The Great Wall of China – Construction started in 220 B.C. under the China’s First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Construction continued up to the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), when the Great Wall became the world's largest man-made structure, it can even be seen from space. In 1987 it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Imperial Palace – Also named a World Heritage site in 1987, it was the home of the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, over 5 centuries (1416-1911). Also called the Forbidden City, it has elaborate landscaped gardens, more than 10,000 rooms and priceless historical works of art. It is a true testament of Chinese palatial architecture.
Mogao Caves – Located at a crossing point along the Silk Route, these 492 cells and caves sanctuaries have religious, cultural and intellectual influences, including: Buddhist statues and wall paintings, spanning 1,000 years. It was named a World Heritage site in 1987.
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor – The burial ground of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first Emperor, it is designed to mirror the urban plan of the Qin dynasty capital, Xianyan. Its famous terracotta warriors with their horses, chariots and weapons are one of a kind. This masterpiece of realism was named a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1987.
Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace – The winter palace of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century, it is located in the Lhasa Valley in Tibet. Thirteen stories of buildings – containing over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and about 200,000 statues – soar 384 ft on top of Marpo Ri, the "Red Hill", rising more than 1,000 ft in total above the valley floor. The Palace was named a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1994.
Classical Gardens of Suzhou - Classical Chinese garden design seeks to recreate natural landscapes in miniature, and this is illustrated best in the nine gardens of the historic city of Suzhou. Constructed between the 11th-19th centuries, the gardens reflect the profound metaphysical importance of natural beauty in Chinese culture in their meticulous design. UNESCO named the Gardens a World Heritage site in 1997.
Old Town of Lijiang – this town has perfectly adapted to the uneven topography of its location and remains one of the most authentic towns in China. Its architecture is noteworthy for the blending of elements from several cultures that have come together over many centuries. Lijiang also possesses an ancient water-supply system of great complexity and ingenuity that still functions effectively today. Named a World Heritage site in 1997.
Ancient City of Ping Yao - Ping Yao is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city. Founded in the 14th century, its shows the evolution of architectural styles and town planning in Imperial China over five centuries. Of special interest are the imposing buildings associated with banking, for which Ping Yao was the major centre for all of China in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Named a World Heritage site in 1997.
Temple of Heaven - an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing, it was founded in the first half of the 15th century. This 1998 World Heritage site is a complex of fine cult buildings set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. Its layout symbolizes the relationship between earth and heaven – the human world and God's world – which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony, and also the special role played by the emperors within that relationship.
Summer Palace – this Imperial Garden, located in Beijing, was first built in 1750 and restored in 1886 after being destroyed by war in 1860. It is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998.
