This summer, as a 16-year-old, I ventured to Quanzhou, my mother's seaside hometown in southern China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What began as a casual family visit evolved into a profound exploration of a place brimming with cultural riches. Here, I discovered a rare religious harmony, a captivating blend of modernity and deep-rooted traditions, and an appreciation for finding beauty in the most unexpected of places. This ancient maritime emporium awakened my senses and unveiled the extraordinary within the ordinary, igniting a journey of self-discovery intertwined with my roots.