The reasons why you should visit Shenzhen, China

The city of Shenzhen is one of the world’s true megacities. Bridging the gap between mainland China and Hong Kong, it is hard to believe that just 40 years ago it was a rural farming community, made up of villages clustered on the banks of China’s Pearl River.

With its range of museums, burgeoning art district, and an impressive, diverse population of innovators and entrepreneurs, the city has a lot to show off. Here are the reasons why travelers should pay this Chinese city a visit.

It is one of the world’s leading design cities

Shenzhen became a UNESCO City of Design in 2008 and has been making its mark as one of China’s most innovative cities ever since.

Stroll the streets and you will find architecture that looks like it is from the future, as well as a number of world-class galleries, from an outpost of London’s V&A Museum to Shenzhen’s own Art and Design Gallery, the first gallery dedicated solely to design in China. Every April, the city also hosts a Design Week at the OCT-LOFT, a 37-acre creative culture park made up of leafy lanes and open squares with exhibition spaces, large-scale installations and alfresco coffee shops.

Inspiring ‘maker’ culture

Building on its former reputation as ‘the world’s workshop,’ Shenzhen has become a leading light in the modern ‘maker’ movement. Its residents have accrued considerable manufacturing and electronics know-how, ingraining a DIY mindset that has been driving progress and drawing attention worldwide.

It is a haven for book-lovers

Shenzhen's techy, but it is also a place for bibliophiles. In the heart of Futian District sits Shenzhen Book City, the largest book mall in China.

Here, you will find bookstores that never close alongside 24-hour ‘book bars’ where you can grab a drink and a book all night long. The city is also home to nearly 200 libraries, the pinnacle of which is the six-storey Shenzhen Library that can seat a whopping 2,500 people.

Easy to get to other places

Shenzhen is part of a cluster of cities across the Pearl River Delta. Travelers visiting this exciting city can also squeeze in trips to Hong Kong, Macao and Guangzhou, which are only a stone’s throw away, as well as other cities in Guangdong and beyond. An inexpensive, seven-hour bus journey can take you north, to experience the ethereal karst peaks of Yangshuo.

Shenzhen's rugged coastline and surprise beaches

Shenzhen is blessed with a rugged coastline and 23 beaches. Dameisha, the closest beach to the city (and consequently the busiest) is lined with coconut and palm trees, with hazy blue-mountains as a backdrop and views of Hong Kong across the ocean in the distance.

For a beach a little more off the beaten track, make the trek out to Xichong Beach. In autumn and winter, it is especially good for surfing.  Xichong is part of the protected Dapeng National Park, and rising up in the north is Qiniang, the second highest peak in the city. There is also a 10km hiking trail running along the coast.

Great for spas

This city of excitement and ambition can leave newcomers and visitors a tad frazzled. Luckily, inexpensive day spas have sprung up across the city. With a reputation for quality pampering treatments, Hongkongers often pop over for a massage. A spa visit in Shenzhen will leave you feeling reinvigorated and ready to take on your next adventure in bustling South China.

Read more: Visit attractions in Shenzhen, China

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Come to these best bibimbap restaurants in Seoul, Korea

Bibimbap is a healthy, delicious, colorful dish wildly popular in South Korea. Made up of rice topped with seasonal vegetables and with additions consisting of egg or meat slices, this delicacy is served in numerous establishments throughout South Korea. Try one of these popular variations on bibimbap in the culinary metropolis that is Seoul.

Gogung

A popular restaurant for tourists and older generations due to its highly traditional Korean ambiance, Gogung specializes in bibimbap. With live performances of traditional Korean music every evening and staff that dress exclusively in hanbok (the traditional Korean garb), Gogung lives up to its name, which literally translates to ‘old palace.’ Don’t be fooled into thinking that Gogun is your typical tourist trap, however – it’s also regularly frequented by Korean diplomats. Their wide variety of bibimbap ranges from classics, such as Jeonju and dolsot bibimbap to specialty dishes such as nakji (octopus) and yukhoe (beef tartare) bibimbap.

Jeonju Jungang Hoekwan

Despite being a hole-in-the-wall establishment, this restaurant is highly recommended in guidebooks for its bibimbap’s taste – which is richer, slightly sweeter, and certainly more intense than those served in most other establishments. Jeonju Jungang Hoekwan has been around for 46 years and, despite an overwhelming popularity among Japanese tourists, also entertains both locals and Western visitors. Despite being famous for the Jeonjubibimbap, this restaurant also serves up a delicious dolsotbibimbap – consisting of rice made with beef broth and flavored soy bean paste, cooked in a pagodite stone pot until the bottom is slightly scorched.

Walkerhill Ondal

One of just two Korean restaurants to be found in Seoul’s luxury hotels, the Ondal restaurant at the Sheraton Walkerhill Hotel offers a gorgeous view of the Han River on the eastern side of Seoul. This fine-dining restaurant prides itself on its rich legacy, having hosted quite a few politicians and diplomats such as the members of the Korean G20 summit, and basing its menu on the traditional royal cuisine of the Joseon dynasty. Its bibimbap is created with ingredients of the highest quality – all vegetables are fresh and organic – and prepared using a combination of modern and classic techniques sourced from historical research.

Sae Byuk Jib

Sae Byuk Jib literally translates into ‘House Of Dawn’ and, unsurprisingly, given that it is primarily a galbi (steak) restaurant, it specializes in yukhoe – or raw beef – as a topping for bibimbap. Though yukhoe is undeniably an acquired taste, even for Koreans, Sae Byuk Jib’s yukhoe bibimbap is renowned among food critics and locals. The bibimbap also comes with a side of seonjitguk, a soup made from coagulated animal blood – another distinctive, daring dish which richly rewards those bold enough to try it. The menu at this restaurant is offered separately in English for Western tourists.

Mokmyeoksanbang

This gorgeous hanok restaurant was built by the Seoul government in order to promote Korean culture and cuisine. Named after the ancient Mokmyeok, the mountain which is now called Namsan, the traditional wooden house offers a small yet polished interior with warm lighting and a welcoming atmosphere. With metal bowls and wooden trays, the decor is classic old-school Korean, further enhanced by the brass kettles in which Korean teas and makgeolli (rice wine) are served. Eat inside with delightfully friendly service, or enjoy the al fresco dining and the accompanying view of Myeong-dong and the Namsan tower.

See more: What to eat for vegetarians in Korea

Source: Internet

Get to know fall festivals in Asia

Like other big holidays in Asia, these fall festivals attract tourists who love celebrations as well.

The Mid-Autumn Festival

Also known as the Chinese Moon Festival, or known as the "Mooncake Festival" the Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration of the harvest. The day is celebrated throughout Asia and is a public holiday in Taiwan and Hong Kong. The Mid-Autumn Festival is about enjoying a short respite from work to have reunions with family, friends, and relatives. Mooncakes are exchanged beneath the full moon with someone special. It's time to express romances.

Where: Throughout Asia, especially places with large ethnic Chinese populations
When: Dates change, usually in September

Malaysia Day

Not to be confused with Hari Merdeka, Malaysia's celebration of gaining independence from the British Empire, Malaysia Day is a patriotic celebration to commemorate the formation of the Federation of Malaysia.

The day is celebrated with patriotic festivities along with a parade and speeches. Malaysia Day is an exciting time to travel in Malaysia.

Where: Throughout Malaysia and Borneo, with the epicenter in Kuala Lumpur
When: Annually on September 16

China's National Day

China’s most patriotic holiday is National Day on October 1. Concerts, pro-government gatherings, and fireworks mark the occasion.

The day also kicks off one of China’s Golden Week holiday periods, meaning that things get even busier and busier in Beijing. Hundreds of thousands of people living in the countryside head into the capital for a rare glimpse of Tienanmen Square. Attractive tourism places such as the Great Wall and the terracotta soldiers in Xi'an become crowded with traveling locals. Hotels and public transportations also fill up. The first week of October is the busiest time to visit China.

Where: In big cities throughout China, with the epicenter in Beijing
When: Annually on October 1, last approximately a week

Read more: Top 5 places to see autumn foliage in Asia

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