World of China

NiCA-ChAN · Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 7:07 pm Post subject: World of China

About China
China is the cultural treasure-house of East Asia: its social riches and 5000 years of tumultuous history place it, without doubt, among the world’s greatest travel destinations. China has one of the world’s oldest continuous civilisations. The Great Wall, X’ian’s Terracotta Army, the Forbidden Palace and Tiananmen Square: the very names reverberate with history and legend.
China’s paradoxes are many: Shanghai’s skyscrapers contrast with Beijing’s historical treasures, while in rural provinces, mechanisation is slow. This is not simply due to its sheer enormity and population of over one billion. China's history is one characterized by the collapse of a dynasty or the accession of a weak ruler that would fragment the country into smaller kingdoms until reunite.
What has defined China most in recent times is the outcome of civil war in 1945. Defeated Nationalists fled to Taiwan, while victorious Communists founded the People’s Republic of China. Internally, the China of the 1960s was dominated by the convulsions of the Cultural Revolution. But in 1976, the two towering figures of post-revolutionary China, Premier Zhou Enlai and Communist Party Chairman Mao Zedong, both died.
China's contentious policies, however, did not end there. A major reform programme allowing little political ‘liberalisation’ despite economic change, prompted widespread protest; in 1989, thousands occupied Tiananmen Square in Beijing, only for the army to clear the Square with great loss of life and the Government to reassert political control. US support for Taiwan is a constant irritant. Within East Asia, China is involved in an intractable territorial dispute concerning the status of the Spratly Islands, claimed by no less than six nations and thought to sit above substantial oil fields. In the continuing tension between India and Pakistan, China has provided military support to Pakistan, considering India a political rival. When the Japanese imperial army invaded China in 1937, eight years of brutal occupation followed, which sours relations between the two countries to this day.
Such complex history and politics are worrying, but, for some, infuse the landscape with greater allure. And what a landscape it has – this is the land of the Yangtze River, the Silk Route and the bamboo forests of the panda, bringing the vistas of rivers and misty peaks in traditional ink paintings to life. China justifiably holds 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites within its borders. Even Chinese food ranks among the world’s great cuisines. From acrobatics to martial arts, calligraphy to Chinese opera, the vibrant, distinctive culture of this great land is everywhere to be seen.
China's rapid economic growth, with predictions that it may become the world's major economic power within decades, has generated controversy surrounding global warming and insufficient oil supplies. However, it has also spurred on China’s rapidly improving touristic infrastructure. Flexibility and patience are still required to travel around China but, in return, China rewards visitors with memories to be treasured for a lifetime.

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Beijing City Guides
Few cities on earth are changing as fast as Beijing, capital city of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Construction cranes rule the horizon, new hotels, shopping malls and commercial plazas (not to mention 37 sports stadiums and 59 training facilities) are springing up at giddying speed and old sectors of the city are being razed and modernized. In short, Beijing is focused on one thing only; the 2008 Olympics. Hosting the Games represents the ultimate statement of China’s emergence as a global superpower, and it is determined to make the ‘People’s Olympics’ the most successful and dazzling ever staged.

Beijing’s high-speed physical evolution moves hand-in-hand with a firmly retained grip on its rich cultural heritage and strict Communist social order. A monolithic showcase city, Beijing can give a distorted view of China to foreign visitors. Its soaring modern architecture and vast international hotels are connected by an intricate system of broad boulevards and ring roads around the city. Rush hour traffic jams can match those of any major world city and the pollution can be eye-watering. Beyond the modernity, Beijing offers a bountiful hotpot of traditional lane houses (hutong), parks, architectural and cultural treasures and exquisite temples.

Beijing became China’s capital in 1421 and was to remain so until the collapse of the imperial regime in 1911. It was not until the late 19th century that Westerners were allowed to reside there and all trading links had previously been restricted to Canton. From 1911 to 1949 Beijing suffered, as did the rest of China, from the wars fought between various factions trying to take control of the whole country. The Japanese invasion in 1931 was followed by a bitter civil war, which finally led to Communist supremacy under Mao Ze Dong and the founding of the People’s Republic of China with Beijing as the capital.

The first 10 years of Mao’s rule stabilised a fearful, humiliated nation and great advances were made in industry, agriculture, education and health care. However, in 1966, Mao launched the Cultural Revolution, an attack on liberal political and social thought, the legacy of which is still felt across the country. Following Mao’s death in 1976, President Deng Xiao Ping gradually opened up China to the outside world, welcoming foreigners as co-investors and tourists, and empowering Chinese entrepreneurs to set up businesses. Since 1999, Beijing has received a staggering US$10.31 billion in direct foreign investment, most of it in the 4-mile square Central Business District (CBD).

There’s only one place to begin exploring the city – Tiananmen Square, where Mao Ze Dong declared the foundation of the People’s Republic. Though more closely identified with the suppression of the student-led pro-democracy protests of 1989, the world’s largest public square is an impressive tourism centrepiece. To stand (alongside thousands of visitors) and see the imposing majesty of the Forbidden City to the north and the vast portrait of Mao Ze Dong on the Tiananmen Gate itself is to appreciate the awesome hold that China’s rulers have always had on the people. For further confirmation, turn around and see the snaking queue of people preparing to enter Chairman Mao’s mausoleum.

Beijing is at its best in late spring and, particularly, autumn when crisp, sunny days are accompanied by tree leaves turning glorious shades of red and gold. The heat and humidity of summer and the biting wind in winter can be extreme.

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About the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was enlisted in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus stretching approximately 6,700 kilometers (4,163 miles ) from east to west of China. With a history of more than 2000 years, some of the section of the great wall are now in ruins or even entirely disappeared. However, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance.

History of the wall: Excitement abounds in the origin, vicissitude and nature of the great wall of the Qin, Han, and Ming dynasties.
The Great Wall was originally built in the Spring, Autumn, and Warring States Periods as a defensive fortification by the three states: Yan, Zhao and Qin. The Great Wall went through constant extensions and repairs in later dynasties. In fact, it began as independent walls for different states when it was first built, and did not become the "Great" wall until the Qin Dynasty. Emperor Qin Shihuang succeeded in his effort to have the walls joined together to fend off the invasions from the Huns in the north after the unification of China. Since then, the Great Wall has served as a monument of the Chinese nation throughout history. A visit to the Great Wall is like a tour through the history backwards; it brings tourists great excitement in each step of the wall. >> more...

Construction of the wall: The mystery of the construction of the wall is amazing.

The construction of the Great Wall, drew heavily on the local resources for construction materials, was carried out in line with the local conditions under the management of contract and responsibility system. A great army of manpower, composed of soldiers, prisoners, and local people, built the wall. The construction result demonstrates the manifestation of the wisdom and tenacity of the Chinese people. >> more...

Sections of the wall: Ready to show you an incredible diversity of scenery and ethnic people along its way.

The Great Wall as we see today was mostly built during the Ming Dynasty. It starts from Shanhaiguan Pass in the east to Jiayuguan Pass in the west traversing provinces of Liaoning, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Shaanxi and Gansu. >> more...

Protection of the wall: The China Great Wall Academy has called for greater protection of this important relic.

Following a forty-five day long survey of 101 sections of the Wall in different provinces, the China Great Wall Academy reported on December 12, 2002 that the forces of nature and destruction at the hand of mankind are bringing about the gradual reduction of its extent with the result that less than 30% remains in good condition. The Academy has called for greater protection of this important relic.

Culture of the wall: Unfolding a considerable part of Chinese culture beyond the wall.

The Great Wall has long been incorporated into Chinese mythology and popular symbolism. The most beautiful of several legends is about the collapse of a section of the Great Wall caused by Meng Jiangnu, who cried bitterly over the death of her husband in the construction of the Great Wall. This legend has been spread widely through textbooks, folk songs and traditional operas. It is well-known in China. >> more...

Travel of the wall: Elaborate tour plans make travel comfortable, memorable, enjoyable and informative.

If you prefer to see the wall in a relatively natural state, visit Simatai, 110km north-east of Beijing. This part of the Wall is the best choice, for it is still in its original state without being developed into a popular tourist attraction due to its distance and little public transportation options.

An unforgettable trip to China will enchance your life with enchanting experience to the magnificent Great Wall - one of the eight wonders in the world. Dozens of elaborately designed packages on shelves here to give you ideas and choices to plan your memorable oriental travel to Beijing, Dunhuang, Hebei...

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Christine · Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 9:01 pm Post subject:

I'm really TOO lazy to read through everything!

Hey, I know the Terrecotta Army! Very famous!
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teenfanclub · Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2006 1:05 am Post subject:

china is a wonderfullcity my dad had went their he loves chine especially beijing
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digiCAM · Posted: Sat Sep 16, 2006 9:49 am Post subject:

China... hehehe, what can I say?
Answer: Nothing, I'll just show you!

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Ashley · Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 2:57 pm Post subject:

China is a nice place. I went there? No i did not.
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t h e . d r e a m e r · Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:06 pm Post subject:

I want to go to the Great Wall of China! Icon_emotions16

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I just wanna be ME!

Ashley · Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 11:36 am Post subject:

So.. I read the fact about China and it seems to be a great place!
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The Language that All People Understands is Love <3

xOxOxOxOxOxOxOx

Leaving for a while. 

Peace Out

Read Updates at Sweet-Charms

YZ · Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 8:09 pm Post subject:

lil_cookie--[killer] · Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 11:05 pm Post subject:

1 mile???
I can walk for like 1 mile XD
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t h e . d r e a m e r · Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 9:37 pm Post subject:

Well my dad said we can't walk on it anymore because it's too old.
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Who said I wanna be P E R F E C T??

Nobody’s p e r f e c t,
You just have to learn to l o v e that.

You know what I wanna be?
I just wanna be ME!

lil_cookie--[killer] · Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 12:35 am Post subject:

Why???
I have like been in Pisa in the slanting thingy which is super old.
Nothing happend XD
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i ♥ Jack the Ripper
nananananananana
BATMAN!

Y.R.P are my heroes.

t h e . d r e a m e r · Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 1:46 am Post subject:

Well I don't know! My dad told me it's close now! Icon_emotions16

_________________

Who said I wanna be P E R F E C T??

Nobody’s p e r f e c t,
You just have to learn to l o v e that.

You know what I wanna be?
I just wanna be ME!

lil_cookie--[killer] · Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 9:47 pm Post subject:

Really???
Waaaaah!

Well at least we could drop the walking thing XD
_________________

i ♥ Jack the Ripper
nananananananana
BATMAN!

Y.R.P are my heroes.

t h e . d r e a m e r · Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 9:55 pm Post subject:

hehehehe Really! Icon_favorites49

But still it would be nice to walk on it.
_________________

Who said I wanna be P E R F E C T??

Nobody’s p e r f e c t,
You just have to learn to l o v e that.

You know what I wanna be?
I just wanna be ME!

Cleo · Guest Good Posts: +1 0.00 Cash

The great wall of China was used to protect themselves in war. now its a tourist attraction and one of the wonders of the earth. I hope one day i can go to the great wall of China. My bff has went there before and i haven't! Icon_favorites42

Well she said only ONE person had made it to the top there. its really looooooooong and if you can walk long enuf to hold on ur pee.. world record!! haha not axactly.....