Heritage lives on in Colonia del Sacramento and Lijiang

With China now offering visa-free entry to citizens of Uruguay and four other South American countries, the links between heritage towns across continents became a little closer.

Among the many cultural treasures waiting to be explored, Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay and Lijiang Old Town in China stand out as two historical gems – both UNESCO World Heritage sites, both frozen in time.

Perched beside the Rio de la Plata, Colonia del Sacramento is one of Uruguay's oldest towns, founded in 1680 by the Portuguese. Its cobbled lanes, aged stone walls, and colonial-style buildings speak to a rich history shaped by both Portuguese and Spanish rule.

The town's architectural mix and waterfront charm make it a quiet haven for those seeking traces of the past.

In southwest China, Old Town of Lijiang is a living testament to the legacy of Naxi people. Once a trading hub on the ancient Tea Horse Road, its wooden homes, clear canals, and stone bridges create a harmonious landscape that blends natural beauty with human craftsmanship.

The town's layout was carefully planned to follow the natural terrain and water flow, ensuring both beauty and functionality. Markets, workshops and homes are interwoven in a way that reflects centuries of local wisdom in community planning and sustainable living. Even today, Lijiang continues to function as a living town, where residents maintain age-old crafts and traditions amid a well-preserved historical setting.