The 19 most complex and dangerous roads in the world

Sure, it feels fantastic to traverse the vast stretches of the best roads in the world via adrenaline pumping speeds. How about a complicated road, one that twists and turns, or has downright congested traffic, or unforgiving terrain? They might give you a headache, but it sure feels good when you’ve conquered them. Here is the  list of the world’s most complicated and dangerous roads. Some of these complicated mountain passes can be dangerous if not negotiated with utmost caution, while others are complicated sets of roads and bridges, erected to ensure a streamlined flow of traffic at busy junctions. Without further ado, we present our top 19 list…

1) Col de Turini, France

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Situated more than 1 mile above sea level, Col de Turini is a mountain pass situated in south of France in the Alps. It’s also part of a 20 miles rally stage of the Monte Carlo Rally of WRC, which combines 34 challenging hairpins and long stretches where cars top 111 mph. It is one of the most exciting roads on Earth.  The pass was featured in the very first episode of Top Gear series 10, when the presenters went in search of the greatest driving road in the world. At its highest point, Col de Turini  is 1607m high. In the north, the Col de Turini starts  with a dazzling series of hairpins. Finally, we end up riding in a gorge, with a wild river on the left, and a steep rock-wall on the right.

2) Stelvio Pass, Italy

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Located in the Eastern Alps in Italy, the Stelvio Pass Road connects the Valtellina with Merano and the upper Adige valley. This mountain road pass is situated at an altitude of around 1.7 miles above sea level. The road is particularly challenging to drive due to the presence of 48 hairpin bends, with the road becoming exceedingly narrow at some points, and some very steep inclines. With a height of 2757 meters, it is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps and the second highest in the Alps, after the 2770 m high Col de l’Iseran. While it might not be as dangerous  as the other routes, it is certainly breathtaking. The  toughest and most spectacular drives are from the Prato side. The mountain pass is  one of the best continuous hairpin routes in the world.

3) Leh–Manali Highway, India

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The Leh-Manali Highway is situated in India and spans over a length of 297 miles among the Himalaya mountain range. It passes through some of the worlds highest mountain passes in the world, with a mean altitude in between 2 to 3 miles above sea level. The road is one of the most complicated and challenging roads in the world, with snow, landslides and terrain making the journey exceedingly difficult for anything other than a capable four wheel drive vehicle. The road was built and is maintained by the Indian Army.

4) The Puxi Viaduct, Shanghai

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This is one of Shanghai’s busiest and largest interchange that caters to thousands of vehicles every hour. It has five levels of bridges that help connect two of the cities busiest highways, directing vehicles without much fuss.

5) The Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange, LA

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The Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange is situated in Los Angeles, CA and is one of the most complicated interchanges in the country. It permits entry and exit in all directions between the I-105 and the I-110. It’s a stack interchange with layers of bridges making a complicated network of roads allowing smooth flow of traffic though both the interstate highways. This interchange was opened in 1993. It is a 4 level interchange with a restricted access lane that can be used by high-occupancy vehicles.

6) The Road of death, Bolivia

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The North Yungas Road (also known as the El Camino de la Muerte, ‘Road of Death’ in Spanish) is a 43 mile road connecting La Paz and Coroico, 35 miles northeast of La Paz in Bolivia. Famous for its extreme danger, it was christened as the “world’s most dangerous road” in 1995 by the Inter-American Development Bank. The single-lane width, extreme drop offs, and lack of guardrails, only add to the danger lurking behind. Further, the fog and rain can make visibility poor and the road surface muddy, loosening rocks from the hillsides above. It is estimated that 200 to 300 travelers are killed per year on this treacherous road. Although, the old North Yungas Road is  much less used by traffic nowadays, an increasing number of adventure bikers  travel it for the thrills.

7) Russia’s Lena Highway, the Highway from Hell

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The last 600 miles of the Russian Federal Highway from Moscow city to the Siberian city of Yakutsk is called the “Lena Highway”. This bizarre road runs parallel to the River Lena on the final leg to Yakutsk. As if the road of mud was not a big problem, Yakutsk is considered one of the the coldest cities on earth, with January temperatures averaging -45 °F. But surprisingly, it is only in the summertime that the road becomes impassable. Whenever it rains in summer, the road virtually becomes a slush pit making it impossible for the vehicles to pass through it. This being the only road to Yakutsk makes the traffic heavy and even more complicated to negotiate.

8. Gravelly Hill Interchange, Burmingham, UK

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Gravelly Hill Interchange, nicknamed ‘the Spaghetti Junction’, is the 6th junction  of the M6 motorway, where it joins the A38 Aston Expressway in Birmingham, UK. The name “Spaghetti Junction” was coined by Roy Smith, a journalist from the Birmingham Evening  Mail in the 1970s. The areal view of the junction sure tells us why it is called the Spaghetti Junction. Spanning an impressive 30 acres, the junction serves 18 routes and includes 4 km of slip roads. Across 6 different levels, there are 559 concrete columns, reaching up to 24.4 m in height. The engineers had to elevate 13.5 miles of the motorway to accommodate 2 railway lines, 3 canals, and 2 rivers. It’s the most complicated junction in United Kingdom.

9) Russian-Georgian “Military” Mountain Roads

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When they are not covered in sheets of snow, then it’s the thick, grueling mud. These remote highways would probably swallow your car in the snow or mud. Though neither affect the locals who drive their Lada cars down it regularly. Situated in the Caucasus mountains, these roads are to be tackled only by the Russian military which probably explain why they lack any official designation. The harsh surface, along with the problems posed by snow, makes this road almost inaccessible during winter. The seldom used road connects Russia and Georgia and assumes of strategic importance for both countries.

10) Guoliang Tunnel Road, China

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The magnificent tunnel road in the Taihang mountains was built by 13 local villagers headed by their chief, Shen Mingxin, and took around five years to finish. Many villagers lost their lives in accidents during construction of the tunnel but the others continued relentlessly. The tunnel was opened to traffic on May 1st, 1977. The 1200 meter long tunnel is about 5 meters high and 4 meters wide. It is located in the Henan Province of China. The Guoliang tunnel is another addition to most dangerous and complicated roads to travel. Dubbed as “the road that does not tolerate any mistakes”, most accidents in the tunnel are primarily caused by the neglect of the traveler. Nonetheless, it is an extremely scenic route and is a key destination on the Chinese tourism map.

11) Taroko Gorge Road in Taiwan (Chungheng)

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The Taroko Gorge Road in Taiwan is another mountain route in China made by carving out rocks, like the Guoliang Tunnel road. The road passes through the Taroko national park alongside the Taroko Gorge. The road is an appeal to the tourist, as well as a mode of transportation of marble found abundantly in the Gorge.

12) Pasubio (Vicenza), Northern Italy

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This is a hiking trail made out of an ancient road trail. The road serves mostly for motorcycles and certain types of car. The road is dangerously narrow and slippery, spanning many cliff faces and tunnels with stunning scenery, making this a popular destination for adventurous travelers.

13) The Halsema Highway in the Philippines

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The Halsema Highway runs through the Central Cordillera Valley in Philippines. It is also called the Baguio-Bontoc Road. The road is approximately 150 miles long and is mostly unpaved. The road runs through steep cliff faces which barely have any guard rails or other safety devices installed. The narrow roads and steep cliff faces make the road almost impassable during the rainy season. It’s known for the rock slides and mud slides and buses driving dangerously fast on its narrow passage. There are plenty of accidents and many overturned buses on a yearly basis. There are sheer drop offs of more than 1000 feet without a safety guard rail. This route is for sure one of the most dangerous roads in the world.

14) Trollstigen in Norway

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The Fjord in Norway has many roads that attract tourists. The most notable among them is the Trollstigen which is a series of stunning roads with a breathtaking view of a few waterfalls. The word Trollstigen means the Troll Ladder. The road, though not lacking in safety standards, takes a lot of concentration and driving skill to conquer. The vertigo-inducing steep inclines, intense set of hairpins and narrow roads leave no margin for error. However, once you are at the top, the view is just breathtaking. The narrow road leaves us with extremely few possibilities for vehicles to pass each other. The frequent rockfalls in the region have resulted in some upgrades to the road in 2005. At the top, there is a viewing balcony which overlooks the road and the Stigfossen waterfall, a 320 m long waterfall which falls down the mountain side.

15) Los Caracoles Pass in Andes

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This road passes though the Andreas Mountains on the way between Chile and Argentina. Los Caracoles is a series of hard switchbacks on an extremely steep incline. The road has many steep inclines and hairpins without any safety guard rails. The road is covered with snow for the most part of the year. The snow together with nature of the road requires extreme patience and skill to negotiate. However, this road is maintained pretty regularly and does not have a morbid accident record. Cargo trucks and even double-Decker tourist buses travel through the road on a daily basis, and it’s quite an experience.

16) Iroha-zaka winding road, Japan

Iroha-zaka winding road is the main route that connects central Nikko and Oku-Nikko. The First Iroha-zaka is used to come down, and the  Second Iroha-zaka to go up. Each corner has an ancient Japanese alphabet, and you will see it in alphabetical order starting from I-ro-ha and hence the name. The road was used by ascetics in the past. The number of curves on the road was 48, matching the 48 letters of the ancient Japanese alphabet. Therefore, the tourist guides started to call the slope Iroha-zaka.  After the construction of the second Iroha-zaka there were 50 curves, but 2 were decreased to remain corresponding with the 48 letters. How’s that for complicated?

17) Van Zyl’s Pass, Namibia

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Van Zyl’s Pass, or the DR3703, located in Namibia, is a classic extreme road. It is not exactly a road, just a route made over the mountain by the travelers over time. The outrageously steep pass provides a pure adrenaline rush, but the route that leads up to it is a 10-15km of tough driving where one has to dodge their way through rocks, boulders, badlands and ravines. At the end, the road descends to the ancient glacial valley called Marienfluss valley, which is one of the planet’s most beautiful sights that await only the brave-hearted.

18) El Espinazo Del diablo, Mexico

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El Espinazo Del diablo or ‘The devil’s backbone’ is the mountain pass in Durango, Mexico. It’s about 5 hours long, and it was the only road from Durango to Mazatlan Sinaloa for a long time. We have heard many cautionary tales about crossing the devil’s backbone, El Espinoza Del Diablo, But the road is exceptionally well maintained and there are many cautionary signs marking most of the hazards. Of course these are in Spanish, so keep an electronic translator or a dictionary, handy. Pull out spots are frequent, so you can easily stop anytime you want. There are some tight curves, too. So tight that a truck needs all of the road to make it around. These hinder potential two way traffic in these regions. However, stunning rock formations rising around you and the lush, green vistas stretching on for impossible distances make every inch of the drive breathtaking.

19) Lysebotn Road, Norway

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This is probably the most fun road you can travel on four wheels, and then maybe on your two legs checking out the various hiking trails leading from the area. In fact, this might be considered the most breathtaking place in Europe. It all starts with the narrow road up the steep walls of the Lysefjord, Norway. It has 27 switchbacks and a 1.1 km long tunnel at the bottom, with 3 switchbacks inside. The last 30 km of Lysebotn road is a true roller-coaster! It’s narrow but has a perfect surface, winding left and right all the time. If you happen to ride a motorcycle in Norway, then this is the road you simply cannot afford to miss!

Top Ten Things to Do in Japan

Japan is one of the countries that have the best of both worlds. It's advanced in terms of technology, and yet, it has been able to retain its greatest heritage - its culture. Indeed, Japan has done an amazing feat as it can manage to stay as one of the world's leading economic powers while still being able to hold on to the roots of its past. And, as such, it has become one of the most interesting places to visit - a rich blend of history and technology.

1.) Watch the cherry blossoms fall

There's no symbol of Japan more famous than the beautiful Cherry Blossoms. Indeed, the cherry blossom, with beauty so intense but so fleeting, is something that you have got to see if you ever visit Japan. They bloom during the months of April and May, and by the end of these months, they fall to the ground like a dreamy curtain of pink and white. There's no other sight quite like it.

2.) Release your inner child

Japan is one of the few countries in the world with its own Disney Land. And, of course, because the Japanese are sticklers for culture, their Disney Land is built with a distinctly Japanese influence. It sets it apart from all other such theme parks in the world.

3.) Indulge the shopaholic in you

Tokoyo is one of the world's biggest shopping capitals. Ginza is a huge market where you can find anything you need, from the latest gadgets and gizmos to the latest manga release of your favorite anime series. In the morning, you can even see it transformed into the world's largest fish market. Indeed, Ginza is one place that you'd be sorry to miss.

4.) Sip some tea

Essentially, the Japanese are people who prefer everything to be clean and serene, that's why they love such peaceful activities as drinking, or rather, sipping tea. While you're in Japan, you should at least experience authentic Japanese tea. Or better yet, you can participate in the Japanese Tea Ceremony, a festival held both in Kyoto and Tokyo.

5.) Play in the snow

In some parts of the year, particularly in winter, Japan gets coated in a blanket of pristine white snow. During this time of the year, it would do you well to have some fun in Japan's steep ski slopes. You can even partake in the Snow Festival where ice parties take place for a whole seven days and where you can see beautiful ice sculptures.

6.) Relax in the hot springs

And, if your muscles need to loosen up a bit, why don't you give yourself a treat by visiting one of the many hot springs. These can be found in most parts of Japan, especially in Okinawa. The relaxing steam is sure to make you feel like you've shed a very heavy load.

7.) Become a samurai

Japan is quite famous for its noble Samurai who follow the Bushido code, and the swords or their 'katana,' though light and flexible, are sharp and deadly. You can buy your own katana for your collection's sake, but mind you, a lot of effort and time are put into these swords, so they won't be cheap. Some sellers are even picky as to who they're going to sell their swords to - that's how special these deadly weapons are.

8.) Watch giants clash

A sport like no other, sumo wrestling is one of the most interesting things that you will see in Japan. Sumo Wrestling is Japan's national sport, and it draws large crowds from all over. You can even place your bets to make watching it more exciting.

9.) Do some sightseeing

There are tons of things to see in Japan. It is, after all, rich in architecture and landscapes. You can take pictures of the famous Imperial Palace if you're into architecture or the famous Mt. Fuji if you're into nature.

10.) Bask in the Nightlife

And, of course, what better way to end the day than to experience Tokyo's nightlife. There's no other place in the world where 'glow-in-the-dark' is a fashion statement. Indeed, a great place to let loose and just be yourself.

Top 5 "Real" China Destinations

China has 33 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. Choosing which to travel can be quite frustrating, considering that each are unique and attractive in their own right. Here we have picked the top 5 based on the most authentic Chinese experience travelers can expect from each:

Shandong (East China)
Where Chinese civilization as we know it began, Shandong is a wealth of history and tradition. From the birthplaces of Sun Tzu and Confucius to sacred Tai Shan, this is Han culture at its most unadulterated.

Ningxia (North China)
The smallest and least touristed province, Ningxia is truly one of those places where travelers feel like the only yangren in China. Droves of unemployed workers on the street corners take unabashed fascination in watching you watch them.

Yunnan (South-West China)
This kaleidoscope of culture has the highest concentration of minority groups in all of China, whom appear to us not unlike resplendent yet elusive jungle birds in an effort to preserve their centuries-old customs.

Beijing (East China)
Compared to gleaming Shanghai and Hong Kong, we come to Beijing because of its venerable charm, not in spite of it. Amidst the commotion of hyper urbanization, the capital city’s remaining hutongs capture life exactly as it has been in China for a thousand years.

Tibet (West China)
China’s final frontier and spiritual Shangri-la. Lhasa might be destined to succumb to red-hat tourism, but journey to the far eastern or western regions, where nomadic shepherds, colorful pilgrims and remote monasteries have yet to encounter a foreign face.

5 Top Reasons to Visit South Korea

Probably not top of everybody's must see travel destinations, but perhaps it should be. South Korea is a fascinating country with plenty to offer. Here are five reasons to go.

Amusement Parks
It may not be the first thing you think of when you think of South Korea but the country is big on amusement parks and there are some great ones to choose from - making South Korea a great place for a holiday with the kids. One of the best is Everland, just outside Seoul where you can find some of the most exciting rides around.

Shopping
Of course a holiday isn’t a holiday without a shopping spree and in South Korea you can shop all day and night if you like. South Korea, and especially Seoul, has an amazing array of shops from department stores and shopping centres to markets and unique one-of-a-kind shops. You can shop 24 hours a day in some cities so don’t foget to bring your credit card!

Green Tea
It may be all the rage in London and New York with fashionista types but South Korea is the real home of green tea and you can get some delicious varieties here. It’s great for your health and pretty cheap too!

Karaoke
Karaoke is huge in South Korea. The country has plenty of private karaoke bars where you and your friends can exercise the vocal chords and sing to your hearts content without the risk of annoying the other customers! Known as Nore Bangs, meaning singing room, the bars are hugely popular with locals and tourists alike.

Food
Finally if you’re anything like me food will play a big part in your holiday and in South Korea you will not be disappointed. South Korean cuisine is inimitable and delicious. There is plenty to choose from so if you want to give your taste buds a treat you can’t go far wrong in South Korea.

How To Travel Around The Country Of Korea

A lot of us usually get lost when we go to a different country. We usually hire a cab to take us to our destination; but let's face it; it's not at all cheap. I've looked up some of the traveling services available in Korea. Hope this helps you when you visit Korea.

• Domestic Flights

I learned that Asiana Airlines and Korean Air handle domestic flights. A domestic destination usually just takes about an hour from Seoul. They use Incheon International Airport and Gimpo Airport for the domestic travels. It is one way to travel easier from one city of Korea to another.

• Local and City Bus Services

Traveling using the local and city bus is the least expensive way to go around the city or to the towns of Korea. They have this intercity bus network that connects all cities and towns of the country. It is quite easy to use since the buses running from the city to the suburban cities are numbered according to their route. The fare ranges from $0.52 to $1.57 in US dollars or 500 to 1,500 won.

• Long Distance Express Buses

Unlike the local bus that has a regular stops within the cities; the long distance express buses has a certain stop that goes directly to your destination. This has more expensive deluxe bus seats, where you can have an access to a mobile phone and an ability to watch movies. The deluxe bus only has three seats. But don't worry, they also have the regular bus which is less expensive, this bus has four seats side by side. The long distance express bus connects you from one major city to another major city.

• Railway Services

They have this KORAIL (as what the Koreans call it), short for Korea Railroad. KORAIL operates three kinds of trains, the super-express, express, and the local. It is interconnected in a nationwide network of cities. The super-express train connects Seoul to the cities of Busan, East Daegu, Mokpo, Iksan, and Gwangju. But for most famous destinations in Korea, it can be reached thru a single or direct transfer using the express train. The local trains are the ones that have the frequent stops from within the cities.

• Subway Services

As for all the countries, the subway is the most convenient and easiest way to travel. The subway of Korea offers the safest, easiest, fastest, most comfortable means of transportation from the main cities of Korea. From Seoul it is linked to the other intercity or satellite cities in Korea. The train takes about 2 to 3 minutes of interval during the peak hours and 4 to 6 minutes in non-peak hours. The fare takes only about 900 won or $0.94 US dollars.

• Ferry Services

This is one way to travel where you can appreciate the beauty of Korea. It's the most pleasant way to see Korea. It will take you from one island to another; the routes are from Busan to Jeju-do Island, Pohang and Ulleungdo Island, and Mokpo and Hongdo Island.

Adventurous Chiang Mai - Fun for Your Teenager in Thailand

Chiang Mai, also known as the "northern rose" of Thailand, has a wide variety of activities and attractions for all those thrill and adrenaline junkies. One of the oldest cities, located in the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai, is surrounded by mountains with the city in the valley.

If shopping and touring the city doesn't make you tick, Chiang Mai offers numerous adrenaline pumping activities including bungee jumping, paintballing, white water rafting, rock climbing, spelunking, and has vehicles such as atvs and dirt bikes for rental.

If you are a bit tight on money, other lower costing activities include, hiking through local mountains at national parks, renting a mountain bike and biking through dirt trails on nearby mountains, or simply grabbing a sleeping bag and tent and going camping at national parks throughout the surrounding mountains.

If you have a little extra cash to spend on fun and excitement, there are three fantastic paintball businesses, each with different styles of courses. These facilities provide gear which includes clothing, guns, and paintballs, prices will vary from 300 to 400 baht, which is about 8 to 13 US dollars.

Another thrilling activity includes bungee jumping. There is a bungee jumping area at the X-center with a 50 meter jump over a lake. The cost includes, the jump, a free t-shirt, and pictures. The price comes out to about 1800 baht, equivalent to about 55 US dollars, but gets cheaper for every consecutive jump.

If you like the outdoors, Chiang Mai has two well qualified rock climbing businesses, the Peak and Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Club. These two establishments have rock climbing training courses and equipment for those experienced climbers that could not bring their gear along to Thailand. They also have climbing walls. There is a place 45 minutes out of the city called Crazy Horse where climbers from all over the world come to climb its 70 plus routes from beginner to advance courses. This mountain face also has caves for those interested in looking inside the mountain.

Another exciting activity is off road atv'ing. There are companies that rent out atv's for tourists to ride on the mountain trails. They offer tours of one to three day trips, as well. As you can see from all these adventurous activities, Chiang Mai is a place where your teenager will not be bored. For your next family vacation, come visit Chiang Mai, where there are activities for everyone in your family.

Bangalore - Business City

Bangalore is an amazing business hub, a true cosmopolitan city with all the hustle and bustle. It is the perfect city to conduct business meetings, seminars and conventions as its salubrious weather and atmosphere are conducive for business purpose.

Blessed with a gardens & parks, natural lakes, architectural landmarks, shopping malls, the best restaurants and pubs in this part of the globe, business opportunities are abundant in this part of India.

Bangalore is often said to be the center of the Indian I.T. outsourcing movement, and has offices of many foreign tech companies as well as a number of native Indian tech startups, it is referred to as the Silicon Valley of India.

Economy

Bangalore has a healthy and booming economy. It is home to over 10,000 dollar millionaires and around 60,000 super-rich people who have an isurplus of Rs. 4.5 crore and Rs. 50 lakh respectively. As of 2001, Bangalore's share of Rs. 1660 crore (US$ 3.7 billion) in Foreign Direct Investment was the third highest for an Indian city. Bangalore is India's fourth largest and fastest growing market, with a per capita income of Rs. .49,000 (US$ 1,160)

Culture

Bangalore is a veritable melting pot of various races and cultures. A dynamic city, with innumerable cultural events organized every evening, Bangalore has a population of more than 56 lakhs. Besides Kannada, which is the official language of the state, Bangaloreans are also comfortable with English, Hindi, Tamil, Telegu, etc.

Bangalore is known as the "Garden City of India" because of its greenery and the existence of many public parks dotted al over the city. It also has many other nick-names such as Pub City, Silicon Valley of India, Mini Subcontinent etc.

The diversity of cuisine available is astonishing and diverse. Roadside vendors, tea stalls, and South Indian, North Indian, Chinese and Western fast food are all very popular in the city. With its many pubs and bars, and also with the city being the headquarters of United Breweries, makers of the popular Kingfisher Beer, Bangalore is a drinker's dream.

Accommodations

Bangalore has a variety of hotels from budget to the expensive. For the business man there are many choices from which to pick. A good choice is the Ista hotel which is a mid-range hotel with all the necessary business facilities. It is situated conveniently close to the city's business and shopping centers.

Transport

Bangalore's Airport is India's fourth busiest and functions as both domestic and international airport and is well connected to several destinations in the world. Plus a new airport is also in the offing the new Bangalore International Airport, which is being constructed in the outskirts of Bangalore, targeted to be inaugurated in April 2008,

Bangalore is also well connected to the rest of the country through the Indian Railways. The city is connected to New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad, as well as other major cities in Karnataka. There is also nn intra-city rapid rail transport system called the Namma Metro whichis being developed and is expected to be operational in 2011.

The city also has well developed roads and transport systems. Taxi services, three-wheeled, black and yellow auto-rickshaws, buses operated by Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation are the various means of public transport within Bangalore city.

An Overview of Japan for Travelers

For such a tiny total landmass, Japan has left an undeniable stamp on human history. If you are considering Japan as a destination, here is an overview of the country.

Extending along the eastern coast of Asia, Japan is a country consisting of a collection of islands. The mainland, as we think of it, is the island of Honshu. There are three other large islands, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and roughly 3,000 much smaller islands comprising what we call Japan. Put together, the total land mass is slightly smaller than California. The geography throughout the islands is mountainous, best exemplified by Mt. Fuji at 12,385 feet. As you might expect, the island country is inherently recognition of a volcanic are and Japan experiences earthquakes fairly frequently, some on a large scale.

Japan is an extremely urbanized country with most people living in major cities. The two prominent religions are Shintoism and Buddhism. The belief systems are harmonious and often share the same temples.

Per legend, Japan was founded by Emperor Jimmu around 600 BC. The current emperor is a descendent of the first.

The first interaction with the West was in 1542 when a lost Portuguese ship landed in Japan. Over the next century more Westerns came, but they were not trusted. The Japan shoguns eventually banned all foreigners and the country was isolated for over 200 years. Not until 1854 did Japan open its doors to the world under the Convention of Kanagawa with the United States. Once this occurred, Japan quickly evolved from a feudal state to a more modern approach.

World War I was a boon for Japan. Fighting on the side of the victorious Allies, Japan repeated new respect as an economic and military power following the defeat of the Axis. Alas, the emperor of Japan went in a different direction after the war, seeking dominance of China and Asia in general.

In 1937, Japan became an ally of Nazi German. This eventually led to its decision to pursue an attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Following four years of war, the loss of 3 million Japanese lives and two atomic bombings, Japan surrendered to the United States on September 2, 1945. It was stripped of most of its territorial holdings and was ruled de facto by General Douglas MacArthur, designated the Supreme Commander.

Following World War II, Japan turned to a democratic system through reforms. The U.S. and allies returned complete control to Japan on April 28, 1952 via the Treaty of Peace. Although its days as a military power were over, Japan once again became an economic giant. Despite its relatively tiny land mass, Japan has the second biggest economy in the world.

Modern day Japan covers 145,902 square miles. The capital is Tokyo. The terrain is best described as rugged, mountainous islands with varying temperatures.

The people of Japan are called “Japanese.” The total population is just over 127.4 million people, but the population is decreasing slightly in size. Japanese is the primarily language spoken and literacy rates are 99 percent. Japanese males have a life expectancy of 77 years while women live to 84 on average.

With its mountainous island landscape, Japan is a hot destination spot for travelers. It is expensive, but a visit to Mount Fuji alone makes a trip worthwhile.

Glimpse of Rajasthan Tours, India

India is a very popular tourist destination among tourists from all over the world. It is the land of amazing diversity having a lot of tourism options. There are several tourist destinations in the country which deserve the attention of tourists from all over the world. Every state of the country has its own charm and never fails to grab the heart of its visitors. Surely your India tours will be a pleasant experience of lifetime. One of such destinations is Rajasthan is very popular among tourists from all over the world due to its various tourism options and picturesque landscapes.

During your Rajasthan tours you will have wonderful opportunity to visit some of historical monuments which tells the past glory of Rajputana Empire. These are several magnificent monuments including forts & palaces, havelis, temples, etc which deserve the attention of tourists from all over the world. Some of forts & palaces of Rajasthan have now been turned into heritage hotels which are equipped with all modern amenities. These heritage hotels provide world-class accommodation blended with age-old charm. You will too have opportunity to stay at these heritage hotels during your Rajasthan tour, India. Staying at these palace hotels provides a true essence of luxury Rajasthan tour to India.

While on Rajasthan travel to India you will also have opportunity to visit rippling sand dunes of vast Thar Desert by camel ride. Tourists from all over the world come to Rajasthan, India to visit Sam Sand Dunes of Rajasthan. Visiting Sam Sand Dunes at the time of sunset create a fascinating magic and never fails to steal the heart of its visitors. Sam Sand Dunes are also very popular among honeymooners or newly wedded couples. At the period of sunset these dunes create a romantic ambience for honeymooners or newly wedded couples. The city of Mount Abu (the only hill station of Rajasthan) is also very popular among honeymooners and tourists from all over the world. Mount Abu is known for its extraordinary natural beauty and cool climates.

One another major attraction of India tours is golden triangle circuit of India. This is one of the most popular travel circuits of India. Golden triangle tour provides you wonderful opportunity to visit three major historical cities of North India i.e. Delhi (the capital of India), Jaipur (the capital of Indian state of Rajasthan) and Agra (located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and famous for magnificent Taj Mahal). During your Delhi Agra Jaipur Tours you will have brilliant opportunity to visit some famous heritage monuments of India. In Delhi you will visit Humayun's Tomb, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, India Gate, etc. In Jaipur you will visit City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, etc. In Agra you will visit India's star attraction Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, etc. In fact, Golden triangle tours of India never fail to enchant tourist with their historical attractions.

If you too have a desire to experience the charm of Rajasthan tourism, you welcome. Come to India and embark on Rajasthan tours.

My Unforgettable Tibet Tours

How to describe Tibet? I have heard it called "Shangri La", and I have heard it called "The Rooftop of the World", but there is really no accurate way to describe this amazing and mysterious place in a few simple words or even paragraphs. It is an absolutely amazing place that time seems to have forgotten. It features some of the most breathtaking man-made, and natural sites in the world, and as a whole, has the friendliest people I have ever met. They seem to smile and laugh more than any other people in the world. The sky in Tibet is so blue, and seems so low, that if I stood on a chair, I felt like I could have touched. My trip to Tibet with my family, simply put, was a life changing experience.

The first site we visited, and the one which I was most looking forward to visiting, was the Potala Palace. It stands in the center of the city of Lhasa and it took my breath away. I was surprised at how big the whole complex is. The bottom half is painted half, with red buildings on the top. It looks like a giant fortress. It was the home to Tibet's Dalai Lama. It was packed full of people, but because they limit the amount of tickets sold each day, it was not overwhelming. I'm glad I had a guide, because if one was allowed to wander alone, I'm not sure they could have ever found the way out. It seems to just keep going and going. It is like a huge labyrinth. It is full of unbelievably beautiful treasures. Every square inch seemed to be decorated. Even the ceilings are incredible. Everything seemed to have secret meanings. I'm sure that place could be studied for decades and never be fully understood.

We also checked out Jokhang Temple. The tour guide told us the legend of its creation and I thought it was pretty bizarre. Supposedly the temple was built on a lake. They had tried to build the temple a bunch of times, but each time it collapsed. An educated woman said that the geography of Tibet was like an old woman, with the lake at the heart. In order to build the temple, she suggested that they kill the old woman by filling in the lake. They were supposed to use 1,000 sheep to carry the soil. Those must have been some pretty strong sheep! The temple is really cool though. It is actually a large complex, and it was filled with pilgrims that had come from all parts of Tibet. There is a long passageway that had paintings showing the temple being built. I tried to get some photos of it, but they didn't turn out too well, too many people. After the temple, the guide took me to visit Barkhor Street. It wasn't a far walk, because it is a round road that surrounds the temple. I had a lot of fun there. It was packed with tourists, Buddhist monks, and pilgrims. It was a really neat mixture of peoples. Many of the pilgrims were crawling on the ground. Apparently, on their pilgrimage from their homes, they walk two steps, then prostrate themselves on the ground, then walk two more steps, then prostrate themselves on the ground. This is repeated for hundreds of miles, until they reach Lhasa. Talk about dedication. Many others were spinning prayer wheels. The street was lined with stalls selling all sorts of stuff. There were some really beautiful arts and crafts, and of course some touristy things. Most of the objects for sale were Buddhist related. I saw a lot of pottery, and tea shops there. I think my favorite things they had for sale there were the Thangka paintings. These are religious Buddhist paintings. Some of them were really beautiful, and the details on them are amazing. I watched a man painting hair on a creature's head. He was painting them one by one. I can't imagine how long these paintings take to complete. My mother and I picked up a couple of these.

On my second day, we went to Norbulingka Park. Apparently it is the biggest garden in Tibet. This place was gorgeous. Even though it was filled with filled with people, it was actually quite peaceful.

The summer palace of the Dalai Lama. It was quite large, with a lot of water, and wooded areas. Every wall in every building was covered with murals. After the park, I went to the Sera Monastery. This place was packed too, but it was filled with monks in their red robes. They were having a debate. I was told that monks often gather here to have debates on the Buddhist scriptures. I couldn't understand them, but it was really fun to watch them, and I could tell they really took it very seriously.

We saw the largest mountain in the world, Everest. It was really beautiful. It was covered with white snow, and seemed to be the pillar that holds up the sky. I took so many photos of it. It could be seen from almost everywhere we went. I don't think I'd like to attempt climbing it, but I really did enjoy looking at it.

I think my favorite part about visiting Tibet, was the evening we spent with a local family. Ours was a small group, so it was a really nice intimate visit. The family we visited lived in a traditional wooden home, which was beautifully painted. It was very colorful, and had religious decorations everywhere. It didn't have all modern conveniences, but it was really beautiful, and I felt really comfortable there. They wore traditional Tibetan clothing. I asked if it was just for our visit, but they said that they wore it every day. The family was so sweet. I got the feeling that they were just local folks, and the language barrier didn't seem to matter. Of course I did have my guide to translate, but I could tell that this was a truly loving family. The father gave us a tour of the home, while the women prepared dinner. It was all local food. At first I wasn't sure I liked it, but after a few bites, they really seemed to grow on me. We had what they call Tsamba. It is a kind of dough made from barley. They had it plain, but offered some sugar and butter for me to mix with mine. I tried it both ways and defiantly liked it better when I added the extra ingredients. I was told that this was a staple, and was eaten at every meal. We also had beef stew, steamed duck, and beef jerky. I was offered Tibetan vodka, but I am not a big drinker, so I politely declined, and they did not push it. After dinner we had Tibetan butter tea. I had heard about it, and was told that most visitors don't like it, but I liked it. It really filled me up. I can see why they drink so much of it. It really seemed to instantly warm me up and give me energy. I watched the woman prepare it, and asked her to teach, because I'd never seen anything like it. They put boiling tea, salt, and butter into a thin churn, and then churned it all together. It took some work, but was worth it. After dinner, they showed us some of their local dances. They wanted us to join in. At first, I wasn't comfortable doing it, but seeing how much fun they were having I decided to give it a go. We were all laughing so hard, that we could hardly dance. I really hated to leave. It was a really wonderful experience.

I had been warned by many people about altitude sickness. I was concerned about it, but didn't have too much of a problem. I did experience headaches for the first few days, but that was it. My brother on the other hand had it much worse than I, and had to miss our first day of site-seeing. Our guide suggested we drink a lot of water, and that really seemed to help a lot. Something to do with dehydration I think.

Tibet is truly an amazing place. We were only there five days, and I hated to leave. I felt I could spend the rest of my life exploring this amazing province. Sadly, with my limited writing ability, I cannot even come close to describing it. It felt so mysterious, yet welcoming. It is a place where ancient religious beliefs mix seamlessly with modern life. People live as they have for thousands of years, and it seemed to me that they do this by choice, not by necessity. Every place we went was packed with people, but it did make for some really cool photographs. The diversity of people there was really kinda cool. It was a wonderful experience, and I really hope I can return one day.

Tibet is a part of my adventure, below is the whole itinerary of my "China Adventure Tour":

Beijing: Day 1: Arrival in Beijing. Day 2: Beijing city tour to the Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven Day 3: Drive to outskirt of Beijing; hiking the Simatai Great Wall. Day 4: Beijing Hutong tour; half day free.

Lhasa: Day 5: Fly to Lhasa; visit the Tibet Museum. Day 6: Lhasa city tour to the Potala Palace & Barkhor Street. Day 7 : Explore Lhasa Monasteries and visit Tibetan family. Chengdu: Day 8: Fly to Chengdu; try Sichuan Food Day 9: Chengdu city tour; visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base and observe the giant pandas up close.

Lijiang: Day 10: Fly to Lijiang; excursion to the Ancient Town. Day 11: Drive to the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge; hiking and overnight at guesthouse. Day 12: Continue hiking up to the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge; overnight at guesthouse.Day 13: Continue hiking up and get across the Yangtze River; drive back to Lijiang. Day 14: Lijiang city tour; half day free.

Guilin: Day 15: Fly to Guilin via Kumming. Day 16: Drive to Longji; walks on rice terraces. Day 17: Li River cruise to Yangshuo; bike ride in the countryside. Day 18: Guilin city tour; final Departure.

Taj Mahal Tour - Be Part Of The Magical History Of The Taj Mahal

Nothing in the world can beat the magical effect of the Taj Mahal. Tourists who haven't set foot in India dream to be here one day and tourists who have been here know what haunting beauty is all about. Admired worldwide as a symbol of love and beauty this beautiful Mausoleum seems like a dream woven in marble on a star studded night. Built by Shah Jahan for his lady love and wife Mumtaz Mahal the monument tells a tale of love, bereavement and mystery. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River this architectural marvel was constructed in marble and semi precious stones which were imported from China and Italy. A mere four hours drive from Delhi will take you to Agra. If you are venturing on a Taj Mahal Tour remember to include Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daullah's Tomb, Chini Ka Rauza and Sikandra as well to get an overall picture about Mughal architecture and Era. For a more endearing experience also visit the derelict town of Fatehpur Sikri enroute.

Taj Mahal Tour commences with your touching Delhi. Make headway right away so as to reach fast and begin exploring early enough. Keep two days in hand for a thorough Taj Mahal Tour.After you reachAgra don't go to the Taj Mahal right away. Rather take your time to know this old city with its narrow lanes and Mughlai cuisine. Check out some of the handcrafted items on sale by the road. Strike a conversation with a local and know the present scenario of Agra. That's how a real traveler should travel.

Next day get up early in the morning to go to the Taj Mahal. A careful study of the architecture tells you that the Taj blends Hindu architecture and patterns along with Mughal designs and arches. The red lotus which is seen in Taj Mahal is actually a symbol of Brahma while the trident that features several times in the inner sanctuary of the tomb is a symbol of Shiva. If we keep in mind that Shah Jahan was a liberal ruler who was keener towards humanity in general rather than towards either Hindus or Muslims, everything falls into place. The inner chambers of the Taj are carved and designed with semi precious stones while the exterior facade is a study in geometrical patterns and symmetry.It is said that the Taj looks different in the early rays of the sun, in the afternoon and in the night.

Taj Mahal Tour would be incomplete without a visit to the Agra Fort. Situated right across the Yamuna overlooking the Taj it is said that Shah Jahan used to watch the monument of his love when he was imprisoned in the Agra Fort by his own son Aurangzeb.

Traveling India - An Unforgettable Experience

"Mystic power, glorious past lies in peace the beauty amongst the beast" India has the aura of spiritual, pious and chaste power. Its beauty is undefined and its diversity is what makes it extraordinary.

An Indian tour can be filled with great surprises. Home to the oldest civilizations of the world, it has embarked and witnessed architectural grandeur since past centuries. It's bestowed with Mother Nature's never ending love, as the land is decorated with beaches, snow capped mountains, dense forests, deserts and plateaus.

The magic of India is such that it is religious as well as flamboyant, orthodox as well as modern, no where in the world can tourist find such diversity under one roof.

Taj Mahal, the most famous amongst the seven wonders is located in Agra, in India. A must see monument India also has huge monuments and forts of Mughals, Persian and Hindu style. In contrast to it, Goa is a place where one can enjoy sand, water, night parties and feni, a Goan hard drink.

Then there are these ancient temples in India, where each temple holds some or the other religious significance. If you love trekking, river rafting, ice skating then India is the right place for you.

The wildlife in India is its asset. Jim Corbett Park is a world famous park, inhabiting a large number of tigers. Tourist can go on Safari's and this facility is available at a lot of sanctuaries in India.

Tourism in India is a booming industry. Not only because of its exotic locations but also due to its warm hearted people. To reside in the hearts of the simple people of India what needed is just a smile and a Namaste. People here are very co-operative and hospitable.

On landing on the Indian soil, hiring a travel guide is a must. Being a geographically big country, it's important that the travelers do not miss out the major locations.

There are a large number of travel operators and travel agents available who are competent in organizing specialized tours, keeping in mind the important locations. One can also contact these tour operators online. They can help in booking tickets, hotel rooms and help making itnaries according to your choice.

India is a wonder land, where your soul will dance with the nature's beauty and exotic monuments. The air has the aroma of religious incenses and the land mothers to marvelous locations. Step on the land of beauty and find yourself amazed.

Life in Beijing

Beijing is the capital of China, a country with more than 5000 years of ancient history, and now Beijing is home to more than 14 million people. Beijing is considered to be the political, educational and cultural centre of China. Beijing offers an infinite amount of things to see and experience, and it is never too late to visit.

Chinese Cuisines

Being China's capital city, you can imagine Beijing has a lot to offer, including every kind of Chinese cuisine you can imagine. In Beijing, you can even sample regional Chinese cuisine, including those from Shanghai, Sichuan, Dongbei, as well as specialty cuisines that the 56 minority cultures has to offer and more. One very notable cuisine type everyone must try in Beijing is the very impressive 12 course Imperial meal! The best restaurants are situated in the CBD, the financial district and on main streets close to the embassies. You can also go ahead and try out all different sorts of Chinese food at Ghost Street ("gui jie").

Beijing Nightlife

As for nightlife, every 2 months there is a new grand opening for another huge club. There are clubs throughout the first ring to the sixth ring of Beijing city. Most foreigners like to go to Vics or Mix, situated at the Workers' Stadium.

Living Standards

Living standards in Beijing compared to the rest of China is considered expensive. However, in comparison to America, it is almost minimal. If you are looking for accommodation, you can contact PRC Study as they can help you find accommodation across China. Finding a place in China to stay can be a total disaster, as most landlords do not speak any English. PRC Study offers many different types of accommodations, and all are suited at student rates.

Living Expense

An average foreign student spends about 60-80RMB (~8-11 USD) a day on food and transportation. An average Chinese student spends about 40RMB (~5 USD) a day. Depending on your tastes for luxuries, there can be a huge diversity. With decent restaurants averaging to around 50RMB (~7 USD) per person, and DVD's for as low as 6RMB (~0.85 USD), you can splash the extra cash towards traveling around China.

China and Opportunities

The rapid growth of China's economy is attracting more and more multinational companies to come and invest. In fact, China's rapid economic growth is no threat to other countries, but an open door to more opportunities. After China's globalization, a forever increasing amount of foreigners are coming to China to learn Mandarin, as well as to work. Fully experience Beijing with the assistance of PRC Study to let your 5 senses indulge into a never ending experience.

Travel Tips - Bangkok Flight Travelers

Bangkok is a beautiful city and Thailand's capital. It is a much visited tourist place with millions of tourists thronging to this place throughout the year. If you are also planning to visit Bangkok, then, there are few things you should know that would help you have a memorable vacation. As for the appropriate visiting time, you can visit the city of Bangkok as per your preferences. Avoid going to Bangkok in April because of the extreme heat. From July till October because of heavy rains your trip can get affected. The ideal time to visit Bangkok is during December and August as the period sees major tourist influx and if you wish to avoid the heavy crowds you may go in May, June or September. Travel around Bangkok in the best of seasons and make the most out of your vacation. A little bit of guidance and research would surely make your way easier.

Another major concern while visiting any place for the first time is getting good food. The locals or the tourist guides would surely help you in getting to the best food joints. In Bangkok, you would find the best and tastiest cuisines of your choice. You would get an astounding variety of cuisines and gourmets in Bangkok. Check out the best food at various food joints at major place like 100 Th Ratchadamri well known for its Italian thai food, Arawy is best known for Thai vegetarian, Atlanta Coffee Shop for exotic Thai breakfast, Aw Taw Kaw Market and Baan Khanitha & Gallery for Thai specialties, Bed Supperclub for the best food from all over the world, Crepes & Co for exclusive French Creepier. While you are in Bangkok, you would not find any problem in getting the tastiest and best quality food as you would find many food joints and food vendors in the streets. Apart from the mentioned ones, you can also try out the tastiest Thai cuisine at the street vendors who offer a fine blend of taste that too in awesome prices.

You must also not worry about staying in Bangkok as the place has ample hotels and resorts. You would have a good bunch of hotels in Bangkok to choose from. Check out the all time favorite Grand Hyatt Erawan, Siam Square, Majestic Suites, Sukhumvit, Artist's Place, HI Bangkok Centre Sukhumvit 25 and enjoy the generous hospitality of the people from Bangkok. You can also try out the best of all from Viengtai Hotel, Banglamphu, Grand President, Landmark Hotel, Swiss Lodge and many others. Enjoy the generous hospitality of the Bangkok people while you enjoy your visit in the high and best quality hotels which are renowned around the world for their exclusive suites and competitive prices, too. Another best thing about Bangkok is that you would find ample ATMs suitably located all around the place. You can also redeem your traveler's cheques at many outlets. So, travel around the beautiful Bangkok with a little help from your travel guide, after all it's your hard earned money, isn't it?

Varanasi - The Holy City on Banks of Ganga

There are many hotels and lodges in Varanasi but the better ones are situated in the cantonment area, which is 20 minutes away from the ghats. If you don't mind compromising on luxury, it's best to stay at a small cheap lodge on the ghats to be close to all the action. We decided to stay at Hotel Riverview, a family run lodge, near Brahma Ghat. Apart from great food, our room overlooked the Ganges and had a magnificent view of the entire stretch of the ghats. Varanasi, at first sight, comes across as a rather filthy and dirty town. The narrow gullies in the old city are littered with animal and human waste, trash and slush. You have two choices: Either shake your head in disgust or get used to the litter. Choose the latter and your experience starts. Quaint shops selling eatables, paan shops in every corner, small temples, priests saying their prayers, masseurs, barbers...every nook and corner of these gullies holds a surprise for you.

We spent the first day walking across the ghats and understanding them. Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats are where the dead are cremated. Dasashwamedha ghat is the most sacred and sadly also the most commercially exploited. Boatmen vie with each other to grab on to tourists, masseurs will beg you to oblige them and beggars will hound you. But things change as the sun sets and the prayer session starts. The place becomes choc-a-bloc with pilgrims and tourists who come to watch the puja and the river, by then spectacular with hundreds of little floating diyas. We decided to watch the "show" from the river and hired boat for Rs. 200. The entire stretch of the river along the ghats takes one and a half hours and you can even stop at Karnataka ghat for some chai served in clay cups.

Manikarnika ghat is where the dead get their ticket to heaven. There are many dharamshalas along these ghats where the old and aged come to spend their last days. It is slightly disturbing to enter these shelters and watch the old, waiting for their death without the slightest hint of despair on their faces.

On an average, three bodies are cremated at Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats at any given point of time. According to belief, these rituals save the dead from being reborn in this cruel world. Dead children, pregnant women, holy men and the diseased are simply immersed into the Ganges to as to give them another chance to come back to this world. Researchers reveal that on an average, 45,000 bodies are deposited in the river every year. The government has apparently tried many remedial measures to counter water pollution, many of which failed. An organisation even introduced turtles into the river to take care of the bodies but strangely the creatures disappeared. However, scientists have come to understand that like most mountain rivers, the Ganges does have a miraculous property of cleansing itself. Little wonder that it is considered holy by the Hindus.

But Varanasi's huge population does seem to push things a bit too far. The river is used for almost everything, from washing clothes to bathing buffaloes. And that doesn't deter people from taking their holy dip which is an experience in itself. We spent an hour swimming in the river at Scindia ghat which is probably the cleanest and came out rejuvenated and clean of all sins. If you are in Varanasi for that spiritual experience, you have to visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple but remember, only Hindus are allowed. While offering prayers, you will be accosted by many priests who will pull you to their corner and chant mantras.

This again means donations. Apart from being spiritual, a trip to Varanasi can also be a great gastronomic experience. The town is famous for its aloo puri and lassi. Shops in every nook and corner serve these and many other milk products. A great culmination to a heavy meal would obviously be the special Benarsi pan. Another trademark is the silk saree. You will find many shops lined across the main market selling the gorgeous six yards. In all probability, you will be frequently accosted by "friendly" locals who will have a long chat with you by the end of which they will "invite" you to their homes. These are saree sellers and in most cases they "pressurise" their "guests" to buy from them. The best bet would be to shop at the state government run shops.

Entertainment at night could be a visit to the government-run bhang shops in the city. But nothing can be more elevating than sailing down the Ganges watching the lights of the old city shimmer in the darkness of the night.

A Guide to the Forbidden City in China

Declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, the Forbidden City is the world's largest surviving palace complex. Built by a million men in the period 1406 to 1420, it has been home to twenty-four Chinese emperors and is an impressive representation of Chinese imperial power in all its majesty. The Forbidden City is still an important part of Chinese society and attracts countless visitors because of its history and beauty.

Step into the Forbidden City and be transported to a time of emperors, eunuchs and concubines. The palace's quintessentially Chinese architecture is fascinating to behold, and the imperial gates, courts and halls are sure to spark your imagination. The City is also surrounded on three sides by imperial gardens, each with unique features and equally matched in beauty. In spring, these gardens come alive with flowers and provide excellent photo-taking opportunities.

There are two shrines near the Forbidden City - the Imperial Shrine of Family and the Imperial Shrine of State. This is where the Emperor used to pray to the spirits of his ancestors and of the nation, respectively. It is a cultural eye-opener.

The Palace Museum is a national museum located within the Forbidden City. It boasts an impressive collection of ceramics, porcelain, jade and bronze ware. There are many rare paintings and artwork, some personally commissioned by the Emperor himself. The Museum also features ancient mechanical pieces as well as imperial artifacts. While there are some foreign artifacts, a significant number of the museum's collection is obtained from the Qing and Ming imperial collection. A trip to this museum is a must, as it is a vivid depiction of life in imperial times.

The Tiananmen Square, located adjacent to the Forbidden City, also merits a visit. This is the largest open urban square in the world, but more than that, this was where a great number of historical events took place. It was in here that Mao Zedong, in 1949, declared the People's Republic of China. It has also been the site of numerous historical Chinese protests. Within the square, you can also find the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, also known as the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. This is the final resting place of Mao Zedong, who was the Chinese Communist leader from 1945 to 1976. His embalmed remains are held within a crystal coffin and can be viewed by the public.

The Forbidden City is a must-see for any visitor looking for a greater understanding of Chinese history, culture and politics. It takes an average of three hours to fully explore. An English audio tour read by Roger Moore is available to visitors.