In recent days, Lu Jiang (wine expert), DanDanZhu (gastronomic influencer), Michelle (Liu Rong) —known as Qiao Bangzhu— and the renowned photographer Fan Yibo have discovered a city that none of them expected to impact them so deeply.
The impact of a unique heritage
The first thing that impressed them was the visual power of Zaragoza. Michelle was left speechless upon seeing the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar and La Seo almost side by side. “Two such impressive cathedrals this close together is something difficult to match in Europe,” she acknowledges.
Fan Yibo, who has photographed 800 World Heritage sites in 123 countries and returned to Zaragoza 17 years later, found his favorite view from the Stone Bridge: “I am fascinated by how the Pilar and La Seo integrate with the river. That monumental set is spectacular.”
Lu Jiang, for his part, highlights the “deep historical culture” that can be felt in every corner, especially in the Mudejar and Gothic details of La Seo.
A city made for strolling and enjoying
The four of them agree on one thing: Zaragoza has the perfect scale for a city walk, that Chinese trend of exploring the city on foot, without hurry, taking in its essence.
Fan Yibo particularly appreciates this: compared to the overwhelming pressure of Madrid or Barcelona, here one can breathe comfort. DanDanZhu fell in love with the mix of centuries-old shops with a scent of chocolate and tradition alongside the street art that fills the streets. All at a very human and photogenic scale.
Michelle also keeps emphasizing the cleanliness of the city. For Asian visitors, finding such a well-kept, safe, and welcoming historic destination is a value that makes a difference.
High-level tapas and the birthplace of Garnacha
Culinary offerings have been another point of total enchantment. Fan Yibo has been emphatic: “These are undoubtedly the best tapas I have tried in all of Spain.” He praises both the quality of the ingredients and the creativity of the chefs, who blend tradition with a presentation reminiscent of fine dining.
DanDanZhu confirms that lamb, ham, cheeses, and olive oil pair very well with the Asian palate. And Lu Jiang, an international wine judge, achieved his great objective of the trip: stepping foot in the birthplace of Garnacha. Tasting excellent tapas accompanied by top-level wines at reasonable prices has seemed to them a difficult experience to surpass in other European capitals.
The Ebro, safety, and the warmth of the people
The city also surprised them with its lively and human side. Lu Jiang and Fan Yibo highlighted the Ebro’s riverside parks, with their wetlands filled with birds and excellent environmental protection.
But the factor that has left the deepest impression on them is the human aspect. Fan Yibo summarizes it this way: “Zaragozans are especially kind, welcoming, and nice. That, for the traveler, is the most important.” He further adds to this the sense of tranquility and safety that permeates the streets.
They leave as ambassadors
The four arrived out of curiosity or invitation. They leave as genuine devotees and, most importantly, as powerful ambassadors for Zaragoza in Asia.
Their message to their millions of followers is clear: Zaragoza is no longer just a strategic stop on the AVE. It is a destination that deserves two or three full days. They recommend stepping off the beaten path and discovering its unique rhythm, gastronomy, and people.
All have promised to return soon, this time for vacation and with family. When they do, they will bring thousands of Chinese travelers eager to experience the same spark.
