It was a sunny winter day. The breeze flickered leaves and we couldn't help slowing our steps enjoying the leisurely pace.
Guangji Gate (广济门)
The place we were was Chaozhou (潮州), a famous national historical and cultural city in eastern Guangdong. It takes about four or five hours by highway from Guangzhou. As the saying goes, "If you've never come to Chaozhou, you haven't come to Guangdong." Chaozhou was also one of the stages on "The Maritime Silk Road".
Well known for its traditional culture and beautiful scenery, Chaozhou has a history of 1,600 years. With Jinshan Mountain (景山) in the north, the Penholder Mountain (笔架山) in the east, the Calabash Mountain (葫芦山) in the west and the Hanjiang River (韩江) in the south, Chaozhou is a city surrounded by three mountains and a river.
Walk into Time Machine
The ancient city wall is Chaozhou's greatest pride. In the past, the lofty wall prevented the ancient city from flooding by the Hanjiang River. Now it's a tourist attraction.
Occasionally, motorcars and bicycles run across the main city gate under the Guangji City Tower (广济城门). The quiet Hangjiang water, serving as a guide, echoes the city wall. The prosperous city has buried her stories in history.
The ancient city wall in Chaozhou.
Kaiyuan Temple, Famous in China
Chaozhou people are religious. Incense burning is a symbol of consecration to the Gods and seeking their blessing. Every 1st and 15th of the lunar month, temples are filled with people coming to burn incense to their deity.
And the worshippers have many choices. Kaiyuan Temple (开元寺) is one of only four existing temples of its kind in China, and one of Chaozhou’s four biggest temples. At Kaiyuan, two thousand-year-old peepul trees stand tall beside the gate. Visitors are busy taking photos and burning incense.
Kaiyuan Temple
The peepul trees have two thousand years history.
Enjoy the Delicacy of Kongfu Tea in Chaozhou
In Chaozhou, you must taste Chaozhou snacks like beef balls, shrimp balls, fish dumplings, pot-stewed chicken and duck and local pickles and appetizers. Like most other ancient cities in China, Chaozhou has a great variety of traditional snacks featuring exquisite shapes and divine tastes.
Take a stroll through the streets and lanes of Chaozhou, and take a minute to sip Kongfu tea. Any house or office will have a side table reserved for tea, and you might be invited to stay for a cup.
It is not surprising. Kongfu tea is an essential ingredient of Chaozhou citizens' daily life. It has exacting requirements for the heat of the water, tea leaves, tea sets, the tea-making process and even the method of drinking.
My heart longs for tranquil Chaozhou.
Ma-zu Temple
Chaozhou Stone Carving
About Chaozhou
With a coastline of 136 kilometers, Chaozhou is located in the subtropical zone with a subtropical oceanic climate. With an average annual temperature of 21.4 degrees°C , Chaozhou has a long summer and a short winter with no snow. Chaozhou has a relatively mild climate and abundant rain.
(written and photographed by Jessie, proofread by Alan Devey)
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