As a symbol of ancient Chinese civilization, the Great Wall has stood for more than 2,000 years. The wall was built in stages from the 5th century BC up to the 16th century AD as protection against northern nomadic tribes. Stretching from the coast of the Bohai Bay in the east and ending at the Jiayu Pass in the west, it snakes along the back of mountains, deserts and valleys for 6,350km (3900 miles). It is said to be 1 of the only 2 human engineering projects visible by astronauts from space with the naked eye. Built of huge granite slabs and special sized bricks, the Great Wall at Badaling 75km (47 miles) north of Beijing is most typical part of the Wall during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). There the wall is wide enough for 5 horsemen to ride abreast or 10 men to walk side by side. More detail: http://www.badaling.gov.cn
The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City (known officially as the Imperial Palace Museum) was commissioned by the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Yong Le. The palace was built between 1406 and 1420, but was burnt down, rebuilt, sacked and renovated countless times, so most of the architecture you can see today dates from the 1700's and on wards. The Forbidden City was the seat of Imperial power for 500 years, and is now a major tourist attraction in China. The total area of the complex is 183 acres, so it takes quite a while to walk through, especially if you want to have a close look at everything. All together there are 9,999 1/2 rooms in the Museum, not all of which can be visited. More details: http://www.dpm.org.cn/
The Summer Palace
Summer Palace is a favorite among tourists sightseeing in Beijing. Indeed, it is one of the best parks in the city. Originally it was a retreat for emperors to escape the scorching summer heat of Beijing. The Summer Palace was used by emperors for 800 years, but fell into disuse in the 18th century. Then in the 19th century, the Empress Dowager Cixi made massive renovations and restored many buildings using money funneled out from the state treasury. More detail: http://www.summerpalace-china.com/
The Temple of Heaven
China's largest temple and altar complex, the Temple of Heaven in the southern part of Beijing covers an area of 270 hectares. The Temple of Heaven is an exquisite and extraordinary example of Chinese religious architecture. Construction of the temple began in 1420 and at the temple emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped heaven and prayed for abundant harvests. In imperial times, twice a year a magnificent ceremony was conducted when over 1,000 eunuchs, ministers and courtiers would leave the Forbidden City for the Temple of Heaven. The emperor would fast and remain celibate and sleep overnight in the Palace of Abstinence (zhaigong) before carrying out traditional ceremonies and sacrificial rites in the morning. More detail: http://www.tiantanpark.com
The vaults or pits containing Qin Shihuang`s Terracotta Army are located just outside Xian. This army of more than 6,000 life size terracotta warriors, with horses and chariots lined up facing east and ready for battle, is one of the world's most remarkable archaeological finds. The terracotta warriors were made for Qin Shihuang (259-210BC), also known as The First Emperor, and with his mausoleum lying only 1.5km(0.9 miles) away it is assumed the army was made to accompany him on his journeys after death
Li River and Li River Cruise
Li River symbolizes the area, as this picturesque river is a major component of Guilin scenery. As it sparkles in the sunlight the river meanders through lush mountains like a liquid jade belt. A cruise along the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo is an unforgettable experience. As you take in the stunning scenery there's something interesting to see at almost every bend in the river. Between spectacular limestone peaks you'll see graceful bamboo groves, farmers tending rice paddies, and lumbering water buffaloes pulling carts or cooling off in the river.
Oriental Pearl TV Tower
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower located in Pudong, stands a staggering 468 meters (1535ft) making it the tallest tower in Asia. Tourists can go to several observatory decks and in clear weather can get a superb view of The Bund and Shanghai, as well as Sheshan, Chongming Island and the Yangzi River in the distance. The tower also has a hotel, revolving restaurant, karaoke parlors and bars.
Victoria Harbour is the harbour between the Kowloon Peninsula and the Hong Kong Island of Hong Kong, China. With an area of about 41.88 km2 as at 2004, its natural depth and sheltered location enticed the British to occupy the island of Hong Kong during the First Opium War, and subsequently establish the colony as a trading post.
The harbour is famous for its spectacular panoramic views, and is in itself a top tourist attraction. It is a natural focal point of the territory, and considered a crucial natural geographical element for city dwellers. This sense of geographical attachment is most notably demonstrated in recent years, when the Hong Kong government's efforts to undertake reclamation projects in the harbor were met with widespread popular protests, despite the fact that such work had taken place in the harbor for the past century and a half.
The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
It's a snow capped mountain with an altitude of 5596 meters above sea level. The mountain has 13 peaks of which the highest is 18000 feet above sea level. Its high mountain and meadow views setting off the snow and rivers, construct amazing picture.
Singapore, the stunning centerpiece of southeast Asia, is a cultural pot pourri that leaves the unsuspecting visitor dazzled by the containment of so many influences upon one small island. Sir Stamford Raffles, a 19th-century British civil servant, brought the 'Lion City' to world prominence after searching for a trading station to counter the Dutch influence in the Straits of Malacca, and trade has remained the island's mainstay.
Singapore is a happy collision of opposites ¨C grand and expensive at the famed Raffles Hotel, but low-key and cheap in the food markets of Bugis Junction and Clarke Quay. City attractions include unrivalled shopping in Orchard Road, the cultural quarters of Chinatown, Geylang Serai and Little India with the world's first night safari. An incredibly clean city, nothing is allowed to dull the shine ¨C even down to the banning of chewing gum.
Yet the natural world is never far away, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has a significant area of primary rainforest within its boundaries, while for the adventurous Sungei Buluh Nature Park offers the chance for trekking. Check out Pulau Ubin's mangrove forest, a bumboat's ride from Changi jetty, or Kusu site of Taoists' annual pilgrimage. Culture lovers can enjoy the fusion of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures, the main ethnic groups, with museums, gardens, parks, mosques, temples and synagogues testimony to the island's rich national heritage.
B Korea
The first thing foreigners need to know about Korea is probably kimchi, which is what Koreans traditionally enjoy eating the most. Gwangju from the old days is famous for traditional kimchi.
Gwangju is Korea''s fifth largest city with a population of 1.4 million, with a reputation for exquisite food thanks to the rich harvests in the mild southern part of the Korean peninsula. But the World Cup city has other attractions, too. There is a long-cherished tradition of the arts and of a certain liberty of mind and democracy that is associated with Gwangju. This tradition has most recently been captured within the framework of the Gwangju Biennale, an arts festival growing in renown around the world.
To stage a World Cup of culture that will be commensurate with its image as a city of arts, Gwangju links the World Cup matches with the fourth edition of the Biennale. Fans visiting the games from abroad will be fascinated to witness authentic performances including the distinctive style of traditional farm music known as Gwangsan Nongak as well as Gossaum Race, a loop fight played by the full moon.
There are also a variety of sightseeing programmes for foreign tourists, linking the spectacular Dadohae ("Many Islands Sea") National Marine Park with other popular places in and around Gwangju.
But while it is keen to continue supporting traditional values, Gwangju is also rapidly developing into a future-oriented community where past and future co-exist in harmony. The city has approached the new millennium buoyantly, especially with its encouragement of the cutting-edge photonic industry and with its continuing development of the humanistic culture and arts.
C Thailand
After that you are ready to begin exploring , and the sheer diveability of Samui is what brings so many people here. The calm waters with their gradual depths just off the beaches are almost designed for beginners. Further out, at other island and rocky outcrops, there are other dive sites perfect for the novice and the experienced diver. Apart from Samui, Koh Pha-Ngan and the Ang Thong National Marine Park Archipelago offer great snorkeling sights. Many are easily accessible on a day-trip: the overnighters will include land accommodation, as few boats from Samui have sleeper facilities.Koh Pha-Ngan is developing as a tourist resort and now offers some attractive beachfront accommodation. It takes just 45 minutes to reach the island by boat from Samui, and once you are there the easiest way to travel from beach to beach is by water taxi: the rocky interior of the island is hard on walkers.Off the beaches you will fine Coral reefs, but the nearby smaller islands do have clearer waters with better reefs. Koh Mah is generally rated the best, and it''s about 45 minutes from Pha-Ngan : a nicely sloping reef here, with caves and crevices forming homes for snappers and sweetlips makes this a very pretty dive. Koh Tae Nok and Koh Tae Nai are also recommended.