China

In the heart of Sichuan Province, nestled at the confluence of the Min, Dadu and Qingyi Rivers, the Leshan Giant Buddha looms as one of China’s most awe inspiring historical landmarks. Towering at 71 metres high, this colossal statue is the largest stone Buddha in the world and remains a profound testament to ancient Chinese ingenuity and spiritual devotion.

Often hailed as the “Gateway to Heaven,” Tianmen Mountain stands as one of China’s most breathtaking natural marvels. Perched above the city of Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province, this majestic peak rises to 4,980 feet above sea level. From its lofty heights, visitors are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of rolling valleys, jagged cliffs and pristine forests that have remained untouched for centuries.

Located at the western foot of Yaoshan Mountain, the Jingjiang King Tombs Complex spans over 100 square km's and serves as the final resting place of the Ming Dynasty royal family, who ruled China from 1368 to 1644. This vast and historically rich burial site offers a glimpse into the grandeur and legacy of one of China’s most powerful dynasties, with its sprawling layout and deep cultural significance reflecting the status and influence of the royals interred here.

The enormous Imperial Palace complex, commissioned by the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty in 1406AD, is the world largest palace and contains the most extensive amount of preserved wooden structures on the planet. Located in the heart of Peking, one of the great ancient capitals of China, the Forbidden City was built to legitimise Yongle's supreme authority (after he usurped the throne) and to assert the power and grandeur of the new capital Beijing, as a stronghold to thr

Stretching over 21,000 kilometres across rugged mountains, arid deserts and sweeping valleys, the Great Wall of China stands as one of the most iconic and enduring structures in human history. Built, rebuilt and expanded over many centuries by a succession of Chinese dynasties, this colossal fortification was designed to safeguard the Chinese empire from invading forces, particularly the nomadic tribes from the northern steppes, including the Mongols.

The Shaolin Monastery was founded in 495AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty by Emperor Xiaowen to accommodate an Indian monk named Batuo. But it wasn’t until a second Indian monk, Bodhidharma arrived around 527AD that the legends really began. Bodhidharma, considered the father of Zen Buddhism, is said to have meditated in a cave near the temple for nine years, facing a wall until he achieved enlightenment.

The Reed Flute Cave, or Ludi Yan as it is known locally, has a fascinating history that stretches back over 1200 years, beginning during the Tang Dynasty. This 180 million year old karst cave complex, located in Guilin, has long been a symbol of natural beauty and historical significance. Its geological formations are a breathtaking testament to the slow, steady power of time, yet its human history is just as remarkable.

Set in the heart of Jiangsu Province, Suzhou is often called the “Venice of the East”, a poetic nickname but one that barely scratches the surface. Suzhou is more than romantic, it’s resilient. Its story spans dynastic splendour, foreign intrusion, civil war and a remarkable cultural revival. Founded over 2500 years ago during the historical Spring and Autumn Period, the city was once known as Wu.

Located in the heart of Beijing, Tiananmen Square was originally constructed in 1651 under directive from the Ming Dynasty, as a grand gateway and community plaza leading to the Forbidden City. It underwent significant expansion through the establishment of the People's First Republic of China during the tumultuous 1950's.

The elegant twin structures, known as the Sun and Moon Pagodas, were built to enrich the cultural and visual charm of Guilin’s renowned Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area. Set upon the calm waters of Shan Lake, these pagodas create a mesmerising scene, their mirrored reflections dancing on the lake’s surface. They stand as symbols of harmony and offer a stunning example of traditional Chinese design in perfect balance with the surrounding landscape.

The Red Cliff Carvings, also referred to as the Red Cliff Grottoes, are indeed ancient but their exact age is not definitively documented. Based on the creation of the nearby Leshan Buddha, these carvings likely date between 618AD and 960AD. They are located on the northern cliffs of the Emei Mountain Range, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the heart of Zhengzhou, the capital of China’s Henan Province, stands a structure that quietly guards the soul of a civilization, the Henan Museum. With its soaring, bronze-coloured dome echoing the shape of an ancient Chinese cauldron, the museum is not just a building, it’s a portal to one of the oldest and most culturally rich regions in China. Here, the spirit of one of the world’s oldest civilizations lingers in every artifact, whispering stories from millennia ago.

Hidden beneath the dramatic limestone cliffs of Guilin’s Seven Stars Park lies a sprawling karst cave system, veiled in myth and mystery. Named after the seven towering peaks that crown the landscape, said to mirror the celestial pattern of the Big Dipper, this subterranean realm has captivated explorers and spiritual seekers for a millennia.

Founded more than 1700 years ago during the Han Dynasty, Huanglongxi began as a vital Silk Road trade settlement nestled on the banks of the winding Huanglong River in Chengdu. Legend says the town earned its name from a fierce yellow dragon that once guarded the serpentine stream weaving through its cobbled alleyways, a guardian spirit as mysterious and enduring as the town itself.

Situated at the foothills of Mount Emei, the Baoguo Temple serves as a gateway to one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and stands as testament to the rich history and spiritual heritage of the region. Originally founded around 100AD, the current temple complex underwent extensive restoration during the Ming Dynasty in the 16th century, under the watchful eye of Emperor Kanxi.

Tao-o Fishing Village, nestled on the eastern coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong, offers a serene escape from the city’s buzz and a rare window into the region’s maritime heritage. This traditional fishing hamlet, with a history stretching back over 200 years, is believed to have been established during the Qing Dynasty, when fishermen of Hakka and Tanka descent settled in the area to exploit its abundant marine resources.