The capital of France, fondly known the world over as the ‘City of Love and Music’, is home to the Opera de Paris Garnier which was built for Emperor Napolean the Third. The name of the building is derived through its designer, Charles Garnier and work on the building commenced in 1862. However, its completion was delayed due to the astonishing discovery of an underground lake, part of which is said to exist even today, making this construction an architectural marvel. The Opera de Paris Garnier has the proud distinction of being one of the largest such theatres in the world and its interior design is just as majestic and is complete with marble columns, sculptures and gilded statues. The Grand Marble Staircase found inside, …

Modern day Singapore is a melting pot of diverse communities, ethnicities and cultures thanks to its strategic geographical location as a port where many Asians settled down in the country subsequent to arriving there for trade and commerce. Therefore, the diversity it affords as a nation and the peaceful relations and mutual respect that exist between these communities are truly unparalleled. It is this cultural diversity is celebrated in the Chingay Parade. The Chingay Parade is a celebration that takes place as the nation welcomes the Chinese New Year and was introduced by the then administration lead by Lee Kwan Yew in order to continue the spirit and merriment of their people even after the lighting of fire crackers were banned as a safety precaution. …

The Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival as it is also known is a very important occasion for all people of Chinese origin around the world. Hong Kong is no exception in this regard, with its people involving themselves enthusiastically in the celebrations. Since the lunar calendar differs from the Western Gregorian calendar, the date of the festival varies each year on the Western calendar. For 2013 the date of the occasion falls on February 10th, but celebrations often extend for as long as 15 days. Many fascinating customs and traditions are observed at this special time of the calendar. People of Chinese origin reunite with their extended families, ushering in the New Year with good fellowship and solidarity. It is considered auspicious to …

Known as the Lunar New Year, the famous Spring Festival of the Chinese New Year is a much anticipated time in Singapore. It is celebrated in every nook and corner, and the city comes alive with people from all walks of life celebrating this joyous occasion. The streets are dressed in beautiful red decorations and feature traditional music and mouth watering fragrances of local cuisine in many of the roadside night stands. Along every neighbourhood in Singapore the spirit of good cheer could be witnessed. It is also a great time to shop and purchase a wide array of local goods and products. The Chinese New Year Light Up is the time when crimson lanterns bearing different animal shaped ornaments are lit up to welcome …

One of the most important festivals for Chinese the world over including in Taiwan is the Chinese New Year. Those visiting the country and in search of hotels in Taichung from which to experience the festivities can stay at Millennium Vee Hotel Taichung. This modern Taichung hotel also offers special New Year promotions to help you enjoy your stay all the more. Spanning a total of 15 days, this annual event is marked by a variety of celebrations including family meals, the exchanging of gifts between loved ones, the lighting of firecrackers and the sharing of delectable cuisine. You can also indulge in some shopping at New Year markets in Huayin Street and Dihua Street, while not to be missed is the fascinating Lantern Festival which takes place on …

The Lantern Festival which is also widely popular as the Shangyuan Festival in China falls on the fifteenth day of the first month in the Lunar Calendar. This is generally during February or March according to the Gregorian calendar. This festivity has become very significant ever since the Western Han Dynasty which was during 206 BC to AD 25. When this festival began during the Han Dynasty, China was a country which was thriving with Buddhism. It is said that the monks lit lanterns to reminisce the relics from the cremation of Lord Buddha after attaining Nirvana. Following this, beginning from the empire to every household in China lights a lantern on this special day. With time this became a very majestic festival which went …

Bangkok is the capital city of the Southeast Asian nation of Thailand. The most populous city of Thailand as well, Bangkok serves as the hub of Thailand’s commercial and cultural activity. It is also one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations due to its unique lifestyle, leisure and cultural attractions, and its lively nightlife. One of the most unique cultural festivals celebrated in Bangkok is the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. This event is a nine day long Taoist festival consisting of various traditions and rituals. This festival has a rich heritage, and is a very colourful and vibrant celebration, which provides great insights to the culture of Bangkok. Celebrated at the beginning of the 9th Lunar month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the Nine …

Phuket, at one time known as Thalang, is Thailand’s biggest island, measuring at least fifty kilometres in length and a little less than half that at its widest points. The island is situated off Thailand’s southern tip and is connected to the mainland by a pair of bridges. Phuket’s main claim to fame is its gorgeous beaches. The island’s white sandy beaches in combination with the silvery waters of the Andaman Sea make it a much loved holiday destination. It is the ideal place to try out a range of water related activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, parasailing, kayaking, surfing and jet skiing. However, Phuket also offers a number of activities outside of the beach too. Tourists who want to take a day …

For the ultimate holiday experience, select a Phuket beach resort such as Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand, an ideally located Phuket resort. When in the region there are various things to do and events to enjoy, especially local festivals. One of the most unique festivals in the island is the Vegetarian Festival. Phuket Seafood Festival where local culinary experts showcase their skills and the Chinese New Year are also popular events. However a prominent event you will get to experience here is the Songkran Festival. Bringing an array of entertainment options is the Phuket Old Town Festival whilst Wat Chalong Fair which coincides with the Chinese New Year brings shopping opportunities, entertainment and more.

If you are looking for a relaxed vacation in East Asia, Singapore is the best place to be this holiday. Singapore hotel accommodation will always be a hassle free experience as you can easily find conveniently located Studio M hotel Singapore which is recommended as an ideal Singapore hotel to explore the city while experiencing the Singaporean culture. Huayi is one of the must- experienced cultural events when you are holidaying in Singapore. Celebrating the multicultural aspect of Singapore, Huayi Chinese festival was launched in 2003 as one of the three annual cultural events at Esplanade. Since 2003, Huayi is organized annually as a traditional event and it provides a great platform to artists from various genres to showcase their talents. This Chinese festival of …