Time Zone |
Europe/Sofia |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+2 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+3 |
Time Zone |
Asia/Shanghai |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+8 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Sofia, the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, is located in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula at the foot of the Vidosha Mountains and boasts a history of over 1,300 years. As one of the oldest capitals in Europe, Sofia combines a rich historical heritage with a modern cityscape. Known for its mild continental climate with four distinct seasons, the city is an important political, economic and cultural center.
Dating back to Roman times, Sofia boasts a number of iconic sights, such as the Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky, the Church of Boiana, and relics from the Roman period. The city is also dotted with spas and museums showcasing the diverse cultural heritage from Thrace to Rome to the Ottoman Empire. With a low cost of living, Sofia is a popular tourist and study destination.
Sofia's economy is dominated by services, IT and tourism, and is easily accessible with an international airport and a well-developed metro system. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the Vidosha Mountains or sample traditional local cuisine. The city is safe and friendly, offering a great nightlife and shopping experience for short visits or longer stays.
Located in the northeastern part of China's Yunnan Province, Huize County, part of Qujing City, is situated in the zone of the main peaks of the Wumeng Mountains and on the east bank of the Jinsha River. With an altitude of 2,120 meters above sea level and a total area of 5,886 square kilometers, this historical and cultural city is famous for its unique copper merchant culture and ancient architectural complexes of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The ancient city of Huize has preserved 108 guilds and temples, including the Jiangxi Guild Hall and the Huguang Guild Hall, and is known as the "capital of guilds".
Huize is home to natural wonders such as Dahai Cao Mountain and Yulu Earth Slit, as well as the wintering grounds of the world's rare bird, the black-necked crane, etc. In 2013, Huize Ancient City was listed as a National Famous Historical and Cultural City, with sites such as the former residence of Tang Jiyao and the Shucheng Han Tomb Cluster in its territory bearing witness to the history of copper transportation for thousands of years. Spotted Copper Craft and Cave Scripture Music are listed as national intangible cultural heritages.
Huize produces high-quality potatoes, brine pomegranates and Leye chili peppers, and has a well-developed highland specialty agriculture. Recommended tourist hit spots include the Eli River Scenic Area, ancient villages such as Baiwu Village in Nagu Township, and Nian Lake for viewing black-necked cranes in winter every year. The county is 200 kilometers away from Kunming with convenient transportation, making it an important destination for humanistic eco-tourism in northeast Yunnan.