7 Things China Is Famous For

From its food to its stunning natural landscape and rich, ancient history, there’s lots to love about China. Not only is China home to some of the world’s most beloved architectural wonders, it also boasts one of the most interesting and ancient cultures in the world. For a country so varied, it can be challenging to pin down what it’s most known for. From mouthwatering foods to millennia-old art forms, here are a few things China is famous for.

Here is a List of The 7 Things China Is Famous For

1. The Great Wall of China

Easily one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, The Great Wall is certainly a national symbol of China and a big source of pride. Home to a history spanning more than two thousand years, countless legends and mysterious relics, it’s certainly earned its fame. Curious about more tidbits to do with The Great Wall? Head here.

2. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Set in the heart of China’s Hunan province, the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of the nation’s most stunning natural wonders. The rock hew forest is known for its otherworldly scenery that includes sky-high stone spires surrounded by lush jungle. The landscape is so unique in fact, that James Cameron drew inspiration from it to create the film Avatar.

3. Ancient Sites

From Beijing’s Forbidden City and Imperial Palace to the Northern Imperial Tomb in Shenyang, China is full of ancient sites that will leave you breathless. It’s long and dominating history has lent it a whole host of incredible historical sites, many of which are UNESCO designated. Even more fascinating, some are still being discovered! After all, the world-famous Terracotta Army was discovered by chance in 1970. What else lies in China’s ancient countryside?

4. Martial Arts

Legend has it that Chinese martial arts or Wushu, were invented more than 4,000 years ago by the Yellow Emperor. In the millennia since, it’s become an integral part of Chinese culture and a symbol os discipline and strength. The most famous fighting style is kung fu which was once a fighting style exclusive to monks to protect themselves from invaders.

5. Chinese Cuisine

Chinese food is no doubt one of the most loved in the world – after all, who doesn’t love noodles? While the common staples of dim sum, fried rice and kung pao chicken are delicious; the diversity of Chinese food goes way beyond that. Each region has its own large variety of staples and methods for cooking making for a unique patchwork of different cuisines falling under the umbrella of Chinese food.

6. Silk

Once a national secret kept from the Europeans who couldn’t decipher how to make such precious fabric, silk is an integral part of Chinese history and culture. After all, it’s what brought about the epic trek from East to West to transport the prized fabric. Silk not only connected China with Europe, it also laid the groundwork for the most important trade route in history – The Silk Road.

7. Shanghai

The Chinese version of New York City, otherwise known as Shanghai, is one of China’s most iconic cities. This ultra-modern city boasts some of the world’s tallest buildings such as the Shanghai Tower and one of the world’s fastest transit systems. It’s not all twinkling lights and skyscrapers, either. Shanghai has a rich ancient history to go with it. Much of the Old City is still intact, meaning you can find centuries-old tea shops, ancient Buddhist temples and charming gardens in the heart of this bustling modern city.