When the direct flight from Beijing to Muscat breaks through the sky, this "safe island" in the Middle East, praised by Lonely Planet, is opening its doors to Chinese tourists with the convenience of 30 days visa free and direct payment via WeChat Alipay. Oman, the 'Kingdom of Thousand Forts' with five world heritage sites, boasts the ultimate collision of deserts and coasts, as well as the fireworks and legends of a thousand year old civilization. An 8-hour flight can unlock a secret journey that spans ancient and modern times.

The castle in Oman is a historical book carved on stone. The Nizwa Castle with a diameter of 45 meters can overlook the coconut jujube orchard and the panoramic view of the ancient city from the top. The goat auction at Friday's market still continues the ancient tradition; The Bachra Fortress, listed as a World Heritage Site in 1987, witnessed the glory of ancient trade hubs with its thick mud brick walls. The Sultan Qaboos Mosque in the capital city of Muscat, with 4343 square meters of handmade Persian carpets and chandeliers adorned with 600000 crystals, pushes the brilliance of Islamic architecture to the extreme. Even more astonishing is the Aflaja irrigation system from 500 BC, which still nourishes farmland and has become a model of human wisdom in adapting to nature.

The interweaving of mountains and seas is the most touching background of Oman. On the 3165 kilometer coastline, the clear waters of the Dayaniyat Islands are a paradise for snorkelers, accompanied by sea turtles and colorful schools of fish. The 90% chance of encountering dolphins in Muscat Bay is a pleasant surprise. Going deep inland, the golden sand dunes of the Wahiba Desert offer the experience of sand flushing and starry sky camping. In the Bedouin camp, the sweet aroma of Arabic coffee and dates lingers on the nose. On the Green Mountain, the newly opened cable car in 2025 can reach the summit in 8 minutes, overlooking the stunning scenery of the fjord and desert, while the hidden pools and waterfalls of Wadi Sabu are the "oasis secrets" in the hearts of hikers.

The feast of taste hides the cultural code of Oman. Shuwa, a Chinese dish, marinates lamb with spices, wraps it in banana leaves, and slowly roasts it in a pit for 48 hours. Paired with saffron rice, it melts in your mouth; As a precious guest dish, Halwa is brewed with rose water, nuts, and saffron, resulting in a soft, sticky, and sweet taste. In traditional restaurants in Muscat, you can also taste the East African style Samosa cake, paired with spice tea with cardamom and ginger, and the ritual of washing your hands with rose water after the meal, showcasing the local hospitality. In the Mutela market, the fragrance of frankincense and myrrh intertwines with the luster of bronze and silver jewelry, making it easy to purchase unique souvenirs.

In 2025, Oman will add a new and trendy experience: the Desert Starry Observatory in Zofar Province provides Chinese explanations, and the night sky with zero light pollution can witness the full view of the Milky Way; The Muscat Coastal Pedestrian Belt is filled with coffee carts along the way, and the mosque minarets at sunset are plated with rose gold, with built-in filters for taking photos. Nowadays, direct flights from Guangzhou and Xiamen, including taxes, start at 3800 yuan, and a 10GB phone card can be obtained for 90 yuan upon arrival. The self driving fuel price is only 4 yuan/liter. Whether it's a 5-day and 4-night short distance trip with an average of 3500 yuan per person, or a four country tour connecting Saudi Arabia and Qatar, this low-key Arab pearl can make every traveler return with surprises.

The charm of Oman lies in the seamless integration of tradition and modernity. In Muscat, you can experience the weight of history in the 16th century twin castles of Jalali and Milani in the morning, enjoy a world-class symphony at the Royal Opera House in the afternoon, or enjoy shopping in modern shopping centers. This cross temporal dialogue allows travelers to not only touch the ancient pulse of Oman, but also feel its vitality and elegance as a modern country. In addition, with the increasingly close cooperation between China and Oman, Oman is becoming more "China friendly". From WeChat Alipay payment in major shopping malls to Chinese signs in some scenic spots, it has provided great convenience for Chinese tourists, making this exploration trip more relaxed and comfortable.

For tourists planning to visit, here is a practical travel advice. The best travel time is from October to April of the following year, with a mild and pleasant climate. Oman's public transportation is still developing, so self driving is the freest and most efficient way to explore this country. With a Chinese driver's license and a translation, you can rent a car with good road conditions and low oil prices. Suggest dividing the itinerary into two main lines: "Coastal Exploration" and "Inland Deep Tour": the former centers around Muscat, radiating to the surrounding Dolphin Bay and Mutra Market; The latter can depart from Nizwa and venture deep into the Wadi Shab and Wahiba deserts. Whether you are a tourist seeking a luxurious experience or a backpacker exploring, Oman can satisfy all your imagination and expectations of the Arabian Peninsula with its unique charm.Editor/Bian Wenjun