Step into Quanzhou, a coastal gem on the Chinese mainland that’s rewriting the rules of time travel! This southeastern city lets you wander through 1,000+ years of history while vibing with modern energy. Think ancient Buddhist temples rubbing shoulders with sleek cafés, and stone bridges older than Shakespeare standing tall beside glass skyscrapers.
Must-see highlights:
– Kaiyuan Temple: A Tang Dynasty marvel with twin pagodas that’ll melt your Instagram feed
– Luoyang Bridge: Walk where medieval merchants traded silk and spices
– Zanhuawei hairpin flowers: Catch local fashionistas rocking these floral headpieces – it’s like Coachella vibes, but 12th-century style
Pro tip for explorers: The best street snacks hide near Qingjing Mosque, one of China’s oldest Islamic sites. Follow the scent of oyster omelets and sweet peanut soup!
Why this matters: Quanzhou isn’t just pretty – it’s a UNESCO-recognized ‘Emporium of the World’ that shaped global maritime trade. Today, it’s where history buffs, foodies, and architecture nerds unite under the same subtropical sun
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Reference(s):
cgtn.com