An icon of Shanghai during the concession era, the Bund was the city’s Wall Street, the site of frenzied commerce and wealth. Originally a towpath for hauling rice barges, the Bund (an English inscription for muddy waterside causeway) has gradually been transformed into an epic loop of Shanghai’s most powerful banks and trading houses . … Read more
With shaded alcoves, glistening fish ponds, pavilions, pine trees sprouting from rock gardens and throngs of Japanese tourists, Yu Garden is one of Shanghai’s top attractions, but it gets overwhelmingly crowded on weekends. Spring and summer flowers bring a fragrant floral aspect to the garden, especially the lush petals of the Shanghai flower Magnolia grandiflora. … Read more
Japan is known not only for its historic cities and rich cultural heritage but also for its futuristic cities and cutting-edge technological innovation. Japan has many facets, and travelers to Japan take their time to see many things. Watch his captivating 1-minute robot show that mixes old and new, then explore Japan’s rich and unique … Read more
One of Hong Kong’s oldest temples and a declared monument, the atmospheric Man Mo Temple is dedicated to the pen-wielding gods of literature (“Man”) and sword-wielding war gods (“Wu”). increase. Built by a wealthy Chinese merchant in 1847 during the Qing dynasty, the building was a place of worship and an arbitration court for local … Read more
Once home to the Tibetan government and winter residence of the Dalai Lama, the magnificent Potala Palace is Lhasa’s most important landmark. The first glimpse of the towering fortress-like walls is a moment that will be remembered for years to come. An architectural marvel even by modern standards, his 13-storey palace rises 130 meters above … Read more
At 552 meters above sea level, Victoria Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island. It’s also one of the most visited places for tourists, and it’s not hard to see why. Hong Kong’s 125-year-old gravity-defying Peak Tram takes you just 8 minutes from Central to access all of its stunning metropolitan vistas, lush … Read more
The West Lake, the classical Chinese definition of beauty, is quite enchanting. Pagoda-crowned hills rise above willow-lined waters, and boats float slowly through the idyllic countryside of laid-back charm. Boardwalks, immaculately placed benches, parks and gardens surrounding the lakeshore offer visitors a thousand and one vantage points to admire the pristine scenery. Originally a lagoon … Read more
South Korea’s second-largest city and major port, the port is located in the southeastern mountainous region of the country. Busan is home to Jagalchi, South Korea’s largest seafood market, and the source of some of South Korea’s most popular snacks and dishes, such as boiled fish paste (omek) and green onion pancakes (dongnae pajeon). Haeundae … Read more
One of the finest examples of Chinese Buddhist cave art, these 5th-century caves are truly spectacular. With 51,000 ancient statues and celestial bodies, it looks smaller than everything else in Shanxi. Carved by the Turkic-speaking Tuoba, the Yungang Grottoes drew their designs from Indian, Persian and even Greek influences that swept the Silk Road. Work … Read more
Commissioned by a local prince in 1427 and located next to Parcho Monastery, Gyantse Kumbum is the city’s main attraction. This 32-metre-high chorten features white tiers adorned with decorative stripes and a golden crown-like dome. But the interior is just as impressive, with elaborate paintings (kumbum meaning “100,000 photographs”) inside endless little chapels. The shooting … Read more