| China
The Great Wall, Beijing
(AH1/AH3) In about 220 B.C., under Qin Shi Huang, sections
of earlier fortifications were merged to form a united defence system
against invasions from the north. Construction continued up to the Ming
dynasty (1368–1644), when the Great Wall became the world's largest
military structure. Its historic and strategic importance is matched only
by its architectural significance.
Stone Forest, Kunming (AH14)
Located in Shilin County, 84 kilometres to the south east of Kunming,
the stone peaks, stalagmites and stalactites of the “Stone Forest”
are estimated to have been formed 200 to 230 million years ago. From a
distance, they look like a vast expanse of forests, and are one of the
most visited spots in Yunnan Province.
The Yufo (Jade Budha) Temple, Shanghai (AH3)
Located in Shanghai, the Temple was built in 1882 but remains in perfect
condition as a sanctuary of Zen Buddhism. The Temple derived its name
from a jade statue of Sakyamuni from Myanmar. It contains a graceful image
of the Buddha with a serene and calm look.
Xi’an (AH5) The Mausoleum
of the First Qin Emperor, was discovered in 1974. Qin, who died in 210
B. C., was the first unifier of China. He is buried at the site, surrounded
by the famous terracotta warriors. The lifesized figures are all different;
with their horses, chariots and weapons, they are masterpieces of realism
and also of great historical interest.
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