The construction of this huge, protracted wall commenced around 20 centuries ago, when China came under the rule of Emperor Qui Shi Hang. This was in the year 221 BC. And the sole reason to erect this colossal wall was to prohibit nomads that crossed the border. It seemed to be quite a good idea. However, erecting this gigantic wall wasn’t easy. It took over 10 years, hundreds of thousands of laborers, mostly political detainees, and great discipline.

It is assumed that around 180 million cubic meters of dug up earth was taken away to build the Great Wall. Such a massive structure definitely requires huge quantity of raw material. However, it isn’t necessary to include human remnants. Experts say that most of the people who died working here were buried in the wall, which was a rich source of raw material for General Meng Tian, who was in charge of erecting it.

After years of labor, it turned out that The Great Wall of China wasn’t much useful as a lofted transportation highway or the carry materials across rocky terrain. Due to the bonfire tower, which used wolves’ dung to generate smoke signals, people knew about the movements of enemy. Through several gates, discarded Chinese were ejected from the country.

Ming was perceptibly unhappy with the wall. Hence, he decided to rework and strengthen the huge edifice. The cost and labor involved this time was phenomenal. Over 60 million cubic meters of rocks, stones, and bricks were laid down, which took around 100 year to conclude the project. However, the effort didn’t crop good results as the massive wall wasn’t enough to stop the storming attack of Manchu armies. They invaded Middle Kingdom and ruled Chine for more than two and half centuries.

That marked the end of significance of the Great Wall for a long period until recent times, when it was taken over by the tourist industry. Many important portions of this wall were improved, rebuilt, knitted, and conserved. Restaurant, cafes, shops, and parks were built, and the wall was opened for tourists.

The chief section of the Great Wall includes Badaling, which is visited by large tourist crowd, while Jinshanling and Simatai are attractive but not visited by many people. It is observed that people love the authenticity and originality of this wall. Hence, they mostly visit the un-rebuilt parts of this structure. But, these areas can be dangerous and could be unsafe. At least that’s what the government says. So, they occasionally impose bans and fines for people entering this area.

The Great Wall of China is gradually deteriorating due to many reasons. Firstly, the local farmers are stealing its earthen core to use it in their farms. Secondly, the stones and rocks are being stripped from the citadel to built roads and buildings. Another reason why people are now worried to visit this place is the recent series of orgies and rave parties, which infuriated locals.

Hence, along with firmness, the significance of Great Wall seems to be depreciating every year.

This ancient city of Beijing holds many landmarks and monuments. The Yongle Emperor has built the Imperial Palace in the year 1420 and after this he chose his burial place and made his own mausoleum. The thirteen Ming Tomb Emperor’s of Ming dynasty lies on the Tianshou Mountain from the southern slope. The thirteen Ming Dynasty Emperors were buried at this area where the first two Ming Emperors lies close to the Nanjing which was the capital of China during that period but the Emperor Jingtai was not buried at this place as the Emperor Tianshun was refused to make him an imperial burial. Hence, Jingtai was buried at the west of Beijing. The last Chongzhen Emperor who was buried at this place is Si Ling. This Emperor was hanged himself in April 1644.

This location was cautiously selected as per the Feng Shui principles. It was said that the bad spirits and evil winds must be diverted which were coming down from the North and hence, an arc-shaped area was chosen which was found at the foot of the Jundu Mountains. These mountains are at the northern side of Beijing. This area covers 40 square kilometer and are surrounded by the mountains in a pristine. It is a valley that has water and other necessities as per Feng Shui.

You will find a road of seven Kilometre named as the “Spirit Way” leading you inside the complex. Here you can see a series of statues made of guardian animals and officials and at the front gate it comprises of three-arches and painted red and are known as the “Great Red Gate”. Once you start walking from the Spirit Way you will see huge stone memorial archway situated at the front area. This archway is among the largest stone archways in China constructed at the time of Ming dynasty in 1540.

Ahead you can see the Shengong Shengde Stele Pavilion and inside this you can see a huge tortoise shaped dragon-beast of 50 ton that is carrying a stone tablet. This was made at the time of Qing’s and was not a part of the actual Ming layout. Further, you can see four pillars made up of white marble and called as Huabiao which means pillars of glory are located at every single corner of the stele pavilion. You will find the mythical beast at the top of every pillar. The road will lead you towards the stone statues of mythical animals having a number of 18 pairs. These pairs were carved from a single big stone heading towards the three-arched gate called as the Dragon and Phoenix Gate. These traditional designs were made to guide the soul of one who passes away.

Here you can see only three tombs as apart from this no other tombs are actually opened to the public. Till 1989 no excavations have been taken place but the plans of new archeological research are going on. The Ming Tombs are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in August 2003.

You can see a tomb of the Wanli Emperor and could be found at the site of Ming Dynasty Tombs. This is the only tomb that has been excavated in the Ming Dynasty Tombs. In 1956, the excavation of Dingling started. Dingling is actually known as the “Tomb of Stability”. The Tomb of Yongle Emperor is the major and oldest tomb in the Ming Dynasty Tombs. After, excavations a museum was set up in the year 1959.

While excavating a whole tomb was revealed. This tomb was found with thousands of stuffs of silk, wood and porcelain and also the skeletons of the Wanli Emperor. Along with this Wanli Emperor’s two empresses were also found. During that time, there was no technology to preserve these things. Finally after experimenting a lot, huge amount of silk and other textiles were kept in a storage room. This room used to leak water and wind.

Even ten years later, the research was not met to its destinations. Excavation work was also stopped and many things happened where many people lost their lives. This led to a final conclusion from the government that no more further excavation should take place at any historical site excluding the excavation of sites for the purpose of rescue work. The Dingling made a history of not approving any proposals to enclose an imperial tomb.

Here you will experience the history view many sites accordingly. The Ming Dynasty Tombs site, Ming Tombs architecture, Gate that will lead you towards the tombs, statues inside the Ming Dynasty Tombs, Silk Burning Stove in Changling tomb, Changling tomb’s gate tower and many more things are at your list once you start exploring these sites.

Remember that only the Changling and Dingling tombs are open to the public. The Changling was the leader of the Ming Tombs and is huge as per the rest of the tombs. You should not miss to visit the Ling’en Palace as it has worth to visit. This huge palace is made up of camphor wood and covers an area of about 1956 Square Meters. Once you enter at this palace your eyes will not move from the wall of it as it was ornamented with gold bricks.

Besides Changling, Dingling could be found underground and covers a depth of about 27 meters. Few features of this are its Stone Bridge, Soul Tower, Baocheng and the underground palace itself. The entrance is also from the underground chambers. As the palace is made up of stone, almost everything could be found sculpted.

Admission Fee

If you go to this beautiful place then the Changling Tomb’s admission fee will be CNY 45 and the Dingling Tomb’s fee is CNY 60.

Opening Hours

The opening hours of Changling Tomb are 08:30 to 17:30and Dingling Tomb is from 08:30 to 18:00 respectively. Besides this, the optional time for a visit is of two hours.

Getting there

You can take a bus which is numbered as 919 and reach at the De Sheng Men Xi Station then reach at the Chang Ping Xi Guan Station and again get to the bus no. 314 and finally reach at the Dingling Tomb Station or at Changling Tomb Station. You can even reach here by flight to Beijing or any other modes that is comfortable to you. You will get many scenic spots to visit and experience the ancient times. Well, you should not miss this exotic place that will give you plenty of experiences.

Mogao Caves is a good example of art and culture of Dunhuang. It is a nine-storey tower. China’s western cities are well-known for the sandstorms especially the desert areas. So the tourists who want to visit this place should guard themselves with hats, glasses, gauze kerchiefs and all other stuffs.

In Chinese history, Dunhuang was provoked to become the most unlock area in global trade. It was the center of trade in olden times between China and its western neighbors.

During that time Dunhuang was China’s largest westerly military stronghold.

Today, we can have few attractions here like the Mogao Caves, Yangguan Pass, Yumenguan Pass and numerous breathtaking Chinese poems represent the time. The leftovers of the two Passes are actually the collapsed walls.

Now you can experience a fresh and stunning location in Dunhuang. This has been a famous tourist destination especially due to the city’s stone caves that boost the economy and generated a new industry from the old one.

The best sites in Dunhuang are the nine-storey Tower in Mogao, Crescent Lake lies in the Echoing-sand Mountain and Mingsha Shan. The Mogao Caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is overflowing with delicate Buddhist art and manuscripts. The Mogao Caves is a group of 492 caves that encloses frescoes with 45,000 square metres and 2,415 of stucco statues could be seen. These caves were maintained consequently till the periods of 19th century.

Apart from the Mogao Caves you can also visit the Sand Dunes that are a worth for you. Just you have to pay a little entrance fee for the dunes and lake park which is ¥120. Ahead, you can even visit one of the seven wonders of world that is the Great Wall of China.

How to reach

You can easily reach at this fantastic place through plane. Dunhuang Airport lies at the town center. The flights are always available to you to Beijing, Lanzhou, Urumqi and Xian.

If you want to reach here by train then get down at Dunhuang Train Station. Apart from this, the other way to get here is by bus. This place has two bus stations that provide services frequently.

Accommodations

You will get plenty of hotels and restaurants. Choose the way you want to. You will even get tourist guides who will help you to explore the city. As per your budget you can book room to stay and rest like the Feitian Hotel Dunhuang, Charlie Johng’s Dune Guesthouse, Grand Sun Hotel Dunhuang, Dunhuang Hotel and Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel.

Best time to visit

The proper time to visit this exotic, pleasant and ancient location is during the months of May to September. So plan your trip accordingly at these months and explore the entire China with this city as the key place to visit.

Well, if you are going at June to October, then you can experience the traditions of Silk Road with shows like singing and dancing. Do not miss the Camel trek as this will be proved as a fun.

Things to buy

If you want to buy something at this place then the night market will the best place for it. You can purchase a variety of dried fruits and nuts which is very good.

Place to eat

The Charlie Johng’s café in Mingshan Road is very popular where you can enjoy having snacks and other groceries and of course the western meals in reasonable rates. IF you want to purchase the English breakfast set all you have to pay ¥25. Besides these, you can even buy Lamb, potato, mushroom, bread and much more things at Night market skewers stalls. With this each and every thing are provided at your door steps. Just book a ticket to Dunhuang and make your trip memorable by exploring the ancient period.

The Potala Palace endures to be the symbol of Tibet’s and China’s legacy of history, art, culture and its religion. It prevailed from being a palace, then a monastery, a prison of one time to eternity of being the state museum.

The Potala Palace, on the roof of the Jokhang, is Tibet’s largest building and one of the most spectacular structures in the world.

The Potala Palace has been converted into the state museum by the Chinese government after the invasion in1959. Before that it was the winter house for the Tibet’s Dalai Lama.

Recently it got declared as one of the New Seven Wonders of the world by the television show Good Morning America and Newspaper USA Today.

Also a popular Tourist attraction it’s pronounced and inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage in 1994.

Dalai Lama V (17th century.) made the Potala around the fortress of King Songsten Gampo on the Mount Mapori. Avalokiteshvra (chenerisk) is Tibet’s patron deity and “Potala” is the mountain in south India where this deity has been said to be resided as per the mythology. According to the history, all the ancient kings and Dalai Lamas are manifestations of Bodhisattva for they followed the religion and practiced Buddhism.

At the center of beautiful Lhasa Valley stands on altitude of 3700m, is the Potala palace symbolizing Tibetan practice of Buddhism and its traditional practices of administration.

Potala Palace has a rich chronicle for its construction and hence forth.

• The King Songsten Gampo in 637 to welcome his bride Princees Wencheng builds this palace and then it was a meditation retreat.
• Great Fifth i.e. Lobsang Gyatso who was the fifth Dalai Lama an important figurehead in the annals of Tibetan Story. He constructed the present palace in 1645; marking on its eve was unification of Tibet and making Yellow sect the state religion. By 1648 the white palace got completed and it thus started now being used as winter palace.
• The Red palace was under construction when the great fifth died, though his death was not pronounced and was kept in secret till the completion of The Red palace was done. He was kept to be alive here for ten years even after the death by the monks who feared that its construction might not get completed. A monk who was his look alike impersonated him till then.
• The years 1959 marked a change, when the riots happened in Tibet and due to China’s aggression the current Dalai Lama fled and remains to be exiled in India. In years between 1966 and 1977 the Cultural Revolution took place, in which the remaining monks wee made to flee or expelled and thus palace was abandoned, thereafter it was looted and damaged by Chinese soldiers. Now the Palace is under strict supervision and renovated and restored by Chinese government and is one of the highlight in china’s tourist place.

The Magnetism and alluring Potala Palace also known as Winter Palace is charm with numerous edifice.

It has thirteen Stories, and is 117 meters high. It’s mostly made of wood and stone i.e. the walls are made of granite and roofs and windows are of wood.  They have hip-gable roofs, over hanging eaves, upturned roof corners and gilded brass tiles and pillars.

The White Palace

It comprises of temples, halls and courtyards and served as living quarter for Dalai Lama’s and his fellow monks and servants. There is painting of images of Four Heavenly Kings, Devyang shar Court. There are three ladders, in which central one was for Dalai Lama and high magistrates. Here in this palace is huge murals describing construction of Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Also here we can see The Great Fifth’s edict sign with his handprint. It was mainly a political headquarters and in the east Sunshine did the Dalai Lama ascended throne and carried the administration work. Here we can see the Saint’s Chapel a shrine which had the compassionate and divine statue of Chenrenzi. Also there is Dharma Cave where the King Songsten studied Buddhism after converting. These are oldest parts of Palace. In the White Palace are two small chapels, the Phakpa Lhakhang and the Chogyal Drubphuk; which are dated the seventh century, and these chapels being the most oldest surviving structures and the most sacred. The Potala’s most venerated statue, the Arya Lokeshvara, is housed inside the Phapka Lhakhang, and it draws thousands of Tibetan pilgrims each day.

The Red Palace

The Red Palace has seven golden roofs and is famous for its religious compositions and structures. Here we have gorgeous stupas and precious cultural relics and all kind of halls for worshipping Lord Buddha. This is was the meditation center and also here resides the remaining of the Dalai Lama’s. After the death of Fifth Dalai Lama there is Great West Wall which inscribes the life  and his works and preaching on fine murals. In this palace which hold the links of history of tibet’s religion we find the high statue of  Tsong Khapa the founder of Dalai Lama’s lineage and it is here he is worshipped and enshrined. Also the famous Jataka stories are engraved and narrated in the palace. This place holds sthe stupas of all the Dalai Lams’s which are covered with golden leaf and studded with jewels which makes it look exquisite and lovely and brings you to the essence of Buddhism. The Red Palace is adorn with jeweled work and embellishment with shrines and tombs with precious offerings. Here we find a pagoda made of 200.000 pearls.

The stupas are covered with tons of golds and semi preccious stones and carvings. Housing of the numerous chapels and monk’s assembly halls and libraries, the most important scripture of tibets’s is Kagyur and tengyur which are all hand painted and carved and inscripted on wooden blocks . Its over 200,000 of books are recorded here.This palace is dedicated to Honor the Buddhisattvas, Buddhas and his Dalai Lama’s. Also the eight Dalai Lama and Medicine Buddha and Sakyamuni is ornamented here in this Palace.

In the 7th Century , the Jokhang temple Monastery was build and is the latest addition into the Buddhist religious complex. Here we can feel the peace and emancipate our thoughts and feel the serenity.

The Potala Palace is the masterpiece of Tibetan art and religion. This palace strong like a fortress is striking and a must visit when in china. It represents there glorious past and history. All this three sites depicts the harmonious integration of Buddhism culture.

The Opening time is 9.30am -13.00pm and 1500pm-1800 pm. Prices of tickets are RMB 100 Yuan Per person and taking photos inside charges are extra  also if visiting the golden roofs costs an extra fees of RMB 10 Yuan.

Its Treasure trove of Tibet’s religion, culture and arts. The Sculptures, murals, antiques, Buddha figures and stupas of Late Dalai Lama’s are the highlight. It has an amazing and mystical attraction. The Grand buildings, beautified structures hold the harmony, peaceful with devotional atmosphere a visitor will experience the calm and feel exuberated here.

Location

The temple has four floors. The area covered by the temple is around 25,000 sq. meters. The temple is located in the center of Lhasa city. The temple shows influence of India, China and Nepal.

History

King Songsten Gampo founded the temple in AD 647. The king had a pride of being the first ever ruler of amalgamated Tibet. Later he got married to 2b princess. These princesses showed Tibet the way to Buddhism. His first wife Bhrikuti was Nepalese king’s sister, while the other one was the Chinese princess. A temple was built to for the placement of the holy Buddha figure. The Buddha image, Jowo Rinpoche was the part of dowry that the princess brought with her from China. The statute is still present in the Jokhang temple and is known to be Tibet’s most holy entity.

A variety of customs have been explained for the temple’s establishment. One of the legend states that the place where Queen Bhrikuti constructed the temple was been selected by Queen Wengcheng according to feng shui. While the other tells the story how the king was guided by the super natural powers and told him to construct the temple on the lake. Accordingly the lake was filled with mud and the temple stood over it.

The expansion of the temple kept on going on for many years. The temple was reconstructed in 17th century by the Dalai Lama V. The basic structure of the temple is the same as it was in 7th century.

Jokhang Temple these days is kept open for the pilgrims as well as the tourists. The crowd is very much controlled by the government of China. According to the rule only 100 monks are supposed to be present in the temple at a single time. Hundred of police patrol across the city, thus if monks are found speaking to the outsiders do find themselves landing up in numerous problems.

The temple is the most significant pilgrimage for the Tibetan Buddhist. Pilgrims usually walk to the temple from various parts of the country. They walk long distances just as a self-imposed punishment. Many pilgrims cross the last few miles by lying straight on the ground and then moving further. It is a ritual of circumnutating the temple before entering it.

How to reach

Lhasa Gonggar Airport is the nearest airport from where taxis, buses, tricycle as well as cars are available for further traveling.

Best time to visit

The best time of the year to visit is April-October.

Visiting time

Even though the temple is open from morning 6 till 8:30 in the night, visitors are permitted to enter the temple only after 12 in the noon.

Entrance cost

Every individual needs to pay ¥70 as the entrance cost.