The document summarizes a trip through China, beginning in Beijing and including visits to the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Beijing Acrobat Show, overnight train to Xi'an, and Terracotta Army. The itinerary provides details about sights and activities at each location, including facts and short passages of information about the cultural and historical significance of the places visited.

2. Amazing Sights of China By Dina Giombetti

3. Pack Your Bags! We are off for the trip of a Lifetime. The Sights of China Our Trip Itinerary When we arrive in Beijing we will be taken to one of the most spectacular wonders in the world The Great Wall After a nice rest we will visit the Forbidden City where it was once off limits for the common citizen to enter Tonight be ready to be Amazed as we take in one the most amazing shows of skill and talent: The Beijing Acrobats. Today we will have some free time to see some of the local sights, shops and people. We will also take a Rickshaw ride through town. After a busy day of exploring we will board an overnight train to Xi’an. The final stop on our tour will be to see the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an.

4. Final Checklist Bags packed Passport and Visa Money Exchanged Ready for some fun!!!

5. Chinese Phrases to Learn Before We Leave. Welcome Excuse Me Thank You How are you? Help Bathroom How much? Good Luck Good Morning Good Evening Good Bye Hello

7. One of the Seven Wonders The Great Wall The Great Wall of China, which has been in the list of Seven Wonders of the World is a masterpiece of architecture located in China. Although its visibility from space might be a myth, the Great Wall of China has been a part of the Chinese history and still continues to be a major tourist attraction for tourists across the world. Here is all the interesting information and facts about the Great Wall of China.

8. The Great Wall In Beijing, there are many relics of the Great Wall, most of which were built around 1540. The notable sections include Juyongguan Pass, Badaling, Simatai and Mutianyu. The Great Wall began as independent walls for different states when it was first built, and did not become the "Great" wall until the Qin Dynasty.

9. Juyongguan Pass Many people visit this section of the great wall because it is located just 37 miles from Beijing. In the middle of Juyongguan Pass lies a high platform called 'Cloud Platform', which is made of white marble. In the Yuan Dynasty, three stone towers were built on the platform. The Juyongguan Pass was built in the Ming Dynasty. As you can see in the picture the only way to assend the Great Wall is to climb up the very uneven stairs. They are intentionally made that way in order to slow down invaders.

10. The Great Wall at Mutainyu Some sections of the Great Wall are slightly more interesting to get to. The Great Wall at Mutainyu is located in the Huairou District of Beijing. According to historical literature, this section of the Great Wall was built under the Ming Dynasty. Mutianyu is a favorite tourist spot given its close proximity to Beijing. You can take a chairlift up to the Great Wall then when you are finished sightseeing you can take the slide back down.

11. Great Wall Facts 1 . Do you know where the Great Wall of China is located? The Great Wall of China stretches from a seaport on China's east coast to Xinjiang in China's northwest. 2. Do you know who built the Great Wall of China? The soldiers, common people, and criminals. 3. Do you know the purpose for which the Great Wall of China was built? The Great Wall of China was built to serve as a site for lookout posts and to protect them from invading armies.

12. Question & Answers During which Dynasty did the wall become “Great”? Ming Dynasty Qin Dynasty A B

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14. Correct!!!! Way to Go Continue ->

15. Activity: To create a model or picture of the Great Wall using clay, Play-Doh, K’Nex, popsicle sticks, colored pencils, Etc. Use your imagination Side Trip http://www.thebeijingguide.com/great_wall_of_china/index.html http:// www.chinahighlights.com/greatwall /

16. The Forbidden City There is so much to see and learn

17. Here is the Map to get to know where we are going.

18. Beijing, China The Forbidden City is the best preserved imperial palace in China The Forbidden City, situated in the very heart of Beijing, was home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Such a divine place was certainly forbidden to ordinary people and that is why the Forbidden City is so named. The Forbidden City falls into two parts: the outer court and the inner palaces.

19. The Outer Court The outer court is made up of three main buildings Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihedian) Hall of Central Harmony (Zhonghedian) Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohedian).

20. Hall of Supreme Harmony It is the grandest and the most important building in the nation. Known as the "Hall of Gold Throne". Was used for grand ceremonies such as the Emperor's enthronement ceremony, the Emperor's wedding and the ceremony for conferring the Empress. No building in Beijing was allowed to be taller that this hall during the Ming & Qing Dynasties.

21. The Hall of Central Harmony It served as the resting place for the emperor before presenting the grand occasions held in the Taihe Hall. The Hall was first Constructed in 1420 but was destroyed by fire. Inside the hall, on each side of the golden throne, stand two unicorns, symbolizing the emperors' talent and wisdom.

22. Hall of Preserving Harmony Imperial Palace Exams were held in this hall every three years. The Emperor presided over the exam. During the Qing Dynasty the Emperors held grand banquets to entertain the nobles from minority ethnic groups such as the Mongolians on the first and fifteenth day of the first month of the lunar year.

23. Inner Court Palace of Heavenly Peace Palace of Union and Peace Hall of Terrestrial Tranquility Mental Cultivation Hall

24. Palace of Heavenly Peace Palace of Heavenly Peace is the largest building of the three rear palaces. It was the palace where the Emperor slept The hall was also used as a place for the Emperor's body to lie in State after his death

25. Palace of Union and Peace This was the place where the empress held the important ceremonies for the New Year Day and her birthday. Emperor Qianlong kept 25 imperial seals in this hall in the hope of his empire lasting 25 reigns to surpass the East Zhou Dynasty, the longest dynasty in China. Now the 25 imperial seals are displayed in the Treasure House of the Forbidden City.

26. Hall of Terrestrial Tranquility Built during the Ming Dynasty The sleeping place for the Empresses It was in this palace that the last Ming Empress hanged herself after the Peasant Rebellion ransacked the capital. The two chambers at the eastern end were used as the Emperor's wedding rooms during the Qing Dynasty and generations of Qing emperors lived there for a few days after their wedding. The chambers were painted in red, embodiment of happiness and good luck .

27. Mental Cultivation Hall It served as the emperor's sleeping place from the time of Emperor Yongzheng. From the time of the third emperor Yongzhen, all the Qing emperors: 8 in total resided there. The emperor also conducted the state affairs and held private audiences in the hall. The first Emperor of the Qing Dynasty-Shunzhi died there. At the end of the complex are five bedrooms. The biggest middle room was for the Emperor and the four surrounding rooms were used by the Empresses and concubines who were ready to be summoned to attend the emperor.

28. Imperial Garden The garden offers an aesthetic change from the crimson or gray building complex to a colorful and luxuriant atmosphere. The Garden contains more than 20 different buildings in different styles: pavilions, terraces, towers and rockeries.

29. Which building is known as the "Hall of Gold Throne“ ? Hall of Supreme Harmony Hall of Terrestrial Tranquility A B

30. Correct!!!! Way to Go Continue

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32. Forbidden City Tour Answer the following questions Which hall is the largest structure in the Forbidden City? How many buildings are in the outer court? How many emperors lived in the Forbidden City? Which Hall has the throne with two unicorns, symbolizing the emperors' talent and wisdom? The Imperial Palace Exams were held in this hall every three years? It was the palace where the Emperor slept? List the names of the outer and inner courts. How many buildings are in the Imperial Gardens? Side Trip http://www.beijingtrip.com/attractions/forbidden/ Interactive Map http://www.thebeijingguide.com/forbidden_city/index.html

33. Beijing Acrobat Show Just a short bus ride from the Forbidden City we find our next stop. The famous Beijing Acrobats

34. Amazing Sights

35. In the long course of development, the Chinese acrobatic art has formed its own style. The ancient acrobatics stemmed from the people's life and had a close link with their life and productive labor. Instruments of labor like: tridents, wicker rings, tables, chairs, jars, plates, and bowls were used in their performances of : "Flying Trident“ "Balance on Chairs“ "Jar Tricks“ "Hoop Diving“ Balance on Chairs

36. Dragon Dance Dragon Dance originated from folk sports and games. All of these acts became commonplace in acrobatic performances throughout China. Though having a long history of development and enjoying great popularity among the people, acrobatics in old China was never performed in theaters because it was looked down upon by the upper class. Side Trip http://www.china-family-adventure.com/dragon-dance.html

37. Tradition Acrobatics is a pearl in the treasure house of the traditional Chinese performing arts. Chinese acrobatics has a long and rich heritage. The acrobatic art has been existent in China for more than two thousand years. As early as the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), the rudiments of acrobatics existed. By the time of the Han Dynasty (221 BC-220 AD), the acrobatic art or "Hundred Plays" further developed both in content and variety. In the Tang Dynasty, the number of acrobats greatly increased and their performing skills improved a great deal.

38. Activity INCREDIBLE! ACROBATS OF CHINA A Brief Overview of Acrobats http://www.fieldtrips4kids.com/study_guides/shanghai_chinese_acrobats_sg.pdf Read the History & Watch the following Acrobat Video Collection http://www.acrobatvideo.webs.com/ If you are having trouble viewing these video clips please see me. I have a copy downloaded on my computer.

39. Answer the Following Questions A. Which appeared to be the hardest, easiest? B. Which one took the most training? C. Which one did you like best? Why? D. What made the acts good? 1. Was it the skill of the performer? 2. Was it the costuming, lighting, music, or personality of the performer? E. Which acts do you feel that you could do?

40. Writing Activity Children usually begin to audition for acrobatic academies at age 8 or 9 and will begin training immediately if accepted. Some even begin as young as 4 or 5 years of age. In this country we consider this to be very young to begin career preparation. Have you considered a career. What sort of special training will you require to reach your individual goals? Write a 5 paragraph essay explaining your goals and how you plan to achieve them.

41. Now for Some Down Time Now that we have walked where the ancient rulers once walked and climbed the “Greatest” Wall, it is time to relax and take in the sights of Beautiful Beijing. What better way to see the sight than on a rickshaw ride.

42. Rickshaw Ride Rickshaws are a mode of human-powered transport : a runner draws a two-wheeled cart which seats one or two persons. Runner pulled rickshaws have mainly been replaced in China by bicycle rickshaws. Rickshaw transport was an important element in urban development in 20th century China, both in terms of its transport of consumers and for the employment it provided for workers.

43. Over-Night Train After a relaxing day we head to the train station where we will board our overnight train to Xi’an. The overnight train from Beijing to Xian leaves from the Beijing West train station. Sleeping on the train is difficult for some, but can be made easier with the use of earplugs and eye shades. Also, there is an outlet (220V) for charging your cell phone or lap top. Bring your own mug and you can make your own coffee or tea with the boiling water available near the wash room. Bring your own towel, wash cloth and toilet paper. Also, hand sanitizer solution is a good idea. Some reports indicate that sleeping on the top bunks is easier. Also, note the car and cot number. Each cabin has four cots starting with 1. So 1-4 are in one cabin, 5-8 in the next cabin and so forth, up to 29-32. The western toilet is near the washroom at the low numbered end and the squat toilet is at the other end of the car. The dining car is car number 9, but it's probably best to have dinner before boarding the train.

44. Xi’an Xi'an is has a very important part in Chinese history. It served as the imperial capital for 12 ancient imperial dynasties from 1,000 BC to 1,000 AD. Xi'an was the starting point of the world famous Silk Road, a significant trade route linking ancient China and the central Asian and European countries. Xi'an is blessed with a great number of precious relics and historical sites.

45. Emperor Qin Shi Huang 700,000 forced laborers were sacrificed to construct his tomb which was begun as soon as he ascended the throne. All workers and childless concubines were interred with him to safeguard its secrets. According to Sima Qian's "The Historical Records" written a century later, heaven and earth are represented in the tomb's central chamber. The ceiling, inlaid with pearls, represents the starry heavens. The floor, made of stone, forms a map of the Chinese kingdom; a hundred rivers of mercury flow across it. And all manner of treasure is protected by deadly booby-traps.

46. Xi’an Precious Relics The Terracotta Army was discovered in eastern outer suburbs of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province by local farmers drilling a water well. The Terracotta Army is a form of funerary art buried with the First Emperor of Qin (Qin Shi Huang, Shi Huang means the first emperor) in 210-209 BCE (he declared himself the first emperor of China in 221 BCE to the end of his life in 210 BCE). Their purpose was to help rule another empire with Shi Huang Di in the afterlife. Consequently, they are also sometimes referred to as "Qin's Armies.“ It was also said as a legend that the Terracotta Warriors were real soldiers, buried with Emperor Qin so that they can defend him from any dangers in the next life.

47. Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Archeologists have unraveled the mysterious plan of the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum, the 2,200-year-old structure which is famous as the home of 7,000 terracotta horses and warriors. Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum is the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221BC-207BC) and also of China. Covering 2.13 square kilometers, the four-layered mausoleum, like a well-structured city, includes an underground palace, which is the center of the mausoleum, an inner city, outer city and grounds.

48. Xi’an Side Trips Here are a few web sites to show you more detail about Xi’an and the Terracotta Warriors. http://www.goworldtravel.com/ex/aspx/articleGuid.%7B542E0FE7-5C2C-43BC-8B5D-EADDC2C5682F%7D/xe/article.htm http://www.imperialtours.net/terracotta_warriors.htm http://www.chinaodysseytours.com/xian/xian-terracotta-warriors.html http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/xian.htm

49. Activity Your have just become the new Emperor of G-Land and you must decide how you want your tomb to look and what to place in your tomb for the afterlife. Decide what is important to you and write a short story describing what you feel is important for today’s student. Examples: Computer, Cell Phone, TV, Skateboard, Car, or anything else that is legal but be sure to keep it clean

50. Final Task Now that you have described your ideal afterlife it is your final task to create a detailed model or drawing of your Emperor’s Tomb. You can use any medium including Clay Play-doh Building Blocks K’Nex Popsicle sticks Colored Pencils Crayons

51. I hope you have enjoyed your trip through Historical sights of China. There are so many more sights to see and experience. I hope you will consider visiting China again some day.

52. It is time to be on our way home! Zai Jian Good Bye