The ideal places to hunt snow for winter lovers in Asia

If you are not looking to escape the chill of winter, but instead want to take in wondrous snow-covered views while exploring some of Asia’s best destinations, you will find that and more by heading to one of these spectacular places.

Photo @fswildvet

Sapporo, Japan

There are many places in Japan to experience snow, but one of the most popular is Sapporo. This city has a lot of ski resorts only 20 to 60 minutes ride away by car, so, adding that to your day trip itinerary would be bearable.

If you are a beginner, you could try sledding or snow-tubing, on the other hand, if you are not interested in snow games, you may want to time your visit during Snow Festival which usually takes place in February. Despite the freezing cold temperatures, more than 2 million people go to the Hokkaido capital to witness the snow come alive annually and Japan is well-known as one of the snow countries in Asia.

Mongolia

Looking for a snowy place that is unique and far the flocks of tourists? Why not pack your bags, and head to Mongolia in winter? With its majestic landscapes and countryside covered in white, snow seekers will absolutely find their bliss in this pristine and untouched land. For bona fide adventurers, Mongolia can help you unleash your wild side with its mishmash of outdoor thrills, such as canoeing, horseback riding, mountain climbing and skiing.

Harbin, China

The “Ice City,” as Harbin is known, hosts one of the world’s largest snow and ice festivals, the Harbin International Ice Festival. Held throughout much of January and into February, it features some 1,500 larger-than-life ice structures that shimmer with multi-colored lights. Every year there is a different theme, varying from mythical beasts to famous landmarks from across the globe. Harbin and the surrounding area also offers some of the best winter sports opportunities on the planet, including skiing and snow boarding.

Lhasa, Tibet

If you do not mind, or perhaps even revel in, extreme winters, by heading to Lhasa you will enjoy the breathtaking beauty of one of the world’s most jaw-dropping snowy wonderlands with fewer crowds and cheaper hotel accommodation. While it will be cold, it will not be nearly as chilly as you might think, particularly as December and January are dry months and the high-altitude sun is almost always in abundance, making it feel warmer than the temperature would have you believe.

You can also enjoy festivals, like the Monlam, or Great Prayer Festival, in which monks and artisans create colorful butter sculptures for burning during the Butter Oil Lantern Festival. If you are here for the Tibetan New Year, Losar, you can celebrate with the locals by watching dance performances at Potala Palace and even hanging up prayer flags on the temples and mountain tops.

Sapa, Vietnam

Being surrounded by many top summer destinations like Bali, Phuket, and Boracay, it may come as a surprise to you that Vietnam also experiences snow! Even though snowboards and toboggans are not commonplace to Vietnam, you will surely fall in love when what used to be green fields of rice in summer turn to white during the winter.

Beijing, China

Traveling to China during winter? China’s capital gets pretty cold in December, with the average temperature sitting around negative 2 degrees Celsius. Besides being a low-tourist month (you can enjoy super affordable fights and hotels in December in Beijing), you likely find snowfall in this city during Yuletide getaway.

Most of the city’s ski resorts open their doors, when December sets in, meaning you can try your hand at tobogganing, snowboarding and skiing. If you are lucky to catch some snow during your visit, make your way to The Summer Palace, for breathtaking snow views. And do not forget to check out the world renowned Great Wall of China, to enjoy elevated view of its snowy surrounding landscapes.

Shimla, India

Fabulous for a nature retreat, Shimla is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, while monkeys roam freely along the overhead cables, casually watching the shoppers below. It enjoys snowy winters thanks to its northern latitude, making it an ideal place to escape the intense heat that so many other cities in India endure.

Nearby at Wildflower Hall, you will find a haven for ski enthusiasts seeking refuge from crowded, overly commercialized resorts. This premiere mountaintop resort will make you feel as if you are stepping into the pages of a fairy-tale with its gorgeous vistas of endless forest and snow-capped mountain peaks. Spend your days taking part in whatever winter sport suits your fancy, and indulging in holistic spa treatments, complemented by more extraordinary views.

Read more: 7 Asian dishes you will love during winter

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Top most impressive architecture works in Shanghai

The city of Shanghai has undergone some of the fastest and most dramatic changes over recent years. With so many buildings to choose from and so many fascinating architectural feats presently in progression, this list is just a drop in the ocean of the awe-inspiring architecture to be found in the bustling city of Shanghai.

1933 Slaughterhouse

This utterly vast, concrete dominated space is far from its initial use as an abattoir, now home to shops and upscale restaurants. However, the building still maintains some of this previous eeriness, with many of its rooms and walkways left empty and the wide corridors and cattle signs as a constant reminder of its history. A labyrinth of concrete, the building has a circular center that is connected to the exterior walls via 26 ‘air bridges’. These bridges jut out of the walls at obscure angles, giving a different view depending on where you stand within the building.

Longhua Temple

This stunning temple serves as Shanghai’s largest and oldest monastery, dating back to the 10th Century. Like most ancient structures in the city, it has undergone a rich and violent history of war and fire, with much of the building being renovated. It has rained many original features and is considered to be the most authentic temple in Shanghai. An inspiring place to visit, with the name referencing the Pipal tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment, Longhua temple was constructed in 242 AD and covers a vast 20,000 meters squared.

Jin Mao Tower

This 88-story skyscraper was designed by architect Fazlur Khan and represents an Art Deco/modern style. Housing the Shanghai Grand Hotel and a selection of offices, the structure has a beautiful 33-floor atrium. Externally, the building is covered in an aluminium alloy lattice frame, which encloses a wall of glass, granite, stainless steel and aluminium. Sections of the skyscraper stack on top of one another elegantly, and the design intensifies as the build rises taller into the sky, twisting to its peak, an observation deck topped with a pinnacle.

Giant Interactive Group Corporate HQ

Designed by Morphosis Architecture, this long, angular building exists around canals and a man-made lake. Home to office spaces, executive suites, a library, an auditorium, exhibition space and cafe, this ‘compact village’ is impressive both inside and out. With its natural focus, the structure is designed to maximize natural light and also features a green roof to help control temperature. This open feeling continues throughout the building with its composition of glass, straight sleek lines and neutral colors set against joyful shades of natural green. One end of the build hovers over the man-made lake, whilst the rest of the building snakes back into the landscape behind.

Tony’s Farm

Promoting sustainable, green and modern architectural design, this building was structured around an existing warehouse for the largest organic food farm in Shanghai. Using old freight containers, Playze designed the build to appear both functional and comfortable as a hospitality destination. Holes in the green containers create a playful use of sunlight during the day and at night make the exterior walls of the build appear dotted with lights. Surrounded by wooden walkways, the 78 containers maintain a cool character, with the previous warehouse sitting around the back.

Nanpu Bridge

Shanghai is renowned for its many bridges, with a total of six crossing the Huangpu River. The fourth-longest cable-stayed bridge in the world, the Nanpu Bridge was built in 1991 and was the first steel and concrete cable-stayed bridge in Shanghai. Leading in from Puxi, the bridge features an astonishing spiral, an engineering feat admired by professionals all over the world. Large towers soar 150m tall, holding the cables in place, majestically permitting drivers to pass through. The turn of the road also enables passers to view the bridge and admire its grand structure.

Oriental Pearl Tower

Situated on The Bund, this TV and radio tower is a landmark of Shanghai, and rightly so. Its futurist architectural style makes it stand out even against the diverse collection of buildings and structures in this area. Finalized in 1994, it held the prize for China’s tallest structure up until 2007. Made up of a total of 11 spheres, the largest and most central globe is supported by a number of legs that drive deep underground. Perched on the edge of Lujiazui, right by the edge of the riverbank, the bizarre shape of the tower is highlighted at night, when a series of lights shine from the structure, enhancing it as a national landmark.

Shanghai Oriental Sports Center

Like several of Shanghai’s best structures, the Oriental Sports Center can be found along the Huangpu River, on the Eastern side. Made up of three main buildings, this structure resonates a grandiose style. Designed by GMP Architects, the design of the sports center reflects the overall theme of water as it sits beside canals and a man-made lake. Tall, curved sides of the center rise upwards, reminiscent of waves or as many suggest, the sails of a boat. These broad, overreaching arches define all parts of the center but each are impressive in their own right. Inside the gleaming white features enhance the natural light that bounces off the water’s surface.

See more: 5 markets in Shanghai you must visit once in your life

Source: Internet

5 great souvenirs you should buy in Taichung

Taichung is an incredible city that is fast becoming one of Taiwan’s most popular holiday destinations. With so many things to see and do it’s perfect for a short weekend trip. But what kind of souvenirs can you buy that are uniquely local? Here are five of the best locally made souvenirs you can pick up next time you’re in this wonderful west coast city.

Suncake

Ask any Taiwanese person what they want you to bring back from your trip to Taichung, and they will scream ‘Suncakes!’ Yes, it’s the most popular thing you can buy in Taichung (aside from pearl milk tea but who’s taking that on a plane?) but don’t assume that it’s some bland, tasteless cake that people buy simply because it’s the done thing. Suncake is a flaky pastry with a sweet maltose filling but lately, bakeries have been getting quite creative with their fillings, and you can now find a wide variety of flavors. There are dozens of bakeries throughout the city, but perhaps the most famous is Chia Wia Sina. Expect to see long queues at the front door though as this place is incredibly popular. Their Milk SunCake was recently voted one of the best souvenirs to take home from Taichung.

Cheese-filled mochi

You’ve probably heard of the sticky and chewy dessert known as mochi, and you may have even tried some with various fillings such as green tea or red bean. It’s highly unlikely though that you’ve tried anything like Paochuan Food Company’s cheese-filled mochi.

It doesn’t sound too appetizing, but then again many of the world’s most delicious snacks started out as a weird combination of two contrasting foods. And this is one of those times when such a strange marriage of ingredients actually works.

Fengyuan lacquer art

Fengyuan in Taichung was once the center of all things lacquer here in Taiwan. In fact, at one point it was said that 99% of the country’s lacquerwares were made in the area. Today, you’ll find that it’s home to the Fengyuan Lacquer Art Museum which is a great place to learn about the history of lacquer art during the Japanese colonial period. It’s also the best place to pick up a locally made piece of lacquerware. From chopsticks to bowls, there are plenty of brightly colored pieces to choose from, and they’re the ideal souvenir for your living room.

Pineapple cakes

Another one of those popular souvenirs that you just can’t leave the city without, pineapple cakes are plentiful in Taichung. The problem is, which ones are the best?

Dawn Cake can probably take that accolade as their pineapple cakes are incredible. They are without doubt the best locally made cakes, and many people consider them to be on a par with, or even better than the more famous Chia Te or SunnyHills cakes.

Waipu wine

Many people laugh at the notion that Taiwan can produce high-quality wines but that’s simply down to a lack of wine-producing history. However, that is all about to change as Waipu winemakers Shu Sheng have won international acclaim for their products. Started back in 2000 by a local farmer and a winemaker, the vineyard is slowly gaining recognition as one of the best producers of wine in Asia, with their wines winning many awards across the globe.

Read more : Rainbow Village, a must-visit place in Taichung

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A guide to Myanmar's Shwedagon pagoda

Undeniably the country’s most stunning Buddhist structure, Myanmar’s Shwedagon Pagoda enchants all those who tread upon its dazzling 114-acre complex in the heart of Yangon. The Shwedagon is more than a national icon—it’s a treasure—and basking in its magnificence is an absolute must. Here’s how to get the most out of experiencing this ancient wonder of the world.

Reflective of Myanmar’s resilience, the Shwedagon Pagoda shines on

Situated at the top of Singuttara Hill and overlooking the city, this incredibly sacred place has witnessed Myanmar’s dynamic, ever-changing history over the course of an estimated 2,500 years. The Shwedagon has endured severe natural disasters, military occupation, been the site of historic public speeches and protests; and yet, its grandeur exists today to tell each century’s story in the faintest sounds of bells and the loudest patters of bare feet.

A welcome fit for royalty upon entrance to the Shwedagon

Say mingalabar to the massive pairs of chinthe guarding each of the four covered walkways, known as zaungdan, leading up to the Shwedagon Paya. It’s common to find these colossal lion-like creatures securing the the perimeter of temples in Myanmar.

The Shwedagon’s southern entrance is considered the main way to get in, and all but the western entryways are bustling with merchants selling anything from flowers and incense to antiques and souvenirs.

Perhaps the grandest of the entrances with its marble floors and regal columns, the western gate creates the feeling of entering a dreamy palace. This entry also has escalators. If an elevator is necessary, use the southern, northern or eastern gates.

The Shwedagon Pagoda is open daily from 4 a.m.–10 p.m. There’s an approximately US$8 cash-only entrance fee for foreigners. ATMs and moneychangers are located at various points within the grounds of the Shwedagon. Dress modestly and remove shoes. For a small donation, footwear can be dropped off on the way up to the main platform.

It’s possible to book a guided tour to learn even more about the Shwedagon while visiting, or locals hoping to make some extra cash and practice English will eventually surface from the crowd and gladly serve as guides.

The Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is a glimpse of glitz and glam

For the most idyllic first impression of Myanmar’s Shwedagon Pagoda in all its glory, enter from the northern covered walkway. The central stupa, rising approximately 325 feet above the terrace, is perfectly framed from this angle.

Surrounding the towering bell-shaped stupa, referred to as a zedi in Burmese, are 64 smaller stupas and four larger cardinal corner ones. 12 planetary posts representing days of the week and the moon’s ascension also encompass the zedi’s base.

It’s hard to fathom or even accurately measure the amount of gold—by the ton—the Shwedagon actually has. The main zedi is plated with tens of thousands of solid gold bars, and the spired umbrella (hti) top, intricately adorned with thousands of diamonds, precious stones and golden bells, is estimated to be worth an astonishing US$3 billion on its own.

What to see and do at the Shwedagon besides becoming enthralled by its wealth

After marveling at the richness of the Shwedagon, it’s time to explore. Head to one of the numerous prayer pavilions for a prime people-watching perch. From here local couples can be seen holding hands, Myanmar families can be spotted praying together, and many tourists as well as monks and nuns from all over the world can be identified.

Perhaps find a quieter worship hall to mediate, or let a temple cat lead you astray. But, beware. The colorful, swirling lights around many of the Shwedagon’s images of Buddha have a way of mesmerizing visitors for hours.

Before leaving, pour water over the Buddha statue at the station or “corner” that represents the day of your birth, and ding a few deep tonal dongs out of the Tharrawaddy Min Bell – one of two unbelievably big cast-iron bells displayed at the Shwedagon.

The Naungdawgyi Paya near the north entrance is worth mentioning. It’s believed to be the original site where eight Buddha hair relics were enshrined. There’s also a small museum near the northwestern corner of the pagoda level, open from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday, and a nearby photo gallery offering close-ups of the ornate hti atop the main zedi.

At dawn, dusk and during Buddhist holidays is when to visit the Shwedagon

To see the Shwedagon Pagoda gilded in glorious golden light, the best and busiest times to go are around sunrise and sunset. Venturing to the Shwedagon during the afternoon might not be as crowded, but it’ll be scorching hot depending on the season.

Go during Buddhist holidays such as Thingyan, Thadingyut and Tazaungdaing for an especially memorable experience.

The Shwedagon Pagoda’s path less traveled

Take the lower footpath encircling the compound for a quieter stroll to see the Shwedagon from a different perspective. This pathway is accessible from all four entrances and isn’t as frequented by tourists. It’s the perfect way to take time to fully process the awesomeness of experiencing Myanmar’s Shwedagon Pagoda.

Read more: Visit Inle Lake, one of the hottest destinations in Myanmar

Source The Culture Trip

Top things to discover in Bandra, Mumbai

Bandra is often called the “Queen of Suburbs” and with good reason. One of the most popular and coolest neighborhoods of Mumbai, this western suburb is a unique amalgam of heritage and modernity and is home to some of the most popular restaurants, pubs, and shopping districts in the city. Here is something you can see and do in Bandra so you can get the best out of this neighborhood.

Admire the Street Art

The lanes in the vicinity of Ranwar village have recently become renowned for their quirky street art created by artists from all over the world. Most of it can be found on and around Waroda Road, Chapel Road, and Saint Veronica Road up to Mount Carmel Church in Bandra West. The most prominent murals on Chapel Road are the work of the Bollywood Art Project. There are also massive murals of Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna on the corner of Bandstand and Pereira Road.

Visit Castella De Aguada (Bandra Fort)

One of the fascinating aspects about Bandra is its history, which is a mix of Portuguese Catholic, British, and Indian cultures and sensibilities. The most prominent of these is Bandra’s Portuguese heritage, with Castella De Aguada or Bandra Fort being its most iconic remnant.

Constructed as early as 1534, the Bandra Fort is located at the southern edge of the neighborhood and overlooks the Mahim Bay to the south and the Arabian Sea to the west. Several conservation efforts have taken place to protect the fort since the early 2000s, and currently, the fort’s maintenance is undertaken by the Taj Land’s End Hotel, located in the vicinity. Apart from its architecture and history, the Bandra Fort is also popular for being a great vantage point to view the sunset along the Arabian sea and it also presents great views of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.

Take a walk at Jogger's Park

Jogger's Park is an ideal park for early morning or evening stroll in Bandra. This is a seaside park with walking tracks. Jogger's Park is definitely a hub for locals who love to walk around in this age-old park. Visitors can find the Jogger's Park next to the Otters club across Carter Road.

Visit St. Andrew’s Church

Constructed in the year 1575, the St. Andrew’s Church in Bandra is one of the oldest churches in all of Mumbai. The Portuguese Jesuit structure has withstood a number of historical events, including a cyclone in 1618 and the Maratha invasion of 1739, during which the Church of St. Anne, an even older church, was destroyed. The church draws hundreds of devotees and visitors and was Bandra’s only major church for nearly a century after the Maratha invasion.

Go shopping

Bargain hunters definitely will not be disappointed by Bandra West. Linking Road is lined with stalls selling cheap shoes, bags, clothing, and accessories. Make sure you haggle hard to get a good price. The neighborhood also has boutiques that are worth browsing through. Go to Anokhi for gorgeous block-print textiles, Kulture Shop for groovy products by Indian graphic designers, OMO for funky Indian attire, and The Shop for boho-chic fashion and home decor.

Read more: Top 10 must-visit attractions in Mumbai, India

Source Internet

Top onsen houses to try in Osaka, Japan

Onsen is a hot spring in Japan. This country’s hot spring supply is so abundant that even the big cities are full of these spa-like retreats. Here are the best hot springs in and around urban Osaka.

Nobeha No Yu Tsuruhashi

This lavish spa, situated right in the middle of Osaka’s Koreatown, is the perfect escape from the city without actually leaving it. Nobeha no Yu is a massive complex that includes multiple floors of spas, saunas, and baths, as well as dining and relaxation areas. There are both public and private baths for rent, all of which are opulent and indulgent without breaking the bank.

Taihei no Yu

This sento (bathhouse) is conveniently located near Namba, one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. It’s actually a ‘super sento,’ a public bathing facility designed to function as an entertainment center. Taihei no Yu features the requisite baths (many different types, including outdoor, electric, and cold water tubs) as well as a food court, spa area, game center, and more. It’s also located right next to an early morning fish market, perfect for those who love seafood.

Spa World

If combining the relaxation of taking an onsen bath with the heart-stopping excitement of a water park sounds like your idea of a great time, then pay a visit to Spa World – the place that does both. Inside you’ll find a variety of themed baths, a lazy floating river, and a mega waterslide. Equal parts rejuvenating, bizarre and adorably kitsch, it’s definitely worth a visit for those wanting a more unique bathing experience.

Minoo Onsen Spa Garden

This is the largest onsen complex in Western Japan. Located in tranquil Minoo Park, renowned for its natural beauty and gorgeous fall foliage, Minoo Onsen has numerous decadent baths, with waters said to have healing and beautifying properties. On the top floor is an open-air bath offering breathtaking views of Osaka City by day and night. Hotel guests can use the spa for free, otherwise it’s ¥,3500 ($32) for two hours.

Kamigata Onsen Ikkyu

This onsen boasts the largest rotenburo (outdoor bath) in the Kansai region. The pure, mineral hot spring water that services this rustic bathhouse draws visitors from all around the region. The onsen is split into two areas, the Wood Bath and the Stone Bath, each with their own aesthetic and with many different baths and saunas to enjoy. It’s conveniently located near Universal Studios Japan, perfect for anyone in need of a rest after waiting in line all day.

Amami Onsen Nantenen

This incredible hot spring resort is located only 40 minutes from Osaka City by train. Designed by the same architect responsible for famous Tokyo Station, the traditional and lush green environment allows guests to indulge in the experience of bathing in another time and place while actually near a major, modern city.

See more: Natural onsens you should visit in Tokyo, Japan

Street food in Philippines and dishes you must try

Filipinos’ love for food is unparalleled. Despite three large meals comprising their day (all of which typically consist of at least a cup of rice), they still enjoy taking several snacks in between. This is where street food comes in. Filipinos like having access to a quick bite anywhere, anytime. So a great variety of street snacks have developed — some sweet, some savory, and some just outright bizarre.

Kikiam

Kikiam was originally taken from Chinese cuisine, and authentically consists of minced meat and vegetables. The kikiam used by street food vendors in the Philippines however, are a more scrimped version, sometimes containing fish meat instead and a lot of fillers. They are brown in color and about the size of a finger.

Kwek-Kwek

These brightly colored treats could be quite deceiving to the unaware foodie. They are round and a vibrant shade of orange, but they aren’t sweet, nor do they taste like the Cheetos they match in color. They are actually quail eggs, coated in an orange batter and then deep fried. Most of its goodness relies on the sauce the street food cart has to pair it with.

Balunbalunan

Not only do Filipinos skewer and grill chicken intestine, they also do the same to chicken gizzard. In Filipino cuisine, nothing goes to waste. Balunbalunan has a chewier, more rubbery texture than isaw, slightly resembling that of squid. But like isaw, it gets much of its flavor from the sauce it is brushed with during grilling, or its dipping sauce after.

Betamax

This is one that’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. Betamax, named after the black tapes of the 70’s it resembles, is grilled coagulated pork or chicken blood. Yes, you read that right. But in fact, grilled animal blood is not as repulsive as it may sound. It doesn’t possess any foul or robust taste or smell. Aside from the variety in texture, many of these grilled animal innards depend on sauces for taste.

Turon

This is a classic Filipino favorite, made by enclosing slices of saba banana and jackfruit in egg roll wrappers and deep frying them along with a generous coating of brown sugar.

Kakanin

Kakanin refers to Filipino delicacies made mainly of sticky rice. With the country’s love for rice, a long list of desserts fall under this category, and that might just need a separate article to explain it altogether. Keep an eye out for these especially during Christmas time. The best kakanin are the ones they sell outside churches after the late night masses held during the weeks approaching Christmas.

Sorbetes

Sorbetes or “dirty ice cream” (dubbed as such for being sold in the streets, and not necessarily mean a lack in cleanliness), is Filipino ice cream sold from colorful wooden carts. Though there’s still the usual chocolate, mostly Filipino flavors are available such as ube (purple yam), queso (cheese), mango, and coconut. Have it the Filipino way and opt to have it served in a burger bun instead of a regular cone or cup.

Read more: Explore typical breakfast in the Philippines

Source Internet