China is arguably the cradle of Asian civilization, as evidence of human settlements along with the Yellow River Valley date back thousands of years. Early China was dominated by feudal lords and warring areas, including the Shang and Zhou dynasties, which were among the most famous early rulers of China.
The country became unified by its First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in 221 BC. Fifteen years later, China embraced a new dynasty led by Emperor Han, which rose to be the first golden age for the country. Standardized measurement, currency, written symbols, and the invention of significant products like paper and gunpowder helped China experienced a period of rapid growth.
For nearly 2,000 years, an imperial system was used in China, until the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911. This wasn’t an overnight surprise though, as decades before their demise colonial powers had begun to tear away parts of the vast empire, such as Hong Kong’s succession to the British, and Taiwan’s succession to Japan.
Tourists will be able to find information about China’s history through numerous sites, most of which are in Beijing. Explore the Forbidden City (4 Jingshan, Qianjie, Beijing 100009) to learn more about preceding dynasties, or take some time to see the National Museum (22 Xijiaomin Alley, Xicheng, Beijing). The Presidential Palace (Changjiang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu) in Nanjing takes visitors back to China’s Nationalist government, which now thrives upon the island nation of Taiwan. Of course, one of China’s most notable landmarks is the Great Wall of China, the wall which spans over thirteen thousand miles to defend the territory of the emperor Shi Huang Di. The wall had served as the location of many Mongolian sieges.
One of China’s most alluring aspects is its intriguing, unique culture. There are many branches of extravagance within the country, so tourists should set aside plenty of time to explore them all. Standing as one of the four ancient civilizations, China showcases an abundance of ancient skills including calligraphy, painting, music and martial arts. Even much of the cuisine can be dated back to one of several dynastic rulers.
Kung Fu is commonly recognized throughout the globe, originating and still widely practised within China. Chinese folk dancing and elaborate puppet shows have an important place in modern society too. Major festivals and holidays are renowned for hosting these ancient-origin cultural performances. Also, Chinese culture can be seen through the unique architectural designs of building design. Temples, palaces, pagodas, bell towers and more provide fascinating insights into the beauty of China.
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