Summer Palace in Beijing City sits along the north side of Kunming Lake. The palace was built between the 19th century and 20th century then rebuilt after 1860. Its purpose was to provide a getaway for Qing Dynasty Emperors. People of the dynasty thought that garden rock was valuable and almost bankrupted the country by gathering rocks in all sizes.
Suzhou Gardens honored the 2,500 anniversary of Suzhou City during its construction sometime before 221 BC in the Zhou Dynasty. A location near rivers and mountains was important in its creation, as were the crafts people of the town. Zhouzheng Garden houses a museum that includes the history of the gardens, current information and how to build a garden yourself at home.
Confucius Temple, Cemetery and Family Mansion in Qufu celebrate the legacy of philosopher Confucius. Several Confucius Temples are throughout China but citizens consider this particular temple, which was constructed in 478 BC, one of the most prominent. Next to the temple is the Confucius Family Mansion, which was housing for descendants of the philosopher and Confucius Cemetery that was used for more than 2,000 years.
Forbidden City in Beijing was home to emperors and the government for at least 500 years from its creation in 1407. It fell out of favor at the end of the Ming Dynasty but repairs came during the Qing Dynasty. The present-day layout follows the plan of Qianlong's 18th-century renovation. In 1924, the entire Forbidden City became a national museum with guests able to tour the largest collection of wooden buildings in the world.
The Great Wild Goose Pagoda, near Xi'an City, is part of the Ci'en Temple that symbolizes mercy and favor. Builders finished the pagoda during the Sui Dynasty between 581 BC and 618 BC. Since the Tang Dynasty, a temple fair as well as a meeting of intellectuals takes place each year on January 14th, 15th and 16th. The intellectuals go through examinations and, if chosen, place their own signature called Superscription of the Wild Goose Tower.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum is the final resting place for the first president of China. The mausoleum sits on Zhongshan Mountain in the eastern suburb of Nanjing. Dr. Sun Yat-sen chose the site. He died before its completion and his body was buried elsewhere in Beijing until construction could be completed in 1929. Blue and white tiles carry the colors of the Kuomintang flag with the full text of "The Guidelines of Establishing a Nation" on the walls.
