Northern China

Northern China is a land of contrasts, where majestic monuments of ancient dynasties stand alongside endless steppes and deserts. This region, encompassing the capital Beijing, industrial Shenyang, and mysterious Inner Mongolia, offers travelers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural wonders.

Great Cities of the North

Beijing – The Heart of Chinese Civilization. The capital of China has maintained its status as the cultural and political center for centuries:   
- Forbidden City (1420) – The world`s largest palace complex with 980 buildings, residence of 24 emperors   
- Great Wall of China (Badaling section) – The best-preserved part, located 70 km from the city   
- Temple of Heaven – A Ming dynasty architectural masterpiece where emperors prayed for good harvests   
- Summer Palace – A vast park complex with Kunming Lake

Shenyang – Cradle of the Manchu Dynasty. The former capital of the Qing Empire (1644-1912):   
- Imperial Palace (1625) – A smaller version of Beijing`s Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site   
- Northern Qing Tombs – Majestic burial complexes   
- Waihuanlu Market – The center of northern cuisine, famous for its dumplings

Tianjin – European China. A port city with unique colonial architecture:   
- Italian Style Quarter – Mediterranean-style houses   
- Great Mercy Temple – A rare Buddhist complex in the heart of the metropolis   
- Jinwan Museum – A collection of Qing dynasty porcelain

Xi`an – Ancient Capital of China. The former center of Chinese civilization and the terminus of the Silk Road:   
- Terracotta Army – 8,000 clay warriors guarding the tomb of Qin Shi Huang (the emperor`s mound remains unexcavated)   
- City Wall (14th century) – The best-preserved ancient fortification in China (14 km long)   
- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (652) – A masterpiece of Buddhist architecture   
- Muslim Quarter – The heart of Hui culture, famous for its delicacies

Harbin – The Northern Capital of Heilongjiang Province. A city with unique European heritage:   
- Ice and Snow Festival (January-February) – Giant ice and snow sculptures   
- St. Sophia Cathedral – A former Orthodox church in Byzantine style   
- Central Pedestrian Street – A street lined with Russian-style architecture   
- Sun Island – A summer resort on the Songhua River

Natural Attractions of Northern China

Gobi Desert (Inner Mongolia)   
- Xiangshawan Sand Dunes – Camel rides and overnight stays in yurts   
- Dalai Nor Lake – A nesting site for 300 bird species   
- Arshan Hot Springs – Healing waters amid the steppes

Changbai Mountains (Jilin). A dormant volcano on the border with North Korea:   
- Heaven Lake – A crater lake at 2,189 m altitude   
- Changbai Waterfall – A 70-meter cascade   
- Taiga Forests – Habitat of the Amur tiger

Ordos Plateau (Shaanxi)   
- Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River – "The Dragon`s Teapot" with raging currents   
- Xiaqiao Singing Sand Dunes – A phenomenon of moving dunes   
- Shapotou Oasis – A unique desert greening system

Historical Landmarks

Mogao Caves (Dunhuang). The "Sistine Chapel of the East" on the Silk Road:   
- 735 caves with Buddhist frescoes (4th-14th centuries)   
- 45-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha   
- A library with 50,000 ancient manuscripts

Datong (Shanxi)   
- Yungang Grottoes – 252 caves with 51,000 Buddhist statues   
- Hanging Monastery (Xuankong Temple) – Built on a cliff 1,400 years ago

Northern China reveals a completely different Middle Kingdom – rugged, majestic, and full of historical mysteries. The best time to visit is September-October (mild autumn). Must-try dishes: Peking duck, hot pot lamb (huoguo), and knife-cut noodles (daoxiao).