Edinburgh, a fairy-tale world

During the short day and a half I spent in Edinburgh, I used a day pass to ride various buses through the streets and alleys by the ancient castle under Calton Hill and along Princes Street, where in the misty rain I felt as if I had entered a fairy-tale world. In the autumn of 1986, I first arrived at the University of Edinburgh's English department to study for a master's degree in modern linguistics. This is a prestigious European university with a history of over four hundred years and alumni like Darwin. At that time, my English proficiency was limited to listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and I knew very little about modern linguistic theory. It was at the University of Edinburgh that I gained the ability to analyze language style and was exposed to the works of some famous British and Irish writers. Among the many teachers, the one who left the deepest impression on me was Professor Black, who drove from Glasgow twice a week for her tutorial-style classes. Now, 38 years have passed, and I have long since taken to the lectern at foreign universities, explaining different styles, rhetorical contexts, and rhetorical analysis to my students. This brief return to Edinburgh was not only a return to the place where I had lived for a year, to see the familiar streets, castles, and statues of famous people on the sidewalks, but also a reminiscence of my busy student life, absorbing knowledge like a sponge. In the mid-1980s, China was still very poor. I remember that at that time, China's foreign exchange earnings were mainly from exporting shoes, selling soy sauce, and small commodities. There were very few Chinese students abroad. I recall that once on Calton Hill, a local Scot asked me if I came from Tokyo. I encountered similar assumptions in Paris on a Seine river cruise, where I was also mistaken for Japanese. At the same time, I also remember that Chinese people, including Chinese students abroad, suffered quite a bit of discrimination. I once met a Scottish father and son on the street; the boy, about five or six years old, pointed at me and said, 'He is a China man,' while the father, holding the child's hand, remained silent. In English, this term is equivalent to pointing at a black person and calling him a 'black X.' Even worse, at a celebration of the friendship between Xi'an and Edinburgh held at the city hall, a Scot publicly mocked a young pianist from Shanghai, saying he played the piano as if he were hitting the keys with bricks, and the distinguished guests below laughed without care. A professor from Taiwan who taught in the East Asian department at the university mocked the mainland Chinese students' use of words, saying, 'Isn't the term 'lover' that you use just another word for mistress?' Nearly 40 years have passed, and China has risen. There are now large numbers of Chinese students and tourists all over the world, and the era of casually belittling and mocking Chinese people and China is gone forever. As the afternoon progressed, the fog grew thicker, and the drizzling rain added a lot of mystery to the city. Some pedestrians opened their umbrellas, but many more seemed to enjoy walking in the misty Edinburgh. People slowed down, some even sat on the benches at the edge of the Princes Street Gardens lawn, admiring the beautiful rain-soaked scene before them. And in my heart, there was an impulse; since I had already entered this fairy-tale world, why not let myself blend into this beautiful scene and become another splash of color?

Enchanted by Edinburgh: A Tale of Two Cities

Edinburgh, Scotland's storied capital, seamlessly blends ancient history with the vibrancy of a modern city. Known for its stunning architecture and dynamic cultural scene, Edinburgh stands as a city of contrasts, where medieval relics, Georgian grandeur, and modern life swirl together under the watchful eye of the iconic Edinburgh Castle. What to Expect Visitors to Edinburgh can explore the Old Town, a labyrinth of cobbled streets, hidden courtyards, and mysterious closes (alleyways) leading off the Royal Mile. Here, the history of Scotland is etched into every stone and statue, with highlights including St. Giles' Cathedral and the atmospheric Mary King’s Close. Contrastingly, the New Town dazzles with its neoclassical and Georgian elegance, offering spacious streets and the lush gardens of Princes Street. Experiences and Recommendations No visit to Edinburgh is complete without witnessing the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle, perched atop an ancient volcano, offering panoramic views of the city. Dive into Scotland's past at the National Museum of Scotland or enjoy the modern art at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. For a truly Scottish experience, attend a ceilidh (traditional Scottish dance) or explore the city’s literary history on a guided tour inspired by famous authors like Sir Walter Scott and J.K. Rowling. Tips and Tricks Edinburgh is famously hilly, with steps and steep inclines, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. The weather can change swiftly, so a waterproof jacket and layers are advisable year-round. If visiting in August, the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe transforms the city into a hub of performing arts that should not be missed, though it's wise to book accommodation well in advance during this period. Personal Reflections Walking through Edinburgh at dusk, with the lights casting a golden glow on the ancient stone buildings, was a magical experience. The blend of history, culture, and the warmth of Scottish hospitality made every moment memorable. Tasting traditional dishes like haggis while listening to bagpipe music provided a rich, immersive dive into Scottish culture. Edinburgh offers a unique blend of past and present, making it a captivating destination for history buffs, culture vultures, and adventure seekers alike. It is a city that invites exploration with its rich tapestry of stories, from the dark tales of its medieval alleys to the enlightened avenues of the New Town. #EdinburghExplorations #ScottishSojourn #MedievalMeetsModern #CulturalCapital #HistoricHaunts #TravelTalesScotland #mytravelhacks#historicallandmarks#localguides#familytrip

Heartbeat of Edinburgh!

Princes Street in Edinburgh, flanked by stunning gardens and iconic landmarks, is the heartbeat of the city. The vibrant thoroughfare offers a perfect blend of shopping, culture, and panoramic views. The historic Scott Monument graces one end, while the majestic Edinburgh Castle watches over from Castle Rock. The street's allure intensifies during festivals, with the castle as a dramatic backdrop. Whether wandering through boutiques, enjoying street performances, or admiring the floral clock, Princes Street is an emblem of Edinburgh's charm. Eagerly looking forward to a return in 2024, drawn by the magnetic energy of this bustling yet picturesque avenue. #2024wish

UK | Edinburgh, a magical city | Must-visit attractions guide

You will like it once you come here, wear more, prepare comfortable shoes, and let's go! 🌈Edinburgh must-see attractions: 📍Prince Street This Prince's Avenue is known as "the most beautiful road in the world, right after the train station. There are many shops on the street, you can go shopping. 📍Princes Street Gardens The memorial tower of the famous Scottish writer Scott, the largest flower clock, and the castle! 📍Victoria Street Where Rainbow House is located, there are many souvenir shops and snack bars. 📍Harry Porter Museum Harry Porter peripheral merchandise store, Harry fans can choose slowly. There is also a similar one across from his house. 📍 Calton Hill The scenery on the top of the mountain is beautiful and it is a good place to watch the sunset. 📍 Arthur's Seat There are three roads up the mountain, and the one on the far right is recommended. The view is superb, and you can basically see the whole picture of Edinburgh. Maybe it's the good weather. 📍Swan Lake After climbing to the top of Arthur's Seat, you can choose to go down the mountain in the direction of Swan Lake. The swan is really beautiful! 📍Edinburgh Castle Book tickets in advance on the official website and be sure to rent a guide. 📍St. Giles Cathedral The church is located in the center of the Royal Mile, and its Scottish crown spire is unique. The church is open to the public for free, no appointment required. 📍Old College, University of Edinburgh The building looks very Hallwarts! 📍Portobello Beach Take 26 from Princes Street to Portobello Beach Station, it is expected to arrive in 20 minutes. 📍National Museum of Scotland There are many types of exhibits in the museum, and the museum is free and open without reservation. 🚗This is a city that you will fall in love with when you come. I have to say, traveling is really fun!

The busiest streets of Edinburgh are full of shops. Prince Street divides Edinburgh into a new and old city, a new city to the north and an old city to the south. There is a long hill between the new and old cities, and the natural barriers are distinct. Princes Street is known as the world's best road. Just a full length, many gorgeous and modern shops gather on this road. On the south side is a verdant green area, and at the end of the east end is the Prince Street Garden. The prince street garden under the castle is picturesque, with a memorial tower of the famous Scottish writer Scott. On another green area of the garden stands the world-famous Scottish clock, whose main structure is underground. This clock was built in 1803. The minute hand is 2.4 meters long, the hour hand is 1.5 meters, the clock face is 3.5 meters in diameter, and the flower clock pattern is composed of 24,000 flowers. Every time a minute, a rhododendron jumps out. It is said to be the largest and most unique flower clock in the world. During the literary festival, the Princes Street Garden is full of flowers, and the artists in traditional kilts play the bagpipes from time to time in Princes Street Park. The Scottish Art Gallery is also located outside the garden. To the north of the garden is the bustling commercial street of Edinburgh. In the north of the new city, there is the Royal Botanical Garden, which covers an area of 30 hectares. There are many varieties of rhododendrons in the park, and the number is the highest.