Emperors and Enigma Fascinating Facts from Chinas
Emperors and Enigma: Fascinating Facts from China's Rich History
The Forbidden City, a Palace of Intrigue
The Forbidden City, located in the heart of Beijing, served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This vast complex covers an area of over 7 million square feet, with more than 980 buildings and over 8,700 rooms. Its name "Forbidden" comes from its history as a restricted zone where only those with permission could enter.
The Terracotta Army: An Ancient Army of Life-Size Soldiers
In Xi'an lies one of China's most astounding archaeological discoveries – the Terracotta Army. Discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well, this collection consists of over 8,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers that were buried to protect the first emperor Qin Shi Huangdi in his afterlife. Each soldier is unique and intricately crafted down to their facial expressions.
The Great Wall: A Serpent Through Time
Stretching across mountains and deserts for approximately 13,170 miles (21,200 km), the Great Wall was built primarily during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to serve as both a barrier against invading armies and a means for controlling trade routes between China's northern regions.
Confucius' Wisdom Lives On
Confucius was born around 551 BCE in Qufu city in Shandong province. He was an influential philosopher who emphasized moral values such as ren (benevolence), yi (righteousness), li (etiquette), zhong (loyalty), xiao (filial piety). His teachings have had significant impact on Chinese culture ever since he passed away at age seventy-two.
Peking Duck: A Culinary Delicacy Rooted in Royalty
Peking duck has been prepared since Imperial times when it was reserved exclusively for royalty due to its elaborate preparation process involving multiple stages like plucking feathers from live ducks before hanging them upside down through windows while air-drying overnight under smoke produced by burning bean curd residue or sandalwood chips within stoves below kitchen windowsills; then roasting until crispy skin forms outside while remaining tender inside - creating its signature taste experience today still enjoyed worldwide
