Chaozhou Binjiang Gallery, Guangdong, China

4SOH KIEN PENG 5:00 PM Oct 25, 2018

Windy and relaxed
I flew from Kuala Lumpur to Chaoshan airport and took a train to Xiamen. I was in Xiamen for 3 days and on my return to Shantou, I visited Chaozhou. The bus from the Chaoshan bullet train station to Chaozhou city cost me RMB 8. Chaozhou did not impress me as a modern city with skyscrapers, condominiums and commercial premises like Shantou or Xiamen. Instead, it looks more like a city in the 80s of Singapore with old dwellings and shop houses. Nevertheless, the ancient attractions seem well preserved. Chaozhou was just a walkable little town and I managed to cover most of the attractions that were concentrated near the West Lake in just half a day. I did not find a lodging here and instead took the bus back to the airport to sleep. The weather in this region was rather hot and dry in October. I expected it to be cooler but throughout my 10 days here, it hardly rains. It was scorching hot when I was at the Arch Street in Chaozhou in the afternoon. I strolled my way between rows of eateries and passed under 22 of the arches sweating profusely and eventually found myself at the river boulevard. The Binjiang Gallery boasts of scenic river view overlooking the Hanjiang River and the Guangji Bridge. It was windy and relaxed as I strolled my way along this long boulevard. I found the boulevard clean and there were seats provided for visitors to rest. It reminds me of the boulevard of my Singapore River. From the gallery, I could see the city fortress wall guarding at the front of the Chaozhou city. There was a long queue of visitors at the entrance of Guangji Bridge, everyone hoping to walk from the boats to the adjoining bridge. I was in a hurry to visit the rest of the attractions and did not join the long queue. The Teochew people are an adventurous lot as many flocked overseas and became rich entrepreneurs. I supposed the Hanjiang River must have inspired many to explore abroad. Looking at the river from the Binjiang Gallery, many must have wondered what extend beyond the horizon of the river. Today, the foot prints of the Teochew overseas Chinese are found all over the world. Both the boulevards in Shantou and Chaozhou boast of long great galleries and the close proximity to the sea inspired dreams and the adventurous spirit to explore and search for better living abroad. The Binjiang Gallery in Chaozhou is indeed a cooling and relaxed place to enjoy a meditative stroll after savoring the delicious food at the Arch Street. It may take more than an hour to walk through the lengthy boulevard.