Our journey through China's historical treasures begins with two of the most famous and impressive monuments that represent the power and splendor of China's ancient dynasties.

The Forbidden City in Beijing is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable sites in China. This massive palace complex, built in the 15th century, was the seat of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for nearly 500 years. The Forbidden City impresses with its monumental architecture, beautiful gardens and rich art collections. Visitors can admire the majestic throne rooms, private imperial chambers and numerous pavilions, each filled with priceless treasures. It's worth noting that the Forbidden City is very popular with tourists, so it's recommended to book tickets in advance and plan your visit early in the day to avoid crowds.

Another must-see on the map of China's historical sites is the Terracotta Army in Xi'an. This remarkable archaeological find, discovered by accident in 1974, consists of thousands of life-size figures of soldiers and horses made of terracotta. This army was meant to protect China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. The Terracotta Army impresses not only with the number of figures, but especially with their variety - each soldier has unique facial expressions and armament details. The complex consists of three main excavation halls, where you can admire the figures in various stages of discovery and reconstruction.

When comparing the two sites, it's worth noting that the Forbidden City offers a more comprehensive experience of Chinese court culture, with the opportunity to tour many of the buildings and gardens. The Terracotta Army, on the other hand, focuses on a single but extremely impressive aspect of Chinese history. Both sites are very popular with tourists, but the Forbidden City, due to its central location in Beijing, can be more crowded. The Terracotta Army, while also popular, offers a slightly quieter sightseeing experience.

In terms of accessibility, the Forbidden City is more easily accessible to tourists, being in the heart of Beijing. The Terracotta Army requires a trip outside of downtown Xi'an, but is well connected by public transportation. Both sites offer audioguides in multiple languages, making it much easier to understand their rich history and cultural significance.

Regardless of which of these sites you choose as the first point of your trip, one thing is certain - both the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Army will provide an unforgettable experience and allow you to touch on China's fascinating history.

Continuing our journey through China's historical sites, we can't leave out one of the country's most famous symbols - the Great Wall of China. This monumental work of engineering, stretching for thousands of kilometers, is not only an impressive monument, but also a testament to the determination and skill of the ancient Chinese. The most popular sections of the wall, such as Mutianyu and Badaling, offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. However, it is worth remembering that visiting the wall can be physically demanding, especially on hot days, so be sure to prepare accordingly.

Moving south, discover the charming Ancient Town of Fengjing, located near Shanghai. This picturesque water town, with its distinctive canals and stone bridges, offers a quieter and more authentic experience of traditional Chinese architecture and lifestyle. Fengjing is famous for its beautiful gardens, traditional houses and local culinary specialties, making it an ideal destination for a day trip from Shanghai.

Another fascinating destination is Guangpingfu Ancient City in Hebei Province. This ancient city, surrounded by impressive walls dating back to the Ming Dynasty, offers a unique glimpse into China's military history and defense architecture. Although less well-known than other historical sites, Guangpingfu impresses with its authenticity and lack of tourist crowds, allowing for a more intimate experience of Chinese history.

For those interested in China's oldest history, the Yinxu Royal Tomb Historic Site is a must-see. A remnant of the capital of the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC), this site offers a fascinating insight into the life and burial customs of the ancient Chinese. Archaeological excavations here have uncovered remarkable artifacts, including the famous augury bones with inscriptions that are the oldest known examples of Chinese writing.

Moving to the Tibetan region, we can't miss the majestic Potala Palace in Lhasa. This impressive structure, built at an altitude of more than 3,700 meters above sea level, was for centuries the seat of the Dalai Lamas and the center of Tibetan Buddhism. The Potala Palace impresses not only with its architecture, but also with its rich collections of sacred art and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

When comparing these sites, it is worth noting that each offers a unique experience of different aspects of Chinese history and culture. The Great Wall of China and Potala Palace are monumental sights that require good physical fitness to explore, but reward you with unforgettable views. Fengjing Ancient Town and Guangpingfu Ancient City, on the other hand, offer a more intimate and relaxing experience, ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities. Yinxu Royal Tomb Historic Site is a paradise for lovers of archaeology and China's oldest history.

In terms of accessibility, the Great Wall of China and Ancient Town Fengjing are relatively easy to reach from major cities (Beijing and Shanghai, respectively). Guangpingfu and Yinxu require more planning and may be more difficult to visit for individual tourists. Potala Palace, due to its location in Tibet, requires special permits and organization, but offers an unforgettable experience of Tibetan culture.

Regardless of the sites chosen, each offers a unique glimpse into China's rich history and culture, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of this ancient country.

Our journey through China's historical treasures would not be complete without visiting some of the lesser-known but equally fascinating sites that capture the spirit and cultural diversity of this vast country.

Let's start with Furongzhen, a picturesque town in Hunan Province, also known as the 'City of Waterfalls.' This charming place, perched on a high cliff, impresses not only with its unusual location, but also with its well-preserved traditional architecture. The main attraction here is the impressive Furong Waterfall, which falls from a height of 60 meters directly into the Mengdong River. Furongzhen offers an unforgettable aesthetic experience, combining the beauty of nature with historic architecture. It's the perfect place for those looking for tranquility and an authentic experience of the Chinese countryside.

Our next destination is the Grottoes of the Ten Thousand Buddhas, also known as the Longmen Caves, located near the city of Luoyang in Henan Province. This remarkable complex of rock temples, created in the 5th century, contains more than 100,000 Buddha statues carved into the rock. The Longmen Grottoes are not only a testament to the development of Buddhism in China, but also a treasure trove of ancient arts and crafts. Prominent among the countless carvings is the 17-meter statue of Wairocana Buddha, considered one of the world's greatest works of Buddhist art. A visit to the grottoes offers a fascinating journey through the history of Buddhism and Chinese art, and the scenic location on the Yi River adds to the site's charm.

Last but not least on our trip is the Ancient City Wall in Xi'an. These impressive fortifications, surrounding the old city of Xi'an, are among the best-preserved city walls in China. Built in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty, the walls are 14 kilometers long and are equipped with watchtowers and gates. A walk or bike ride along the walls offers unforgettable views of the city and allows you to feel the atmosphere of ancient China. It's the perfect place to end our trip, combining elements of China's military and urban history.

When comparing the three places, it's worth noting their diversity and unique character. Furongzhen offers the most natural and scenic experience, perfect for nature lovers and peaceful, authentic places. The Grottoes of the Ten Thousand Buddhas is a paradise for lovers of art and religious history, offering an extraordinary wealth of carvings and inscriptions. The Ancient City Wall in Xi'an, on the other hand, is an excellent example of Chinese defensive architecture, offering a broader historical and cultural context.

In terms of accessibility, the Ancient City Wall in Xi'an is the most easily accessible, being a major attraction in a major city. The Longmen Grottoes, while requiring a trip outside of Luoyang city, are well connected and accommodating to tourists. Furongzhen, due to its location in Hunan Province, may be more difficult to reach, but offers the most authentic and least commercialized experience.

Admission prices vary considerably. As of May 01, 2023, admission to Furongzhen costs about CNY 100, to the Longmen Grottoes about CNY 120, and to the city walls in Xi'an about CNY 60. However, it is worth checking the current prices before visiting, as they are subject to change.

All in all, each of these sites offers a unique look at different aspects of Chinese history and culture. From the scenic beauty of Furongzhen to the mystical Grottoes of the Ten Thousand Buddhas to the majestic walls of Xi'an, these sites allow you to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of ancient China and experience its cultural diversity. Whichever you choose, each will provide an unforgettable experience and a deeper understanding of the Middle Kingdom's rich heritage.