The Xi'ao Island, also known as the "Egrets' Paradise", is located in Tuolin Town, Raoping County of Chaozhou City. With a large number of egrets inhabiting at the island, the Xi'ao Island has become a conspicuous "Egrets' Paradise" in recent years.
Possessing a mild sea climate with plenty of rainfall, the Xi'ao Island provides an excellent habitat for the egrets. There are spectacular views at sunset as flocks of egrets return from afar to the Yongwei Mountain, which is in the northwest of the island. Seen from a distance, the thousands of egrets resemble white camellias in full bloom. Some of them stand in pairs, leaning against each other, others brood and some preen themselves at a leisurely pace. What a quiet and harmonious scene!
The egrets on the island are under State second-class protection. It is estimated that the number of these bird is more than 10,000 on Xi'ao Island. To protect the precious birds, tourists can feast their eyes on them outside the isolation strips by using telescopes. They can also travel around the island by dinghy to appreciate these elegant birds.
Tips: the best time to visit the beautiful place is during spring and autumn.
Guangji Gate Tower
Among the seven ancient city gates of Chaozhou, the Guangji Gate Tower is often considered the most spectacular one. Constructed in 1370 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it is the most prominent symbol of Chaozhou City.
Situated to the west of Xiangzi Bridge, the Guangji Gate Tower occupies a prominent position in the center of Chaozhou City, and is a well-preserved example of this kind of historic construction. Erected on a large, thick platform, this magnificent structure is a three-storey tower whose architectural style outwardly resembles that of a palace. In the center of the first floor stands an impressive arch, built to a height of 11.9 feet and a width of 9.5 feet. A gigantic bronze bell, which was made in 1134 during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), hangs on the third floor. Double-crowned with green tiles and constructed with red walls, the delicate carvings, scarlet pillars and fine traceried windows of this tower are a rather majestic and imposing sight.
From the Tower, tourists can see three antique gate towers and the ancient city wall, which measures over 6,560 feet long. Also from that place, Guangji Bridge can be seen stretching across the running waters and the mountains ranges in the distance resemble vast black jade peaks. If you visit that attraction in summer or autumn, you can enjoy magnificent views of the writhing river billows and seething flood tide. It really deserves its reputation as one of the eight wondrous sights of Chaozhou City!
Recently, a careful renovation has been carried out on the Guangji Gate Tower, restoring it to its original Ming Dynasty glory. Characterized by the distinctive architectural style of the city and the picturesque fortifications, this wonderful place is surely a must see landmark for tourists and locals alike.
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