How to Explore the Red City of Marrakech

Marrakech, located in southern Morocco, was built in the 11th century. Formerly known as Morocco City (from which the country's name derives), it is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco (the second imperial city). In 1985, the old city was designated a World Heritage Site. In 2003, Djemaa el-Fna was listed as an intangible cultural heritage site. The entire city is predominantly composed of red houses (the natural color of the soil), hence its nickname, the "Red City." Citrus trees, the city's official tree, are abundant throughout Marrakech. With summer temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, locals are known to be more active at night, giving the city its reputation as a "city that never sleeps" and a "city of joy." Many international stars have invested in properties here. Marrakech was formerly a French colony. If this is your first time visiting Marrakech, here are a few must-do experiences: 1. Watch a sunrise. The entire city was originally built with locally sourced materials, resulting in a uniform red color from the soil. Now, the whole city is painted red. The stunning effect of sunlight illuminating the red city is an indescribable experience. 2. Visit Djemaa el-Fna at night. This is the largest square in Morocco, filled with various goods, food, and handicrafts. You'll also find snake charmers and other performers showcasing their skills. Designated as an intangible cultural heritage site in 1985, the square offers a unique experience. Watch the sunset over the Koutoubia Mosque's minaret from the square, stroll through the bustling area after the lights come on, and enjoy the view from an elevated vantage point. Due to its vibrant nightlife, tourists also call it the "Sleepless Square." 3. Visit Bahia Palace to experience the charm of Moroccan architecture. (Built by Si Moussa in the mid-to-late 19th century, it was later expanded by his son, Moulay Mohammed, who served as regent for the 12-year-old sultan.) 4. Take a horse-drawn carriage tour of the city. Explore the streets and alleys in a leisurely horse-drawn carriage, taking in the various small shops and artisans. See Marrakech's famous landmarks, affluent neighborhoods, museums, train station, and old city walls. 5. Watch the sunset at the Koutoubia Mosque. The Koutoubia Mosque is a landmark of Marrakech (Koutoubia Park was built in the 11th century, and the 77-meter minaret was once the tallest structure in Marrakech. Legend has it that tens of thousands of bags of spices were mixed into the mud used for the tower, hence its nickname, the "Spice Tower." As one of the highest points in Marrakech, the minaret's muezzin was traditionally blind to prevent him from seeing the royal palace and the concubines' gardens.) 6. Have afternoon tea at Majorel Garden. (French artist Jacques Majorelle created this garden. An Orientalist painter, he arrived in Marrakech in 1917 and began building the garden in 1936. He filled it with his favorite desert plants, such as cacti, and painted the villa in his signature blue. Yves Saint Laurent, the second owner, discovered the garden in 1980 and fell in love with Majorelle blue. He lived there for the next 20 years of his life, and his ashes were scattered there after his death.)