Gunung Kawi, a must-visit temple in Bali

Gunung Kawi is one of the oldest temples in Bali. In fact, it is not just one temple, but a series of temples set in a deep river valley next to towering cliffs. The site is most famous for the five main funeral shrines that are carved into a tall cliff at the centre of the complex. The shrines are each over eight meters high.

The origin of Gunung Kawi

The original complex was built to honour a long dead Balinese king named Udayana. According to one theory the site is dedicated to his wife and three sons, though some historians disagree and say it is dedicated to his four wives. Whatever the case, the funeral monuments for King Udayana and his family are just a part of a sprawling complex of temples.

How to get there

The temple complex is easily accessed, only a few hundred meters east from Jalan Raya Tampaksiring main route, from where you continue down on foot to a paved walkway that is lined with art shops and small local warungs. Along a further 300 steps towards the river, lush paddy terraces and gorgeously green valley blend to transport you back in time away from modernity. Where the stairs end, proceed through a stone archway with small pillars each holding an earthen vase filled with holy water, which you sprinkle on yourself before entering the complex.

What to expect

It is divided into three separate areas. Four of them can be found on one side of the river and then the largest cluster of five on the other side. But what is often overlooked by visitors is the tenth candi, set about one kilometer back from the other two clusters. So be sure to explore every inch of this incredible place as you will probably find a lot of interesting things to look at that you would not notice at first glance.

The candis are believed to be constructed early in the 11th century by King Anak Wungsu in honor of his father, King Udayana. But the candis are not tombs, like many believe, as they have never contained human remains or ashes. Today they are considered to be symbolic accommodations to house the members of the royal family whenever they visit during temple festivals. However, there is still some mystery surrounding their actual intentional purpose.

As you wander through the stunning temple grounds, between shrines, ponds, palm trees and offerings, you cannot help but get a regal, almost magical feeling.

Gunung Kawi is actually made up of 15 separate temples. If you have the time you can spend half a day exploring the site. The main highlight, and what most tourists come for, is the funeral carvings in the cliff. It is a shame that there is such a focus on the cliff carvings, because Gunung Kawi has a lot to offer tourists.

Read more: 10 must-try activities in Bali

Source Internet

5 cities to visit in Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam are mostly famous for its wild beauty and breathtaking scenes. Below are cities that can be considered the most beautiful and worth-visiting in this particular region of Vietnam.

1. Hanoi

The seat of government and the cultural and historical capital of Vietnam, Hanoi hides remnants of the past down every boulevard and alleyway. The city is perhaps the largest and best preserved piece of history Vietnam has to offer. Those visiting will most likely be centered around the winding narrow streets of the Old Quarter. It’s a district made up of ancient shops and storefronts dating back more than 1000 years.

Whole days can be spent exploring the streets of the city and effort should be made to visit as many treasures of the past as possible. These include Hoan Kiem Lake and its tortoise tower, Tran Quoc Pagoda, the colonial era Sofitel Metropole Hotel, the opera house, the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. The city is renowned for water puppetry and a night should be spent on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.

2. Lao Cai

Located in the distant and mountainous northwest, Lao Cai sits on the intersection of the Red and Nanxi Rivers just across from the Chinese border. Those spending any time in the city will be based either around the banks of the Red River or by the backpacker-heavy neighborhood near the train station. A night should be spent exploring the bars and restaurants in the glow of neon lights reflecting on the river. Like many other Vietnamese cities, Karaoke is wildly popular in Lao Cai and there are dozens of clubs running late into the night located near the backpacker area.

The majority of travelers who find themselves in Lao Cai are stopping through on their way to see nature. The city is less than an hour away on a motorbike from the rice terraces of Sapa, the Tam Tron Pass which is Vietnam’s loftiest road, and the towering peak of Mount Fansipan which is Vietnam’s tallest mountain.

3. Sapa

Near to Lao Cai, yet wholly dominated by the tourist industry, the mountain town of Sapa is a nice option for those seeking western comforts in the midst of their Vietnamese adventure. The city has a number of western bars and restaurants and is a mainstay of the northern backpacker trail. Hundreds of affordable hostels, guesthouses and hotels line the winding streets.

The city is also a jumping off point for countless treks and hikes that traverse along peaked ridges, through mountainside rice terraces and into minority villages. The region is home to a number of ethnic minorities, including the Hmong, Dao, Pho Lu and Tay, and the hillsides are dotted in the vibrant mix of their colorful clothing.

4. Cao Bang

Cao Bang is the capital of the similarly named province, located in the northeast of Vietnam. It’s a common stopping point for those riding east from Ha Giang or north from Hanoi. The city of little more than 100,000 climbs from the banks of the Bang Giang River and most of the shops, restaurants and bars are located on the main streets nearby. A number of great food stalls line the back end of the city’s central market, Cho Xanh. The sprawling, fun shopping center should be visited by any travelers passing through.

Most individuals traveling to the region will use Cao Bang to visit any number of nearby natural attractions. The stunning Ban Gioc Falls break through jungled walls just two hours to the north and mythical Hai Giang lies several hours west.

5. Ha Giang

Ha Giang is the capital of what is arguably the most beautiful province in all of Vietnam. This was an area once left alone, that has since seen a recent spike in visitors. The city is bordered by picturesque limestone juts framing the horizon in all directions. A number of great hotels sit on either side of the Lo River. Seafood restaurants can be found nearby as well. For those looking to rent a motorbike to explore the nearby Dong Van Karst Plateau, Ha Giang is the place to do it. Most hostels and hotels will be able to set this up and the cost should never be more than seven or eight USD per day.

See more: The amazing destinations you cannot miss in Ha Giang

Source: theculturetrip

What you need to know about Myanmar culture before traveling

Myanmar, a land that has an undefinable quality to make you fall in love with its mountains, beaches, islands, lakes, food and culture and of course the people that bring these places to life.  A collective of diverse cultures and traditions woven together to form a mesmerizing landscape of wonder.

Myanmar is unlike any other country in Southeast Asia. Having only opened up to tourism in recent years, infrastructure can be lacking and travel can be challenging. So, below is something you should find out before coming to there.

Men and Women

Unlike many western countries, men and women’s status in Myanmar are distinctly different. Although Burmese women enjoy equal legal rights with men, men have a higher religious status. As a result, women are prohibited from certain areas of religious buildings such as the small platform that allows you to touch Golden Rock, some areas of Shwedagon Pagoda and so forth.
In terms of occupations and Myanmar tradition, women were previously supposed to take care of children and family matters while men focused on business. This attitude is changing, however, and there are now many women in professional occupations.

Religion and Belief

Although there are many religions present in Myanmar, more than 80% of people identify as Buddhist. In Buddhism, there are five main precepts that should be practiced daily by believers: not to kill, steal, lie, drink alcohol, and commit adultery. The ultimate aim in life according to Buddhist belief is to escape the cycle of rebirth and reach Nirvana.

Moreover, astrology, palmistry and clairvoyance still play a major part in the lives of Myanmar people. They play a vital role, especially during decision making for marriage, business, naming babies and other important issues. Myanmar’s religious system is one of the most devout in the world.

Food and Drink

Myanmar’s food and drinks are varied and, generally, very good.  Savoury dishes can tend to be slightly too oily or sweet for foreign tastes, but they smell and taste extremely delicious. Among all the foods in Myanmar, two items are particularly special to the Burmese people. Tea has an enormous place in the cultural heart of the country. It is used not only as a drink, but also as a food in Laphet Thoke (tea-leaf salad), a slightly bitter but truly delicious dish made using tea leaves, sesame seeds, fried peas, garlic, dried shrimp and peanuts. Teashops are also popular social centers, and it is common practice to have a drink at one each day with friends and catch up. Tea is also offered to any guest who visits a household.

Betel nuts are the second staple of Myanmar food, and are consumed at a remarkable speed by Myanmar men. Sold from stands set up on almost every street, the mild stimulant gained from chewing the nuts is reasonably addictive, and for a tourist has the initially disconcerting effect of dyeing the user’s teeth red.

Clothing

Myanmar clothing is quite distinct from clothing in other parts of the world, so it can come as quite a surprise to unprepared tourists to see most men and women dressed in Longyi, a sheet of cloth worn as a long skirt. Longyis vary from casual to very ornate styles, and are comfortable and lightweight. It is important to remember that in most religious sites like Shwedagon pagoda, a dress policy is implemented for both genders. You are not allowed to wear casual clothes, meaning knees and shoulders must be covered. This policy does not apply outside religious sites, however. Myanmar people are very proud of their traditional dress and feel great confidence when they wear it for special occasions like weddings and ceremonies.

Chinlone

Among Myanmar’s many traditional and cultural games, Chinlone is probably the one seen the most by tourists. A small ball woven from rattan is tossed into the air, and a team of six players take turns to stand in the middle of a circle and see how long the ball can be kept up for. There is no competition, the aim is simply to see the beauty of the game and work as a team. Extremely popular at festivals and special occasions, it is also very likely you will see Burmese men playing it at the side of roads across the country. Among the non-traditional games, football (English football in particular) is incredibly popular. It is quite common for Burmese people to know the names of many cities in Europe, without necessarily knowing anything about them because they have been following their football teams.

Read more: Top things to do when traveling to Myanmar

Myanmar Diaries

Admire the beautiful Sea of Stars in Maldives

The Maldives has a reputation for world-class resorts, incredible beaches and landscapes that look even better in person than the photographs. But something even more spectacular, mysterious and romantic takes place on these islands in the Indian Ocean, the glowing and sparkling Sea of Stars.

Where?

On Vaadhoo Island, one of the islands of Raa Atoll in the Maldives. It is a tiny island with just over 500 inhabitants, but its Sea of Stars phenomenon has firmly planted it on the global map.

When?

The Sea of Stars in the Maldives depends on several factors, including the year’s climate and the growth of the bioluminescent plankton. Nobody can predict when and where the event will occur. Vaadhoo Island in the Raa Atoll is the most well-known spot. But it can also be viewed on one of the 1200 other islands in the Maldives in the right conditions too. According to locals, the spectacular event is more prevalent from late summer to the end of the year.

What causes the incredible Sea of Stars?

Among the tropical fish, sharks and coral in the Maldives’s Indian Ocean live billions and billions of micro-organisms, including dinoflagellates, which are a type of phytoplankton. But what differentiates the Lingulodinium polyedrum from other organisms is their unique ability to generate light. Stress, caused by the movement of the sea and waves, leads the plankton to emit light, or bioluminescence as a defence mechanism in a similar way to some fireflies. The bioluminescent light has an electric blue-neon colour, radiating further as each wave breaks. The speculator phenomena is one of nature’s rarest events. It is so remarkable, Hollywood decided to feature the Sea of Stars in Ang Lee’s award–winning Life of Pi to illuminate the sea for the lost protagonist.

Don’t set your hopes too high

As nature is unpredictable, nothing is for sure. Planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the world’s most beautiful islands in the hope of experiencing the Sea of Stars might not be a wise decision. Nature does as nature pleases and an element of luck helps. Plan a holiday to the Maldives for the luxury, beaches, snorkelling and diving. Seeing the Sea of Stars should be a bonus, not a given.

Is there anywhere else in the world quite like it?

Dinoflagellates — the ultra specific type of phytoplankton at Sea of Stars — are not the only ones to produce this beautiful bioluminescence. Other marine animals like krill, deep-sea squids, and anglerfish are also able to produce light. Within the Maldives you can see something similar on the islands of Mudhdhoo and Rangali. Similarly, bioluminescence has been seen on the shores of the Lakshadweep Islands in India, Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico, and on the coast of Leucadia in California.

Source Internet

Top tourist attractions in Seoul, South Korea

Seoul offers an intoxicating mix of old and new. Ancient temples and palaces lie side by side with towering skyscrapers, thriving shopping, and sleek, modern buildings.

Hangang Park

Bordering the Han River which flows through Seoul, Hangang Park actually consists of 13 distinct parks and there are loads of leisure activities for visitors to enjoy. With swimming pools, bike paths and football pitches lying alongside tennis courts and large green spaces, there is something for everyone, and there are also lots of watersports on offer such as yachting and water-skiing. Relaxing amongst the nature of Hangang Park will refresh you and leave you ready to explore the rest of Seoul’s amazing sights.

Cheonggyecheon

Wandering along this artificial stream that runs through Seoul is an increasingly popular thing to do; Cheonggyecheon’s peaceful ambiance makes you feel like you are a million miles from the city’s bustling streets. Plants and trees line the scenic walkways that border the stream. At night, street performers put on entertainment while light shows so prettily illuminate the water. A tranquil spot, use Cheonggyecheon’s secluded paths to get about the city with ease.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Inside the five huge halls, you can find the Design Museum, which offers an interesting look at innovative and creative Korean designs, as well as the Design Market, where you can try out new inventions and experience cutting-edge technologies that have just hit the market. There are loads to see and do, and numerous conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, and fashion shows are hosted here, so keep an eye out for any event that particularly interests you.

Noryangjin Fish Market

The largest and oldest market in South Korea, Namdaemun is a bustling place to visit. You can buy anything from cheap jewelry and clothes to traditional souvenirs and electronics. A very popular place among tourists and locals, there is a dynamic feel about the market, with colorful advertisements popping out at you from every angle. With lots of great restaurants and food stalls, it is also a nice spot to head if you want to sample some of Seoul’s fantastic street food.

Lotte World

A very popular attraction amongst locals, Lotte World is very much Seoul’s version of Disneyland. Children will barely be able to contain themselves once they see all the rides. Whether it’s splashing log rides that you’re after or the adrenaline filled ‘French Revolution’ roller coaster, Lotte World is one of the best places in Seoul if you’re looking for a fun time out.

N Seoul Tower

One of the most recognizable landmarks in South Korea, the tower is located on Mount Namsan. There is a fun cable car ride which you can take to reach it. On one roof terrace, there are thousands of locks, left by lovers to immortalize their eternal love. At night, the observation and communication tower is delightfully illuminated against the dark sky and the panoramas of Seoul lit up in the darkness is equally mesmerizing.

See more: Spend a day exploring DMZ in South Korea

Source Touropia

Mut, the traditional food on Tet in Vietnam

Mut Tet (Tet jam) is not a food to serve in a meal during Tet holiday, but more like a snack to welcome guests in this special period. Mut is always kept in beautiful boxes and placed at the table in the living room, and it is the main food for the owners and guests to taste when they are talking, enjoying over a cup of tea.

Unlike Western jam, which is usually in liquid form and served with bread, "Vietnamese jam" is mainly in dry form, usually dried fruits and some kind of seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, watermelon seeds).

Coconut jam

Coconut jam is the oldest, through many years with all our Vietnam. Over many changes, traditionally coconut jam still keeps taste: just sweet, moderate fat, chewy and crunchy, very interesting. Coconut Jam is an option and is the favorite of the majority of people. The chef has impressive creations when they make many unique coconut jam. Coconut jam just has a monotonous white color, at the moment coconut jam has seven natural color liked such as pandan coconut jam, chocolate coconut jam, milk coffee, milk.

Bean jam

Each kind of bean has its own interesting shape, so you can make your own type of jam with your own favorite kind of bean. It is easy to make bean jam. Boiling beans with water and then mixing with sugar. The meaning of beans jam is the success for everyone. Some of the kinds bean jam: bush bean jam, peanut jam, and lotus seed jam.

Bulb jam

With the buttery taste of bulb, we easily to make a lot of delicious bulb jam such as potato jam, sweet potato jam and carrot jam.

Read more: Vietnam's traditional foods during Tet

Kumquat jam

To be hometown of cranberry, so Hoi An is also famous for folk cranberry jam. Making cranberry jam is a meticulous process but very exciting for the housewife: selecting fresh cranberry fruits on twigs, to peel, seed and heat until they turn into jam. The cranberry jam jar finished with a clear golden color of crystallized sugar, look just want to eat immediately. Kinds of cranberry jam have various tastes to suitable with each person: dry cranberry jam, wet cranberry jam, cranberry jam attach peel. Cranberry jam is bitter and sweet, so it has positive effects on digestion, cough and some other diseases.

Source Hoian Tourism

Flowers and plants loved by Vietnamese during Tet holiday

Tet is a special occasion for many Vietnamese to decorate their homes with a vast choice of colorful and meaningful ornamental plants. Now let’s take a look at some of the most popular auspicious plants for Tet holiday and every day after.

1. Peach Blossom (Hoa Đào)

If you ever pay a visit to Hanoi during Lunar New Year, you will definitely agree that all over the place is covered with a cheerful color coming from these pink petals of peach blossoms. This kind of plant is known as an iconic flower for Northern Vietnamese when it comes to spring. It is believed that not only peach blossoms can chase away evil spirit, but they also bring in a fresh vitality to your home, which helps you stay healthy and peaceful. Not just that, if you are a businessman, then peach blossom cannot be forgotten due to its symbol as fertility and hope.

The best place to see the flowers is Nhat Tan (Nhật Tân) peach blossom garden located in Au Co Street, Hanoi.

2. Apricot Blossom (Hoa Mai)

Whilst peach blossom is the most popular Tet holiday’s auspicious flower in Northern Vietnam, apricot blossom can be seen as the spirit of Tết for Southern Vietnamese. Contrary to the pink that gets a great harmony with the freeze and coldness in the North, yellow petals from apricot blossoms represent for the torrid heat and humidity Southern Vietnamese have been enduring all year round. An image of five-petal apricot blossom symbolizes for “Five Blessings” in Oriental belief: longevity, wealth, peace, health and love of virtue, which mark the dearest hope of every Vietnamese in particular and Asian in general. Coincidentally, the word “Yellow” (vàng) in Vietnamese sounds identical to the word “Gold” or “Golden” (vàng). Consequently, apricot blossoms are decorated in most of the houses with a hope of good luck, happiness and, prosperity.

3. White daffodil (Hoa Thủy Tiên Trắng)

Apart from peach blossoms, white daffodils find favor with lots of Hanoi citizens in terms of their multi-function and symbolic meaning. Unlike any other holiday ornamental plants, every single part of a daffodil can be exerted: flowers, fragrance, leaves and tuberous roots. Water must be replaced in every morning in order that roots can be kept clean and not turn smeared. According to Oriental or Asian outlook, this plant bears a good meaning. Word-of-mouth has it that, if  white daffodils bloom right in the moment of  New Year’s Eve in one’s house, the whole family will end up with happiness, good luck, and prosperity. Bưởi market, a local village fair in Hà Nội, is where people always come to find white daffodils by the time of Tết. Besides using them as ornamental plants, trimming and arranging the daffodil flowers can be an absolutely great art.

4. Kumquat tree (Cây Quất)

Vietnamese believe that owning a luxuriant kumquat tree in the middle of their home brings good health and good luck to their business.  It is a symbol for a greatly prosperous year ahead. Hence, there is no doubt to see kumquat trees displayed for sale at every single corner of the street in many flower markets all over Vietnam. Located next to China, Vietnam has adopted a lot of Chinese cultures, customs, and beliefs. Feng Shui is not an exception. As a result, planting and trimming a kumquat tree must be conformed to some decorating rules, in order to turn it into a perfect shape. An ideal sample of kumquat tree will have big shiny dark green leaves, and all the fruits must bear a similarity in size and give a juicy look. When people are running a business, they should place a kumquat tree at the front door of their offices or stores so that it can bring wealth and clear sight. That is the reason why man must serve good experience in life as well as Feng Shui application once it comes to purchase and display kumquat trees.

5. Fig (Sung)

Rather than being seen as a usual tree in a back garden of someone’s house during Lunar New Year, figs are usually displayed as one of the main fruits on a five-fruit tray, especially in Southern Vietnam. A typical five –fruit tray will include custard-apples, coconuts, papayas, mangoes, and figs, which can be literally translated as “wishing for a well-off life” in Vietnamese when combined in sound. By itself, “fig” in Vietnamese sounds identical to “comfortable”, “well-off” or “prosperous”. Apparently, we can totally understand why figs are favored by Vietnamese during Lunar New Year.

See more: Where to travel in Vietnam during Tet?

Source: mazevietnam

Things to know before visiting Macau

Macau, otherwise known as the “Las Vegas of China”, is located about an hour west of Hong Kong. It is semi-bordered by China on its North and West sides. Each location provides its own flare and favorite things to do and see with the Macau Peninsula being the most popular with tourists.

Whether you have a few hours or several days, Macau is an eclectic destination that will not disappoint you. Set for your journey with some tips and life-hacks that will make your visit to Macau 100% trouble-free.

What language is spoken?

The two official languages of Macau are Cantonese and Portuguese. However, Cantonese is the most common language spoken by locals. English is also widely understood, mostly in the casino resorts and main tourist areas. However, if you are using taxis it might be better to look up the Chinese address of a place on Google and show the taxi driver that.

Currency

Macau has its own currency called pataca (MOP), which is closely tied to Hong Kong dollar. But you can also pay with HKD everywhere, even in buses. So, don’t panic if you did not visit the exchange office in advance. But bear in mind that while paying with Hong Kong dollars you can still get your change in patacas (MOP), so if you don’t want to keep them as a souvenir, remember to exchange your MOP in Macau. Being one of the world’s least convertible currencies, patacas could be hard to shed, back in your home country.

When is the best time of year to visit?

The best time to visit is between October and December when the weather and temperature is more comfortable. The summer months often bring stifling temperatures and most people tend to stay indoors in the cool air conditioning as outside you just sweat buckets. Macau has a moderate to hot climate and humidity is generally high. Typhoons are possible from May to September.

What to bring

• Passport – Macau is its own territory and requires each visitor to be processed through their immigration.
• Comfortable shoes – the historical area is large and some uneven stone steps and walkways.
• Camera and extra batteries – the plan is to be there all day.
• Sunscreen and a hat – lots of shady places and indoor venues but in between locations the sun is hot.
• Cash – ATMs are available but make sure to let your bank know you will be visiting Macau.
• Insect Repellent – I did not have a huge issue with mosquito bites, but I did walk away with a few.

Driving and walking

Just like its neighbour Hong Kong, Macau is a drive-on-the-left region. If you are traveling from mainland China by car, admire how cleverly the switch between right-side China and left-side Macau is arranged on the Lotus bridge. As a pedestrian, stay vigilant while crossing the road, remember to look right first, then left and not the other way around.

Is Macau a safe place to visit?

For the most part, Macau is very safe and visitors experience very low levels of crime. However, visitors should take the usual precautions that they would take in any city, for example, take extra care of passports, credit cards and money in crowded areas and late at night.

Source Internet

5 markets in Shanghai you must visit once in your life

In this flourishing and prosperous city Shanghai, you’ll not only find modernly furnished shopping centers featuring designer labels, but markets devoted to traditional Chinese culture. Here’s the five best markets in Shanghai where you can experience Shanghainese culture.

1. Tian Zi Fang

In the Old French Concession quarter of Shanghai lies the arts and crafts enclave Tian Zi Fang. There are three distinguishing features about Tian Zi Fang. Firstly, the 50-year-old archaic bungalows reflect the primitive simplicity of the early republican era in China. Secondly, the buildings have been revitalized to become a creative market where you can find hilarious kungfu esoterica, nostalgic art pieces or coins from the Qing Dynasty. Thirdly, Tian Zi Fang is a place where coffeehouses converge within its stone-ringed architecture, and these serve roast coffee and Western cuisine in an open-air terrace. Strolling around, you’re transported back to the beginning of civilization on these lanes, filled with an Old Shanghai ambiance.

Lane 210, Taikang Road, Hangpu, Shanghai, China

2. Dong Tai Lu Antique Market

There are two world-renowned antique markets in China, one is the Liulichang, located in Beijing, and the other is the Dong Tai Road Antique Market. With over 200 stores arranged in close rows in this 500-meter-long walking zone, you’ll get dazzled by the endless array of antiques and grotesque stuff. Classic antiques, like sculptures, porcelain, jadeware, the ancient stationeries ‘scholar’s four jewels’, and embroideries, are just tip of the iceberg. Don’t let your jaws dropped if you find shops bragging about their crusted three-inch golden lotus shoes and baskets, used scholars during the Ming Dynasty to carry their books. Without any state-owned brands nor unified pricing, you can bargain with the dealer for a more reasonable price.

168 Dongmen Road, Shanghai, China

3. Duolun Road

Dated back to the 1930s, Duolun Road is the rallying point for the Chinese literary giants Lu Xun, Mao Dun, and Guo Mo, where they discussed political issues. Back in modern Shanghai, Duolun Road plays a paramount role in contemporary literary development, with the remains of historical relics including the Fitch Memorial Church and the Celebrity Tea House. Duolun Road consists of small houses along a path displaying mahogany sculptures, scripts, and calligraphy. On this short and wriggly lane, you’ll find various galleries selling exotic stones, chopsticks from all over the world as well as ancient clocks from Nanjing. What’s so special about Duolun Road is that there’s a chessboard café offering Chinese Weiqi chess – play for RMB$10 an hour with supplies of coffee and tea.

Duo Lun Lu Wen Hua Ming Ren Jie, SiChuan BeiLu, Hongkou Qu, Shanghai Shi, China

4. Tianshan Tea City

Curious about the Chinese tea industry and its history? You should not miss the Tianshan Tea City, pioneered by the masters of the Chinese tea industry Su Jinping and Lu Ling. Converging tea leaves from all provinces of China, herbal tea, tea artworks, and the aesthetic performance of tea making, tea connoisseurs can find everything related to tea culture. Drop by any of the 300 tea stores in this giant three-storey complex, and you can have a rapport with knowledgeable tea dealers and learn essential skills, including tea tasting, tea making, and even how to sort good tea leaves. You can find famous premium dragon well tea and red-robe tea here too.

518-520 Zhongshan W Rd, Changning, Shanghai, China

5. Chang Li Lu Food Market

To experience the authentic street food culture in Shanghai, make a visit to Chang Li Lu Food Market to enjoy local tidbits in Shanghai. At night, Chang Li Lu is crammed with pedestrians making their way through the crowd. Adjoining stalls are packed together, with stools and tables spreading on the street, and folks get carried away by serving dishes. While multifarious yet bizarre choices of dishesare rampant here, from the meat of cats and dogs to Hong-Kong-style fermented bean curd, the delectable yakitori cooked over charcoal with smoky aromas emanating throughout the street are the most popular option among diners.

Chang Li Lu, Pudong Xinqu, Shanghai Shi, China

See more: Don’t forget to try signature dishes from Shanghai

Source: theculturetrip