Top 5 ancient temples in Asia

Asia offers visitor an exciting, exotic change of culture. The abundance of gilded temples in Asia earned this region the nick name ‘The Golden East’. Religious structures in Asia encompass some of the most spectacular architecture ever built, from modern temples bustling with worship and activity to evocative, crumbling ruins whose ancient stones tell of thousands of years of history, Asia’s temples offer a visitor a tantalising glance into a different way of life, religion and fervent belief.

Borobudur – Java, Indonesia

Here in Indonesia, you will reach the world’s tallest Buddhist monument. One of the most important ancient ruins in Asia, the Borobudur was built during the 9th century and rediscovered in 1815 under volcanic ashes. You will see the richness of Borobudur which has remained structurally sound over the years. However, it was visually restored during 8 years to give it back its original character and appearance. It contains 504 Buddha statues and almost 3,000 relief panels!

Angkor Wat - Siem Reap, Cambodia

The largest temple complex on Earth, four times the size of the Vatican, and the capital of the Khmer empire is an eternally fascinating site. And it’s even bigger and older than previously thought.
In 2013, an archaeological team used lidar technology to map out a vast ‘lost city’ with man-made ponds, canals and dykes that point towards an advanced hydraulic engineering, with inscriptions that date it to the 9th century (Angkor Wat was constructed in the 12th century).

While the ruins remain engulfed by the jungle, a tour of the Angkor complex points to the grand scale of this city, one that covered more than 1,000 square kilometers at its peak. Add in a tour of Angkor Thom and Ta Phrom and you have got yourself a tailor-made Indiana Jones adventure.

Ajanta Caves – Aurangabad, India

One of the most breathtaking ancient ruins in Asia are the Ajanta Caves in India. Prepare to be amazed as you discover the wonderful paintings and statues within. You will discover an impressive testimony of classical Indian art and other similar works. Amazingly, this site could have remained undiscovered due to its location. Hidden in a dense forest, its whereabouts were unknown for a thousand years! Luckily for us it is ready to be explored and enjoyed!

Longmen Grottoes – Luoyang, China

Some of the popular ancient ruins in Asia are the Longmen Grottoes.  The Grottoes are located near the shores of the Yi River 12 km south of Luoyang, China. Some say it is a cave dwellers’ paradise. But in reality, the Longmen Grottoes is a temple! Built in the 5th Century, this religious structure contains nearly 100,000 statues of Buddha. On both sides of the temple, you will find remnants of a troglodyte village. Since its creation, this holy site has suffered vandalism and plundering from thieves and pirates. Today, this cavernous destination is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Good thing too since it is such an impressive monument!

Khajuraho, India

From a distance, the temples in Khajuraho look like all the other Hindu or Jain temples you might have seen in India. Look closer though, and you will find a rich tapestry of erotic scenes carved into the side of the temples. These sexual scenes feature many strange positions and styles, the temples of Khajuraho are unlike anything else you have seen before.

Read more: The taste of Asia in 7 local dishes

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Most beautiful coastal cities in South Korea

Surrounded by water, the Korean peninsula is outlined by a number of coastal cities that offer a welcome escape from everyday inland life. Offering everything from sandy beaches to gorgeous seascapes, these coastal cities are the country’s most beautiful.

Sokcho

Situated on South Korea’s eastern coast, Sokcho is widely known for its white sandy coast that is punctuated by picturesque pine trees. Located near the Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, Sokcho Beach is as accessible as it is beautiful. Here, visitors from all over the country partake in beach swimming in the summer months, while the Haedoji Sunrise Festival is held on New Year’s Day. Visitors can even rent a rod and go fishing at nearby Jodo Island, or head to the pier to get some fresh sushi at one of the many local fish markets. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Sokcho’s Seoraksan Mountain – one of Korea’s most celebrated – which features well-maintained trails and breathtaking autumn foliage.

Gangneung

Gangneung’s six-kilometer-long Gyeongpo Beach is much loved for its fine sand and numerous facilities. But it’s also famous for its picturesque sunrise and tranquil moonrise, making a great camping spot. In addition, the beach is the site for various cultural events, including beach festivals and cherry blossom viewings. While Gangneung’s beaches and are splendid, the city’s parks are also worthy of exploration. Kids will love the submarine and decommissioned warship on display at Tongil Park, while adults will appreciate the dramatic architecture and contemporary works at Haslla Art World.

Busan

Boasting a stunning landscape of mountains and beaches, and brimming with hot springs and seafood, South Korea’s second-largest city is a boisterous coastal city that most consider a must-visit on any trip to the peninsula. Spend an afternoon checking out the murals and sculptures in the colorful hillside of Gamcheon Culture Village or take in the tranquil beauty of Haedong Yonggung Temple, one of Korea’s only oceanside Buddhist temples. Foodies will love the culinary scene, which is an eclectic mix of casual tent bars, chaotic fish markets, trendy cafés, and fine dining establishments. Finally, catch the sunset at Haeundae Beach, a beautiful stretch of white sand that offers great views of Busan’s unique urban landscape.

Suncheon

Suncheon Bay and its surrounding area is a natural ecosystem that has remained almost completely untouched. As a habitat for local plant life, a variety of sea creatures and migratory birds, Suncheon Bay has been globally recognized for its ecological value, and is often referred to as the ecological capital of Korea. To see the highlights of the city, take the Suncheon City Tour, which includes stops at Suncheon Bay’s wetlands and reed fields, as well as Seonamsa and Songgwangsa, two century-old temples. Other attractions on the journey include Naganeupseong, a village of thatched roof houses that date back to the Joseon Dynasty, and an open set where a number of popular Korean movies and dramas have been filmed.

Tongyeong

Those seeking some tranquility should head to Tongyeong, a seaside town situated on the southern coast of Korea. Here, evergreen trees and emerald seas are canopied by clear blue skies, creating a spectacular sight. Enchanting islands dot its shores, and they can be reached by ferry services that depart from the central terminal. Any island-hopping excursion should include a stop at Somaemul Island. Quiet and peaceful, the small island boasts hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, all offering incredibly magnificent views. Hungry? Tongyeong is home to countless restaurants that serve up local specialties including sea squirt bibimbap, grilled fish, and spicy hairtail stew – all served with sides of local produce and fresh seafood.

Geoje

Dubbed the “Blue City,” Geoje is not so much a city as it is an island – Korea’s second largest after Jeju – of villages and settlements that are dotted around the coastline. There’s no better way to see the sights than by renting a motorcycle and zipping around from beach to beach. Don’t miss the chance to hike Daegum Mountain, which offers breathtaking island views, especially in spring, when the azaleas are in full bloom. Of course, no visit to Geoje would be complete without a visit to nearby Oedo Island, a botanical garden so beautiful that it has been nicknamed “the paradise of Korea.”

Seogwipo

Jeju Island’s second-largest city is beautifully nestled on a rocky volcanic coastline dotted with lush parks, a deep gorge and two waterfalls. Its clear blue waters and mild ocean temperatures make Seogwipo one of Korea’s top diving destinations. Furthermore, its scenic landscapes are well suited for hiking. Trekking the Olle-gil is a fantastic way to experience the natural and cultural beauty of Jeju. There are more than 20 of them, with four passing through Seogwipo. Each route offers something different, whether it be small villages, beaches, farms or forests, providing visitors with a unique perspective of the island. Typically, the trails are fairly easy to traverse, but there are several points that do get steep and require some athletic ability.

See more: Top 8 things to do in Busan, South Korea

Source: Internet

The best souvenirs to buy in Taichung, Taiwan

Taichung is an incredible city that is becoming one of Taiwan’s most popular holiday destinations. With so many things to see and do it is 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 are in this wonderful west coast city.

Suncake

Mentioning suncake naturally reminds people of Taichung. It is almost like the synonym for Taichung. In earlier times, suncake was all hand-made typically with maltose as filling, with thin pastry skin, good smell and easily melts in your mouth; the keys to the fabulous taste of suncake. Due to the interest in health care in recent years, many pastry shops began to replace animal shortening, which is usually the material oil of suncakes, to vegetable ones and also further invented many lighter flavors for suncakes.

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 will find that it is 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 is 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 are the ideal souvenir for your living room.

Waipu Wine

Many people laugh at the notion that Taiwan can produce high-quality wines but that is 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.

Pineapple Cakes

Another one of those popular souvenirs that you just cannot 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.

Cheese-Filled Mochi

You have 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 is highly unlikely though that you have tried anything like Paochuan Food Company’s cheese-filled mochi.

It does not 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.

Read more: Take a trip to Taichung

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