Secret Journeys of the Adriatic Sea: A Heavenly Destination in the Eyes of Literary Masters

Croatia was once<<国家地理杂志>voted the “#1 Country Worth Visiting,” while Slovenia has been hailed as the “Emerald of Europe.” These two neighboring nations on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea — the so-called K&S Duo — boast uniquely diverse terrains and breathtaking scenery that have captivated both ancient and modern celebrities.

Nobel Prize-winning playwright George Bernard Shaw once said, “If you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik.” Here, you’ll find Greek-blue seas dotted with sunbathers along the shore, lazy little boats moored in serene bays, and the coastline adorned with gray fortresses, red-brick houses, white-painted walls, and the ever-watchful ancient city walls. The traces of history, the elegance of art and culture — all fill this city of ice and fire, King’s Landing. Fully experience the splendor of this ancient city and the solemn poignancy of its past civil war; every corner offers a scene, and that’s the very charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

When you visit Zadar, be sure to stay overnight and immerse yourself in the trilogy woven by the Sea Organ, sunset, and the city light show from day to night. By the harbor, children dive into the water and relaxed crowds lounge about, while the sound of the Sea Organ reaches your ears — an organ-like melody created by waves hitting air pushed through special pipes embedded beneath the stone steps. It has even won the top European Design Award. The sunset everyone waits for is what the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, called the most beautiful sunset in the world. When night falls, the solar panels of the city light show have stored up enough energy to begin their dazzling display.

Whenever you visit Plitvice Lakes National Park (also known as the 16 Lakes National Park), the breathtaking scenery will hold you spellbound. In spring, waterfalls are at their fullest; in summer, lush greenery abounds; in autumn, intoxicating beech-red hues take over; and in winter, snow blankets the landscape in a serene white. Each season brings its own unique and captivating beauty. 

If you’re wondering what Lake Bled is like, the perfect descriptor would be a fairytale wonderland. Surrounded by verdant mountains and embraced by azure waters, with an ancient, majestic castle standing tall on the craggy cliffs — no matter if you admire it from afar or up close, the constant clicking of cameras never ceases, and it remains a focal point that draws all eyes.