What to eat in Shangri-la, China

Shangri-La or Xianggelila is a county-level city in northwestern Yunnan province, People's Republic of China and is the location of the seat of the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Shangri-la is made up of Tibetan and many ethnic minorities which makes the foods here unique and have some Tibetan tastes.

Zanba

Zanba is the main dish of the Tibetan people, and is both nutritious and conveniently portable (can be taken anywhere), an important requirement for a people who live on a high plateau where neither naturally occurring are readily available. The dish is prepared by adding some zanba flour to a bit of tea that is poured into the zanba bowl, then spiked with ghee and white sugar – and if the trip is short, or during the first part of a long trip, also butter/ clarified butter, the latter of which is also often used in tea for drinking, aka buttered tea.

Butter Tea

Often drink it with Zanba, butter with tea plays a very important role in the diet structure of the Zang nationality. The Zang people drink it at least three times a day while some even more than ten times! It can produce a lot of heat so that Tibetans can withstand the cold weather and also can relieve thirst and promote fluid.

Yogurt

As a special dairy product in Tibetan family in Shangri-la, Yogurt is called ‘Shuo’ in Tibetan. It is highly nutritious and good for digestion. It is said that the regular taking of yogurt can promote your health and prolong your life.

Saimi Mutton (Sai Mi Yang Rou)

Saimi Mutton is only served for the Tibetan men returning from hunting. It is cooked by their wives to express their happiness and sweet love. The ingredients are eggs, sugar, wine, rapeseed oil and butter. This dish is gold with fresh, sweet and sour taste.

Guoben Hot Pot (Guo Ben Huo Guo)

Guoben means a kind of wild vegetable in Tibetan, growing high mountains in Shangri-la. It is nutritious and good for health. The main materials include Guoben, potatoes, boiled pork tripe, bean curd, boiled ham, tree mushrooms and Pipa Pork.

Read more: Become one with nature on a trip to Shangri-la

Source Internet

Non-touristy activities to do in South Korea

South Korea is one of the most intriguing travel destinations in Asia. When you go, dive deep into Korean culture with these non-touristy things to do in South Korea.

Wear Traditional Korean Clothing

Chances are, you start your journey in Seoul. The Korean capital is a melting pot of tradition and modernity with old temples and palaces standing next to futuristic exhibition halls and museums. If you want to understand Koreans, the first step is to dress accordingly. Rent a Korean hanbok and you will not only feel more like a local, but you will also have free access to cultural sites, such as the palaces and temples in the city.

Play Traditional Korean Games

Jeonju is one of the most interesting cities to visit in South Korea. The old town is filled with hundreds of traditional Korean houses, called hanok. Koreans love to keep their traditions alive and have declared Jeonju their cultural capital. In fact, the city houses a large cultural center where visitors have the chance to try out traditional Korean games such as the board game Yut Nori or Tuho, a game where players throw sticks from a set distance into a canister.

Visit Busan’s SpaLand

Koreans love their bathhouses and it’s not uncommon to spend an entire day soaking in a variety of healing waters. One of Korea’s best bathhouses is located in the country’s second largest city of Busan in the south of the country. The coastal city is known for its beach vibe, seafood and natural springs. Busan’s SpaLand is an upscale version of the common Korean jjimjilbang (bathhouses) but absolutely affordable with admissions ranging from ₩12,000 ($10.50) on weekdays to ₩14,000 ($12.25) on weekends.

Explore Seoul’s Upcoming Artist Village

Most tourists in Seoul visit Bukchon Hanok Village with its old Korean houses and lovely shops. However, there is a neighborhood in Seoul that is far more traditional and hip featuring intriguing hanok teahouses, artist cafés and vintage shops. The neighborhood of Ikseondong was saved destruction by its faithful locals who have turned the area into a haven for art lovers, indie music fans and those interested in Korean traditional architecture.

Explore Tapsa Temple

While temples are not a rare sight in South Korea, Tapsa Temple at the foot of Maisan Mountain in North Jeolla Province is so unknown that not even many Koreans know about it. The temple features more than 80 man-made stone pagodas that are said to have created an electromagnetic powerhouse. It is believed that if you make a wish and place a pebble on one of the pagodas, it will come true.

See more: Most amazing places to visit in Korea during autumn

Source: Internet

The best beach resorts in Sri Lanka

Accommodation in Sri Lanka has been transformed in recent years. Initially, Sri Lanka’s beach resorts were aimed primarily at the package holiday crowd and traditional travel operators and were only located on the west coast. But the past decade has brought a major change, with the growth of villas, boutique hotels, and small independent hotels offering a huge array of choices. 

Amanwella, Tangalle

The Amanwella resort is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, approximately 15 minutes by car from the village of Dickwella. The resort is situated amongst a coconut grove facing onto a white sand beach. Most suites are dotted along the hillside and connected by pathways that also lead down to the main public areas, infinity pool and beach. The Ocean suites enjoy clear views of the ocean and feature a six by four meters private pool. The resort is contemporary in design and constructed with many traditional materials, including Sri Lankan roof tiles and hand-hewn stone.

Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon, Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa has always been known as the party center of Sri Lanka. Famous with the young crowd, surfers, young families and backpackers, Hikkaduwa is a great hang-out spot. Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon is an artful resort full of murals and other great decor. Trance music is the center of attention here, as well as the laid back beach lifestyle.

Dolphin Beach Resort, Ilanthadiya

Not your usual beach resort, Dolphin Beach is more of a glamping experience. With two styles of luxury tent, a communal dome for sundowners and an infinity pool overlooking the beach, this hotel has it all for eco-lovers and peace seekers. Dolphin Beach is located on Kalpitiya Beach, a bit off the beaten path but well known by the kite surfing crowd. Activities at the resort include kite surfing, scuba diving, water skiing and whale watching.

Read more: Best wellness retreats in Sri Lanka

Jetwing Blue, Negombo

Jetwing Blue is located at Negombo, a popular resort town on Sri Lanka’s Western coast. Surrounded by graceful palms, the Jetwing Blue features a total of 112 guest rooms. The hotel was built in 1970, and then named Blue Oceanic Hotel, it marked the beginning of Jetwing Hotels. It has grown from a small 6 room hotel to one of the most prominent beach resorts in Sri Lanka.

Source Internet