The capital city of the Southern China province of Sichuan is the vibrant city of Chengdu. Considered to be one of the most important economic and transport hubs of that region in China, the city of Chengdu is home to a rich heritage and colorful culture. Chengdu is popular for traditional Chinese art and literature, historic landmarks, museums and parks, and serene scenic beauty. Chengdu has also been given the title of ‘China’s Peach Homeland’ by China’s State Council. This is because Chengdu is home to as many as 17 million peach trees which bloom during the spring. The blossoming of peaches during the spring in Chengdu is one of the most serene sights the city has to offer, which is why each year the …

The Indonesian festival of Nyepi or traditional New Year is celebrated primarily in the exotic island of Bali. It is primarily a Hindu festivity but non-Hindus conform to the traditional customs as a show of respect for their fellow residents. Festive customs commence two days before the advent of the new year. On this date many hundreds of persons from each of the villages transport artefacts from temples to the beaches so that they can be ritually purified. People attire themselves in vibrantly coloured clothes and make their way to cheerful processions beginning from the early hours of the morning. Women will carry heaped offerings of prepared rice, fruits and other food on their heads whilst men carry a lengthy sheet of white and yellow …

Bangkok is a city of numerous points of interest which include not only various landmarks and other places but also a range of events. Finding one of the centrally positioned luxury hotel resorts is essential in order to easily enjoy local events and luxury hotels of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas make for an ideal choice. If you plan to pay a visit to the city in 2014, mark your calendars for the 12th, 14th, 15th and 16th of March as Bangkok International Fashion Fair is all set to take place during this period featuring an extensive range of exhibitors of product groups such as Specialty &Occasional Wear, Lingerie & Underwear, Formal & Business Wear, Children Wear, Casual Wear, Designer’s Wear and much more! The fair will feature six …

Springtime in Beijing is a magical time of year, especially in the vibrant Pinggu district, heralded as one of the top ten destinations in the world for lovers of all things floral. Check into a stylish serviced apartment in Beijing, which is the ideal way to soak up the various scents, sights, and sounds that pervade the city during this season. The Somerset ZhongGuanCun Beijing in particular features a centrally located selection of Beijing serviced apartments guaranteed to make any stay in the region unforgettable. Time your visit to coincide with the area’s gorgeous spring, and you will be treated to a heavenly experience when the thousands of peach trees in the Pinggu district burst into bloom. Covering an expansive stretch of about 14,674 hectares, the vibrant peach …

Renowned the world over as one of Asia’s most culturally diverse nations the island metropolis of Singapore is no ordinary holiday destination in the region. As the metropolitan home of a plethora of cultures the Lion City is also a festival capital in Asia with various local festivals celebrated by its multi-ethnic populace decorating its annual calendar. Marked with great pomp and pageantry the festivals highlighting the diverse heritage of Singapore’s vibrant population are nothing short of mesmerizing with the entire city transforming its appearance for the coveted events that are viewed as national celebrations rather than secular events. The Chinese Lunar New Year is one such festival where the entire country comes together in the month of January to mark the birth of a …

An important festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Maha Shivarathri Festival is held on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha Phalguna or Maagh according to the Hindu calendar. Plan your Sri Lanka travel during this period when devotees celebrate Lord Shiva’s favourite day.   Jetwing Travels offers Sri Lanka tours all around the year and hence, observing this vibrant festival that falls on a moonless February day should not be a problem. There are many legends surrounding the Maha Shivarathri day. Some say that this day is special to Shiva as this is the day that marks the marriage ceremony of Shiva and Parvati while other state that this is the auspicious day when Lord Shiva performed his “Tandava” dance that led to the ‘Tandava’ …

Known as “Little England” for its old world colonial charm and cool climate in Sri Lanka’s mountainous central region, Nuwara Eliya is an ideal place to experience the country’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations. Travellers in search of Nuwara Eliya accommodation which to stay at during this festive period can consider Jetwing Warwick Gardens. Featuring Edwardian style Nuwara Eliya bungalows, this idyllic property makes for a great base from which to head off on your travels in Sri Lanka’s hill country. Sinhala and Tamil New Year takes place in April and this month is one full of traditions and customs that can be enjoyed while in Nuwara Eliya. Festivities kick off on April 1st when a customary ceremony is held featuring bands from local …

When the Magham star of the Vedic sky falls upon the fullmoon day in the Tamil month of Masi, it is the time for the Masi Magam, one of the most important festivals in the Hindu almanac. Seek Pondicherry accommodation in a suitable Pondicherry hotel during this time to feel the full swing of the festivities and Hotel Atithi is a recommended choice which is ideal for the purpose. Held between February and March, the Masi Magam Festival is celebrated with much pomp and fanfare in the French corner of India Pondicherry attracting large throngs of devotees and tourists each year.  It is quite a vibrant festival, with people getting dressed up in the most colourful cloths and attending the proceedings with so much enthusiasm. …

If you love all things jazz or just enjoy listening to live music then the next time you plan to visit Jakarta look to coincide the trip with the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2014. Set to take place from February 28th to March 2nd, this popular event will be held at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) and visitors should look to find accommodation at a centrally located Jakarta city hotel. Alila Jakarta is one such Jakarta hotel and is ideally situated close to the Presidential Palace. Inaugurated in 2005, the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival is a celebration of all things jazz and attracts a wide cross section of artistes from around the world. But it’s not just jazz which comes to the forefront at this event; …

The much anticipated Songkran Festival is an important celebration in the Thai calendar. Celebrated from the 13th to the 15th of April, the occasion is considered to mark the arrival of the New Year according to the nation’s traditional calendar. A national holiday in Thailand, this festival has evolved into a joyous and merry occasion when everyone joins in the fun and laughter. Even foreigners are welcomed to join in the festivities. Today, the main festivity during Songkran is the enthusiastic splashing of water upon one another. Thais take the opportunity to wander the streets of cities armed with buckets of water, garden hoses and water guns. Groups of revellers will position themselves along roads and at intersections, enthusiastically drenching pedestrians, cars, taxis, tuk tuks …