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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

Many festivals in Thailand mark an important event in the history of the nation or a cultural highlight, such as a birthday of royalty or the dawn of a new year. The annual Thao Thepkasattri – Thao Sri Suntorn Festival which is celebrated in Phuket is no exception. This particular event commemorates the heroic deeds of two local sisters, Thao Thepkasattri and Thao Sri Suntorn (also identified by the names Khunying Chan and Khunying Muk). According to local legend these two heroines rallied the local forces at a time when the island of Phuket was besieged by Burmese invaders. These events took place more than two centuries ago, but even today are fervently celebrated by the local residents. The local city organizes many attractive celebrations …

The Dragon Boat Festival in Singapore is a spectacular annual event which is conducted at the Bedok Reservoir located in the environs of the city. At this much looked forward to event you will be able to see dragon boat crews hailing from many different parts of the globe vying for supremacy in this prestigious and keenly contested competition. In this demanding sport, teams of 22 strong and powerful rowers strain every sinew to help their teams to achieve victory. This unique and enthralling sport has its origins in imperial China in ancient times. Like many activities in this part of the world, dragon boating inherits a rich historical heritage. The legend goes that there was once a great minister and poet, Qu Yuan, who …

The mountainous nation of Bhutan offers many attractions for the visitor and there is no better time to visit this fascinating country than during the much anticipated Takin Festival. The festival is named after the Takin, a unique animal which has the distinction of being the national animal of Bhutan. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, grazing placidly in the grasslands. These animals, unmistakable and surprisingly agile, thrive in the mountain environment. The festival is held in the locality of Gasa within the Jigme Dorji National Park which is counted amongst the largest natural sanctuaries in the nation. This part of the country is beautiful and picturesque, offering sensational panoramas of pristine scenic vistas. This lovely natural …

Shanghai’s largest Buddhist Temple, the Longhua Temple, bursts into a bright flurry of festivity, joy, and colour during the third lunar month (April) of each year. If you are visiting the country or the city, witness this air of festivity permeate everything from your flight to stylish serviced apartments Shanghai has to offer all visitors, such as those at the Ascott Huai Hai Road Shanghai which makes for some excellent accommodation Shanghai. Accompanying the vibrant peach blossoms which burst into life during the spring season, the Longhua Temple emerges with its festival best witness by the colourful lights that decorate the temple interior and exterior, lending the site an enchanting air. Coupled with the enthralling tinkling of the bells, the whole site blooms into a sacred spectacle that …