Chaozhou greets you with a harmony of eras. The Han River still glitters beneath the sun, ancient city walls embrace bustling markets, and the air is thick with the aroma of simmering broths and sweet pastries. The city pulses with the notes of Chaozhou music—soft, lingering, and full of emotion—drifting from teahouses and temple courtyards. 

Step into ancient Chaozhou and you’ll feel authenticity mixed in with a touch of modern: from the elegant curves of traditional rooftops, the long bars across the windows, to the spotless alleyways, swept morning and afternoon by residents who take immense pride in their home. 

Wandering the old town, I felt the weight of centuries in the stone-paved streets and weathered wooden doors. I’m suddenly hit with nostalgia from childhood familiarty—the red banners with well-wishes stuck on the side of heavy wooden doorways, the tea sets with tiny porcelain on dark timber tables behind them, the gleaming wood furniture that felt so familiar. Only then did I realize these scenes, which shaped my upbringing and short time with my late-grandmother, had found their way from my childhood memories – I was discovering the origins behind them here, in my first steps through my ancestral homeland.