingdao

Located on the south facing coast of the Shandong Peninsula, Qingdao is not only a beautiful seaside city but also a famous and important place for international trade.

Qingdao has a temperate, four-season, monsoom-influenced climate. Summer is generally hot and humid while winter is cool to cold and windy. The best time to Qingdao is autumn, at which time is milder than inland areas in Shangdong. 

Shanghai

As a modern megacity melt with hundreds of years of history and culture, Shanghai is absolutely an ideal destination for both sightseeing and leisure. Shanghai attracts visitor from all over the world.

The most famous attractions in Shanghai are the Bund, Nanjing Road, Shanghai World Financial Center and so on.

If time and money permit, you should not miss these attractions.

Top 5 Most Popular Chinese Cities in Foreigners’ Eyes

There is different scenic in the different cities. If you tour in China, which city do you want to travel? Here we are ready to list 5 Chinese tourist cities in foreigners’ eyes.

Chengdu

Each city has its own unique tourist draws. Chengdu is known to the world for its beautiful land and its mild climate. Its history can be dated back to more than 4,000 years ago from the present day by the recent archeological discovery at the Jinsha excavation site.

Your trip to Chengdu would not be complete without a stop by its Panda Breeding Research Center. In the wild, pandas are reclusive and sightings are rare. However, you are guaranteed a look at them at the center. The best time to watch pandas is in the morning for the reason that the pandas are more active during their feeding time.

As a charming urban center, the pace and energy of Chengdu is quite vary from that found in Beijing and Shanghai. Large numbers of foreigners do not want to go after they come to Chengdu.

Kunming

As the political, economic, communications and cultural center of Yunnan Province, Kunming has one of the mildest climates in China. For the nice weather, Kunming is world famous for its flowers and more than 400 types of flowers are commonly grown here.

Kunming not only has may state level scenic spots but also has colorful nightlife and delicious food.

Lijiang

 

About 2400 meter above sea level and surrounded by jagged snow- tipped peaks, Lijiang still remains her original appearance though hundreds of years has passed by. The wooden houses, tea house and stone walkways of the old town looked as if they had not changed.

The scenes of Lijiang are unique and unconventional. To those travelers with simple knapsacks, the ancient city of Lijiang is probably the most thrilling and charming place in the world. If you come to China, Lijiang is a must for your China travel.

Beijing

As a modern city with a long history, Beijing is the political, religious, cultural and educational center of China. If you want to deep understand China, Beijing is a must for your China tour. In Beijing, you could not only feel the ancient breath of this country but also experience the rapid growth of modern China.

Hangzhou

Have you heard of the old saying "Above there is heaven, below there is Suzhou and Hangzhou." Large numbers of foreigners visit Hangzhou every year, most of them attracted by the famous West Lake. Besides, Hangzhou is also well known for its silk and tea. It is a city you must visit for your China tour.

So if you have visited all of them, what is your deepest impressed on them.

Best 3 Place to See in China Before You Die

If you want to get a rich rewarding life, the best choice is to travel and you will meet pleasure during your voyages.
The history of China is common considered as a continuous development with certain repetitive tendencies. Boast of an ancient civilization, China has almost 5000 years long and mysterious history. Like most other great civilizations of the world, China can trace her culture back to a blend of small original tribes which have expanded till they became the great country we have today.
Large number of tourists travel in China, there are 3 places I want to recommend to you, it would be a shame if you do not have a look of them before you die.

Beijing

As an ancient city in China, Beijing is the center of nation’s political, economic, culture and educational as well as the most important center for international trade and communications in China.
Beijing is the heart and soul of China. Throughout its long history, there is an incomparable huge magnet attracting numerous visitors from all over the world. They come here to explore the ancient past of Beijing and enjoy the exciting modern development of Beijing city.
There are lots of famous attractions you can visit in Beijing such as Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Ming Tombs, and Temple of Heaven etc. These sites you should not miss when you have a Beijing tour. If you have not come to Beijing city, we would say have not come to China.

Shanghai

Sitting on the estuary of the Yangtze River, Shanghai is world famous for its fast economic development. Lots of traditional architecture are seated in Shanghai such as Yu garden and modern sight on fashion. All of them make Shanghai becoming more and more appealing. Due to its special location and long history, Shanghai has turned into an international city as a bridge between foreign countries and China.

When you tour in Shanghai, some interesting sightseeing you can not miss such as Yu garden, Xintiandi. Besides, there are three famous high buildings in Shanghai-Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jingmao building and world financial center. They are the pride of every person in Shanghai.

Also, the food in Shanghai you should miss. If you want to enjoy the both ancient and modern city, welcome to Shanghai and you will love it.

 

Guangzhou

As the third biggest city in China, Guangzhou is famous throughout China and the world. Like the city of Beijing and Shanghai, Guangzhou also has a long history. Besides, it is one of the most important centers of foreign commerce in South China.
Guangzhou is suit for travel all year round for its good climate. With evergreen scenery and flowers blooming all the year round, it has attracted many tourists when they tour in China.

Just listen to me is not enough, you should come and see it for yourself someday.

Top 10 sightseeing to visit Spring in April

1. The Great Wall

The Great Wall is the greatest miracle created by the working people of ancient China, and it is a witness of history. It is listed as one of the seven wonders in the world. In December 1987, the Great Wall was listed as a World Heritage Site. Its winding path over rugged country and steep mountains takes in some great scenery. The Great Wall is a good place to visit in China which deserves your touring.

2. Jiuzhaigou Sichuan

Jiuzhaigou is a fairyland named after the Nine-Village Valley. It was classified as the world natural heritage. About 2,000 meters above sea level, Jiuzhaigou contains 108 lakes. The views of four seasons are stunning. There are abundant plants and a wide variety of animals. And pandas and some other precious wildlife inhabit in the virgin forest.

3. Terracotta Army

Terracotta Army pit covers a total area of ​​19,120 square meters and enough to have more than 50 basketball courts, It contains more than 7,000 terra-cotta warriors and horses figurines. And it is the largest underground military museum in the world. It is a must see place when you visit in China. If you do not go to see Terracotta Army, it can not be considered to have been to China.

4. Lijiang Yunnan

Situated in Yunnan Province of south China, Lijiang is listed as the World Cultural Heritage. With the history of over 1,300 years, Lijiang is inhabited by Naxi people. It stands on a plateau at 2,600m above sea level. It is famous for its natural landscpes and green vegetation. It has the Jade Dragon Mountain as its backdrop. The old town blends naturally with the natural scenery.

5. Li River

Lijiang River is the largest, most beautiful karst landscape scenic in the world, for thousands of years, it attracts countless scholars.

As one of the most popular and picturesque scenic attractions in China, the Li River was listed as one of the World’s Top Ten Watery Wonders.

6. The Bund

The Bund stands as one of the most recognizable architectural symbols of Shanghai. The Bund is located in the Shanghai Huangpu river. It represents the landscape of Shanghai and Shanghai is a must visit place in China.

7. Silk Road in China

With a history of more than 2,000 years, the Silk Road has actually started from Chang'an (the present Xian, Shaanxi Province ) in the east and stretched to Rome, Italy in the west. The ancient Silk Road went through the provinces of Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia Hui and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous regions and then extended over the Pamirs, further extending to Central and West Asia. The Silk Road had the total length of over 2,485 miles and over half of which is within China.

8. West Lake

West Lake is located in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang province. with its beautiful a landscape of lakes and mountains and many places of historic interest and scenic beauty, it has become a famous tourist destination and were given "an earthly paradise" reputation. It is a place you must visit in China for it has a long history, beautiful style and rich cultural connotation

9. The Potala Palace

In 1994, the Potala Palace was declared as a World Cultural Heritage Site. It is a huge treasure house of materials and articles from Tibetan history, religion, culture and art. It is well known for the precious sculptures, murals, scriptures, Buddha statues, murals, antiques, and religious jewelry housed within. Those Tibetan people who fortunate enough to enter the Potala Palace consider it is a reward and gift of a life, many tourists no exception.

10. The Yangtze River

The Yangtze is the third longest river in the World. Yangtze River cruising should be a place to visit in China for those who seek for romantic escape and travel with their family or friends. Yangtze River is winding through the mountains and the cities from the west to the east entering the East China Sea near Shanghai with a total length of over 6300 km.

The Naturalist's Penal Colony - Shangri-La

Shangri-La is not a place let people comfortable on body, but a place let people relax and enjoy on spirit. So here becomes the top destination for China city tour. The French man Soss Constantine has been in China for 10 years, his Chinese is fluent as well as French. Sometimes, he speaks Chinese is faster than Chinese people, absolutely a word-TB. Under his convene, a hiking from Hapi Village to Niru start quickly. Who together with him is his French friend – Daming who specially comes to Shangri- La for holiday. Daming had stayed in China for 3 years, and then he always find chance to back to China. Niru is 160 kilometers away from Shangri-La County, and it almost spends 4 days and 3 nights from Hapi Village. This line has no village and various sideways, it is easy to lost, so it needs a local as leader.

Until dusk in first day, and was still there at the moment of the Shangri-La County, and we decided to overnight in a wooden house in summer pasture. The top of mountain is snowing, but the county at the foot of mountain is shining with lots of lights. Soss Constantine and Daming went to find water and I took care of bonfire in house. Between gaps of wood, I saw the red leaves covering the mountain, the continuous snow mountains in distance. The wind was heavy, immersed from gaps, we were all woken frozen.

The next morning, the other friends of Soss - Airy Kersee caught up. Airy Kersee walked fast, is favorite to rock climbing. At first, he was silence of few words, but after familiar he exposing his happy smiles. They walked briskly in front of me panting behind, like a walk alone. Beginning I also felt guilty, because they always stopped to wait for me, but gradually mutually accept each other's speed. Wind blowing, head shining sun, the snow mountain revealed a head from a pile of snow-capped mountains peaks in the serene and calm earth heaved, dazzling alpine plants green. Along the lake, there is no way, it is the depth of primeval forest. The night sky was covered by stars, we surround a fireplace by stone, and three French men read loudly the French poem. Without tent, we laid outdoor to look up the starts, sucking chill asleep.

From Hapi Village, we always forwarded in the altitude height of 4,000 meters, the landscape changes more depth and more colorful. Daming always great interested in taking photos for passed plants. He said his mother is very interested in plants, and knows many knowledge about plants, and he would show the photos of plants he taken on the travel way. When I had adapted to their rhythm, I started to enjoy the interests of hiking.

Finally, we arrived at Niru, we went straight to the Americans "Guo" in cooperation with local families. We finally able to sleep in bed! Evening, Proprietress and her husband held a bottle of bear individually, leaned forward and talk to us sitting on a small stool. Simple life, simple happy, it generally is the real true meaning of Shangri-La.