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A place where I share my discoveries and travels in mainland China

Nanjing: Where History Whispers and Resilience Shines – A Memorial to Tragedy That Must Never Fade

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Nanjing, literally meaning Southern Capital, has served as a heart of China’s history for centuries. Once the capital of dynasties, a political center, and a cultural hub, its name alone carries weight and legacy. When I visited the city this August, in the middle of the sweltering summer heat, I experienced first-hand the blend of ancient history and modern vibrancy that defines Nanjing today. The food alone was unforgettable. From the famous Nanjing Saltwater Duck, tender and flavorful, to crispy pan-fried dumplings, savory Nanjing-style duck blood soup, and sweet sesame-filled pastries, each dish felt like part of the city’s cultural soul. Beyond food, Nanjing presented itself as both timeless and futuristic. I explored numerous historical landmarks, while also marveling at its modern infrastructure, the sleek metro system, efficient high-speed rail, glittering department stores, and luxurious shopping malls. What left the deepest impression, however, was not just the city itself, b...
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Chengdu's New Century Global Centre: A Behemoth of Commerce and Experience Unlike Anything You've Ever Seen

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  My travels through Chengdu often lead me down ancient paths – to the quiet contemplation of Wuhou Shrine, the playful pandas at the research base, or the bustling tea culture of People's Park. These sites speak volumes of Sichuan's rich history. But on my visit last December, I stepped into a monument of a different kind: the staggering, almost incomprehensible,   New Century Global Centre . Forget everything you think you know about shopping malls; this is a city within a city, housed under a single, colossal roof. To grasp the sheer scale is the first challenge. Officially recognized as the  world's largest building by floor area , its statistics boggle the mind. Imagine fitting  20 Sydney Opera Houses  comfortably inside its vast interior.  (To give this truly staggering concept even more breathtaking perspective: the Global Centre’s 1.7 million m² footprint engulfs the  entire  Circular Quay precinct – harborside, Opera House, and all – by a...
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Sanxingdui: The Mysteries of the Ancients

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If you ever visit Chengdu, a trip to the Sanxingdui Museum is essential. Named after the “Three Stars Mounds,” Sanxingdui unveils a Bronze Age civilization that thrived over 3,200 years ago during China’s Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BCE). This enigmatic culture, East Asia’s most advanced of its time, produced awe-inspiring artifacts before vanishing mysteriously. Renowned for its surreal bronze sculptures—some eerily reminiscent of Mesoamerican art—Sanxingdui challenges assumptions of isolation. The museum, sprawling across 33 hectares near the ancient ruins, reveals a society deeply connected to broader Chinese cultures while forging a unique identity. The archaeological site itself spans 12 square kilometers, with a 3.6-square-kilometer core believed to be the heart of this lost city. A Journey Through Time: The Museum’s Treasures The Sanxingdui Museum houses two main exhibition halls. The first displays gold, jade, pottery, and stone artifacts, while the second showcases its iconic bro...
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The Breathtaking Beauty of Emei Mountain and the Majestic Leshan Buddha – A UNESCO Double Heritage Journey

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  Just outside Chengdu lies one of China’s most awe-inspiring destinations, Emei Mountain. This sacred Buddhist site is a must-visit for anyone seeking natural beauty, spiritual serenity, and cultural richness. Known as one of the world’s rare UNESCO double heritage sites—recognized both as a historical and natural heritage site—Emei Mountain captivates visitors with its striking landscapes, ancient temples, and profound spiritual significance. At its peak, the Golden Summit towers 3,000 meters above sea level and features a towering 48-meter golden Buddha statue that offers breathtaking panoramic views. And nearby, the iconic Leshan Giant Buddha stands as another testament to China's religious devotion and artistic mastery. A Sacred Legacy Rooted in History Emei Mountain holds immense importance as one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. It is believed to be the location of the first Buddhist temple built in China during the 1st century AD, marking the introduction of ...
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