For centuries, China has withstood the test of countless wars and political struggle to become the global powerhouse it is today. With 1.3 billion people and 55 ethnic groups within its borders, China is a stronghold of culture, myth and legend. From awe inspiring works of art to tombs shrouded in mystery, I was particularly fascinated by two of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World, The Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Warriors of Xi’an as well as the Forbidden City.
The Great Wall
Perhaps China’s most iconic man made structure, the Great Wall stretches over 4000 miles - from Jiayuguan Pass in the West to Shanhaiguan Pass in the East, and definitely lives up to its name. Construction began under Emperor Qin in 221 B.C. and continued until the Qing Dynasty. It’s purpose was to protect the Chinese Empire from any attacking armies and its structure changed over it’s 2000 years to include higher walls, passes and watchtowers. It snowed the day before my visit but the weather did not deter my climb.
Terra Cotta Warriors of Xi’an
In 1974, while digging a well in the city of Xi’an (the original Imperial Capital of China), farmers discovered an underground tomb filled with 8000 statues of ancient Chinese warriors. Created around 220 B.C., they were meant to guard Emperor Qin’s tomb. Much like the Egyptian Pharoahs, the Chinese
Emperors believed that death is simply a continuity of life and people can take their possessions with them. However, Emperor Qin took this belief even further by building a tomb that stretches 35 square miles. Archaeologists have yet to find the riches buried somewhere near the tomb because the tomb was plundered shortly after Qin’s death. As of today, about 2000 statues have been restored and a dome has been built to surround them as reconstruction continues in situ.
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City in Beijing is the largest ancient palace in the world, representing Chinese political power for over 500 years. The palace stretches over 7 million square feet and contains over 10,000 rooms, representing God’s palace in heaven.
Before the 20th century, the public was not allowed to enter the Forbidden City and the punishment for unauthorized entry was beheading.
The Great Wall
Perhaps China’s most iconic man made structure, the Great Wall stretches over 4000 miles - from Jiayuguan Pass in the West to Shanhaiguan Pass in the East, and definitely lives up to its name. Construction began under Emperor Qin in 221 B.C. and continued until the Qing Dynasty. It’s purpose was to protect the Chinese Empire from any attacking armies and its structure changed over it’s 2000 years to include higher walls, passes and watchtowers. It snowed the day before my visit but the weather did not deter my climb.
Terra Cotta Warriors of Xi’an
In 1974, while digging a well in the city of Xi’an (the original Imperial Capital of China), farmers discovered an underground tomb filled with 8000 statues of ancient Chinese warriors. Created around 220 B.C., they were meant to guard Emperor Qin’s tomb. Much like the Egyptian Pharoahs, the Chinese
Emperors believed that death is simply a continuity of life and people can take their possessions with them. However, Emperor Qin took this belief even further by building a tomb that stretches 35 square miles. Archaeologists have yet to find the riches buried somewhere near the tomb because the tomb was plundered shortly after Qin’s death. As of today, about 2000 statues have been restored and a dome has been built to surround them as reconstruction continues in situ.Forbidden City
The Forbidden City in Beijing is the largest ancient palace in the world, representing Chinese political power for over 500 years. The palace stretches over 7 million square feet and contains over 10,000 rooms, representing God’s palace in heaven.
Before the 20th century, the public was not allowed to enter the Forbidden City and the punishment for unauthorized entry was beheading.While I left the Forbidden City with my head, I must say that the smog in Beijing is so overwhelming that I wore a mask during my time there and the absence of birds spoke volumes about the China of today.
Comments(11)