Discovering the Wonders of China: A Guide to Must-Visit Landmarks in English

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made from stone, brick, tamped earth, and wood built across the northern borders of China to protect the country from invasions by nomadic tribes during the Ming Dynasty. Stretching over 13,000 miles (21,000 km), it is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements in history.

The Forbidden City

Located at the heart of Beijing's urban area lies the Forbidden City, also known as Palace Museum or Gugong. This imperial palace was once home to 24 emperors during Ming and Qing dynasties for nearly 500 years before they were forced out by revolutionaries in 1912. With more than 980 buildings and over 8,700 rooms on an area covering about seven million square feet.

The Terracotta Army

In Xi'an city lies a fascinating historical site - The Terracotta Army or Life-sized Terra Cotta Soldiers - which dates back to around 210 BCE when Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi died after unifying various warring states into one unified Chinese empire under his rule. Overlife-sized clay soldiers with horses and chariots were buried with him for his afterlife use.

Potala Palace

Situated atop Marpo Ri hill in Lhasa Valley within Tibet Autonomous Region stands Potala Palace - former residence of Dalai Lama since its construction began in fifth century AD under reigns multiple Tibetan rulers including Songtsen Gampo who united Tibet with Tang dynasty forces against their common enemies – Nepal's Licchavi Kingdom.

Li River & Guilin Scenic Area

Guilin Scenic Area boasts breathtaking karst landscape featuring limestone peaks that rise dramatically from rice paddies below along meandering Li River through southern Guangxi province near border with Hunan Province forming part unique geological wonder called 'karst topography'.

6.Yungang Grottoes

Yungang Grottoes are a collection Buddhist cave temples carved into cliffs located near Datong city Shanxi province northwestern part People's Republic China dating back between late fourth early sixth centuries CE during Northern Wei dynasty period features intricate carvings depicting scenes life Buddha teachings numerous statues statues monks sculpted walls ceilings grottos themselves impressive examples art craftsmanship skillfully executed monumental scale artworks often found these caves include statue Maitreya Bodhisattva largest Buddha sculpture world UNESCO World Heritage Site since year two thousand four