You Can Skip Paris in This Life, but Missing the "Little Paris of Eastern Europe" Will Make You Regret!

Some people love Prague because she is like a slightly mysterious lady who can make you fall in love at first sight~

Some people favor Amsterdam because he is like a very artistic but unrestrained young man!

But I love Budapest more. It is like a poem that you can read tirelessly and savor endlessly. The deeper you explore, the more you are drawn in…

It is the familiar stranger beside you.

If I ask you if you have heard of Budapest, the capital of Hungary? You might still find it unfamiliar. When you start searching in your mind, you may recall fragments from movies like "The Grand Budapest Hotel" or "Gloomy Sunday - A Love Story". But I want to say that your impression of it should have come much earlier.

Recalling those youthful days, you might remember a comedian known for eating noodles, named Chen Peisi, and he has an older brother named Chen Buda. Is it a coincidence that the names of the two brothers match the Hungarian capital? Of course not!

Chen Peisi's father, Chen Qiang, a film performance artist, visited Budapest, the capital of Hungary, in 1951 with the Chinese Youth Art Delegation to perform "The White-Haired Girl" at the Hungarian State Opera House. At that time, Chen Peisi's elder brother was just born. So Chen Qiang used the local name on the spot, hence the names of the two brothers later.

Budapest is split by the Danube River. On the west bank lies Buda, a hilly area winding and undulating, where the Carpathian Mountains abruptly end. On the east bank lies Pest, a vast plain that stretches endlessly, where the Great Hungarian Plain begins. Together, they form this dazzling pearl on the Danube today.

If you now feel that the unfamiliarity has largely diminished, you will find that this European city indeed has some connections with the East~

Evidence 1: The ancestors of the Hungarians, the Magyars, are said to be descendants of the Northern Xiongnu. There is a theory that in the middle of the 1st century, the nomadic Xiongnu in northern China split into northern and southern branches. In 91 AD, the Northern Xiongnu migrated westward. The Xiongnu people pushed the nomadic tribes along the way westward, and the Magyars were no exception. In the 9th century, the Magyars were attacked by nomadic tribes from Central Asia and were forced to migrate westward to the Carpathian region. Their ultimate destination was the only part of Europe suitable for nomadic survival, where nomadic states had been established twice in history: the Great Hungarian Plain.

Evidence 2: As a European country, the way they name their citizens does not conform to European customs. It is a well-known rule that in Europe, given names come before family names. Countries where the family name precedes the given name include China, Japan, Vietnam, Korea (North and South), Singapore, and some Chinese communities in Southeast Asia. However, in Europe, Hungary and parts of Romania indeed seem out of step with European culture. Can this rule prove that the Magyar ancestors had some relation to the Xiongnu?

It is in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, which has countless ties with us, that a decadent aristocratic aura pervades. Everywhere you look, there are historical buildings and ancient sculptures. Nestled between hills and rivers, with magnificent architecture, it enjoys the reputation of being the "Paris of the East" and the "Pearl of the Danube". The well-proportioned rooftops, the charming scenery along the Danube, and the nine world-famous bridges spanning the river all contribute to the city's tens of thousands of admirers each year. Only by visiting in person can one truly appreciate the superiority that demands respect…

If you are visiting Budapest for the first time, the following recommendations are not to be missed:

1. Take a ride on a vintage tram

Strongly recommended is Tram Line 2, which runs slowly along the Danube, covering all the attractions along the riverbank, saving you the fatigue of walking. This tram line has even been rated by many travel media as "the most beautiful tram route in the world." You cannot truly experience the joy of seeing beautiful scenes unfold before your eyes without taking a ride yourself!

2. Climb up to Fisherman's Bastion for a panoramic view

Fairytale spires, winding corridors, an undisputed Instagram hotspot. Standing on the castle's observation deck, the scenery along the Danube and the bustling city of Pest unfold before your eyes in an instant!

3. Take a nighttime stroll

If Budapest's daytime is already dazzling, the beauty at night is doubled. The Parliament Building, Széchenyi Chain Bridge, and the various clusters of buildings on both sides of the Danube reach their peak beauty at night. You would definitely regret not seeing it~

4. Take a boat cruise in Budapest

During the cruise, with bilingual commentary in Chinese and English, you will be gently guided as the breeze brushes your face, learning in detail about the historical vicissitudes of the buildings along the Danube. This is undoubtedly the most efficient way to understand the entire city~

5. Sip a luxurious royal coffee

New York Café, once hailed as the most beautiful café in the world. Many actors, poets, and artists have sought creative inspiration here or engaged in all-night conversations. Its palace-like exquisite decoration has transcended the definition of beauty, crossing directly into the realm of luxury and decadence. Life is short. Indulge in a little luxury within your means as a reward for your hard work!

6. Soak in Széchenyi Thermal Bath

The Turks and Romans, who both loved bathing, once ruled here, leaving thermal baths scattered everywhere. The most splendid one is Széchenyi. Lying by the poolside reading a book, playing chess, or chatting about daily life—the most down-to-earth scenes of city life are fully revealed in the steaming hot springs. Let me tell you a secret: on weekend midnight at Széchenyi (from 10 PM to 3 AM), you will find the most stunning sights in Budapest~

7. Stroll through the Great Market Hall

Budapest's market is definitely a fine art piece among the world's markets, designed by the architect of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Its interior is so clean and orderly that even a Virgo would feel deeply healed while visiting. Enjoy the thrill of shopping, let's be a one-armed swordsman with abandon.

Someone once asked Strauss: "What color is the Danube? It looks so muddy!" He replied: "If you drink a liter of Bull's Blood red wine, the Danube will be blue. If you drink two liters, the Danube will be whatever color you want it to be~~"

The state of mind creates the scene. Budapest is the key that unlocks a beautiful life for you~

Budapest's charm lies in every detail your eyes see and every piece of ground your feet measure. It has romance no less than Paris, artistry no less than Vienna, mystery no less than Prague, and rebelliousness no less than Berlin! It is steeped in rich European culture while retaining the former glory of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. If you have been to Paris, you might fall in love with romance; but trust me, once you have been to Budapest, the "Little Paris of Eastern Europe," you will fall in love with life all over again~! After the pandemic ends, take the one you love most and go experience happiness for yourself!