Category: China
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Hokkien Temples of Guangdong: a marvelous encounter
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I love traditional architecture. It is one of the greatest driving motivations of my travels, and I love to look at every small, intricate detail. Therefore, you can imagine that my first encounter with a Hokkien style temple in the Southern Chinese city of Shantou (Guangdong Province) left me awe-struck…
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A photographic journal of a day in Tongli Water Town
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The Jiangsu countryside that stretches between the cities of Suzhou and Shanghai is home to a many small, charming water towns, many of which are located along the Grand Imperial Canal (an artificial canal that connected Hangzhou to Beijing with the aim of bringing supplies of goods and food to the Imperial…
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Chinese gardens and historic water streets: the highlights of Suzhou
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Described by the Chinese as the “Venice of the East,” Suzhou is considered one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in all of China. The city is a source of national pride thanks to its wonderful gardens and its ancient waterways, which attract multitudes of visitors from all over…
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Postcards from Lili Water Town
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Thanks to a business trip in the area, I had the chance to spend half a day in the little Lili Water Town ( 黎里古镇 Lí lǐ gǔzhèn), just outside the city of Suzhou.The small town sprawls out around its central canal, hosting some of the most picturesque traditional whitewashed buildings…
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Shawan Ancient Town: Lingnan Architecture in Guangzhou
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Lingnan’s Architecture is the traditional Cantonese style, typical of the region around the city of Guangzhou in the Guangdong Province of Southern China. You don’t need to go too far into the countryside to have a glimpse of this beautiful and richly decorated style. The district of Panyu, in the southern part of Guangzhou…
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Visiting the Milarepa Palace
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Milarepa’s palace is a unique, unusual building that leaves visitors speechless. The 9 storey Buddhist temple has a tower shape, and is dedicated to Milarepa (also called Milariba), who is one of the most famous figures in Tibetan Buddhist culture. The Palace is located in the city of Hezuo (合作市),…
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Hui architecture and villages: vernacular architecture in South Anhui
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Anhui Province, located in the central part of China, is internationally renowned for its Yellow Mountains, one of the most majestic natural wonders in all of Asia. The region called “Huizhou” is home to several ancient architectural jewels, which includes the picturesque villages of Xidi and Hongcun, UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each year these villages attract…
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Xidi Ancient Village, historic UNESCO site at the foot of Yellow Mountains
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About 40 km from the city of Huangshan in Anhui Province of China, the picturesque village of Xidi (西递镇) has a rich history spanning over 900 years. This ancient village is one of the most famous spots of Huzhou region; his perfect conservation through centuries and his cultural value worth…
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Tangmo: a peaceful Hui village preserved by time
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The village of Tangmo is located at the base of the Yellow Mountains, about 30km from the city of Huangshan in the Anhui Province of China. Founded during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the village developed steadily during the following dynasties, and it has mostly retained it’s rural character. Unlike Xidi and Honcun, more renowned Hui villages listed as UNESCO…
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Chengkan Bagua Village, the hidden gem of Anhui
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Forty kilometers from Huangshan city, the village of Chengkan was founded during the Ming Dynasty (1368 A.D. – 1644 A.D.) and is one of the most beautiful villages in the Huizhou Region of Anhui Province in China.Living in the shadow of the two UNESCO Sites of Xidi and Hongcun located…