Around 90 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Shenzhen, Dapeng Fortress stands as a time capsule from the Ming Dynasty. This 600-year-old walled military village was built to protect the region from pirates, and much of its original structure remains intact. Walking through the fortress, you’ll encounter ancient fortifications, narrow alleys, and sturdy watchtowers. In 2007, Dapeng Fortress was recognised as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage for its cultural significance. Today, it’s a place where you can step back into history, explore the centuries-old architecture, and imagine life as it was when pirates roamed the waters just off the coast.

Karlskrona archipelago is liberating and probably one of the most beautiful places there is. The archipelago of Karlskrona is the southernmost of Sweden’s archipelagos. The whole city is built upon 33 islands. Without the protective ring of large and small islands surrounding the city, King Karl XI, would probably not have chosen Trossö for his new naval base. There are islands, that have from one to 1,500 inhabitants, islands with and without connection to the mainland. Look for your very own favourite spot — and enjoy — because there are plenty of them! Far out in the eastern archipelago, there are plenty of exciting islands like Inlängan, Utlängan, Stenshamn, Ungskär, and Hästholmen, which offer a charming setting. The character of the islands here differs a lot from the green inner archipelago. Far out to the southeast, lies the island Utklippan. Enjoy the unique environment and look for the seal colony, the seals really enjoy their life here.

The splendid Yuantong Temple is the most important Buddhist site in the entire province, with a history of nearly 1200 years. Unlike at other temples, you enter at an elevation and make your way down through tranquil temple grounds – these feature ornate pavilions and halls (the main hall maintains Yuan dynasty architecture), mountain caves and stone staircases. carved directly into the cliff sides.