South Korea

Haeinsa Temple

The Haeinsa Temple or “Temple of Reflection on a Smooth Sea” also belongs to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is one of the more important temples in Korea as it houses the historical Tripitaka Koreana – Buddhist scriptures that are carved into approximately 81,258 printing blocks. Those blocks have stayed in the Haeinsa Temple since 1398.
The construction of this temple has 2 legends. The first one mentions that Haeinsa was built in gratitude of Buddha’s mercy after two monks have successfully cured King Aejang’s wife.
The second legend by Choe Chi – Won accounts that the same monks have won the support of a wealthy dowager who converted her religion to Buddhism.
Just like other important structures in Korea, this temple has survived several political revolts and arsons. In fact, the structure that we see now is a result of no less than eight major reconstructions and renovations. This temple is located on the Gaya Mountain, south of the Gyeongsang Province.
Places to See:
1. Janggyeong Panjeon (also known as National Treasure Number 52)
This is the oldest part of the temple that holds one of Korea’s national treasures – the Tripitaka Koreana. Given the fact that this structure is mostly made of wood, it has miraculously survived fires and bombings during the Japanese and Korean Wars.
This storage facility is also one of the reasons why UNESCO included the temple in the list of World Heritage Sites. Its architects have found natural and ingenious ways to preserve the wooden blocks.
2. Daejeokkwangjeon (also known as the Hall of Great Silence)
This hall is special because it is mainly dedicated to Vairocana – the Buddha that is the embodiment of Dharmakaya who is one of the forming parts of the Trikaya doctrine.
Hourly tours are given to locals and foreigners who are interested to see the place. These can be arranged by contacting travel agencies that are locally based. Some of the guests are also given the option to stay overnight and appreciate the tranquility of the place at a meager rate. The stay is best recommended for people who wish to meditate and stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city even for just one night.

Mt. Sorak

Mt. Sorak is the tallest mountain in the Taebaek Mountain range. It approximately takes a 15–minute drive from Seokcho City to reach the main entrance of the National Park. After the short drive, be ready to stretch your legs as they will become your main means of getting inside the facility.

Places to See
1. Yukdam and Biryeong Waterfalls located on the left side of the valley, these are two of the many breath taking sights that can be reached by walking approximately 40 minutes from the car park.
2. If you are up to more challenge, the view to look for next is the rock formation called “Ulsanbawi.” To see this, you have to climb 888 manmade steps up the mountain. The trek may feel like hell to your feet, but it may all be worth it. This is because on the way there, you will be able to pass interesting by two small temples and one more rock formation that the locals call Heundeulbawi. The Heundeulbawi is a 16–foot spherical rock that is mounted on another boulder.
3. Had enough? If you have not, there are two more things that you need to see: the Biseondae (a rock platform in a stream) and the Valley of a Thousand Buddhas. To reach both, you would have to walk a difficult trail towards the end of the Sorak Valley.
Best Time to Visit
According to locals, the best time to visit the place is during the autumn season. The view of the falling leaves and the colors that it brings with it is just absolutely stunning. The lack of rain during this season also guarantees a safer hike on the way to destinations.

What to Wear and Bring
Since you will be doing a lot of hiking and in turn sweating, it will be best for you to wear jogging pants, a light shirt and a jacket to serve as your protection from the sun, cold and insects. In terms of things to bring, you can put a change of shirt in your backpack, some energy bars and enough water supplies for hydration.

Sokkuram at Bulguksa Temple

If you were someone who knows South Korea by heart, then you would know that there are hundreds of Buddhist temples that are scattered all around the country. But despite their huge number, only a few only manage to stand out, one of which is the Bulguksa.
The Bulguksa Temple is special because it houses seven of South Korea’s national treasures, one of which is the 24th treasure called the Sokkuram (sometimes spelled as Seokguram). UNESCO recognized both structures in 1962 by adding them to the List of World Heritage Sites.
Here are more interesting information that you may want to discover about Sokkuram.
• It has been said that the original Sokkuram was commissioned by King Gyeongdeok of the Unified Silla (the conglomeration three main Kingdoms of Korea) in 742. Rumors say that the design was greatly influenced by several religious structures in India.
• This grotto depicts the image of Buddha that is constructed to symbolize the spiritual journey towards the Buddhist heaven called Nirvana.
• The structure is situated at the foot of Mt. Tohamsan, which is a sacred mountain to the Silla. Back then, pilgrims and other monks from all sides of the world frequented it.
• The inside of the grotto is composed of an antechamber and a rotunda that represented earth and heaven respectively. In the middle of the structure is a Buddha sculpture whose identity is still debated.
• Several depictions of Indian gods and goddesses and a few more symbolical figurines surround the Buddha. These figurines were said to represent Buddhist principles and teachings.
• After several failed restorations, political and religious battles, President Park Chung Hee finally ordered the restoration of the historical site during the 1960’s. Today, the structure is again open to be admired and studied by the public. One of the more important additions during the recent restoration is the glass panel that protects the antechamber from the harsh elements of weather.
Given those facts and its significance in Korea’s culture, perhaps it is safe to say that the Sokkuram is indeed one of the most important religious destinations of South Korea.

Pulguksa Temple

One of the more important places of worship in Korea is the Pulguksa Temple (Bulguksa). This site is special because it houses seven of the following national treasures of South Korea:
1. Treasures Number 20 and 21
These are Dabotap and Seokgatap respectively. The Dabotap is said to be 10.4 meters tall and it was built during the year 751. This structure is special because the architecture of this stone pagoda is unlike any that is seen in any other Buddhist countries of its time.
Directly across the Dabotap is another pagoda called the Seokgatap. It is a structure that stands approximately 8.2 meters high. Compared to its counterpart, the Seokgatap is simpler and basic that emphasized the combination of three aesthetic elements namely: balance, stability and symmetry.
2. Treasure Number 22
The Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo are considered to be South Korea’s national treasure number 22. These two bridges rise into a 45–degree incline and lead to the Anyangmun (Peace Enhancing Gate) and Geuknakjeon (Hall of Pure Land) respectively.
3. Treasure Number 23
Like the previous treasure, number 23 is also a pair of bridges called Cheongungyo and Baegungyo, (Blue and White Cloud Bridge respectively). The steps of the two bridges combined are said to represent the 33 heavens of Buddhism.
4. Treasure Number 26
Number 26 is a seated Buddha statue that depicts Vairocana embodiment of the Buddhist concept of emptiness. This statue is 1.77 meters in height and is made of gilt–bronze material.
5. Treasure Number 27
Like number 26, the 27th national treasure is also another gilt–bronze Buddha, this time a depiction of the Amitabha Buddha.
6. Treasure Number 61
The sarira pagoda is known to be 61st treasure of South Korea. Situated on the front garden of Pulguksa, the sarira is often mistaken to be a stone lantern. This sarira is significant in the country’s history, as it is known to hold the remains of royalty and significant priests as well. Although it cannot be confirmed, rumor has it that the sarira displayed in Pulguksa, contains the remains of 8 queens and or priests.

Popchusa Temple

The Popchusa or Beopchusa Temple is one of the sights to visit in Korea as it is said to be the head temple of Jogye, the Order of Korean Buddhism. This temple is situated in the Boeun City in Chungcheongbuk do.
Built by the monk Uisin in the year 653, the structure was said to be dedicated to the Maitreya Buddhism a worship of a future Buddha who is awaited in the modern wall. During the Goryeo Dynasty, it played home to some 3,000 Buddhist monks. Its decline started in the Joseon dynasty when the rulers withdrew support from the religion.
Important sites to see:
1. Palsangjeon a wooden pagoda that was torched during the Imjin Invasion. To those who may not be familiar with it, Imjin is the collective term the locals use to refer to the Japanese invasion that lasted from 1592 to 1598.
Here is another cool trivia. Did you know that Bruce Lee originally chose the pagoda to be the location set of the movie “Game of Death”? He chose this because he wanted to use the five floors of the pagoda to represent the five types of martial arts. Unfortunately, he died before the film was even completed. Since the screenplay was changed after Bruce Lee’s death, the scene in the pagoda was edited out.
2. Another structure to visit is the Golden Maitreya statue that is approximately 33 meters tall. This is a recent addition as it was only completed last 1990. It was meant to replace an old and unsteady concrete structure.
The tall statue is originally made of bronze, but this was later on covered with gold leaf and powder.
3. The original 2.7 meter pot is another important sight to see. It was said that this same pot was used to cook approximately 80 sacks of rice that were enough to feed the 3,000 monks and some pilgrims.
4. The Daeungjeon Hall, this is known to house one of the largest Buddha Halls in the country. The statues found in this hall depict the three deities namely Vairocana, Sakyamuni, and Rochana.

Korean Desserts

To the Westerners, desserts usually conclude a meal, the last bit of greatest sweet satisfaction, be it a slice of cake, ice cream, cookies or pies. On the other hand, the Koreans perceive dessert as a part of their tradition and for the most part comprise mainly of a couple slices of fruits. For instance, a Korean dessert could be an Asian pear, watermelon, a mandarin orange, or probably a somewhat sweet beverage such as sujunggwa, which is a juice of persimmon and cinnamon.
Other delicious desserts are sweet teas; also made of fruits and sweetened honey. Mee-shil cha is composed of apricots. Mo-gwa cha, which is made with a quince and the honey teas such as ggool tae chu cha and ggool cha. Korean desserts may also include some nibbly-snack like such as narungji, which is the term used to refer to a sheet of crispy, unsalted rich layer derived from the bottom of a rice cooker. Korean desserts are not meant to overcome a meal and are often very light.
Korean desserts can also be very sweet. They may include cookies, rice cakes, ice creams as well as some sweet pastries. Songpyeon, a famous rice cake is served during a festival at autumn called Chuseok. This rice cake is decorated with seeds and nuts. Another rice cake called Ddok, which is typically formed into different sizes and shapes and are also soft and chewy. Other common desserts in Korea are rolls such as ho-ddok, which comes with a cinnamon and honey filling on the inside. Pot-bingsu is the Korean version of the ice cream, which is made of mainly sugar sauce, red beans, crushed ices, and fruits. A dough composed of sweet red beans called boong-aw bbang is another popular dessert.
Unlike its Western counterparts which are eaten as a final heightened experience in taste, desserts from Korea are simple and soothing to the stomach.

Korean Cuisine

Korea is a country known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. Rarely does one hear of a country that has managed to preserve its root traditions and has successfully passed them down from generation to generation. Though beset with internal conflict, Korea has still managed to retain its long standing culinary traditions with few influences from other countries. In fact, Koreans can proudly say that their cuisine is distinctly their own and even include it as part of their national identity.
With very little outside influence, Korean cuisine has evolved from the dishes and techniques of the common populace as well as from that of the royal palace. This can be seen in the choice of ingredients, the method of preparation, and on how the dishes are served. Royal palace foods are known to be very elaborate and carefully prepared by women who are trained specifically for the task. There are different palace positions solely reserved for overseeing the different aspects of food procurement and preparation. The cuisines are varied and do not reflect seasonal changes, unlike those eaten by the peasants. Each of the cuisines of the eight provinces is represented in the meal, making for a huge feast. This grandiosity contrasts with the common man’s food, typically consisting of steamed rice, kimchi, and fish.
But whatever the differences are in royal and common food they share the basic characteristics of the abundant use of spices, the application of the process of fermentation, and the inclusion of a wide variety of side dishes. Spices are in the form of red peppers, garlic, onion, and a number of spice pastes that Koreans prepare themselves. Fermentation is a common process involved in food preparation especially in Korea’s popular side dish, kimchi, which is a common side dish made from cabbages, daikon, and a number of spices. The process of fermentation gives food a distinct taste and packs in nutrients that would otherwise be absent. This interplay of taste and nutrition can be best seen in the kimchi. Kimchi is a national dish and has also grown popular outside the country.

China

Pingyao Ancient City

Pingyao Ancient City gives you a taste of the old city life. Pingyao was recognized as the financial center of China of old. This ancient city is now known for its preserved city wall duly declared as heritage site by UNESCO.
As China’s old financial center, the city has more than 20 financial establishments carrying as much as half of the whole country’s wealth. Pingyao is famous for its agriculture and beef products up to this day. The city also produces cotton, lacquerware, and grains.
During the Ming Dynasty, the walls and architecture of this city enjoyed symmetrical design complemented by a well-planned layout of the city, streets, rooftops, and courtyards. Because of its symmetry, the site seemingly looks like a square city.
Until now, the city walls stand as it had when it was first erected in 1370 AD. The walls are complete with the equal intervals of watchtowers that are beneficial during war to avoid intruder attacks. In 2004, through the efforts of UNESCO, the walls were reconstructed and preservation methods were instituted.
Pingyao Ancient City walls have six barbican gates with 2 main entrance gates at the back and front seemingly following a turtle pattern (head and tail plus 4 legs). The walls are 12 meters high running a perimeter of 6000 m. A 4 m wide moat is found outside the city’s wall structures. It boasts of 72 watchtowers and approximately 3000 battlements.
Interesting tourist stops within the city include Rishengchang Bank (the primary bank in the 19th century), the Tian Ji Xiang Museum showing historical artifacts, and the Bell Tower exemplifying classic Northern Chinese Han architecture.
A visit to the Pingyao Ancient City will make you feel like you were living in the ancient early 19th century where battles are done through swords, arrows, and cannon balls.

The Stone Forest

Have you ever heard of a stone forest? Imagine entering a typical forest with gigantic trees stationed a meter away from each other. This time, picture the forest with high, irregularly shaped rocks with sharp pointed tips – that’s what a stone forest looks like.
The Chinese Stone Forest, located in Lunan Yu Autonomous County, is considered as the world’s most amazing calcareous relief for its vast array of karst formation. Karst is a terrain that forms through the disintegration of soft rocks like limestone. The formation of Karst in the area is responsible for the arrangement of several limestone rocks in a three hundred-square kilometer stretch of land. This area is crowded with huge and gigantic rocks that are about 30-40 meters or 100-133 feet tall. It was known to exist since 1368-1644 A.D. when the Ming Dynasty ruled China.
In 2005, the Chinese Stone Forest or Shilin in Chinese, was visited by over 2.2 million tourists from around the world. Its large-scale rock formation of different shapes and sizes continuously attracts both local and international visitors who enjoy natural beauty, and have a flair for rare destinations.
Visitors will have a great time exploring some of the rocks that were given names according to their appearance:
· The Great Mogul
· Mother and Son
· Teeth of the Dragon
· The Phoenix Bird
· Monkey on the Elephant Back
· Rhinoceroses Watching the Moon
Other stones look like mushrooms, towers, pyramids, columns, and other figures that resemble the things around us. Most of the rocks are surrounded by water, the reflections of these behemoths exude an eerie serenity. Some rocks have crumbled from its original state due to the earthquakes that devastated the area.
Shilin is divided into different sections according to their features. There is the Major, Minor, and Naigu Stone Forest that offers tourists the various rock formation that the place is known for. Then there’s subterranean section located in Zhiyun Cave. Zhiyun Cave shows the formation of cave in a Karst terrain. There’s also the Strange Wind Cave, the Penfeng Cave, Hongxi Spring, and an underground river. There is also a Karst lake named the Long Lake, which is three kilometers long and 300 meters wide.
The Stone Forest is just 85 kilometers from the Chinese city Kunming. The recommended time for visiting this place is 2-3 hours. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Huangshan Mountain Range

Visiting China is not complete without hiking the Huangshan Mountain Range. The magnificent and breathtaking views while trekking the mountain or riding a cable car will send your weary mind rest. You will also notice that the views you will be seeing are comparable to illustrations found on Chinese scrolls.
There are many ways to get to the mountain range. Two of the most popular ways are hiking and riding the cable cars. Although hiking the mountains may be strenuous, compared to riding a cable car, most visitors who are up for an adventure choose to hike along the footpaths.
When hiking, there are two trails: the eastern steps and the western steps. The eastern step is a much easier route with footpaths that guide you on your way up. The western steps, on the other hand, have a more rugged path yet it has the more scenic route. The peak circuit is where the two steps meet and it is shrouded in the clouds, which makes it more rewarding when reached.
During your upward trek, you will encounter different rock formations with different names based on what creature they resemble. Inscriptions on stones are common on the Huangshan Mountain Range most of these inscriptions date back centuries.
Though you might see many inscriptions and carvings, you are not allowed to write on the mountain range. Expect rainfall during spring and summer. Temperature changes rapidly in the mountain range, which is why it is advised to bring extra clothes. Use apparel according to the season and also bring extra money for souvenirs.

Labrang Monastery

The Labrang Monastery is known as one of six big monasteries of Gelugpa. Made of wood and stone, the Labrang monastery holds a great and admirable architectural influence that awes the visitor.
A structure at the foot of the Mt. Phoenix, the Labrang Monastery sits at the north western portion of Xiahe County in the Gannan Tibetan Nationality Autonomous Prefecture. The Labrang Monastery also provides a good view of the Dragon Mountain and stands by the Daxia River. The Phoenix and Dragon Mountains have been part of a well known legend including the Labrang Monastery.
The Labrang Monastery has a Tibetan influence. The two white towers of the Labrang Monastery located both in the northeast and northwestern parts of the monastery are symbols related to the whole structure.
The halls of the monastery are in a crescent shape. The Buddha halls and the Grand Sutra in the Labrang Monastery are located on the northwestern part which is centered on the grand Sutra Hall. The Grand Sutra Hall of the Labrang Monastery is the primary location for worship. Built in shrines and portraits of Buddha are placed on the walls and the walls are decorated elegantly.
There are more than a thousand Buddha statues made from different types of materials like gold and silver are present in the Labrang Monastery. There are also statues made from other materials like ivory and jade. All statues in the monastery have kind faces.
The Labrang Monastery possesses a lot of Buddhist treasures and Buddhist hats. Treasures decorated with emerald, jade, and other precious stones hold great value and are well treasured by the Buddhist monks.
Large summon ceremonies are also being held in the Labrang Monastery. Some of the grand ceremonies done annually are the Buddhist Doctrine Explaining Ritual done in the seventh month of the lunar calendar and the Summons Ceremony which is done during the first month of the lunar calendar.

Bund Riverfront

The Bund Riverfront is an attraction best viewed and visited in nice weather, daytime or nighttime. With over fifty tall buildings lit from 7:00pm to 11:00pm, nightlife in the Bund is something that you should experience while in Shanghai. Visiting the Bund riverfront during the daytime also holds a certain charm.
Walking along the Bund during the daytime, you will learn about China’s history and the development of the magnificent architecture in the past.
Most of the buildings in the Bund are for commercial purposes. National organizations, clubs, and restaurants call this home. Overall, there are ten different bank buildings along the Bund.
Two popular buildings found along the Bund are the peace hotel and the HSBC building, which is one of the most popular banks nowadays. The Bund stretches 1500 meters along the Huangpu River.
During the early mornings, tai chi enthusiasts gather around the Promenade to do their early morning exercises. Tourists are welcomed to learn and do tai chi themselves. Early to mid morning strolls along the Bund is suitable to those who don’t enjoy crowds.
Other attractions are also present along the Bund riverfront and most of them are part of Shanghai’s rich history. Some of these attractions include the Waibaidu Bridge, which is made of iron and was built in 1906. The bridge was recently repaired and reconstructed to accommodate an underground tunnel.
Most restaurants and commercial buildings are designed to overlook the river that holds a beauty during daytime and nighttime. Because the Bund riverfront is well known and is a primary commercial and business district, transportation is easy and accommodations are readily available.

Chengde Mountain Resort

Found in the Heibei, the Chengde Mountain Resort is a popular place to escape to during the grueling heat of summer. The area covered by the mountain resort is the entire half of the urban area of Chengde; the entire mountain resort took more than 80 years to complete under two emperors, Qian and Long.
The Chengde Mountain Resort is composed of beautiful palaces and gardens enclosed in a wall of rock 10 kilometers long and 13 meters wide. Seventy-two scenic spots found inside the mountain resorts were named by the emperors themselves and the designs were copied in other parts of Northern and Southern China.
The garden area of the mountain resort is made up of more than a hundred clustered buildings and seventy-two scenic trails composed of lakes, plains, and mountains. The garden area spans from the northwest to the southeast areas of the mountain resort.
The palaces are in a building complex. Overall, there are three different building complexes. The main palaces, the chambers, and the towers are all situated inside the building. The main hall called the Danpochinjeng Hall span 583 square meters. The Hall is also known as the ‘Namnu Hall’ since it was rebuilt during the Qianlong rule.
There are eight outer temples inside the mountain resort in the northeastern part of the walls. Mongolian, Tibetan, and Ugyur architectural influences can be seen.
Food is great in the Chengde Mountain Resort. Local delicacies are available in the resort and all of them are delicious. Rou Jia Mo, pork and cilantro stuffed inside a bread pocket, is one of the foods you will enjoy.

The Longmen Caves

The Longmen Caves or Longmen Grottoes depict Buddhist beliefs in a nature backdrop. One trip to this site will make you appreciate Chinese art of the Tang Dynasty.
If you are a fan of sculpting and Chinese art, this is the place for you. The Longmen strip is a heritage site with sacred sculptures of Buddhas, and other Chinese gods made just from pure limestone.
The Longmen caves is a collaboration of various dynasties including Northern Wei dynasty and Tang Dynasty. It consists of 1350 caves, 40 pagodas, and 750 niches. All of these caves contain sculptures counting up to 111,000 statues of holy men. You will notice the progression of art style throughout the tour, seeing the different interpretations of the consecutive dynasties.
The Datong art style is seen in the three Binyang caves. These caves have the earliest sculptures made by Northern Wei dynasty. The sculptures are generally observed to show Greek influences including longer faces, thin bodies, and fishtail wardrobe.
The Cave of Ten Thousand Buddhas (Wan Fo Dong) was built by Gao Zong in 680 AD with almost 15,000 Buddhas. The Lotus Flower cave (Lianhua) is attractive with a big lotus carved in its roof.
The Ancestor Worshipping Cave (Feng Xian Si) contains the most beautiful sculptures. The center sculpture of a Vairocana Buddha with a Bodhisativa on its left features intricately designed cave walls and Tang dynasty-inspired art.
There are other caves showcasing art like the oldest Guyang cave that holds sculptures with traces of the original paint, Medical Prescription Cave with the carvings of 575 cures of every illness, and the Tomb of Bai Juyi, a famous Tang dynasty poet.
The Longmen caves will leave you breathless.

Mount Everest, Highest Mountain in the World

Mount Everest is said to be the tallest mountain on Earth. It literally means the top or the head of the sky. Mount Everest touches the borders of China, Tibet, and Nepal and is a part of the Himalayan Range… Its total height above sea level is 29,029 ft. During 1856, the name of Mount Everest was Peak XV. Its official name was given by the Geographical Society.
Despite the fact it is the highest peak in the world, hikers from all over the world come and climb this mountain despite all difficulties. A whole team of climbers can help both armature and novice climbers climb the peak. If one follows the standard route to climb, it is quite safe to climb the mountains. However, the problem in the Himalayas are faced with bad weather, fast wind and low breathing that can happen due to high altitude.

Climbers must pay heavy amount of money to climb the mountain, which acts as a continuous source of income to Nepal. However, an equal amount has to be raised to get license and permit of $25,000 to climb the Mount Everest. Till 2007, 210 people have lost their lives while climbing Mount Everest due to high storm.
There are two main routes for climbing Mt. Everest. One is from the Southeast of Nepal and the other is from the North of Tibet. The most preferred route out of the two is the Southeast that starts from Nepal. The best time to start climbing is during May, before the summer monsoon, as the direction of the wind is quite favorable during that time.

West Lake in Hangzhou

West lake is located in Hangzhou, the most famous tourist venture spot in china and it is defined as China’s most elegant nature lake. West Lake is also defined as “Paradise on Earth”. It takes three and half hour’s drive from Shanghai to Hangzhou City. Hangzhou is the biggest tourism venture spot in the Yangtze Dynasty because of West Lake. It is the best place on earth to spend leisure time. West Lake also represents the beautiful legendary track of Chinese history, artistic work, culture and literature. It has a vast landscape of 5.6 square kilometers in an elliptical shape with attractive scenery shots. West lake is divided into different spectacular spots by Su Causeway, Bai Causeway and Yanggong Causeway.
Best Scenery Spots Of West Lake:
West Lake Spring Dawn at Su Causeway: Spring Dawn at Su Causeway is the spot visited the most at West Lake. The name Su Causeway was given in fond memory of Su Dong Po , the governor of Hangzhou. Su Causeway landscape is around three kilometers with all six arch bridges named as Ying Po, Wang Shan,Yia Ti, Dong Pu and Qua Hong. Each bridge has its own uniqueness in defining the nature beauty and also reveals the poetic feel of the nature to every visitor.
West Lake Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge: The broken bridge is located in the east of the Su Causeway. This is the most famous bridge among all the bridges in West Lake. This bridge was constructed during the Tang Dynasty and later reconstructed in 1921 by the Hangzhou city. This bridge is the most attractive spot to the tourists during snowing season, that’s why it is named as Lingering snow on Broken Bridge. These snowy days were very precious and most memorable days because snowing season in southern part of China doesn’t lasts for longer period.
The West Lake Breeze – ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Garden: Tourists will enjoy the joyful lotus blooming theme of summer vacation at Quyaun Garden. This West Lake breeze stands in the second position of the top ten scenes of the West Lake. Visitors enjoy the blossom summer breeze of lotus in the pools while relaxing. The bridges in the West Lake are surrounded by the lotus which reveals the beauty of the West Lake.
West Lake Leifing Pagodain Evening glow: Tourist will enjoy this beautiful scenic spot during sunset time as the pagoda looks in a spectacular elegant view with yellow shining glow. This Leifing pagoda was constructed with seven stories supported by pavilions and ladders. This pagoda resembles the Chinese architecture the scene is the most attractive spot in the West Lake for all the tourists.
Three Pools mirroring the moon in the West Lake: In West Lake, there are three small islands in which the biggest one is named as “Lesser Yingzhou”, this one is the famous and finest of the remaining two. The scenic view of these three islands and the lake brings the rhythm and beauty of the nature with “lake within the islands and islands within the lake”.
Fishing at Flower Harbor : Flower harbor is located close to the Su causeway. This harbor is comprised of Flower Garden, Red fish Pool,Peony Garden ,Widespread Woods and Lawns. Flower Harbor is the best place for refreshment of one’s mind. This Harbor is becoming famous for day-by-day because of its tourist attractions to the splendid decoration of numerous flowers, goldfish and trees.

Japan

     
                       
Japan is an island nation that is located in East Asia. Japan is sometimes known as “The Land of the Rising Sun” and even though its history goes back for thousands of years and they retain a lot of their ancient culture, they are also headliners in some of the most modern technology, fashions and trends.
The country is a very homogeneous one, meaning that almost 99 percent of the country is made up of only Japanese people. The people in this country are well known for their politeness, so if you find yourself lost or bewildered while visiting, you will probably find someone who is most willing to help you. If you do travel to Japan, a passport is almost always required, however you will probably not need a Visa if you are from one of the 62 countries that have agreements with Japan about travel in between countries.
Listed below are some of the top tourist attractions in Japan for sightseeing. Find information about Japanese famous landmarks and top tourist spots to visit. Plan your trip in advanced and enjoy your stay in Japan.

#source:http://famouswonders.com/asia/japan/

Asakusa Kannon Temple in Tokyo

Asakusa Kannon Temple, which is also known as “Sensoji” is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo. Sensoji was built in 645 A.D with the finest Japanese architecture. Asakusa is a famous district in Tokyo, Japan located in the center of Shitmachi which literally means “low town” or “low city”. Asakusa is very well known for various temples in which Asakusa Kannon Temple is the most famous and also the oldest temple of Tokyo.
According to the legends of Asakusa, two brothers fished the statue of Kannon (goddess of mercy) from the river Sumida. They tried to put the statue back into the river but fortunately the statue always returned to them. So they planned to build a temple which started in 628 A.D and finished its construction in 645 A.D.
The travelers initially enter through the “Kaminarimon” (thunder gate) which is the outer gate of “Asakusa Kannon Temple “or “Sensoji” and also the symbol of Asakusa. Then after the way leads to a shopping street of about 200 meters called Nakamise, giving a way to the second gate called “Hozomon”. The shopping street consists of various traditional garments popularly known as “Yukata”, local snacks, folding fans etc, which are said to be very unique and high in business. Beyond the second gate, “Hozomon” stands at the Sensoji temple main building with five stories tower with multiple eaves which is the most attractive part of the building.

Akashi Kaikyo Suspension Bridge

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, also called “Pearl Bridge”, is located in Japan and considered as Japan’s finest engineering feat. Akashi Kaiko Bridge is the world’s longest suspension bridge in the world with a length of 3911 meters (12,831 ft). The Akashi Kaiko Bridge acts as a link between the city of Kobe and Iwaya by crossing the Akashi strait. The construction was finished in a span of 12 years which actually begin in the year 1986 and completed in the year 1998. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge plays an important role in providing three routes across the Inland sea.
Architecture
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge uses one of the finest architecture and technology which consists of three spans. The Akashi Kaikyo Suspension Bridge is designed in such a manner where the earthquakes and harsh sea currents doesn’t damage the bridge. The Kobe earthquake on January 17, 1995 is the best example for this bridge’s efficiency.

History
Before the construction of the bridge, boats and ships (ferries) were used to carry passengers and vehicles across the Akashi strait. Akashi strait is an international waterway which is approximately 1500 meter wide shipping lane. Akashi strait waterway is also one of the dangerous waterways before the construction of Akashi Kaiko Bridge due to some severe storms. During the year 1955, a severe storm was experienced in which two ferries were sank resulting in the death of 168 people. As a result, the Japanese government planned to develop a suspension bridge to cross the strait. Originally, the plan was to construct a railway bridge along with a road bridge. But the construction was restricted to a road bridge only consisting of 6 lanes.

Tourism
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge was constructed in such an extent which also attracts tourism in Japan. Two amazing parks were built in the surroundings of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge for tourists. The two parks were named Maiko and Asagiri. The view from the park is a wonderful experience to the visitors as the view from there is absolutely magnificent. Both the parks can be reached by traveling through the coastal train line.

Chion-In Temple in Kyoto

Chion-In Temple is one of the most sacred sites in Kyoto, Japan. Chion-In Temple is said to be the head temple for Jodo (pure land) sect of Buddhism. The temple was originally built by the priest Honen who is said to be the founder of Jodo sect (pure land Buddhism) and it is a place where the Jodo priests used to stay. The gate of Chion-In is the largest wooden gate in Japan till date.
The temple was built in the year 1234. Pure land Buddhism was actually founded in the year 1175 by the priest Honnen who used to teach that one could be reborn in the Jodo sect simply by reciting “amida amida amida Buddha” in devotion and faith. Due to the simple teachings and simple applications to the common people, the Jodo Buddhism became the most popular sect in Japan. Honen died in the year 1212 on the site of the temple.
The gate of the Chion-In Temple is the main attraction and it has a copper bell which is also the largest bell in Japan famous for its tolling in the midnight especially during the New Year’s Eve. The bell is said to be the heaviest in Japan which is of 74 tons. Chion-In Temple’s bell takes at least 17 monks to ring during the eve and this kind of amazing sight can only be seen near the temple. The main hall is so huge that 3000 people can occupy the hall and there is also a corridor behind main hall which leads to “UGUISU-BARI” (Assembly Hall) which was built with the finest architecture.
The easiest way to reach the temple is to travel through Tozai line which takes to Higashiyama station. From Higashiyama station, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the temple by walking. Temple grounds are always open and there are no closing days where the admission is absolutely free of cost. I would suggest the readers not to miss an opportunity of visiting the greatest temple of Buddha sect if planning a vocation to Japan.

Daibutsu – Great Buddha of Kamakura

Daibutsu in Japanese means Great Buddha and most westerns refer to Daibutsu as the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Great Buddha of Kamakura is located in Kamakura, Kanagawa prefecture, Japan. It is made of bronze and it is located in the Kotokuin temple, one of the most famous Buddhist temples of the Pure Land sect in Japan. Daibutsu of Kamakura monument is said to be the second largest monumental Buddha in Japan.
The statue of Kamakura was founded in the year 1252, but the buildings were wiped out by the tsunami tidal wave in the 15th century and now, the statue lies in the open with no roof. The buddha of Kamakura is of 13.5 meters tall, weighing about 93.1 tons, which is most impressive to hear. The great Buddha is seated in lotus position with hands forming a gesture of meditation called “DHYANI MUDRA”. The Daibutsu has a spectacular sight with a backdrop of wooden hills.
The statue of Kamakura is 5 minute walk from the Enoden railway station which is the third station from the Kamakura main station. The temple is open from morning, 7 am to evening 6 pm and the admission fee for adults is 200 Yen and 150 Yen for children. There is also an opening to get inside the Great Buddha statue which has extra admission fee of 20 Yen. There are no closing days within the year, so the temple is always filled with visitors. The experience of seeing the Great Buddha of Kamakura cannot be described until we see it with our own eyes.

Hakone Lake District in Kanagawa

Hakone is a town in Kanagawa prefecture located on the eastern foot of Hakone pass. Hakone lake district has a reputation as one of the best holiday resorts of the world round the year and it has about twenty different qualities with nick name “Hakone Seventeen Spas”. In addition to spas, Hakone is also a home to various museums and large historical zone.
Hakone is a fantastic holiday spot which has population of just about 14000 people. The total area of Hakone is 93 km square. There is also famous check point called “Hakone Checkpoint” which was actually renamed from “Ashigara Check Point “after Edo period. The Hakone barrier was built on the Tokaido highway in 1619 to maintain peace with foreigners from the west. Due to this reason, Hakone barrier is called “the border between the east and the west “ and it used to terrify the travelers passing through because of heavy inspection before passing through.
The major attraction in Hakone is Hakone Ropeway which starts from Lake Ashi along with the Mt. Fuji. Apart from Hakone Ropeway, there are numbers of spots to visit such as O-Waku-Dani, Lake Ashi–No-Ko, Susukio-Sogen of Sengokuhara, Moto-Hakone, and the alpine trees along Kyu-Kaido Street. There are various methods of transportation to travel from one place to another including cruising boat and cable car. In addition to these, Hakone has various museums such as The Hakone Open Air Museum, The Narukawa Art Museum, The Pola Museum and The Venetian Glass Museum which are always crowded by the visitors around the world.

Golden Pavilion Temple in Kyoto

The Golden Pavilion Temple, also called Kinkaku-ji in Japanese, was built in 1397 and it is located in Kyoto, Japan. It was initially made to serve as a villa for retirement for Shogun Ashikaga. It was quite later that his son converted the building into a Zen temple. The Golden Pavilion was burned twice and was reconstructed after five years. In the year 1950, a monk burned the entire temple into ashes and finally planned to take his own life by jumping behind the hill. The monk survived the attempt to die. However, his mother due to the shame that her son had brought, jumped from the train into the river. The monk was sent to jail for 7 years where he died due to illness.
The Golden Temple is a building with three stories. The upper two stories are covered with a pure gold sheet. The main purpose of the pavilion is to work as shariden, storing the remains of the Buddha’s ashes. One can see a typical Chinese style built on the top floor. The middle section looks like the Zen style and the last, the ground floor is made similar to the shinden-zukuri-style and does not have the gold sheet on it.
The entire temple is covered by a beautiful garden with a pond in the front called the Mirror Pond. A lot of stones in the pond give a representation of the Buddhist’s era. In the year 1987, some parts of the temple were recoated in thicker gold and some interiors of the temple were worked upon during the year 2003.

Ginza at Night in Chuo, Tokyo

Ginza is an amazing place in Chuo, Tokyo and it is popularly known to be an up market area of Tokyo consisting of many departmental stores, shopping malls, restaurants and coffee houses. Ginza is said to be one of the luxurious shopping destinations in the world with it stylish looks, modern atmosphere and technology. The most impressive thing to observe here is neon lights during the night time. During the night, the typical Neon lights signs showcase luxury brands. Ginza at night looks amazing and very attractive and is almost as bright as day.
Ginza was established in the year 1612, the Edo period during which silver coin mint was named. Modern Ginza started from the year 1872 after the rebuilt of several buildings which got damaged due to devastating fire. The whole district was re-built using the Irish technology. The most famous and popular buildings to observe are Sony building , Mitsukoshi Departmental Store , Apple Store , Kabuki-za Theatre, Tsukiji Honganji,  Tsukiji Fish Market, and Nakajin Capsule Apartment Building. Many international brands apart from Gucci, Sony, etc… can be found around Ninza. Jewelry shops are found in plenty along with the designer boutiques and top flight department stores around Ninza area. The shops are kept open until 8 pm, which gives a chance to visitors to enjoy the shopping and the sight seeing.

The best and the easiest way to reach Ginza is to catch a Ginza sub-way line (Tokyo metro Marunouchi line), which starts from the center of Tokyo. The journey is approximately two minutes and the minimum fare is 160 Yen. Experiencing Ninza is really fun for those who like a little bit of culture and are able to afford the luxury. Everything here is expensive, if you are planning to do some shopping and experience some food, make sure you have enough money to get yourself home.

Ise Shrine

The Ise Shrine located in the Mie prefecture of Japan is an enchanting Shinto shrine built in the honor of the goddess Amaterasu-omikami. Also called as the Jingu, its complex is composed of two main shrines namely the Naiku and Geku which are surrounded by hundreds of other Shinto temples. Naiku or the Inner Shrine can be found in the south of middle Ise City, in a town called Uji-tachi. Primarily, this is the temple that is dedicated to the worshipping of Amaterasu-omikami because Geku or the Outer Shrine is built in honor of Toyouke no omikami, the goddess of industry and agriculture. There are other 123 shrines in the city with 91 belonging to Naiku and 32 to Geku.
Naiku is a very valuable place not only for the people living in the city of Ise but for all the citizens of Japan because of a national treasure it holds upon its shrine walls. The Naiku is the home of the Sacred Mirror making the shrine as one of the most important and sacred sites in the whole of Japan. The official guardian of the Ise shrine is also very important because the post of the High Priest or Priestess can only be filled by someone coming from the Imperial Family. The first Priestess said to have watched over the temple was princess Okunihime-miko, during the Asuka period of ancient Japan.
The architectural style used in the Ise shrine, Shinmeizukuri, is unique and is not allowed to be mimicked by any other temple in any part of Japan. The shrines are rebuilt every 20 years as a ritual to make them constantly ancient yet new at the same time. The current shrines are last built on 1993 and are the 61st iteration at present. The next schedule of the rebuilding will be on 2013.

Mount Fuji at the Central Region of Honshu

Mount Fuji, which is known as Japan’s highest mountain stands at a height of over 12,388 ft (3,766 m) at the central area of Honshu, Japan. Fuji, Japan’s tallest mountain is considered to be one of the “Three Holy Mountains” along with Tate and Haku. Mount Fuji also serves as a border between Shizuoka and Yamanashi. It is in the shape of a cone which is mostly portrayed in pictures; Mount Fuji is a great tourist landmark where adventurous sport like climbing most often takes place.

Climate
The climate is extremely cold as the surface of the mount is covered with snow for most of the months during the calendar year. The coolest temperature here was -38.0 °C (36.4 °F) and the hottest temperature was 17.8 °C (64.0 °F). From Yokohama, Tokyo, this place is visible during summer. The name Fuji-san is often referred as Fujiyama but it proved wrong in Japanese, later it became popular as Fuji.

Volcanic Activity
Volcanic activity has been discovered by scientists at four stages at Mount Fuji. The starting stage includes Sen-Komitake which contains Aden site which was found deep inside the mountain. The next stage is followed by Komitake Fuji, which was formed in the ancient times. The next stage is followed by Old Fuji which stood over Komitake,the present Fuji is said to be the top of all which was formed 10,000 years back. The last time this volcano erupted was recorded on December 16, 1707 and lasted unto January 1, 1708, this is also known as “The Hōei Eruption of Mount Fuji”. During that time, burned pieces of coal and ashes came out like rain. Ever since 1708, no eruption signs has been discovered and today, this mountain has a less risk of volcano’s eruption.

History
Mount Fuji is thought to be discovered by a monk in 663 AD. Considering the place as sacred; women were not allowed on the summit until the Meiji Era (1868-1912). In September 1860, Sir Rutherford Alcock was the first person to climb the mountain; it took eight hours to climb up to the top, three hours to come down. Also, Lady Fanny Parkes was the first woman to climb the mountain in 1867. This place is also known to be home for warrior’s culture where the samurai used the place as their training area. From 2006, the military camps of Japan and United States are operated from this place.
Climbing Mt. Fuji
Climbing Mount Fiji is an adventurous sport and it starts from July 1st to August 27th. The rising of the sun can be seen from this place and more people climb the mountain during the night in order to see the sun rising. Every year, over 200,000 people are expected to climb the mountains, out of that, 30% of the people are from the western countries. Also, there has been a paragliding from Subashiri and Hoeizan.  There is a forest named Aokigahara, which is located at the bottom of the mountain. This forest is known to be the suicide spot with an average of 30 suicides every year.

Osaka Castle

The Osaka Castle is one of the famous castles located in Japan and it was built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The tower at Osaka’s castle is used as storeroom. The castle is constructed on a platform standing on the walls supported on a rock. The castle at the center is of five stories from outside and eight stories from inside and it was constructed on a high stone in order to safeguard from enemies.
Size and Construction Plans
Osaka Castle covers an area of about 15 acres, among them, the Japanese government has declared thirteen structures as ancient cultural property which also includes Toyokuni Shrine. In the year 1583, Toyotomi Hideyoshi started the construction at Ishiyama Hongan-ji temple site. Toyotami first thought of constructing castle that mirrored Oda’s, but it never happened. The idea of the building was changed later to construct a five stories and three more stories below it, and a gold leaf was placed on the top of the tower. In the year 1585, the inner tower was constructed and later the castle was expanded making it stronger to withstand attack over it. In the year 1598, Hideyoshi died, at the same time, the construction of the castle was completed and later on, the castle was handed over to Hideyoshi’s son, Toyotomi Hideyori.
Floors Plan
In the castle, the main entrance makes a way unto ground floor. The building is a eight floored Museum which is held in reverse mode i.e., starts at last floor and ends at 2nd floor. There is also a mini theater in 1st floor. As per Osaka’s castle, the 8th floor comes first. This floor consists of some colored paints and also Naniwa port can be viewed from this floor. In the 7th floor during the rule of Toyotami Hideyoshi, history at that time of the Osaka castle can be seen. At the walls in the 7th floor, Hideyoshor, the display pictures of Hideyoshi can be seen. And moreover in this floor, Osaka Castle history is elucidated and also changes happened under the rule of Hideyoshi can also be seen. The next floors i.e.,5, 6th floors shows the ending rule of Toyotami and rise of Tokugawa, and that period was known as transition period. This period shows the battle between the families for gaining power. The last floors i.e.,3rd, 4th floors shows the materials during the reign of Hideyoshi Toyotami and also the stages of Osaka Castle during the time of Toyotami and Tokugawa. There are more than 8000 artifacts displayed here, the life of Hideyoshi Toyotami is also shown here.
Changes Through Time
During the battle by the Toyotami forces, the Osaka castle was damaged heavily and again it was rebuilt by Tokugawa. In the year 1660, the castle was severely burned as the gunpowder exploded causing a severe damage to the tower. Again in 1925, the tower was brought back into existence, and again in 1945 bombings damaged the restored tower, the government restored back in 1995 and in 1997 it was brought back to existence again. The Osaka castle is now a famous tourist attraction and it is open to public.

Nikko National Park

Japan is a country known for its high technology and fashion. It also known for its well-preserved historical and religious structures built hundreds of years ago. Not only that but this country also has some great natural sights to visit. One town in particular, Nikko, Japan, is the gateway of the famous Nikko National Park and awe-inspiring shrines and temples. If you want to see waterfalls, mausoleums, temples, shrines, the old Imperial house, mountains, a lake, and a marshland, a botanical garden, and many more, you should visit the town of Nikko.
In the central town, you will see the world famous Toshogu Shrine, an elaborately decorated complex that houses several buildings for Shinto and Buddhist followers. This shrine is actually a mausoleum where Tokugawa Ieyasu’s tomb is kept. Ieyasu was the founder of the famous Tokugawa shogunate. Aside from its historical buildings, you will also see a vast expanse of trees because this shrine is situated in an amazing forest.
If you walk farther for about half an hour or if you ride a bus for 10 minutes, you will see another mausoleum. It looks very similar to the Toshogu shrine, though this one is more modest. This is the mausoleum of Ieyasu’s grandson, Iemitsu. The name of the shrine is Taiyunbyo and you can also enjoy looking at a lavishly decorated structure.
There is another structure in the central town of Nikke which is called Rinnoji Temple. This temple is an important part of the history of Nikko because it was built by the Buddhist monk named Shodo Shonin who first brought Buddhism to the town of Nikko thousands of years ago. It is very near the Toshogu Shrine, which makes it easy for tourists to visit both.
If you like to see nature, you should visit Okunikko, the National Park in Nikko, where you can see one of the most famous and amazing waterfalls in Japan. Mount Nantai is also located in this area. At the foot of this mountain, you will see a very large and clear lake. The view is breathtaking, as if you are in paradise.

Seto Sea, the Inland Sea of Japan

Known as the Seto Sea, the Inland Sea of Japan is the body of water which separates the three main islands of the country, Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku. Not only does it serve as an international waterway that connects the Sea of Japan to the Pacific Ocean, it is a valuable sea transport to industrial parts in the Kansai region because of its connection to Osaka Bay. The waterway runs from east to west in about 450 km and has a width of 15 to 55 km from south to north. An approximate of 3,000 islands can be found here separated by the eastern, central, and western parts.
The Inland sea is a rich well of biodiversity with more than 500 marine species inhabiting its waters. Just some of the popular faunas are the ayu, the finless porpoise, horseshoe crabs, and even great white sharks. When it comes to industry, the Inland sea is considered as a very productive section in modern Japan. The primary industries surrounding its waters are from the cities of Kurashiki, Fukuyama, Ube, and Kobe. Tourism helps the area because of the mixture of the sea’s refreshing mix with Japan’s climate and picturesque landscape.
The coastal area of the sea, in particular, is one very popular choice for tourists whenever they visit Japan because of the unique beauty of its waters. The length of the coastal area named Setonaikai National Park, considered as one of the oldest parks in the country. The Itsukushima Shrine also found in the area of Inland sea is a member of UNESCO’s list of Heritage Sites around the world. More famous tourist centers are Kyoto and Tokyo with their appealing metropolitan structures and Shodoshima, also known as the “island of olives”.

#source:http://famouswonders.com/asia/japan/

Japanese Cuisine

The emerging popularity of Japanese cuisine in the international scene is best observed in the proliferation of sushi bars and Japanese restaurants alongside American fast food chains. Known for its nutritious value and health benefits, a lot of people are slowly shifting towards Japanese food, making it one of the most popular choices for health-conscious eaters. But along with the popularity comes confusion – what is authentic Japanese cuisine? How can you tell if you are part-taking of a real experience of Japanese flavors or of a close imitation?
First off, Japanese cuisine as it is known today is a fusion of traditional food, called washoku, and ingredients and cooking techniques adopted from other countries. This has resulted in a wide variety of dishes that developed in response to cultural and generational changes in Japan. Despite all the cultural differences that exist between all the regions of Japan, there are elements that are shared by these dishes that make them distinctly Japanese.
One of these elements is the influence of the seasons. Japanese have a high regard for nature and the different seasonal changes that occur throughout the year. This deference is reflected in their cuisine, which uses only the freshest ingredients and those that are in season. Foods are made to look like cherry blossoms during spring and a flowing river or waterfall during summer.
Another characteristic of Japanese cuisine is its emphasis on aesthetics and presentation. Dishes are served with the belief that eating begins with the eyes and that the more beautiful the presentation of food, the tastier it is. Serving platters are picked carefully in order to emphasize the color, shape, and texture of the food they hold.
Perhaps the main element that separates Japanese cuisine from the rest is on how it evokes the five senses. Presentation is meant to capture the sight with catchy arrangements that resemble different things from nature. Sound is also a vital part in the experience especially when one is slurping noodles or pouring out sake. The sense of touch is not left behind with the different textures available from the softness of rice balls to the roughness of tempura. And finally both smell and taste are involved as one eats the meal the complete the whole experience.
With these elements in mind, it will not be difficult for you to distinguish the experience of genuine Japanese cuisine from a lousy knock-off.

Batman: The Dark Knight Rises

 

Directed by:	Christopher Nolan
Starring:	Christian Bale ... Bruce Wayne / Batman Michael Caine ... Alfred Gary Oldman ... Jim Gordon Tom Hardy ... Bane Anne Hathaway ... Selina Kyle / Catwoman Joseph Gordon-Levitt ... John Blake