With its picturesque scenery, Jiuzhaigou is certainly a natural wonder of Sichuan. However, this mysterious land also boasts some overwhelming man-made beauties in which the human element has been skillfully integrated with nature.
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Jiuzhaigou: A Journey to the Mythical Valley
It is said that if there should be a paradise on earth, Jiuzhaigou must be one of them. According to Tibetans, there is no equal elsewhere that has overwhelming sceneries as this valley. It combines serene crystal clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, lush green forests, and snow-capped mountains.
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Kyoto: The City of Shrines and Temples
One thing is for sure: no visit to Kyoto would be completed with at least one visit to a Buddhist temple or a Shinto shrine. They are the main draw of Japan’s former imperial city where over 2,000 religious sites jostle with each other.
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Korean Cuisine: First Taste of Korean Royal Dishes
Artful presentation and refined taste, Korean royal dishes demonstrate a centuries-long tradition of cooking that has been passed down by court cooks and royal descendants for generations. It’s the feast for all five senses and is often considered the highest form of dining in Korean cuisine.
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The Regeneration of Seoul Downtown
A busy commuter highway was transformed into a nature-filled public area. An abandoned stadium was replaced by a world-class exhibition center. And on the site of the old campus, a man-made canyon was created. Seoul has received a major facelift in the last few years. From a mere industrial center in the 1960s, it has grown into a modern, eco-friendly capital that many cities in the world want to model after.
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Lantau Island: A Different Hong Kong
Just a brief ride with the MTR from Hong Kong Central but Lantau Island seems like a different world. The urban jungle’s madness is entirely replaced by the calm of lush mountains. There were neither skyscrapers nor crowded streets; only a magnificent Buddhist architecture rising from the sea of fog.
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The Colors of Hong Kong
Bright and colorful, Hong Kong has never failed to impress first-time visitors. They are often overwhelmed by the rainbow of colors seen in the brightly lit shop fronts, in the delicious food, and on the dazzling skyline. Some would say that this mixture of colors characterizes Hong Kong as the melting pot of culture. And each color represents an aspect of the bustling life that thrives amid towering buildings.
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Busan: A Trip to the Dynamic Coastal City
If cities were human beings: Seoul would be an assertive businessman, while Busan would be a boisterous sailor. Indeed, South Korea’s second-largest city is full of spirit and character, with miles of beaches, vibrant nightlife, and an unrivaled food scene.
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Gangnam District: From Zero to Hero
Expensive, exclusive, and elite are the most appropriate words to describe Seoul’s Gangnam district. It’s indeed a place to see and be seen, filled with high-end real estate, luxury boutiques, and glimmering skyscrapers. But fifty years ago, this area was nothing more than a vast countryside; home to rice paddies and pear farms. And everything you see today has been built since then.
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Arashiyama: A Beautiful Retreat near Kyoto
Resembling an ink wash painting, Arashiyama in the western outskirt of Kyoto has long been a favorite escape of the Japanese elites. Since the Heian period, the nobles came here to unwind from the hustle of the city. Today, foreign and domestic tourists flock here to see the evergreen bamboo groves of Arashiyama, as well as to find serenity at Tenryūji – a temple with a stunning mountain backdrop.
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Nijō Castle and a Spectacular Kimono Exhibition
With wide moats, massive stone walls, and imposing keeps, Nijō Castle demonstrates the power of the Tokugawa shoguns who ruled over Japan for more than 260 years. Hidden behind this intimidating facade are, however, dreamy gardens and a magnificent palace where an exquisite collection of kimonos was on display.
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Fushimi Inari: A Stroll through Thousands of Torii
Best known for its endless trail of vermilion torii, Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines. It is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, and has attracted pilgrimages and merchants for centuries. These days visitors from all over the world pour into this place to have a stroll through the beautiful holy gates, as well as to pray to the deity for luck and business success.
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Korean Cuisine: The Korean Barbecue
With the sizzling sound, the irresistible aroma, and the savory meat, Korean barbecue has never failed to impress hungry visitors. This dish has extended beyond the borders of its home country, becoming the favorite of many people around the globe. And certainly, a trip to South Korea will never be completed without this grilling experience.
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Jeju Island: South Korea’s Natural Wonder
Home to pristine nature, Jeju has long been South Korea’s favorite domestic holiday destination. A natural wonder just off the southern coast of the country – the island offers a stark contrast to the concrete jungle in Seoul or Busan, with fresh air, lush green landscapes, and exquisite beaches.
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