1. 长城 the Great Wall
The Great Wall is not only the magnum opus of human being but also the soul of China!And the Badaling Great Wall is the eximious representation of The Great Wall.
On the peak of the Badaling, The Great Wall is towering.It goes up to the South peak and north peak from the Guan city, convolves on the ridge of Jundu mountain and Qian mountain,You can not see its beginning and end,it disappears beyond.
So many people climbed it ,surved the Great Wall ,felt inspirited, song the praises of it and gasped in admiration......
When did it be built in the groups of mountains?What imprints did the remote years left behind? How many hardships and dangers did it got through?It also has many move one to praises and tears ,lamentable and laughable storys of the historical people......The Great Wall which be created by the human being will be your nice mind forever!
The History of The Great Wall:
The Great Wall is one of the wonders of the world that created by human being!If you come to China without climbing the Great Wall, just as well as you come to paris without visiting the Iron Tower, come to Egypt without visiting The pyramids!Man often say:" The man who have not climb the Great Wall is not a true man." Do you know the history of The Great Wall?
The Great Wall convolves on the ridges of the mountains and desert.It's maked up of city gates,circumvallations, enemy towers,signal beacon towers and so on,it was the martial recovery engineering system of the different place and nations in China long time ago.It was built through and several thousands years by Chinese people ,it's the embodiment of the Great power and strong purpose of Chinese people.It has become the irradiant treasure of our Chinese people.It has become the irradiant treasure of our chinese archaic civilization.

2. 桂林山水 the Landscape of Guilin
Yangshuo Landscape "Guilin leads the world in scenery, while Yangshuo tops Guilin in landscape. "Wu Mai's poem is widespread. We start the travel with the heavy rain, so the river is yellow, the moutain is foggy, which tie in wild and exquisite. By bamboo boat, eating barbecue fish, seeing landscape, all these make you open your mind. Suddenly a girl drop into the rive, it is so adventruous!The boatman jumped into the rive and saved her. Maybe she inebriated the scenery:) When we walked at the side of LIjiang river, here have a famous scenery point called RMB20 background, if you want take this photo, please pay one yuan. It is funny! Look,the following photo cost one yuan! Riding a bike, traveling in mountain and rurality, breathing fresh air, enjoying a free time! Night, the Yangshuo Xijie street is good place to ramble. There are various bars in the street. Meiyou bar is very famous in Yangshuo, no hot beer,no bad service, no include.
Situated in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin has always been famous for its scenery and culture. It has an area of 4,194 square kilometers and a population of 1.25 million.
Guilin is a karst basin surrounded by mountains. The Li River flows through Guilin from north to south. It has a subtropical monsoon climate with an annual temperature of 19C, and 310 frost-free days. Annual rainfall averages 1,926 millimeters.
Guilin is the most beautiful sightseeing area in
China. Every year a great number of tourists visit Guilin. The Li River scenic area is very famous for it charming scenery. The special locally made products include Sanhua liquor, crisp candy, and rice-flour noodles.
Guilin is a beautiful scenic city with ancient Chinese culture and history of more than 2000 years. The city is well- known both at home and abroad for its five wonderful characteristics: green hills, clear waters, fantastic caves, spectacular rocks and sweet scent of osmanthus. Such as Elephant Hill, Folded Brocade Hill, Wave-Subdued Hill, Reed Flute Cave and Seven Star Cave, they are known as"Three Hills and Two Caves". The beautiful scenery will make you pleasantly surprise.
The clear Li River is like a green jade ribbon floating among thousands of green hills. From Guilin to Yangshuo the Li River traverses 83 kilometres. The either bank of the river affords the most beautiful scendry as a long art gallery with rich natural in poetic and picture。 Such as． A Secluded spot of Crown Cave， Reflection of Yellow Beach， Viewing and admiring the stone horses under Paint Cliff , and the beautiful landscape of Xingping Town will makc you very glad as if were crazy and drunk.
Yangshuo Landscape is so wonderful that it wins the fame of the best scenic spot in Guilin Area. The green peaks are rising one higher than another， the rivers are like green gauze ribbons floatin among the hills， the rural scenery and hills and rivers add radiance and beauty to each other． The Green Lotus Peak, the Big Banyan which is more than 1500 years old， the Yangshuo Park， the Moon Hill， those are the most famous scenic spots that you would go to visit.
The main mineral deposits of Guilin are iron, aluminum, zinc, barite, talcum, and limestone.
The industries of Guilin mainly include machinery, rubber, textile, food processing, medicine, and electronics. Tires and electric meters manufacturing are playing an important role in China. Handicraft industry is flourishing here. Guilin's chief farm products are rice, corn, sugarcane, fruit, and vegetables.

3. 杭州西湖 the West Lake of Hangzhou
The Su Dyke enveloped in moming mist
Along the Causeway stand six single-span stone arch bridges by the name of Yingbo (reflecting the waves), Suolan (locking the waves), Wangshan (looking at distant hills), Yadi (causeway ballast), Dongpu (eastern ford), Kuahong (spanning rainbow).
When spring comes, willow trees swing slightly in the breeze. Peach trees are full of blooms, giving out intoxicating fragrance. Six bridges are the best place to enjoy springtime. At dawn, the lake is so serene that only chirps of birds can be heard. The lake surface mirrors the sky and bridge reflections. Peach blossoms resemble smiling faces. Walking on the causeway, one can look at the lake and the surrounding hills, absorbing all the visual and aural pleasures created by the breathtaking panorama.
A Lotus Spectacle at Quyuan
Quyuan Park (Crooked Courtyard) is situated near the mouth of Jinshajian Stream, the biggest natural water supply into the West Lake.
The park covers an area of 14 hectares, subdivided into three sections of the crooked courtyard, lotus flower area and waterfront wooded area. A geographic hub of the West Lake landscape, the crooked courtyard links with the Yuehu Lake on the east and leads to Guos' Estate on the south by the Su Causeway. On the north, it adjoins the Yue Fei Tomb, Bamboo Garden and Hangzhou Botanical Garden.
The beauty of the park lies in its wide range of lotus plants of various species. While in furious blossom, the lotus flowers show off reds, golds and whites in different figures and forms. Broad leaves spread leisurely on the limpid lake waters and low bridges zigzag among flowers. Such a view makes visitors forget themselves.
Autumn Moon on the Calm Lake
Though the Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake refers nowadays to a fixed location and one of the top ten attractions around the West Lake, it was in the South Song Dynasty a general reference to the autumn nights when people went boating on the lake appreciating the bright moon and enjoying the cool breeze.
Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake is the best location for such a night. Sitting and leaning over the window on the top floor of the pavilion-like waterfront building, you can command a broad view of all the lake and surrounding hills.
The moon is bright over the calm Lake, the water and the sky merge in one color; cool breezes, the lake and the moon are of one; willow trees and flowers show different charms in moonlight; people and the moon have a private conversation. Time and space are beyond human reach, but seeing each other at such a night on the lake is a pleasure human beings can enjoy.
The Broken Bridge cocooned under a snow mantle
Though the name of the bridge dates back to poems in Tang Dynasty, the bridge became famous because of one of the best-known love stories in Chinese folklore.
According to the legend of White Snake, the beautiful girl who was actually a white snake met Xu Xian on the bridge in the rain and they fell in love with each other and an umbrella they used became the symbol of their love. The bridge was also the scene where they made up after a long series of ups and downs.
Once in a fine day after a snowfall, standing on the bridge and looking toward the northwest at the Solitary Hill and Ge Hill, one can see the hills and buildings covered with snow and the lake and hills look crystal clear. Although the snowy beauty of the scenery is a little bit chilly and lonely, many people regard it better than noisy greens and reds in other seasons and they believe the Broken Bridge fully deserves the top position it has enjoyed for hundreds of years as the best one of the Ten Westlake Scenic Spots.
Orioles Singing in the Willows
Once an imperial park in the Southern Song Dynasty, Orioles Singing in the Willows is off the Southeast bank of the West Lake. The park was so named after the pier (Liulang Pier) and the bridge (Liulang Bridge).
The park is an ideal place for large-scale recreation and entertainment programs. The stretch of lawn with pavilions and flower terraces attracts a lot of people every morning to do morning exercises. Even in the evening, the landscape is impressive as well.
In recent years, the municipal government has appropriated funds to the construction of laser springs and other facilities for the night stroll in summer and fall. The Park is also the choice for various ceremonies and holiday celebration, too.
Viewing Fish at Huagang Pond
Flower Harbor (Huagang) Park is adjacent to Su Causeway consisting of Red Fish Pool, Peony Garden, Flower Garden, widespread lawns and woods, occupying an area of 21 hectares.
A visit to the Flower Harbor is a trip into a picturesque poem. You can look at fish, admire flowers, touch trees, listen to birds chirping, and witness the exodus of spring and the arrival of summer. You will find yourself close to nature by looking up at the sky, looking down at reflections in water, trying to memorize the momentary shapes of clouds, strolling in a drizzle, or counting stars glittering in the universe.

4. 故宫 the Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City, is now one of the most visited tourist attraction in Beijing. The construction of the Imperial Palace is truly one of the great feats of human history, comparable to the pyramids of China’s own Great Wall. Although it is China’s most imposing architectural masterpiece, it is characterized by simple lines and elegant decoration. Located in the heart of Beijing, the Imperial Palace covers an area of 101.2 hectares. It is surrounded by a wide moat and protected by a wall of 10.7 meters high, marked off by towers at each corner.
The entire complex includes six main palaces, as well as many small buildings, together containing over 9,000 rooms. Nearly all of the buildings stand two stories high, flanked by courtyards with dimensions proportionate to the importance of their former inhabitants. The palace grounds are divided into two sections. In the foreground are three public halls from which the Ming and Qing emperors conducted important state ceremonies. The rear part of the complex is composed of three main palaces, a few smaller “east” and “west” palaces, and the Imperial Gardens. The Imperial Palace formerly housed the emperor, the queen consort, and his other wives, eunuchs, ministers, favored court officials, and thousands of artisans and servants. The 9,000-romm complex is a vast treasure house of precious art objects and rich architecture.
Meridian Gate（午门）is the main entrance to the Forbidden City. Beyond the Meridian Gate is a courtyard, traversed by the Golden Water stream. Five marble bridges crossing the stream lead to the Gate of Supreme Harmony （太和门）. Beyond this gate is a huge courtyard, designed to accommodate 90,000 people during imperial ceremonies. Hall of Supreme Harmony is the tallest and largest of the palace buildings. It is filled with art treasures of symbolic significance. A nine-dragon screen behind the emperor’s throne symbolizes both longevity and the unity of earth and heaven. The famous Imperial Palace is behind the palaces. The pines and cypresses in it are several hundred years old. On the grounds are statues, rock gardens, pebble walkways laid out in intricate design, and an artificial hill adorned with a cave, waterfall, and pavilion. The Imperial Palace is such a huge place that at least a full morning or afternoon is required even for a superficial overview of the buildings and the treasures in it.
5. 苏州园林 the Gardens of Suzhou


The city of Suzhou has always been called "Paradise on Earth". It is China's well-known "city of gardens", which tops all others in both the number and the artistry of gardens.
Dating from Pi Jiang Garden of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Suzhou's art of gardening has undergone a history of 1500 years. Gardens in Suzhou are not large, but are fascinating in their delicate design, containing hills and ponds, pavilions, terraces, corridors and towers. There were once over 200 gardens in the city, and 69 of them are still in good reservation today. Called the Venice of the East, Suzhou's high water table supplies the vast number of ponds and streams found throughout the city and it is these ponds that serve to focus the many elements of the garden within a small space.
The concept of Suzhou classical gardens has gone beyond the city limits, since it generally refers to all those private gardens built in the regions south of the Yangtze.
The Suzhou gardens originated from the desire to retire from the strife of officialdom and to shun from worldly affairs. It seeks the return to Nature and the cultivation of temperament. In Taoist philosophy and the refinement of culture underlies the theme of the garden. Hills and waters, flowers and trees, pavilions, terraces, towers and halls constitute the basic garden elements, while the prominent tone is expressed in the dark color of roof tiles, the gray of bricks, and chestnut brown of wooden pillars.
Suzhou gardens are the Nature in nutshell, which enables one to "feel the charm of mountains, forest and springs without going out of the noisy surroundings of the town". Its human interest also lies in that the architect, philosopher, poet, painter, and common people can all find in it the idea, the flavor, the lines and the rhythm. The unfolding of the garden vistas is the verisimilitude of a landscape scroll. When enjoying tea, poem, and flower arrangement or playing musical instrument in the garden, one gains the most natural inspiration. To those tourists desiring to understand China, Suzhou gardens are the best museum.
Gardens in Suzhou are precious heritage of Chinese history and world history.

Oriental Venice Rebuilds Landscaped Gardens
Landscaped Gardens in east China's Suzhou City, known as the "Oriental Venice " because of the legendary Italian traveler Marco Polo, is attracting an uninterrupted flow of visitors from both home and abroad.
While marveling at the delicate design containing hills, ponds, pavilions, terraces, corridors and towers, most visitors to the 2, 500-year-old city in Jiangsu Province probably don't know that these picturesque gardens, now on the World Heritage list, were almost completely destroyed before the founding of New China in 1949.
But for the efforts by the government and the local people's love for traditional Chinese architectural art, the gardens wouldn 't have been restored and renovated to its original splendor, said Xie Xiaosi, a 95-year-old resident in Suzhou.
The gardens of Suzhou can be dated back as early as about 514 B.C. when the city was built. There were as many as 200 gardens dotted in the city in its prime during the 16th to 18th centuries.

The gardens have long been considered as the quintessence of Chinese horticulture. The World Heritage Committee refers to Suzhou as the cradle of horticulture in the world.
Many of these gardens, however, suffered serious damage from wars in the late 1930s and early 1940s. The "Garden of Leisure," for example, built in 1596 with an area of 20,000 square meters, was destroyed by the Japanese invaders.
In the early 1950s, a huge campaign was launched to restore the gardens of Suzhou. The best craftsmen from all over China were called in to restore historical doors, windows, bricks, tiles and furniture as well as calligraphy and paintings in the gardens.
In the last 20 years, 200 million yuan has been spent on restoring the gardens. A number of research institutes have also been actively involved in the restoration work.
Suzhou gardens were put on UNESCO's World Heritage list in December 1997.

6. 安徽黄山 Mount Huang of Anhui
Huangshan Mountain in east China's Anhui province is one of China's best-known scenic spots, celebrated for having all the wonders of alpine scenery characterized by spectacular rocky peaks, odd-shaped pines, crystal-clear mountain springs and seas of clouds. Known as the No. 1 Mountain Under heaven, it possesses of distinguished features. The main peak Lianhua Peak is 1,840m above sea level. There is plentiful rainfall in Huangshan. Therefore dense forests hoard up. Xu Xiake, a noted Chinese traveler, praised Huangshan Mountain as the best of all mountains.
　　 In December,1990 The Huangshan Mountain was listed in the Chronology of Recognition of World Heritages in China.
The strange pines, absurd stones, sea of clouds and hot springs are the four wonders of Mt. Huangshan.
　　Strange pines
　　Huangshan pines are seen in every corner of Mt. Huangshan. You will be amazed by their vitality and strength. The seeds fall into the crevices where they take root and grow with great vigor. The uneven terrain prevents the pines from growing upright. Instead they become crooked and even downward. Another feature of Huangshan pines is that many trees grow branches on one side only. The pines grow very slowly due to the poor soil and climatic conditions. A tree less than 3 meters (9.84feet) high may have grown for over one hundred years or even several hundred years. The root of a pine is several times or several dozens times longer than the trunk, therefore Huangshan pines stand firmly with dignity, withstanding wind and rain. Every pine is unique though: Guest-Greeting Pine (in front of the stone lion of the Jade Screen Pavilion in the Jade Screen Scenic Area), Guest-Goodbye Pine (to the right of the Jade Screen Pavilion), Cushion Pine at Lotus Valley, Phoenix Pine at the Sky Sea, Chessboard Pine at Pingtian Stone Bridge, Kylin Pine between Bei Hai Hotel and the Refreshing Terrace, Black Tiger Pine and Sea Exploring Pine are among the most famous ones.
　　Absurd Stones
　　Spectacular rocky peaks will inspire your imagination. Some look like human beings, birds or animals or many other objects. Something that makes the stones even more fascinating is that they assume varied shapes when seen from different angles. Every stone has its own fantastic legend.
　　The rocks known as the "Celestial Basking Shoe" and the "Celestial Basking Boot" share a most romantic story. Once upon a time, in the Celestial Heaven Taoist Temple on Zuoshu Peak lived an old Taoist priest Dao Xuan and his disciple Tai Qing while in the Purple Cloud Temple on Pine Forest Peak lived a Taoist nun Lian Yu and her disciple Miao Zhen. The West Sea Valley separated the two temples as well as a strict commandment, therefore they had no dealings with each other. However, one winter, there was no kindling in Celestial Heaven Taoist Temple. Seeking help, Dao Xuan asked Tai Qing if he could borrow some from the nun at the Purple Cloud Temple. It so happened that the two young disciples fell in love at first sight. From then on, they spent time together when they fetched water or collected firewood. Unfortunately, they were discovered by both masters and the two disciples were punished severely. They were forbidden to go beyond the boundaries set by their masters and threaten with a beating should they disobey. One day when both the masters went down the mountain, they stealthily dated again and agreed upon a good idea: Tai Qing would place a boot in front of the mountain gate if his master was not at home; likewise Miao Zhen would place a shoe. One day, when they were together, their masters unexpectedly returned. Knowing they would be punished, the lovers pondered over their plight. Eventually, they decided that since they could not live together, they would rather choose to die together. Thus, they jumped into a cloud sea. They even did not have time to take back the boot and the shoe. As the days passed, the boot and the shoe turned into two rocks - "Celestial basking shoe" and "Celestial basking boot".
　　Sea of Clouds
　　Mt. Huangshan is home to clouds and mists. The Sea of Clouds has a fairy tale beauty. Winter is the best season for this spectacle. According to their locations, the seas of clouds are divided into East Sea, South Sea, West Sea, North Sea and Sky Sea. If you climb up the Lotus Peak, the Heaven Capital Peak and the Bright Peak, you will find yourself above the level of the clouds and they appear as a sea beneath you. It is true that a sea of clouds can be seen in many high mountains but that of Mt. Huangshan is unique with its oddly shaped rocks and ancient pines. Peaks, large and small, hide and reappear in the boundless waves of clouds. The Heavenly Capital Peak and the Bright Peak appear as isolated islands within this white sea.
　　All the colors seem more vivid in the sunshine. The clouds are forever changing, from being like a mirror when all is calm to rolling waves when the wind is strong. At sunrise or sunset, the glistening clouds assume every hue from red to purple. You cannot help marveling at this gift from the Creator! You will be struck by the beauty when all the red leaves are floating on the white clouds in autumn, when the clouds gush between the peaks like a raging river while the red leaves flutter delicately in the breeze.
　　Go to the Jade Screen Pavilion to view the South Sea, the Refreshing Terrace for the North Sea, the Paiyun Tower for the West Sea, the White Goose Ridge for the East Sea and the Legendary Turtle Peak for the Sky Sea.转贴于 265考试网 http://{域名已经过期}/
　　Hot springs
　　To be able to refresh yourself in the hot springs on Mt. Huangshan must be one of the best ways of enjoyment and relaxation. Running out of the Purple Peak of 850 meters (2, 789 feet), the hot spring in Mt. Huangshan is the first stop following the entrance. Legend has it that Huang Di, the ancestor of the Chinese nation, bathed here 49 days before he ascended to heaven and became immortal.
　　Tips:
　　1. Hot spring is not suitable for everyone. If you suffer from high blood pressure or heart diseases, it would be wise to consult your doctor first.
　　2. Do not bathe in the hot spring if you do not feel very well or when you are hungry.
　　3. Leave the hot spring whenever you feel uncomfortable.
　　In addition to the spectacles we have mentioned there are three large waterfalls that are well worth a visit. These are Renzi (like the Chinese character for human being) Waterfall, the Baizhang (100 zhang, over 1,093feet) Spring and the Nine-dragon Waterfall.
　　Four hundred kilometers (248.5miles) from the East China Sea, Mt. Huanshan is absolutely the best place to watch the sunrise. It would be wise to choose the place according to where you live or are staying so as to attain the best vantage point without being exhausted. For example, the Dawn Pavilion (Shuguang Ting), the Refreshing Terrace and the Lion Peak are the optimum places if you live near the North Sea; the Red Cloud Peak for tourists near Xihai Hotel and Paiyunlou Hotel; the Bright Peak for Qixiang Hostel and Tianhai Hotel and Jade Screen Peak for those near Jade Screen Pavilion. You have to wake up earlier but the magnificent sight is certainly rewarding.
　　In contrast, Red Cloud Peak and Paiyun Tower are the best places for watching the glow of the setting sun.
　　Animals and plants
Mt. Huangshan is an ideal environment for wild animals and plants. The distribution of the animals and plants changes with elevation. Flowers bloom as though in all the four seasons due to the change in climatic conditions as you proceed up the mountain. So if you are fond of animals and plants, be prepared to encounter some precious ones here.

7. 长江三峡 the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River
The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River
The Three Gorges are situated ① in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, and are famous throughout the world.
The Three Gorges are: the Xiling Gorge（西陵峡）, Wu Gorge（巫峡）and Qutang Gorge（瞿塘峡）. Along with them there are a number of beautiful places of interest, such as, Zhaojun Village, Qu Yuan Temple and Baidi Town.
The Gezhouba Dam is at the entrance to the Gorges. A big power station has been built here. Since the reform and open policies began to be carried out, great changes have taken place and the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River have taken on a new look. At present a large multipurpose water conservancy project ② is under construction.
The Three Gorges will benefit ③ the people more and make greater contributions to China.
From　Wuhan　to　Yichang，　then　boarding　on　the　tour　boat　to　Mt．Wushan．On　the　second　day，　visiting　the　Lesser　Three　Gorges，　boarding　on　ship　to　Fengjie．On　the　third　day，visit　Baidicheng　Castle，　during　the　journey　of　returning　to　Yichang　on　ship，　visit　Qutang　Gorge，　Wu　Gorge，　and　Xiling　Gorge，　arriving　in　Yichang　then　going　back　to　Wuhan　by　station　wagon．
　Instructions：
　The　major　scenic　spots　of　the　famous　Three　Gorges　are　mostly　located　between　Yichang　and　Fengjie，　so　the　line　of　Yichang－Fengjie－Yichang　on　ship　is　the　best　touring　line　not　only　saving　time，　but　also　being　able　to　viewing　all　the　beauties　of　the　Three　Gorges．



8. 台湾日月潭 the Sun and Moon Lake of Taiwan
The Sun Moon Lake in the mountains of central Taiwan is a truly delightful place for rest and relaxation. Also it is a favorite honeymoon spot. The poetically named lake, situated lake, situated at an elevation of 2,500 feet, is a year-round resort with many beautiful surroundings. The lake is a good base for hiking, also for visiting the highest pagoda and the biggest temple in Taiwan, an aborigine settlement and other places of interest

The best known of Taiwan's scenic reservoirs is probably Sun Moon Lake(日月潭), located in Yuchr Shiang(魚池鄉), Nantou County(南投縣). The lake covers over 793 hectares and has a circumference of 33 kilometers. It is divided into two sections by Guanghua Island (光華島); the eastern section is supposed to resemble the sun, and the southern section a sickle moon--hence its name. Sun Moon Lake draws its water from Juoshuei River(濁水溪), which has its source on Mt. Hehuan(合歡山).
Originally, Sun Moon Lake was only a small natural lake. During the Japanese occupation (1895-1945), the river was dammed and a 15-kilometer underground channel dug, flooding the surrounding country and creating Sun Moon Lake.
The main purpose of Sun Moon Lake is the generation of hydroelectric power. Each year the dam generates 5 billion kilowatthours of electricity, accounting for 56 percent of Taiwan's hydroelectric power generation. The constant flow of water through Sun Moon Lake inhibits the growth of lichen, keeping the waters clear and bright and allowing the rearing of delicious fish and shrimp.
Many people regard Sun Moon Lake as synonymous with "Shueishalian"(水沙連)--the name used by the Pinpu aborigines(平埔族) to describe the system of upland marshes--but Shueishalian actually covers a considerably wider area, encompassing Puli(埔里), Yuchr(魚池), Jungming(中明), Shueishe(水社), and Toushe(頭社). "The Twin Lakes reflecting the Autumn Moon" has been regarded as one of Taiwan's scenic wonders ever since the Ching Dynasty and Sun Moon Lake is now listed as one of Taiwan's 12 top tourist sites.

9. 河北承德避暑山庄 the Summer Mountain Resort in Chengde, Hebei
In early September 1703 when Emperor Kangxi finished his tour in North China and his hunting in the imperial preserves, he passed by Wulie River on his way home. Seeing the towering Panchui Peak in a delightful contrast with its surroundings, the emperor ordered to dig lakes, build dikes and gardens in this auspicious spot, where the summer was cool and winter was warm and there was a hot spring for bath. Thus appeared the Hot River Palaces and imperial gardens that condensed all beautiful scenic spots in north and south of China. This place is called the Mountain Summer Resort.

　The Mountain Summer Resort situates at present－day Chengde, Hebei Province. It has the palaces in its south and the gardens in the north. The palaces were for emperors to handle political affairs and to dwell； the gardens had lakes, hills and grassland. The buildings in the Resort with little ornaments were constructed in grey bricks and tiles and unpainted wood. The simple style emitted the charm of wild nature.

　The main palaces in Mountain Summer Resort had nine courtyards of different sizes, with the offices in the front and dwelling quarters at the back, which had been an established institution for imperial constructions. The main hall, the Hall of Simplicity and Piety, was later refurbished with unpainted nanmu, hence the by－name Nanmu Hall. In wet days the hall gives out a faint smell of the wood nanmu.

　“The Hall of Simplicity and Piety is the place for important ceremonies in the Mountain Summer Resort. In early Qing Dynasty emperors received foreign envoys and chieftains of ethnic groups many times in this hall. The chieftain of Torgut tribe coming back from Volga and the Tibetan political and religious leader Bainqen VI were received by Emperor Qianlong here. The Mountain Summer Resort was not an imperial summer palace in its usual meaning, but virtually had become an important political centre next to Beijing,” said Wang Tianyou, professor at Beijing University.

　　 The Mountain Summer Resort has eight large and small artificial lakes. Emperor Kangxi commented the Resort as "having the mountains as the bone and water as the heart". Emperor Qianlong's remark "Though it is named Mountain Resort, its beauty is in water" highlighted the feature of the resort. Because Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong many times toured in South China and they appreciated the beautiful gardens there, many scenic spots after famous gardens throughout the country were built around the lakes in the Resort. The Gold Hill Temple in Zhenjiang, the Tower of Mist and Rain at the South Lake in Jiaxing and likes were "moved" by the emperors into the resort. Those interesting buildings, however, were not exact copies.

　 North to the lakes in the Resort was a stretch of forest and grassland. It is said many elks, cranes and tribute horses from different places were kept there. Emperor Qianlong named this place "Garden of Ten Thousand Trees". In the north of this place there were once 28 yurts, in which important political activities took place. When Emperor Qianlong was in reign, he received chieftains of the Dorbot and Torgut Mongolian tribes and treated them with banquets there. It was also in one of these yurts that the British envoy George Macart'ney submitted a credential.

　The Mountain Summer Resort has left its deep trace in Chinese history.

　 To appease the Mongolians and other ethnic groups in western border regions, the rulers of China's last feudal dynasty Qing had a series of imperial temples built around the Mountain Summer Resort in Chengde. From 1713 to 1784, twelve temples were built. These grandiose and splendid imperial temples are called the "outer temples" in Qing－dynasty official literature. Along with the temples emerged a holly place of Tibetan Buddhism to the wild north of the Great Wall.

　“When the Qing government made Beijing its capital, it paid attention to the relationship with the national minorities in Mongolia, Xinjiang and Tibet. Take Mongolia for example, the Qing rulers kept a marriage relation with Mongolian nobles. While boosting the status of the Mongolians, the government strengthened administrative measures in Mongolian region. During the reign of Qianlong, this state policy was further put into effect. This is seen in the temples around the Resort. It may be put this way, that the temples around the Mountain Summer Resort were the outcome of the policy of national solidarity and consolidation of the multi－national country employed by Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong,” said Wang Tianyou.

　 Most temples there bore earmarks of Tibetan temples. The Temple of Universal Peace was an architecture that had both Tibetan and Han characteristics. Its hind part was mainly Tibetan flat－topped constructions. They were in wooden structures with Han－style roofs, accompanied by the Lama stupas in stones and bricks in different forms. At the centre of the Chamber of Mahayana was the 22－metre statue of the thousand－hand and thousand－eye Avalokitesvara. For this the Temple is also called the "Temple of Great Buddha."

　The Sumeru Temple of Fortune and Longevity alias Auxiliary Palace was built in 1780. The sixth Bainqen made a 10,000－km arduous journey in one year from the Tashilhunpo Temple in Xigaze, Tibet to the Mountain Summer Resort in Chengde to celebrate the 75th birthday of Emperor Qianlong. Then the Qing court had just defined the Rules on Reconstruction of Tibet and employed a series of reform measures. To "win over the people of a region by one man's audience in court", Emperor Qianlong decided to build this temple after the Tashilhunpo in Tibet and held a grand welcome ceremony on Bainqen's arrival. This reflected the close tie between the local authorities of Tibet and the Qing government.

　The Temple of Putuo is the largest one in the "outer temples". Putuo is Chinese transliteration of Sanskrit "Potala", which is the place of Avalokitesvara. The Temple of Putuo was built in imitation of Potala in Lhasa, hence the nick－name "Little Potala". The Temple has a red terrace and a white terrace. The main part of the temple, the red terrace, is in a Tibetan form of double square loops. In the Hall of Unification of All Dharmas lies a treasure bed, which was for the Tibetan political and religious leader Dalai Lama.

　The Mountain Summer Resort and the Eight Outer Temples add radiance to each other among grandiose mountains and rivers. They are telling an eternal history.
10. 陕西秦始皇陵兵马俑 Terra Cotta Warriors
Xi'an, once the capital of eleven Chinese dynasties, is famous throughout the world for life-sized terra-cotta warriors and horses. They have won fame as one of the greatest archaeological finds of this century. Back in 1974, while digging a well to fight drought, some farmers from Lintong county, about thirty kilometers east of Xi'an, unearthed some brown pottery fragments, which led to the great discovery of the executed terra-cotta legions as an exterior section of the mausoleum, of Qin Shi Huang or First Emperor of the Qin Dynasty (255-210B. C.)

Details of Qin Shi Huang's tomb can be traced in The Historical Records (compiled by Sima Qian) and legends about it have been widespread. However, for technical reasons, the major part of the tomb remains unexcavated today with its mound still standing 76 meters high against the slopes of Mt. Lishan and facing the Huishui River.
After 20 years of careful excavation three underground vaults officially opened to the public in 1979, 1989, and 1994 respectively, displaying thousands of terra-cotta warriors, horses and chariots, all arranged in battle formations.
Vault 1, built with earth and timber, measures 210 meters long, 60 meters wide and 4.6 to 6.5 meters high. In this area of 12, 600 square meters, six thousand life-sized warriors and horses of terra-cotta were found in rectangular battle formation. The troops were of a fairly uniform height of 1.8 meters. They wear helmets and armor and carry real bows and arrows, swords, lances, javelins and crossbows in their hands. Each chariot, made of wood, is drawn by a team of four horses, 1. 5 meters in height. Three rows of infantrymen make up the vanguard of the formation, and these are followed by the main body of the army, 38 rows of troops. There are also flank columns and rearguards. The array breathes the power of Qin Shi Huang's army.
Vault 2 is approximately one half vault I in size, housing nearly a thousand pottery warriors. Compared with Vault 1, these warriors are of a larger variety and arranged in more complex battle array. Unlike Vault 1, the war chariots and infantrymen are arranged separately in four square formations which are linked to one another in a polygon. Again, however, the warriors carry real weapons. The projecting part of the polygon consists of archers, either standing or kneeling, with crossbows or handbows and quivers and so appears to be the vanguard of the phalanx.
The archers are followed by a unit of cavalrymen to the left and one of chariots to the right, forming the two wings of the phalanx. Infantrymen and war chariots bring up the rear. Each chariot drawn by four horses has1l driver and two assistants, one on either side. The charioteers are armored and carry spears, swords and crossbows, Indicating that they could engage in long-range battles, short-range fighting and hand-to-hand combat. All the cavalrymen carry crossbows, a sign that shooting on horseback was a common practice in the army at that time.
From among the chariots a robust and unusually tall figure at 1. 95 meters has been unearthed. His armor is interlinked and overlapped with finer metal pieces than that of the common soldiers, and he is believed to be a high-ranking commander of the 1egion.
Vault 3 is a modest building more resembling a gallery. It has 69 pottery warriors with defensive weapons and a wooden chariot pulled by four magnificent horses. The structure of the gallery and the line-up of the soldiers suggest that this was likely the headquarters of the troops of Vault 1 and 2.

However, the commander is missing. Many archaeologists believe that since the underground army represents the emperor's garrison under his direct command, no marshal was necessary.
Altogether ten thousand pieces of actual weaponry have been unearthed from the three vaults, including arrow-heads, swords, spears and halberds. Two long-handled swords dug out recently are still sharp and gleaming despite their burial for more than two thousand years. Some bronze arrow-heads from Vault 2 are 41 cm in length and 100 grams in weight. They are the biggest bronze weapons excavated in China. Important to the study of Qin technology was the discovery of bronze arrow-heads and swords treated with a preservative that has prevented erosion for 22 centuries. Chemical analysis revealed the sword to have been cast of an alloy of copper, tin and various other elements, including nickel, magnesium, and cobalt. The arrow-heads which contain 7.71 percent lead are considered by archaeologists to be the world's most poisonous.