China's 49 places of ultimate attractions
36. The largest cluster of Tiankengs: Leye Tiankengs in Baise County of S China's Guangxi
Zhuang Autonomous Region
Leye County, located 460 km from Nanning, capital of Guangxi
Zhuang Autonomous Region, boasts the world largest clustered distribution of magnificent and broad
Tiankengs (a type of karsts). Among them the Dashiwei Tiankeng, which is 613
meters deep and whose volume is 80 million cubic meters, is generally viewed as
the best in the world for its concentration, vastness and uniqueness. The
primitive forest at the bottom of Dashiwei Tiankeng is the largest of its kind
around the world, occupying an area of 96,000 square meters.
The Leye Tiankengs, spanning an area of 50,000 square meters and which look
like an underground palace, also boast many rare animals and plants, which offer
invaluable resources for scientific research and exploration. The forest at the
foot of Dashiwei Tiankeng is inhabited by more than 1,000 varieties of plants,
including many rare and precious species, and animals such as blindfish, crabs,
shrimp and flying squirrels.
Best way to explore and special tips: Venture into the caves, but
professional training and equipments are needed before venturing. Also, the
experience may be a bit claustrophobic.
37. The tallest building: Jinmao Tower of E China's Shanghai
Municipality
The 88-storied Jinmao Tower, which is 420.5 meters tall, is a
symbolic construction in Shanghai
. The building dynamically incorporates modernity with tradition in its design.
Its location in the busiest district of the metropolis also contributes to its
glamour.
Best Way to explore and special tips: Parachute from the top floor; however,
parachuting is an extremely dangerous sport.
38. The place with most frequent hails: Naqu of Tibetan
Autonomous Region
Hails visit Naqu County of Tibetan Autonomous Region 35 days every
year, making Naqu the place hit with the most hail. Naqu, literally meaning
"black river", is located on the north part of Tibet. The average altitude is
above 4,500 meters. Straddled by two mountains on the east and west, Naqu is
also a place that the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau must cross over. The unique Qiang
culture, spectacular natural scenery and unique customs all contribute to its
lure.
Best way to explore and special tips: Horse
racing is ideal; the best season for tourism is from May to October.
39. The largest reserve for birds protection: Zhalong Natural
Reserve in Qiqiha'er of Heilongjiang
Province
Occupying 40,000 square km, Zhalong Natural Reserve is famous for its crane
birds. Six of the 15 kinds of cranes in the world can be found in the reserve.
There are also more than 500 precious re-crowned cranes, accounting for a
quarter of the world's total.
Best way to explore and special tips: Definitely crane-watching on the
wetland is a must. The best months for tourists are April, May, August and
September.
40. The largest inland salt lake: Qinghai
Lake of Qinghai Province
Located in the northeast of Qinghai Province, the Qinghai
Lake occupies 4,635 square kilometers. Being the largest inland salt lake,
its periphery is 360 plus km. The surrounding mountains, livestock, and
especially the Bird Island all help form a grand and spectacular scene.
Home for more than 100,000 birds of 20 plus different kinds, Bird Island is
also known as Xiaoxi Hill or Egg Island because birds' eggs can be found almost
anywhere. From east to west, the island is 1,500 meters long and its slope is
not very steep.
Best way to explore and special tips: Just simply walk around the lake to
enjoy the scenery. The best time to tour to is from May to September. From
mid-October the lake begins to freeze.
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