The Potala Palace is a historic palace located in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Tibet and is considered a symbol of Tibetan culture and history. The palace was originally built in the 7th century, but the current structure was constructed in the 17th century by the Fifth Dalai Lama. It served as the chief residence of the Dalai Lama for several centuries, and was the center of political and religious power in Tibet until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India during the 1959 Tibetan uprising. The Potala Palace is a massive structure that rises over 13 stories tall and covers an area of over 130,000 square meters. It is built on top of a hill, and its imposing white walls and red roofs can be seen from miles away. The palace is a complex of buildings and courtyards, and its many rooms and halls are filled with intricate murals, sculptures, and other works of art. One of the most notable features of the Potala Palace is its Great West Hall, which houses the throne of the Dalai Lama and is considered the most important room in the palace. Other notable rooms include the Red Palace, which contains the private quarters of the Dalai Lama and is known for its beautiful murals and sculptures, and the White Palace, which was used for administrative purposes. Today, the Potala Palace is a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. Despite the political and cultural changes that have taken place in Tibet over the past several decades, the Potala Palace remains a symbol of Tibetan heritage and a testament to the rich history and culture of the Tibetan people.
The Terra Cotta Army, also known as the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. Discovered near the city of Xi'an in Shaanxi province, China in 1974, the Terra Cotta Army is considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The Terra Cotta Army is estimated to consist of over 8,000 individual sculptures, including warriors, horses, chariots, and other figures. The sculptures are unique and highly detailed, and they are considered masterpieces of ancient Chinese art and craftsmanship. Each sculpture in the Terra Cotta Army is different, reflecting the individuality of the soldiers they depict. The warriors are depicted in various poses and dressed in different armor and clothing, and they are armed with weapons such as spears, swords, and crossbows. The horses are also depicted in lifelike poses, and they are accompanied by chariots that are decorated with intricate designs. The Terra Cotta Army is housed in the Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Museum, which is easily accessible from Xi'an. The museum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China, attracting millions of visitors every year. In conclusion, the Terra Cotta Army is a remarkable collection of sculptures that provides valuable insights into the history and culture of ancient China. The creativity and craftsmanship of the Chinese people are on full display in this magnificent collection of sculptures, and the Terra Cotta Army continues to captivate visitors from all over the world.
The history of the Hakka language can be traced back to northern China, where the Hakka people are believed to have originated. The Hakka are a Han Chinese ethnic group who have lived in many different parts of China over the centuries, and their language has evolved and developed through their interactions with other cultures and languages. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the Hakka people began to migrate from northern to southern China, and they brought their language with them. Over the centuries, the Hakka language continued to evolve and develop, influenced by the local languages and cultures of the areas where the Hakka people lived. In the 19th century, many Hakka people emigrated from China to Southeast Asia and other parts of the world, and their language was carried with them to these new lands. Today, the Hakka language is spoken by millions of people around the world, and it is considered an important part of Chinese heritage. Despite its rich history and cultural significance, the Hakka language has faced challenges in recent decades, as the number of speakers has declined and the language has been threatened by the spread of Mandarin, the official language of China. However, there are efforts underway to preserve and promote the Hakka language and culture, including the development of language education programs and the creation of Hakka cultural organizations. In conclusion, the Hakka language has a rich and fascinating history that reflects the cultural and linguistic interactions of the Hakka people over the centuries. It continues to be an important part of Chinese heritage and is celebrated by millions of people around the world.
Longmen Grottoes, located near Luoyang in Henan Province, is one of the most famous ancient Buddhist sculptural sites in China. The site was first constructed in 493 AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty and continued to be expanded and improved during the Tang and Song Dynasties. The grottoes contain over 100,000 statues, with the largest measuring over 17 meters in height. In addition to the sculptures, the grottoes are also adorned with inscriptions and carvings that provide valuable insights into Chinese art, religion, and history. Climate change could have a significant impact on the preservation of Longmen Grottoes. The site is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall, flooding, and high temperatures, all of which are projected to increase in frequency and intensity with climate change. These events could lead to erosion, deterioration of the sculptures, and damage to the grottoes' rock walls. In addition, changes in humidity and temperature could create conditions that promote the growth of moss and other vegetation, which could further damage the sculptures and inscriptions. To protect this important cultural heritage site, it is crucial to monitor and understand the impacts of climate change and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.
Dazu Rock Carvings, located in Dazu District, Chongqing, is a series of Chinese religious sculptures and carvings, dating back as early as the 7th century AD, featuring Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist beliefs. These carvings are known for their high artistic value, technical skill, and historical significance, and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climate change could have an indirect impact on the Dazu Rock Carvings by altering local weather patterns, which could affect the physical and chemical processes that cause weathering and erosion of the sculptures. Increased temperature and humidity could accelerate the growth of algae, moss, and lichen on the rocks, which can cause chemical changes and physical disintegration of the rock surface. Extreme weather events, such as heavy rain and flooding, could also cause physical damage and erosion to the sculptures. In addition, changes in temperature and precipitation patterns could affect the local ecosystem and biodiversity, which could indirectly impact the cultural significance of the site. Therefore, it is important to monitor and understand how climate change may affect the physical and ecological conditions of the Dazu Rock Carvings site, in order to help mitigate potential impacts and ensure the preservation of this valuable cultural heritage.
The Dai Water Splashing Festival by Xinhua Net
The Dai Water Splashing Festival, also known as the Dai New Year, is a traditional festival celebrated by the Dai ethnic group in China, mainly in Yunnan province. It usually takes place in mid-April and lasts for three days. During the festival, people wear traditional clothes, carry flowers, and pour water on each other to wash away bad luck and bring good fortune for the coming year. Water is also poured on Buddha statues and senior members of the community as a sign of respect. The festival also includes traditional dance performances, dragon boat racing, and other cultural activities. The Dai Water Splashing Festival is not only a celebration of the New Year, but also a symbol of unity, friendship, and respect for nature.
Baiheliang Underwater Museum by China Daily
Baiheliang is a submerged rock outcrop in Chongqing, China that was once used as an ancient device to measure water levels of the Yangtze River. It contains 163 inscriptions and pictures, including 114 hydrological annotations that provide detailed records of water levels over 1,200 years, making it the longest such sequence in the world. The fish carvings on the rock serve as markers of the river's lowest water levels. Despite being submerged to a depth of over 30 meters behind the Three Gorges Dam, Baiheliang remains a valuable historical and cultural site. Climate change could affect Baiheliang by changing river hydrology and potentially altering the preservation of its inscriptions and fish carvings. It is important to monitor how climate change may impact the site to preserve this cultural heritage.
The Forbidden City, also known as Zǐjìnchéng in Chinese, is a grand palace complex located in the Dongcheng District of Beijing, China. It stands at the heart of the Imperial City of Beijing and is surrounded by several lavish imperial gardens and temples, including Zhongshan Park, Beihai Park, and Jingshan Park. These landmarks cover an area of 22 hectares, 69 hectares, and 23 hectares respectively. The Palace Museum is responsible for its administration. In recent years, the climate in the Forbidden City area has shown a trend of rising temperatures, decreasing rainfall, and increasing drought. The vegetation, soil, and water sources in the area have been affected to some extent due to the impact of climate change, and some cultural heritage sites and architectural structures have been threatened as well.
Notre-Dame de Paris, also known as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, France. The cathedral has stood for nearly 900 years, surviving wars, revolutions, and natural disasters. However, with the current threat of climate change, Notre-Dame de Paris is facing new challenges. The cathedral may be at risk of flooding due to the rising waters of the Seine River, and extreme weather events such as heatwaves and storms could also cause damage to the delicate stonework and wooden structures. In order to protect this cultural treasure for future generations, it is crucial to take action against climate change and to implement measures to adapt to its impacts. Notre-Dame de Paris serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our historical and cultural heritage, and the need to safeguard it from the effects of a changing climate.
Underwater Cultural Heritage,Intangible Heritage
Hakka is a Chinese language spoken by the Hakka people, a Han Chinese ethnic group who primarily reside in southeastern China. Hakka is one of the seven major Chinese dialects and is known for its distinctive tonal system, vocabulary, and grammar. Hakka has a rich history and has been influenced by various cultures and languages over the centuries. It is believed to have originated from northern China and was brought to southern China by the Hakka people during several migration waves in ancient times. Despite being a minority language, Hakka has a vibrant culture and has made significant contributions to Chinese literature, music, and cuisine. Many famous Chinese poets, such as Li Qingzhao, have written in the Hakka language, and traditional Hakka music is considered an important part of Chinese folk music. Hakka is still widely spoken today, especially in Taiwan, where it is one of the official languages. In mainland China, Hakka is also an officially recognized language, and there are efforts underway to preserve and promote the language and culture. In conclusion, Hakka is a rich and fascinating language with a long history and a vibrant culture. It is an important part of Chinese heritage and continues to be spoken and celebrated by millions of people around the world.
The Potala Palace, an awe-inspiring architectural marvel, is situated on the Red Hill in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. With its majestic white and red facades, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dominates the skyline, emanating a sense of grandeur and spiritual significance. Built in the 7th century under the reign of King Songtsen Gampo, the palace was expanded during the 17th century by the Fifth Dalai Lama, transforming it into the winter residence for successive Dalai Lamas. Spanning over 13 hectares, the palace comprises two main sections, the White Palace (Potrang Karpo) and the Red Palace (Potrang Marpo), which are connected by a central courtyard. The White Palace houses the living quarters, offices, and ceremonial halls for the Dalai Lamas, while the Red Palace is dedicated to religious functions, comprising of sacred shrines, chapels, and tombs of the previous Dalai Lamas. A remarkable feature of Potala Palace is its harmonious blend of traditional Tibetan architecture and design, combined with influences from Chinese and Indian styles. The complex stands 13 stories high with more than 1,000 rooms, adorned with intricate murals, exquisite carvings, and priceless artifacts, reflecting the rich Tibetan culture and history. The palace, once the center of Tibetan government and Buddhism, is now a renowned museum and an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world. Visitors are left in awe by its magnificence, the sacred ambiance, and the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Lhasa city from its lofty perch.
Culture,Movable Cultural Heritage,Tourism
The Sanxingdui ancient site is located on the south bank of the Yuzi River in the northwest of Guanghan City, Sichuan Province, with a distribution area of 12 square kilometres and a history of 3,000 to 5,000 years ago. It is the largest ancient city, state and cultural site with the longest continuation and richest cultural connotation found in the southwest region to date. The best-preserved eastern, western and southern city walls and the inner city walls of Moon Bay are now in place. The Sanxingdui site has been described as one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, signifying that the Yangtze River basin, like the Yellow River basin, was the motherland of Chinese civilisation, and is known as the 'source of the Yangtze civilisation'. The artefacts unearthed therein are a valuable part of mankind's cultural heritage, and are among the most historically, scientifically, culturally and artistically valuable and ornamental of any group of Chinese cultural relics. Amongst these ancient treasures are a 2.62m high bronze figure, a 1.38m wide bronze mask and a 3.95m high bronze tree, all of which are unique and unparalleled. The gold sceptre and the jade and stone objects, represented by the full-decorated border jangles, are also rare and unprecedented.
This is a photograph of a bronze figure wearing a gold masked head.
Culture,Immovable Culture Heritage,Tourism
Dujiangyan is a large water conservancy project built in ancient China and used to this day, located in Sichuan Province, 340 km upstream of the Minjiang River, west of the city of Dujiangyan. The Dujiangyan is said to have been built by Li Bing and his sons, the Sheriff of Shu County in the Qin Dynasty during the Warring States period, from about 256 to 251 years ago. It has been renovated by successive generations and has served a great purpose for over 2,000 years. There are many monuments around the Dujiangyan, including the Erwang Temple, Fulongguan, Anlan Bridge, Yubi Pass, Fengqiwo and Doushitai. The entire Dujiangyan pivot can be divided into two major systems: the head of the weir and the irrigation water network. The head of the weir includes the three main projects of the fish mouth (water diversion project), the flying sand weir (flooding and sand drainage project) and the treasure bottle mouth (water diversion project). The Dujiangyan project is mainly a water diversion and irrigation project but also has a comprehensive function of flood control and sand drainage, water transportation and urban water supply. The Chengdu Plain, which was irrigated by the Dujiangyan project, was known as the 'Land of Heaven' in China.
This is a picture of the Dujiangyan Water Conservancy Project.
Qingcheng Mountain is the main scenic spot of the World Heritage Site Qingcheng Mountain - Dujiangyan, a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, a National Key Scenic Spot, a National AAAA Grade Tourism Scenic Spot, a sacred place of the Quanzhen Longmen School, one of the Ten Great Cave Days, one of the Four Great Taoist Mountains of China, one of the Five Great Immortal Mountains and one of the Ten Scenic Spots of Chengdu. Qingcheng Mountain is located southwest of Dujiangyan City, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 68 km east of Chengdu City and 10 km southwest of the Dujiangyan Water Conservancy Project. The scenic area covers an area of 200 square kilometres, with the highest peak, Laojunge, at 1,260 metres above sea level. The mountain is divided into the front and back hills, which are surrounded by undulating peaks and lush forests. Verdant trees surround the mountain, always green in all seasons, and the peaks are like the outline of a city, hence Qingcheng Mountain. The mountain is known for its beauty and cleanliness, with thousands of steps and winding paths. Inside and outside the scenic area, the Tian Shi Cave and the Yuan Ming Palace are special features of Qingcheng Mountain.
This is a picture of a landscape with a Taoist temple on Mount Qingcheng.
The Terracotta Army, an iconic and awe-inspiring archaeological discovery, stands as a testament to the grandeur and ambition of the ancient Chinese civilization. This impressive collection of life-sized terracotta sculptures was crafted over 2,000 years ago during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of unified China, as part of his elaborate burial complex. Unearthed in 1974 by local farmers in Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, this monumental find has since captivated the world with its remarkable scale and intricate artistry. Comprising approximately 8,000 individual statues, the Terracotta Army was designed to accompany Emperor Qin Shi Huang into the afterlife, serving as his eternal protective force. The sculptures, which include infantry, archers, cavalry, and chariots, are meticulously arranged according to rank and role in the subterranean battle formations. Each figure is unique, showcasing individualized facial features, expressions, and armor that reflect the diversity and craftsmanship of the era. The statues were once adorned with vibrant colors, making them even more lifelike and compelling, although much of the original paint has faded over time. The Terracotta Army offers invaluable insights into ancient Chinese military strategy, technology, and culture. Its discovery has significantly enriched our understanding of the Qin Dynasty, making it a remarkable historical treasure. Today, the Terracotta Army is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has become a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year. It remains a symbol of China's long and storied past, and serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of one of the world's greatest civilizations.
Immovable Culture Heritage,Underwater Cultural Heritage