Discovering Chinas Hidden Gems A Guide to Unusual
China, a land of ancient history and modern marvels, is home to numerous tourist attractions that cater to all sorts of travelers. From the iconic Great Wall and the Forbidden City to the bustling streets of Shanghai and Hong Kong, there's no shortage of popular destinations for tourists. However, beneath these well-known spots lies a wealth of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Here are six unusual tourist attractions in China that you might not have heard about yet.
The Ancient Tea Horse Road
The Ancient Tea Horse Road is an old trading route that connected Tibet with southern China over 2,000 years ago. Stretching more than 4,500 kilometers across mountains and valleys, this route played a significant role in shaping Chinese culture as it facilitated trade between different regions. Today, adventurous travelers can follow this path on foot or by bike to experience firsthand the breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultures along the way.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Located in Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is known for its unique sandstone pillars that rise above 3 kilometers into the sky like giant sentinels guarding ancient secrets. This park was actually one of the main inspirations behind H.G Wells' classic science fiction novel "The War Of The Worlds." Visitors can explore towering forests on glass-bottomed walkways or take cable cars up close for panoramic views.
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic Area
Situated in Sichuan Province lies Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic Area - often called "Heavenly Lake" due to its crystal-clear waters reflecting stunning mountain vistas like mirrors polished by nature itself over millions of years ago. It's also famous for its rare wildlife such as golden monkeys and snow leopards living within protected areas among lush green forests.
4.Yungang Grottoes
Yungang Grottoes are located near Datong city in Shanxi Province; they contain some remarkable Buddhist cave art from early Christian times (5th-6th century). These grottos consist of twenty-five caves containing thousands upon thousands statues carved out during Tang Dynasty period - showcasing intricate details depicting life stories from Buddha legends.
5.Mount Taishan Nature Reserve
Mount Taishan Nature Reserve has been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987; it stands tall at an elevation nearly 1 kilometer above sea level with historic temples scattered throughout its foothills dating back centuries offering insight into Taoist practices and their relationship with nature around them.
6.The Mogao Caves
Also known as Thousand Buddha Caves or Mogao Grottoes situated deep inside Mingshashan Desert near Dunhuang city (Gansu province), this site contains hundreds intricately painted cave walls filled with sculptures & murals illustrating scenes from daily life through various dynasties since Buddhism arrived here during Han Dynasty time (206 BCE – CE) until Song Dynasty time when most artwork was completed around late tenth century AD before being sealed off until rediscovery later on during Qing era when Silk Route declined significantly after Mongol conquests pushed merchants away permanently leaving them intact today awaiting visitors seeking spiritual enlightenment amidst rich cultural heritage preserved beautifully here within these desert oasis sites!
