Festivals are unique expressions of a community’s or a country’s cultural traditions. There are seasonal festivals determined by lunar calendars and cycle of the seasons and festivals rooted in religious beliefs. People in Tianjin celebrate many such festivals that have been a part of their culture and beliefs for a very long time. Along with the whole of China, Tianjin celebrates the Spring Festival on Feb 13th, the first day of the first lunar month that is also Chinese New Years’ eve. Family members return home, exchange hongbao or red envelopes with money, remember their ancestors, give their houses a thorough clean up and partake of specially made holiday food. Dragon and lion dances, lantern parades, temple fairs are part of the festivities highlighted by …

Xi’an was one of the earliest centers of Chinese civilization going back to the Zhou dynasty of the eleventh century. It was home to several emperors and most of the ancient dynasties of China were established in this city. It is the perfect location for those interested in history, Chinese culture and Chinese people. If you are a history buff you can keep yourself busy in Xi’an for over a week since there are so many historical sites to visit. Even if you are not the history type, Xi’an is probably the best place to experience authentic Chinese culture. The city sits in the Wei River valley surrounded by modern developments, and yet you get the feeling that the people of Xi’an have held on …

Home to a melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, races and religions, the city state of Singapore is a wonderful place to visit especially during the festive season. However, given its communal diversity, this state is home to a fairly divergent collection of festivals and religious celebrations and thus, it is likely that whenever you visit the country, there will always be a festival being celebrated by the locals! Singapore cultural events kick off with the Chinese New Year, which is also known as the Spring Festival and the Lunar New Year by the locals and is one event that is celebrated by all Singaporeans regardless of their ethnicity or religion. During this celebration, new clothes are worn to welcome the New Year, houses are cleaned, …

The People’s Republic of China continues to make headlines for more reasons than its economic growth could ever muster up. Its world travel hotspots which offer the traveller a diverse range of experiences, sights & sounds and gourmet delights are unrivalled in relation to any other place in the world. Beijing, the capital of China is one of the four great ancient capitals in the country with a diverse history stretching back to many centuries. With over a population of 17 million citizens, Beijing is the largest city in China. There is much to see in this colourful ancient city that is bound to mesmerise its guests creating lasting memories. From rolling valleys to mountain ranges, monuments, historic landmarks and colourful festivals this city is …

Doha is a cosmopolitan city popular around the world not only for the business benefits that one could achieve but also for its vibrant tourism. The variety of activities that one would find in this city is capable of keeping the visitor entertained for a long period of time. The massive shopping malls that reach high up to the sky are the best that any shopaholic could get. You can go on a desert safari with your loved ones and enjoy a truly Arabian touch to your vacation. Also amusement parks, museums, waterfronts and much more can be found in this amazing Arabian city. Apart from all this Qatari oriented fun filled and education activities there are many more things that a visitor could enjoy …

As Good Friday and Easter Sunday are public holidays in Indonesia, Bali simply heaves with visitors both local and foreign who come here to enjoy the extraordinary packages offered by hotels and restaurants around the island. Flights from Australia to Jakarta are full to capacity as many try to get to Bali to enjoy the festivities as much as the sun, sea and sand. Since Bali has had Christian enclaves going back several hundred years there are many Catholic, Protestant and churches of other denominations in many parts of the island. Locals and visitors alike who are desirous of beginning the day with a religious ceremony can attend services both in English and Indonesian at St Francis Xavier Church in Kuta, St Josephs in Denpasar, …