Top 10 Castles and Palaces to Visit in China


 

China is undoubtedly one of the oldest civilizations in the world made popular to the West through the writings of Marco Polo. The large Asian country has a vast and diverse history, customs, and culture owing to its 53 ethnic groups and more than 292 spoken languages.

Thanks to its large size, China is a giant travel destination that is regarded as an embodiment of all that is mysterious, exotic and fascinating. From its ancient extraordinary architectural designs to its bustling mega cities, this country offers limitless scope for exploration. To assist you in discovering grand and unique places to visit here are the top 15 castles and palaces to visit in China.

1. Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China at Jinshanling- Wikipedia

The Great Wall of China is a powerful cultural icon that symbolizes the unity of the Chinese people. It has featured greatly in China’s history through paintings, legends, writing and even sayings such as “Nobody can be a true hero unless he has been on the Great Wall.”

It is the longest man-made wall in the world with a history lasting more than 2000 years. Measures approximately 8,800 km and stretches from the fortresses of Shanbaiguan in the East to Jiavuguan in the West.

Today some sections lie in ruin while others have completely disappeared. However, there are some areas that are well persevered, reminding us of the greatness and uniqueness of this ancient structure, and worth a visit like Badaling, Gubeikou and Mutianyu.

2. The Forbidden City

Forbidde City Beijing Shenwumen Gate – Wikipedia

As the old saying goes, “the forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest” this is a must-go place because for centuries access to the city was limited to only the imperial family and their courtesans. Come have a bit of the forbidden fruit by exploring the structure that symbolized the paramount authority and status of the emperor.

It is also referred to as the Imperial Place. Located in Beijing and covering 720,000m2. It was built between the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and the Ming Dynasty (1406 – 1420 AD). It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.

This complex palace is surrounded by a 10 m high wall with watchtowers. Inside there are many magnificent places to visit like the famous Tiananmen Square, the exquisite five white marble Golden River and many more. The complex also houses a museum that displays art and artifacts from Ming and Qing dynasties.

3. Potala Palace

Potala Palace, Lhasa- Wikipedia

Dominating over central Lhasa on top of a hill this complex that houses a monastery, a palace and a prison symbolized the merging of secular and religious power in Tibet. Today it is a landmark of the city and featured in Bernardo Bertolucci’s film, The Last Emperor.

Originally built by King Songtsen Gampo in the 17th century and covering over 360, 000 m2. It is also known as the Puppet Emperor’s Palace because it was the seat of Henry Puyi, China’s last puppet ruler of Japanese-controlled Manchukuo. It is listed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

The palace houses many of religion’s important treasures such as precious scriptures, murals and shrines in the Enthronement Hall that give the palace a conservative religious atmosphere. It is surrounded by a 90 acre Jewel Gardens that create a tranquil atmosphere.

4. Confucian Temple, Qufu City

Confucius Temple Qufu- Wikipedia

The legend goes that Confucius was born at nearby Mount Ni, but lived in a small house, where the Confucian Temple now lies. Upon his death, the house became a memorial hall. Over time, it was destroyed and rebuilt to what it is now.

It was originally built in 478 BC in central Qufu City, Shandong Province. It covers an area of about 50 acres making it the 2nd largest ancient structures in China. Since 1994, it has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The complex with a dozen yellow tiled roofs is a great place to worship the great philosopher, Confucius. This is because it houses the largest and most renowned temple of Confucius in East Asia, contains the cemetery the philosopher’s cemetery to the North and 120 “Shengjitu”, which record Confucius’ life experience.

5. Terracotta Army

Terracotta Army- Wikipedia

French Prime Minister, Chirac, in 1978 referred to the Terracotta Army as the Eighth Wonder of the World. You can understand why by visiting the more than 8,000 life-size warriors all with different facial features, some 520 horses and more than 100 chariots.

China’s most important archeological finding was originally built to guard the First Emperor’s tomb thus showing the importance bestowed upon the emperor and his afterlife with an impressive assembly of soldiers and horses.

The Terracotta Army dates back to around 280 BC and is distributed over three large underground pits. It was discovered in March 1974 on the outskirts of Xi’an by nine farmers who were digging a well. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

6. The Imperial Mountain Resort

Chengde Mountain Resort- Wikipedia

Enjoy a breathtaking natural environment in this exquisite complex budded “The back yard garden of Beijing.” The complex is adorned with the ruins of the Old Summer Palace that is said to have once been one of China’s most elaborate and architecturally attractive palaces.

It’s the largest imperial garden in China, covering more than 700 acres and surrounded by a 10 km wall, is situated in the city of Chengde in northeastern Hebei Province. The palace was built in 1153 but destroyed in the mid-1800s by colonial forces.  The enchanting large lake was added in the 14th century.

The summer residence of the emperors of early Qing Dynasty today offers well-preserved grand halls, a dominating throne, lovely courtyards and traditional Chinese plays and musical performances in the Great Theatre built in 1891.

7. Shenyang Imperial Palace

Shenyang Imperial Palace – Wikipedia

During Qing dynasty Shenyang was known as Mukden hence the Shenyang Imperial palace is also referred to as Mukden Imperial Palace. The palace was built to resemble the Great Forbidden City in Beijing but it also exhibits Manchurian and Tibet style elements. It covers an area of about 60,000 m2   making it 1/12 the size of the actual Forbidden City.

Construction of the minor Forbidden City began in 1625 during the late Ming Dynasty and completed in 1637 during the early Qing Dynasty. It was the official residence of the emperor until 1644. In 1780, the Qianlong Emperor expanded the castle by adding the Western section. In 1955, it was converted to Shenyang Palace Museum. The complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 2004.

Today you can visit this well preserved structure with three distinct sections built during different eras. There are about 300 rooms that have exhibitions of priceless artworks and cultural relics that illustrate Chinese culture and history.

 

8. The Mausoleum of Light

Zhaoling Tomb of the Qing Dynasty – Wikipedia

It is also known as the Northern Imperial Tomb. It is the burial site of Emperor Huang Taiji who reigned from 1626 to 1635 and it took eight years to be completed. It covers an area of 180,000 m2. It’s included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s list of Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasty.

This ancient monument is located in the northeastern region of Shenyang. Its architectural style is a combination of early Qing period castle-like structures and traditional Chinese burial sites. The most visited area of this vast complex is the “Path of Souls’ a pathway covered with stone columns and sculptures of the emperor’s favorite horses.

9. Gyantse Dzong or Gyantse Fortress

Gyantse Fortress- Wikipedia

Legend says that the Gyantse Fortress was meant to be a replica of the Potala Palace. Unfortunately the architect sent to get the designs painted the Potala Palace on radish and by the time he got back the radish had dried up. Therefore, the craftsman had no choice but build a smaller and fragmentary version of the Potala Palce.

Today the fort is closed to the public but you can admire the palace’s architecture style inherited from the Yumbulagang Palace. Enjoy a stunning eagle view of Gyantse’s whitewashed town below and the Palcho Monastery.

10. Hailongtun Castle

Hailongtun Castle – Wikipedia

Hailongtun Castle is the oldest and largest ruined fortress in Tusi City located on top of Longyan Mountain in Guizhou Province. It is also referred to as Sea Dragon Castle. The fortress was built in the late Southern Song Dynasty and served as a strong hold of the Bozhou Tusi. The castle was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 3rd July 2015.

During the Pingbo Battle in 1600 the wooden buildings were burnt down and today the surviving stone structures are well-preserved. The castle is Guizhou’s first World Heritage site and the government of the region has plans to invest 2 billion RMB to upgrade the castle.

 

 

 

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