SHANGHAI, THE ORIENTAL PARIS AND SHOPPERS' PARADISE

The Pudong Area
The Pudong Area has the fastest grow, was an agricultural area ten years ago, with just a few sheds as only buildings. In the time that has passed, Pudong quickly turned into a 21st Century's skyscraper sanctuary. 

Shanghai, Hu for short, is one of the great skyscraper cities of the modern era, and is strongly on its way to becoming the world's skyscraper town, even beating such cities like New York City, Chicago and Hong Kong. The amount of high-rise buildings that are currently under construction in Shanghai is simply amazing.

 Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road was first the British Concession, then the International Settlement. Importing large quantities of foreign goods, it became the earliest shopping street in Shanghai.

Shanghai is also known as the Oriental Paris. Therefore, Shanghai is a shopper's paradise. There are various commercial streets and shopping centers waiting for the shopaholic. The most popular shopping centers where visitors should be there is the Nanjing Road. Huaihai Road intrigues those with modern and fashionable tastes, while North Sichuan Road meets the demands of ordinary folk. In addition, Xujiahui Shopping Center, Yuyuan Shopping City, and Jiali Sleepless City are thriving and popular destinations for those who are seeking to buy something special as a memento of their visit.

 Yuyuan Garden

Yuyuan Garden is a famous classical garden located in Anren Jie, Shanghai.

For the great development of this city, Shanghai is a renowned international metropolis drawing more and more attention from all over the world. Situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, Shanghai serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, cultural, science and technology center in East China. Also it is a popular tourist destination, visitors can sense the pulsating development of modern China.

In addition to its modernization, Shanghai's multicultural flair endows Shanghai with a unique glamor. Here, one finds the perfect blend of cultures, the modern and the traditional, and the western and the oriental. New skyscrapers and old Shikumen lanes together draw the skyline of Shanghai. Western customs and Chinese traditions intertwined, form Shanghai's culture, making a visitor's stay truly memorable.

DUBAI, THE PEARL OF THE PERSIAN GULF

Dubai is the most popular destination of the seven Emirats in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is situated on the southern shore of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula. Dubai is the second largest Emirate after Abu Dhabi and is usually recognised as the ‘Pearl of the Persian Gulf’.

 View of the gulf

Lying on the blue waters of the Southern Gulf and backed by the majestic desert, Dubai offers Visitors year-round sunshine and five-star luxury hotel, plus the adventure of saa unique Arabian Experiences. One of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is a place of fascinating Contrasts, a distinctive blend of modern city and timeless desert, East and west, old and new. Known in the region as the city of merchants, Dubai has for generations, welcomed seafarers and Traders to its shores. Today this tradition of courtesy and hospitality lives on. The streets are clean and safe and travelers are sure to be charmed by the city’s warmth and friendliness. Dubai has something for everyone- from the holiday-maker simply seeking a relaxing break away from the clouds and crowds, to the active tourist looking for a new and exciting experience. The city has superb facilities for sports, shopping, dining and entertainment.

 Dubai Lagoon

Tourism is an important part of the Dubai government's strategy to maintain the flow of foreign cash into the emirate. Dubai's lure for tourists is based mainly on shopping, but also on its possession of other ancient and modern attractions. As of 2007, Dubai was the 8th most visited city of the world.

Dubai has been also called the "shopping capital of the Middle East". Dubai alone has more than 70 shopping malls, including the world's 7th largest shopping mall, Dubai Mall. The city draws large numbers of shopping tourists from countries within the region and from as far as Eastern Europe, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent. While boutiques, some electronics shops, department stores and supermarkets operate on a fixed-price basis, most other outlets consider friendly negotiation a way of life.

 Gold Souk District in Deira

 Gold Souk-Gold, gold and more gold, fancy

Dubai is also known for its souk districts located on either side of the creek. Traditionally, dhows from the Far East, China, Sri Lanka, and India would discharge their cargo and the goods would be bargained over in the souks adjacent to the docks. Many boutiques and jewellery stores are also found in the city. Dubai is known as "the City of Gold" and Gold Souk in Deira houses nearly 250 gold retail shops. Dubai Duty Free at the Dubai International Airport offers merchandise catering to the multinational passengers using the airport.

 Jumeirah Mosque by day-The only mosque that does a tour for non-muslims

Although Dubai has been transformed into a man-made hi-tech city, it still has a strong Islamic culture with a stretch of historical buildings by the Creek. Whilst some may view this as a conflict of old meeting new, it is also considered to be a captivating city that offers both extremes; a traditional past interlinked with modern day.

Photosource: http://www.tripadvisor.com

HONG KONG, THE PEARL OF EASTS

Hong Kong Island is the site of the original British settlement. Most of Hong Kong's highest skyscrapers and the financial centre can be found here, including its famous skyline along the northern coastline. Hong Kong's financial centre, shopping. Overall, Hong Kong Island is more modern and wealthier than the other areas of Hong Kong. 

The multinational presence in Hong Kong is a sign of internationalization. Chinese tourists don't want to spend the money to come to Hong Kong for a visit to a Chinese Disneyland. They can find plenty of parks like that at home. Rather, the Americans designed the Hong Kong park in such a way so to maximize exposure to the American Disney product, and the Chinese visitors come to see something different. That doesn't mean Hong Kong's cultural attractiveness is being eroded. In fact, these visitors won't just see Disneyland. They'll also take into other sights as well, such as the local museums, markets, and countryside, so both sides benefit. At the same time, Disneyland is not going to wipe out the temples and the History Museum. In fact, all the tourism infrastructure complement each other.
As to how Disneyland fits into Hong Kong. It's like asking how Starbucks fits into the cities they have shops in. They don't. When I think of Paris I don't think of Euro Disney. The idea is to think of Hong Kong as a good tourism destination with many nice attractions such as Victoria Harbour and Disneyland. The same idea works for Paris, Tokyo, LA, etc.
There is a lot of talk now on sustainable development in tourism. The first wave of tourists from the individual travel scheme did a lot of shopping in Hong Kong, but as the mainland market becomes more sophisticated, they will want more than shopping. The tourism board is already thinking of advertising Hong Kong's other attractions - cultural spots and eco-tourism. The local population is also very interested in eco-tourism now, especially after SARS.
That being said, the most famous image of Hong Kong is the maze of lights and colours on the buildings at night, hence came the title "Pearl of the Orient".

Experience modern shopping malls awash with designer glitz, busy street markets and neighbourhood shops in old cobbled streets. Step into old Hong Kong in Mong Kok and be confronted with a blaze of colour and street stalls from Ladies Market, the Jade Market, Bird Market and the Flower Market. Hong Kong offers some of the finest made-to-measure tailoring in South East Asia.

Hong Kong by night is like Hong Kong by day – chaotic and bustling and big on evening entertainment to suit everyone’s taste. Head for  Wai Chai – well known for its lively bars, pubs and restaurants, or Lan Kwai Fong – home to a plethora of trendy nightclubs, cafés and live music venues.

As a destination in its own right, Hong Kong makes a holiday to remember and it is the obvious place to start (or end) if you are planning a visit to China. However, direct flights to Bali, Malaysia and Thailand mean that it offers great options for more complex itineraries. Or for something a bit different, you can also fly direct to Mauritius or Vietnam or you could even consider a side trip to the Chinese beach resort of Sanya.
An excellent orientation tour - the City changes so rapidly that it will refresh "old memories" and delight "first timers". Start with a ride up to Victoria Peak for a panoramic view of Hong Kong Island. Then pass by picturesque Repulse Bay. Proceed next to the famous fishing village of Aberdeen to see the "floating community" - still very much a part of Hong Kong's society. Here an opportunity to join a "Sampan" is available, allowing a "close up" view of waterbourne life. Visit Stanley Market where you can pick up bargains at just a fraction of the price in town. Afterwards, a short visit to a prestigious jewellery factory, where meticulous craftsmen fashion works of art from gold and gems. Return to your hotel/pick up point in the early afternoon.

KUALA LUMPUR, WHERE THE PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS ARE LOCATED

 photosource: wikipedia

Kuala Lumpur is one of the host cities for the Formula One World Championship, the open-wheel auto racing A1 Grand Prix and the Motorcycle Grand Prix with races being held at Sepang International Circuit in the neighbouring state of Selangor, next to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The Formula One event contributes significantly to tourist arrivals and tourism income to Kuala Lumpur. 

Kuala Lumpur, or simply KL, is the capital of Malaysia. Literally meaning "muddy estuary" in Malay. KL has grown from a small sleepy Chinese tin-mining village to a bustling metropolis of around 6.5 million (city-proper population of 1.8 million) in just 150 years. With some of the world's cheapest 5-star hotels, great shopping and even better food, increasing numbers of travellers are discovering this little gem of a city.

Petronas towers are two twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia which has become the world’s tallest buildings seen from the height of main entrance to the highest structure. The tower was designed by César Pelli, an Argentine-American architect. The 88 floor tower was finished in 1998. The design reflects the roots of Islamic culture in Malaysia. The design of the tower uses a common motif in Islamic art since the Islamic culture is typical of Malaysia. On October 17, 2003, Taipei 101 took the record for the twin

Kuala Lumpur becomes a hub for cultural activities and events in Malaysia. Among the centres is the National Museum which is situated along the Mahameru Highway. Its collection comprises artifacts and paintings collected throughout the country. Kuala Lumpur also has numerous parks, gardens and open spaces for recreational purposes. Total open space for recreational and sport facilities land use in the city has increased significantly by 169.6 percent from 586 hectares (1,450 acres) in 1984 to 1,580 hectares (3,900 acres) in 2000.

Kuala Lumpur also has an Islamic Arts Museum which houses more than seven thousand Islamic artefacts including rare exhibits as well as a library of Islamic art books The museum's collection not only concentrate on works from the Middle East, the museum also puts the emphasis on Asia, with China and Southeast Asia especially well represented. This museum features some impressively decorated domes and large open exhibition spaces. It is located at Jalan Lembah Perdana next to the National Mosque. The premier performing arts venue is the Petronas Philharmonic Hall. The resident orchestra is the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), consisting of musicians from all over the world and features regular concerts, chamber concerts and traditional cultural performances.

 A calm and luxurious hotel set amidst Kuala Lumpur's vibrant Golden Triangle 

The Golden Triangle is Kuala Lumpur's main shopping and nightlife district. Golden Triangle is located to the northeast of the Central KL. Golden Triangle is actually a large area that encompasses a number of major streets. Three roads - Jalan Imbi, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Raja Chulan form a triangle which borders the entire Golden Triangle area. Here, towering scrapers, shopping malls and world-class hotels pierce the landscape, includes Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) (not to be confused with KL's traditional City Centre) which is home to the Petronas Twin Towers, Suria KLCC shopping centre, KLCC Convention Centre and the KLCC Park.

KL’s traditional commercial district lies to the east of the Klang River. The area’s narrow streets are lined with traditional Chinese shops, markets and eateries, and is now commonly referred to as KL’s Chinatown. Although the old pre-World War Two shophouses are quickly disappearing and being replaced with modern buildings, the area is still fascinating enough for a wonder. Chinatown is also where you can find budget accommodation.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building was used to house the Federated of Malay States administration after its completion in 1897. Since 1972, this building has been used to house the High Court and the Supreme Court. When the new Federal Administrative Capital of Malaysia was completed, the Federal Court and Court of Appeals have since moved to the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya. It now houses the commercial Division of the High Court of Malaya as well as a handicraft centre.

UNIQUELY SINGAPORE, GLITTERING AND BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN SOUTH EAST ASIAN

Singapore is a small country on a small island, but with just over five million people it is a fairly crowded city and in fact second only to Monaco as the world's most densely populated country. The center of the city — consisting roughly of Orchard Road, the Riverside and a chunk of Chinatown — is known in acronym-loving Singapore as the CBD (Central Business District).

Singapore is one of Southeast Asia's largest aviation hubs, so unless you're coming from Peninsular Malaysia or Batam/Bintan in Indonesia, the easiest way to enter Singapore is by air. In addition to flagship carrier Singapore Airlines and its regional subsidiary SilkAir. Singapore is also home to low-cost carriers Tiger Airways and Jetstar Asia. Singapore also has been described as a thriving cosmopolitan city that’s brimming with diversity, as well as a multiplicity of culture, language, arts and architecture. Just like other destinations, the city has her own unique set of offerings that sets her apart. "Uniquely Singapore" was designed to show the rest of the world what Singapore is really about – warm, enriching and unforgettable. That's why Singapore has been the one of the Top Ten Most Visited Cities in the world,and been the fourth after Bangkok, London, Paris, and also Istambul.

Courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board,  Reflection in pond near Esplanade Theatres on the Bay

Singapore,  Reflection in pond near Esplanade Theatres on the Bay.

Singapore Skyline by day

The Merlion was designed as an emblem for the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in 1964. The designer was Mr Fraser Brunner, a member of the souvenir committee and a curator of the Van Kleef Aquarium. The Merlion has a lion head and a fish body resting on a crest of waves. The lion head symbolises the legend of the rediscovery of Singapura, as recorded in the "Malay Annals". In ancient times, Singapore was known as Temasek, a Javanese word for sea.

The first records of Singapore date back to the 2nd-3rd centuries where a vague reference to its location was found in Greek and Chinese texts, under the names of Sabana and Pu Luo Chung respectively. According to legend, Srivijayan prince Sang Nila Utama landed on the island in the 13th century and, catching sight of a strange creature that he thought was a lion, decided to found a new city he called Singapura, Sanskrit for Lion City. Alas, there have never been any lions anywhere near Singapore or elsewhere on Malaya, so the mysterious beast was more probably a tiger. More historical records indicate that the island was settled at least two centuries earlier and was known as Temasek, Javanese for "Sea Town", and an important port for the Sumatran Srivijaya kingdom. However, Srivijaya fell around 1400 and Temasek, battered by the feuding kingdoms of Siam and the Javanese Majapahit, fell into obscurity. As Singapura, it then briefly regained importance as a trading centre for the Melaka Sultanate and later, the Johor Sultanate. However, Portuguese raiders then destroyed the settlement and Singapura faded into obscurity once more.

BANGKOK, THE CITY OF ANGELS

Bangkok or Krung Thep which means the City of Angels was constructed in 1782 or 228 years ago. The etymology of the town's name is unclear. Bang is the Central Thai name for a town situated on the bank of a river. It is believed that "Bangkok" derived from either Bang Kok, kok being the Thai name for the Java plum (ma-kok), one of several trees bearing olive-like fruits); or Bang Koh, koh meaning "island," a reference to the area's landscape which was carved by rivers and canals.

The full ceremonial name of the city given by King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, and later edited by King Mongkut, is: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit. This ceremonial name is composed in combination of two ancient Indian languages, Pāli and Sanskrit. It translates to "The city of angels, the great city, the eternal jewel city, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarma".

Bangkok, sometimes called "The Big Chilli" is considered to be one of the world's tourist hotspots. Bangkok is Thailand's major tourist gateway, which means that the majority of foreign tourists arrive in Bangkok. Even, Bangkok is the third of the most visited city in the world after Paris and London. 

Presently, Bangkok has approximately 10 million population and it is considered one of the biggest city in the world. Cultural Heritage, the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Temple of the Dawn, Chao Phraya River and Canals (once Venice of the East), Shopping Paradise, Excellent Seafood and Local Dishes, Superb Seaside Resorts and Good Accommodation, Extensive Tours all over the country, Thai Boxing, Thai Classical Dances, Golfing, and Other Entertainments.

Big Warehouses on the Phraya River, Bangkok

Khlong Saen Saeb, Bangkok

Longtail taxi boats in Bangkok

Mae Nam Chao Phraya, Bangkok in early morning

Temples of the Grand Palace off shore, Bangkok

The city boasts some of the country's most visited historical venues such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. There are numerous projects to maintain Bangkok's historic sites in the Rattanakosin area and river districts.

THE AFFORDABLE LANGKAWI'S BEACHES: BEST DESTINATION TRIP IN MALASIA

Langkawi, officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah (Langkawi Permata Kedah). Langkawi island is an archipelago of 104 islands lying in the north western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The exact location of these tropical islands is at the site where the Straits of Malacca meets the waters of the Andaman Seas.

Langkawi is coined from the Malay words Lang and Kawi. Lang is a brown eagle and Kawi is a local manganese stone.The ancient fishermen must have seen eagles flying clutching the manganese stones! A giant monument of a brown eagle clutching the manganese stone greets all visitors to Langkawi near the Kuah Jetty.

The main tourist attractions of Langkawi Island is its virgin white sandy beaches.The beaches have very gentle continental slope and the water is crystal clear.

Langkawi’s beaches are simply some of Malaysia’s best. From the sandy bays to the sweeping coastlines, the island’s beaches are renowned among locals, beach-bummers and revellers from across the world. Here are some of the more popular ones. At least there are four affordable beaches that are formed in Langkawi Beaches, they are Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, Pantai Kok, and tanjung Rhu. While Langkawi is in Malaysia, Bali is the island in Indonesia that has many affordable beaches that should be the destinations to travel.

Pantai Cenang is Langkawi’s most popular tourist destination, located near the airport and 25 km away from Kuah Town. The hallmark of this beach is its 3 km stretch (when combined with the 1 km-long Pantai Tengah) of sandy goodness, beautiful scenery and exciting tourist attractions. This is also where most of the resorts are concentrated on the island along with a host of shopping opportunities, exciting nightlife and convenient facilities.

Pantai Tengah is located contiguously with Pantai Cenang, and is the shorter of the two at 1-km long in contrast with Pantai Cenang’s 2-km stretch of sand. However, Pantai Tengah, which means ‘Middle Beach’, is actually a peaceful and tranquil alternative to the hustle and bustle of Pantai Cenang, making this beach very suitable for families or romantic couples. Pantai Tengah also has its fair share of nice dining spots, beach activities and comfortable resorts, though the nightlife is not near as exciting as Pantai Cenang.

Pantai Kok is a beautiful and isolated stretch of beach in the northeast section of Langkawi Island. This beach has a marina which is popularly known as Telaga Harbour as well several recreational attractions including a cable-car ride to the peak of Mat Cincang Mountain and the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls. The Pantai Kok area is a relatively undisturbed location and much of the natural scenery is still intact, making this an ideal place to visit for those who love nature or want a quieter holiday destination.

Tanjung Rhu lies in the northernmost tip of the island. It's a quiet and pretty enclave, shaded by whispering casuarina trees and fringed by centuries-old limestone caves and uninhabited islands. Scenic and untouched, Tanjung Rhu is home to one of Malaysia's most unusual ecosystems. Mangroves, waterways, limestone crags and sandy beaches make it a nature lover's paradise.

ISTANBUL: THE MOST INSPIRING CITY IN TURKEY

 At the crossroads between east and west, Turkey has always been a battleground between forces from all directions. Besides Russia, it's the only country two have both Asian and European territory. It's culture is diverse, containing flavours from Central Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean. It's this diversity, along with the natural and historical diversity of the country, that makes it such a popular place with travelers.

Turkey might be the world’s most contested country. Its landscape is dotted with battlegrounds, ruined castles and the palaces of great empires. This is the land where Alexander the Great slashed the Gordion Knot, where Achilles battled the Trojans in Homer’s Iliad, and where the Ottoman Empire fought battles that would shape the world. History buffs can immerse themselves in marvels and mementos stretching back to the dawn of civilisation.

Since Turkey is the last piece of the large Ottoman Empire that dominated much of  North Africa, the Middle East, and southeastern Europe, its  geographical position has had an essential effect in Turkish history.

Turkey officially known as the Republic of Turkey is situated in the northern hemisphere in which the two continents, Europe and Asia join. The majority of  its territory stretches out over the Anatolian peninsula, while the rest lies on the Thrace that is the edge of the Balkan peninsula. Three sides of the country is surrounded by sea; the Mediterranean Sea is to the south; the Aegean Sea and Archipelago are to the west; and the Black Sea is also to the north. And the surrounding countries are Bulgaria, Greece, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Syria and Iran.
There are many historical and wonder city in Turkey such as Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, Izmir: the city on the bay, Ephesus: the wonder of world, and Istanbul, the city of the world's desire, and so on.

Ankara: The Founding Father

Ephesus: The Wonder of The World

Istanbul: The Inspiring City in The World

ISTANBUL: THE MOST INSPIRING CITY IN THE WORLD

İstanbul may no longer be the capital of Turkey, however it remains the economic and cultural powerhouse of the country. It's historic landmarks links it with its Ottoman past, while it's young population has firm course set towards the future. Most tourists spend a good portion of their time in the area of Sultanahmet, which contains Topkapı Palace, Aya Sofia (Hagia Sophia) and the Sultanahmet Camii (the Blue Mosque). However, don't miss many of the other interesting areas of the city, such as Beyoğlu, Beşıktas and Ortaköy.

The city’s over-abundance of important historic buildings and exciting new art galleries and museums provides visitors with more than enough to see during the day, but it’s at night that the place swings into high-velocity, mega-stylish action. Locals are flocking to see and be seen at an ever-growing array of bars, clubs and restaurants, bringing with them an infectious sense of joie de vivre and a discerning ability to judge these places on their standard of service, drinks, music and food as well as their position in the what’s-hot-and-what’s-not stakes.

That’s not to say that the locals are turning their backs on much-loved city institutions such as the rakı-soaked meyhane (tavern) or tranquil çay bahçesi (tea garden), because they wouldn’t dream of doing anything so foolish. They know, after all, that such institutions are one of the reasons that their home is – and always has been – rightfully dubbed the ‘City of the World’s Desire’.

Istanbul is hot. 

These days, there are more happening restaurants, bars, galleries and clubs around town than there are exquisite Ottoman mosques (and that’s a lot). The international fashion and design press have been talking up İstanbul ad nauseam, but the most significant thing about the accolade ‘World’s Hippest City’ is that İstanbullus themselves have come believe it. The creeping sense of decrepitude that had fallen like a pall over their once-all-powerful home town has vanished, replaced by a sense of energy and innovation not seen since the days of Süleyman the Magnificent.

With its geographic position and thousands of years’ cultural heritage, İstanbul has a priviliged speciality among the metropolises of the world. By generating a creative energy, its juvenile and dynamic population has been making İstanbul, the mirror of Turkey, one of the most dynamic cities in the world. The cultural consciousness that particularly improved during the last twenty years is reflected upon its cultural life, too.

Over the years, Istanbul has gained a quality of being a magnetic field, a cultural and artistic centre not only for those living in Istanbul but also for all of the world’s people. The 21st Century will be the one of metropolises. Reviving the identities ,imroving their cultural heritage and sharing what they accumulated, metropolises have been forming the global culture.

By way of sharing their cultural accumulations, metropolitan people have been knowledgeable about and known each other better . The inclusion of cultures in the daily life and spreading out all sections of societies has been more important day by day. Metropolitan development has been succeeded by the help of  cultural change and the fact that the consciousness of  being among one of those living in Metropolises will go up the desired level. Therefore, it is required that both the administrations and non-governmental organizations should be active, and benefit from professional sources of information and experiences. Istanbul has become 2010 European capital of culture and Europe will discover the roots of its culture in Istanbul and take a noteworthy step. What’s more,  Istanbul’s becoming succesful as a Europen capital of culture will be obtained by Istanbul people’s taking this project up seriosly and supporting it with a noticeable participation.

Picture source: http://www.travel-earth.com/turkey