Gansu and its many Wonders!!
Updated: 2011-06-23 16:38
By Jodie S. (chinatraveldepot.com)
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Gansu Province is positioned between Qinghai, Tibet and Inner Mongolia it is about 4,900 feet above sea level. Being a part of northwestern China, Gansu covers all of 175,289 square mile with a population of 24 million. The capital is Lanzhou. On the west of Lanzhou and the Yellow River the well-known “Hexi Corridor,” this is an essential passage on the ancient Silk Road stretching to the west. Visiting this lovely place is only a click away while checking out China Travel; you can find it easy to go to Gansu as part of their offered China Tours.
Gansu is rich with history, cultural heritage, grottoes, ancient buildings and other cultural relics. Ethnic groups around the world congregate in Gansu, which makes it a unique tourist destination with a range of traditional costumes to gaze at. While at Gansu you can take in the grasslands, the Gobi desert, and snow-covered mountains which add beauty to this mystifying land.
Places to be while visiting this area would be Lanzhou, Labrang Lamasery, the Suspended Great Wall, and the Maijishan Grottoes.
Lanzhou – was once called Jincheng and is now the capital of Gansu Province. Through Lanzhou is where the Yellow River flows, and is also the center of transportation in northwest. The ideal environment allows for melons, honeydew melons, and peaches to grow. You can catch the view of the Yellow River from the green corridor.
Labrang Lamasery- is located in the western Xiahe County in Gansu Province. Labrang Lamasery is about a 5 to 6 hour drive south from Lanzhou. The lamasery was built in 1709 which was the 48th year of the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. It is one of the six largest religious temples of the Gelug Sect of China’s Lamaism, second only to Potala Palace in Lhasa at Tibet. The lamasery covers 202 acres and has more than 10,000 halls and accommodates over 3,000 lamas.
The Suspended Great Wall- was called the West Great Wall in the past. Located 5 miles north of Jiayuguan Pass, it was built on the east side of Heishan Mountain in 1539, which was the 18th year of Jiajing’s reign of the Ming Dynasty. The walls were made of compressed earth. In some places the wall is almost vertical so that it has been called the Cliff Wall.
Mogao Grottoes- also known as “1000 Buddha Cave” they are located 15.5 miles southeast of Dunhuang City. With the length of 1 mile, the Grottoes weave their way through the broken cliff at the eastern foot of Mingsba Hill. There are five layers of caves that are built into the mountain. Historical records states that the Mogao Grottoes were constructed in 366 BC. There are said to be around 492 caves in which murals and sculptures representing different dynasties have been well preserved to this day. The Mogao Grottoes are listed in the World Cultural Heritage and are rated as key relics under state protection.
To witness these sites for yourself check out what is offered and where you or your family would like to visit in China. China Travels offers a lot of diverse places, and includes and guarantees nothing but fun fun fun .