Finally, we've arrived in Manchester!

Finally, we've arrived in Manchester!

It's already evening, so the first thing we'll do is have dinner. We have a meeting with my brother-in-law's relatives, so we need to buy some small souvenirs first. It's a local custom here to bring small gifts when meeting someone, whether it's flowers or food.

Tonight, we're having Chinese food in Chinatown.

Manchester's Chinatown is one of the six largest in England, and the red and gold archway at its entrance is one of the largest Chinese archways in Europe.

Personally, eating Chinese food in England is one of my greatest joys because the food here is incredibly delicious.

After a satisfying meal, we'll have half a day to explore Manchester tomorrow.

Today, we had a simple breakfast at the hotel. The menu is mostly typical English breakfasts.

This morning, we're heading to Manchester Cathedral, an ancient cathedral in the heart of Manchester.

At Cathedral Yard, there's a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

The statue's creators made it in 2019 to celebrate the 150th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India's nonviolent struggle. The statue symbolizes peace and diversity.

Let's go into the church.

This church is over 600 years old. Originally a small chapel, the church gained cathedral status in 1847. Looking up, you'll see a medieval-style carved wooden ceiling, one of the most beautiful wooden ceilings in England.

If you have time, try sitting quietly and soaking in the atmosphere inside, this place is filled with history and memories of the city.

The cathedral has witnessed many significant events, including World War II and the 1996 bombing, but people restored it each time, and it became a symbol of their strength.

Before leaving, there was a minor incident! I was so engrossed in taking pictures that I accidentally lost my hat! Haha. Luckily, the church caretaker picked it up for me.

You'll see bees in many places in Manchester! Bees are the symbol of Manchester.

Because it has been the world's textile industry center since the 19th century, the bee initially symbolized worker bees, representing "diligence, unity, and the strength of the working class."

However, the meaning of the bee deepened in 2017 after the Manchester Arena tragedy.

People throughout the city used bee motifs to express love and unity, representing the strength of Manchester.

You'll see bees everywhere. If you have the chance to visit, try to look for them; there are many hidden bee decorations throughout the city.

Because we didn't have much time, another that I chose to visit the John Rylands Library.

One of the most beautiful libraries in Manchester.

This isn't just an ordinary library; it's a memorial built by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her late husband,

John Rylands, a great industrialist during the Industrial Revolution.

It first opened to the public in 1900 and is now part of the University of Manchester.

The Victorian Neo-Gothic architecture gives it a feel like something out of a fantasy movie.

What makes John Rylands world-class is its rare and historically significant collection.

Whether it's the world's oldest Gospel fragment — almost 2,000 years old —

or the original manuscripts and important documents from renowned thinkers like Isaac Newton, covering not only physics but also chemistry and philosophy,

and medieval writings, ancient Gnostic texts, and ancient maps used to define the world in the past,

on the day we visited, the library was also displaying ancient block printing techniques.

The atmosphere inside is beautiful and serene, perfect for reading. The main reading room (Historic Reading Room),

with its high Gothic vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, long wooden tables, and beautiful natural light, is so stunning that many say it feels like Hogwarts. If you enjoy a mystical, old-world atmosphere, this is highly recommended.

With some time left before our departure, I also stopped by for coffee at a place I'd spotted the night before: 200 Degrees Coffee Shop & Barista School (75 Mosley St, Manchester M2 3HR, United Kingdom).

The coffee was delicious and strong, but what I loved most was the huge coffee roaster on display at the front of the shop.

Getting ready to leave Manchester, but before we go, we'll stop by MS to buy some souvenirs because we're going to visit relatives. See you next time in Carlisle and the Lake District!