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The Potala Palace
Location: Lhasa, Tibet.
Why visit?
A great 17th century building and the official residence of the Dalai Lama-Buddhism's highest-ranking priest. Generally recognized as the symbol of Tibet.
Opening hours: Monday -Friday 9am-12.30pm.
Cost: RMB45
The Hanging Monastery in Shanxi Province
Location: The Hanging Monastery (Xuankong si) is located near Hunyuan, 75km southeast of Datong in the northern province of Shanxi province.
Why visit?
The Hanging Monastery is a stunning architectural feat built on a near-vertical cliff face. The original temple was built in the Northern Wei Dynasty in the 7th century. The temple was constantly renovated in the later Tang, Jin, Ming and Qing Dynasties. The monastery is also an important religious site reflecting the combined influence of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.
How to get there?
From either the new long-distance bus station or the old one, take a bus that goes to Hunyuan 75km southeast of Datong. The two-hour bus ride should cost no more than RMB10. From Hunyuan, there are numerous tourist minibuses taking you on. The last bus back to town leaves at around 4pm. A return taxi trip between Hunyuan and the monastery should cost about RMB30.
Tips: You can also visit the nearby Yungang Grottoes and one of the four famous Taoist Mountains - Hengshan.
Opening hours: 09:00-17:00.
Cost: RMB15 for entry into the Hengshan Mountain Scenic Area. RMB20 for the Monastery.
Tulou in Fujian Province
Location: Local villages in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province.
Why visit?
Literally translated as "Earth Buildings”, Tulou is like a fortress, with distinctively circular or rectangular forms, and high earthen walls. Clans living inside utilize every square inch of space for their domestic use, so that they do not have to leave the buildings. Generally considered a wonder of ancient architecture.
How to get there?
Take a bus from Xiamen to Zhangzhou, and then take minibus to nearby villages.
Guozhuang Park:
Location: West Lake in Huangzhou.
Why visit?
A late-Qing dynasty private garden. The best-preserved private garden in Huangzhou as well as one of the most refined Suzhou Gardens.
Opening hours: Daily 9am-5pm.
Hongcun Village
Location: Yixian County, Anhui Province.
Why visit?
World Heritage Site, A well-preserved village built by the Anhui merchants in the Qing Dynasty.
The two traditional villages of Xidi and Hongcun preserve to a remarkable extent the appearance of non-urban settlements of a type that largely disappeared or was transformed during the last century. Their street plan, their architecture and decoration, and the integration of houses with comprehensive water systems are unique surviving examples.
How to get there?
Take a bus from Huangshan City to Yixian County.
Notes: Foreign tourists should apply for a special permit, which is RMB 50 per person.
Admission Fee: 55 for Hongcun Village.
(CRIENGLISH.com December 22, 2004)
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