Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Around Hong Kong through famous movies

Around Hong Kong through famous movies

Hong Kong was once known as the Hollywood of the east as the whole city was just like a big film studio. Every corner of this inspiringly beautiful city, from each small alley to big avenues, has traces of many famous cinematic scenes from movies in them.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Around Hong Kong through famous movies

Hong Kong was in my childhood mind before I could even speak Vietnamese properly or had any idea about travelling outside of my hometown. In the 1990s, Hong Kong movies and TVB dramas used to be part of Hanoian’s entertainment culture, when renting VHS tapes was still popular. I wasn’t able to understand what the movies were about in my innocent childhood years, but somehow, the scenes and characters remained ingrained in my memory, and have come back to me at many unexpected moments. With a love for Hong Kong cinema and travelling, I have been planning for years for an adventure to visit the locations of the scenes from my favourite movies. Some locations are captured in mind from the movies I’ve watched, some from my research in magazine articles and books. I had imagined that this journey would be full of joy but also exhaustion, as I intended to spend every day wandering through all the hidden corners in mostly nontouristy areas. Besides that, I have no one to share my Hong Kong film passion with who has enough interest to take this trip with me, so I started my journey all alone.

TSIM SHA TSUI – SANCTUARY OF LOVE, CULTURAL CENTRE OR HIDEOUT OF THE UNDERWORLD

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Around Hong Kong through famous movies

On this first trip abroad alone, I decided to rent a dorm in a hostel in Chungking Mansions. Of course, this is a hostel area with many affordable places for travellers to stay, but more importantly, my favourite movie Chungking Express was shot here.

Chungking Mansions main gate is on Nathan Road, a major thoroughfare that connects Tsim Sha Tsui with other central Kowloon areas such as Mongkok and Yau Ma Tei. The iconic building is not only the inspiration for the title of Chungking Express, but it’s also the main setting for the first half of the movie where the meeting of the two main characters takes place. The unexpected, dreamy, surreal encounter between a broken-hearted policeman (played by Jin Cheng Wu) and a mysterious woman (played by Brigitte Lin Ching Hsi) where they even don’t know each other’s names. Chungking Mansions is depicted in the movie as dimly lit and smokey with endless dramatic chases between police and criminals, and underground gangs hunting each other down. At its Premiere at the Venice Film Festival in 1994, director Wong Kar Wai admitted that he chose the setting for the film in Chungking Mansions due to memories from his childhood. He used to live in a neighbourhood nearby and was forbidden to enter the building. Not until his teenage years could he understand why his mum had been so worried and how chaotic and dangerous it was inside Chungking Mansions.

Just as it is depicted in the movie and through Wong Kar Wai’s words, the building looks huge on the outside, but the space inside is cramped and narrow. The building is divided into several blocks each with its own lift which seem to have endlessly overcrowded queues in front of them all the time. Nowadays, Chungking Mansions has been turned into cheap hostels all crammed in closely together along narrow aisles full of people. The vibe can be bustling and full of excitement for a party-lover, but too noisy for those seeking something more peaceful. There are more immigrants than locals in Chungking Mansions, mostly from India, the Philippines or South West Asia by their looks. The wealthier run hostels and rental rooms, the poorer work as porters for stores and other businesses. The rest open kiosks on the ground floor selling everything from fruit and snacks, cheap household goods and electrical devices to more sensitive products such as sex toys and magazines. At the entrance of Chungking Mansions and in the neighbourhood surrounding it, I sometimes came across African men in suits, smelling of their distinctive perfume, who kept grabbing the hands of girls passing by and saying “I love you”. I’m not quite sure but suspect they might be working as gigolos or pimps from the red-light districts. I was more than a little nervous on first arriving at Chungking Mansions.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Around Hong Kong through famous movies

Already not really fond of crowds and having heard about crimes committed here, I had scared myself by imagining multiple bad scenarios which could happen in a week-long stay. Pauline, one of my Instagram friends, was also worried for me when she knew I was staying in Chungking Mansions. Juno, my friend from Hong Kong of the same age, always insisted on walking me to my hostel, watching me safely entering the lift before going home. For them, it isn’t even safe for the locals here, let alone a solo female traveller like me. Fortunately, my journey turned out alright, the security in Hong Kong nowadays is much better than before, and actually, the residents of Chungking Mansions were not as scary as what I had imagined. But somehow, the fear I had beared in mind helped me experience the mysterious atmosphere Wong Kar Wai had created in his film Chungking Express. Besides the modern and fancy image of Hong Kong that I knew from tourist advertisements, I had the chance to experience another Hong Kong by diving into the hustle and bustle of the unorthodox lifestyle in Chungking Mansions, where there still is the classic, exotic beauty that captured my heart in the cinematic scenes of the old movies. On top of this, being in the global tourist hub of Hong Kong, Chungking Mansions connected me with many friends from all over the world.

From Chungking Mansions, it took me just a few minutes to walk to Victoria Harbour and the Avenue of Stars. The modern and spectacular scenery here is the backdrop for many love stories in TVB dramas, from dating to breaking up. Sometimes though, directors can turn this place into the setting for dramatic police chases. Maybe the chaotic situation in Tsim Sha Tsui before 1997 is so notorious in the memories of Hong Kong’s people it has turned this place into both a sanctuary of love as well as an underworld hideaway in many films and drama productions.

YAU MA TEI – NOTORIOUS POLICE STATION, CITY’S BIGGEST FRUIT MARKET AND REMNANTS OF AN OLD HONG KONG FROM HISTORY.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Around Hong Kong through famous movies

The Hong Kong film industry created its reputation in action movies and dramas. The Hong Kong Police from films in Vietnamese people’s memories are mighty in their uniform, handsome in daily life, smart when investigating and fierce when chasing criminals. Everyone knows the iconic line: “Hello, we are from West Kowloon Special Criminal Case Unit. Please come with us to the station to support our investigations. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do may be used as evidence against you in a court of law”. West Kowloon Police Headquarters has become such a vivid image in my mind of a scene just like that there was no way I would miss out on this location on this journey.

Even though the West Kowloon Police Headquarters is an actual location, scenes were usually filmed at the old headquarters of the Yau Ma Tei police, located on Guang Dong Street in Yau Ma Tei. The three-storey building spread over two facade creates a majestic scene at the crossroads. The design of the building is consistent with other Hong Kong police headquarters under British colonial rule. While the light greyblue colour combination creates solemnity, the arched Gothic domes soften its look. In scenes, the indoor footage was shot in a studio, but outdoor scenes were always filmed in front of the facades of Yau Ma Tei Police Headquarters. It appeared in legendary movies such as Infernal Affairs and Young and Dangerous or famous TVB series including Armed Reaction, Take My Word For It and Emergency Unit. Yau Ma Tei Police have moved location, and the building has been closed temporarily but still kept intact, becoming a tourist attraction for Hong Kong film lovers.

From the old police headquarters, I found my way to Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market. In the comedy series My Better Half, Ko Lai Sum (played by Maggie Cheung) sells durian in this market where she is known as the “big sister” of the market. Yau Ma Tei Market is a flea market with many stalls filled with various colourful tropical fruits with focal points of murals on the walls in between them. Hong Kong has limited agricultural land and fruit is mostly imported, so the price is high even at wholesale markets like Yau Ma Tei; nonetheless, there are more options for fruit here, and the prices are still reasonable compared to other markets. What impressed me most was instead of selling various fruits like in Vietnam, there are stalls that only sell one kind of fruit. For instance, if they only sell tangerines, the whole family peels the skin of each and every tangerine. I guess they supply restaurants, so they have to do it that carefully.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Around Hong Kong through famous movies

I remember Yau Ma Tei in TVB films being depicted as the impoverished area of Hong Kong. In the drama Mystery of Love (2010), the female lead (played by Tavia Yeung) is rejected by her lover’s family due to the prejudice against Yau Ma Tei residents as she is seen as being poor, uneducated and inadequate to their family. Wandering around the market, I understood the films weren’t exaggerating; nevertheless, I was attracted to the down-toearth beauty. Yau Ma Tei still stays true to the traditional lifestyle of the Hong Kong of the good old days. There are no big buildings or skyscrapers like in Tsim Sha Tsui, Central or Wan Chai, only old-fashioned apartments, stores and restaurants. Temple Street is always crowded through the day and night with masses of street food kiosks, the fragrant smells of food cooking, along with the sound of people talking, laughing and cheering. In this neighbourhood, there are fortune telling stalls, together with public karaoke. This was the first time I ever witnessed a monitor, speaker and microphone right there on a pedestrian laneway, with people ordering drinks and finger food while singing karaoke carefree in public.

Not too far away from Temple street lies the old coffee shop Mido, still with the same look after half a century. The coffee shop witnessed the Hong Kong film industry in the good old days as in the 50s and 60s this used to be the gathering place of local actors and film producers. I was inspired by the beautiful stories of Mido when I was browsing through travel books before my trip to Hong Kong. When I came here, I realised right away this was the setting of a meeting between two policemen played by Andy Lau and Kent Cheng in the movie Chasing the Dragon released in 2017.

The coffee shop was closed the first two times I tried to visit, but it was just too good to be missed out on so I decided to come back for a third time, and luckily, I was able to have my last lunch here just a few hours before travelling to Macau. Due to its reputation for good food, Mido is often fully booked for most of the day, and the owners see no need for more elaborate decorations or refurbishment. Simple wooden tables and chairs near the window, just like what was in the films. The autumn sunlight shined through the curtains, reflecting off the old blue tiled walls, brightening the whole room with a sparklingly miraculous light.

Hong Kong is like a big movie set, the more I explore, the more interesting things become. Not only being the setting for domestic films, sometimes Hollywood films are also filmed in its iconic scenery. Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei and many other residential areas have been brought into cinematic scenes from real life with their own original beauty. There’s Chek Lap Kok airport with the beautiful aircrew in Triumph In the Skies, Central piers where all the reunions and farewells take place, and sometimes being turned into the crime scene of a suicide or assassination. There’s Hong Kong university that holds all the memories of the broken love of the couple (played by Shu Qi and Leon Lai) in City of Glass. There’s the outdoor elevator in Central – where Faye Wong stalked her unrequited love Tony Leung in Chungking Express.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Around Hong Kong through famous movies

Five days was not enough for me to visit all of Hong Kong’s nostalgic corners, I’ll have to save the dream of living in more movie scenes for future adventures to come.

W.TIPS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region on the eastern side of the Pearl River estuary in southern China. Hong Kong became a colony of the British Empire in 1842. However, the entire territory was transferred back to China in 1997. The geography of Hong Kong primarily consists of Hong Kong Island, Lantao Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories.

>> Tsim Sha Tsui is administratively part of Yau Tsim Mong District, located on the tip of Kowloon Peninsula overlooking Victoria Harbour, opposite Central. Tsim Sha Tsui is a major tourist hub in metropolitan Hong Kong, with many high-end shops and restaurants that cater to tourists. Many of Hong Kong’s museums are located in the area.

>> Yau Ma Tei is also an area of the Yau Tsim Mong District in the south of Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The district is mainly a mixed residential and retail area. Every night there is a market selling many different kinds of products including clothes, decorations, VCDs and toys in Temple Street, a street in the area where the famous Tin Hau Temple was built in 1876. Austin Road marks the southern border of Yau Ma Tei with Tsim Sha Tsui.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

Hong Kong has a humid subtropical climate similar to northern Vietnam, and there is no significant difference in temperature between the two. The best time to visit Hong Kong is autumn, winter and new year. Avoid July and August due to storms and typhoons.

TRANSPORTATION

>> From Vietnam, there are direct flights to Hong Kong International Airport by Vietnam Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Jetstar Pacific. Vietjet Air only operates flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hong Kong.

>> In Hong Kong purchase an Octopus card when you arrive at the airport. This is the “magic card” that is accepted for 11 kinds of transportation including the MTR, double-decker buses, minibuses, trams and ferries. The card can also be used in supermarkets and convenience stores.

From the airport to Tsim Sha Tsui and other central areas in Hong Kong, you can choose to go by either double-decker bus or MTR on their respective routes.

MONEY

The Hong Kong Dollar is the official currency of Hong Kong. 1HKD ~ 2.954VND (current exchange rate). You can exchange money in Vietnam or at Hong Kong airport. If you exchange at the airport, it’s better to bring USD. There are many choices depending on your budget, from high-quality services to inexpensive ones. For a tight budget, you can prepare 12.000.000 – 15.000.000 VND cash, together with credit cards for spending and shopping in Hong Kong.

Wanderlust Tips

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Da Lat with a lover

Da Lat has always been poetically symbolic of dreams and romance. I still remember the movie Doc tinh in the early 2000s with its passionate, bittersweet love story that took place in peaceful Da Lat. Since then, Da Lat has lived in my mind as a beautiful image of love, and i hoped to visit this romantic city one day with my true love.  

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Da Lat with a lover

I chose Da Lat in flower season to enjoy the most romantic atmosphere, which is when the purple phoenix flowers bloom. After many travels here before, this was the first time I came to the city of flowers at this time of year. With a chill in the air, my darling and I walked under the twinkling lights emanating from the church, he gently held my hand and whispered: “With me and with Dalat, how happy are you…?”.

DA LAT HAS NEVER BEEN A BORING PLACE TO RETURN TO

If anyone asks: “Will Da Lat have anything new?”, I will not hesitate to say: “No, it is still the same, but not boring.”

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Da Lat with a lover

This time, writing about Da Lat, I want to dedicate this to those who like to walk leisurely in a noisy and bustling city or those who live it their way, ride a bike, buy a camera, and slowly enjoy the melody of life. For the Mori girls (*), for the world that these girls create for themselves: storytelling, simple, delicate, where the girls peacefully drink tea in front of a house deep in a pine forest.

My lover and I wanted to make our Dalat journey special, so we drove by ourselves to experience the city on our own. Departing from Saigon, it took about 6 hours to enter to reach Bao Loc City, then the car continued onto Highway 20 to Da Lat. On both sides of the road, we saw purple phoenix which meant we had arrived in Da Lat. The purple phoenix becomes more and more special because it only grows in this plateau city of Vietnam.

Coming to Da Lat is temporarily fleeing from hot Saigon days, enjoying the cold air, and feeling time slowly moving by with a lover. So, I didn’t go looking for anything new just some familiar old street corners and restaurants. But when it comes to purple flowers, Da Lat immerses itself in romance and tranquillity.

I checked in at a homestay on Hung Vuong Street. It was a windy afternoon, so windy that it could blow away all the troubles in my heart. I booked a wooden bungalow for two nights, a decent enough room with lovely decorated corners. Outside the room was a valley planted with vegetables which during the day did not seem very special, but when night time came, all the greenhouses were light up. It was absolutely magical.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Da Lat with a lover

We prepared some ginger and honey, sipping hot ginger tea in 19-degree weather is awesome. The first night under the persimmon tree full of ripe fruit, with only the wind, serenity, tea and occasionally smiling at each other. We were happy in that space.

Blankets were warmed by a fan heater, I crawled into a comfy and warm silkworm-like cocoon, greedily wanting to read more than half of the book Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. Of course, that was just a wish because nestled between the cold and warmth, reading always makes us fall asleep quickly. I dropped the book by my pillow, slowly relaxing, the wind whistling through the wooden door, gently I turned, inertia making me cling to the hand next to me tightly…

Da Lat softens my soul, I find it easier to be tolerant, to receive, every word seems to be more pleasant and easier to listen to. Da Lat is never in a hurry, offering only genuine peace.

JOURNEY TO FIND THE LONELY PINE TREE

Da Lat is beautiful in every flower and every blade of grass, people keep going there together to find peacefulness, to bask in nostalgia, to have a charming hidden place to treasure long gone youth. Here lies the tragic love story of two graves on a hill, the broken hearts abandoned by love. Some walk on the streets beneath gaping pine forests and feel endless sadness, restless emotions, looking at every street corner feels like missing an old lover. Everyone loves Da Lat and wants to come back here in their own way.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Da Lat with a lover

But for me, I want to break the “curse” that people joke about: “If two lovers go to Da Lat together, they will definitely break up someday”. I do not believe that, and I want to love Da Lat as my present lover, with joy, hope and optimism. Da Lat embodies happiness, treasuring the most beautiful youth of each person, where there is love and laughter. Da Lat in me will always be like that.

On my second day in Da Lat, I set out to find beautiful trees. “Beautiful” in my own definition, I like the majestic loneliness of old pine trees. The more silent and lonely the tree is, the more beauty it resonates, especially trees that stand tall next to a lake, appearing like the highlight in an enchanting painting.

I went through nearly 20 kilometres of a steep mountain road winding through the pine forests to find the most lonely pine tree. Local people asked me: “For what? To take photos?”. I quickly replied “Yes!”. But in my heart, I knew it wasn’t really about the photos, I simply wanted to see the pine trees peacefully standing half beneath the ground and the other half proudly facing the wind and rain. A pine tree that stands alone is most beautiful, not needing to rely on anything, not needing to wait for anyone. I always have special feelings for such lonely trees. I spent a whole day walking, traversing up and down the slopes only to find one lonely proud tree, other trees appearing and disappearing along the way. If there is a life after this one, I wish to be a tree that stands alone in life.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Da Lat with a lover

(*) Mori girl: a Japanese concept originated in 2007 refers to young girls who live in cities but have a special love for forests, nature and the countryside.

W.TIPS

SELF-DRIVE TOUR TO DA LAT

Time

From Ho Chi Minh City, aim to start at 4.30 am to avoid traffic jams in the city as after getting outside of it the traffic is much lighter, and you can travel more easily. It takes about 7 driving hours to reach Da Lat.

Route

Leaving Ho Chi Minh City, go along the Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway, at the Dau Giay T-junction turn onto Highway 20 and follow this to the Lien Khuong Highway which will then take you all the way to Da Lat. This road is fast and steep, so strictly abide by the speed limit to ensure you arrive safely.

THE MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES FOR COUPLES IN DALAT

Picking green tea

About 25 kilometres Southeast of Da Lat city centre, Cau Dat Tea Plantation is one of the most popular destinations. Visiting Cau Dat and its hills of tea, visitors will have a chance to learn more about the surprisingly thorough process of growing and caring for the many kinds of tea plants here, especially green tea. To achieve the most delicious tea leaves, they are even sprayed with honey, soy milk and egg. If you want to experience picking green tea leaves with farmers for yourself, you must make a plan and come here very early.

Harvesting persimmons

Located at the Mimosa Pass, the garden of persimmons is an ideal destination to take photos. The orchard here is not too big but particularly fruitful, and with all the ripe persimmons dangling in front of you it will definitely make you excited. If visiting right in the harvest season, you can support garden owners by helping with the harvest; however, you cannot buy the persimmons you have picked because they need to be processed before being ready to eat. Visiting the garden just after harvest when it is full of freshly picked persimmons, you will find many different varieties including egg persimmons, crunchy persimmons and square shaped persimmons.

Flower viewing

There is an impressive range of so many kinds of beautiful flowers from wild flowers to rare and precious ones. Located right nearly Xuan Huong Lake, you can easily visit the city’s flower garden, but thanks to its ideal climate, lovely wild flowers are in everywhere in the Da Lat city. Those who love purple phoenix flowers can head to Hai Ba Trung, Tran Phu and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Streets on the way to Da Lat Market and Truc Lam Temple. If you would like to see wild sunflowers, you can go to the Bong Lai – Tu Tra commune, or around the Da Lat Farm area.

Taking a dip in a heated pool

After an exhausting day of walking, try refreshing your body in warm water. In Da Lat, heated pools are available in hotels like the Swiss-Belresort Tuyen Lam, Ana Mandara Villas Da Lat Resort & Spa, and Da Lat Terracotta Hotel Resort.

Mori | Wanderlust Tips

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Adventures into the world of cinema at theme parks

Due to the booming film industry, theme parks inspired by famous movies have been increasingly constructed. Visitors have an excellent opportunity to immerse themselves in a real-life atmosphere just like being in the movie.

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PANDORA – THE WORLD OF AVATAR

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Adventures into the world of cinema at theme parks

Pandora – The World of Avatar is located within the area of the Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, America. This theme park is inspired by James Cameron’s famous science fiction film Avatar, and so it is designed according to Pandora – the beautiful life-friendly planet in the system of Alpha Centauri. When visiting Pandora – The World of Avatar, imagine yourself as a native Na’vi and lose yourself in its wild natural animal kingdom, and most notably, enjoy the feeling of flying on a mountain Banshee at the Avatar Flight of Passage, ride a boat through Kapsava river to explore the Pandoran ecology, or wander around the valley of Mo’ara. The combination of the sound, the animation and the 3-D space will give you an incredibly authentic experience.

SAW – THE RIDE

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Adventures into the world of cinema at theme parks

Saw – The Ride is a Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter roller coaster at Thorpe Park, located between Chertsey town and Stainesupon-Thames in Surrey, the United Kingdom. The ride is themed around the famous film series Saw. At the time of its opening, Saw – The Ride was the steepest and the first horror movie-themed roller coaster in the world. The feeling of riding on a roller coaster and screaming crazily when it seems to run straight into a pit of strobe-lit spikes or when it passes under dim lit blades is unforgettable. Besides this, the terrifying Jigsaw Killer’s equipment, the pools of blood, the barbed wire fences, the variety of torture methods, and the scary laughter of the puppet Billy will challenge your limits. Also, at special events, some staff act as victims trapped by Jigsaw – the villain in the film series Saw.

SCOOBY-DOO SPOOKY COASTER

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Adventures into the world of cinema at theme parks

The Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster, located in the Warner Bros. Movie World theme park on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, is a roller coaster based on the action film Scooby-Doo (2002). The entrance is a replica of the Spooky Island Castle in the movie and the vehicles of the ride are also modelled on those in the film. In December 2016, the initial theming was replaced due to being a fire hazard, and with new theming and an updated name, Next Generation opened in late 2018. Still themed around the film Scooby-Doo yet updating the storyline and some effects. You have to visit Emile Mondavarious’s haunted castle, sit in a Jester car and begin your own thrilling journey full of surprises that can send shivers down your spine.

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Adventures into the world of cinema at theme parks

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is one of the theme parks attractions drawing in thousands of visitors, particularly the loyal fans of Harry Potter. The highlight of the theme park is Hogwarts Castle with talking portraits and Dumbledore’s office. In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you can engage in a magical world, enjoying delicious Butterbeer and eating like a wizard at the Three Broomsticks restaurant, or buy yourself a magic wand at Ollivander’s wand shop.

THE WORLD OF THE HUNGER GAMES

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Adventures into the world of cinema at theme parks

Now, fans of The Hunger Games can enjoy the film in real life at the Motiongate theme park at Dubai Park & Resorts in Dubai, UAE. Visiting The World of The Hunger Games, you will be able to get a glimpse into the fictional dystopian society from the film. Katniss and Peeta’s energy will help you release your own and boldly tackle the roller coaster and the 4D multimedia hovercraft named the Capitol Bullet Train and Panem Aerial Tour. Although The Hunger Games depicts youths fighting to the death in a dystopian society, this theme park mainly focuses on the positive aspects of the film and accordingly, while exploring the park, you can run into some people dressed up as the peacekeepers.

THE DARK KNIGHT COASTER

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Adventures into the world of cinema at theme parks

The Dark Knight Coaster is a ride located at the Six Flags Mexico theme park, Tlalpan borough in Mexico City, Mexico, and is based on the film The Dark Knight (2008). While in the movie Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, James Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent form an alliance to dismantle organised crime in Gotham City and are threatened by an anarchist known as the Joker. When it comes to the Dark Knight Coaster, you will experience the feeling of being stuck in Gotham City thanks to the clever tricks set up by the Joker and his men. Darkness is taking over, and the only person you can rely on is the Dark Knight.

Wanderlust Tips

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine March 2019: A journey through history

Wanderlust Tips Magazine March 2019: A journey through history

[Wanderlust Tips March 2019] In this issue, we will take you on a train back in time to the past, passing through stunningly legendary, ancient lands.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine March 2019: A journey through history

The train will stop at the memories of a few years ago and continue to travel back thousands of years to return to ancient times, the era of historical mysteries which are still hidden behind the mists of time.

Hue: The sweet charm of nostalgia in Travel Inspiration section holds intimate and sorrowful yet charming nostalgia.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine March 2019: A journey through history

The beautiful Ban Gioc village and Pac Bo relics still bear the imprint of the time when President Ho Chi Minh worked and lived there which will make you Mesmerised by the magnificent scenery of Cao Bang (Discovery section).

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine March 2019: A journey through history

Crossing the Vietnamese border, the train moves on to Zhangjiajie: Paradise on Earth (Destination section) in China which marks the glorious legend of the Zhangjia family. Here, the white clouds flutter around the spectacular sandstone rising into the sky making us feel like we are getting lost in a paradise.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine March 2019: A journey through history

Leaving Zhangjiajie, we will immerse ourselves in the wonderful ambiance of Night markets – The inherent charm of Taiwanese culture in the Discovery section to savour countless attractive sidewalk dishes sold on the colourful street stalls.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine March 2019: A journey through history

Next, let learn about Legend of the Plain of Jars (Destnation section) in Laos to understand more a testimony to human ability, with an invisible yet magical connection between the past and the present.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine March 2019: A journey through history

After that, the train stops in the Indus Valley – home to the amazing Harappa civilisation in ancient times via the article The mystery of the greatest civilisation in the ancient world – Harappa (Culture section).

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine March 2019: A journey through history

Finally, we will return to the present and visit Dong Thap: Where flowers blossom in Sa Dec village and local hospitality blooms (Destination section).

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine March 2019: A journey through history

After the journey, a variety of feelings may arise in different people; however, this journey will help us grow, appreciate what we have from the past to live meaningfully in the present and look forward to the future.

Wanderlust Tips

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Córdoba: The Arabian nights of Europe

Córdoba: The Arabian nights of Europe

I embarked on a journey to Córdoba, a beautiful city of Andalucía. That morning, i caught a glimpse of dawn strolling along the roads stretching through the silvery green olive hills. The first rays of sunlight flashed, illuminating the undulating purple peaks of the Sierra morena mountains. I slightly lowered the car window, enjoying the cool air that still clung with a touch of mist. A new day begins in a new land.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Córdoba: The Arabian nights of Europe

During my early spring road trip, I left from France, crossed the Pyrénées, through the deserts of Spain to get to Andalucía. If you have read the famous book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, you would know it as Santiago’s homeland and also the beginning of his adventure across the deserts to find treasure.

Andalucía is quite big, located in the far south of Spain, only the narrow Strait of Gibraltar apart from Morocco. As a bridge between Europe and Africa, Andalucía is a melting pot of diverse cultures, reconciling many civilisations and religions over thousands of years. Therefore, coming to Andalucía means coming to a whole new and different Europe. It is as romantic as traditional Europe, and also as charming and mysterious as the Arabian world of One Thousand and One Nights.

In the early 8th century, the Moor – Muslim Arabs from North Africa arrived in Europe and quickly invaded almost all of the Iberian Peninsula, including what is Spain and Portugal today. At that time, while the rest of Europe was engulfed in darkness in the Middle Ages, for more than 700 years, the Islamic Kings built up the prosperous area of Al-Andalus, establishing a superior civilisation and sumptuous wealth that no other Western European region could compete with.

Coming to Andalucía means coming to the heart of Spain with lively flamenco and raging bullfights. In this land, olive fields stretch across the hillsides, and almond orchards spread their wings, blushing in the wind of March. Orange and lemon groves bloom with fragrant flowers in the April sunshine, and when winter comes, the fruit becomes full, juicy, ripe and sweet.

I still remember that morning, I left the inn early to go to Córdoba, the beautiful city in Andalucía that I was about to set foot in. I caught a glimpse of dawn strolling along the roads stretching through the silvery green olive hills. The first rays of sunlight flashed, illuminating the undulating purple peaks of the Sierra Morena mountains. I slightly lowered the car window, enjoying the cool air that still clung with a touch of mist. A new day begins in a new land.

BACK TO THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF ISLAM IN EUROPE

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Córdoba: The Arabian nights of Europe

Córdoba, along with Sevilla and Granada, are the most beautiful cities in Andalucía. Córdoba once was the first powerful capital of the Islamic nation of Al-Andalus. In the 10th century, it was the biggest city and also the most highly developed in culture, architecture and art in Western Europe, a true “Western Baghdad”. Córdoba’s population was estimated to be from 250.000 to 500.000 people at that time, with more than 600 mosques.

The 13th century marked a turning point in Córdoba’s history when Catholic Kings began to conquer the lands of southern Spain. Since then, Córdoba has become the meeting point of three religions where Muslims, Jews and Christians all live together. Nowadays, if you have the opportunity to dream away in the labyrinth of the quaint old town of Córdoba, you can still feel the beauty represented in past remnants as thousands of years of history seem to be condensed right in front of your eyes. Córdoba’s architecture is the perfect combination of European, Islamic and Renaissance culture. Massive but also sophisticated works mark a golden age of many centuries ago.

THE MEZQUITA IMPRINTED IN HISTORY

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Córdoba: The Arabian nights of Europe

The centre of Córdoba is located on the north bank of the Guadalquivir River, surrounding the Mezquita which is the cathedral of Córdoba and the heart of the city. It is considered as the pinnacle of Moorish architecture in the 10th century with distinctive variations in architecture. The high walls surrounding the Mezquita are elaborately decorated with traditional Arabic patterns and subtle engraved lines. From a Christian church built on a Roman temple, Islamic Kings turned it into a most magnificent work. Taking many centuries to complete, the Mezquita is the second largest mosque in the world, right after the mosque in the Holy Land Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Mezquita’s astonishing scale is made up of beautiful domes and 856 marble pillars over a vast area of 180mx130m, equivalent to 2,3ha.

In the 13th century, the Catholic Kings invaded Córdoba again, and the Mezquita became a Catholic church. Almost all of the original structure was kept, and only the middle part of the once mosque was converted into a cathedral of Gothic and Baroque architecture, equally majestic as the original construction, to assert the new authority and its beliefs.

Until this day, people still can distinguish the ancient vestiges from ancient Roman times, located next to the window frames and soft arches in the dominant Arabian style. After visiting countless religious buildings in the world, perhaps only the Mezquita, along with its historical vestiges, can make me feel so incredibly overwhelmed.

WANDERING THROUGH THE ANCIENT TOWN OF CÓRDOBA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Córdoba: The Arabian nights of Europe

Starting from the Mezquita, small streets radiate out around it. The Arab and Jewish neighbourhoods (Judería) together contribute to Córdoba’s lovely character with vibrant corners with a touch of a Moroccan market, bustling with souvenirs for tourists. Suddenly, after a turn, tranquillity returns in the shadows of freshly painted houses.

Going for a walk in the old town of Córdoba on a fine Spring morning filled with the scent of orange blossoms is an unforgettable memory. Walking from the centre to the San Basilio neighbourhood, glimpsing into the slightly open doors, you will be tremendously intrigued. Córdoba’s lovely narrow streets, as well as in many other cities in Andalucía, hold hidden surprises. Buildings often have patiocourtyards, a legacy of ancient Roman architecture, today these are quite popular in the South of Spain and North African countries. Small courtyards in the middle of the house, separated from the street outside by one or two gates, creating a quiet and peaceful silence in the burning heat of the South.

At the beginning of May, Córdoba is bustling with the flower festival Fiesta de Los Patios. This festival originated in the early 20th century, and is recognised as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Accordingly, every spring, the courtyards of the houses of Córdoba are splendidly decorated with colourful flower pots and open to visitors. In mid-May, the most beautiful courtyards and the best preserved ancient architecture are voted for. A bit away from the bustling downtown, Córdoba is a peaceful city where I enjoy visiting small squares in the gentle afternoon sun, such as Plaza del Conde de Priego or Calle Compás de San Francisco. Sitting down on a quiet bench under the shade of the orange trees and breathing in the sweet, fragrant orange scent, I feel at ease.

FOLLOWING THE FOOTSTEPS OF GAME OF THRONES

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Córdoba: The Arabian nights of Europe

Córdoba is also famous for being in one of the scenes of the HBO series Game of Thrones that is beloved by viewers around the world.

Right next to the city centre, spanning the Guadalquivir River is the Roman Bridge, which is set as the background for the Long Bridge of Volantis in season 5. The construction of the Roman Bridge of Córdoba began in the 1st century BC and it was regularly remodelled until the 8th century when it found its present beautiful and solid appearance. The Roman Bridge is a part of the overall harmony of the beautiful architecture that the Moor’s left for Córdoba. Try entering the city from the southern bank of the Guadalquivir River, the Roman Bridge in the foreground, the ancient church bell towers and the striking Mezquita behind in the sunset. On the bridge, street performers beat their hands on hang drums, playing medieval tonal music, or strumming rhythmic Spanish guitar. At one point, I thought I was entering a fantasy world, like Tyrion Lannister and Varys entering Volantis.

Continuing the journey following Game of Thrones, I went to Almodóvar del Río castle and discovered another treasure of architecture of the Moors in the 8th century. The castle is only about 22km west of Córdoba, which is the real version of Tyrell’s High Garden fortress that appeared in the 7th season of Game of Thrones. Just as in the series, Almodóvar del Río is located on a high hill, between green fields. Try climbing one of the eight ancient towers of the castle, then looking out over the golden rapeseed fields to enjoy the fabulous Andalucían Spring.

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IDEAL TIME TO TRAVEL

Córdoba, like all of Andalucía, has scorching hot summers, so the best time to visit is April to May and October to November when the weather is cool and pleasant. Especially in spring, Córdoba has many festivals and from the beginning of April, the patios of colourful flower vases are open for visitors.

If you do not like crowded places, you should avoid Holy Week – Semana Santa (the week of Easter, varying from March to April depending on the year). This is the week that Spaniards often go out together with many outdoor activities taking place and the price of services also rises, hotel prices can be even three times more expensive.

TRANSPORTATION

>> To Córdoba

Córdoba is a small city, but its train station is located in a convenient spot at the intersection of multiple railway lines, including the LGV expressway from Madrid to the major cities of Andalucía.

Thereby, getting to Córdoba from abroad, you can fly to one of the major cities such as Madrid, Sevilla or Málaga and take the train to Córdoba from there.

>> In Córdoba

Like many other ancient Spanish cities, tourists will have some difficulties in finding a place to park as the ancient paved streets are very narrow. The best way to explore this UNESCO Heritage listed city is by walking. Strolling in the scent of orange blossoms, listening to Spanish music and visiting tapas bars is a charming experience.

ATTRACTIONS IN CÓRDOBA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Córdoba: The Arabian nights of Europe

Córdoba is small enough to visit in a day, with the following key attractions:

>> The Mezquita is a Muslim Mosque – Christian Cathedral, the most spectacular and stunning architecture in Córdoba.

>> Next to the Mezquita, near the Guadalquivir River is Alcázar. Alcázar is transcribed from the Arabic word “AlQasr” which means palace. This place is quite small and not as spectacular when compared to the Alcázar in Sevilla or Granada, but this is where Cristóbal Colón (also known as Christopher Columbus or Cristoforo Colombo) had the honour to meet the King and Queen of Spain – Ferdinand II d’Aragon and Isabella I de Castilla in 1486. And from there, Cristóbal Colón gained the support of the Spanish Court to embark on his 1492 journey which is one of the most famous in history.

>> Judería Old Town is where you can take a leisurely walk, exploring the beautiful streets and bustling shops. >> The tiny San Basilio area has many patios for tourists to visit and enjoy the flowers. Some require tickets, but there are also many free or voluntary donation visits.

>> You should visit the Roman Bridge across the Guadalquivir River to look at the poetic scene of Córdoba backed by a bright red sky at sunset.

Avoid going to Córdoba on Sundays and Mondays because the city’s attractions close early on these two days, some do not even open on Mondays at all.

If you stay for another half day in Córdoba, you can go to the Almodóvar del Río castle, 22km from Córdoba. To get there, you can take the M-250 bus from Córdoba di San Sebastian, stop at Almodóvar del Río (Parada de Consorcio). Travel time is about 45 minutes, and the ticket price is 2EUR (~ 52,000VND). When you arrive at the parking lot at the bottom of the Almodóvar del Río castle, don’t follow the paved road to the main gate but take the trail to climb the hillside on the right of the parking lot (if you are facing the castle). This trail leads you to some beautiful scenic spots with not many people around.

CÓRDOBA’S CUISINE

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Córdoba: The Arabian nights of Europe

Food in Andalucía and especially in Córdoba is cheap and delicious. Here are some suggestions:

>> Salmorejo: the first speciality that people think of when it comes to Córdoba’s cuisine. This cold soup is ground from tomatoes, bread crumbs, garlic and olive oil, sprinkled with a little bit of ham or boiled egg.

>> Rabo de toro: Bull’s tail is an indispensable speciality on the menus of every traditional Córdoban restaurant during the bullfighting season (from May to September).

>> Tapas: If you haven’t eaten Tapas it means you haven’t been to Spain yet. This is not only a dish but also a lifestyle in this country. In Spanish, they even have the word “tapear” which means go eat tapas. Tapas are appetisers, each part is as small as half a hand, but it is also possible to order as much as you like to eat as a main dish. Andalucía tapas bars often give you free tapas when you order drinks, and there are countless delicious tapas bars in Córdoba.

>> Tortilla de patatas: This potato omelette is also one of Spain’s specialities to try.

>> Jamón Ibérico: This is one of the best salted and smoked hams in Spain. The Jamón Ibérico of Córdoba originated in the famous Los Pedroches valley.

Some appealing restaurants that you should visit in Córdoba:

>> Santos Bar: tapas bar located right next to the Mezquita where they have the best tortilla de patatas in the city.

>> Taberna El Paseo: located in Plaza Cruz del Rastro, on the waterfront, east of the Mezquita. They have many types of tapas, especially the delicious Jamón Ibérico.

>> Taberna La Viuda: a traditional Andalucían and Córdoban restaurant located in the San Basilio area. It is pretty with a green patio and has good food at reasonable prices. You need to reserve a table in advance.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Zhangjiajie: Paradise on Earth

Zhangjiajie: Paradise on Earth

Since ancient times, Zhangjiajie has been a beautiful paradise on earth. Those who visit this place are struck by the majestic sandstone peak forest, by the sea of clouds covering the sky, and by the wonders people have built in this land. I made for Zhangjiajie, not with the mind of a wandering traveller carrying an oversized camera, i came here to find a paradise on earth, Zhangjiajie.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Zhangjiajie: Paradise on Earth

THE LEGEND OF ZHANGJIA

Zhangjiajie was originally named Luanchuan (rotten ship planks) Canyon. Legend has it that Zhang Liang, living in the era of Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang while attempting to avoid being killed by the enemy decided to move to the South as a way to survive. At first, Zhang Liang climbed Tianmen Mountain, then moved to the Luanchuan Canyon to settle down, pursue his religious beliefs and continue the line of Zhangjia’s descendants in this land. It is said that in order to make Luanchuan Canyon more beautiful, Zhang Liang planted seven maidenhair trees in the South. When the seven tall trees were fully grown, they became seven great canopies, beautifully adorning the entire region.

Many years later, a greedy governor named Truong Van Xung, wearing royal garb and sitting in a large palanquin, visited Luanchuan Canyon. After witnessing the fascinating scenery of this enchanting land with its seven maidenhair trees like seven giant protectors, he was overcome with the desire to usurp the whole area for himself. Van Xung invited a famous sculptor to engrave on each maidenhair tree in large letters: “The territory of Commander Truong Van Xung”, using those seven trees as markers of a 50-mile-wide area where people were prohibited to enter. At the same time, he chased away the Zhangjia to capture this beautiful place for only himself. When the ban was put in place, the people who lived in the surrounding area did not dare enter even when they went cutting firewood or walking their buffaloes, and the Zhangjia had to move on elsewhere to live.

One day, a hunter named Truong Gia Hung went to the mountain to hunt wild animals and came across the seven maidenhair trees. He saw flows of golden water dripping from the bark like tears and looking up he saw the wicked words that Van Xung had engraved on the trees, and he suddenly understood what had happened there. In a moment of anger, Gia Hung swung his knife changing the two words Van Xung into Gia Hung, and smashing the signs marking the territory. The people of the land stood behind Truong Gia Hung when they heard what he had done, which made Truong Van Xung fly into a fit of rage. He sent 300 soldiers to besiege Luanchuan Canyon and arrest the brave hunter, but his plan was unsuccessful. He exasperatedly vented his anger on the people, declaring that he would cover-over the words on the trees with the blood of the villagers.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Zhangjiajie: Paradise on Earth

As if striking down Truong Van Xung’s evil and ruthlessness, at that time, suddenly strong winds and heavy rain swept across the land, bright light flashed across the trees before plumes of golden water spouted from the seven trees sweeping Truong Van Xung’s 300 soldiers away into Jinbian Brook. People were frightened when they saw this, immediately kneeling down to pray under the maidenhair trees. Then from a cloud above, they heard: “Listen! Dear hearts! This land was created by God, a heaven on Earth, so this land will never belong to Van Xung and his descendants! My god has ordered the God of maidenhair trees to banish them to the great sea. Now this area belongs to Zhangjia and their descendants.”

After saying that, the prophet pointed his fly-whisk at the seven maidenhair trees and immediately seven great golden words appeared on the trees: “Heaven on earth, Zhangjiajie”. Since then, the entire Luanchuan Canyon has had a new name – Zhangjiajie.

GET LOST IN THOUSANDS OF SANDSTONE PILLARS

It can be said that the majestic sandstone pillars are the most characteristic geological beauty of Zhangjiajie. In the whole area, there are more than 3,000 towering sandstone pillars like a giant spike board pointing up to the sky. In particular, there are stone pillars which are higher than 800 metres, and standing hundreds of metres away, we can still see their shadows casting out over the land.

Those who have set foot in Angkor Wat of the Khmer empire (Kingdom of Cambodia) cannot fail to be enchanted by the architectural blocks covered with sculptures of the huge sandstone slabs in the temple. If we see Angkor Wat as a symbol of human power and ability, then Zhangjiajie is like an architectural, artistic symbol of heaven. It is not only the sandstone pillars which are as wide as the length of three human arms but also the hundred-metre tall natural stone towers with irrepressible trees in between.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Zhangjiajie: Paradise on Earth

The Chinese are very good at naming beautiful places, but perhaps in Zhangjiajie, those exuberant names cannot do justice to its mysterious natural beauty. The most majestic mountain located in the middle is named Tianzi Mountain, meaning the Son of Heaven. The name is an affirmation of the nature of this beautiful mountain which is up to 1,212 metres high and surrounded by a large range of towering sandstone pillars in the deep woods. At the centre of Zhangjiajie, we can find sandstone pillars of all shapes and sizes, and like precious treasures, each stone pillar has its own charming name such as Ngu But Phong, Tien Nu Tan Hoa or Thach Pham Xuat Hai.

Perhaps the beauty of the prophetic treasures fascinated and inspired the Hollywood film director James Cameron to create the magical planet of Pandora in the famous movie “Avatar”. In Zhangjiajie, the spectacular sandstone mountain “Pillar of the South Sky” is the inspiration for the legendary flying islands. Here, Chinese tour guides still tell foreign tourists about a “Pandora on Earth”.

WANDER ABOVE THE CLOUDS IN A FAIRYTALE LAND

On the journey to discover the wonders of Zhangjiajie, I stopped at the biggest souvenir shop in the national park. Coming here, looking at the artworks of Chinese artists and photographers, I found a special feature in all the pictures and postcards, clouds. Zhangjiajie would only be pillars of loneliness if it were not for the clouds enveloping them all year round. At all the famous attractions in Zhangjiajie like Tianzi Mountain and Yijiajie or Tianmen Mountain, everyone seems to be filled with happiness when they see the waves of clouds flowing around the majestic pillars.

In particular, on Tianmen Mountain, a giant sky gate 130 metres in height is located on top of the mountain. Every time when a large cloud passes through that towering heavenly gate, the surrounding space is covered by white mist while people standing only a few metres away are unable to see each other clearly, and the grass and trees reach out to catch the dewdrops from the clouds. Then when that cloud passes, the gate to heaven seems to open again, the sunshine radiates and gleams on leaves full of glittery dewdrops, the transparent droplets reflecting the golden sunlight. Those who are privileged enough to witness this magnificent spectacle of nature cannot express anything by words, only hurriedly take photos with their cameras. I suddenly remembered the old footage of Journey to the West in 1986 co-produced by China Central Television and The Ministry of Railways. The former director Yang Jie built an image of a luxurious, heavenly place with vast fields of clouds and mist. When I silently watched the scene of Zhangjiajie sinking in a sea of clouds, admiring the streaks of golden sunshine and pillars reaching the roof of nature, I realised that I was standing in paradise.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Zhangjiajie: Paradise on Earth

TOURISM SERVICES IN ZHANGJIAJIE

Tourism in China is particularly unique as travel companies and managers have to face not a few hundred thousand visitors every day, but up to several million. They have to find ways to satisfy billions of domestic and foreign tourists on a yearly basis and in a place recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site like Zhangjiajie, we can find an impressive array of services.

If in Vietnam we often strongly condemn human intervention in majestic natural landscapes such as the construction of cable cars and walkways in sightseeing areas, I saw no such opposition towards any of that in Zhangjiajie.

Here, in the area of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a glass elevator named “Bailong” has been built which can take people to the height of 362 metres at the top of a mountain. The entire elevator car was made of glass so that tourists from the inside can experience the feeling of watching the sandstone pillars from the foot to the top of the mountain. The giant Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is the tallest glass bridge in the world, joining two 300 metre high mountains and spanning nearly half a kilometre.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Zhangjiajie: Paradise on Earth

A 7.5-kilometre cable car has also been built up Tianmen Mountain for tourists to observe the primaeval forest, and after they can descend the mountain by 999 stairs from Heaven’s Gate and through 99 winding bends from the height of 1,300 metres to 200 metres, symbolising the 9 palaces of heaven. There is also the Coiling Dragon Cliff Walk, a glass walkway around the edge of the sandstone mountains. Going on the glass and then looking down is a nerve-wracking experience for those who are afraid of heights.

A special feature of all these artificial structures is that we cannot see them from other locations in Zhangjiajie. The Chinese build tourist facilities such as cable cars, glass bridges and elevators to maximise the ability to serve tourists and create new experiences while still respecting the natural landscape. Whether you choose to admire the scenery by walking around or travelling by modern forms of transportation, no damage to the wild and natural beauty of Zhangjiajie can be seen.

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OVERVIEW OF ZHANGJIAJIE

Zhangjiajie is a prefecture-level city in the northwestern part of Hunan Province in the People’s Republic of China. It is famous for its majestic landscape of lofty mountain peaks, deep canyons, waterfalls and giant stone pillars as well as being home to many wild plants and animals. Therefore, Zhangjiajie has many famous natural wonders such as Wulingyuan (including Zhangjiajie National Park, To Khe valley, Tian Zi Mountain, Bao Phong lake and Golden Dragon cave) and Tianmen Mountian (belonging to Tianmen Mountain National Park).

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Zhangjiajie is a stunning destination where each season has its own unique and attractive features. You will love to admire its scenery covered in white snow but still exuding the magnificence of nature in winter. In the spring, the whole area of Zhangjiajie is covered in a deep green colour like a soft silk strip separating the sky and the earth. Summer comes with air which is neither too hot nor cold, suitable for tourists who want to take part in challenging activities such as climbing mountains or walking the glass walkways without being afraid of suddenly pouring rain or cold winds. Autumn in Zhangjiajie is warmly dyed with red leaves, and the weather is romantic. Each person with different interests and desires can choose to enjoy Zhangjiajie in their own way.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Zhangjiajie: Paradise on Earth

GETTING AROUND ZHANGJIAJIE

>> Depending on the location of your accommodation, you can access Zhangjiajie’s sightseeing areas by walking, taxi, long-distance bus or local buses.

>> Particularly in the area of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (belonging to Wulingyuan), there are many attractions such as Tian Zi Mountain, Yijiajie or Bailong elevator which are accessible by bus. The bus system in this area is numbered on maps very clearly; however, before starting your journey, you should get ahold of an attractions map and a bus map which are available at hotels and information booths. In particular, these bus routes are completely free as bus journeys are included in the price of the entrance ticket.

LANGUAGE

Not many local people speak English or any language other than their native tongue. You need to prepare some English – Chinese or Vietnamese – Chinese translation apps before you leave. However, you do not need to worry because tourism in Zhangjiajie is quite developed with signs often in English, and in tourist areas, there are also enthusiastic volunteers wearing orange or green who can help you in English.

D.N | Wanderlust Tips

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine April 2019: Travelling through movies

Wanderlust Tips Magazine April 2019: Travelling through movies

“I mean, I love waking up in the morning not knowing what’s gonna happen or, who I’m gonna meet, where I’m gonna wind up.” is an inspiring quote by Jack Dawson, the lead male character in the classic Titanic. How can a person with an adventurous mind not dream of journeying to numerous lands all over the world via movie?

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine April 2019: Travelling through movies

Every film has its own meaning, opening up a world of inner feelings of the characters, or displaying magnificent horizons and dream-like beautiful landscapes. This is exactly why the audiences who once fell in love with great films will constantly dream of setting foot on the sets of those films in real life. Thus, travelling through movies is the very theme of Wanderlust Tips this month, helping to satisfy your passion for travel and cinema.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine April 2019: Travelling through movies

In stark contrast to the characters she has played in movies of Vietnamese women bound to the out-dated standards of a feudal society, Hong Anh is a modern woman with an open personality. The Conversation section in this issue will talk about Actress and film director Hong Anh to have a better understanding of her two greatest passions in life, including cinema and travel.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine April 2019: Travelling through movies

Next, let Around Hong Kong through famous movies help you enjoy the aftertaste of nostalgia and romance in Hong Kong dubbed as Hollywood of Asia in the Travel Inspiration section.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine April 2019: Travelling through movies

After that, the article Looking for romance in New York in Destination section will amaze you with high-rise buildings and modern architecture and is also where we will find a so-called American romance so often mentioned by characters in Sex and the City.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine April 2019: Travelling through movies

Leaving buzzing New York, we travel to Spain to discover various destinations, featured in the epic Games of Thrones. It is Córdoba – The Arabian Nights of Europe in Discovery section.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine April 2019: Travelling through movies

And the wind will also bring you to the S-shaped land with countless stunningly beautiful scenes featured in renowned films like “Indochina”, “I see the yellow flowers on the green grass” or “Silent under the dark abyss” via the article My Vietnam in movies in Discovery section.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Wanderlust Tips Magazine April 2019: Travelling through movies

Finally, return to Dalat with a lover in Destination section to understand why Dalat is associated with dreams and romance, a paradise of passionate love stories.

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wanderlust-tips-share-the-love-a-journey-through-history

Share the love: A journey through history

[Wanderlust Tips March 2019] With the theme “A journey through history”, Share the love section of Wanderlust Tips travel Magazine March 2019 will share with you memorable travelling stories, helping you appreciate your past and aim to a great future.

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I ALWAYS REMEMBER STEPPING BACK IN TIME, ON MY JOURNEY TO TIBET

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Share the love: A journey through history

LUKA GOY, TRAVEL BLOGGER, HANOI

I have a keen passion for travel and adventure, having travelled extensively through more than 24 countries and counting. One of the main influences that inspires me to travel is the prospect of seeing and experiencing a different way of living than that of my own. As a travel blogger, photographer and potential adventure inspirer, in documenting my adventures and misadventures I hope to provide inspiration for you too, to get out and explore the beautiful, the crazy and the wild that this world has to offer.

I have travelled to many places that have a rich history or are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These include old castles in France and Germany, the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat, the Great Wall of China and the temples and palaces of Tibet. If I had to choose my favourite place of historical significance it would be the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. To most of the world, at least the Western world, the name Tibet conjures up images of a mystical far away land, shrouded in secrecy and religion. Just being in Lhasa you can sense that you are somewhere special, you definitely feel as though you have somehow managed to sneak past the curtain of mystique and see into a world unseen. The Potala Palace is the epitome of this, with its elevated position and backdrop of mountains, it sets a very imposing figure. A place that combines the beauty, charm and history of a faraway land hidden on the roof of the earth, the Potala Palace certainly leaves a lasting impression.

On my travel list for 2019 – I’m currently weighing up between an extended trip through the Philippines, Indonesia and a re-visit to Sri Lanka or a blow-out in Japan, maybe taking in a little bit of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in September.

TRAVELLING HELPS US APPRECIATE THE PAST AND HEAD TOWARDS THE FUTURE

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Share the love: A journey through history

LAN ANH HA, VIETNAMESE STUDENT WHO STUDIED ABROAD IN SPAIN

In Vietnam, my hometown is Hue but I am living in Hanoi, my parents live in Quang Binh and my family used to live in Nghe An, so every time I go home, I make a trip from the North to Central Vietnam. After every journey, I fall even more deeply in love with the lands and people I met. That’s why when starting my life as an international student in Madrid, although at first I felt a bit uneasy and life here was unfamiliar, I quickly adapted. The one and a half years there was also a time when I dived straight into local life and participated in all ranges of festivals in Spain, from big to small ones and experienced all forms of emotions.

I remember most vividly the experience of welcoming in the Vietnamese New Year with the Vietnamese Embassy in Spain. I met many Vietnamese expatriates from other cities coming to Madrid. Vietnamese, my familiar native language, was a bridge for everyone to come together. Handshakes, new year wishes, group photographs, happy laughing and chatting voices along with familiar Tet songs performed by Vietnamese far from our homeland brought us the greatest comfort and happiness.

I hope in the future, I will have enough courage to travel to many distant lands. Going far away is also a way to help people appreciate their homeland, along with the past and look forward to a better future.

PRESERVING TRADITIONAL CULTURE OVER THE YEARS

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Share the love: A journey through history

THUY LINH PHI, MISS AO DAI VIETNAM 2018, HANOI

My family’s tradition of making Uoc Le sausage (Vietnamese traditional sausage) has existed for many generations. My great grandmother passed the skills of the craft to my grandmother, and then my grandmother, in turn, taught these family secrets to my mother. Since the time I was young, I was familiar with the cherished scene of my family gathering to make traditional sausage and from the age of 7 until I got married, every year, I always helped my family make this dish. When I was a child, I was assigned the task of arranging leaves and helping my parents but after I had grown up a little, I was in charge of guiding the guests to line up to receive their orders.

Almost every new year in the spring, all of my family are always busy but we feel warm and happy. To make this sausage, we have to wake up at 2am to go to the market, choose fresh meat, then wash and puree it and add spices. The meat is then wrapped in banana leaves which is very important to shape the meat and create the special flavour of the dish. There are many different types of fare including pork sausages, beef sausages, pig ear sausages, chicken sausages, cinnamon pork and pork meatballs in green sticky rice, each of which has their own delicious taste.

Until now, even though my job is so busy, I still spend time with my family making traditional sausage. For me, it is more than just making a simple dish but a childhood memory, a family connection and a precious part of local culture.

SPIRITUAL TOURISM TO SACRED TEMPLES

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Share the love: A journey through history

QUYNH HOA TRAN, MAKEUP SPECIALIST, NGHE AN

One of the spiritual destinations that I visit every year is The Saint Hoang Muoi Temple located in Xuan Am hamlet, Hung Thinh commune, Hung Nguyen district, Nghe An province. It is said that The Saint Hoang Muoi Temple is very sacred and that your every wish will come true. As for me, the fresh and pure air here, the smell of incense lingering in the air, the bells ringing and the sound of the bamboo prayer bowls all make my heart feel free of burden.

Every year, the new year festival is held in the third lunar month and the festival of Saint Hoang Muoi is celebrated in the tenth month of the lunar calendar. The festivals attract numerous local people and tourists, offering many interesting activities such as the boat parade to carry a royal seal from the Nguyen family church to Saint Hoang Muoi Temple, chầu văn (a trance-like chanting) and cockfighting.

For me, these cultural and religious traditions are really beautiful, they remind people of the legends of the past as well as offering meaningful life lessons and creating a connection through the generations from the past to the present and to the future.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Sheraton Grand Danang Resort introduces new kids ambassador program with Chu Diep Anh

Sheraton Grand Danang Resort introduces new kids ambassador program with Chu Diep Anh

Sheraton Grand Danang Resort, a stylish luxury beachside resort on the stunning white sands of Non Nuoc beach, is delighted to introduce its new Kids Ambassador program starring Chu Diep Anh, the 8 year-old star of several movies and the popular Vietnamese TV series Nguoc Chieu Nuoc Mat.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Sheraton Grand Danang Resort introduces new kids ambassador program with Chu Diep Anh

Designed exclusively for Sheraton Grand Danang’s younger guests and their families, the new Kids Ambassador program features memorable experiences inspired by Chu Diep Anh’s visit to the resort and her favorite activities and special tastes.

“We’re delighted to launch our new Kids Ambassador program in collaboration with Chu Diep Anh,” said General Manager Frank Bochmann. “Our resort is ideal for families and we are excited to be able to offer tailored and engaging activities to keep our youngest guests active and happy.”

Sheraton Grand Danang Resort is an expansive luxury resort offering 258 guest rooms and suites – each with a view of the ocean. Sheraton Grand Danang Resort is distinct from other Danang hotels, offering the city’s longest outdoor swimming pool as well as six signature restaurants and bars featuring a variety of local and international cuisines.

Just 20 minutes from the airport, Sheraton Grand Danang Resort provides direct access to Danang’s most prestigious beaches, tourist and cultural attractions and close proximity to UNESCO Heritage landmarks such as Hoi An Old Town and Hue Ancient Capital.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Sheraton Grand Danang Resort introduces new kids ambassador program with Chu Diep Anh

Chu Diep Anh is a popular child television and movie actress as well as a model and ambassador for several retail brands. Just eight years old, she has already starred in three movies and one television series. Miss Anh visited Sheraton Grand Danang Resort in May and enjoyed an activity-filled vacation. She joined Chef Warwick Thomas for a tour of Tra Que vegetable village and picked her favorite herbs and ingredients. She then joined Chef Warwick in the kitchen where they made authentic Phở cuốn and her favorite dessert, passion custard cake. She also visited the Sheraton Grand Danang Kids Club where she made toys out of recycled products and flew kites at the beach.

Inspired by Miss Anh’s visit, Sheraton Grand Danang Resort is launching a new program as part of its Kids Club featuring her favorite activities. Children who stay at the resort will have access to all of these activities and more, including:

  • Kids Cooking Class – Join Chef Warwick Thomas in the kitchen to make Miss Anh’s favorite dishes, including Phở cuốn and passion custard cake
  • Kids Club activities – Make toys from recycled hotel products
  • Beach Activities – Kite making class from recycled newspaper and kite flying
  • Kids Menu – Featuring healthy Vietnamese cuisine inspired by Miss Anh’s favorites
  • Bedtime – Vietnam traditional Stories for bedtime and a goodnight wish from Miss Anh

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Sheraton Grand Danang Resort introduces new kids ambassador program with Chu Diep Anh

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Sheraton Grand Danang Resort introduces new kids ambassador program with Chu Diep Anh

Sheraton Grand Danang Resort

Location: 35 Truong Sa Street, Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District

Tel: 84 236 398 8999

Website: www.sheratongranddanang.com

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Vietnamese fermented rice delicate sour features in Vietnamese cuisine

Vietnamese fermented rice delicate sour features in Vietnamese cuisine

Thanks to the fermented rice, many dishes from simple to sophisticated ones are not too intense in taste, helping diners feel the richness but also the serenity, the gentle sourness and sweetness at the same time.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Vietnamese fermented rice delicate sour features in Vietnamese cuisine

Many people often say markets in Vietnam are a miniature culinary world where you can find everything you need and fermented rice is a staple that is always available. In the tradition of families in Northern Vietnam for hundreds of years, each family often has their own jar of fermented rice beside the jar of sugar and the jar of fat in the corner of the kitchen. The vinegar may run out, the dracontomelon and tamarind are seasonal fruits, but fermented rice is always available.

Making fermented rice is easy. When you want to make a batch, all that is required is a visit to a neighbour’s house to ask for a bowl of fermented rice, then put it in a clean porcelain jar and keep it carefully sealed. Cold rice is the most efficient and clean ingredient to begin the process. After several days, the cold rice will begin to ferment and the rice’s odour will turn to a slightly sour smell when it has turned into fermented rice. Fermented rice that is well stored can be used for a long time and any left which is not used is still carefully taken care of in case a neighbour asks for it when cooking. A jar of fermented rice becomes a bridge connecting people in a small neighbourhood.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Vietnamese fermented rice delicate sour features in Vietnamese cuisine

People skillfully add the fermented rice in their cooking of all the delicious dishes served with rice: grilled sliced meat with lesser galangal and fermented rice, a special pork dish, deliciously cooked snails with banana & soya curd and the not to be forgotten fresh and delicious sour fish soup. These are traditional dishes that are familiar to many Vietnamese families; however, nowadays talented chefs also inventively create an array of dishes using ingredients combined with fermented rice.

Dong Tao chicken is prized for its succulent texture combined with an intensely deep flavour and is often cooked with lesser galangal and fermented rice creating an iconic Northern delicacy. Chicken cooked with fermented rice is not only soft and savoury but also has an exquisite taste and is invitingly served with vermicelli noodles. Meanwhile, Ha Giang wild boar cooked with lesser galangal and fermented rice helps to balance the heavy earthy aromas from the black pigs living in the forest. When it is grilled, the thick pieces of meat do not dry out and become tough but remain tender and juicy, the skin still crispy and crunchy.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Vietnamese fermented rice delicate sour features in Vietnamese cuisine

Another mouthwatering dish is fermented rice cooked with Ha Long cobia fillets dipped in green pepper. The cobia is sliced thinly and has a firm texture, filled with the flavour of the fermented rice and piper lolot. Tasty sour soup with Phu Quoc green pepper is full of character with an enticing aroma. The mild spiciness of pepper and the warm hot pot became the perfect comfort food on cold rainy days.

It is thought that people who eat fermented rice too often are prone to stomach problems; however, in moderate amounts, it will aid digestion. Fermented rice is always an indispensable ingredient in Vietnamese kitchens, which contributes to enriching the culinary culture of Vietnam.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Vietnamese fermented rice delicate sour features in Vietnamese cuisine

The article features exclusive content from Vietnamese Luk Lak restaurant

Address: 4A Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Number: 0943 143 686