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The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Qinshihuang Bingmayong, is thirty km to the east of Xi'an. There, the Qin Dynasty army of terracotta warriors, horses, entertainers and artisans that guarded or otherwise served emperor Qinshi Huangdi, are on display to the public. Chengdu is known for its traditional tea houses. Another popular attraction is Wuhousi, the temple of Marquis Wu, who was a distinguished administrator of the Tang dynasty. Other sacred sites of the city include Qingyanggong (the Green Goat Temple), the Wenshu Temple and Baoguangsi (the Divine Light Monastery). Also open to the public is Dufucaotang, which was the home of Dufu, the greatest poet of the Tang dynasty. The Chongli Pavilion (also called Wangjiang Tower) in Wangjianglou Park (Wangjiang Tower Park). Chengdu Zoo is famed for its giant pandas. Giant pandas are free to wander among bamboo groves in a more natural setting, in the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base near Chengdu. The beautiful Wolong Nature Reserve is northwest of Chengdu. Its wildlife includes giant pandas but they are rarely seen, except at the research centre. During World War II, while Japan was occupying much of China, Chongqing (Chunking) acted as China's capital. The artificial caves around the city can still be seen, and they once served as air-raid shelters. Among the attractions of Chongqing is the Hongxing Teahouse, on Pipashan (Loquat Hill). It is famed for its beautiful gardens and panoramas. Other well-known places to visit are Beiwenquan (the Northern Hot Springs park) and Nanwenquan (the Southern Hot Springs Park). You will also want to walk around the Ming Dynasty Ciqikou Old Town, which has been restored. Your guide will probably take you to the stepped produce market along the Yangzi (Yangtse) River. You can also ride on the funicular railway, between the Yangzi River and the hills. Chongqing Museum is noted for its ancient wooden boats and dinosaur eggs. You may have your future foretold by blind fortune tellers in the ancient Luohan Temple, which is also famous for its terracotta sculptures. If you get the chance, the Three Gorges Dam near Chongqing is also worth visiting. In Guilin is the Song dynasty Puxian Pagoda, on Elephant Trunk Hill. You should also visit Seven Star Park, famous for the "Forest of Steles" (a cliff carved with poetry and images) and Seven Star Cave. On Guilin's Diecaishan hill is Nayunting, or "Catch-Cloud Pavilion". If you can, visit the District of the Two Lakes. Guilin is also famous for Reed Flute Cave. Probably the highlight of any visit to China is a cruise from Guilin along the Li River to Yangshuo, passing through through the almost incredibly beautiful scenery of limestone karst pinnacles. Fairly close to Yangshuo is Moon Hill, which has beautiful views. You will want to see a performance by the tame cormorants who fish for their masters on the Li River. This can be done near Lijiang Bridge and the Tianhu Hotel in Guilin, starting at about 19:30 (07:30 PM). The performance can also be seen on Guihu Lake in Guilin and features in the Four Lake Night Cruise. In Yangshuo, the performance can be seen on a tour starting at West Street Pier, also at about 19:30. You will not want to be disappointed so if you are on a package tour, make sure that a performance is included or easily arrangeable. If travelling independently, get information from up-to-date pamphlets, etc.
Other Must-See Sights of China |