41 Heritage sites to see before you die

 If you ask me which ancient town in Jiangnan is worth visiting, I would say: Head to Nanxun, it's unique. Yeah, it's got the classic small bridges, flowing water, white walls, dark tiles, and paddleboats lazily drifting along narrow canals. But Nanxun's vibe goes way beyond that. It doesn’t feel like some perfectly preserved "specimen" – it’s more like a wise old soul with stories for days. The water here flows with everyday life, while the mansions hold some of modern China’s most legendary tales of silk merchants. Start your morning by getting lost in Baijian Lou. In other old towns, you rush to hit the "sights." In Nanxun, the best plan is to just wander. Especially around Baijian Lou – a 400-meter stretch of Ming and Qing-era houses along the river. Around 6 or 7 a.m., before the crowds arrive, this is the real Nanxun.  Standing on Tongjin Bridge, I watched the morning mist drape over the river like a veil. Across the water, an auntie was lighting a...

  The Forbidden City : An Architectural Epic of Chinese Civilization The Forbidden City is located in Beijing , the capital of China, and has played an important role in the development of Chinese history and culture.Transporting from the absolute center of imperial power to a public museum, it stands as a symbol of Chinese civilization—its central axis and majestic halls narrate tales of dynastic glory. Historical background  The Forbidden City, spanning the Ming and Qing dynasties , witnessed the rise and fall of ancient Chinese dynasties.Constructed between 1406 and 1420 under the Ming Emperor Yongle , the Forbidden City represented the pinnacle of Chinese palace architecture . Its layout strictly followed ancient cosmological principles , symbolizing the emperor's mandate from heaven. The use of precious materials like golden bricks and rare timber laid the foundation for this architectural wonder. （photo by Google) Evolution as authority Center For over 500 year...

The Yungang Grottoes are situated on the southern slopes of Mount Wuzhou, approximately 16 kilometres west of Datong City in Shanxi Province, China. They rank among China's four major grotto complexes and are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Yungang Grottoes represent China's first imperial-commissioned rock-cut temple complex. Blending artistic elements from India and Central Asia with architectural forms inspired by Greece and Rome, they hold profound significance for the subsequent development of Chinese culture and art. When ancient art meets cutting-edge technology, this 5th-century UNESCO World Heritage site is being revitalised through innovative digital conservation techniques. Source: Feng huang Website   What challenges do the Yungang Grottoes face? As the pinnacle of Northern Wei imperial sculptural art, the Yungang Grottoes have endured over 1,500 years of natural and human-induced factors including weathering, erosion, and environmental changes. Cons...

Have you noticed that, about a month ago, numerous people suddenly appeared on the streets of Macau, burning incense and paper offerings? Hungry Ghost Feast is a festival that is prevalent in many countries, especially in China, on the Fourteenth day of the seventh lunar month. It is believed that the seventh lunar month is the "Ghost Month", when the gates of the netherworld open, allowing the souls of the deceased to return to the human world. Therefore, many families would burn paper money and place food by the roadside to pay tribute to their ancestors and soothe the souls of the deceased.   So, do ghosts really come into the human world to look for food? From a traditional perspective, people believe that the souls of the deceased will return to the human world to enjoy offerings. These rituals not only express the memory of our ancestors but also convey the wish for peace and safety.   What is the significance of these ceremonies?   Burning paper mon...

If you ask an old Beijinger, what is the "paimian" in the dim sum box? The answer is nine times out of ten -  Jingbajian . This is not merely a box of pastries ,   it is an edible cultural code, a deep friendship that carries the seasonal customs of Beijing people and  it  is full of a sense of ceremony.  From Imperial Delicacies to Folk Intangible Cultural Heritages Jingbajian , also known as "Da Ba Jian", is a combination of eight different shapes and flavors of Beijing-style pastries. It is the most distinctive traditional product among Beijing-style pastries, and its production techniques have been included in the list of intangible cultural heritages of Beijing. However, the number "eight" is far more than just a quantity; it also represents the seasonal concept of "Four Seasons and Eight Festivals" and the auspicious meaning of "Eight Blessings and Eight Good Fortune".    The imperial kitchen of the Ming Dynasty was first establis...

  Cantonese Morning Tea: A Timeless Culinary and Cultural Heritage s235276  Nicole There’s a saying in Guangdong:  “ Morning tea is not just about tea, but a way of life. ”  This perfectly captures the profound status of Cantonese morning tea in the Chinese culinary and cultural landscape. Rooted in history, evolving with time, it has become a symbol of Cantonese people’s pursuit of delicacy and community—centered on fragrant tea and a dazzling array of dim sum that tell stories of craftsmanship. Historical Origins Downloaded from Google In the late Qing Dynasty, Guangzhou’s bustling port life gave birth to the earliest forms of Cantonese morning tea. Simple “two-cent teahouses” ( erli guan) popped up along streets, serving laborers and merchants cheap tea paired with basic snacks like steamed  buns .  Established in 1889,  Lin Heung Tea House  began as a pastry shop in Guangzhou’s  Xiguan  area and evolved into a renowned teahouse, pion...