How to spend a day in Tianjin, China

With the fascinating scenery and profuse resources, it is a time-honored cultural city with potential tourism value. As the political and economic center of Bohai region, Tianjin is the largest coastal city located in North China. Blessed with a variety of attractions, this is a good place to explore. There are also many natural scenes of beauty as well as great historical events.

Haihe River

As the mother river and symbol of Tianjin, the Haihe River, 72 kilometers long, runs through the city and out to the Bohai Sea. A total of 21 bridges stand over the Haihe River and each constitutes a scenic attraction, forming a distinctive bridge culture throughout the region. Rising over the spectacular Yongle Bridge is the Tianjin Eye, an iconic Ferris wheel which lights up the city every night.

Eye of Tianjin (Ferris Wheel)

Ferris Wheel (Eye of Tianjin) is a 120-meter tall giant ferries wheel built above the Yongle Bridge (formerly Chihai Bridge), over the Haihe River in Tianjin, China. It is claimed to be the only such wheel to have been constructed over a bridge in the world. It is known as one of the landmarks of Tianjin City. If you would like to see the night view on the ferry wheel, make sure you go on a clear night and you can see the whole city of Tianjin.

Wu Da Dao (Five Great Avenues)

Five Great Avenues is a rectangular region located in the south of the downtown, in Heping District, Tianjin. There are five parallel streets from east to west named under five cities of southwest China, namely Chongqing, Changde, Dali, Munan and Machang. And this is how it got its name. Those featured factors constitute a true fun of art in this attraction. While seated in a horse-drawn carriage in Five Great Avenues, it provides an opportunity to see the truly unique cityscape. It has become a destination for visitors, which truly showcases the city's charm and history.

The Florentia Village outlets

The Florentia Village outlets, located on the outskirts of Tianjin, is a high-end outlet mall housing more than 200 fashion brands: including Prada, Bvlgari, Celine, Chloe, Fendi and Jimmy Choo. The outlets boast the "ultimate shopping experience" since its opening in 2011, with discounted prices all year round. It also features Italian-style architecture, as well as Italian and international cuisines.

Tianjin TV Tower

Located on the east side of the Water Amusement Park, Hexi District of the southern part of the city, Tianjin TV Tower is called Tian Ta for short and is famous for a sky-high tower over water. The tower measures 415.2 meters, and is known as the fourth highest tower in the world after the ones in Toronto, Moscow and Shanghai. It is used primarily for communication. Approximately two-thirds up the tower is an observation pod with floor space 253 meters (830 feet) (used mostly for communication equipment). It is a member (10th tallest) of the World Federation of Great Towers.

See more: 6 best foods to try in Tianjin, China

Source: Internet

Spend 4 days to discover Southern Vietnam

People often say that northern Vietnam is more beautiful than the south. While the north does have more mountainous terrain, this statement is simply untrue. Here are some of the most beautiful places in the southern Vietnam for you to explore.

Ho Chi Minh City

The economic backbone of Vietnam and the nation’s largest metropolis, Ho Chi Minh is one of the most fun places to visit in the country. The sprawling city is officially home to some 8 million residents, yet in reality, it is far more populous than that. The central business zone or District 1 is the area of the city that is most traveled by tourists.

However, for the adventurous types, head to the less explored, more authentic and interesting neighboring districts, Binh Thanh, Phu Nhuan or District 3. The city is home to a number of great centrally-located museums, endless shopping and vibrant nightlife. Anyone spending time in Ho Chi Minh should explore Nguyen Hue, Ben Thanh Market, Bui Vien, the Bitexco Tower, the seafood restaurants along the canal and Binh Thanh’s maze of alleys.

Mekong Delta

Comprised of dense green rice paddies and lazy, winding rivers, the Mekong Delta is like no other region in Vietnam. Whether firmly on land or floating with the river current, this region is flush with wildlife, historical sights, and incredible landscapes.

The River of Nine Dragons, as locals know the area, is where the Mekong splinters into nine separate branches, crisscrossing low landscapes before reaching the sea. Life moves much more slowly here and is often surrounded by water. You will find even homes, farms, and markets take on an aquatic adaptation in the Mekong Delta.

Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi tunnels are one of the easiest day trips from Ho Chi Minh City in regards to travel time. Just an hour and half out, the historical site is located a mere 70 kilometers north of the city. This network of subterranean passageways later provided vital access to and strategic control over the rural areas surrounding the city during the Vietnam War (also known as the Second Indochina War or the American War).

You can opt for a half day or full day trip setting off from Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors have opportunity to explore the extremely narrow underground burrows. If you are interested in Vietnamese history, this is a must-see place.

Phu Quoc

This list will not make sense if Phu Quoc does not kick it off. This gorgeous island lies to the southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, and is actually closer to Cambodia than it is to Vietnam. The beaches are fantastic, and the sunsets are glorious. The island is also popular for its high-end resorts that line up Long Beach, making it an ideal, luxurious getaway.

There are many undiscovered beaches on this island, so grab a bike and explore. Up north you will find the Phu Quoc National Park which is mostly used for research, but some parts are open for travelers where you are able to trek mountains, camp in the wilderness and sleep under the stars. The island is also a seafood paradise.

See more: Top 5 beaches in Phu Quoc you should never miss

Source Internet

24 hours in Akihabara Station, Tokyo

Akihabara Station is located in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo. The place is known as a busy shopping district with many electronics stores and otaku, the diehard anime and manga fandom in Japan.

Visiting Akihabara Electric Town

Located to the north and west of the station is the Akihabara Electric Town, a shopping district famous for its many electronics shops. Shops range in size from tiny stalls selling specific computer components to large global retailers. Popular stores include Yodobashi Camera, Sofmap, Laox, and the Akihabara Crossfield business complex. Some stores offer international tourists a tax-free shopping experience. The district’s main street, the Chuo Dori, is closed to vehicles on Sundays to allow for increased pedestrian traffic.

Buying Otaku Goods

Akihabara is also known as the center of otaku culture, and as such, many manga and anime-themed shops can be found within the shopping district. Video game and card game shops are also popular. Internet manga cafes and maid cafes – restaurants in which the waitresses dress and act as anime characters – attract many diehard fans. The purpose of such shops is to “create an atmosphere as close as possible to the game and anime worlds.” Cosplayers – fans in costume – can be seen on the streets, often advertising businesses or handing out flyers.

Some Otaku related stores: @Home Cafe, Radio Kaikan, Gamers, Mandarake, Gundam Cafe, etc.

Watch a AKB48 show

The area is also home to a theater run by the musical group AKB48, whose name is derived from that of the district. In fact, the trains of the Metropolitan Intercity Railway play a song by the group upon the train’s departure. Special events, such as anime conventions, are frequently held in Akihabara.

AKB48 related destinations: Don Quijote (store chain where AKB48 perform daily shows at their theater on the 8th floor of the store), AKB48 Cafe and Shop, etc.

Visiting Kanda Myojin Shrine

Finally, you can also visit Kanda Myojin Shrine, which dates back to the year 730, although it has been rebuilt several times due to earthquakes and fires. A funny fact is that this shrine sells talismans to protect the electronic devices of the Akihabara regulars. Kanda Matsuri, one of the major Shinto festivals in Tokyo, is also held around May 15th of every odd year.

Shopping at Manseibashi

Manseibashi Station is a station in Chiyoda ward, Tokyo which closed in 1943. The station took its name from the nearby bridge “Manseibashi” which connect Akihabara and Kanda and after 100 years, this red brick bridge building has renewed as a commercial facility called “mAAch ecute”.

mAAch ecute is located under the railway bridge between Akihabara and Kanda area. Numbers of shops and restaurants are located inside yet remaining its historical look with red brick interior. At those selected unique and cultural shops, visitors can enjoy shopping very original products and craft works. Temporary pop-up shops take places, too. There are several cafe and bars serving organic coffee, craft beer and fresh bakery. mAAch ecute is a true hidden gem for those seeking for peaceful and relax time in a heart of Tokyo by the canal.

See more: Top Studio Ghibli movie locations in Tokyo

Source: Internet