Top 6 gorgeous landmarks in Pakistan

Pakistan is famous for its lush green valleys, high-rise mountains and peaks, beautiful lakes, rivers, healthy weather, nature-rich wildlife, cuisines, and of course the four seasons. Traveling to a country that displays a package of beauty, nature, seasons, and food cannot be any less than a wonder?

Discover some of Pakistan’s best attractions and sights with following guide to the country’s most striking examples of historic architecture.

Wazir Khan Mosque

The Wazir Khan mosque was built by Shaikh Ilm-ud-din Ansari in 1634, who was Viceroy of Punjab under Shah Jahan. This mosque is located in Lahore, Pakistan and famous for its beautiful design. The Urdu meaning of Wazir is ‘minister’. The expanded and huge faience tile work there is the eye catching for all the tourists. This beautiful mosque is known as one of the famous historical places in Pakistan, which was built in seven years.

The most historical and architectural feature to distinguish this mosque from others is the efficient use of minarets. No doubt, this mosque depicts the real and clear picture of the historical era gone by.

Pakistan Monument

The Pakistan Monument was inaugurated in Islamabad on 23 March 2007 as a national monument embodying the country’s history, and is in effect rich with significant cultural references. For its design, architect Arif Masood drew inspiration from the figure of a blossoming flower to represent the four provinces and three territories into which Pakistan is subdivided. The structure consists of four bigger ‘petals’ (the provinces), alternated with three smaller ones (the territories), built in granite and decorated with murals on the inner sides.

Seen from above, the monument meaningfully recalls the five-pointed star on Pakistan’s national flag. Below the petals, a metallic crescent is found, which is inscribed with verses by Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Indian poet Muhammad Iqbal.

Faisal Mosque

The Faisal Mosque is the largest mosque in Pakistan, located in the national capital city of Islamabad. Completed in 1986. It was designed by Turkish architect Mr. Vedat Dalokay to be shaped like a desert Bedouin’s tent. It is also the national mosque of Pakistan named after Saudi King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz.

Hiran Minar

When a beloved pet dies, what people usually do to keep its memory alive is preserve pictures and maybe a few objects to remember it by. In 1606, when Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s pet deer died, he had a minaret built to commemorate it. The Hiran Minar (Deer Tower) is situated in the Pakistani city of Sheikhupura, which briefly enjoyed the status of a popular hunting ground in the early 1600s.

One day, during a hunting session, Jahangir spotted a deer he wanted to kill, but mistakingly hit his favorite hunting deer, Mansraji, instead. Feeling guilty, the Emperor ordered the construction of the minaret. Almost thirty years later, the mausoleum was enriched with an adjoining, large water tank; in the middle of the tank lies a picturesque octagonal pavilion, connected to the mainland through an elevated walkway. A rare celebration of the love of man for animals, the Hiran Minar is an attractive sight that certainly deserves to be seen.

Lahore Fort

The origins of the Lahore Fort, a stronghold in Old Lahore, are so ancient that it is impossible to establish precisely when the fort was first constructed. It is known, however, that in the second half of the 16th century, the original mud-brick structure was demolished and rebuilt with burnt bricks. Since then, this fortified citadel has undergone numerous other modifications at the hands of almost all the rulers who reigned over Lahore, British colonialists included.

As a result, it summarizes Pakistan’s amazing cultural heritage in the various artistic influences seen throughout its wide range of different buildings such as mosques, mausoleums, palaces, audience halls, baths, watch towers, and more. A journey through Lahore Fort is in fact a journey through Pakistan’s past, and is for this reason recommended to anyone visiting the country.

Read more: The best traditional dishes you should try in Pakistan

Source Internet

Halo-Halo: Favourite dessert of the Philippines

To cool off in the tropical heat, Philippines locals do one of three things: head for the nearest air-conditioned mall, dip into a swimming pool, or indulge themselves with a cup of their favourite ice-cold Halo-halo. It’s a Filipino dessert classic that warms the hearts of many with glowing pride and nostalgia, and is an absolute must-try when visiting the country.

This icy treat is known for its flavorful taste, and has a rich history that dates back to the pre-war Japanese period. While its Filipino name means ‘mix-mix’ in English, this favourite shaved ice dessert was introduced to the Filipinos by the Japanese settlers. According to historians, the Japanese had sweet desserts called ‘Mitsumame‘ or ‘mongo con hielo‘ and ‘kakigori’ which closely resemble the Filipinos’ Halo-halo.

The Japanese Mitsumame is an icy refreshment which has lots of monggo beans as the main ingredient. According to historical accounts, Nippon immigrants (who were also found to be part of the Nippon Army) were its proprietors and after they introduced the dessert, locals made variations by adding fruit preserves and custards. The cheapest order at that time was priced at 1 kusing or 1 centavo.

But according to a historian named Ambeth Ocampo, Halo-halo was inspired by a different Japanese sweet treat called kakigori, which is an ice-shaved dessert sweetened with condensed milk. Japanese farmers brought over the kakigori and added monggo, red, and kidney beans into the refreshment – hence, they later called it ‘mong-ya.‘

During that time, Filipinos were only beginning to familiarize themselves with ice cream and frozen treats as there was limited supply of ice before the Americans built the Insular Ice Plant. Thus, there was a positive reception towards the Japanese dessert. On the other hand, the Japanese settlers saw it as an opportunity to earn profit and soon, a number of places selling ‘mong-ya’ became a hit in the Metro Manila area. While the Japanese settlers left after World War II, the Filipinos took hold of the dessert’s popularity and adapted it to suit their preferences – for instance, adding ube jam or ube ice cream to the concoction.

Since then, Halo-halo has become one of the Philippines’ best comfort food dishes. Apart from the ice-shaved dessert mixed with condensed milk and monggo beans, some variations of the dessert make use of sago, nata de coco, pinipig, sweetened banana, macapuno (coconut sport), and leche flan (caramel custard). In some places, they even add cheese, cornflakes, polvorón or chili into the sweet mixture. Indeed, recipes for Halo-halo vary widely, depending on your preferences or a locality’s specialty.

Read more: Taste the most popular desserts in the Philippines

Source The Culture Trip

Top attractions in Guilin, China

According to the Chinese, Guilin has “the finest landscape under heaven” and the surrounding scenery has inspired Chinese landscape paintings for centuries. It even features on the Chinese 20 Yuan banknote. If you are having plan to Guilin, here are 6 attractions for you.

Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces

In May, the still-unplanted terraces of water will mirror the white clouds and color of the sky above, yielding some of the best opportunities for photographers to shoot the sunrise. As harvest season approaches in early fall, venturing out onto the mountain slopes gives travelers the chance to witness Zhuang farmers covering the slopes, bending down into the harvest and tending to the intricate bamboo and earthen irrigation systems which give life to the mountainside.

Li River

Cruising from Guilin to Yangshuo, a water way around 80 km (50 miles), is also called Li River Essence Tour. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Guilin. Along the way, the blue sky, green mountains with strange rocks and the clear water compose a beautiful painting. Boarding on a comfortable cruise to appreciate the attractions like Yellow Cloth Shoal which was printed on the note CNY 20 will really be an unforgettable experience.

Bamboo Rafting Yangshuo

Bamboo rafting along the Yulong River was definitely one of the highlights of our Guilin trip. This Yangshuo River is a small tributary of the great Li River and bamboo rafting along here is one of the most popular things to do in Yangshuo.

You can cycle through the countryside to reach the bamboo rafting launch site, but be aware that you first need to navigate the city traffic and so you will need to decide if you are comfortable doing this with your kids on board.

Elephant Trunk Hill

Elephant Trunk Hill is located in the center of Guilin City and it is one of the most famous landmark sceneries. The shape of the hill is like a giant elephant sucking the water from Li River with its nose. That is why its name is Elephant Trunk Hill. On the hill, there is a brick tower Puxian Pagoda which was built in Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Another good place to see the Hill is Love Island which is to the north of the Hill. You cannot miss the interesting Elephant Trunk Hill and it deserves one of the best places to visit in Guilin.

The Reed Flute Cave

A natural beauty and a must-see if you are looking for more things to do in Guilin. A 15-minute taxi ride away, the Reed Flute cave area offers fantastic views and a fun day out.

You pay a 120RMB entrance fee which is pretty high, but you will probably spend a few hours there so you will get your money’s worth. The caves themselves are situated relatively high up. You will either need to jump on the train and pay 35RMB or walk up the steep stairs. The stair option gives you the chance to view your surroundings, but you will be knackered by the end of it!

Pedestrian Street

Photo Cavinteo

Most cities have these but each will be different. You will always find at least one thing that will interest or shock you. About a ten minute walk from Guihu Lake, the pedestrian street is buzzing with food, clothes and toy stalls.

Lined with shops, bars and restaurants too, you are guaranteed to find somewhere you will want to check out. There are turnings off the main street, wander down here and you will find more authentic restaurants and bars.

Source Internet