Can You Identify These Important Chinese Landmarks?

By: Gavin Thagard
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Identify These Important Chinese Landmarks?
Image: Wikicommons Hao Wei

About This Quiz

China is the fourth largest country in the world in terms of total area, stretching from Afghanistan in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east. With such a range of territory, China certainly has many landmarks, both natural and human-made, to attract plenty of attention to the country that calls itself "The Red Dragon." 

The natural landmarks in China, of course, show off the country's unique beauty, with mountains, karst formations and waterfalls that have significant meaning in Chinese culture. The manmade landmarks, on the other hand, are heavily influenced by Chinese traditions that pull from various aspects of Chinese history related to Buddhism, Confucianism and the many imperial dynasties. All of these landmarks provide reasons for tourists to visit the highly advanced cities, like Shanghai and Hong Kong, along with the beautiful countryside that is as vast and unique as any in the world.

Are you prepared to test your knowledge of the landmarks that define both urban centers and rural landscapes across China? There's plenty to remember, so don't take a wrong turn as you make your way through this quiz.

When you're ready, get started and discover how well you know the many wonders that await you throughout China.

Question 1 - Terracotta Warriors
Digital Vision./ DigitalVision/ Getty Images
Can you identify this tomb that houses an entire army?
Bell Tower of Xi'an
Mausoleum of Genghis Khan
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
Eastern Qing Tombs
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Over 8,000 clay statues, known as the Terracotta Army, are located in the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. Each of these statues is unique, with individual gestures and expressions.

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Question 04 - Great Wall of China
Wikicommons by Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas
Sections of China have been protected by this landmark for thousands of years. Do you know it?
Xi'an City Wall
Forbidden City
Temple of Heaven
Great Wall of China
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Stretching 13,170 miles, which is over half the length of the equator, the Great Wall of China is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and for good reason. Over a million people died during the construction of the wall, which is the longest human-made construction ever.

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Question 20 - The Dazu Rock Carvings
Wikicommons by Truthven
Do you know this landmark that captures some of China's unique culture?
Wulong Karst
Yungang Grottoes
Leshan Giant Buddha
The Dazu Rock Carvings
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Depicting both religious and secular subjects, the Dazu Rock Carvings were created between the ninth and 13th centuries. These carvings demonstrate how various schools of thought — from Confucianism to Buddhism to Taoism — have influenced Chinese society.

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Question 02 - Xiaozhai Tiankeng
Wikicommons by Brookqi
Do you recognize this landmark that's one of the largest sinkholes in the world?
Teng Long Dong
Tianxing Dongxuexitong
Xiaozhai Tiankeng
Zhoukoudian
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With vertical walls that stretch over 300 feet, Xiaozhai Tiankeng is perhaps the best example of China's many giant sinkholes. In fact, China has more known giant sinkholes than any other country.

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Question 03 -  Fenghuang
Wikicommons by Mx. Granger
Can you identify this ancient town that's been an important landmark in China for hundreds of years?
Fenghuang
Pingyao
Xi'an
Datong
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Located on the western side of the Hunan Province, Fenghuang Ancient Town gets its name from a legendary Chinese phoenix that rules over other birds. The origin of this bird dates back thousands of years. It has been an important figure in several ancient dynasties, including the Han and the Yuan.

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Question 01 - Shilin Forest
Wikicommons by Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas
Visitors can enjoy the beautiful karst formations in this famous forest. What's it called?
Changbai Mountain Mixed Forest
Shilin Forest
Baima Snow Mountain Forest
Luntai Huyang Poplar Forest
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Over 270 million years old, the Shilin Forest is a forest made of stone that stretches 186 square miles. In the forest is the Ashima Stone, which is named after a Sani girl who supposedly turned to stone after she was forbidden to marry the person she loved.

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Question 34 - Victoria Harbour
Wikicommons by Diego Delso
Can you name this Hong Kong harbor that's one of the most important in China?
Victoria Harbour
Crooked Harbour
Macun Port
Tolo Harbour
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Nestled between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula, Victoria Harbour is known for its extravagant fireworks shows that take place annually to celebrate the Chinese New Year. These fireworks can be viewed from one of the many tour boats that travel through the harbor.

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Question 05 - Summer Palace
Wikicommons by Shirkarni
Are you familiar with this landmark that housed the imperial garden in the Qing Dynasty?
Forbidden City
Mukden Palace
Tiananmen Square
Summer Palace
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One of the most notable features of the Summer Palace is Kunming Lake, which covers a majority of the area of the palace grounds. Running over the lake is Seventeen-Arch Bridge, which allows visitors to walk from the eastern shore to Nanhu Island, another important attraction at the Summer Palace.

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Question 06 - Yonghe Temple
Wikicommons by ScareCriterion12
A temple belonging to Tibetan Buddhists, which landmark is this?
Yonghe Temple
Temple of Heaven
Beijing Temple of Confucius
Guozijian
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Han Chinese and Tibetan art and architecture meet to create Yonghe Palace, located in northeastern Beijing. The building was first constructed in 1694 as a residence for the emperor, though several changes were made over the years as it transitioned into a facility for Tibetan Buddhist monks.

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Question 07 - Huaisheng Mosque
Wikicommons by User:Vmenkov
Name this landmark that had to be rebuilt several times throughout its history?
Great Mosque of Xi'an
Huaisheng Mosque
Niujie Mosque
Xianxian Mosque
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Huaisheng Mosque is one of the oldest mosques located in China that's still in existence. Constructed in 627, the mosque signifies when Islam was introduced to China as the religion spread east.

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Question 36 - Peak Tower
Wikicommons by PrzemekJaczewski
The future comes to life with which Chinese skyscraper, shown here?
Hopewell Centre
Peak Tower
International Commerce Centre
Bank of China Tower
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sitting atop Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island is Peak Tower, a shopping complex with a unique postmodern design. The structure first opened in 1997, then underwent renovations in 2006. Visitors may ride the Peak Tram to the tower.

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Question 08 - Iron Pagoda
Wikicommons by kevinmcgill
The Song Dynasty gave China which famous landmark, shown here?
Songyue Pagoda
Dragon Pavilion
Iron Pagoda
Po Pagoda
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The name Iron Pagoda would make one think the structure was made from iron, but it's actually made of brick that has a dark, iron-like appearance. A wooden pagoda preceded it, though it was replaced after being hit by lightning in 1044.

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Question 09 - Baishui Water Terraces
Wikicommons by Patcre
How familiar are you with this beautiful tourist destination that attracts people to Shangri-la County during the summer months?
Chaluo Geysers
Huanglong Valley
Baishui Water Terraces
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The natural mineral terraces that run over the village of Baishuitai first gained recognition when the founder of Dongba culture settled in the area. Using the beauty of the landscape, he attracted followers. To this day, those followers honor the area as a shrine.

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Question 10 - Tianluokeng Tulou cluster
Wikicommons by 颐园新居
If you take a two hour drive west from Xiamen, you'll find these clay buildings. What are they called?
Fujian Tulou
Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster
Chuxi Tulou Cluster
Phuket Shrine
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Composed of five clay buildings, four round and one square, the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster is commonly referred to as "four dishes and a soup." Such buildings are unique to the mountainous regions in southern China, where they serve as dwellings for the Hakka people.

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Question 11 - Miao Room
Wikicommons by Morio
You'll have to travel below the surface of China to find this landmark. Can you identify it?
Shuanghe Dongqun Cave
Sarawak Chamber
Skocjan Caves
Miao Room
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A traveler could search the known world and never find a cave chamber larger in volume than the Miao Room, located in the Ziyun Getu He Chuandong National Park. Discovered in 1989, the cave chamber encompasses 380 million cubic feet.

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Question 12 - Yinxu
Wikicommons by tak.wing
Ruins and a museum stand where the ancient capital of Yin was located. Do you know the name of this site?
Yinxu
Anyang
Kaifeng
Pingyao
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Yinxu is the location of the ancient capital of the Shang Dynasty during the Chinese Bronze Age. Excavations have revealed that it was an important center of Chinese culture and trade from around 1300 B.C.E. to 1046 B.C.E.

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Question 13 - Mount Tai
Wikicommons by Leon petrosyan
Do you know this landmark, recognized as one of the sacred mountains of China?
Mount Tai
Mount Hua
Mount Heng
Mount Song
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The worship of mountains was common in China during ancient times, and Mount Tai was one such location. In fact, Qin Emperor Huang Di even paid tribute at the mountain after unifying China in 219 B.C.E.

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Question 14 - Dazhai
Wikicommons by Raki_Man
What is the name of this rice field that fed thousands of people across China as part of the Cultural Revolution?
Guilin
Hangzhou
Suzhou
Dazhai
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

At the height of the Cultural Revolution in China, Dazhai served as the shining example of communal agriculture. It was even visited on several occasions by Chairman Mao Zedong, who used the village as propaganda for his reforms.

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Question 15 - Beijing Guozijian
Wikicommons by Peiyu Liu
Students from several ancient dynasties studied at which university depicted here?
Yuelu Academy
Beijing Guozijian
Mukden Palace
Songyang Academy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After construction was completed in 1306, the Beijing Guozijian served as the most important center of learning under the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. It's the only imperial college that has survived the ravages of time.

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Question 16 - Temple of Heaven
Wikicommons by BIJAY BHANDARI
Are you familiar with this landmark that served as a sacred altar in Beijing?
Lama Temple
Tiananmen Square
Temple of Heaven
Forbidden City
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The pillars of the Temple of Heaven were constructed not only to hold up the temple but also to provide important symbolism. For example, four interior pillars located in the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests represent the four seasons. Twelve middle and outer pillars represent the 12 months and 12 Chinese hours.

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Question 17 - Pingyao
Wikicommons by Nicor
Elements of the Ming and Qing dynasties were preserved in this ancient city. Can you name it?
Pingyao
Datong
Xi'an
Luoyang
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One of Pingyao's most important roles throughout Chinese history has been serving as a center of commerce. The city has been home to more than a dozen financial institutions, including the first bank in China, the Rishengchang. Ming Qing Street in Pingyao honors the Ming and Qing dynasties.

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Question 18 - Xi'an City Wall
Wikicommons by edward stojakovic
China has a long history of warfare, and that's why many fortifications were built. Can you identify this one?
Chang'an Gate Towers
City Wall of Nanjing
Xi'an City Wall
Banpo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The most complete city wall that survives in China, the Xi'an City Wall, separates the ancient buildings inside from the skyscrapers and billboards on the outside. Ancient buildings inside the wall include the Bell and Drum Towers, along with the Muslim Quarter.

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Question 19 - Mukden Palace
Wikicommons by ScareCriterion12
Can you identify this once prominent imperial palace, now a museum?
Ming Palace
Mukden Palace
Fuling Mausoleum
Potala Palace
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Completed in 1636, the Mukden Palace contains about 300 rooms and 20 courtyards. The palace was long used as a royal residence, but in 1955 it was converted into a museum. Today it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Question 21 - Hanging Temple
Wikicommons by User:Gisling
Tourists with a fear of heights should probably stay away from this landmark. What's it called?
Mount Wutai
Hanging Temple
Yanmen Pass
Shanhua Temple
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Incredibly, 40 rooms are linked together along the Hengshan Mountain by a series of passageways to form the dazzling wonder known as the Hanging Temple. The temple was constructed during the Northern Wei Dynasty by monks, most likely led by Liao Ran.

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Question 22 - Jiuzhaigou
Wikicommons by Noé Lecocq
Do you recognize this landmark, characterized by vibrant lakes and multi-level waterfalls?
Min Mountains
Mount Emei
Jiuzhaigou
Huanglong
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Filled with many natural wonders, from waterfalls to mountains, the Jiuzhaigou lies in sharp contrast to the packed cities located across China. The park limits the number of visitors per day, so a sense of intimacy is created between nature and the tourists who visit.

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Question 23 - Pagoda of Fogong Temple
Wikicommons by Zhangzhugang
Can you select the name of this wooden landmark that has miraculously survived devastation caused by both humans and nature for nearly 1,000 years?
Pagoda of Fogong Temple
Dule Temple
Huayan Temple
Nanchan Temple
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When the Pagoda of Fogong Temple was repaired in 1974, several carvings and silk pictures were discovered inside broken statues. These antiques bring to life the culture of the Buddhists who lived during the Liao Dynasty when the temple was constructed.

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Question 24 - Dragon Pavilion
Wikicommons by Zhangmoon618
Is this landmark, located in one of China's ancient cities, familiar to you?
Daliang City Gate
Daxiangguo Temple
Po Pagoda
Dragon Pavilion
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though six dynasties situated their capital in Kaifeng City, where the Dragon Pavilion is located, the area reached its height under the Northern Song Dynasty. The Dragon Pavilion is one of the few structures to survive to modern times, as warfare tore the city apart when different emperors sought power.

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Question 26 - Classical Gardens of Suzhou
Wikicommons by 林高志
The beauty of China is captured by this collection of 50-plus gardens. What is the site called?
Humble Administrator's Garden
Lion Grove Garden
Master of the Nets Garden
Classical Gardens of Suzhou
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Classical Gardens of Suzhou have a reputation as some of the most beautiful gardens in the world, earning the recognition of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landmark is made up of more than 50 gardens, with some of the most popular being the Humble Administrator's Garden, the Lingering Garden and the Net Master's Garden.

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Question 27 - Temple of Confucius in Qufu
Wikicommons by rheins
Are you familiar with this landmark that honors one of the greatest thinkers in Chinese history?
Temple of Confucius in Qufu
Kong Family Mansion
Mount Liang
Temple of Yan Hui
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Born in Qufu, Confucius was one of the most influential thinkers in Chinese history, establishing a philosophy known as Confucianism. He encouraged his followers to treat others kindly, have strong morals and respect their ancestors.

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Question 28 - Tiger Leaping Gorge
Wikicommons by Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas
The Jinsha River flows through which landmark shown here?
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Potatso National Park
Black Dragon Pool
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Like many Chinese landmarks, the Tiger Leaping Gorge gets its name from a legend. According to the story, a hunter trapped a tiger at the narrowest point of the gorge, but, in an astonishing feat, the tiger leaped over the gorge to escape its would-be captor.

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Question 29 - Three Natural Bridges of Wulong
Wikicommons by Brookqi
What's the name of this natural landmark that is a unique display of the Chinese countryside?
South China Karst
Mount Jinfo
Enshi Grand Canyon
Three Natural Bridges of Wulong
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To see the Three Natural Bridges of Wulong, visitors have to travel to the Wulong Karst National Geology Park in Wulong County. Named after dragons, the three bridges are the Tianlong Bridge, the Qinglong Bridge and the Heilong Bridge.

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Question 30 - Shuanghedong Cave Network
Wikicommons by Esiymbro
Do you recognize this cave that runs deep under China?
Reed Flute Cave
Shuanghedong Cave Network
Taiji Cave
Benxi Water Caves
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Shuanghedong Cave Network is recognized as the longest cave in all of Asia. Discovered in the 1980s, the cave has 203 known entrances that lead into an underground labyrinth that runs 782,411 feet.

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Question 31 - Fairy Bridge
TimGloAdventures via YouTube
It's quite difficult to reach which landmark, depicted in this image?
Fairy Bridge
Shipton's Arch
Huanglong Valley
Li Jiawan Grand Ginkgo King
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fairy Bridge is a relatively new discovery, particularly for Westerners exploring China. The landmark was spotted in 2009 on Google Earth, and an expedition was led by the Natural Arch and Bridge Society to locate it. Explorers were finally successful in 2010.

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Question 32 - Khara Khoto
Wikicommons by Fandorine1959
Abandoned in the 14th century, this ancient city is believed to be haunted. Do you know its name?
Dali
Daxu
Khara Khoto
Ping Yao
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The story about the fall of Khara Khoto in 1372 is one filled with tragedy and bloodshed, coinciding with the fall of Mongols across Asia. Khara Khoto was one of the last cities controlled by the Mongols in China, and it too fell when the Ming Dynasty cut off the city's water supply and waited for the inhabitants to die of thirst.

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Question 33 - The Longmen Grottoes
Wikicommons by Dominik Tefert
Do you recognize these carvings that are fine examples of ancient Chinese art?
Mogao Caves
Yungang Grottoes
The Longmen Grottoes
White Horse Temple
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Longmen Grottoes are a lengthy complex of caves carved with Buddhist statues. Carved into limestone cliffs, these caves are on both sides of the Yi River, located on the faces of Mount Longmen and Mount Xiang.

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Question 35 - White Horse Temple
Wikicommons by Windmemories
The legends run wild when it comes to this famous landmark. Is it familiar to you?
Shaolin Temple
Guanlin Temple
Lingyin Temple
White Horse Temple
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

According to legend, when the Ming Emperor had a dream of Buddha, he sent two envoys west to bring back Buddhist followers. These envoys located two Buddhist monks who agreed to return to China along with a white horse carrying Buddhist scriptures. The White Horse Temple was built to honor this journey.

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Question 37 - The Bund
Wikicommons by GillyBerlin
How familiar are you with this waterfront attraction, one of the most recognized landmarks in Shanghai?
Nanjing Road
The Bund
World Financial Center
Tianzifang
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When touring the Bund, visitors will immediately notice the 52 buildings, each designed with unique international architectural styles. These styles unite Western and Eastern cultures in a mile long stretch along the Huangpu River in Shanghai.

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Question 38 - Eastern Qing Tombs
Wikicommons by gongfu_king
Can you identify this complex, created under the Qing Dynasty?
Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum
Mausoleum of Genghis Khan
Eastern Qing Tombs
Ming Xiao Tomb Mausoleum
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Five emperors from the Qing Dynasty have tombs in the Easter Qing Tombs: Shunzhi, Kangxi, Qianlong, Xianfeng and Tongzhi. It also serves as the resting place of several empresses, princes, princesses and over one hundred concubines.

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Question 39 - Longhua Temple
Wikicommons by Jakub Hałun
Shanghai isn't as well known for its ancient temples as Beijing, but the city does contain this one. What's it called?
Longhua Temple
Jade Buddha Temple
Jing'an Temple
Donglin Temple
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Bell Tower is one of the main components of the Longhua Temple. The tower contains a copper bell from 1894 that attracts the residents of Shanghai each New Year's Eve to the temple, as they wait for the ceremonial 108 rings to occur.

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Question 40 - Mount Hua
Wikicommons by Raffaele Nicolussi
Are you familiar with this important mountain, located in the Shaanxi province?
Mount Heng
Mount Song
Mount Longhu
Mount Hua
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Considered to be one of the five sacred mountains of China, Mount Hua is an important location for Daoists, who first built a temple there in the second century B.C.E. There are currently several Daoist temples along the mountain, including a cloister dedicated to Chen Tuan.

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Wikicommons Hao Wei