41 Heritage sites to see before you die

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...

 Introduction Nestled in the heart of East Java, Indonesia, Mount Bromo is one of the country’s most iconic volcanoes and a must-visit destination for travelers seeking stunning landscapes and unique cultural experiences. Part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, this active stratovolcano offers breathtaking views, rich wildlife, and an intriguing local mythology. The Volcano and Its Landscape Mount Bromo stands at 2,329 meters (7,641 feet) tall and is known for its wide caldera filled with sand and volcanic ash. The most striking feature is the active volcano itself, which emits smoke and ash, providing a stark contrast to the surrounding lush greenery. The landscape around Bromo is surreal, often compared to a lunar surface, with rolling hills and a sea of sand, making it a paradise for photographers and adventure seekers alike. Sunrise at Bromo One of the main attractions is the sunrise viewpoint. Tourists usually begin their journey before dawn, traveling through the dark...