41 Heritage sites to see before you die

Built from stone and grey bricks, St. John's Cathedral‘s foundation stones were laid by then-Governor Sir John Davis on March 11, 1847. Its construction was completed in 1849. St. John's Cathedral  (From  kreuzfahrt-praxis official website) As the oldest Western Christian church in Hong Kong, your gaze will be drawn to its feature—the granite tower with shutters of windows and decorations of trefoil and quatrefoil windows (Antiquities and Monuments Office, 2021). These design elements showed how Western architecture adapted to the subtropical climates. The building displays an early English ornate Gothic style in the lancet arches, ribbed stone details, and geometric patterns of windows.   After nearly a century, in 1934, the smooth exterior walls were resurfaced with roughcast, a textured coating that helps protect the structure from weathering.   The windows inside the church (Photo was taken by author) Entering the interior of the church, you will find that in ...

 "The gardens of Jiangnan are the best in the world, and the gardens of Suzhou are the best in Jiangnan." This long-standing praise perfectly encapsulates the supreme status of Suzhou gardens among classical Chinese gardens. This small world nestled within the city of Suzhou, with its unique garden-making art, seamlessly blends natural beauty with literati sentiment, becoming a classic model of "poetic living" in the hearts of the Chinese people. Whether it's the blooming flowers of spring, the lotus breeze of summer, the fragrance of osmanthus in autumn, or the snowscape of winter, Suzhou gardens always showcase the unique elegance and gentleness of Jiangnan in different ways.                                                                  Source: Yuyuan Graden The Humble Administrator's Garden As the largest and most...

At the summit of Snake Hill, where the Yangtze and Han Rivers converge, the Yellow Crane Tower soars above the clouds. Among China's landmarks that seamlessly blend architecture, poetry, and riverine landscapes, the Yellow Crane Tower stands as one of the most iconic. It is an essential destination for those seeking cultural roots and experiencing profound artistic inspiration—a historical heritage site not to be missed in a lifetime. According to Southern Dynasties texts, the immortal Zi'an passed by riding a yellow crane, and Fei Yi returned to immortality aboard one after ascending to heaven—thus the tower earned its name. This romantic legend infused the tower with cultural significance, making the “yellow crane” its defining symbol. From its origins as a military watchtower to its later status as a cultural sanctuary, the crane's image became emblematic, transforming the structure into a bridge between reality and the celestial realm. What truly elevated the Yellow Cra...

Of all the mountains that grace the vast landscape of China, Mountain Taishan stands apart. It is not merely a mountain of breathtaking beauty but a cornerstone of the Chinese soul. Revered for millennia, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, recognized not just for its natural splendor but as a profound cultural landscape where human belief and artistry have intertwined with nature over centuries. To understand Mountain Taishan is to understand a fundamental pillar of Chinese heritage, built upon three enduring pillars: its imperial sanctity, its artistic legacy, and its harmonious philosophy. The Entrance of Mountain Taishan Hiking Trail - Shot by Brennan The Imperial Altar: Communion Between Heaven and Earth   First and foremost, Mountain Taishan's heritage is deeply rooted in its role as the supreme ceremonial site for Chinese emperors. For over two thousand years, from the Qin Dynasty onward, emperors journeyed to its slopes to perform the sacr...

Xidi Village: A Must-See Destination, A Living Museum of Huizhou Culture​ ​ On the UNESCO World Heritage List, Xidi Village, nestled at the foot of Huangshan Mountain in Anhui Province, China, is a dream destination for countless travelers, renowned for its ​ ​exceptionally well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty appearance​ ​ and its ​ ​profound cultural heritage of Huizhou​ ​. It is not merely a picturesque ancient village but also a history book carved in stone, a museum without walls. When it comes to heritage sites one must visit in a lifetime, Xidi Village is truly deserving of the title.          A panoramic photograph of Xidi Village, capturing the tranquil settlement bathed in the evening glow. — Taken by myself. A Millennium-Old Village Crowned as a World Heritage Site​ ​ Located in Yi County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, Xidi Village was initially established during the Huangyou era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1049-1054 AD), boasting a history of ne...

  Jinan's Crispy Spiral: A Bite of the Spring City Strolling through Jinan's old alleys, a unique and intoxicating aroma draws you in. It's the sizzling aroma of oil and toasted flour that leads you to a humble stall where a chef prepares one of Jinan's most iconic snacks:  Yóuxuán (油旋), or "Oil Spiral ." Youxuan (Oil Spiral) is more than just a pastry; it's a part of Jinan's soul—a crispy, layered noodle dish that symbolizes the city's history and daily life. （The picture comes from the Internet） The Art of the Spiral The magic of a Yóuxuán lies entirely in its name: the spiral. A simple ball of dough is skillfully rolled out, brushed with a thin layer of oil and fragrant scallions, and then expertly twisted and coiled into a distinct spiral pattern. This isn't just for looks. This intricate layering is the secret to its perfect texture. When pressed flat and cooked on a griddle until golden brown, the layers separate. The result is a delightf...

A Walk Through Time: From Ancient Greece to Guangzhou Strolling through Guangzhou's streets, you'll be captivated by the continuous rows of Qilou buildings. These arcade houses trace their origins back to colonnades in Ancient Greece 2,000 years ago. They later became popular in Europe and were brought to China in the late 19th century (China Culture, 2025). Local craftsmen skillfully blended Western arches and columns with Lingnan's decorative elements, creating a unique architectural style. Most Qilou buildings are three or four stories high, with the second floor extending over the sidewalk, forming a shaded corridor that provides shelter from sun and rain—a perfect design for Guangzhou's hot and rainy weather. Living Heritage: Daily Life Under the Arcades Qilou is more than just a city landmark—it's a living museum of Guangzhou's history. In the morning, the smell of dim-sum wafts from old restaurants under the arcades. In the afternoon, sunlight filters...

 I. The Thousand-Year Wisdom Hidden in Bamboo   In the streets and alleys of Macau , one can often catch a glimpse of the "sky framework" formed by bamboo poles. This is the Craft of Bamboo Scaffolding, which was listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Macau in 2017. This ancient craft, originating from the Guangfu culture , has been rooted in Macau since the 18th century. A painting by a German artist in 1863 recorded the scene of a theater set made of bamboo sheds in front of A-Ma Temple.   The construction of the bamboo shed embodies the unique wisdom of the artisans. The masters do not need design drawings. They rely entirely on their past experience. They usually cut the bamboo poles, crossbars, and diagonal supports into uprights, crossbars, and diagonal supports. Using them, they weave a stable grid structure. Whether it is the stage for the A-Ma Festival or the construction platform for dozens of floors of buildings, the lightweight bamboo can "support a t...