Trip Moments Recommendations
Guangzhou Cultural Center: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
#discoverchina
The Guangzhou Cultural Center, located in the Haizhu District near Haizhu Lake, is China's largest public cultural facility, covering 142,000 square meters with a building area of 54,000 square meters. Established in 1956 and reopened in 2023, it serves as a hub for cultural activities, exhibitions, and performances, attracting over 1 million visitors within its first year. The center's architecture blends traditional Lingnan elements with modern design, offering spaces for art exhibitions, intangible cultural heritage showcases, and community events. Visitors can enjoy various cultural programs, including Cantonese opera, paper-cutting workshops, and music concerts. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended due to high demand.
#CulturalHub
#ArtInGuangzhou
#ExploreGuangzhou
#ChineseArchitecture
#CulturalExperience
#GuangzhouLandmarks
#IntangibleHeritage
#PublicArtSpace
Where Time Pauses: Exploring a Historic Temple in Huizhou
#discoverchina
In the heart of Huizhou, a city known for its balance of nature and tradition, lies a temple that feels like a portal to ancient China. Surrounded by lush hills and tranquil ponds, this sacred space is more than just a religious site—it’s a living memory of culture, artistry, and peace. The temple’s wooden corridors, intricate carvings, and incense-filled halls invite visitors to wander slowly, soaking in centuries of wisdom embedded in every detail.
Walking through its courtyards, you’ll hear the faint sound of wind chimes and the gentle rustle of trees—nature and architecture coexisting in perfect harmony. The vibrant red pillars stand tall beneath tiled rooftops that curve like brushstrokes in a painting. Statues of deities sit peacefully in their alcoves, golden and serene, watching over the faithful and curious alike. You may catch a quiet moment of monks in meditation, the rhythm of chanting echoing softly across the grounds.
This temple isn’t just a spiritual destination—it’s a celebration of Huizhou’s soul. From the quiet prayer halls to the intricate stone pathways leading to hidden pavilions, every inch feels thoughtfully placed, designed to inspire contemplation and awe. It’s a place where modern travelers can step into stillness, connect with local tradition, and witness the grace of ancient Chinese design.
For those on a journey to discover China beyond the usual, this temple in Huizhou offers a peaceful pause—a place to reflect, appreciate, and be present in beauty and history.
#DiscoverChina #HuizhouHeritage #TempleExploration #ChineseCulture #SpiritualTravel #HiddenHuizhou #AncientChinaVibes #TempleWander #SacredSpaces #ChineseArchitecture #CulturalEscape #HuizhouTemple #PeacefulChina #HistoryAndHarmony
Daming Palace in Xi’an
Visiting the site of the old Palace with its historical significance for the city of Xi’an, it was like taking a walk through time. I enjoyed the landscape, the design was mimicking the Chinese traditional landscape garden with its rockeries, plants and water. The 1:15 scaled model of the palace was one of the highlights of my visit as well as the vestiges of the colossal gate that did not stand the test of time and wars, but through its remaining, we can still grasp its importance and beauty. #xian #damingpalace #chineseculture #chinesearchitecture
Peaceful, Pretty, Pagoda!
The stunning Chigang Pagoda is situated in Haizhu district in the city of Guangzhou. It is beautifully crafted and displays the influences of fengshui which were pervasive during the period during which it was built.
History of the pagoda: Originally built in 1619 during the reign of the Wanli Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, the Chigang Pagoda along with the Pazhou Pagoda and the Lotus Pagoda it is said were built at the mouth of the Pearl River to bring good luck to Guangzhou and the surrounding area.
Size and Materials: The Chigang Pagoda is made of red sandstone. The pagoda is built in an octagonal shape. It stands 53.7 meters (176 ft) tall. The base has a diameter of 12.5 meters (41 ft). The pagoda has nine exterior floor sections.
What to do at the Pagoda: Chigang Pagoda is a great place to enjoy the beautiful adjacent open park area with friends and have a picnic. It’s also great for dog lovers as there is plenty of room for your dog to run around. Lastly, there are many beautiful trees and flowers near the tower that can be admired all year long!
Where to find it: Located near Canton Tower station on Line 3 or Kecun station on Line 8.
Sad news: Unfortunately the inside of the Pagoda is not open to the public. However, the pagoda can still be admired for its beauty on the outside.
#relaxation #scenicspot #mingdynasty #chinesearchitecture
PAGODA OF FOGONG TEMPLE
The Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple is a wooden Chinese pagoda built in 1056 during the Khitan-led Liao dynasty. This pagoda stands on a 13ft tall stone platform, has a 33 ft tall steeple, and reaches a total height of 220.83 ft tall; it is the oldest existent fully wooden pagoda still standing in China and without any nails on it!
#pagoda #china #asia #architecture #traditionalarchitecture #chinesearchitecture #temples #pagoda #buddhism
Picturesque Canal Street in Suzhou 🛶
Known as The Venice of the East, Suzhou is an amazing city with rich history and lots of attractions to visit. While PingJiang Road is the most popular canal side street of the city, ShangTang Street, located a bit further away in the GuSu District, is another picturesque canal side street that I urge you to add to on your Suzhou bucket list❗️
Shangtang Street has such an authentic feel of the old Chinese lifestyle. It was built during the Tang Dynasty as a transport facility for the upper classes on their way to Tiger Hill. While strolling around, you’ll see locals living by the side of the canals. If you adventure a bit further north, it’s defo more quiet and less crowded. The buildings back onto the canal and are connected by bridges. They have retained their quaint Chinese architecture and are beautifully decorated with lanterns. It’s a pedestrian street which makes it even more exciting as you can explore around freely and check the shops or restaurants there.
Bear in mind that restaurants along the canal are mostly for tourists, thus a bit expensive. I recall paying 32¥ for a fried rice (which wasn’t even worth it) because it was around lunch time and I was starving. Nevertheless I’ve been to Shangtang Street several times and would still recommend it as one of my Suzhou favourites 💯
How to go ➡️ Take metro 🚇 line 2 to Shangtang Jie station (上塘街地铁站). Exit 3 is a few minutes walk to the Canal side pedestrian street.
#historicplaces #oldstyle #authentic #chinesearchitecture #canalcity #canalside #pedestrianstreet #suzhou #suzhoutravel #jiangsuprovince #jiangsu
Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum
This national museum consists of more than half a dozen vaults whose forms are based on the traditional imperial kilns of the Ming and Quin dynasties (located just a stone’s throw away!). Breaking the program into a series of smaller structures, the design interweaves indoor and outdoor spatial experiences. This fluidity is translated from the concept of a “borderless museum” — a curatorial strategy that harnesses information technology to contextualize the imperial kiln porcelain alongside collections from museums worldwide. The design reflects these aims by putting a contemporary yet timeless twist on the architectural language of extant local heritage.
#contemporaryarchitecture #tectonics #chinesearchitecture #brickbuilding #museumarchitecture #bangkoktravel
#themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes
Chongqing the magic
isiting Chongqing was like stepping into a city from the future. What struck me the most was the unique vertical layout of the city. I remember standing at what I thought was the top floor of a high-rise building—only to realize there was still a road, a park, and even more buildings above me! It was surreal. The city is built across mountains and valleys, creating a multi-layered experience unlike anything I’ve seen before.
One of the most memorable places was Liziba Station, where a monorail literally passes through a residential building. Watching that in real life felt like something out of a sci-fi movie. I also explored Hongya Cave, a traditional-style building lit up beautifully at night, perched above the river—it’s the perfect spot for street food, shopping, and taking in the views.
The local cuisine is another highlight. Chongqing is the birthplace of hot pot, and having an authentic Chongqing hotpot was a must. It’s spicy, flavorful, and unforgettable. Don’t forget to try the local xiaomian (spicy noodles)—cheap, delicious, and full of character.
Taking a night cruise on the Yangtze River offered a stunning view of the city’s glowing skyline. Bridges lit up in brilliant colors, skyscrapers reflecting on the water—it's a photographer's dream.
If you’re planning a visit, make sure to explore the Three Gorges Museum, the cable cars across the river, and even the underground malls that make use of the city’s complex terrain.
#Chongqing #ChinaTravel #VisitChongqing #DiscoverChina #重庆 #ChongqingViews #ChongqingHotpot #YangtzeRiver #HongyaCave #LizibaStation #ChineseArchitecture #CityOfBridges #ChinaAdventure #TravelAsia #VerticalCity #UrbanExploration #ChongqingLife #ChongqingNightView #TravelChina #HiddenGemsChina #中国旅行 #重庆旅游 #ChongqingFood #MonorailThroughBuilding #MountainCity #ChineseCulture
Chongqing is more than a city—it’s an experience
Discovering the Ancient Catholic Church in Dali
#churches
Hidden within the historical streets of Dali lies an ancient Catholic church, a rare and fascinating sight in China. Built in the early 20th century, this church beautifully blends traditional Chinese architecture with Western religious design. I was captivated by the peaceful atmosphere and the unique cultural fusion. A quiet retreat from the bustling city, this gem offers a glimpse into Dali's diverse spiritual heritage.
#DaliCatholicChurch #HiddenGem #CulturalFusion #HistoricChurch #TravelChina #SpiritualRetreat #ChineseArchitecture #ReligiousHeritage #DaliExploration #OffTheBeatenPath
Chinese Assembly Hall Hoi An
#100WaysOfTravel #chinesearchitecture #hoianoldtown #vietnam
Cantonese Assembly Hall is a historically significant relic of Hoi An Ancient Town. With its Chinese architectural style, this is a popular destination for travelers to visit and explore. Cantonese Assembly Hall is a special religious place for the Chinese people who initially settled in Hoi An. Up to now, it ranks at the top of the most famous feudal structures in the ancient town.
amazing day at erhai lake!
I have to share our day around erhai lake.
while traveling Dali we heard about a possible day trip to the lake nearby, and that exactly what we decided to do!
we rented bicycles and started to cycle around the lake.
the lake is amazing, perfect blue color and the mountains around it make the scenery so beautiful 😍
there is a very convenient bicycle road that circles the lake. we did a part of this trail and cycled ack to where we started.
we had a wonderful time and I definitely recommend anyone who is in Dali to visit Erhai lake for a day
#cycling #lake #dalitravel #bluesky #chinesearchitecture
The collective memory of Hong Kong people - Longhua Hotel
The collective memory of Hong Kong people - Lung Wah Hotel
Built in 1938 before the war, it was once a real hotel and is one of the few remaining garden-style restaurants in Hong Kong.
As a famous garden hotel in those days, it attracted many movies and Cantonese feature films to be filmed there, including the movie "Fist of Fury" which shocked the film industry with martial arts superstar Bruce Lee.
Longhua Hotel was originally just a holiday villa for the owner Zhong Xiuchang's family. During the Japanese occupation, it was requisitioned as the Japanese military headquarters. It was retaken after the war and converted into a hotel in 1950 with a swimming pool and 8 to 10 suites. It was only after 1985 that it was converted to a restaurant. The last Governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten, was also one of his regular customers.
There was also a larger amusement park, zoo and parking lot back then; my mother came here to play when she was a child, and it is truly a collective memory of many older generations.
#hellohongkong #explorehongkong #discoverhongkong #visithongkong #awesomehongkong #chinesearchitecture #hongkongphotography #hongkongtravel #travel
The Chinese Leaning Tower - Tiger Hill Pagoda
Tiger Hill Pagoda also known as the Cloud Rock Temple Pagoda or Yunyan Pagoda has a millennium long history.
First built entirely out of wood during the later period of the Five Dynasties (907-959) it was completed by the second year of the Song Dynasty (959-961). It’s complex structure and vibrant colours were a point of admiration for many throughout China.
The Tiger Hill Pagoda is seven floors and tops out at an impressive height of 48m, making it the oldest and largest pagoda in the south of the Yangtze River and holds in important distinction in Chinese architecture, history and art.
Leaning Tower: The Tiger Hill Pagoda leans some some 4 degrees to the North. Therefore the tower is often affectionately referred to as the Leaning Tower of Pisa in China. However, the Tiger Hill Pagoda predates the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The pagoda weights approximately 6,000,000kg, has seven stories and is eight sided and is supported by internal brick columns. The tower seen today is a double walled brick pagoda.
Interesting Fact: In 1957, efforts were made to stabilize the tower and prevent further leaning. Concrete was also pumped into the soil forming a stronger foundation. During the reinforcement process, a stone casket containing Buddhist scriptures were found.
This 1000 year old pagoda is truly an impressive building and held in high regard by the people of China. It is truly synonymous with the city of Suzhou. Located on picturesque Tiger Hill, it is truly a site to behold. An amazing place to take beautiful pictures and the grounds on which the tower stands is a fun place to explore for the day.
#beautifulpagoda #chinesearchitecture ##stunningplace
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