Khajuraho is in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, also known as Bundelkhand. A beautiful place, it is famous for the fantastic Khajuraho art which draws thousands of tourists, both international and national, to its bosom.
The temples in Khajuraho are some of the most exquisite and fascinating not only in India, but in the world. The temples here were built in the 9th and 10th centuries by the Chandela rulers who had the temples carved with some of the most erotic and sensual depictions. 85 temples were originally built but sadly only 20 remain today. Aligned from east to west, the temples are made from sandstone, looking like something out of an Asian fantasy.
Visitors arrive in Khajuraho all year round despite the temperature fluctuations. The temperature can reach a staggering 47 degrees C. Winters can then drop to a dizzying 4 degrees C. From July to September is the rainy season but still the visitors come travelling to this remarkable place.
There are many different hotels here, depending on what your needs and budgets are. It is best to book well in advance, especially if coming during the peak season.
64km away from Khajuraho is the magnificent Dhubela Museum where you can admire and learn more about the Shakti cult and their incredible pieces of art on display.
Different sections of the museum are dedicated to clothing, weapons and art.
Benisagar Lake is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy yourselves located 7km away from Khajuraho. If you like to fish or want to enjoy a boat ride, there is a dam on the Khudar River where you can enjoy these activities.
If you enjoy historical or cultural attractions then you should pay a visit to Panna, a world famous diamond mine. Nearby, the Panna Nature Reserve is the perfect setting to relax and watch nature and wildlife go sailing by.
The Pandava Waterfall on the Ken River is another beautiful natural scenic place in which to relax. It is located around 25km away from Khajuraho. The Pandavas are said to have spent time here after they were exiled.
One of the best times to come to Khajuraho is during February or March when the monsoon festival of Teej is held, celebrating the marriage of the gods Shiva and Parvati. The Khajuraho dance festival is also held sometime around here, where classical Indian dancers arrive to perform some of the most incredible music and dances.
Khajuraho is a wonderful place to visit for a few days. One of the most colourful places in India, the people are incredibly friendly, the sights full of history and culture, and the food to simply die for. What are you waiting for?
About Me
- Lysianassa
- Lian Slayford is a research archaeologist and travel writer. For many years she has been lucky enough to explore the world, although this is postponed for the moment as she is expecting her first baby due in May 2011.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Travel Destinations: Hong Kong Island, China
Hong Kong is one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions. Steeped in ancient history and culture, Hong Kong is the perfect balance of Chinese heritage and modernity.
Hong Kong shot to fame in the 19th century when the British used the island for opium transport. Until then, Hong Kong had been a distant Chinese outpost. However, with the Europeans, especially the British, aggressively importing and exporting opium from Bengal, the Chinese attempted to curb the trade. This led to the two Opium Wars which led the British taking control of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and eventually the New Territories.
With the British governing, Hong Kong’s economy started to rise. She experienced waves of immigrants from the Chinese mainland, especially during the Anti-Japanese War and then later in 1949 when the communists were victorious.
Hong Kong’s economy rose steadily, along with the skyscrapers, making Hong Kong a very rich country. In 1997, Hong Kong was formerly returned to China after the 99 year lease had expired on the condition she was governed differently to that of the mainland. Hong Kong was declared a Special Administrative Region (SARs); China calls in ‘One country, two systems’.
Hong Kong is much more than just towering skyscrapers. Most of the island is actually green hills and mountains that are ideal for those who like hiking and bicycling. There are a whole range of cultural activities for you to discover. It would be best to stay here for at least a week to thoroughly explore everything.
HONG KONG ISLAND:
Victoria Peak is the highest point on the island and the richest area. For a long time under British rule, only the British could live there. Today, it is very different. Still a very prosperous area, many travellers take a tram up to Victoria Peak from Central. On a clear day, the views are simply spectacular and you can see Victoria Harbour. Night time journeys up here are truly beautiful and you escape the smog.
From here, go to Victoria Peak Garden. You can take the easy 3.5km walk around the summit around Lugard and Harlech Roads. From Victoria Peak, you can walk down to Central. The road zig-zags down the mountain to Conduit Road. You can always hike the 50km long Hong Kong Trail which traces its way down the spine of island from Victoria Peak to Big Wave Bay, near Shek O.
Other places to go in the north of the island include the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens in Central. It has a fantastic collection of fountains, gardens, sculptures, a zoo and playground. Hong Kong Park is home to more than 90 types of birds and you will also find the interesting Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware. Classes are held here on Mondays and Thursdays.
Take the Mid-Levels Escalator, the longest in the world at 800m, and go west to the beautiful Man Mo Temple. One of the oldest temples in Hong Kong, it was built in 1847 and is dedicated to Kwan Yu, the god of war, and Man Cheung. It has always been popular with the police and other secret organizations like the Triads.
For shopping, head to Causeway Bay where you will be able to shop until you drop (or your credit cards give out). The 17 hectare Victoria Park is another hotspot; during weekday mornings, Tai chi practitioners gather here. East of here is the Tin Hua Temple where people have been worshipping the goddess Tin Hua (the Queen of Heaven) for at least 300 years.
The south of Hong Kong Island is very different to that of the north. Head down to Stanley for the beach where you can rent wind-surfing boards. The Stanley Market is excellent for picking up bargains. Start your haggling.
Repulse Bay is another gorgeous beach area. You can visit the unusual Kwun Yam Shrine where there are several gods worshipped. According to legend, if you cross the Longevity Bridge you add three days to your life.
From Aberdeen, you can visit Ocean Park; a huge amusement park with roller coasters and other rides. There is also an atoll reef and a massive aquarium.
KOWLOON:
Known to locals as Gaolong, Kowloon is on the mainland, a peninsular pointing down to Hong Kong Island. The name means ‘nine dragons’. The touristiest part here is Tsim Shia Tsiu and can be reached from the island by taking the Star Ferry from Victoria Harbour. Here, visit the Hong Kong Cultural Centre where you take in the regular exhibitions and performances held here. Behind here is the Hong Kong Museum of Art where the six floors showcase some amazing displays of Chinese paintings, antiques and modern art.
The Hong Kong Space Museum and Theatre is another great place to go. It has a wonderful planetarium and several halls with different exhibits.
Head southeast from here to visit the Avenue of the Stars where the Hong Kong film industry and stars are celebrated. Here you can also see the incredible Symphony of Light, the largest permanent light show which is projected off the buildings from Hong Kong Island.
North of this area is Yau Ma Tei where you will find the Jade Market; over 450 stalls sell different varieties and grades of jade. You shouldn’t buy high priced jade here unless you know for certain what you’re buying. From here, head to Tin Hau Temple and then onto the Temple St. night market where you can shop for incredible bargains.
In the area called New Kowloon (just above Mongkok), pay a visit to Sik Sik Yuen Tai Sin Temple; a Daoist temple built in 1973, it is a very active and popular temple complex. It is dedicated to the god of healing where the sick go to get cured. To the left, get your future read by the many fortune tellers.
If you are looking for tranquillity, head to Chi Lin Nunnery, a beautiful Buddhist complex complete with peaceful lotus ponds and Buddhist nuns making sacrifices of fruit and rice to the Buddha.
Another great place in this part of Kowloon is the abandoned Kowloon Walled City Park. Originally built in the 19th century, the walls here were once part of a Chinese garrison but turned into a slum under British rule as it was excluded from the New Territories deal. It became a haven for gangsters, prostitutes and gamblers. Eventually, the British relocated the Chinese and renovated it into a beautiful park with pavilions, ponds and other buildings. One of these includes the Yamen building which houses a scale model of what the village used to look like in the 19th century.
NEW TERRITORIES:
The New Territories is a great place to relax and unwind it. It is mostly green hills and lush greenery here, a perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the urban juble that is Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. It was named so because the British were only granted rule here in 1898.
After it became part of the area under British rule, the New Territories region has undergone massive urbanisation, but still offers the peace and tranquillity it is known and loved for. Sha Tin itself has seen high quality and expensive housing communities, especially for the Western expats who love this area and make it their homes whilst living and working in Hong Kong but trying to escape city life.
Visit Tai Mo Shan, the tallest mountain in Hong Kong. It is quite an easy route up to the peak, and along the way you can explore the 100km long MacLehose Trail. The trail runs from Tuen Min down to the Sai Kung Peninsular, running from west to east. It is best if you pick up a map of the trail though. You can get here from the Tsuen Wan MTR train station by catching the number 51 bus.
Kam Tin is popular with tourists; there are two walled villages dating from the 16th century. They are a reminder of the times when the Hong Kong people suffered at the hands of pirates, marauders, bandits and the imperial soldiers who made their lives uneasy.
The 270 hectare Mai Po Marsh Nature Reserve is a must-see destination. A protected wetland in northwest New Territories, you will find more than 300 species of birds that call this place home.
Sha Tin is a popular destination; there is the famous racecourse as well as the popular Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. Here there are more than 12,000 sculptures which grace the walls of the temple. You can reach the monastery by taking Exit B at the Sha Tin KCR station. From here, carry on walking and turn left onto Pai Tau St, then right onto Sheung Wo Che St. Carry on and walk up the 400 steps and you have reached your destination.
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum here has some wonderful Chinese opera objects, fine art and ceramic collections. These are considered to be some of the finest collections in Hong Kong.
The New Territories is a beautiful part of Hong Kong that most tourists miss out on. This is such a shame, as this area has a charm and appeal that rivals Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
Travelling to the Outlying Islands in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a popular destination for international tourists; it is a wonderful location that has all the charm of the Chinese culture but has survived well into the modern age without losing that wonderful heritage. Fast and rich, Hong Kong can also be quiet, peaceful and modest.
Most tourists visit Hong Kong Island and Kowloon; these are the busiest places in the region known as Hong Kong. However, the Outlying islands are unfortunately overlooked.
The Outlying Islands are made up of 234 islands scattered in the sea around Hong Kong. However, only four of these islands are accessible via ferry and have substantial populations.
LANTAU ISLAND:
Lantau Island is twice the size of Hong Kong Island but has only about 50,000 people living there. The first port of call for travellers is Ngong Pingn. It is a large plateau 500m above sea level in the west part of the island where Po Lin is. This is where you will find the famous and enormous monastery and temple complex. The world’s largest seated bronze statue of the Buddha is house here, known as the Tian Tan Buddha statue.
Cheung Sha Bay is Hong Kong’s longest beach and can be reached en route to Ngong Ping where you can catch a cable car between the monastery and Tung Chung. The government is promoting this area with cultural attractions such as theatres and a ‘walk with Buddha’ which will help enlighten visitors on the way.
Tai O is a pretty village at the far end of Lantau Island and famous for its shrimp paste. The shrimp paste is pretty overpowering and will make your eyes water but is very tasty. You can also cross the narrow stretch of water by taking the row-tow ferry to visit the temple to the Chinese Buddhist goddess of mercy, Guanyin (Kwan Yin).
Hong Kong Disneyland is also located on the island. Disneyland with a few Chinese twists, this is a great place to bring the kids.
LAMMA ISLAND:
Lamma is another island that is quite popular with tourists. It has no cars on the island so if offers the chance to get completely away from the hustle and bustle in Hong Kong. You will find some excellent beaches and some wonderful restaurants.
CHEUNG CHAU AND PENG CHAU
These are much smaller and quieter islands. Cheung Chau is in the shape of a dumbbell and has several wonderfully interesting temples and excellent restaurants to dine in. Peng Chau is the smallest and is a great place to relax and explore the more traditional Hong Kong way of life.
Hong Kong shot to fame in the 19th century when the British used the island for opium transport. Until then, Hong Kong had been a distant Chinese outpost. However, with the Europeans, especially the British, aggressively importing and exporting opium from Bengal, the Chinese attempted to curb the trade. This led to the two Opium Wars which led the British taking control of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and eventually the New Territories.
With the British governing, Hong Kong’s economy started to rise. She experienced waves of immigrants from the Chinese mainland, especially during the Anti-Japanese War and then later in 1949 when the communists were victorious.
Hong Kong’s economy rose steadily, along with the skyscrapers, making Hong Kong a very rich country. In 1997, Hong Kong was formerly returned to China after the 99 year lease had expired on the condition she was governed differently to that of the mainland. Hong Kong was declared a Special Administrative Region (SARs); China calls in ‘One country, two systems’.
Hong Kong is much more than just towering skyscrapers. Most of the island is actually green hills and mountains that are ideal for those who like hiking and bicycling. There are a whole range of cultural activities for you to discover. It would be best to stay here for at least a week to thoroughly explore everything.
HONG KONG ISLAND:
Victoria Peak is the highest point on the island and the richest area. For a long time under British rule, only the British could live there. Today, it is very different. Still a very prosperous area, many travellers take a tram up to Victoria Peak from Central. On a clear day, the views are simply spectacular and you can see Victoria Harbour. Night time journeys up here are truly beautiful and you escape the smog.
From here, go to Victoria Peak Garden. You can take the easy 3.5km walk around the summit around Lugard and Harlech Roads. From Victoria Peak, you can walk down to Central. The road zig-zags down the mountain to Conduit Road. You can always hike the 50km long Hong Kong Trail which traces its way down the spine of island from Victoria Peak to Big Wave Bay, near Shek O.
Other places to go in the north of the island include the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens in Central. It has a fantastic collection of fountains, gardens, sculptures, a zoo and playground. Hong Kong Park is home to more than 90 types of birds and you will also find the interesting Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware. Classes are held here on Mondays and Thursdays.
Take the Mid-Levels Escalator, the longest in the world at 800m, and go west to the beautiful Man Mo Temple. One of the oldest temples in Hong Kong, it was built in 1847 and is dedicated to Kwan Yu, the god of war, and Man Cheung. It has always been popular with the police and other secret organizations like the Triads.
For shopping, head to Causeway Bay where you will be able to shop until you drop (or your credit cards give out). The 17 hectare Victoria Park is another hotspot; during weekday mornings, Tai chi practitioners gather here. East of here is the Tin Hua Temple where people have been worshipping the goddess Tin Hua (the Queen of Heaven) for at least 300 years.
The south of Hong Kong Island is very different to that of the north. Head down to Stanley for the beach where you can rent wind-surfing boards. The Stanley Market is excellent for picking up bargains. Start your haggling.
Repulse Bay is another gorgeous beach area. You can visit the unusual Kwun Yam Shrine where there are several gods worshipped. According to legend, if you cross the Longevity Bridge you add three days to your life.
From Aberdeen, you can visit Ocean Park; a huge amusement park with roller coasters and other rides. There is also an atoll reef and a massive aquarium.
KOWLOON:
Known to locals as Gaolong, Kowloon is on the mainland, a peninsular pointing down to Hong Kong Island. The name means ‘nine dragons’. The touristiest part here is Tsim Shia Tsiu and can be reached from the island by taking the Star Ferry from Victoria Harbour. Here, visit the Hong Kong Cultural Centre where you take in the regular exhibitions and performances held here. Behind here is the Hong Kong Museum of Art where the six floors showcase some amazing displays of Chinese paintings, antiques and modern art.
The Hong Kong Space Museum and Theatre is another great place to go. It has a wonderful planetarium and several halls with different exhibits.
Head southeast from here to visit the Avenue of the Stars where the Hong Kong film industry and stars are celebrated. Here you can also see the incredible Symphony of Light, the largest permanent light show which is projected off the buildings from Hong Kong Island.
North of this area is Yau Ma Tei where you will find the Jade Market; over 450 stalls sell different varieties and grades of jade. You shouldn’t buy high priced jade here unless you know for certain what you’re buying. From here, head to Tin Hau Temple and then onto the Temple St. night market where you can shop for incredible bargains.
In the area called New Kowloon (just above Mongkok), pay a visit to Sik Sik Yuen Tai Sin Temple; a Daoist temple built in 1973, it is a very active and popular temple complex. It is dedicated to the god of healing where the sick go to get cured. To the left, get your future read by the many fortune tellers.
If you are looking for tranquillity, head to Chi Lin Nunnery, a beautiful Buddhist complex complete with peaceful lotus ponds and Buddhist nuns making sacrifices of fruit and rice to the Buddha.
Another great place in this part of Kowloon is the abandoned Kowloon Walled City Park. Originally built in the 19th century, the walls here were once part of a Chinese garrison but turned into a slum under British rule as it was excluded from the New Territories deal. It became a haven for gangsters, prostitutes and gamblers. Eventually, the British relocated the Chinese and renovated it into a beautiful park with pavilions, ponds and other buildings. One of these includes the Yamen building which houses a scale model of what the village used to look like in the 19th century.
NEW TERRITORIES:
The New Territories is a great place to relax and unwind it. It is mostly green hills and lush greenery here, a perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the urban juble that is Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. It was named so because the British were only granted rule here in 1898.
After it became part of the area under British rule, the New Territories region has undergone massive urbanisation, but still offers the peace and tranquillity it is known and loved for. Sha Tin itself has seen high quality and expensive housing communities, especially for the Western expats who love this area and make it their homes whilst living and working in Hong Kong but trying to escape city life.
Visit Tai Mo Shan, the tallest mountain in Hong Kong. It is quite an easy route up to the peak, and along the way you can explore the 100km long MacLehose Trail. The trail runs from Tuen Min down to the Sai Kung Peninsular, running from west to east. It is best if you pick up a map of the trail though. You can get here from the Tsuen Wan MTR train station by catching the number 51 bus.
Kam Tin is popular with tourists; there are two walled villages dating from the 16th century. They are a reminder of the times when the Hong Kong people suffered at the hands of pirates, marauders, bandits and the imperial soldiers who made their lives uneasy.
The 270 hectare Mai Po Marsh Nature Reserve is a must-see destination. A protected wetland in northwest New Territories, you will find more than 300 species of birds that call this place home.
Sha Tin is a popular destination; there is the famous racecourse as well as the popular Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. Here there are more than 12,000 sculptures which grace the walls of the temple. You can reach the monastery by taking Exit B at the Sha Tin KCR station. From here, carry on walking and turn left onto Pai Tau St, then right onto Sheung Wo Che St. Carry on and walk up the 400 steps and you have reached your destination.
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum here has some wonderful Chinese opera objects, fine art and ceramic collections. These are considered to be some of the finest collections in Hong Kong.
The New Territories is a beautiful part of Hong Kong that most tourists miss out on. This is such a shame, as this area has a charm and appeal that rivals Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
Travelling to the Outlying Islands in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a popular destination for international tourists; it is a wonderful location that has all the charm of the Chinese culture but has survived well into the modern age without losing that wonderful heritage. Fast and rich, Hong Kong can also be quiet, peaceful and modest.
Most tourists visit Hong Kong Island and Kowloon; these are the busiest places in the region known as Hong Kong. However, the Outlying islands are unfortunately overlooked.
The Outlying Islands are made up of 234 islands scattered in the sea around Hong Kong. However, only four of these islands are accessible via ferry and have substantial populations.
LANTAU ISLAND:
Lantau Island is twice the size of Hong Kong Island but has only about 50,000 people living there. The first port of call for travellers is Ngong Pingn. It is a large plateau 500m above sea level in the west part of the island where Po Lin is. This is where you will find the famous and enormous monastery and temple complex. The world’s largest seated bronze statue of the Buddha is house here, known as the Tian Tan Buddha statue.
Cheung Sha Bay is Hong Kong’s longest beach and can be reached en route to Ngong Ping where you can catch a cable car between the monastery and Tung Chung. The government is promoting this area with cultural attractions such as theatres and a ‘walk with Buddha’ which will help enlighten visitors on the way.
Tai O is a pretty village at the far end of Lantau Island and famous for its shrimp paste. The shrimp paste is pretty overpowering and will make your eyes water but is very tasty. You can also cross the narrow stretch of water by taking the row-tow ferry to visit the temple to the Chinese Buddhist goddess of mercy, Guanyin (Kwan Yin).
Hong Kong Disneyland is also located on the island. Disneyland with a few Chinese twists, this is a great place to bring the kids.
LAMMA ISLAND:
Lamma is another island that is quite popular with tourists. It has no cars on the island so if offers the chance to get completely away from the hustle and bustle in Hong Kong. You will find some excellent beaches and some wonderful restaurants.
CHEUNG CHAU AND PENG CHAU
These are much smaller and quieter islands. Cheung Chau is in the shape of a dumbbell and has several wonderfully interesting temples and excellent restaurants to dine in. Peng Chau is the smallest and is a great place to relax and explore the more traditional Hong Kong way of life.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Travel Destinations: Dunhuang, Gansu Province, China
Dunhuang appears out of the blazing desert landscape in a setting of lush green fields and rolling mountainous sand dunes in the background. After continuing for miles, it is a paradise, an oasis in the heart of the desert. It is a hauntingly beautiful destination, especially at night, when the stars light up the black velvet sky – it is definitely a romantic place to travel to with the one you love.
Dunhuang is a place with a long history and it is because of this history that so many people flock to it year after year. One of the stops on the Silk Road, it is one of the oldest examples of Buddhist art and iconography in China.
The Mogao Caves (Magao Ku) are the first place tourists come to, being one of the best repositories of Buddhist art. At the height of its power, it was home to 10 monasteries where over 1400 Buddhist monks and nuns lived, as well as limitless artists, calligraphers and translators gathered. Wealthy merchants would stop here and they, along with important local officials, would commission new caves to be created and designed. This was done as a thank you or a prayer to guard their precious caravans through the dangerous terrain to the west. The first cave was created in 366 CE.
When the Silk Road ceased after the Yuan Dynasty, the caves and grottos fell into decline and were buried in time. They were only rediscovered during the early 20th century by foreign exploerors.
The Northern Wei, Western Wei and Northern Zhou Caves:
These are the earliest caves in Dunhuang and have a strong Indian feel to them in terms of design and iconography. Each of these caves houses a stupa in the middle where pilgrims would circle. The statues here are all painted in green, red and blue and were the first iconography of Buddhism in China.
The Sui Caves:
Whereas the Wei and Zhou caves have a distinctive Indian feel to them, the Sui caves can be seen as the first steps toward the first ‘real’ Chinese examples. The statues have a graceful Indian style to them but have what would become a Chinese design.
The Tang Caves:
The Tang Caves are the examples of Buddhist iconography at its peak; the Chinese government had pushed their boundaries even further west and more foreign traders were coming to and from China. Painting and sculpture techniques were refined and important aspects of Buddhism, such as the gender change of the goddess Guanyin the goddess of Mercy (she was originally a male Indian god) took place.
In the Tang caves, you can admire the beautiful Buddhist Western Paradise which gives you a fascinating insight to what court life was like in Tang Dynasty China.
There were around 230 caves carved during the Tang Dynasty, including two colossal sized seated Buddhas. Many murals were painted over earlier ones as space was limited. In Cave 96, is the world’s third largest Buddha.
You can only visit the caves here with a guide, not on your own. The admission fee of Y100 gives you access to 10 caves including the famous Library Cave and the chance to view a fascinating exhibit of rare manuscripts in ancient Uighur and Manichean.
The Western Thousand Buddha Caves are totally different from the Mogao Caves and can be found about 35km west of Dunhuang. There are 16 caves hidden away, six open to the public, and are from different periods in Chinese history, from the Northern Wei to the Tang dynasties. The Buddhist art here is not as impressive as the Magao caves but there are fewer crowds so you can enjoy yourselves and appreciate them much more.
There are other places to visit in Dunhuang; Crescent Moon Lake at Mingsha Shan and the Yadan National Park and Jade Gate Pass are all wonderful places to relax and explore and take in the culture and rich history of this wonderful city.
Dunhuang is a place with a long history and it is because of this history that so many people flock to it year after year. One of the stops on the Silk Road, it is one of the oldest examples of Buddhist art and iconography in China.
The Mogao Caves (Magao Ku) are the first place tourists come to, being one of the best repositories of Buddhist art. At the height of its power, it was home to 10 monasteries where over 1400 Buddhist monks and nuns lived, as well as limitless artists, calligraphers and translators gathered. Wealthy merchants would stop here and they, along with important local officials, would commission new caves to be created and designed. This was done as a thank you or a prayer to guard their precious caravans through the dangerous terrain to the west. The first cave was created in 366 CE.
When the Silk Road ceased after the Yuan Dynasty, the caves and grottos fell into decline and were buried in time. They were only rediscovered during the early 20th century by foreign exploerors.
The Northern Wei, Western Wei and Northern Zhou Caves:
These are the earliest caves in Dunhuang and have a strong Indian feel to them in terms of design and iconography. Each of these caves houses a stupa in the middle where pilgrims would circle. The statues here are all painted in green, red and blue and were the first iconography of Buddhism in China.
The Sui Caves:
Whereas the Wei and Zhou caves have a distinctive Indian feel to them, the Sui caves can be seen as the first steps toward the first ‘real’ Chinese examples. The statues have a graceful Indian style to them but have what would become a Chinese design.
The Tang Caves:
The Tang Caves are the examples of Buddhist iconography at its peak; the Chinese government had pushed their boundaries even further west and more foreign traders were coming to and from China. Painting and sculpture techniques were refined and important aspects of Buddhism, such as the gender change of the goddess Guanyin the goddess of Mercy (she was originally a male Indian god) took place.
In the Tang caves, you can admire the beautiful Buddhist Western Paradise which gives you a fascinating insight to what court life was like in Tang Dynasty China.
There were around 230 caves carved during the Tang Dynasty, including two colossal sized seated Buddhas. Many murals were painted over earlier ones as space was limited. In Cave 96, is the world’s third largest Buddha.
You can only visit the caves here with a guide, not on your own. The admission fee of Y100 gives you access to 10 caves including the famous Library Cave and the chance to view a fascinating exhibit of rare manuscripts in ancient Uighur and Manichean.
The Western Thousand Buddha Caves are totally different from the Mogao Caves and can be found about 35km west of Dunhuang. There are 16 caves hidden away, six open to the public, and are from different periods in Chinese history, from the Northern Wei to the Tang dynasties. The Buddhist art here is not as impressive as the Magao caves but there are fewer crowds so you can enjoy yourselves and appreciate them much more.
There are other places to visit in Dunhuang; Crescent Moon Lake at Mingsha Shan and the Yadan National Park and Jade Gate Pass are all wonderful places to relax and explore and take in the culture and rich history of this wonderful city.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Travel Destinations: Anhui Province, China
Anhui may be a poor province – supplying most of the domestic helpers in China – but she is the richest when it comes to scenery. This region of China is home to some of the most rugged landscape beauty in the country, as well as being the home of the fantastic Huizhou culture.
Anhui is the province you want to go to if you want to escape the continual hustle, bustle and construction noises found in other parts of China. Cut in the middle by the Yangzi River, the south is the place to visit and explore for cultural attractions, a region where the mountains are dwarfed by the culture and character of the people here.
TUNXI:
Home to 1.5 million people, Tunxi was once an old trading town and a great place for exploring the Huizhou culture in the area. The sites you can visit here include the Wancuilou Museum and the Chengshi Sanzhai as well as exploring the town on foot.
YIXIAN:
The two historic villages of Xidi and Hongcun are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and visitors will need to acquire a special permit to visit them. Visitors cannot stay overnight here. The villages are truly beautiful; Xidi itself was founded by the son of the last Tang emperor who ran here when his dynasty was coming to an end.
There are other villages in the area to explore – Nanping and Guanlu are both excellent places. Beautiful and quaint, they offer visitors the chance to relax and let your spirits rest and take flights.
SHEXIAN:
Also known in the past as Huizhou, this town was once the capital of the Huizhou Culture that flourished in this province. There are many beautiful places to visit here including the double-eaved gate Yangyhe Men, the stunning Xuguo Archway and the old residential part of town, Doushan Jie.
From here, you can explore the surrounding area. The Lian River has several historic settlements to visit including Yuliang. Come here to explore the tea shops, the Yuanhetang Chinese Medicine Shop, the Lion Bridge, the Yulian Dam and many more.
HUANG SHAN:
This is on the list as one of China’s top 10 destinatiobs. Shrouded in mist, numerous artists have drawn their inspiration from this magnificent place. This is the place that Westerners dream of when they think of China.
There are so places to visit here. Some of the best include Cloud Valley Temple, White Goose Ridge, Flying rock, Bright Summit Peak, Gleam of Sky and Lotus Flower Peak. If you don’t want to climb, you can always take the cable car.
JIUHUA SHAN:
A trip to Anhui Province would not be complete without visiting this mountain, one of the five sacred mountains in Daoism. The 99 peaks here form the home of the Lord of the Underworld, making it a highly spiritual place, especially when the peaks are covered in a shroud of white heavenly mist.
Explore the yellow Zhiyang Temple where you can light incense, and then make you way up to the peak. On the way you will pass by the Great Treasure Hall, the Huacheng Temple, Basiui Gong, the Five Hundred Luohan Hall, Huixiang Pavilion, Pheonix Pine and 10,000 Buddha Hall, plus many others. The views from here are simply spectacular.
HEFEI:
This is the capital of the province and rich in character and cultural attractions. Stop here for a day or two and visit Mingjiao Temple, Xiaoyaojin Park, Baohe Park and the magnificent Lord Bao’s Tomb before taking in the Anhui Provincial Museum.
Anhui Province is perhaps of the best provinces to go to if you only have limited time in China – big in personality, rich in cultural attractions and a land of unparallel beauty, Anhui is the China that you only dream of.
Anhui is the province you want to go to if you want to escape the continual hustle, bustle and construction noises found in other parts of China. Cut in the middle by the Yangzi River, the south is the place to visit and explore for cultural attractions, a region where the mountains are dwarfed by the culture and character of the people here.
TUNXI:
Home to 1.5 million people, Tunxi was once an old trading town and a great place for exploring the Huizhou culture in the area. The sites you can visit here include the Wancuilou Museum and the Chengshi Sanzhai as well as exploring the town on foot.
YIXIAN:
The two historic villages of Xidi and Hongcun are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and visitors will need to acquire a special permit to visit them. Visitors cannot stay overnight here. The villages are truly beautiful; Xidi itself was founded by the son of the last Tang emperor who ran here when his dynasty was coming to an end.
There are other villages in the area to explore – Nanping and Guanlu are both excellent places. Beautiful and quaint, they offer visitors the chance to relax and let your spirits rest and take flights.
SHEXIAN:
Also known in the past as Huizhou, this town was once the capital of the Huizhou Culture that flourished in this province. There are many beautiful places to visit here including the double-eaved gate Yangyhe Men, the stunning Xuguo Archway and the old residential part of town, Doushan Jie.
From here, you can explore the surrounding area. The Lian River has several historic settlements to visit including Yuliang. Come here to explore the tea shops, the Yuanhetang Chinese Medicine Shop, the Lion Bridge, the Yulian Dam and many more.
HUANG SHAN:
This is on the list as one of China’s top 10 destinatiobs. Shrouded in mist, numerous artists have drawn their inspiration from this magnificent place. This is the place that Westerners dream of when they think of China.
There are so places to visit here. Some of the best include Cloud Valley Temple, White Goose Ridge, Flying rock, Bright Summit Peak, Gleam of Sky and Lotus Flower Peak. If you don’t want to climb, you can always take the cable car.
JIUHUA SHAN:
A trip to Anhui Province would not be complete without visiting this mountain, one of the five sacred mountains in Daoism. The 99 peaks here form the home of the Lord of the Underworld, making it a highly spiritual place, especially when the peaks are covered in a shroud of white heavenly mist.
Explore the yellow Zhiyang Temple where you can light incense, and then make you way up to the peak. On the way you will pass by the Great Treasure Hall, the Huacheng Temple, Basiui Gong, the Five Hundred Luohan Hall, Huixiang Pavilion, Pheonix Pine and 10,000 Buddha Hall, plus many others. The views from here are simply spectacular.
HEFEI:
This is the capital of the province and rich in character and cultural attractions. Stop here for a day or two and visit Mingjiao Temple, Xiaoyaojin Park, Baohe Park and the magnificent Lord Bao’s Tomb before taking in the Anhui Provincial Museum.
Anhui Province is perhaps of the best provinces to go to if you only have limited time in China – big in personality, rich in cultural attractions and a land of unparallel beauty, Anhui is the China that you only dream of.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Travel Destinations: Emei Shan, China
Emei Shan offers a cooler retreat from the sweltering heat of the Sichuan basin. It lies 130km southwest of Chengdu and is one of the four famous Buddhist mountains, the others being Putuoshan, Wutai Shan and Jiuhua Shan.
The scenery here is something out of a fantasy movie with tea tree plantations and temples scattered around. On rare afternoons you may see the phenomenon known as Buddha’s Aureole where rainbow rings attach themselves to an individual’s shadow in a cloud bank below the summit. Buddhist monks, devout in their beliefs, believed that this was a call from beyond and would jump off the Cliff of Self-Sacrifice.
The best times to visit Emei Shan are between May and October as hiking in winter has its problems. In November snow generally starts to fall on the upper slopes but mist and cloud cover are common throughout the year.
The most popular routes up the mountain is via Long Life Monastery, Chu Temple and Elephant Bathing Pool. There are buses that go up the mountain from the station in Baoguo village. A popular route is to take a bus to Wuxiangang until you reach Jingshui. Here you can catch a cable car to Long Life Monastery.
You will need plenty of time to climb Emei Shan –it is a very hard climb. You can reach Long Life Monastery and back down to Declare Nation Temple within two days but be prepared to spend a good portion of that time hiking.
There are many sites to see as you climb up Emei Shan. Long Lie Monastery (Wannian Si) is the oldest temple on Emei Shan and was reconstructed in the ninth century. The Bodhisattva Puxian, the protector of the mountain, is to whom the temple is dedicated to. There is a beautiful 8.5m high statue of him on a white elephant which dates back to 980 CE, made from bronze and copper. It is said that if you rub the elephant’s hind leg that you will have good luck.
Crouching Tiger Monastery (Fuhu Si) is a hidden gem, hidden in a forest with a seven meter copper pagoda that is inscribed with Buddhist texts and illustrations.
Declare Nation Temple (Baoguo Si) is a beautiful temple dating from the 16th century. Inside you can see rare plants and a striking porcelain Buddha made in 1415.
Pure Sound Pavilion (Qingyin Ge) is beautifully named after the sound effects that are produced by the waters that course around rock formations nearby. Coming here, you can relax and appreciate the natural beauty of this area as well as enjoying yourself by swimming in the water.
Elephant Bathing Pool (Xixiang Chi) is said to be the place where Puian cleaned his elephant. Today, however, it is not quite so accommodating.
Golden Summit Temple (Jinding Si) has recently undergone renovation and is generally the furthest most travellers get to. It is covered with beautiful glazed tiles and white marble balustrades. Originally the temple had a bronze coated roof which is how it got the name Jin Ding, which can be translated as Gold Top.
The scenery here is something out of a fantasy movie with tea tree plantations and temples scattered around. On rare afternoons you may see the phenomenon known as Buddha’s Aureole where rainbow rings attach themselves to an individual’s shadow in a cloud bank below the summit. Buddhist monks, devout in their beliefs, believed that this was a call from beyond and would jump off the Cliff of Self-Sacrifice.
The best times to visit Emei Shan are between May and October as hiking in winter has its problems. In November snow generally starts to fall on the upper slopes but mist and cloud cover are common throughout the year.
The most popular routes up the mountain is via Long Life Monastery, Chu Temple and Elephant Bathing Pool. There are buses that go up the mountain from the station in Baoguo village. A popular route is to take a bus to Wuxiangang until you reach Jingshui. Here you can catch a cable car to Long Life Monastery.
You will need plenty of time to climb Emei Shan –it is a very hard climb. You can reach Long Life Monastery and back down to Declare Nation Temple within two days but be prepared to spend a good portion of that time hiking.
There are many sites to see as you climb up Emei Shan. Long Lie Monastery (Wannian Si) is the oldest temple on Emei Shan and was reconstructed in the ninth century. The Bodhisattva Puxian, the protector of the mountain, is to whom the temple is dedicated to. There is a beautiful 8.5m high statue of him on a white elephant which dates back to 980 CE, made from bronze and copper. It is said that if you rub the elephant’s hind leg that you will have good luck.
Crouching Tiger Monastery (Fuhu Si) is a hidden gem, hidden in a forest with a seven meter copper pagoda that is inscribed with Buddhist texts and illustrations.
Declare Nation Temple (Baoguo Si) is a beautiful temple dating from the 16th century. Inside you can see rare plants and a striking porcelain Buddha made in 1415.
Pure Sound Pavilion (Qingyin Ge) is beautifully named after the sound effects that are produced by the waters that course around rock formations nearby. Coming here, you can relax and appreciate the natural beauty of this area as well as enjoying yourself by swimming in the water.
Elephant Bathing Pool (Xixiang Chi) is said to be the place where Puian cleaned his elephant. Today, however, it is not quite so accommodating.
Golden Summit Temple (Jinding Si) has recently undergone renovation and is generally the furthest most travellers get to. It is covered with beautiful glazed tiles and white marble balustrades. Originally the temple had a bronze coated roof which is how it got the name Jin Ding, which can be translated as Gold Top.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Travel Destinations: Yushu, China
Also known as Jyekundo, Yushu is located at one of the remotest provinces in China. Between the Amdo grasslands and the dense forested valleys of Kham in Qinghai Province, you will find Yushu. Here, the people are mostly Tibetan and there are some incredibly beautiful monasteries to visit.
One of the best times to visit Yushu is at the end of July when the three day horse festival commences on the 25th. Tens of thousands of Tibetans come here to celebrate at the town that has long been an important caravan town as merchants made their way to Tibet.
There are some truly wonderful cultural attractions one should not miss when visiting Yushu. Start with the Jyekundo Dondrubling Monastery (Jiegu Si). It dramatically overlooks the town on a elevated natural bowl. It was first built in 1398 but has been rebuilt since then. The main assembly hall is simply stunning with an incredibly peaceful inner sanctum where Buddhas watch you from above.
The monks are very welcoming and will most likely offer you a cup of butter tea which you definitely should not pass up on. Once you leave the monastery, take the ‘kora’ from behind it so that you can experience some wonderful views of the town. The best way to get up here is to go by foot through the mani lhakhang (a chapel containing a large prayer wheel) and through the town.
Another great attraction is the Sengze Gyanak Mani (Mani Shicheng). This is one of the oldest mani walls in Tibet, dating from 1715 and has an estimated two billion mantras carved into it. You will still see pilgrims coming here to turn prayer wheels. Some of these are over 10 meters tall. The Sengze Gyanak Mani is located 3km east of Yushu.
One sight you should not miss is the spectacular statue of King Gesar of Ling in the centre of town. He was a Tibetan warrior-god, much respected in Tibet, and his heroic actions are recorded in the longest epic poem of the same name.
You can also join local worshippers at dusk as they walk around the Namgyal Chorten in the west part of town.
In the surrounding area of Yushu you will find a large amount of terrific monasteries you can visit, but you will need a good couple of days to visit them all. Start with Princess Wencheng Temple. It is nestled in a side valley about 20km south of Yushu and is famous for being the spot where the beautiful Chinese princess Wencheng stopped for a month as she made her way to marry King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. Inside, the inner chapel has an amazing carving in rock of the Tibetan god Vairocana (also known as Nampa Namse) which is said to date from the 8th century.
Yushu is often overlooked by visitors exploring everything China has to offer, but is one spot that shouldn’t be missed. It gives you culture, history, beautiful natural scenery and a chance to interact with different Chinese ethnic groups.
One of the best times to visit Yushu is at the end of July when the three day horse festival commences on the 25th. Tens of thousands of Tibetans come here to celebrate at the town that has long been an important caravan town as merchants made their way to Tibet.
There are some truly wonderful cultural attractions one should not miss when visiting Yushu. Start with the Jyekundo Dondrubling Monastery (Jiegu Si). It dramatically overlooks the town on a elevated natural bowl. It was first built in 1398 but has been rebuilt since then. The main assembly hall is simply stunning with an incredibly peaceful inner sanctum where Buddhas watch you from above.
The monks are very welcoming and will most likely offer you a cup of butter tea which you definitely should not pass up on. Once you leave the monastery, take the ‘kora’ from behind it so that you can experience some wonderful views of the town. The best way to get up here is to go by foot through the mani lhakhang (a chapel containing a large prayer wheel) and through the town.
Another great attraction is the Sengze Gyanak Mani (Mani Shicheng). This is one of the oldest mani walls in Tibet, dating from 1715 and has an estimated two billion mantras carved into it. You will still see pilgrims coming here to turn prayer wheels. Some of these are over 10 meters tall. The Sengze Gyanak Mani is located 3km east of Yushu.
One sight you should not miss is the spectacular statue of King Gesar of Ling in the centre of town. He was a Tibetan warrior-god, much respected in Tibet, and his heroic actions are recorded in the longest epic poem of the same name.
You can also join local worshippers at dusk as they walk around the Namgyal Chorten in the west part of town.
In the surrounding area of Yushu you will find a large amount of terrific monasteries you can visit, but you will need a good couple of days to visit them all. Start with Princess Wencheng Temple. It is nestled in a side valley about 20km south of Yushu and is famous for being the spot where the beautiful Chinese princess Wencheng stopped for a month as she made her way to marry King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. Inside, the inner chapel has an amazing carving in rock of the Tibetan god Vairocana (also known as Nampa Namse) which is said to date from the 8th century.
Yushu is often overlooked by visitors exploring everything China has to offer, but is one spot that shouldn’t be missed. It gives you culture, history, beautiful natural scenery and a chance to interact with different Chinese ethnic groups.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Travel Destinations: Delhi, India
Delhi is the symbol for both old India and modern India. It is the place where visitors can hear the voices of the past, feel the magic of years gone by and experience the hopes and dreams for the future.
Delhi is the centre of India, a busy international metropolis, a home to more than 13 million people. Yet there are reminders of the past, tombs and palaces and temples, hidden amongst the modern developments and highways built in recent times. This makes Delhi an interesting and fascinating place for tourists.
Delhi has more cultural attractions than what can be presented here, but there are some that should not be missed. Why not start with a visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the president of India. It was designed by the English architect Edwin Lutyens when the British government decided that Delhi should replace Calcutta as the capital of India.
It is best to view the building from the east side from India Gate. It is a strikingly beautiful building and although the apartments are private, the gardens to the west side are open to the business. They were laid with Mughal pleasure parks in mind, with beautiful orderly squared gardens, interspersed with fountains and beautiful waterways, tennis courts, a swimming pool and fruit and vegetable gardens.
Jantar Mantar is another great place to visit. It can be found south of Connaught Place and was built in 1725. It was the first of five open-aired observatories that were designed by the Jai Singh II. The Jantar Mantar building looms over some wonderful flowerbeds where time, solar and lunar calendars were calculated with high degrees of accuracy.
If you love visiting temples, then Delhi is a great place for you. The biggest Sikh temple in Delhi is Bangla Sahib Gurudwara is a magnificent white marble building, topped with a gigantic onion shaped dome which you can see from quite a distance. It was built to commemorate the visit of the eighth Sikh guru, Hare Krishan. When you visit here, you will be asked to remove your shoes and whether you want to have a free guide. Please remember to dress respectively and accordingly. You will also experience some fantastic live music and be invited to share a simple but delicious meal.
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir is a modern Hindu temple that should not be missed. It is situated west of Connaught Place on Mandir Marg and is absolutely stunning with its white, cream and red brick domes. The prosperous Birlas family commissioned its construction and is dedicated the the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, and her consort Narayana (aka Vishnu), the preserver of life. You will hear the most beautiful devotional music throughout the temple and the Hindu scriptures are translated into English.
Another wonderful highlight of the city is Diwan-i-Khas, known as the Hall of Private Audience. It can be found north of Kas Mahal and is the place where the emperor would speak to the elite members of his court. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the Rang Mahal (the Palace of Colour) with a stunning marble pavilion with graceful arches and exquisite embellishments. There is an inscription that can still be read, which translates as “If there be paradise upon this earthly sphere/ It is here, oh it is here”.
Delhi has a wonderful array of restaurants and food markets, designed for everyone’s individual wallets. Most restaurants will close their doors around 11pm but those who have bars will stay open much later. However, there are 24/7 coffee shops or restaurants in high quality hotels that can cater for anyone’s needs.
If you are a lover of shopping, then Delhi is the place for you. The Sundar Nagar Market near Purana Qila is the place to shop for antiques, art and jewellery; Hauz Khas Village has some wonderful galleries and shops dedicated to art and antiques. However, please be aware that you are not allowed to take art objects out of the country if they are more than 100 years old.
Delhi is the centre of India, a busy international metropolis, a home to more than 13 million people. Yet there are reminders of the past, tombs and palaces and temples, hidden amongst the modern developments and highways built in recent times. This makes Delhi an interesting and fascinating place for tourists.
Delhi has more cultural attractions than what can be presented here, but there are some that should not be missed. Why not start with a visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the president of India. It was designed by the English architect Edwin Lutyens when the British government decided that Delhi should replace Calcutta as the capital of India.
It is best to view the building from the east side from India Gate. It is a strikingly beautiful building and although the apartments are private, the gardens to the west side are open to the business. They were laid with Mughal pleasure parks in mind, with beautiful orderly squared gardens, interspersed with fountains and beautiful waterways, tennis courts, a swimming pool and fruit and vegetable gardens.
Jantar Mantar is another great place to visit. It can be found south of Connaught Place and was built in 1725. It was the first of five open-aired observatories that were designed by the Jai Singh II. The Jantar Mantar building looms over some wonderful flowerbeds where time, solar and lunar calendars were calculated with high degrees of accuracy.
If you love visiting temples, then Delhi is a great place for you. The biggest Sikh temple in Delhi is Bangla Sahib Gurudwara is a magnificent white marble building, topped with a gigantic onion shaped dome which you can see from quite a distance. It was built to commemorate the visit of the eighth Sikh guru, Hare Krishan. When you visit here, you will be asked to remove your shoes and whether you want to have a free guide. Please remember to dress respectively and accordingly. You will also experience some fantastic live music and be invited to share a simple but delicious meal.
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir is a modern Hindu temple that should not be missed. It is situated west of Connaught Place on Mandir Marg and is absolutely stunning with its white, cream and red brick domes. The prosperous Birlas family commissioned its construction and is dedicated the the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, and her consort Narayana (aka Vishnu), the preserver of life. You will hear the most beautiful devotional music throughout the temple and the Hindu scriptures are translated into English.
Another wonderful highlight of the city is Diwan-i-Khas, known as the Hall of Private Audience. It can be found north of Kas Mahal and is the place where the emperor would speak to the elite members of his court. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the Rang Mahal (the Palace of Colour) with a stunning marble pavilion with graceful arches and exquisite embellishments. There is an inscription that can still be read, which translates as “If there be paradise upon this earthly sphere/ It is here, oh it is here”.
Delhi has a wonderful array of restaurants and food markets, designed for everyone’s individual wallets. Most restaurants will close their doors around 11pm but those who have bars will stay open much later. However, there are 24/7 coffee shops or restaurants in high quality hotels that can cater for anyone’s needs.
If you are a lover of shopping, then Delhi is the place for you. The Sundar Nagar Market near Purana Qila is the place to shop for antiques, art and jewellery; Hauz Khas Village has some wonderful galleries and shops dedicated to art and antiques. However, please be aware that you are not allowed to take art objects out of the country if they are more than 100 years old.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Travel Destinations: Tianshui, Gansu Province, China
Within the eastern region of Gansu Province you will find some of the most beautiful area of China. You will find tampered earth houses, terraced wheat fields and lush green forested hills. You will also find what remains of the once well travelled Silk Road.
Tianshiu is home to 400,000 people and one of those places in china that has an incredibly long history – it is, in fact, located near one of the ‘cradles’ of Chinese civilization and the people here are very proud of the heritage. The town is famous for the nearby Maiji Shan Buddhist caves and the Fu Xi Temple.
In addition to this, Tianshui is the perfect place to stop in Gansu and relax before continuing on if following in the footsteps of the ancient traders who walked the Silk Road route.
So, what can you see and do here?
Fu Xi Temple is one of the key attractions here. It was originally constructed in 1483 and the main hall is simply stunning. It is one of the most elaborately decorated main halls in Gansu with its gorgeous wooden carved door panels as well as the beautiful original paintings of the 64 hexagrams located on the ceiling.
Fu Xi is the originator of the Chinese people and some say a Chenji (modern day Tianshui) local, who taught the Chinese people the art of hunting, eight trigrams and how to domesticate animals.
Jade Spring Temple is another place to visit. It is located on the top of the hill above Qincheng. It has a weather beaten look to it due to its age but it is still a nice place to go and see.
Maiji Shan is the main reason that visitors come here. The grottos here are one of the largest group temples in the country. The caves rise out from the lush green landscape to awe the visitors who approach.
The grottos are full of statues and other carvings which date to the Norther Wei and Zhou dynasties and were continually added to throughout the succeeding periods.
There are so many things to see here; the Sui dynasty trinity of Buddha and Bodhisattvas in cave 13 are the highlight here but you shouldn’t miss out on seeing Cave 17 with its excellent protective guardian statues.
A trip to Water Curtain Caves is the image of China that you dream about. 17km from Luomen, you see sandstone dooms dominating verdant canyon walls with Buddhist and Daoist temples hidden within. The key site here is Lashoa Si, where the 31m high painted image of the Buddha sits cross legged on a throne made of the petals of lotus flowers, lions, elephants and deer.
There are so many other things to see here; take a trip to Tianshiu and explore them for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
Tianshiu is home to 400,000 people and one of those places in china that has an incredibly long history – it is, in fact, located near one of the ‘cradles’ of Chinese civilization and the people here are very proud of the heritage. The town is famous for the nearby Maiji Shan Buddhist caves and the Fu Xi Temple.
In addition to this, Tianshui is the perfect place to stop in Gansu and relax before continuing on if following in the footsteps of the ancient traders who walked the Silk Road route.
So, what can you see and do here?
Fu Xi Temple is one of the key attractions here. It was originally constructed in 1483 and the main hall is simply stunning. It is one of the most elaborately decorated main halls in Gansu with its gorgeous wooden carved door panels as well as the beautiful original paintings of the 64 hexagrams located on the ceiling.
Fu Xi is the originator of the Chinese people and some say a Chenji (modern day Tianshui) local, who taught the Chinese people the art of hunting, eight trigrams and how to domesticate animals.
Jade Spring Temple is another place to visit. It is located on the top of the hill above Qincheng. It has a weather beaten look to it due to its age but it is still a nice place to go and see.
Maiji Shan is the main reason that visitors come here. The grottos here are one of the largest group temples in the country. The caves rise out from the lush green landscape to awe the visitors who approach.
The grottos are full of statues and other carvings which date to the Norther Wei and Zhou dynasties and were continually added to throughout the succeeding periods.
There are so many things to see here; the Sui dynasty trinity of Buddha and Bodhisattvas in cave 13 are the highlight here but you shouldn’t miss out on seeing Cave 17 with its excellent protective guardian statues.
A trip to Water Curtain Caves is the image of China that you dream about. 17km from Luomen, you see sandstone dooms dominating verdant canyon walls with Buddhist and Daoist temples hidden within. The key site here is Lashoa Si, where the 31m high painted image of the Buddha sits cross legged on a throne made of the petals of lotus flowers, lions, elephants and deer.
There are so many other things to see here; take a trip to Tianshiu and explore them for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Travel Destinations: Bjelovar, Croatia
In Croatia, you will find hidden gems of unsurpassed beauty, amazing historical sites and interesting cultural attractions. The town of Bjelovar, located 74km (46 miles) east of Zagred, the capital, is well worth the detour as you make your way towards Osijek.
Bjelovar has a long and interesting history. In the 15th century, it was mentioned as a settlement and you can still see the history as you approach her. One of the loveliest town centres in Croatia is here, known as the Trg Eugenia Kvaternika. Before it was built up, the town centre was once just pasture of livestock. Today, it has lovingly laid flowerbeds, pine trees and a quaint bandstand, all surrounded by four statues of different saints which were created in the 1770s. In addition to this, it is a memorial to over 100 Slavonian residents who died in the Yugoslav war.
The best time to wander here is in the morning as Croatia’s largest and busiest outdoor markets, Setaliste Dr. Ives Lebovica, gets in full swing. You will find rows and rows of stalls selling fruit, vegetables and beautiful flowers.
Another great attraction to visit is the Crvka svetog Terezija Avilske (Church of Saint Theresa of Avila). This stunning church was built in 1772 and can be found on the south side of the main square. The baroque façade is yellow with age and is a fusion of different architectural periods and has several false white columns and volutes (spirals) attached to it. It is simply charming in appearance and a good location to take some photographs.
There are several festivals that are held each year in Bjelovar. In June, the town holds the annual Terezijana Theresa’s Days. They townspeople put on a stage production of Maria Theresa’s visit as well as other stage and musical productions.
Bjelovar has few cultural attractions to visit in town. However, if you go outside town, you will find some interesting places to visit. About 40km (25 miles) southeast of Bjelovar is the town Daruvar which the Romans called Aquae Balissae. It is one of the loveliest places in Croatia to relax and soak in the atmosphere. The main attraction to visit here is the spa, Daruvarske Toplice, which was built between 1810 and 1818. It was built on the foundations of the ancient baths the Romans established centuries ago. It is said that the warm waters here are good for treating different types of ailments.
Bjelovar has a long and interesting history. In the 15th century, it was mentioned as a settlement and you can still see the history as you approach her. One of the loveliest town centres in Croatia is here, known as the Trg Eugenia Kvaternika. Before it was built up, the town centre was once just pasture of livestock. Today, it has lovingly laid flowerbeds, pine trees and a quaint bandstand, all surrounded by four statues of different saints which were created in the 1770s. In addition to this, it is a memorial to over 100 Slavonian residents who died in the Yugoslav war.
The best time to wander here is in the morning as Croatia’s largest and busiest outdoor markets, Setaliste Dr. Ives Lebovica, gets in full swing. You will find rows and rows of stalls selling fruit, vegetables and beautiful flowers.
Another great attraction to visit is the Crvka svetog Terezija Avilske (Church of Saint Theresa of Avila). This stunning church was built in 1772 and can be found on the south side of the main square. The baroque façade is yellow with age and is a fusion of different architectural periods and has several false white columns and volutes (spirals) attached to it. It is simply charming in appearance and a good location to take some photographs.
There are several festivals that are held each year in Bjelovar. In June, the town holds the annual Terezijana Theresa’s Days. They townspeople put on a stage production of Maria Theresa’s visit as well as other stage and musical productions.
Bjelovar has few cultural attractions to visit in town. However, if you go outside town, you will find some interesting places to visit. About 40km (25 miles) southeast of Bjelovar is the town Daruvar which the Romans called Aquae Balissae. It is one of the loveliest places in Croatia to relax and soak in the atmosphere. The main attraction to visit here is the spa, Daruvarske Toplice, which was built between 1810 and 1818. It was built on the foundations of the ancient baths the Romans established centuries ago. It is said that the warm waters here are good for treating different types of ailments.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Travel Destinations: Ji’an, Jilian Province, China
Ji’an is a small city in Jilian Province, home to around 240,000 people. Although a small city, it has a big history; it was once part of the great Korean Koguryo (Gaogouli) kingdom. This Korean dynasty ruled not only the Korean peninsula but parts of northern China from 37 BCE to 668 CE.
In 2004, UNESCO declared this area a World Heritage Site for its amazing Koguryo tombs, ruins and pyramids. Archaeologists have found a wealth of ancient remains in the area surrounding Ji’an including three ancient cities, 40 tombs and the amazing ancient town of Huanren in Liaoning Province.
If you are in love with ancient history, you will never want to leave Ji’an. Start with the General’s Tomb; one of the largest pyramid structures in the area, the General’s Tomb (Jiangjunfen) is a 12m tall pyramid-like structure that was built in the fourth century CE for a Koguryo ruler. Nearby is the smaller tomb for his wife. The tombs lie about 4km northwest of the city, nestled in the hills.
Ji’an Museum is a great place to soak up the history of the region. Although small, this modern museum (Ji’an Bowuguan) showcases some spectacular examples of pottery, jewellery, coffin nails and weapons from the Kouryo kingdom. It costs only five Yuan (RMB) to get and you will find it on the north side of town.
Haotaiwang Stele is another great place to visit. This six meter tall stone slab is inscribed with some 1,175 Chinese characters, recording the accomplishments of the Koguryo king Tan De (374 – 412 CE) who is known as Haotaiwang. The inscriptions are a little faint today, but a photo exhibit shows them more clearly. Nearby is the king’s tomb. The stele is located northeast of town, not far from the General’s Tomb.
As Ji’an is situated near the North Korean border, you can sample Korean or Korean-influence cuisine. The restaurant Xingang Shuishang Canting (which means ‘New Harbour Floating Restaurant’) is situated right on the river, serves delicious dishes and the tables face North Korea.
You can get here by a number of different ways; There is a long-distance bus station located in the west of Ji’an. It takes about two hours to get to and from Tonghua, six hours to Dandong, eight hours to Shenyang and four hours to Huanren.
The train station (Yanjiang Lu) can be found in the northeast part of town.
There are two slow trains which travel to and from Tonghua daily.
In 2004, UNESCO declared this area a World Heritage Site for its amazing Koguryo tombs, ruins and pyramids. Archaeologists have found a wealth of ancient remains in the area surrounding Ji’an including three ancient cities, 40 tombs and the amazing ancient town of Huanren in Liaoning Province.
If you are in love with ancient history, you will never want to leave Ji’an. Start with the General’s Tomb; one of the largest pyramid structures in the area, the General’s Tomb (Jiangjunfen) is a 12m tall pyramid-like structure that was built in the fourth century CE for a Koguryo ruler. Nearby is the smaller tomb for his wife. The tombs lie about 4km northwest of the city, nestled in the hills.
Ji’an Museum is a great place to soak up the history of the region. Although small, this modern museum (Ji’an Bowuguan) showcases some spectacular examples of pottery, jewellery, coffin nails and weapons from the Kouryo kingdom. It costs only five Yuan (RMB) to get and you will find it on the north side of town.
Haotaiwang Stele is another great place to visit. This six meter tall stone slab is inscribed with some 1,175 Chinese characters, recording the accomplishments of the Koguryo king Tan De (374 – 412 CE) who is known as Haotaiwang. The inscriptions are a little faint today, but a photo exhibit shows them more clearly. Nearby is the king’s tomb. The stele is located northeast of town, not far from the General’s Tomb.
As Ji’an is situated near the North Korean border, you can sample Korean or Korean-influence cuisine. The restaurant Xingang Shuishang Canting (which means ‘New Harbour Floating Restaurant’) is situated right on the river, serves delicious dishes and the tables face North Korea.
You can get here by a number of different ways; There is a long-distance bus station located in the west of Ji’an. It takes about two hours to get to and from Tonghua, six hours to Dandong, eight hours to Shenyang and four hours to Huanren.
The train station (Yanjiang Lu) can be found in the northeast part of town.
There are two slow trains which travel to and from Tonghua daily.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Best Hotels in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the world despite being a busy city. It seems to be a blend of east and west – exotic yet familiar at the same time. She owes much of her unique character due to her Sino-British history but within the last ten years, she has really come into her own.
Hong Kong is known for its amazing shopping opportunities, from modern malls to wonderfully unique flea markets. She has over 10,000 restaurants and some beautiful hiking trails. One feature that she can boast of is her wonderful range of hotels.
If you are looking for luxury for your visit, why not book a room at The Peninsular Five Star Hotel (http://www.peninsula.com/Penin sula_Hotels/en/default.aspx#/H ong_Kong/en/). Established in 1928, this hotel has been claimed as one of the finest hotels in Hong Kong. She has a wide range of rooms, each with their own price tag.
Rooms here are spacious with high ceilings and still retain their original character whilst suitable for the 21st century. One of the best rooms is the Grand Deluxe Harbour View Suite; situated on the corner, these penthouse suites give you incredible views of Victoria Harbour through the enormous windows.
The Peninsular Five Star Hotel boasts four amazing restaurants. These all have high quality reviews and give you a taste of Hong Kong’s culinary heritage.
The Mandarin Oriental is one of the best hotels to stay in when visiting Hong Kong. Overlooking the harbour, she stands as one of the leading hotels on the island since her opening in 1963 (http://www.mandarinoriental.co m/hongkong/).
The rooms at the Mandarin Oriental are sumptuous and luxurious – once you walk into them, you will not want to leave! The hotel can offer you a range of suites, from small ‘study’ rooms to standard rooms, from studio suites to the famous Mandarin Suite. Situated at the very top of the hotel, the Macau Suite and Tamar Suite are the height of luxury with the most spectacular views of Hong Kong. At night, these are simply too amazing for words.
The Mandarin Oriental can boast some fabulous restaurants; the food she offers is simply delicious. For when you want to relax, treat yourself to a visit to her wonderful spa. The Forbes Travel Guide gave her five gold stars, one of the very few hotels around the world to be awarded this.
The Four Seasons Hotel (http://www.fourseasons.com/hon gkong/) is another hotel that has great reviews. Overlooking the beautiful Victoria Harbour and the financial district, she is a popular choice for those wanting luxury and quality.
She gives you a choice of 399 rooms, including 54 suites. As her rooms give you wall to wall windows, you can be captivated by the impressive views of this beautiful city. A blend of eastern and western designs, the rooms are luxurious and contemporary with all the amenities you could ask for.
The Caprice Restaurant within the Four Seasons Hotel has an open kitchen, so that you can watch the chefs at work – they even put on a show for you. She is one of only two restaurants in Hong Kong to be awarded the prestigious Michelin stars, emphasizing the quality and scrumptiousness of her menu.
Hong Kong is known for its amazing shopping opportunities, from modern malls to wonderfully unique flea markets. She has over 10,000 restaurants and some beautiful hiking trails. One feature that she can boast of is her wonderful range of hotels.
If you are looking for luxury for your visit, why not book a room at The Peninsular Five Star Hotel (http://www.peninsula.com/Penin sula_Hotels/en/default.aspx#/H ong_Kong/en/). Established in 1928, this hotel has been claimed as one of the finest hotels in Hong Kong. She has a wide range of rooms, each with their own price tag.
Rooms here are spacious with high ceilings and still retain their original character whilst suitable for the 21st century. One of the best rooms is the Grand Deluxe Harbour View Suite; situated on the corner, these penthouse suites give you incredible views of Victoria Harbour through the enormous windows.
The Peninsular Five Star Hotel boasts four amazing restaurants. These all have high quality reviews and give you a taste of Hong Kong’s culinary heritage.
The Mandarin Oriental is one of the best hotels to stay in when visiting Hong Kong. Overlooking the harbour, she stands as one of the leading hotels on the island since her opening in 1963 (http://www.mandarinoriental.co m/hongkong/).
The rooms at the Mandarin Oriental are sumptuous and luxurious – once you walk into them, you will not want to leave! The hotel can offer you a range of suites, from small ‘study’ rooms to standard rooms, from studio suites to the famous Mandarin Suite. Situated at the very top of the hotel, the Macau Suite and Tamar Suite are the height of luxury with the most spectacular views of Hong Kong. At night, these are simply too amazing for words.
The Mandarin Oriental can boast some fabulous restaurants; the food she offers is simply delicious. For when you want to relax, treat yourself to a visit to her wonderful spa. The Forbes Travel Guide gave her five gold stars, one of the very few hotels around the world to be awarded this.
The Four Seasons Hotel (http://www.fourseasons.com/hon gkong/) is another hotel that has great reviews. Overlooking the beautiful Victoria Harbour and the financial district, she is a popular choice for those wanting luxury and quality.
She gives you a choice of 399 rooms, including 54 suites. As her rooms give you wall to wall windows, you can be captivated by the impressive views of this beautiful city. A blend of eastern and western designs, the rooms are luxurious and contemporary with all the amenities you could ask for.
The Caprice Restaurant within the Four Seasons Hotel has an open kitchen, so that you can watch the chefs at work – they even put on a show for you. She is one of only two restaurants in Hong Kong to be awarded the prestigious Michelin stars, emphasizing the quality and scrumptiousness of her menu.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Travel Destinations: Busan, South Korea
Busan has a truly cosmopolitan feel to it when one enters this vibrant city. Famous for Busan its raw fish and harsh dialect, underneath the gloomy landscape, the city is filled with wonderfully friendly people.
Busan is an expansive coastal city, tucked away in the south-eastern tip of the peninsular. Gimhe International Airport is 27km west of the city centre and beautiful agricultural and fishing communities surround it.
When travelling to Busan, the wonderful Beomeosa temple is the first port of call. Founded in 678 CE, the structures constructed around it have all been rebuilt over the years. Despite it being located in the bustling city, the temple makes the traveller feel as though they have been transported to a magical and faraway land. The beautiful temple is set against a magnificent mountainous background.
This is a busy attraction; not only does it draw visitors to its bosom, but the temple is also a starting point for hiking trails across Geumjeong Mountains.
When travelling across Geumjeong Mountains, one would expect to see a fortress when going to visit Geumjeon Fortress. However, Geumjeon Fortress is a long stone wall with four gates. It is a trail marker but do not despair – when you reach Geumjeon Fortress you will be rewarded with some of the most amazing views when hiking.
Hikers generally start at the northern end of the trail, starting with an easy-going climb on the left side of the Beomeosa temple. Hiking along this trail will bring you to the North Gate, then an 8.8km hike to the South Gate. Signs are mostly painted in Korean, but there are some English ones as well.
If hiking is not your thing, the best route is by cable car which you can board at the southern base of the mountain. Riding the cable car allows you to soak in the magnificent views of the city. Once the cable car has stopped, it is only a 10 minute walk to the South Gate.
Seokbulsa temple is another wonderful attraction to visit. It is a hermitage that was carved into rock. Two gigantic boulders measuring 40m in height, rise from out of the mountainside. Together, they create a U shaped enclave which is now a place of worship. Images of the Buddha have been carefully carved into the stone making it visually and spiritually powerful.
This is a wonderful place to reach if you are up for a challenge and like to explore nooks and crannies. To reach it via the challenging route, from the South Gate follow the path until it stops at a volleyball court in Nanman Village. Pick up the trail from the other side. After 500m down, you will find a sign – turn right, walk down the steep hill until you reach another sign pointing the way. After a 600m uphill walk, you have reached the temple.
Beaches are a wonderful place to unwind after all that hiking and exploring. He-undae is the most famous beach in the area. It is a place that is filled with umbrellas in the summer as people relax with family and friends. To get here, take Line 2 to Hae-undae station, Exit 3 and then walk to the beach.
There are other great locations for the traveller to visit. Yongdusan Park is another. In the middle of this beautiful park, stands Busan Tower, 118m high.
Jagalchi Fish Market is a great place if you are a lover of seafood. The smell is strong, so you better love the scent of sea creatures! It is South Korea’s largest fish market and you can see everyone selling a variety of fresh seafood. In addition to this, sailors will also offer you a 20 minute boat trip around the harbour.
Busan is home to a variety of museums and exhibitions, offering you a great chance to get a real feel and insight into the people, the culture and the history of this wonderful country. The Busan Metropolitan Art Museum can be found when you take Line 2 to the Metro Art Museum, Exit 3.
If you have a love of aquariums, the Busan Aquarium in Hae-undae holds a shark diving class to visitors.
If you visit Busan in August, you might catch some local festivals. Busan Sea Festival and Busan International Rock Festival are held on the beaches. Sometime between September and October the Pusan International Film Festival is the most important festival held in the city. It first premiered in 1996 and screens movies from numerous countries.
Busan has various different hotels and restaurants to cater to everyone’s individual budget. If you need hostels, middle of the rangel hotels or something with a little luxury, Busan can give you what you need. You will find that the food in Busan is raw, salty and spicy and offers a wide range of fresh seafood.
Busan is a wonderful place to visit when exploring South Korea. It is home to some of the friendliest and unique people, home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural beauty spots and glorious historical sites.
Busan is an expansive coastal city, tucked away in the south-eastern tip of the peninsular. Gimhe International Airport is 27km west of the city centre and beautiful agricultural and fishing communities surround it.
When travelling to Busan, the wonderful Beomeosa temple is the first port of call. Founded in 678 CE, the structures constructed around it have all been rebuilt over the years. Despite it being located in the bustling city, the temple makes the traveller feel as though they have been transported to a magical and faraway land. The beautiful temple is set against a magnificent mountainous background.
This is a busy attraction; not only does it draw visitors to its bosom, but the temple is also a starting point for hiking trails across Geumjeong Mountains.
When travelling across Geumjeong Mountains, one would expect to see a fortress when going to visit Geumjeon Fortress. However, Geumjeon Fortress is a long stone wall with four gates. It is a trail marker but do not despair – when you reach Geumjeon Fortress you will be rewarded with some of the most amazing views when hiking.
Hikers generally start at the northern end of the trail, starting with an easy-going climb on the left side of the Beomeosa temple. Hiking along this trail will bring you to the North Gate, then an 8.8km hike to the South Gate. Signs are mostly painted in Korean, but there are some English ones as well.
If hiking is not your thing, the best route is by cable car which you can board at the southern base of the mountain. Riding the cable car allows you to soak in the magnificent views of the city. Once the cable car has stopped, it is only a 10 minute walk to the South Gate.
Seokbulsa temple is another wonderful attraction to visit. It is a hermitage that was carved into rock. Two gigantic boulders measuring 40m in height, rise from out of the mountainside. Together, they create a U shaped enclave which is now a place of worship. Images of the Buddha have been carefully carved into the stone making it visually and spiritually powerful.
This is a wonderful place to reach if you are up for a challenge and like to explore nooks and crannies. To reach it via the challenging route, from the South Gate follow the path until it stops at a volleyball court in Nanman Village. Pick up the trail from the other side. After 500m down, you will find a sign – turn right, walk down the steep hill until you reach another sign pointing the way. After a 600m uphill walk, you have reached the temple.
Beaches are a wonderful place to unwind after all that hiking and exploring. He-undae is the most famous beach in the area. It is a place that is filled with umbrellas in the summer as people relax with family and friends. To get here, take Line 2 to Hae-undae station, Exit 3 and then walk to the beach.
There are other great locations for the traveller to visit. Yongdusan Park is another. In the middle of this beautiful park, stands Busan Tower, 118m high.
Jagalchi Fish Market is a great place if you are a lover of seafood. The smell is strong, so you better love the scent of sea creatures! It is South Korea’s largest fish market and you can see everyone selling a variety of fresh seafood. In addition to this, sailors will also offer you a 20 minute boat trip around the harbour.
Busan is home to a variety of museums and exhibitions, offering you a great chance to get a real feel and insight into the people, the culture and the history of this wonderful country. The Busan Metropolitan Art Museum can be found when you take Line 2 to the Metro Art Museum, Exit 3.
If you have a love of aquariums, the Busan Aquarium in Hae-undae holds a shark diving class to visitors.
If you visit Busan in August, you might catch some local festivals. Busan Sea Festival and Busan International Rock Festival are held on the beaches. Sometime between September and October the Pusan International Film Festival is the most important festival held in the city. It first premiered in 1996 and screens movies from numerous countries.
Busan has various different hotels and restaurants to cater to everyone’s individual budget. If you need hostels, middle of the rangel hotels or something with a little luxury, Busan can give you what you need. You will find that the food in Busan is raw, salty and spicy and offers a wide range of fresh seafood.
Busan is a wonderful place to visit when exploring South Korea. It is home to some of the friendliest and unique people, home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural beauty spots and glorious historical sites.
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