41 Heritage sites to see before you die

In Quanzhou West Street, the noisy sound of the market suddenly fell silent when people stepped into the gate of Kaiyuan Temple. The wall is like the title page of a history book, quietly separating the mortal dust. The story of the Kaiyuan Temple slowly unfolds from behind this wall. The past of the Kaiyuan Temple The Kaiyuan Temple is an ancient temple with a thousand-year history. The origin of the Kaiyuan Temple is legendary. According to legend, during the Tang Dynasty, this place was originally a mulberry garden. Huang Shougong, the owner of the garden, dreamed that the monk asked for land to build a temple, so he promised to build a temple if the mulberry trees in the garden bloomed white lotus. Soon after, the mulberry trees in the garden actually bloomed white lotus. Therefore, this temple, which was built in the second year of Tang Cuigong (686 AD), was originally named "Lotus Temple". Later, it was named "Kaiyuan Temple" in the 26th year of Kaiyuan (738 ...

 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...