The Grand Palace of the King in Thailand

Walking the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok is like stepping back into the ancient period. The images of strange and beautiful mythical creatures and demons are visible in every corner. The smell of the burning incense is overwhelming, the air sparkles and shimmers with heat. Everything seems to be encrusted with jewels and mosaic inlay. Several objects which are considered as treasures of indescribable nature are housed in the Grand Palace, including the legendary Emerald Buddha. Millions of worshippers and visitors from far-away lands travel to Thailand to see this fabled palace, for most, to make the pilgrimage, pay their respects and say their prayers, and for some, to admire its beauty and learn its history.

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok. It has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), currently resides at Chitralada Palace, but Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year.

Construction of the palace began on 6 May 1782, at the order of King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I), the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, when he moved the capital city from Thonburi to Bangkok. In shape, the palace complex is roughly rectangular and has a combined area of 218,400 square metres (2,351,000 sq ft), surrounded by four walls. It is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River at the heart of the Rattanakosin Island, today in the Phra Nakhon District. 

Rather than being a single structure, the Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. It is divided into several quarters: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the Outer Court, with many public buildings; the Middle Court, including the Phra Maha Montien Buildings, the Phra Maha Prasat Buildings and the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings; the Inner Court and the Siwalai Gardens quarter. 

Nowadays, the Grand Palace is currently partially open to the public as a museum that’s why it attracts millions of tourists every year who are willing to spend for air fare to Thailand just to see this magnificent palace. However it remains a working palace as several royal offices are still situated inside. 

The layout of the Grand Palace followed that of the Royal Palace at Ayutthaya in location, organization, and in the divisions of separate courts, walls, gates and forts. Both palaces featured a proximity to the river. The location of a pavilion serving as a landing stage for barge processions also corresponded with that of the old palace. To the north of the Grand Palace there is a large field, the Thung Phra Men (now called Sanam Luang), which is used as an open space for royal ceremonies and as a parade ground. There was also a similar field in Ayutthaya, which was used for the same purpose. The road running north leads to the Front Palace, the residence of the Second King of Siam. 

It is divided into four main courts, separated by numerous walls and gates: the Outer Court, the Middle Court, the Inner Court and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Each of these court's functions and access are clearly defined by laws and traditions. The Outer Court is situated on the northwestern part of the Grand Palace; within are the royal offices and (formerly) state ministries. To the northeast is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the royal chapel and home of the Emerald Buddha. The Middle Court housed the most important state apartments and ceremonial throne halls of the king. The Inner Court, situated at the most southern end of the complex, was reserved only for females, as it housed the king's harem. 

The highlight of visiting the palace is seeing the 75cm Emerald Buddha which sits on a high platform in a richly decorated bòt. It’s guarded by mythical giants called yaksha. The Buddha is always dressed in different robes for each season. It was discovered in 1434 A.D. when lightning struck a stupa in Changrai in Northern Thailand. A Buddha statue was found inside and was brought to an abbot’s residence. Shortly after, the stucco on the nose flaked off to reveal its green surface. Interestingly enough, the Emerald Buddha isn’t made of emerald. It’s thought to be jade. People flocked from all over the country to worship the beautiful statue.

Today the Grand Palace is still a centre of ceremony and of the monarchy, and serves as a museum and tourist attraction as well.

Holi Festival in India

Holi is a religious spring festival celebrated by Hindus. It is also known as Festival of Colors, held at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar month Phalguna (February/March), (PhalgunPurnima), which usually falls in the later part of February or March.

Holi is also called the Spring Festival - as it marks the arrival of spring the season of hope and joy. The gloom of the winter goes as Holi promises bright summer days. Nature too, it seems rejoices at the arrival of Holi and wears its best clothes. Fields get filled with crops promising a good harvest to the farmers and flowers bloom coloring the surroundings and filling fragrance in the air.

In India, it is one of the major festivals thus it is celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety with grand festivities. In fact, because of its popularity tourists search for cheap airfare to India just to witness the fascinating activities of this festival.

Entire India wears a festive look when it is time for Holi celebration, hence the beautiful sight brought about by this festival is more than worthy of cheap flights to India. Market places get abuzz with activity as frenzied shoppers start making preparations for the festival. Heaps of various hues of gulal and abeer can be seen on the roadside days before the festival. Pichkaris in innovative and modern design too come up every year to lure the children who wish to collect them as Holi memorabilia and of course, to drench everybody in the town. Womenfolk too start making early preparations for the holi festival as they cook loads of gujiya, mathri and papri for the family and also for the relatives. At some places especially in the north women also make papads and potato chips at this time.

The main day, Holi, is celebrated by people throwing scented powder and perfume at each other. Bonfires are lit on the eve of the festival, also known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) or Chhoti Holi (little Holi). After doing holika dahan prayers are said and praise is offered. The bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahladaccomplished when Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahlad, a staunch devotee of god Vishnu, escaped without any injuries due to his unshakable devotion. Holika Dahan is referred to as Kama Dahanam in South India.

Great excitement can be seen in people on the next day when it is actually the time for the play of colors. Shops and offices remain closed for the day and people get all the time to get crazy and whacky. Bright colors of gulal and abeer fill the air and people take turns in pouring color water over each other. Children take special delight in spraying colors on one another with their pichkaris and throwing water balloons and passers by. Women and senior citizen form groups called tolis and move in colonies - applying colors and exchanging greetings. Songs, dance on the rhythm of dholak and mouthwatering Holi delicacies are the other highlights of the day.

There is also a tradition of consuming the very intoxicating bhang on this day to further enhance the spirit of Holi. It is so much fun to watch the otherwise sober people making clowns of themselves in full public display. Some, however, take bhang in excess and spoil the spirit. Caution should therefore be taken while consuming bhang delicacies.

After a fun-filled and exciting day, the evening is spent in sobriety when people meet friends and relatives and exchange sweets and festive greetings.

People believed that the spirit of Holi encourages the feeling of brotherhood in society and even the enemies turn friend on this day. People of all communities and even religions participate in this joyous and colorful festival and strengthen the secular fabric of the nation.

Legends of Holi Festival

Holi has various legends associated with it. The foremost is the legend of demon King Hiranyakashyap who demanded everybody in his kingdom to worship him but his pious son, Prahlad became a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyap wanted his son to be killed. He asked his sister Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap as Holika had a boon which made he immune to fire. Story goes that Prahlad was saved by lord himself for his extreme devotion and evil minded Holika was burnt to ashes, for her boon worked only when she entered the fire alone.

Since that time, people light a bonfire, called Holika on the eve of Holi festival and celebrate the victory of good over evil and also the triumph of devotion to god. Children take special delight in the tradition and this has another legend attached to it. It says that there was once an ogress Dhundhi who used to trouble children in the kingdom of Prithu. She was chased away by children on the day of Holi. Therefore, children are allowed to play pranks at the time of 'Holika Dahan'.

Some also celebrate the death of evil minded Pootana. The ogress tried to Lord Krishna as an infant by feeding it poisonous milk while executing the plan of Kansa, Krishna's devil uncle. However, Krishna sucked her blood and brought her end. Some who view the origin of festivals from seasonal cycles believe that Pootana represents winter and her death the cessation and end of winter.

In South India, people worship Kaamadeva- the god of love and passion for his extreme sacrifice. According to a legend, Kaamadeva shot his powerful love arrow on Lord Shiva to revoke his interest in the worldly affairs in the interest of the earth. However, Lord Shiva was enraged as he was in deep mediation and opened his third eye which reduced Kaamadeva to ashes. Though, later on the request of Rati, Kaamadeva's wife, Shiva was pleased to restore him back.

Lantern Festivals of Taiwan

Lantern Festival is commonly regarded as one of the most significant as well as the most romantic festivals in Taiwan. Held on the first full-moon night of the lunar year, it is celebrated with lantern making, lantern riddle games and displays of glittering decorative lanterns.

It is believed that this festival originated in the festive activities of agricultural people celebrating the lengthening of daylight hours and the coming of spring after the New Year. Other legends have it that the festival was actually started by an emperor of the Han Dynasty during 206 B.C – 220 A.D., who was a devout Buddhist. The emperor ordered his people to display lights on the fifteenth night of the first month of the lunar year to pay respect to Buddha. According to the same legend, holding torches or lanterns on this night makes it easier to see deities descending from heaven to give blessings to the earth.

The Tourism Bureau has been holding the Taiwan Lantern Festival for 22 years to attract visitors and raise the international profile of the cultural charms of Taiwan. Traditionally, the festival has been celebrated by carrying hand lanterns. The Taiwan Lantern Festival adds a high-tech to this traditional custom and brings the event to the international stage. From to the theme lantern displays to folk arts and performances, the festival has become a perennial favorite of locals and foreign visitors alike.

Tangyuan, also known as yuansiao is the traditional food for this occasion. Tangyuan is a glutinous rice dumpling with sweet or savory stuffing's. It comes in different choices of flavors. Sesame, peanut, red bean paste and minced pork are the most common and popular flavors while new flavors such as taro, green tea and sweet asmanthus preserves have also been attracting followers in recent years.

In Taiwan, several lantern festivals are held to promote local tourism, to attract tourist to book airfare to Taiwan. These festivals held in different parts of the country become a major tourist event in Taiwan over the years.

You will surely love the gigantic lanterns erected in the middle of the plaza of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The lanterns usually carry the theme in line with the Chinese horoscope sign of that particular year. The installation includes performances combining laser lights, music and sculptural arts. On the four sides of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, smaller lantern installations depicts folklore and historical events, large multi-colored lanterns in the likeness of various plants and animals such as butterflies, dragons, dinosaurs and birds are hung up along the road. They also have interesting live folk performances such as lion and dragon dances, acrobatic acts, folk art skits, mock battles, and booths that demonstrate and sell traditional handicrafts like fan painting, lantern making, dough sculpture, candy-figure blowing, paper cutting, Chinese knotwork and many delicious snacks and sweets. A tunnel of lights is also put up on the roads of Taipei, dressing up the whole city with glittering lights. Every year, this event attract tens of thousands of people from around Taiwan and other countries in the region to purchase airfare to Taipei, making it one of the biggest tourist highlights in Asia at the beginning of every year.

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is one of the most colorful activities of the Lantern Festival. Pingxi is a remote hillside town. In former times, those who worked or farmed in the mountains faced the risks of being robbed or killed; so the people used lanterns to tell their families they were safe. The lanterns have lost their function as a warning signal, and today they are a symbol of peace and good fortune.

The fireworks display put on by the God of War Temple in Yanshui, Tainan City is one of the more popular and much awaited events during the Lantern Festival.

The display starts one day before the Lantern Festival with the tour of the god's sedan chair, accompanied by the discharge of firecrackers. The noise, lights, and festivities that follow continue well into the following morning.

The official lantern festival, Taiwan Lantern Festival is usually celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month of the Chinese calendar with a series of activities throughout Taiwan. Among the highlight events at this time is the inspection tour of the deity Master Han Dan in Taitung City. As guardian of the celestial treasury, Han Dan is revered today as a god of wealth, but people believe that he was once a real person named Chao Kong-ming. When the god makes his annual inspection tour of the earthly world, crowds turn out to pray for his blessing and good fortune. On the day of the festival, Han Dan is also joined by other gods of the temples in various townships and Taitung on tours of the community. Households in these areas prepare offerings of fresh flowers and fruit and light strings of firecrackers to welcome the Han Dan. The person representing the god on the tour wears only a headscarf, mask and pair of red shorts. He stands courageously amidst the fusillade of firecrackers protected only by a tree branch. There are several stories as to why the people throw firecrackers at Han Dan. In one version, it is because Han Dan is the god of hooligans and his power grows with the loudness of the explosions. A less widely accepted explanation is that Han Dan is afraid of the cold, so the people throw firecrackers at the god during his tour to keep him warm and win his blessing.

Indeed, Lantern Festival is the best time for visitors to experience the best of Taiwan. From rich historical culture and customs to authentic Taiwanese cuisines and local festive delicacies, Taiwan is a place you surely would not want to miss!

Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan

It is the land where modern technology and ancient traditions blend harmoniously, a country with an unrivaled beauty and enchanting charm which attracts millions of tourists to visit Japan. Luckily even you don’t have big budget you can visit the country by checking those sites that offer discount air ticket and air tickets promo. For those who have visited Japan and spent a vacation in the “Land of the Rising Sun”, being captivated by the breathtaking sceneries and the warmth of its people will be an understatement, as everyone who have toured Japan, especially during the festival period, found their experiences in Japan as the most unforgettable one.

One of the biggest events on the Japanese calendar is the “Cherry Blossom Festival” also known locally as “Hanami”. It is an annual tradition with a very deep roots celebrated by every Japanese people, with their families, co-workers and friends. Companies arrange parties for employees, students have it marked on their academic calendar while parents plan ideal settings to introduce their little ones to the wonders of the cherry blossom festival. Visiting Japan during the bloom of the cherry blossom trees is definitely a delightful experience!

“Hanami” which literally means flower viewing is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers, in this case almost always meaning cherry blossoms. The blossom forecast, sakurazensen is announced each year by the weather bureau, and is watched carefully by those planning hanami as the blossoms only last a week or two. In modern-day Japan, hanami mostly consists of having an outdoor party beneath the sakura during daytime or at night. Hanami at night is called yozakura.

From the end of March to early May, sakura bloom all over Japan and around the first of February on the island of Okinawa. Within these months, there are many festive celebrations held in different parts of Japan thus tourists have every chance of finding one wherever they intend to go. In many places, temporary paper lanterns are hung for the purpose of yozakura. On the island of Okinawa, decorative electric lanterns are hung in the trees for evening enjoyment, such as on the trees ascending Mt. Yae, near Motobu Town, or at Nakajin Castle.

Some of the most important celebrations for the cherry blossom festival across Japan are: Yaedake festival in Motobu city (January 7th - February 16th), Matsuyama Shiroyama Koen festival Matsuyama city (April 2nd-4th), Matsue Jozan Koen festival in Matsue (March 27th – April 15th), Tsuyama Kakuzan Koen festival in Tsuyama (beginning of April), Takato Koshi Koen festival in Takato-machi Ina (April), Takada Koen festival in Joetsu town (April 2nd – 18th), Kitakami Tenshochi festival in Kitakami (April 15th – May 5th), Hirosaki Koen festival in Hirosaki (April – May) or Matsumae Koen Park festival in Matsumae (April – May). These are only the places with the biggest celebrations for the cherry blossom festival, having few hundred trees to tens of thousands cherry trees however there are absolutely other smaller festivities in every place where cherry blossom trees grow.

The cherry blossoms are only the main attraction of these events, while Japanese celebrate through various activities. During this festival, every city park in Japan with lots of sakura trees will be jammed with people, and finding a spot to even sit down may be impossible. Among the most beautiful things that every visitor should not miss, are the small representations of traditional Japanese music and theater, the tea ceremony demonstrations or family gatherings to eat under the trees. The celebration does not stop at sunset with most orchards being lit throughout the night projecting a different panoramic beauty amidst the moonlight.

The most popular locations to join in the fun are parks, castles, riverbanks, temples, and shrines. In Tokyo this means places like Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, the Imperial Palace, or Yasukuni Shrine, along with lots of smaller more local parties as well. If you're still not sure where to go, look for any happy gatherings of Japanese people and you're likely looking at a local hotspot.

At weekends, these places are full of people strolling through the grounds or sitting under their chosen cherry tree. Some group of people mark their pitch by rolling out picnic. In popular places the best spots are usually taken as the sun comes up so better plan ahead.

The coming of the cherry blossoms (sakura) is one of the happiest events in Japan. First and foremost it heralds the coming of spring, which is a delight since winters in Japan are bone-chilling cold. They also have a deeper cultural significance since they fall to the ground and disappear in only a couple of weeks or even sooner if the frequent rains wash them all off the trees, which echoes an ancient cultural belief in the short, transitory nature of youth and life itself. This festival is the perfect occasion to understand a part of the Japanese culture and traditions, which remained unchanged through centuries.

It’s not too late to plan your trip to take part of these exciting activities, start searching for cheap airfare to Tokyo and have a wonderful “hanami” experience!

Exciting Spots in Bangalore

India, with its vast land area, diverse culture and traditions has a lot of interesting places to offer to its visitors. Each place is unique in its own way with its own set of festivals, authentic cuisine and famous tourist attractions. One of those places is Bangalore, also known as Bengaluru. It prides itself as the city which has witnessed the rise and fall of great empires such as the great warrior Tipo Sultan and the rule of East India Company. The richness of its exotic culture and the significant role it played in the country’s history entice tourists to book airfare to Bangalore.

Bangalore is a subtle mix of cosmopolitan and traditional culture, thus it features a modern way of life being the IT Hub of India at the same time projecting a deep respect for its traditional beliefs and practices. From the bustling city to the quiet life in the outskirts, visitors won’t run out of things to do in Bangalore.

The Vidhana Soudha is among the popular tourist destination in Bangalore because of its magnificent architecture. Vidhana Soudha is the State Legislature and the Secretariat of Karnataka, designed with 12 granite pillars in Neo-Dravidian style. It also bears the essence of Chola, Rajasthani and Kannadiga architectural style. This building has 4 domes, on top of the biggest dome stands “Ashoka Sthambh” (4 lions facing 4 directions) – the national emblem of India.

Another ancient structure worth visiting is the Tipu Sultan Fort. It houses the Tipo Sultan Palace, known for its stunning artistry. The palace is a two-story building made mainly of wood with arches, pillars and balconies reflecting an Islamic design of architecture. The fort also features the Ganapati Temple and a museum containing a number of relics dating back to the period of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan.

Historical buffs will surely enjoy a trip to the Bangalore Palace. It was built in the year 1887 bearing the style of Tudor architecture. Believed to be inspired by the Windsor Castle of England, the place is smeared with lawns, towers and arches. Some windows of the palace were designed in Gothic, paintings and rich wood carvings. Nowadays, the place is a popular venue for concerts, exhibitions and weddings.

The city of Bangalore also boasts well-maintained parks gardens and gardens such as the Cubbon Park, Bannerghatta National Park and Lalbagh Gardens.

The famous Lalbagh Gardens was built by Haider Ali and cultivated later by Tipo Sultan. Considered as the most beautiful botanical garden in India, Lalbagh Gardens features a “Glass House” with over 1800 species of trees, herbs and plants. The garden encompasses a land of 240 acres, housing a lawn clock which is a first of its kind in the country and one of the four Kempe Gowda Towers.

A stroll in the Cubbon Park will bring tourists face to face with statue of significant people in Indian’s history such as Queen Victoria, Chamarajendra Woodeyar, Major Gen. Sir Mark Cubbon, Rajya Dhurandhar, Sri K. Sheshadrilyer and Edward VII. With its beautiful flowers, trees and fountains, the park creates a natural and soothing environment perfect for relaxation.

On the other hand, Bannerghatta National Park is famous to tourists because of some of its main attractions like Tiger and Lion Safari, Crocodile Farm and Butterfly Park. The safari was divided into two sections namely carnivore and herbivore. It is home to a wide variety of animals such as royal Bengal tiger, hyenas, bison, black buck, leopard, barking deer, elephant and wild boar. The park also serves as sanctuary for those animals that were rescued from circus.

Ulsoor Lake is also an ideal place to just relax and soak in to the feeling of serenity and peacefulness. It is the largest lake in Bangalore well-known as a destination which offers rowing facilities and home of the boat club. One can just sit down, relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding tiny islands.

There are some tourists who booked air tickets to Bangalore mainly to see the breathtaking scenes of Nandi Hills and travel back in time exploring the historic relics scattered around the place. Two temples of Lord Shiva can be found at Nandi Hills, one is at the foot of the hill while the other one is at the foot. Other attractions are the cliff named “Tipu Drop” where convicts where pushed as a form of a death sentence, “Amrutha Saravora – a lake on top of the hill, a secret tunnel which served as an escape facility for kings during the ancient times and a fort built by a chieftain.

For those who would like to learn more about the history of India particularly the city of Bangalore, the Government Museum and Karnataka Folk Museum have all the information complete with collections of artifacts reflecting the different periods of time.

Karnataka Museum was established to promote the folk culture of Karnataka. All the collections about the folk culture are kept safely in three buildings namely Lokamatha Mandiral, Lokamahal and Chitrakuteera. Temple chariot, ancient carvings, videotapes of folk-dance, artifacts, puppets, earthen jars and mask are some of the interesting collections to see at the museum.

Set up in the year 1886, the Government Museum possesses some of the rare collection from different periods of time which played a significant role in the country’s history. The museum has 18 galleries presenting Neolithic finds like antiques, jewellery, and textile from various civilizations. Sculptures, old paintings and coins are some of the artifacts kept in the museum.

Art lovers will have wonderful time looking at the paintings in Venkatappa Art Gallery. This art gallery in Bangalore displays the works of Indian people who became famous because of their extraordinary gifts in arts. Works of famous painter Venkatappa, wood sculptor Rajaram and Hebar adore the walls of the gallery.

Bangalore is also famous because of its religious places for worship such as Nandi Bull Temple, ISKCON Temple Complex and Venkataramana Swami Temple. Learn more about the religious beliefs and practices of the people as you visit each temple and get acquainted with their sacred figures.

Indeed, Bangalore is a wonderful place for exploration and discovery. With all the travel deals offered by various online companies, traveling to Bangalore and other parts of India has become more affordable. For some cases booking air ticket online will give you the best airfare deal especially during promotional period thus spending holiday overseas can costs much lesser than the usual cost.

Top 10 Most Popular Festival in Philippines

Philippines is one of the favorite tourist destinations in Asia not only because it is a beautiful country which possesses numerous tourist attractions, but a great part of it must be attributed to the ready and genuine smiles of its hospitable people, which make every tourist’s stay in the Philippines truly memorable. Visitors often travel to Philippines during festival period, within these celebration, they are treated with spectacular street performances, representing the unique culture and traditions of each provinces. To give you a better understanding of these various festivals, here are some of the most popular ones.

Dinagyang Festival. Join the locals of Iloilo City as they shout "Viva Señor Santo Niño" and "Hala Bira" amidst the cracking of drums when they amaze the spectators with their fantastic costumes and make up during the street parade. Get your camera ready for it will be a regret on your part missing to capture the local people garbed in their grandest native attire. Dinagyang Festival is celebrated every fourth weekend of January to commemorate the Christianization of the natives and to honor the Holy Child Jesus. It is a very colorful parade coupled with a dramatization in honor of the patron Saint - Sto. Niño.

Higantes Festival. Prepare to feel small and tiny as you watch the “higantes” of the Anongo, Rizal. This festival dates back to the late 1800s in honor for the town’s patron saint San Clemente. It is characterized by huge papier-mache effigies or "higantes" which parade the street of Angono every 22nd and 23rd of November. You will surely be surprised by the artistic capabilities of the locals as they bring each giant character to life.

Kadayawan Festival. It is a celebration of Good Harvest in the city of Davao. This globally famous festival is a week long celebration and thanksgiving for nature's bountiful harvest. Watch the locals as they perform graceful dances in the streets wearing costumes that signify their livelihood sources. Kadayawan Festival is being celebrated every 3rd Week of August which annually attracts thousands of visitors to purchase airfare to Philippines. This is a celebration of the plentiful harvests of fruits and orchids during the season.

Ati-atihan Festival. It is a festival in Kalibo, Aklan which is considered as the wildest among Philippine fiestas. It is also believed this is the “Mother of All Philippine Festivals”. Celebrants paint their faces with black soot and wear bright, outlandish costumes as they dance in revelry during the last three days of this two week-long festival, so be careful of our signature clothes as you watch the street parade. Catholics and non-Catholics alike observe this special day with processions, parades, dancing, and merrymaking. This annual festivity is held every third week of January to honor the feast of the Holy Infant Jesus.

Maskara Festival. Get ready to see various smiling faces when you visit the city of Bacolod for its most popular fiesta, the Mascara Festival. It is celebrated on the third weekend of October closest to October 19, the city's charter day anniversary every year. Festivities kick off with food fairs, mask-making contests, brass band competitions, beauty pageants, windsurfing regatta, drinking and eating contests, trade fairs and exhibits. To make your experience more exciting, try on some of the wonderfully designed mascara and pose for a picture!

Moriones Festival. It is the most popular festival celebrated in the island of Marinduque. Morion means "mask" or "visor," a part of the medieval Roman armor which covers the face. Moriones, on the other hand, refers to the masked and costumed penitents who march around the town for seven days searching for Longinus. This week-long celebration begins on Holy Monday and ends on Easter Sunday. This festival is characterized by colorful Roman costumes, painted masks and helmets, and brightly-colored tunics. You will surely be entertained with the amazing performances of the locals as you learn more about their belief and customs.

Pahiyas Festival. This is a festival which attracts huge crowd in the town of Lucban in Quezon Province. It is celebrated by a colorful feast in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saints of farmers, as a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. Visitors will be treated with the fantastic sight of houses lining the old streets of Lucban, artistically decorated with “kiping”, a wafer made up of rice that comes in different brilliant colors and other agricultural harvest. It is held every 15th day in the month of May which has been going on since the 16th century. The locals surely knows how to make an artistic display of their gratefulness for a bountiful harvest!

Panagbenga Festival. The city of Pines comes alive with high spirit during the Panagbenga Festival as the city brings out its most beautiful flowers to make different characters and images for the famous “parade of flowers”. Don’t miss this festival which is held yearly during the month of February. The celebrations are held for over a month and peak periods are the weekends. The Panagbenga Festival showcases the many floral floats and native dances. It is definitely a festival worthy of the effort searching for discount airlines as you get the chance to see hundreds of floral variety one can only find in Baguio City.

Pintados Festival. Are you ready to get painted? Well, you better try it and enjoy a unique experience. The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival is a merry-making event in Tacloban City in the province of Leyte which last for a whole month of June. The highlights of which include the Leyte Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals, the Pintados Festival Ritual Dance Presentation and the "Pagrayhak" Grand Parade. These festivals are said to have began from the feast day of Señor Santo Niño, held every June 29th. The Leyteños celebrate their religious festival in a unique and colorful way and since they are experienced in the art of body tattooing, what could be the best way to present their culture but to showcase their artistic gift.

Sinulog Festival. The Sinulog festival is one of the grandest, most distinguished and most colorful festivals in the Philippines. It is a major festival in Cebu City held each year on the third Sunday of January in honor of the Santo Niño, or the child Jesus. It is fundamentally a dance ritual which represents the period before the introduction of Christianity to Philippines. Visitors will surely have fun watching the different lively and spectacular street performances of the locals wearing equally fantastic costumes.

Visit the Philippines, get to know its people and their traditions in an entertaining and fabulous way with these various festivals one can only see in this beautiful archipelago.

China’s Famous Peaks

China is one of the top tourist destinations not only because it possesses quite a number of magnificent structures that are famous all over the world but it also boasts breathtaking landscapes and picturesque locations brought by its geographical setting. Located in East Asia, it is the world’s second-largest country by land area covering an approximately 9.6 kilometers or 3.7 million square miles.

China’s landscape is vast and diverse, with forest steeps and deserts occupying the arid north and northwest. Subtropical forests are more prevalent in the wetter south while the terrain of western China is rugged and elevated. The Himalaya, Karakoram, Pamir and Tian Shan mountain ranges separate China from the boarder of Central Asia. The world’s highest mountain, Mt.Everest and the second-highest point, K2 also lie on China’s borders that is why it is not surprising that many tourists book airfare to China to admire and explore the beauty of its mountains. Here are the famous mountains in China where one could find peace and tranquility amidst its lush surroundings and enchanting sceneries.

First on the list is the Namiagbarwa Peak which is located in Nyingchi Region of Tibet Autonomous Region. Surrounded by clouds and mists, snuggled by the river and valley and clustered round by forest, Namjagbarwa is appraised as the most beautiful mountain in China by a number of scientists, explorers and climbers.

With a height of 25,531 feet (7,782 meters) above sea level, Namjagbarwa is considered as the fifteenth highest peak in the world. From the top down to the bottom, in a linear distance of 6,562 feet (2 kilometers), scenes on the Namjagbarwa vary from snowy winter to evergreen season. On the top, snow persists throughout the year. Beneath the snow-line, there are dark green alpine plants. Further down, clumps of bushes begin to appear. Mauve azaleas in full bloom and pink primroses adorn the mountainside and large tracts of tall firs form a frigid taiga forest. In the lower edge of the taiga forest, you can see trees with larger leaves. Camphor trees which are abundant are emitting a unique fragrance giving the area its distinct smell. At the lower venue, forests become denser. You can see bananas and other tropical plants swaying their huge leaves. The atmosphere is full of the specific muggy air of tropical rain forest. How magical Namjagbarwa is! Because of great altitude, it has become such a good magician that varied sights can be in one same picture. No wonder Namjagbarwa is called a world natural museum of mountain vegetation forms.

The snow-capped sceneries in the Mountain Gongga also known as Minya Konka in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province will surely take every tourist’s breath away. “Gong” in Tibetan’s language means permanent snow cover while “Ga” means white, so Gongga translates to ‘white snow cover’. Its peak rises to a 7556 meters, making it the highest peak east of the Himalayas, and the highest mountain in Sichuan Province. Minya Konka peak can be best described as a high snowy peak with narrow ridges because the snow in this mountain does not melt perennially. While wildlife on the grasslands has been deeply affected by the changes in Tibet, remote mountain peaks and valleys often serve as refuges of isolation where wildlife remains abundant. The climate of Minya Konka is moist, snowy and very unpredictable. Climbing this snowy mountain is said to be more difficult than Mt. Everest. In fact it’s been recorded that since 1932, only seven expeditions, with 22 people, have reached the summit of Minya Konka successfully.

The subject of many expeditions wherein some became the material for films, Mt.Everest also known as Mount Qomolangma is perhaps the most famous mountain in the world. Having the highest peak in the world, it has been called the most revered of all mountains and the world's third pole. Mt.Qomolangma has a height of 8,844.43 meters above sea level. Its northern slope is in Tingri County, Tibet, China and its southern slope lies within Nepal. It is a surrounded by towering mountains for a radius of 20 kilometers, more than 40 of them over 7,000 meters high. They include the famous Lhotse (the world's 4th highest peak) and Makalu (the world's 5th highest peak) to the southeast. Mt.Everest depicts a picture of a huge pyramid, mighty and imposing. Its surrounding landforms are very steep and dangerous, making its ascent very difficult even for the most experienced climbers.

Experience the spiritual tranquility when you visit the Meili Snow Mountain which is the holy place of pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists and the first of the eight great divine mountains in the Tibetan region. Average elevation of 13 peaks amount to over 6000 meters in this particular location. The Kawagebo peak with 6740 meters high above the sea level is the highest one in Yunnan Province. Kawagebo in Tibetan is the God of Snow Mountain which is the sacred place for Buddhists. Nearby Kawagebo, 13 peaks line up, like a guard of honor for the God. Devotees of Buddhism climb the mountain during the period of the end of autumn and the beginning of the winter to worship without thinking of how long the ways they have to go. It is a sight that will move you seeing them crawl their way to the high mountain gradually. Way back in October 1989, the tenth Panchen Lama, Great Master of Tibetan Buddhism, held a grand religious meeting in front of Kagebo Peak, and now a stone tablet and a pagoda stand there welcoming tourists. In addition, at the foot of it, there are continuous glaciers and cirques known as the Modern Glaciers in the low latitude.

Climbing Meili is a very dangerous thing to do that is why it still possesses a “virgin peak”, which means that no one had ever reached its peak. The complex geology of the Hengduan Mountain and the ever-changing climate in the low-latitude snow mountains mean that the Meili are fraught with fatal dangers. Violent glacier movements have aggravated fissures in the mountain body still further, giving rise to suspended glaciers, hidden ice crevices, ice avalanches and snow avalanches.

Characterized by its odd-shaped, grotesque rock formation, seas of clouds and crystal-clear hot springs, Mt.Huangshan in east China’s Anhui province is one of the country’s ten best-known scenic spots. In fact it was listed as one of the World Natural Wonder and Cultural Heritages back in 1990. This scenic landscape extends 40 kilometers from south to north and 30 kilometers from east to west, covering an area of 154 square kilometers with a crowd of peaks wherein 72 have names according to the shapes they resemble. The three major ones have names such as Lotus, Brightness Top and Celestial Capital, all of them with a height of 1,800 meters above sea level.

The scene is spectacular especially when it is cloudy, the pinnacles loom in mists as if they were illusionary and the mountain becomes vibrant with majesty and splendor as the sun shines through. The most interesting characteristic of this mountain is the changing of appearance with the alteration of the seasons. In Mt. Huangshan, pines and rocks are intimately involved with each other. Almost every rock has a pine tree growing out of the crevice, and every tree has tortuous and gnarled roots and branches. The still sea of snow-white cloud can suddenly begin to roll and toss, rise or fall, gather or disperse while the peaks emerge and disappear in the clouds like isles in the ocean. Since the ancient times, it has been visited by tourists seeking to understand its mystery and admiring its exceptional beauty.

From the meandering ranges of mountains in Daocheng County, emerge the three Sacred Mountains of Daocheng: Xiannari, Yangmaiyong and Xianuoduoji. These three sacred mountains have been a sacred place for Tibetan Buddhism since the ancient times. Xiannairi is the main peak of the three sacred mountains having an altitude of 6032 meters. It is considered as the first among Daocheng's high peaks. According to legend, it is the incarnation of the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy Guanyin or Avalokitesvara. It is has a vast slopes, gentle gradient, and a look depicting Great Buddha sitting in peace, graceful and poised. The south peak Yangmaiyong on the other hand has an altitude of 5958 meters, known as the Bodhisattva Manjusri. It is dignified and stately, gentle, quiet, noble and impeccable. It has a pyramid-as peak is the world's most beautiful snow mountain. Lastly Xianuoduoji, the east peak with an altitude of 5958m, means the Buddha with warriors' hands, possesses a feature which resembles a young man of strong character, tall and handsome who represents the god of elimination brutality In Buddhism. He is believed to be brave, gallant and always in high spirits wearing a brightly colored tiger skin around the hips, and a huge, fierce python circles his waist. At the foot of the three sacred mountains lie wide pastureland, crisscrossed by brooks and streams flowing gently into lakes. There are woods and bushes too, and waterfalls formed by melting ice and snow creating captivating scenes which will surely make the trip unforgettable.

Chogori Peak, better known as K2 has an altitude of 8,600 meters towering over the Yecheng County in Kashgar Region. In Tajik language, its name translates to “high, great and magnificent” which aptly describe the mountain. It is the only major mountain in the world that possesses a surveyor’s notation as its common name, K which means Karakoram and 2 signifying the world’s second highest peak. Even experienced climbers find it dangerous to climb Choqori because of its slopes which seems to be shaped by knives and axes are covered with steep cliffs and sliding chutes arising from avalanches. One more thing, the steep slope makes it extremely difficult to find safe places for setting up high-altitude camps. Because of its special land form and geomorphology, ropes have to be fixed along the whole route from the advance camp to the summit. It’s dangerous land form and tricky weather made it gain a reputation of having the highest death rate of all the 8,000 meters plus peaks all over the world.

Kangrinboqe is more popularly called as Mt. Kailash. Annually pilgrims from inland of China, India and Nepal come to pay their homage in the summit of the Gangdese Mountains. It is also the source of four of Asia's major rivers. From the snow-capped summit rise the Shiquan (which become the River Indus), the Maquan (which becomes the Yarlung Tsangpo River and then the Brahmaputra), the Xiagnquan (which becomes the Sutlej River) and the Kongque (which becomes the Ganges). Kangrinboqe's crystal-clear and white snow-capped summit and Mount Namnani, which Tibetans call the ''Mountain of the Goddess,'' face each other from afar. Between the two lie the beautiful holy and pure Mapangyongco Lake and the changeable Devil Lake----La'angco.

The Tibetans call the peak "Kangri," which means "treasure of the snowy mountains." In Buddhism and Hinduism, this peak occupies a position as important as the Mandala, or the center of the universe. For hundreds of years, pilgrims have come in a continuous stream to the mountain, which has taken deep root in Tibetan religion, history, and culture. Mystical and fascinating, it is a mountain of spirit, culture, and belief, a combination of man and divinity, and man and nature. Many Tibetan religious followers enshrine and worship the picture of Kangrinboqe together with the figure of Buddha in their homes. Kangrinboqe is a symbol, not only of natural beauty, but also of a belief.

Mt. Taishan on the other hand is situated in the middle of Shandong Province, the tallest peak in the area with an altitude of 1,545 meters. It is called as the "Chief of the Five Sacred Mountains" and "First Mountain Under Heaven”. Since the ancient times to the Qing dynasty,emperors came to this holy mountain to hold grand ceremonies to worship the Gods of Heaven and Earth. With a history of 28 hundred million years ago, Mt. Taishan is famous for its imposing natural landscape. In fact in 1987, Mt. Taishan was listed as both a world natural and cultural heritage by UNESCO. It was the first place named as double heritage to the world. Experts of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO stated that Mt. Taishan uniquely unites nature and culture together, and this means China has contributed a special heritage to the world. Thus, it is no wonder why people will go through the trouble of searching for low airline tickets just to be able to visit China and see its natural wonders.

Grandness, elegance, wonder and fantasticality, these are the four characters that best describes another famous peak which is called E’mei Mountain. It covers the stretch of 23 kilometers from south to north with an area of 115 square meters. The eastern slopes are converse with some fault cliffs, and they are rugged and steep. E'mei Mountain can be considered as a huge natural arboretum and the kingdom of wild animals. It is also home to many kinds of plants and animals. At present there are more than 3,000 kinds of superior plants and over 2,000 kinds of animals in the area of Mt.E’mei, most of them are rare species. Moreover, giant panda, Tibetan macaque and other 29 species are major animals under state protection. As to plants, Gong Tung and Gingko is the living fossil of tertiary. 107 categories plants are unique of E'mei Mountain, and more than 30 varieties are major plants under state protection.

10 Most Popular Attractions in China

Are you planning to spend a holiday to China? Well, China is indeed a fascinating country, full of amazing heritage sites and natural wonders thus it guarantees a vacation full of exciting activities and adventure. To help you with your planning, here are some of the major attractions in China that every tourist must visit.

Lijiang Ancient City is among the famous destinations in China which can be easily reached through a direct flight. This ancient town is distinct because of its own special culture called “Dong Ba”. Dong Ba characters thought to be the only living language based on pictographs. The enchanting sceneries and the relaxed atmosphere of the town entice tourists to stay longer that they have intended. Others who came to this ancient town with nothing to do, ended up staying for a week or a few months because they have been captivated of its beauty and charm. The blend of history and modern convenience in this very old town are the things that attract tourists. It has a bar street and you can even find ATMs, or automated-teller machines. Everyone in the city, local or tourist, automatically slows down when they enter Lijiang. You can also find the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Luqu Lake in the ancient town of Lijiang.

Touring Sanya guarantees a trip to real tropical paradise with endless sun, fun and seafood! This beautiful town is located on the southernmost point of Hainan Island, looking out on the South China Sea. You will surely enjoy its clear blue waters, white sand beaches, lush green mountains and palm trees which are just about everywhere. It's considered to be the only truly tropical city in China, making it the most popular destination for the Spring Festival holiday. In Beijing people have to wear thick coats to fend off the cold weather however they can let go of those clothing whenever they are in the tropical climate of Sanya. They can put on their specially tourist who pur shorts and sandals while exploring the sands and sea. It is also a popular destination for honeymooners. If you’ll spend for an airfare to Beijing, make sure that you pay a visit to this one and only tropical city in China.

There is an old saying in China that goes "No mountains are worth seeing after a trip to the Five Sacred Mountains, and none of the Sacred Mountains are worth seeing after a trip to Huangshan." Indeed the beauty and splendor of these mountains are truly majestic and incomparable. The Huangshan is famous for its uniquely-shaped pines, fantastic rock peaks, sea of clouds and hot springs. The ever-changing scenery is its most outstanding feature. Mystical clouds drift in and out, changing the view by the minute as the mist ebbs and flows. The beauty of Huangshan also varies with the seasons. It's the only mountain on our top ten lists and was designated as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site. Like the Yangtze River, the Great Wall and the Yellow River, Huangshan has become a symbol of China so you wouldn’t like to miss this attraction!

Another place worth exploring is the Jiuzhaigou Valley which lies on the transitional marginal belt of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Its magical Chinese landscape is truly enchanting, with green lakes, multi-layered waterfalls, forests and snow-capped mountains. The green and golden trees, lofty mountains and clear and colorful waters render its beauty simply unforgettable for every tourist. The waters are considered the soul of the beauty. Jiuzhaigou is most beautiful in autumn, around August and September.

Illustrating the 20 Renminbi (Chinese currency) note, the craggy little limestone karats that cover the landscape of Guilin are extraordinary. The people of Guilin are most proud of their natural wonders and will tell every tourist that the mountains and water of Guilin are the finest under the heaven Guilin is also situated in the southern part of China where most scenic spots are usually found. It is because of the climate. In the south they have more rainfall and higher temperatures, so they have more green trees and water.

Gulangyu Island is located just southwest of Xiamen City. Visitors can reach it by steamship within 5 minutes. It is an island renowned for its delicate natural beauty, its ancient relics, and varied architecture. It ranks at the top of the list of the ten most-scenic areas in the province of Fujian and was included on China's list of National Scenic Spots.

One of the greatest structures in the world can be found in Beijing, China. It’s no other than the Great Wall of China which winds its way across the country covering over 4,000 miles (6,700km). While the latest construction occurred after 1368 during the Ming Dynasty, construction of the Great Wall began over 2,000 years ago. In fact, the Great Wall is actually made up of a number of interconnecting walls spanning China that different dynasties and warlords constructed over the years.

Zhangjiajie is one of the famous tourist attractions in China that you can visit regardless of the season when you have booked your air ticket to Beijing. It is because the town belongs to the mid-asian subtropical monsoon continental climate having an average annual temperature of 16 degrees centigrade, which makes it amenable to tourists all the year round.

A visit to the grandeur landmark of Lhasa city, Potala Palace is definitely worth your time. Plus the fact that it is more convenient to access this attraction because of the construction of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. It is getting easier and cheaper for tourists to explore this mysterious land of Tibet. Because of its mysterious image, people desire to see it up close to marvel in its beauty and splendor.

The so-called “paradise on Earth” of China is located in the historic center of Hangzhou in the Zhejiang province of eastern China. West Lake is famous for its intoxicating beauty which captivates every tourist who made a wise decision of including this fascinating place in their itinerary. Be one of them and see for yourself the majestic sights in this magical lake.

Now, have you decided which part of China you would like to explore. For sure anywhere, there will be lots of enchanting sceneries and picturesque location so proceed on booking air ticket online and have a wonderful holiday!

Cities with Superb Chinese Cuisines

Chinese cuisine reflects the vastness of China's geography and history. Its various characteristics can be distinguish into four types, the northern plains including Beijing, the fertile east watered by the Yangtze River, the south with popular Cantonese way of cooking and the west of excellent Szechwan and Hunan cuisine. Chinese foods can perhaps be available anywhere however the best place to try them will still be the place where they originated. Here’s the list of some famous Chinese cuisine and where is the best place to try them.

If you are looking for the best place to try the roast duck, you better go to Beijing. Although Beijing has accepted the Western cuisine due to the developments in China, most tourists who purchase airfare to Beijing prefer to consume Chinese foods during their stay. Roast duck is on top of the must-try list because it best represents the Chinese cuisine, with a centuries-old history. Its bronzed crispy and tender meat satisfies the hunger and expectations of each tourist who desires to taste an authentic Chinese food. Beijing Imperial Court Food, Beijing Snacks, Imperial Official Food, Medicinal Food and Hot Pot are also worth trying.

If roast duck is Beijing then roast suckling pig is Guangzhou. Cantonese cuisine is the popular cooking method in Guangzhou, having different flavors and styles and using diverse materials, exotic spices and various cooking skills. The popular saying “Except the plane and stool” probably originated in Guangzhou as people in this province eat everything in the sky and on earth. Some of other popular dishes includes Dragon Fighting against the Tiger, Taiye Chicken, Stewed Wild Dog Meat, Shuang Pi Nai, Jidi Zhou, Yuntun Mian, Chang Fenand Guiling Gao.

Goubuli Steamed Stuffed Bun is a traditional snack in Tianjin and an example of Tianjin Dinging cuisine. The charming municipality of Tianjin is well-known for cross-cultural Chinese dishes and traditional famed snacks. Aside from Goubuli Steamed Stuffed Bun, remember to try Ear-Hole Fried Cake, Fried Dough Twist, Chatang Goubacai and Tangdui to make the trip worthwhile.

Shanghai way of cooking is derived from mix cuisines of different neighbouring provinces such as Jiangsu and Zhejiang. It doesn’t have a cuisine of its own but a refined way of cooking reflects the Shanghai cuisine. Actually, Shanghai is not only considered as China’s economic and cultural center but it is also a “Grand View Garden” for dinner of all taste. Its dishes have the characteristics of lightness in flavor and beautiful in decoration, comprising of well-cut raw ingredients and harmoniously arranged colors evident in the famous Da Zha Xie. Other examples of the Dim Sum of Shanghai are the Sheng Jian Mantou, Xiao Long Bao, Four Heavenly Kings and Congshao Crucian Carp.

Chongqing cuisine is known for its richness in flavor with 40 different ways of cooking. It is largely a hybrid of Sichuan cuisine and local specialty dishes, noted for its distinctive spicy and pungent flavors. Chongqing is the birthplace of the Hot Pot in China, originally conceived to protect the food from low temperatures and frigid winds of the winter. Nowadays, this famed dish is widely enjoyed by locals and tourists regardless of seasons and regions.

Touring Foshan is a gastronomical treat, mainly because Chefs in Foshan can turn everything into a delicious dish, whether its meat, vegetable, fish or fruits. Foshan cuisine is influenced by diverse local flavors and specialties and has formed its own unique food culture through hundreds of years and innovation. This distinct taste makes Foshan a favorite destination for rich variety of dishes and snacks. Locals drinking tea in the morning and evening with dim sun is a common sight. This town is also well-known for its Shuangpi Milk, Foshan Manggong Cake, Nine Layers of Milk, Wonton Noodle, Jidi Porridge, Goose Palm with Orange Peel and Sliced Frogs.

A representative of Zhejiang cuisine, Hangzhou cuisine is one of China’s eight original methods of preparing food. It acquired the reputation of freshness, tenderness, softness, smoothness with a subtle fragrance. During the ancient times, a poet of Song Dynasty described the Hangzhou cuisine as something incomparable to other dishes for its excellent taste. Dongpo Pork is one amongst the popular dishes such as with West Lake Sour Fish, Longjing Shrimp Meat, Jiaohua Young Chickens, Steam Rice Flower and Port Wrapped by Lotus Leaves, Braised Bamboo Shoots and Lotus Root Powder.

Nanjing cuisine on the other hand became popular because of its fine cutting techniques and skilful timing resulting into thick flavor of dishes with tastiness of the four directions. It gained the praise of tourist who bought airfare to China specifically for its freshness, fragrance, crispness and tenderness. Nanjing Salty Duck is one of tourists favorite dishes with Baked Duck, Duck Blood and Sweet Potato Starch Noodle Soup, Fried Beer Dumplings, Steamed Dumplings, Soup Dumplings, Sour Vegetable Fish Soup, Crawfish, Return to Sauce Tofu and Stinky Tofu.

Representing one of the eight famous cuisines of China is the Hunan cuisine which is characterized for its delicate use of pepper, resulting to a pungent flavor. Its example is a Changsa cuisine which is well-known for having hot and sour taste, fresh aroma, greasiness, deep color and prominence of the main flavor in each dish. Dishes like Chou Dofu, Spicy Young Chicken, Zuyan’s Sharks Fin, Braised Eel, Chicken, Dove and Sparrow and Changsa Maren Crispy Duck are some of the dishes where one can taste the most authentic Hunan cuisine.

Have you heard the saying that goes “All good foods can be found in Chengdu”? Well, this phrase can be credited from the superb dishes that Sichuan cuisine had made popular not only in China but to various parts of the globe as well. As the priority of the Eight Great Cuisines in China, Sichuan cuisine is characterized by its spicy and pungent flavor accompanied by myriad of taste, highlighting the use of chilli, red hot peppers and garlic. In Chengdu, you can have a taste of different cuisines such as Sichuan, Cantonese, Chaozhou dishes, Northeastern cuisine and even Korean food as various types of restaurants assemble to operate on the same street.

Take note of the name of the Chinese dishes with its corresponding places and don’t forget to try these excellent dishes if you’ll be traveling in China.