The three Art Nouveau kiosks by architect Ernesto Basile appear like unexpected gems along the buzzing streets of Palermo. Built about the end of the 19th century, the kiosks once hosted the traditional Sicilian vendors of soft drinks and refreshing beverages but are today converted into tobacconists. Chiosco Ribaudo located in Piazza Verdi, the most famous one, is a crimson and wrought iron building adorned with golden letters. The second Ribaudo kiosk in Piazza Castelnuovo is decorated with colourful majolica and mosaics while the Chiosco Vicari, in front of the Teatro Massimo, is a triumph of Moorish, Islamic, and Colonial architecture.

Built in the late 1800s, Hulishan Cannon Fort is a quirky mix of history and engineering ingenuity — believe it or not, glutinous rice was used in its construction. A highlight is the Krupp cannon, a massive 60-ton German-made cannon, said to be the best-preserved coastal gun in all of China. Wandering around the fort, you’ll stumble across smaller cannons, old stone walls, and views of the coastline that make it easy to imagine its strategic importance back in the day.

Zeng Cuo An is known to be the artsiest fishing village in China. This is the place where modern meets traditional, which shines through in its array of interesting independent shops. There is also a fusion of architectural styles: you can find traditional courtyard houses, wooden fishing houses as well as Baroque mansions. When night falls, the village comes alive as countless bars open doors to welcome patrons.