Magnificent, unique monuments. Streets that carry you back in time. In Spain you will find unique places where you will live art and history at each step. These are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Exploring them you will enjoy a privileged journey back in time, where you can discover Spain's important cultural heritage.
There is lots to see in Spain. It is no coincidence that Spain is the country with the second largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Presented here in no particular order other than roughly north to south, you will discover outstanding examples of Spain's rich, varied cultural treasures.
In each location you will find a beautiful "urban museum", packed with history, offering a range of superb monuments in different artistic styles. Just one piece of advice: take your time. Take a relaxed stroll through the streets and let each city captivate you with its own special magic.
We start in the northwest in Santiago de Compostela. With its majestic Cathedral, it is the final destination for thousands of people who go on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route every year.
In the west central region not far from the border with Portugal, you will come to the historic city of Salamanca where you will find unique places like its University, one of the world's oldest and its emblematic Plaza Mayor Square.
Further south along the Portuguese border, is Caceres with its amazing succession of historic buildings and palaces, especially when they are illuminated by night.
In central Spain grouped around Madrid are five more UNESCO Historic Sites.
Segovia has some of the best-conserved Romanesque monuments in Europe. You will be left speechless when you see its Roman Aqueduct, a truly stunning feat of engineering.
In Avila you will feel like a medieval knight - here you can imagine what towns were like in the Middle Ages. Its defensive wall is the best conserved in Europe and its Gothic Cathedral is Spain's oldest.
Alcala de Henares on the road to Guadalajara from Madrid, is the model of a university town that was exported to Europe and America. Its University is not to be missed, of course, along with Calle Mayor Street and the house where Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, was born.
Toledo was a melting pot of cultures for centuries. Go on an adventure and search out the legacy of Muslims, Jews and Christians, who once lived together in these narrow city streets.
Cuenca's unique historic center looks out over rocky canyon walls in the heart of the Cuenca mountains in the region of Castile-La Mancha. Its famous "hanging houses" are an example of architecture and nature in perfect harmony.
In southern Spain you will find the historic old town of Cordoba. Here you will see the splendour of ancient Moorish culture, with the Great Mosque - considered the most important Islamic monument in the Western World - being the prime example.
Not forgetting Ibiza in the Balearic Islands also has UNESCO's prestigious designation: for its biodiversity and archaeological heritage. The same is true of the town of San Cristobal de la Laguna in the Canary Islands, whose architecture displays the origins of Latin American urban development.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Rich Heritage Of India Through Tourism
Rich Heritage is the primarily legacy of any country portraying the cultural and traditional aspect. Heritage is a profound amalgamation of ancient historical sites and rich traditions. One thing that India is certainly famous for is its rich heritage of forts and palaces, historical monuments, traditional folk dances, religious rituals, festivals and above all the people that certainly made the heritage of India more popular and world renowned. Among all, the famous heritage palaces of erstwhile maharajas and rulers hold the most powerful grip. These palaces are now chosen as the most luscious way of spending the holidays amidst luxury and kingly comfort, many of these royal sites are now converted into heritage palace hotels. Now with the world constantly updating itself with the resonance of good hotel accommodation, India too has risen in this stride and has emerged as a forerunner in best hotel accommodation and staying options. The sightseeing in India is the best in the world and the heritage monuments add further excitement making India the most ideal destination for tourists who have keen interest in the ancient tradition and heritage of India. Our ancestral remains actually makes it very simple for us in our motive to stand upright in the global platform of excellence that has made India, a destination most cherished by all.
In-fact, India is one country that has heritage monuments in every nook and corner. It may be the Qutub Minar in the North, or the Sun Temple in the East, the Charminar in South, or the Ajanta caves in the west. Everywhere you go in India there are innumerable heritage monuments that you can explore and this is what generates a huge clientele for India. Moreover, India's ability to convert heritage monuments into luxury hotel accommodation has also paved the way for its success in drawing of huge number of tourists to India. So, great tributes goes to the contribution of Rajes and Maharajas of India for having built those marvelous forts and palaces that today has stood up the test of time and has become a boon for Indian Tourism Industry.
Alone Rajasthan is a great destination for this state has innumerable heritage forts and palaces that makes this state magnetic enough so as to flood this desert state with enormous number of tourists from world over. Tourists coming to this state has increased manifold and now has crossed the 2 million mark. One reason why this desert state of India has seen such a boost in the tourist influx is obviously the heritage forts and palaces apart from the other marvelous sightseeing and tour of the state. Almost every vital place of Rajasthan has a palace or a fort that has been converted to hotels and that has made the destination a highly sort after place in India. It’s not the case with just Rajasthan. Other states too have lived up to this trend of providing some exceptional staying accommodation. It won't be uncanny to name a few of the palaces in Rajasthan like Umaid Bhawan Palace - Jodhpur, Lake Palace - Udaipur, Bhanwar Niwas Palace - Bikaner that are very famous for their intricate décor and luxurious interiors.
Besides Indian Tourism industry has also seen a boom for there are some very unique concepts that can be found only in India. The Vythiri tree resort in Kerala is one such innovation that has generated a huge clientele along with sightseeing options of some the best heritage places in Kerala. Other neighbouring countries now has started to follow the footprints of India and are promoting their respective heritage monuments with the belief that it will draw in tourists to their country.
This phenomena is very unique and is to be found in India only. This feature of India reigns over all other dominant features and so tourism has flourished in such a big way in India. The reason behind it is our great ancestors contribution towards the growth of this Nation. The Indian so take pride in taking forward this ancestorial trend and in further improving upon it for the sake of a vibrant and affluent tourism industry.
In-fact, India is one country that has heritage monuments in every nook and corner. It may be the Qutub Minar in the North, or the Sun Temple in the East, the Charminar in South, or the Ajanta caves in the west. Everywhere you go in India there are innumerable heritage monuments that you can explore and this is what generates a huge clientele for India. Moreover, India's ability to convert heritage monuments into luxury hotel accommodation has also paved the way for its success in drawing of huge number of tourists to India. So, great tributes goes to the contribution of Rajes and Maharajas of India for having built those marvelous forts and palaces that today has stood up the test of time and has become a boon for Indian Tourism Industry.
Alone Rajasthan is a great destination for this state has innumerable heritage forts and palaces that makes this state magnetic enough so as to flood this desert state with enormous number of tourists from world over. Tourists coming to this state has increased manifold and now has crossed the 2 million mark. One reason why this desert state of India has seen such a boost in the tourist influx is obviously the heritage forts and palaces apart from the other marvelous sightseeing and tour of the state. Almost every vital place of Rajasthan has a palace or a fort that has been converted to hotels and that has made the destination a highly sort after place in India. It’s not the case with just Rajasthan. Other states too have lived up to this trend of providing some exceptional staying accommodation. It won't be uncanny to name a few of the palaces in Rajasthan like Umaid Bhawan Palace - Jodhpur, Lake Palace - Udaipur, Bhanwar Niwas Palace - Bikaner that are very famous for their intricate décor and luxurious interiors.
Besides Indian Tourism industry has also seen a boom for there are some very unique concepts that can be found only in India. The Vythiri tree resort in Kerala is one such innovation that has generated a huge clientele along with sightseeing options of some the best heritage places in Kerala. Other neighbouring countries now has started to follow the footprints of India and are promoting their respective heritage monuments with the belief that it will draw in tourists to their country.
This phenomena is very unique and is to be found in India only. This feature of India reigns over all other dominant features and so tourism has flourished in such a big way in India. The reason behind it is our great ancestors contribution towards the growth of this Nation. The Indian so take pride in taking forward this ancestorial trend and in further improving upon it for the sake of a vibrant and affluent tourism industry.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Great Places to Visit in Argentina
Argentina is home to some of the best tourist attractions in South America, and with its rich Spanish culture, you will find it a culturally rich destination when it comes to music, dance, architecture and most especially food. Here, because of its diverse climate, you can do a myriad of things from hiking in the rainforests to skiing or trekking the glaciers, from immersing yourself in culture and history to taking part in eco-tours, from enjoying the rich food and night life to nights of camping and days of diving. Here are 10 things you can do or go to in this fabulous country:
1.) Buenos Aires
The first Argentina destination you would probably find yourself in is this vibrant city offers much when it comes to entertainment. It has Spanish inspired-architecture and culture to the beat of the nightlife or the exotic delicacies. Here, your senses will definitely be stretched to the fullest in this magical city.
2.) Cordoba
Come to this other great city in Argentina. Here, you will feel like you have traveled back in time as you immerse yourself in the colonial architecture. Its history is also known as one of the greatest western cities of the past.
3.) Pampas
Pampas gives you a glimpse of the wild wild west as it was during the past. Here, you will see Gaucho cowboys living much like the cowboys of old. You can also see the flamingos in the great salt lakes of Argentina.
4.) Tiera del Fuego
In this southernmost of cities at the edge of the world, you will experience a breathtaking myriad of flora and fauna never seen in other places. The marine life here is also something to behold as you go kayaking, fishing or just plain sightseeing. Because of this, a lot flock to this area yearly.
5.) Patagonia
Patagonia is home to the route of the great southern whale as it returns every year to the coast of the Peninsula Valdez. You can also visit one of UNESCO's world heritage sites, Alto Valle Rio Pinturas. You can also see the paintings of the river valley in Santa Cruz where ancient paintings adorn the cave walls.
6.) Iguazu Waterfalls
Found in Iguazu National Park, it is one of the most powerful waterfalls of the world. The park itself is home to a wide variety of subtropical plants and animals. So strap on your backpack and get ready for a wonderful trip through nature.
7.) Mendoza
This is the center of commerce of an area blessed with vineyards and snow. Here, you can ski to your heart's content at such international ski centers such as Las Lenas and Los Penitentes while sipping homegrown wine fresh from the fields. In this place, you can also go kayaking, bicycling or hiking through nature.
8.) Talampaya
Home to the long extinct dinosaurs and some of the first men who walked the earth, Talampaya is found on the southern part of La Rioja. Today, this place is a hotbed of archaeological and paleontologic finds. In this remote dessert, you will indeed be at awe at the majestic geological formations that dots the landscape.
9.) Valdez Peninsula, Chubut
The Valdez Peninsula in Chubut serves as a refuge for armies of extraordinary animals such as elephant seals, different species of penguins, and the Austral Right Whales. Moreover, you can also relax in the hot baths or perhaps trek in the glaciers of San Rafael. You will definitely not run out of things to do and see here.
10.) Puerto Madryn
It is located north of Trelew. This beach and tourist paradise offers diverse activities such as yachting, windsurfing, sport fishing, and diving. More than that, it is also home to some of the best hotels and restaurants in the country where they serve delectable seafood and bars where dancing can go on all night.
1.) Buenos Aires
The first Argentina destination you would probably find yourself in is this vibrant city offers much when it comes to entertainment. It has Spanish inspired-architecture and culture to the beat of the nightlife or the exotic delicacies. Here, your senses will definitely be stretched to the fullest in this magical city.
2.) Cordoba
Come to this other great city in Argentina. Here, you will feel like you have traveled back in time as you immerse yourself in the colonial architecture. Its history is also known as one of the greatest western cities of the past.
3.) Pampas
Pampas gives you a glimpse of the wild wild west as it was during the past. Here, you will see Gaucho cowboys living much like the cowboys of old. You can also see the flamingos in the great salt lakes of Argentina.
4.) Tiera del Fuego
In this southernmost of cities at the edge of the world, you will experience a breathtaking myriad of flora and fauna never seen in other places. The marine life here is also something to behold as you go kayaking, fishing or just plain sightseeing. Because of this, a lot flock to this area yearly.
5.) Patagonia
Patagonia is home to the route of the great southern whale as it returns every year to the coast of the Peninsula Valdez. You can also visit one of UNESCO's world heritage sites, Alto Valle Rio Pinturas. You can also see the paintings of the river valley in Santa Cruz where ancient paintings adorn the cave walls.
6.) Iguazu Waterfalls
Found in Iguazu National Park, it is one of the most powerful waterfalls of the world. The park itself is home to a wide variety of subtropical plants and animals. So strap on your backpack and get ready for a wonderful trip through nature.
7.) Mendoza
This is the center of commerce of an area blessed with vineyards and snow. Here, you can ski to your heart's content at such international ski centers such as Las Lenas and Los Penitentes while sipping homegrown wine fresh from the fields. In this place, you can also go kayaking, bicycling or hiking through nature.
8.) Talampaya
Home to the long extinct dinosaurs and some of the first men who walked the earth, Talampaya is found on the southern part of La Rioja. Today, this place is a hotbed of archaeological and paleontologic finds. In this remote dessert, you will indeed be at awe at the majestic geological formations that dots the landscape.
9.) Valdez Peninsula, Chubut
The Valdez Peninsula in Chubut serves as a refuge for armies of extraordinary animals such as elephant seals, different species of penguins, and the Austral Right Whales. Moreover, you can also relax in the hot baths or perhaps trek in the glaciers of San Rafael. You will definitely not run out of things to do and see here.
10.) Puerto Madryn
It is located north of Trelew. This beach and tourist paradise offers diverse activities such as yachting, windsurfing, sport fishing, and diving. More than that, it is also home to some of the best hotels and restaurants in the country where they serve delectable seafood and bars where dancing can go on all night.
Tunisia is a kind of paradise
No matter which season it is, Tunisia is a kind of paradise thanks to its coast as a Mediterranean land. Tunisia has very nice places to see. Here you can enjoy yourself with charming sea, discover the numerous sites, cities and museums. Sousse, Monastir, Hammamet and Nabeul, Djerba and Tabarka are the well known resorts.
Combination of sand beaches with perfect water is so inviting for travelers. The place is appropriate not only for swimming but also for kinds of sea sports. Also, short boat rides are available.
In southern resort areas, sea sports can be practiced for most of the year. Riding, hiking, tennis, hunting are additional ones. For the amateurs, lessons are available at a
reasonable cost.
Accommodation does not create any problems due to comfortable hotels that are next to. As a visitor you may choose either International Cuisine or Tunuisian Cuisine. Summer is the most crowded season but also is the most available time for maximum activities. Festivals of summer provide you a chance to know Tunisian local folklore.
Having a historical past, visitors can experience more than one culture in Tunisia such as Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French. As a result, well preserved museums are also places to visit in Tunisia.
Though the modern structure of Tunis, the capital of Tunusia, it is not a typical tourist site.You can have one day trip. Bardo museum with its selection of mosaics and the very well kept zoo are nice places to see in Tunisia. Zitouna is the main mosque of Tunis. It also has an historical heritage as well as its being a house of worship. Named and known also as "Gate to the Sea" or "Porte de France". Bab el Bahr is a kind of symbol becuse of its being a gate between the oriental part and the European part of Tunis. Bardo Musem with its selection of mosaics and the very well kept zoo are nice places to see in Tunis, too
The coastal resorts of Hammamet, Nabeul, and Sousse are for travelers who would like to spend time on beaches.The best Roman ruins are in Dougga, about 100 km inland and uphill from Tunis. Each July and August, there is Dougga Festival of classical drama. The Dar Charait Museum is the second freqently visited museum in Tunisia after Bardo Museum.
The Tunisian City Matmata is where Star Wars desert scenes were shot, With its fame, curious travelers and fans of the movie visit Matmata. Matmata's fame also comes from the unusual houses that were dugged vertically to the ground.
Combination of sand beaches with perfect water is so inviting for travelers. The place is appropriate not only for swimming but also for kinds of sea sports. Also, short boat rides are available.
In southern resort areas, sea sports can be practiced for most of the year. Riding, hiking, tennis, hunting are additional ones. For the amateurs, lessons are available at a
reasonable cost.
Accommodation does not create any problems due to comfortable hotels that are next to. As a visitor you may choose either International Cuisine or Tunuisian Cuisine. Summer is the most crowded season but also is the most available time for maximum activities. Festivals of summer provide you a chance to know Tunisian local folklore.
Having a historical past, visitors can experience more than one culture in Tunisia such as Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French. As a result, well preserved museums are also places to visit in Tunisia.
Though the modern structure of Tunis, the capital of Tunusia, it is not a typical tourist site.You can have one day trip. Bardo museum with its selection of mosaics and the very well kept zoo are nice places to see in Tunisia. Zitouna is the main mosque of Tunis. It also has an historical heritage as well as its being a house of worship. Named and known also as "Gate to the Sea" or "Porte de France". Bab el Bahr is a kind of symbol becuse of its being a gate between the oriental part and the European part of Tunis. Bardo Musem with its selection of mosaics and the very well kept zoo are nice places to see in Tunis, too
The coastal resorts of Hammamet, Nabeul, and Sousse are for travelers who would like to spend time on beaches.The best Roman ruins are in Dougga, about 100 km inland and uphill from Tunis. Each July and August, there is Dougga Festival of classical drama. The Dar Charait Museum is the second freqently visited museum in Tunisia after Bardo Museum.
The Tunisian City Matmata is where Star Wars desert scenes were shot, With its fame, curious travelers and fans of the movie visit Matmata. Matmata's fame also comes from the unusual houses that were dugged vertically to the ground.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Heritage Places In India - Cultural And Traditional Aspects
Rich Heritage is the primarily legacy of any country portraying the cultural and traditional aspect. Heritage is a profound amalgamation of ancient historical sites and rich traditions. One thing that India is certainly famous for is its rich heritage of forts and palaces, historical monuments, traditional folk dances, religious rituals, festivals and above all the people that certainly made the heritage of India more popular and world renowned. Among all, the famous heritage palaces of erstwhile maharajas and rulers hold the most powerful grip. These palaces are now chosen as the most luscious way of spending the holidays amidst luxury and kingly comfort, many of these royal sites are now converted into heritage palace hotels. Now with the world constantly updating itself with the resonance of good hotel accommodation, India too has risen in this stride and has emerged as a forerunner in best hotel accommodation and staying options. The sightseeing in India is the best in the world and the heritage monuments add further excitement making India the most ideal destination for tourists who have keen interest in the ancient tradition and heritage of India. Our ancestral remains actually makes it very simple for us in our motive to stand upright in the global platform of excellence that has made India, a destination most cherished by all.
In-fact, India is one country that has heritage monuments in every nook and corner. It may be the Qutub Minar in the North, or the Sun Temple in the East, the Charminar in South, or the Ajanta caves in the west. Everywhere you go in India there are innumerable heritage monuments that you can explore and this is what generates a huge clientele for India. Moreover, India's ability to convert heritage monuments into luxury hotel accommodation has also paved the way for its success in drawing of huge number of tourists to India. So, great tributes goes to the contribution of Rajes and Maharajas of India for having built those marvelous forts and palaces that today has stood up the test of time and has become a boon for Indian Tourism Industry.
Alone Rajasthan is a great destination for this state has innumerable heritage forts and palaces that makes this state magnetic enough so as to flood this desert state with enormous number of tourists from world over. Tourists coming to this state has increased manifold and now has crossed the 2 million mark. One reason why this desert state of India has seen such a boost in the tourist influx is obviously the heritage forts and palaces apart from the other marvelous sightseeing and tour of the state. Almost every vital place of Rajasthan has a palace or a fort that has been converted to hotels and that has made the destination a highly sort after place in India. It’s not the case with just Rajasthan. Other states too have lived up to this trend of providing some exceptional staying accommodation. It won't be uncanny to name a few of the palaces in Rajasthan like Umaid Bhawan Palace - Jodhpur, Lake Palace - Udaipur, Bhanwar Niwas Palace - Bikaner that are very famous for their intricate décor and luxurious interiors.
Besides Indian Tourism industry has also seen a boom for there are some very unique concepts that can be found only in India. The Vythiri tree resort in Kerala is one such innovation that has generated a huge clientele along with sightseeing options of some the best heritage places in Kerala. Other neighbouring countries now has started to follow the footprints of India and are promoting their respective heritage monuments with the belief that it will draw in tourists to their country.
This phenomena is very unique and is to be found in India only. This feature of India reigns over all other dominant features and so tourism has flourished in such a big way in India. The reason behind it is our great ancestors contribution towards the growth of this Nation. The Indian so take pride in taking forward this ancestorial trend and in further improving upon it for the sake of a vibrant and affluent tourism industry.
In-fact, India is one country that has heritage monuments in every nook and corner. It may be the Qutub Minar in the North, or the Sun Temple in the East, the Charminar in South, or the Ajanta caves in the west. Everywhere you go in India there are innumerable heritage monuments that you can explore and this is what generates a huge clientele for India. Moreover, India's ability to convert heritage monuments into luxury hotel accommodation has also paved the way for its success in drawing of huge number of tourists to India. So, great tributes goes to the contribution of Rajes and Maharajas of India for having built those marvelous forts and palaces that today has stood up the test of time and has become a boon for Indian Tourism Industry.
Alone Rajasthan is a great destination for this state has innumerable heritage forts and palaces that makes this state magnetic enough so as to flood this desert state with enormous number of tourists from world over. Tourists coming to this state has increased manifold and now has crossed the 2 million mark. One reason why this desert state of India has seen such a boost in the tourist influx is obviously the heritage forts and palaces apart from the other marvelous sightseeing and tour of the state. Almost every vital place of Rajasthan has a palace or a fort that has been converted to hotels and that has made the destination a highly sort after place in India. It’s not the case with just Rajasthan. Other states too have lived up to this trend of providing some exceptional staying accommodation. It won't be uncanny to name a few of the palaces in Rajasthan like Umaid Bhawan Palace - Jodhpur, Lake Palace - Udaipur, Bhanwar Niwas Palace - Bikaner that are very famous for their intricate décor and luxurious interiors.
Besides Indian Tourism industry has also seen a boom for there are some very unique concepts that can be found only in India. The Vythiri tree resort in Kerala is one such innovation that has generated a huge clientele along with sightseeing options of some the best heritage places in Kerala. Other neighbouring countries now has started to follow the footprints of India and are promoting their respective heritage monuments with the belief that it will draw in tourists to their country.
This phenomena is very unique and is to be found in India only. This feature of India reigns over all other dominant features and so tourism has flourished in such a big way in India. The reason behind it is our great ancestors contribution towards the growth of this Nation. The Indian so take pride in taking forward this ancestorial trend and in further improving upon it for the sake of a vibrant and affluent tourism industry.
The Rich And Historical Heritage Of China
With history and culture as old as civilization itself, China is as complex as the DNA code of each of the 1.3 billion (and counting) Chinese populating the earth. Hence, we will not attempt on a crash course of the Chinese menu, but we will have a taste of its popular and most sought-after offerings.
Forbidden City
Constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasty eras, native Chinese call it Gu Gong while the tourism board and guests alike now call it the Palace Museum. It holds the record for being the largest palace complex in the world, sprawling over 74 hectares of property located at the very heart of Beijing.
A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1987, it served both as a residence and as a seat of power to a total of 24 emperors, fourteen from the Ming dynasty and ten from the Qing dynasty. An imperial palace for a period of almost five centuries, it is composed of two divisions, namely, the Inner Court and the Outer Court. The former is located in the northern half of the compound and used as the royal residence of the emperor and his family while the latter is the southern half and served as the seat of imperial power of the ruler of China.
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is an ancient fortress with its own history of construction that spans across dynasties from the Western Zhou dynasty in 1100 BC to the Qin dynasty in 206 BC. The citadel that meanders through 6,700 kilometers of mountains and valleys, and grasslands and deserts from west to east, was refurbished and fortified by the Ming dynasty from 1368 to 1644.
A UNESCO World Heritage since 1987, it is one of the world's greatest wonders and believed to be the only human construction on earth that is visible from outer space. A tourist who has never set foot on the Great Wall has never been to China.
Stone forest
Sculpted by nature's own hands, the enchanting Stone Forest located in Lunan Yi Nationality Autonomous County is acclaimed as the First Wonder of the World. It is a group of several patches of limestone formations interspersed with scenic oasis spots covering an area of 96,000 acres.
The fabled Stone Forest has a rich collection of legends and myths pertaining to its origin. However, geologists simply say that it used to be an expansive sea which dried up and the result of millions of years of erosion.
Forbidden City
Constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasty eras, native Chinese call it Gu Gong while the tourism board and guests alike now call it the Palace Museum. It holds the record for being the largest palace complex in the world, sprawling over 74 hectares of property located at the very heart of Beijing.
A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1987, it served both as a residence and as a seat of power to a total of 24 emperors, fourteen from the Ming dynasty and ten from the Qing dynasty. An imperial palace for a period of almost five centuries, it is composed of two divisions, namely, the Inner Court and the Outer Court. The former is located in the northern half of the compound and used as the royal residence of the emperor and his family while the latter is the southern half and served as the seat of imperial power of the ruler of China.
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is an ancient fortress with its own history of construction that spans across dynasties from the Western Zhou dynasty in 1100 BC to the Qin dynasty in 206 BC. The citadel that meanders through 6,700 kilometers of mountains and valleys, and grasslands and deserts from west to east, was refurbished and fortified by the Ming dynasty from 1368 to 1644.
A UNESCO World Heritage since 1987, it is one of the world's greatest wonders and believed to be the only human construction on earth that is visible from outer space. A tourist who has never set foot on the Great Wall has never been to China.
Stone forest
Sculpted by nature's own hands, the enchanting Stone Forest located in Lunan Yi Nationality Autonomous County is acclaimed as the First Wonder of the World. It is a group of several patches of limestone formations interspersed with scenic oasis spots covering an area of 96,000 acres.
The fabled Stone Forest has a rich collection of legends and myths pertaining to its origin. However, geologists simply say that it used to be an expansive sea which dried up and the result of millions of years of erosion.
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