Section 1 — If Qin Shi Huang “Unified China,” When Did China Begin? For many first-time international travelers, the historical journey through China begins in: Xi’an (西安, Xī’ān). And very often, it begins with: Terracotta Warriors (兵马俑, Bīngmǎyǒng). Thousands of life-sized...
Section 1 — Fifteen Years?! Then Why Is Qin Shi Huang Such a Giant in Chinese History? You’re standing in front of: Terracotta Warriors (兵马俑, Bīngmǎyǒng) outside: Xi’an (西安, Xī’ān). Thousands of soldiers. Horses. Chariots. One of the greatest archaeological discoveries...
Section 1 — “Qin Shi Huang Unified China.” But What Was China Before 221 BCE? For many first-time international travelers to: Xi’an (西安, Xī’ān) there is one excursion that is almost compulsory: Terracotta Warriors (兵马俑, Bīngmǎyǒng). Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers....
Section 1 — You’re at the Temple of Heaven. Why Is the Emperor Talking to Heaven? For many first-time travelers to: Beijing (北京, Běijīng) the: Temple of Heaven (天坛, Tiāntán) is another must-see. You recognize it immediately. Blue roof. Circular building....
Section 1 — Gate. Courtyard. Hall. Another Gate. Is This Really Necessary? For almost every first-time traveler to: Beijing (北京, Běijīng) the: Forbidden City (故宫, Gùgōng) is a must. You enter through: Meridian Gate (午门, Wǔmén). Then: courtyard. ↓ gate. ↓...
Section 1 — You’re Standing in the Forbidden City. But Who Actually Ran China? For most first-time travelers to: Beijing (北京, Běijīng) the: Forbidden City (故宫, Gùgōng) is almost compulsory. You walk through enormous: gates (门, mén), courtyards (院, yuàn),...
Section 1 — The Great Wall Looks Like a Barrier. Chinese History Was Much More Porous. You’re standing on the: Great Wall (长城, Chángchéng) outside: Beijing (北京, Běijīng). Mountains stretch into the distance. Watchtowers sit along the ridges. A huge stone...
Section 1 — You’re Standing on the Great Wall. But Whose Wall Is It? For many first-time international travelers, there are certain places in China that almost feel compulsory. The Forbidden City (故宫, Gùgōng). The Terracotta Warriors (兵马俑, Bīngmǎyǒng). And: the...
Section 1 — Before Beijing Was Beijing: Who Lived Here Hundreds of Thousands of Years Ago? Most international travelers come to Beijing (北京, Běijīng) for the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven and perhaps the hutongs. But about...
Section 1 — Five Peaks, One Bodhisattva, and a Sacred Mountain With an International Story Elaine and I traveled to Mount Wutai (五台山, Wǔtái Shān) in Shanxi expecting one of China’s great Buddhist mountain destinations. What I hadn’t fully appreciated was...
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