China
Historic Sites & Landmarks in China
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Temple of Heaven
Beijing, China
1420
Completed in 1420, this magnificent temple was considered the meeting point of Earth and Heaven. For 500 years it hosted the emperors' sacrifices and prayers for a good harvest at the winter solstice.
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Great Wall of China
China
Stretching across over 5,000 miles (8,850 km) of scenic landscape, the Great Wall of China is one of the most impressive and famous landmarks in the world.
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Yungang Grottoes
China
Located near Datong in the Shanxi province, the Yungang Grottoes are one of the three most famous rock-cut temples in China. Their rich carvings and paintings date primarily from the 5th and 6th centuries.
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National Grand Theatre
Beijing, China
Nicknamed "The Bird's Egg," this opera house in Beijing is a distinctive work of modern architecture. Designed by Paul Andreu, it is an ellipsoid dome of titanium and glass surrounded by an artificial lake.
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Wangfujing Church
Beijing, China
1904
Originally founded in 1653, Wangfujing (a.k.a. St. Joseph's) Church was rebuilt in 1904 in the Romanesque style.
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Samye Monastery
China
Founded in the 8th century, Samye Monastery was the first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet. It is designed like a mandala, with the central temple symbolizing Mount Meru, center of the universe.
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Niu Jie Mosque
Beijing, China
There are around 200,000 Muslims in Beijing. The Niu Jie mosque in the Muslim Quarter of the city is a colorful building in Chinese style, with text in Chinese and Arabic.
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Tirthapuri Hot Springs
China
Located north of Mount Kailash, Tirthapuri is an important pilgrimage site. After bathing in the hot springs, pilgrims visit a monastery that enshrines the footprints of Guru Rinpoche.
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White Cloud Temple
Beijing, China
Once the most influential Taoist center in China, this recently renovated temple is now the home of 30 monks and the China Taoism Association.
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Lama Temple
Beijing, China
This temple is fairly touristy but is still worth a visit for its colorful 17th-century architecture. It is an active Tibetan Buddhist center, but one that is officially sponsored by the Chinese government.