The Potala Palace, Tibet ,Shanghai's Promenade: The Bund, Hangzhou's Historic West Lake

The Potala Palace, Tibet
Another of China's most recognizable historic structures is the magnificent Potala Palace in the town of Lhasa, Tibet. Constructed as a fortress and residence for the Dalai Lama, it was for centuries the center of political and religious power and contains many of the religion's most important treasures. was built in the 17th century and contains the complex's most important shrines in the Enthronement Hall, the walls of which are covered with murals depicting scenes from the lives of the Dalai Lamas and the Tibetan kings. Other highlights of the Red Palace are its many vast halls devoted to the religion's teachings, and the elaborate tombs (known as stupas) of a number of Dalai Lamas. The equally impressive White Palace was completed in 1648 and includes the sleeping quarters, study, and reception rooms, most untouched since 1959 when the Dalai Lama fled Tibet. While in Lhasa, be sure to visit the superb Jewel Gardens. Part of the Dalai Lama's summer residence, these 90-acre gardens were first started in the 1840s and encompass everything from grand palaces and pavilions to pleasant lakes.
Shanghai's Promenade: The Bund
A remarkable act of smart city planning and preservation can be seen in Shanghai's splendid riverside promenade, the Zhongshan Lu or, as it's perhaps better known, the Bund (Wàitān). As you stroll this wide pedestrian zone along the Huangpu Jiang River, you'll almost forget you're bang-smack in the middle of China's largest city (Shanghai's population exceeds 25 million people). Famous for its European feel, a fact owed to the district's past as the location of the city's International Settlement, the Bund is popular for its 52 preserved English and French influenced buildings, many now restaurants, cafés, stores, and galleries. Representing a variety of influences from Gothic to Renaissance styles - including a number of Art Deco buildings - the architecture includes highlights such as the old harbor customs office with its bell tower and the majestic Peace Hotel. For the best views of the Bund, visit the 468-meter Oriental Pearl Tower on the opposite bank of the Huangpu Jiang River.
Hangzhou's Historic West Lake
Few cities in China can boast quite the same concentration of splendid historic sites and ancient temples as the city of Hangzhou (Hangchow), capital of Zhejiang province at the southernmost end of China's famous Grand Canal. Much of this rich collection is gathered around lovely West Lake, a six-kilometer-square stretch of water in the heart of the old city that is surrounded by numerous hills, pagodas, and temples. Divided into five distinct sections by man-made causeways dating back to the 11th century, it's a marvelous area to explore on foot as you cross from one lake to the next only to be met with another cluster of fine old buildings (it's particularly pleasant in spring when its many peach trees are blossoming). Part of the fun is lingering on the lake's many fine old bridges, one of the best being the Broken Bridge (Duanqiao) linking the Baidi Causeway with the shore, and exploring Little Paradise Island with its four mini-lakes linked by the zigzagging Bridge of the Nine Arches.
 The Mausoleum of Light: The Northern Imperial Tomb
In China's mountainous northeastern region is the old city of Shenyang, an important center for trade also known as the Northern Imperial Tomb. One of northeastern China's most important historic sites, the tomb is noted for its unique architectural style: a combination of traditionally arranged Chinese burial sites and castle-like buildings of the early Qing period. Buried here is Emperor Huang Taiji, who reigned from 1626-35, in a vast site covering more than 180,000 square meters that took eight years to complete and is notable for its "Path of Souls," a laneway lined with stone columns and sculptures of the emperor's favorite horses. Another important site is the imposing Imperial Palace dating from the early Qing era, the second largest completely preserved palace complex in China after the Imperial Palace in Beijing. The complex served as a residence for the first Qing Emperors and includes several splendid courtyards around which are grouped numerous buildings, including the Hall of Exalted Government (Chongzheng Dian) housing the imperial throne.