Falling on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, the Chinese Valentine’s Day is steeped in folklore and legends. As per legend, this is the only day that the Weaving Maid, the 7th daughter of the Emperor of the Heaven (Star Vega) meets the orphaned cowherd that she fell in love with(constellation Aquila). The festival takes place with much celebration and the best way to fully experience the festival is by seeking appropriate Beijing accommodation. Ascott Beijing is a highly preferred luxury apartment in Beijing by many who have wandered this way with the aim of witnessing the fascinating array of festivals that it celebrates on a frequent basis. Also known as the Qi Qiao Jie, or the seventh eve, the Chinese Valentine’s Day …

Getting bigger and better every year the Waiheke Winter Arts Festival will be held this year too in grand festivities in June. This year’s show will showcase new artists and new segments expanding the show’s horizons even further. Although Waiheke is a small community on a beautiful island it gives great focus to arts and crafts and has several studios featuring veterans and amateurs. The Queen’s birthday has been chosen as the best time this year to commence the arts festival. A wine and cheese event will be held at the end of the festival along with an auction of boxes painted by the artists themselves. Established in 1995 the Waiheke art gallery is dedicated to supporting the visual arts within the island. Managed by …

The well-known Bali Arts Festival is a month-long celebration of the traditional as well as contemporary arts, crafts, dance, music and performances of the Indonesian province of Bali. As the event is focused on the provincial capital of Denpasar, an enthralling array of Balinese artistes converge on the city to present their finest artistic creations. At this unique extravaganza, visitors will be able to witness dances from remote mountainous areas, long-forgotten and revived dance forms, classic palace dance presentations, renowned stars of the Balinese stage and innovative productions of the Denpasar dance schools as well as choreographic creations from other parts of Indonesia and abroad. The people of Bali take great pride in their cultural heritage. Even in remote villages, the outstanding artistes vie with …

Showcasing some of the latest trends and fashion ware in the region, the Bangkok International Fashion Fair (BIFF) is a must attend event for fashionistas. Those in search of centrally located Bangkok serviced apartments from which to head to the BIFF can stay at Ascott Sathorn Bangkok which makes a great starting point to your adventures. Featuring contemporary comforts and conveniences, these Sathorn apartments are perfect for both business and leisure. Attracting around 700 local and foreign companies and big names in the fashion industry, the Bangkok International Fashion Fair also has a vast number of booths where one can see everything from the latest trends to items related to manufacturing fashion ware. Home to such specific zones as garments, textiles, fashion accessories, footwear and leather goods, the BIFF …

Bangkok is a modern city with one foot firmly in the past. Although the Thai capital maybe overrun with futuristic high rise buildings, it also has plenty of historic ones. While a majority of visitors come to Thailand’s cosmopolitan capital to enjoy the amazing shopping opportunities and vibrant nightlife, they all leave with a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich culture and coloured history. The city is steeped in ancient splendour and walking along its streets one will come across many interesting attractions. Tourists who want to learn more about Thai history and culture can try visiting Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (shortened to Ayutthaya), which is located around ninety five kilometres to the north of Bangkok. The city was established in 1350 and served as …

One of the best ways to experience a country’s culture is by witnessing local festivals and when in Hanoi the Chem Temple Festival is one such colourful event worth seeing. The festival takes place at the Chem Temple which can be found in Thuy Phuong village, around 12 kms from the city centre. If you are looking for centrally located Hanoi accommodation from which to set off on your excursions to such sites, then Somerset Grand Hanoi is worth considering. These Hanoi serviced apartments are near the Central Business District and makes a great base for both business and leisure. If visiting during May, make your way to the Chem Temple which has a celebration dedicated to the legendary figure Ly Ong Trong from the …