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Enchanting and enriching 1.3 million visitors in its first year, Hong Kong Palace Museum is an unmissable addition to the Kowloon cityscape. From afar, the grandeur of its distinguished façade draws the eye. Inside its breathtaking space, 12 outstanding exhibitions have held court in as many months, each displaying a wealth of multimedia components, an innovative approach to curating, and a distinctive cultural perspective.



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Also Read: <a href="https://igafencu.com/articles/andrew-yuen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colour Harmony: Andrew Yuen’s Evolution From Boyhood Treasure Hunter To Guardian Of Culture</a>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="576" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_Multi_3_rgb-1.jpg" alt="art and culture" class="wp-image-76991" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_Multi_3_rgb-1.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_Multi_3_rgb-1-373x280.jpg 373w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_Multi_3_rgb-1-200x150.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


On the occasion of its first anniversary, the HKPM is well into its stride and looking confidently to the future. Since it opened its doors to the public on 3 July 2022, the museum has cultivated strong partnerships in the areas of academic and cultural exchange, in addition to showcasing some of the finest artefacts from its namesake in Beijing and other significant cultural institutions around the globe. Its presence has strengthened the dialogue between world civilisations and Hong Kong’s status as an East-meets-West cultural hub.


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="512" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G8_3_rgb.jpg" alt="art and culture" class="wp-image-76993" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G8_3_rgb.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G8_3_rgb-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G8_3_rgb-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


We are delighted to celebrate this important milestone. In the past year, the museum has brought moments of delight and amazement to the viewing public. We would like to express our deep gratitude to the Palace Museum for loaning such precious objects for display in Hong Kong, and to our donours and patrons for their generous donations and support. Kudos must go to our curatorial and operational teams for their professionalism and dedication. The museum has been empowered by the overwhelming support of the general public and visitors from around the world,” says Winnie Tam Wan-chi, Chairman of the Hong Kong Palace Museum Board. “We vow to continue to present exceptional exhibitions and programmes at the HKPM with the aim of promoting Chinese culture to a global audience, in accordance with the National 14th Five-Year Plan to develop Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.”


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="576" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G7_1_rgb.jpg" alt="art and culture" class="wp-image-76994" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G7_1_rgb.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G7_1_rgb-373x280.jpg 373w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G7_1_rgb-200x150.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Beijing Assistance</h3>



The Palace Museum in Beijing, which houses an immense collection of classical Chinese art and artefacts, and the West Kowloon Cultural District joined hands to create the Hong Kong Palace Museum in 2015-16. The cooperation was announced in December 2016 and billed as a gift from the central government to mark the upcoming 20th anniversary of the return of Hong Kong to China.



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As a result of the partnership, the Beijing museum lends items to the Hong Kong museum for both long- and short-term exhibitions. For those counting, a total of 914 items from the former’s 1.86-million-strong collection were secured for the HKPM’s inaugural shows.



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The loan is the biggest granted by the Beijing institution since its founding in 1925 and features pottery, jade, bronze, costumes, jewellery, paintings, calligraphy and other national treasures – the majority showing in Hong Kong for the first time. The most priceless pieces appear for three months before being returned home to rest in accordance with established exhibition practice. Hong Kong Exclusive


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="576" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G1_2_rgb.jpg" alt="art and culture" class="wp-image-76995" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G1_2_rgb.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G1_2_rgb-373x280.jpg 373w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G1_2_rgb-200x150.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


Despite the connection between the two organisations, the Hong Kong museum has forged its own identity. The HKPM team arranges loans from other esteemed institutions besides the Palace Museum. Upon its opening in July last year – one day later than planned due to a typhoon – more than 100 works borrowed from other museums and institutions in Hong Kong, as well as 13 pieces on loan from the Musée du Louvre in Paris, were invitingly in situ.



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Multimedia creations from six local contemporary artists were also presented in its first exhibition, and ongoing efforts have been made to attract young people and foster an understanding of Chinese culture on a global scale.



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The HKPM’s 84,000 square feet of exhibition space are spread across nine galleries over the seven-storey building designed by local architect Rocco Yim. Each gallery has a different topic, such as life, architecture, design, or art in the Forbidden City, where its Beijing counterpart is housed.


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="576" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G5_1_rgb.jpg" alt="hong kong palace museum" class="wp-image-76996" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G5_1_rgb.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G5_1_rgb-373x280.jpg 373w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G5_1_rgb-200x150.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Now Showing</h3>



In the fifth three-month rotation of treasures on loan from the Palace Museum, 51 splendid works will be exhibited in Galleries 1, 2 and 5 until September 2023. Most pieces in this impressive display have not been seen in Hong Kong before and they aptly mark the HKPM’s first-anniversary milestone. They include two Grade One national treasures: a Ming-dynasty ewer resembling a pine tree and a Qing-dynasty brush pot shaped like a Chinese cabbage by renowned bamboo carvers Pu Cheng and Feng Xijue respectively. These extraordinary works headline the must-see show ‘The Quest for Originality: Contemporary Design and Traditional Craft in Dialogue’ in Gallery 5.



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A recently acquired scene from The Grand Imperial Wedding of the Guangxu Emperor called “Presenting the Empress’s Investiture Book and Seal at the Hall of Union” is one of the highlights of ‘Entering the Forbidden City: Collection, Architecture and Heritage’, the presentation in Gallery 1. It is joined by the only surviving gold seal of an empress in the Palace Museum collection.


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In Gallery 2, ‘From Dawn to Dusk: Life in the Forbidden City’ includes “The Maze”, a print from the Twenty Views of European-style Mansions in the Garden of Perfect Brightness series that showcases the magnificent scenery at Yuanmingyuan Park (the Old Summer Palace). This set of Qing-dynasty prints of the famed imperial garden reflects the integration of European and Chinese painting styles and landscaping features at the time.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Gift that Keeps on Giving</h3>



A portion of China’s imperial treasures is housed at the National Palace Museum in Taipei, having been removed from the mainland during the civil war in the 1940s. The HKPM has been looking into potential collaborations with the Taiwan museum, but due to the latter’s rigorous policies regarding the loan of artworks and artefacts abroad, there are presently no plans to share collections.



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However, for the recently minted Director of the HKPM Board, Andrew Yuen, introducing Chinese arts and culture to a wider audience fits his broader vision. “My hope for the Hong Kong Palace Museum still is to be the bridge between the other two ‘Palace-tinians’, between China and Taiwan,” he says.


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="576" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G9_1_p_clip_rgb.jpg" alt="hong kong palace museum" class="wp-image-76998" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G9_1_p_clip_rgb.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G9_1_p_clip_rgb-373x280.jpg 373w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HKPM_G9_1_p_clip_rgb-200x150.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


Alluding to the museum’s genesis as an anniversary present to Hong Kong, Yuen adds: “I hope that Hong Kongers can make time to appreciate our rich Chinese culture. After all, the HKPM is built as a gift for us here in Hong Kong, so we should treasure it and feel special about having such a venue.



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“From the moment you step foot in the museum, you will feel its grandeur and importance. This is really one of a kind. The plan, after all, is not to be a branch of the one in Beijing. The Hong Kong Palace Museum is really distinct from its namesake and we plan to keep it that way.”



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Ultimately, the Hong Kong Palace Museum is a public venue that aims to incorporate art into everyday life rather than only being a place for those who study art and culture. It goes beyond.



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Click <a href="https://www.hkpm.org.hk/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to visit the museum.

Palace of Year: One year in, the Hong Kong Palace Museum has forged its own identity as a world-class cultural landmark

Asia is a continent blessed with diverse cultures, mesmerizing landscapes, and unique experiences that make it an ideal destination for a memorable family trip. Whether you seek thrilling adventures, historical wonders, or simply want to relax on beautiful beaches, Asia has something for every family to enjoy. In this article, we put together the top five destinations in Asia that offer a perfect blend of fun, adventure, and cultural exploration for families of all ages.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chiang Rai, Thailand</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="444" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/white-temple-chiang-rai.jpg" alt="family trip" class="wp-image-76545" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/white-temple-chiang-rai.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/white-temple-chiang-rai-484x280.jpg 484w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/white-temple-chiang-rai-200x116.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


Rarely mentioned as one of Thailand&#8217;s tourist destinations, Chiang Rai is undoubtedly an underrated city that locals would recommend you visit for all the hidden gems you can see at this place located on the <a href="https://igafencu.com/articles/pai-northern-thailand" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern side of the country</a>. Particularly, the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) and the Black House Museum (Baan Dam Museum), which are all architectural wonders constructed with such attention to detail, will leave you admiring the building for minutes before you can even enter. There is also the historical Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park which houses a plethora of ancient artifacts ranging from Lanna art to 19th-century mural paintings. Some of the other spots you should visit during the family trip include scenic standouts like Doi Hua Mae Kham, Mae Fa Luang Garden, Singha Park and Doi Chang, which are all spacious enough for the kids to play around and beautiful enough for the grownups to take as many pictures.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Baku, Azerbaijan</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="510" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/baku-old-city.jpg" alt="family trip" class="wp-image-76546" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/baku-old-city.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/baku-old-city-422x280.jpg 422w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/baku-old-city-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


Baku is surrounded by a magnificent seaside view and has pleasant weather with the city being windy most of the time – it is literally nicknamed the city of winds. The city is perfect for witnessing both modern skyscrapers and archaic buildings. In fact, you may want to set aside a day just to explore the UNESCO Heritage site Old City (Icherisheher) which has many fascinating places where you can look at the culture and history of different civilizations that go back to the 12th century. A few such areas include The Palace of the Shirvanshahs, The Maiden Tower and The Museum of Miniature Books. Plus, while you are there on your family trip, don’t forget to take some family photos because you cannot ask for a better backdrop than the alleys of this walled city. For something more contemporary, you can take the kids on a fun riverboat ride after sunset and look at the iconic Flame Towers, or if you and your family love to go swimming, you can do that on private beaches surrounded by the Caspian Sea.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Udaipur, India</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="512" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Udaipur.jpg" alt="family trip" class="wp-image-76547" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Udaipur.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Udaipur-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Udaipur-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


Ardent travellers often look back at Udaipur as one of the most stunning cities, even comparing it to Rajasthan’s capital city Jaipur and choosing Udaipur as an alternative for its much more peaceful and less bustling presence. Udaipur has an array of marvellous places that you should add to your itinerary like the City Palace, Monsoon Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola and more. Aside from these tourist attractions, there are also several exciting activities that you can enjoy as a family such as watching puppet shows at Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, rafting in the Gomati River, helicopter rides over the city and many more. You can add more extravagance to your trip by staying at the coveted palace-turned-hotel Taj Lake Palace and devouring a hearty meal at the Jagat Niwas Palace. You should also stop by some nice antique shops where you will surely find something incredible to take back home.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jeju Islands, South Korea</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="512" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/AdobeStock_70192053-1600x1067-1.jpeg" alt="family vacation" class="wp-image-76549" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/AdobeStock_70192053-1600x1067-1.jpeg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/AdobeStock_70192053-1600x1067-1-420x280.jpeg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/AdobeStock_70192053-1600x1067-1-200x133.jpeg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


For families that love partaking in fun activities in the waters and are always fascinated by the many wonders of nature, Jeju Island is certainly a paradise. There is so much you can plan to do here to keep the family trip fun and exciting throughout. You can climb the Seongsan Ilchulbong Volcano; watch performances by women divers who will bring back fresh fish from the sea and cook them right there for you to eat; or visit one of the beaches. Also, the entire family can challenge themselves to find their way out of the human-sized Gimnyeong Maze Park which can apparently take less than five minutes or an hour to complete. Also don’t forget to visit the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Manjanggul Lava Tube, Osulloc Tea Museum and the Aqua Planet.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Malé, Maldives</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="576" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-john-cahil-rom-3041869.jpg" alt="family vacation" class="wp-image-76551" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-john-cahil-rom-3041869.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-john-cahil-rom-3041869-373x280.jpg 373w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-john-cahil-rom-3041869-200x150.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


Another top-class destination for an amusing and luxurious vacation is Malé, an island in the Maldives. It offers a wide selection of hotels, shops and accommodations. There are a couple of family-friendly resorts like the frequently applauded Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and the Angsana lhuru where your entire family can relax. Simultaneously, if you are looking for something adventurous, you can try surfing, diving, snorkelling and more. Besides, as the capital city of the archipelago situated over the Indian Ocean, you can even book a submarine tour to explore the marine ecosystem there. When you are looking to explore the city, there are places like the Victory Monument, Sultan Park &amp; National Museum, Tsunami Monument and more.

Family-Friendly Fun: Discover Asia’s Top Cities for an Epic Vacation

The Basque Country is steeped in history going back millennia. The people in this little pocket of Europe that overlaps Spain and France are fiercely proud of their distinct culture, and during the summer months, the region explodes into life in a sea of wine, bull and folklore rituals with all-day parties, crazy costumes and cuisine to die for.






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These events and festivals act like a magnet, drawing in visitors from all over the world keen to experience a bit of Basque culture. The region is nestled between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean, and Basque (or Euskara) is spoken, as well as Spanish or French; Euskara is the only remnant of languages that existed before southwestern Europe was Romanised.







The major conurbations of the Southern Basque Country, in Spain, are Bilbao, the destination of most incoming flights, the elegant coastal city of San Sebastian, the Basque capital Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Pamplona. The Northern part, in France, houses the palatial coastal splendour of Biarritz, while Bayonne is famous for its magnificent summer festival.







Basque food is also unique and a rich, almost obsessive, part of local culture, with a reputation as some of the best to be had in Europe. Signature dishes include great surf-and-turf combos, hake stew, lobster salad, vegetable and fish soups and the much-revered sea bream. There is heated rivalry over which part of Basque turns out the best culinary delights.







This competitive spirit is also evident in Basque sports such as pelota, which has been described as the fastest ball game in the world. There are also many herri kirolak (rural sports) competitions involving chopping wood, lifting massive stones, manually drilling holes in rocks and oxcart lifting. These can be seen at many of the summer fiestas in the region.






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Festival highs In graceful Haro, capital of the Rioja Alta wine region, the ‘Battle of Wine’ occurs in late June and is of such repute it has been designated a ‘festival of international tourist interest’. After a mass that is celebrated at the Chapel of San Felices de Bilibio, participants wearing white squirt wine on each other until everyone’s clothes change colour.







About a week later, the most talked-about of the Basque summer festivals kicks off in Pamplona. The Fiesta de San Fermin, popularly known as the Running of the Bulls, takes place every 6-14 July transforming the historic city into a frenzy of strength, speed and colour. Each morning at eight o’clock, six bulls are released onto the narrow, cobbled streets where they rush through a sea of fleeing people wearing white and red scarves around their waists and necks. Their route to the bullring only takes a few minutes, but each year some of the participants will be injured, and occasionally fatally gored. It is common for tourists to try their luck and join in, often as a last-minute act of bravado just before the bulls go past.







From 21-23 July, the bizarre spectacle of Danza de los Zancos (Dance of the Stilts) can be observed in Anguiano. Here, dancers on 5cm-high stilts tiptoe through the sloping, cobbled streets as part of a parade celebrating a pagan ritual. Performers wear colourful clothing with their hidden petticoats providing much-needed balance.






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Coastal giants In the last week of July, the Fêtes de Bayonne commences at the city’s Place de la Mairée when a mascot throws keys from the balcony to the hordes below. This is the largest festival in France, with numerous parades and dances, music galore, giant figures roaming the streets and breathtaking fireworks displays. Tourists are encouraged to join in the fun.







Located at the confluence of two rivers, Bayonne treasures its rich cultural heritage; it was officially recognised as a French ‘Town of Art &amp; History’ in 2012. There is plenty to browse in this city also renowned for its superb chocolate, and regular tours are available in July and August. Just 8km (5 miles) south of Bayonne on the Basque Coast is beautiful Biarritz, which is also worth exploring. Anglet and Hossegor, to the north, offer world-class surfing action, and from 7-10 July, the former’s annual surf film festival draws more sedate crowds to the beaches.







(Read the full interview in the May 2023 issue (pg: 138). Available on the Gafencu app on Android and Apple.)

Basque Bonkers – The summer months are when the Basque region goes wild

<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70697 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1Kakadu-National-Park-saltwater-crocodile-on-beach-e1680599316136.jpg" alt="Kakadu" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1Kakadu-National-Park-saltwater-crocodile-on-beach-e1680599316136.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1Kakadu-National-Park-saltwater-crocodile-on-beach-e1680599316136-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" />
A crocodile thrashing out of the water to strike its prey is just one of the countless awe-inspiring sights to behold at Kakadu. The huge national park in Australia’s Northern Territory has earned World Heritage status for its amazing natural beauty and a rich Aboriginal cultural history stretching over 50,000 years. There are some of the oldest-known rock paintings in the world, wildlife spotting opportunities galore, fantastic hiking and bushwalking, and superb boat cruises across luscious wetlands as the area protects an entire tropical river system.&nbsp;A crocodile thrashing out of the water to strike its prey is just one of the countless awe-inspiring sights to behold at Kakadu. The huge national park in Australia’s Northern Territory has earned World Heritage status for its amazing natural beauty and a rich Aboriginal cultural history stretching over 50,000 years. There are some of the oldest-known rock paintings in the world, wildlife spotting opportunities galore, fantastic hiking and bushwalking, and superb boat cruises across luscious wetlands as the area protects an entire tropical river system.&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70702 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1800-e1680599453895.jpg" alt="Kakadu" width="768" height="576" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1800-e1680599453895.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1800-e1680599453895-200x150.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" />
The largest national park in Australia, Kakadu lies 150 miles east of Darwin, covers 20,000 sq. km, and is a mosaic of habitats teeming with plants and animals, red 500-foot escarpment cliffs, hidden swimming holes and magnificent views. The best time to visit is the dry season, which runs from May to October. Although some areas are closed due to flooding in the tropical summer, many fantastic sites like Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock), Ubirr and the Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water) wetlands can still be accessed wet or dry. Some seasoned visitors suggest Kakadu is at its best during the wet season when the waters are flowing in all their glory and the wetlands are lush and vibrant. A compromise could be to go just at the start of the dry season to get the best of both worlds.&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70705 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kakadu_Tour_into_Gunlom11-e1680599506560.jpg" alt="Kakadu" width="768" height="359" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kakadu_Tour_into_Gunlom11-e1680599506560.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kakadu_Tour_into_Gunlom11-e1680599506560-200x93.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" />
A 10-year master plan to grow culturally appropriate tourism is in full swing and was developed in consultation with Kakadu’s traditional owners, the Bininj/Mungguy people. This has reaped dividends already, including last year’s upgrade of the Cahills Crossing viewing area – one of the best places for crocodile spotting. Here, fearsome beasts reaching up to six metres in length, whose muscular tails can propel their body out of the water for a lunge of deadly effect, are seen in the greatest numbers towards the end of the dry season (August to November).&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70696 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1jabiru-amer-marche-pw1.jpg" alt="Kakadu" width="875" height="709" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1jabiru-amer-marche-pw1.jpg 875w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1jabiru-amer-marche-pw1-200x162.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1jabiru-amer-marche-pw1-800x648.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1jabiru-amer-marche-pw1-346x280.jpg 346w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1jabiru-amer-marche-pw1-768x622.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1jabiru-amer-marche-pw1-120x97.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1jabiru-amer-marche-pw1-500x405.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1jabiru-amer-marche-pw1-177x142.jpg 177w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1jabiru-amer-marche-pw1-400x324.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1jabiru-amer-marche-pw1-600x486.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 875px) 100vw, 875px" /> 
A must-do for any visit to Kakadu is a sunrise-to-sunset cruise run by the indigenous-owned Yellow Water Cruises that follow the landscape of the Yellow Water Billabong and tributaries of the South Alligator River. A truly majestic experience, this drift across the lotus-covered floodplains provides one of the best bird-watching environments anywhere in the world. There are 300 different species, including blue-winged kookaburras, magpie geese, jabirus, parrots and many others. Catching a glimpse of crocodiles and buffalo on the floodplains is also common.&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70707 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/yellow-water-cruise-h-1920x576-e1680599802106.jpg" alt="Kakadu" width="768" height="392" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/yellow-water-cruise-h-1920x576-e1680599802106.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/yellow-water-cruise-h-1920x576-e1680599802106-200x102.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" />
The park has also gained a global reputation for its concentration of rock art sites, with some paintings dating back 20,000 years. The large rock outcrops and caves of Nourlangie and Ubirr are the most famous, and evidence suggests they have sheltered local tribes for the past 6,000 years. Most of the rock-art styles found in Kakadu are evident on the northern side of Nourlangie Rock. Reflecting the Bininj/Mungguy bond with the land, there are paintings of hunting and fishing, of local animals and human figures, including Algaihgo, the fire woman, who was revered as one of the first people to have created the world.&nbsp;
Read the full interview in the April 2023 issue (pg: 138). Available on the Gafencu app on&nbsp;Android&nbsp;and&nbsp;Apple.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Crocadu: Kakadu is rich in wildlife and aboriginal cultural history

<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-70258" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/varanasiCibodhgaya-gayapilgrimage-tour-package-5-d_rgb-e1678416759326.jpg" alt="varanasi" width="768" height="455" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/varanasiCibodhgaya-gayapilgrimage-tour-package-5-d_rgb-e1678416759326.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/varanasiCibodhgaya-gayapilgrimage-tour-package-5-d_rgb-e1678416759326-200x118.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/varanasiCibodhgaya-gayapilgrimage-tour-package-5-d_rgb-e1678416759326-600x355.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" />
January this year saw the launch of a new luxury river cruise service, one set to ferry high-end tourists to some of the most mystical destinations in India. Fittingly, Varanasi, where the cruise commences, is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and, perhaps, the most iconic and memorable location in the whole of India.
To the initiated, it is Kashi, the Luminous – the City of Light said to be founded by Shiva, one of the most significant of all the Hindu deities. Regardless of your religious affiliations, it is a truly magical place and one where, for thousands of years, pilgrims have come to wash away their sins in the River Ganges’ cleansing waters.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-70251" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/006_rgb-e1678416808798.jpg" alt="varanasi" width="768" height="576" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/006_rgb-e1678416808798.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/006_rgb-e1678416808798-200x150.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/006_rgb-e1678416808798-600x450.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" />
In all, around 85 ghats (riverfront steps) line the west bank of the Ganges as it passes through the city, making it a popular choice for both devout Hindus taking an early morning purifying dip and for washer folk to beat their clothes. Among the steps are burning ghats, holy sites where bodies are cremated in public, often watched at a respectful distance by boatloads of mourners. Beyond that, many ghats also have their own historical or ritual significance and lingam, a symbol of divine generative energy.
Overall, the best time to visit is dawn when the early morning sun rays light up the myriad temples and ghats while pilgrims perform puja (prayers). Alternatively, dusk offers an ideal opportunity to watch devotees at worship, with viewing these mesmerising daily rituals from a passing rowing boat one of the quintessential Varanasi experiences.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-70257" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/varanasi58_rgb-e1678416877361.jpg" alt="varanasi" width="768" height="576" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/varanasi58_rgb-e1678416877361.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/varanasi58_rgb-e1678416877361-200x150.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/varanasi58_rgb-e1678416877361-600x450.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" />
The city itself has more than 700 temples and is a maze of alleyways, with many day tours available for those who want to take in many of the special sites the city has to offer as possible. Particularly popular are the confined alleyways of The Old City, the most famous attraction being the Vishwanath Temple, the main Shiva sanctuary that features 800g of gold plating on the tower and dome. Non-Hindus can climb surrounding buildings to see the gilded dome. Another busy temple is in the south of the city &#8211; the monkey temple – and is home to hordes of red macaques and is dedicated to Durga, an exceptionally fierce goddess.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-70252" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/007_rgb-e1678416920309.jpg" alt="varanasi" width="750" height="750" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/007_rgb-e1678416920309.jpg 750w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/007_rgb-e1678416920309-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/007_rgb-e1678416920309-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/007_rgb-e1678416920309-600x600.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" />
Varanasi also boasts excellent dining opportunities, including some of the best Indian food around and a wide variety of European dishes. Of particular note is the Darbhanga restaurant, which is set just inside the Brijrama Palace Hotel, a structure with striking architecture along the banks of Darbhanga Ghat. Its most popular dishes include palak chaman (paneer in spinach and spices) and allot chaat (fried pieces of parboiled potato mixed with chickpeas and chopped onions, and garnished with spices and chutney).
For a more informal snack, tucked away in a narrow side alley in the Old City is Blue Lassi, a famous hole-in-the-wall yoghurt shop that has been churning out every kind of gorgeous fruit-filled lassi since 1925. The dairy-intolerant, meanwhile, may prefer the nearby Brown Bread Bakery and its singularly fabulous menu.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/chaat-rosewood-hong-kong/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian street food-inspired Chaat opens its doors at the Rosewood Hong Kong</a>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-70254" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/varanasi40_rgb.jpg" alt="varanasi" width="600" height="800" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/varanasi40_rgb.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/varanasi40_rgb-200x267.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/varanasi40_rgb-210x280.jpg 210w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/varanasi40_rgb-120x160.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/varanasi40_rgb-500x667.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/varanasi40_rgb-400x533.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" />
If you’re more fashion-minded than food focussed, you may also want to prioritise a visit to the Mehrotra silk factory. It can be found nestling in the labyrinth of lanes behind Lal Ghat and has built up a fine reputation for selling quality silk at reasonable prices.
As is the case on any visit to India, visitors are reminded to be wary of unscrupulous rickshaw drivers who will ferry you off to some inauthentic lookalike place (where they get a cut of everything you spend) rather than your preferred destination. Be insistent and you should be okay.
These considerations aside, no one who has been to Varanasi ever forgets the sheer spectacle of this stunning site’s worship and devotion to the Hindu gods. For those left wanting more of India after such a magnificent introduction – and, really, who wouldn’t &#8211; this could just be the first stopping-off point on a luxury cruise, one where far more wonders may well be yours to explore.
(Text: Neil Dolby)
Read the full version of the article in the March 2023 issue (pg: 128). Available on the Gafencu app on Android and Apple.

India of Imagination: The most mesmerizing place in the subcontinent is Varanasi

There’s no shortage of fine dining options in Hong Kong. But there’s also a brisk trade in exorbitantly priced delicacies – morsels that carry status by virtue of their scarcity and cost, or boast an impressive list of health benefits. Some of the most prized – and occasionally the downright weird – are put under the griller here.
Cocaine of the Sea&nbsp;
&nbsp;<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67313" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-fishmaw.png" alt="dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-fishmaw" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-fishmaw.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-fishmaw-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-fishmaw-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-fishmaw-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-fishmaw-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-fishmaw-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-fishmaw-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
To find high-end fish maw, one need look no further than the many dried seafood outlets on the streets of Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan district. Fish maw is actually the swim bladder, a gas-filled organ located near the gills of fish – providing the buoyancy they need to maintain their depth in water. In truth, you can get a tasty serve of fish maw with a plate of Chinese vegetables and a bowl of steamed rice for under HK$100 at any number of cha chaan tengs dotted around the city – but for fish maw at the very top of the price spectrum, the cost is a good deal higher.
The most expensive fish maw is found in the Gulf of Mexico and is sourced from totoaba – a type of drum fish. Totoaba bladder is, in fact, so valuable it has been nicknamed the ‘cocaine of the sea’. It can reportedly fetch as much as US$129,000 (HK$1.01 million) per kg on the black market. There are, however, a couple of catches. The first is that international trade in totoaba maw is banned. The second is that totoaba is becoming increasingly rare due to overfishing, with grave concerns that it is being hunted to extinction. Fortunately there are plenty of more readily available sources of fish maw on the market if that’s your fancy.
Himalayan Viagra
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67314" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-gafencu-cordyceps.png" alt="dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-gafencu-cordyceps" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-gafencu-cordyceps.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-gafencu-cordyceps-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-gafencu-cordyceps-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-gafencu-cordyceps-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-gafencu-cordyceps-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-gafencu-cordyceps-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-gafencu-cordyceps-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Caterpillar fungus (a species of Cordyceps), is another in-demand delicacy with an extravagant price tag. It is prized for its aphrodisiac properties – which is why it is commonly referred to as Himalayan Viagra.
The life cycle by which the caterpillar fungus comes into is like something out of a B-grade horror movie, along the lines of The Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Caterpillar fungus is found on the Tibetan Plateau. It is here that it invades the bodies of caterpillars of the Thitarodes moth. The caterpillars are born underground, ingest a kind of fungus, which infects takes over the host’s tissue. These unfortunate caterpillars never metamorphosize. Their bodies are taken over by the caterpillar fungus, which then shoots out hardened plant roots. 
In addition to its aphrodisiac properties, the caterpillar fungus is also believed to be a cure-all valued for its power to treat back and knee pains, reduce stress and coughing and even treat anemia by boosting haemaglobin levels – but it’s worth noting that these claims do not have a basis in science.
Especially popular as a Chinese medicine, caterpillar fungus sells for as high as 880,000 RMB (HK$1.03 million) per kg and is usually served up double-boiled in soup for maximum impact. Given the price, you would certainly want to get maximum bang for your buck.
For the Birds
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67310" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-birdsnest-3.png" alt="dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-birdsnest (3)" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-birdsnest-3.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-birdsnest-3-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-birdsnest-3-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-birdsnest-3-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-birdsnest-3-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-birdsnest-3-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-birdsnest-3-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Another very popular dish commonly served up on special occasions in Hong Kong is bird’s nest soup. The key ingredient here is actually the saliva of the a particular species of bird – the swift – which uses its saliva to bind its nest together and is prized for its all-round medicinal benefits, especially to the skin, the lungs and the digestive system. The substance extracted from the abandoned nests are highly expensive due to their rarity and difficulty of retrieval – as the swift nests high up on cliff faces and caves in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Consuming the saliva of another creature may turn off some diners but at least no birds were killed in the process, though the extraction process can be dangerous with those hired to collect the bird’s nest from their precarious resting places. Prices for the precious substance generally starts at around HK$175,000 per kg. As the name suggests, it is usually double-boiled in a soup of gelatinous strands.
Mushroom Madness
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67312" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkongdining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-lionsmane.png" alt="dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkongdining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-lionsmane" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkongdining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-lionsmane.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkongdining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-lionsmane-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkongdining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-lionsmane-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkongdining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-lionsmane-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkongdining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-lionsmane-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkongdining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-lionsmane-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkongdining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-lionsmane-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Mushrooms are a central part of much of traditional Chinese cooking – and are usually affordably prices and easily purchased in any number of wet markets around Hong Kong. But there are exceptions to this rule. With some mushrooms only available to those ready to part with a fair wad of cash.
The priciest of these exotic fungal delicacies is the Hericium Erinaceus. Also called lion’s mane and/or monkey’s head mushroom due to its characteristics shape, this rare and delicate fungus grows wild in the northeast Chinese province of Heilongjiang. It typically prospers in the trunk or hollow of a hardwood tree in the deep recesses of a forest. The fresh mushroom is more costly than the dried version and weights in at around 350 RMB per 500g, although it’s usually sold in half kilo lots. It is praised for boosting blood circulation and reducing cholesterol. 
More expensive still is the matsutake mushroom. Commonly known as the ‘king of fungi’, this mushroom can only thrive in pristine forests free of human influence and grows wild in a number of provinces in northern China. It takes up to five years to grow to fruition and must be picked and consumed within 48 hours – making it a challenge to get it from forest to table.
The dried version is pricier than the fresh version and can fetch up to 2000 RMB per 500g. It usually steamed or served up in a soup but should be cooked at or below 90 degree Celsius to preserve its cancer-fighting properties.
Dried Abalone
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67308" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-abalone.png" alt="dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-abalone" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-abalone.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-abalone-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-abalone-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-abalone-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-abalone-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-abalone-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-abalone-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Often gracing the tables of special occasion dining in Hong Kong and mainland China. these delicacies are often served up on special occasions. Abalone is a staple at multi-course meals in Chinese restaurants around Asia. Strict controls on the number of licences available push up the price of these tasty – if somewhat rubbery – gastropod mollusks. High in selenium, which is good to boost stamina, abalone can sell for up to HK$35,000 per kg.
Sea Cucumbers
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67316" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-seacucumber.png" alt="dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-seacucumber" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-seacucumber.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-seacucumber-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-seacucumber-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-seacucumber-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-seacucumber-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-seacucumber-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-seacucumber-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Despite the name, sea cucumbers, are in fact marine animals. These slug-shaped seafloor dwellers were once popular at banquets in China but have fallen somewhat out of fashion in recent years. Although they can still fetch a price as high as 20,000 RMB per kg, driven up by how long these critters take to mature. It is believed that the recovery of post-operative patients can be speeded up eating braised sea cucumber in porridge.
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Six most expensive local delicacies in Hong Kong

Hong Kong&nbsp;—&nbsp;home to inspiring architecture, major international art fairs, Asia&#8217;s first Digital Art Fair and more&#8230; this city has time and again reinforced itself as the region&#8217;s international art hub. And the burgeoning sub-culture of street art over the years, is no exception — firmly marking its place in the city and garnering the support and appreciation of business owners, fellow art enthusiasts, and neophiliac Instagrammers alike.
From chromatic graffiti art tucked into alleyways and across shop entrances to murals that stretch as high as the buildings they are painted on, take a pause from the bustle of the city and stroll the streets of SoHo, Kowloon and Sai Kung to appreciate the dynamic sub-culture of street art. We spotlight the best spots to take your camera and for a shot of some of the city&#8217;s most beautifil graffiti and mural paintings.
Sai Kung
<figure id="attachment_65781" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-65781" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-65781" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-sai-kung-gafencu.png" alt="Explore Hong Kong's many street art sai kung gafencu" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-sai-kung-gafencu.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-sai-kung-gafencu-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-sai-kung-gafencu-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-sai-kung-gafencu-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-sai-kung-gafencu-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-sai-kung-gafencu-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-sai-kung-gafencu-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-65781" class="wp-caption-text">(Whale #4 by Bo Law; Photo courtesy of HKWalls)</figcaption></figure>
After the cancellation of the 2020 HK Walls street art festival, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the collaborative project by the non-profit organisation returned last spring with its 2021 edition, choosing the famous fishing seaside town of Sai Kung as its wide-scale canvas.
The festival,&nbsp;which aims to create opportunities for local and international artists to showcase their talents in&nbsp;Hong Kong through street art, graffiti and muralism, invited 22 local male and female artists to decorate the town with murals, giving this hip town and even fresher look.
A cluster of art works can be found around the Sai Kung Market and Sai Kung Garden blocks.
Wong Chuk Hang
<figure id="attachment_65783" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-65783" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-65783" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-wong-chuk-hang-gafencu.png" alt="Explore Hong Kong's many street art wong chuk hang gafencu" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-wong-chuk-hang-gafencu.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-wong-chuk-hang-gafencu-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-wong-chuk-hang-gafencu-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-wong-chuk-hang-gafencu-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-wong-chuk-hang-gafencu-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-wong-chuk-hang-gafencu-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-wong-chuk-hang-gafencu-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-65783" class="wp-caption-text">(Mural SeeNaeMe and Messy Desk, aka Jane Lee; Photo courtesy of Ovolo Hotel)</figcaption></figure>
Over on the far south, the hip and trending town of Wong Chuk Hang makes for a fun weekend trip with friends and family. With a slew of new dining hotspots and a vibrant new coat of murals and street are to appreciate,&nbsp;the area serves up long stretches of art works located along&nbsp;Heung Yip Road,&nbsp;where&nbsp;One Island South is situated, and Wong Chuk Hang Road,&nbsp;the stretch of road on which Ovolo Southside&nbsp;sits. Make sure to also make a stop next to the Wong Chuk Hang Playground and Yip Fat Street. These Instagrammable spots are sure to be a hit with the kids and liven up your social media feed.
Wan Chai
<figure id="attachment_65779" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-65779" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-65779" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-oi-kwan-street-wan-chai-gafencu.png" alt="Explore Hong Kong's many street art oi kwan street wan chai gafencu" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-oi-kwan-street-wan-chai-gafencu.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-oi-kwan-street-wan-chai-gafencu-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-oi-kwan-street-wan-chai-gafencu-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-oi-kwan-street-wan-chai-gafencu-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-oi-kwan-street-wan-chai-gafencu-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-oi-kwan-street-wan-chai-gafencu-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-oi-kwan-street-wan-chai-gafencu-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-65779" class="wp-caption-text">(Outside of Morrison Hill Swimming Pool by Kwan Clan; Photo courtesy of HKWalls)</figcaption></figure>
While you&#8217;re down south, stop over at Wan Chai for some wide-scale and psychedelic murals. Starting from Morrison Hill Swimming Pool on Oi Kwan Road, you’ll find a long stretch of oriental-style graffiti work by group Kwan Clan, a collaborative effort among five Chinese artists.
Then, continue down the road and you will find several more creative pieces marking various buildings along the way, including the famous&nbsp;animal mural outside of the SPCA Building. And if you&#8217;re willing to stretch your legs farther, check out the realist art piece titled The Huskey by Yopey on&nbsp;Kennedy Street as well.
Central
<figure id="attachment_65778" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-65778" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-65778" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-graham-street-hollywood-road-central-soho-gafencu.png" alt="Explore Hong Kong's many street art graham street hollywood road central soho gafencu" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-graham-street-hollywood-road-central-soho-gafencu.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-graham-street-hollywood-road-central-soho-gafencu-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-graham-street-hollywood-road-central-soho-gafencu-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-graham-street-hollywood-road-central-soho-gafencu-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-graham-street-hollywood-road-central-soho-gafencu-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-graham-street-hollywood-road-central-soho-gafencu-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-graham-street-hollywood-road-central-soho-gafencu-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-65778" class="wp-caption-text">(Old Townhouses by Alex Croft; Photo courtesy of discoverhongkong.com)</figcaption></figure>
Making your way in and out of the streets of the city&#8217;s shopping and dining hotspot&nbsp;SoHo is almost an adventure, especially when you&#8217;re on the hunt for&nbsp;the most iconic&nbsp; murals plastered across shop entrances and tucked between shops and alleways. This area colourfully reflects Hong Kong as the cultural melting pot that it is.
Boasting some of the most Instagramed parts of Hong Kong and featuring some of the most recognisable murals around town, the street art here is hard to miss, but if you&#8217;ve never taken a second to stop and appreciate it, some of the trendiest ones to look out for are the vibrant Old Townhouses by Alex Croft outside of the GOD store on Graham street;&nbsp;Uma Nota&#8217;s iconic Flamingo lady by Elsa Jean de Dieu on Peel Street;&nbsp;the imposing Hollywood-inspired piece above&nbsp;Madera Hollywood Hotel;&nbsp;the beautiful twin coy by&nbsp;Christian Storm on&nbsp;Shing Wong Street;&nbsp;and&nbsp;the urban impressionism-style of Hong Kong by Dan Kitchener (aka DANK) and Charles Williams on Elgin Street.
Sheung Wan
<figure id="attachment_65786" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-65786" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-65786" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-sheung-wan-tank-street-gafencu.png" alt="Explore Hong Kong's many street art sheung wan tank street gafencu" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-sheung-wan-tank-street-gafencu.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-sheung-wan-tank-street-gafencu-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-sheung-wan-tank-street-gafencu-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-sheung-wan-tank-street-gafencu-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-sheung-wan-tank-street-gafencu-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-sheung-wan-tank-street-gafencu-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-sheung-wan-tank-street-gafencu-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-65786" class="wp-caption-text">(Bruce Lee mural by Yoo Seung-Baik, aka XEVA; Photo courtesy of Longzijun via Flickr)</figcaption></figure>
If you have the bandwidth to continue to Sheung Wan, proceed along Hollywood Road until you reach the stairway that leads up to square street to reach Tank Lane. Here, the journey takes you through a series of murals by local and international artists. This is also where iconic mosiac-style portrait of hometown hero Bruce Lee by XEVA (Yoo Seung-Baik) hangs overhead. And at the end of the trip, turn into Bridges Street to arrive at Tai Ping Shan where Instagram-famous teashop&nbsp; Teakha serves refreshingly delicious chai and treats.
Sai Ying Pun
<figure id="attachment_65777" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-65777" style="width: 366px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-65777" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-art-lane-sai-ying-pun-gafencu.png" alt="Explore Hong Kong's many street art art lane sai ying pun gafencu" width="366" height="500" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-art-lane-sai-ying-pun-gafencu.png 366w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-art-lane-sai-ying-pun-gafencu-200x273.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-art-lane-sai-ying-pun-gafencu-205x280.png 205w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-art-lane-sai-ying-pun-gafencu-120x164.png 120w" sizes="(max-width: 366px) 100vw, 366px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-65777" class="wp-caption-text">(One Art Lane; Photo courtesy of yogawinetravel.com)</figcaption></figure>
Farther down the western side of Hong Kong island, a quaint alleyway in Sai Ying Pun named One Art Lane transports you to a multi-verse of colours and quirky characters. Its alleyways and stairways are completely covered with a collection of 26 murals by 17 international and local artists. This spot is easily accessible by train as it is conveniently situated right outside Exit B3 of Sai Ying Pun MTR station.
The Mills
<figure id="attachment_65782" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-65782" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-65782" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-the-mills-gafencu.png" alt="Explore Hong Kong's many street art the mills gafencu" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-the-mills-gafencu.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-the-mills-gafencu-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-the-mills-gafencu-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-the-mills-gafencu-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-the-mills-gafencu-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-the-mills-gafencu-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-the-mills-gafencu-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-65782" class="wp-caption-text">(The Past and Future of The Mills by Uncle; Photo courtesy of The Mills)</figcaption></figure>
Although Tsuen Wan doesn&#8217;t score high on the list of must-see places to appreciate street art, the latest revitalised heritage building, The Mills, formerly a textiles factory, does feature over a handful of murals along the wide entrance of its building if ever you are on this side of town or visiting the landmark.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_65788" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-65788" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-65788" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-hkwalls-sham-shui-po-gafencu.png" alt="Explore Hong Kong's many street art hkwalls sham shui po gafencu" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-hkwalls-sham-shui-po-gafencu.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-hkwalls-sham-shui-po-gafencu-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-hkwalls-sham-shui-po-gafencu-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-hkwalls-sham-shui-po-gafencu-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-hkwalls-sham-shui-po-gafencu-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-hkwalls-sham-shui-po-gafencu-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Explore-Hong-Kongs-many-street-art-hkwalls-sham-shui-po-gafencu-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-65788" class="wp-caption-text">(Rainbow Thief by Okuda San Miguel; Photo courtesy of HKWalls)</figcaption></figure>
Although Kowloon side doesn&#8217;t spring to mind when on the hunt for art, its old buildings and old-style Hong Kong aesthetic provides a stark contrast to&nbsp;the city&#8217;s earlier commissions of murals. Decades old buildings, shop shutters and high rises along&nbsp;Sham Shui Po, Prince Edward, Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei were given new life thanks to HK Wall&#8217;s 2016 project.
If you find yourself around the Yau Tsim Mong district,&nbsp;check out the iconic large scale multi-coloured geometric dog by Okuda San Miguel, named Rainbow Thief, that is plastered along the length of the Man Fung Residential Building in Sham Shui Po or the street art that decorate the infamous Yau Ma Tei fruit market and bustling stalls along Waterloo Road. In Mong Kok, the&nbsp;Public Square Street&nbsp;is a relatively new addition. You&#8217;ll&nbsp;surprised to see that these vibrant gems stand out and highlight the areas with an vibrant interpretation of Hong Kong&#8217;s multicultural city.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Places to visit to see vibrant street art in Hong Kong

What’s On? Things to do this March in Hong Kong

As the centre of one of the most powerful ancient civilisations, Rome has fascinated and enchanted people the world over for millennia. Aptly dubbed the Eternal City – its founding dates back some 2,800 years to 753 BC – this UNESCO World Heritage Site is brimming with historic monuments and artefacts that illuminate its importance and relevance through the ages. Indeed, even today, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that elements of ancient Rome continue to impact our daily lives, be it through culture, healthcare, education or even democratic rule.&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-64053 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Colosseum_in_Rome_Italy_-_April_2007-e1643190629313.jpg" alt="Colosseum_in_Rome,_Italy_gafencu_travel" width="700" height="411" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Colosseum_in_Rome_Italy_-_April_2007-e1643190629313.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Colosseum_in_Rome_Italy_-_April_2007-e1643190629313-200x117.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Colosseum_in_Rome_Italy_-_April_2007-e1643190629313-600x352.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Unsurprisingly, then, its modern-day incarnation consistently tops the must-visit lists of travel publications across the globe, with the metropolitan city’s 4.3 million inhabitants annually overrun by nearly double their number in tourists during pre-Covid times. So what, exactly, draws these intrepid travellers? Ancient wonders? Majestic artworks? Delicious food? A vibrant culture? The answer: all of the above. Here are some of the most iconic sites to feast your eyes upon when in Rome…
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Glory &amp; Gladiators
Perhaps the most instantly recognisable tourist destination in Rome, the oval amphitheatre known as the Colosseum lies at the heart of the city. So intrinsically linked is it to the Italian national identity that it even graces the country’s five-cent coin. Construction of this massive arena was completed in 80 AD under the rule of Emperor Titus, and during its heyday, the structure – originally dubbed the Flavian Amphitheatre – could hold as many as 50,000 eager spectators.
Today, the massive limestone, tuff and concrete building may be devoid of the skilled gladiators, exotic animals and roaring crowds that occupied it some two millennia ago, but its historic and dramatic aura remains palpable. The venue boasts countless items of interest, but the time-pressed traveller should make sure to visit the morbidly named ‘Gate of Death’ – through which the dead and injured were carried out of the Colosseum – the arena floor where matches took place, and the hyper exclusive hypogeum, the complex labyrinth of tunnels that competitors and staff used to navigate the edifice’s length in ancient times. While the former is open to general-admission ticket holders, the latter two are only accessible via guided tours.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-64052 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16528182724_6aec384680_5k-e1643190892440.jpg" alt="roman italy gafencu art architecture" width="700" height="468" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16528182724_6aec384680_5k-e1643190892440.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16528182724_6aec384680_5k-e1643190892440-200x134.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16528182724_6aec384680_5k-e1643190892440-600x401.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Epicentre of the Empire
Located a stone’s throw from the Colosseum is the Roman Forum. For centuries, this rectangular plaza dictated the rhythm of life in the city. It was the venue where triumphal processions ended along the Sacred Way, where commercial affairs occurred, where elections, trials and public speeches were held, and where Rome’s politicians decided the fate of all those living within its far-flung empire. Despite the fact that much of the original structure has since crumbled with the passage of time, an air of importance and solemnity still marks the remaining temples and pillars.
To get an insight into how it originally appeared, head to the Curia Julia. The former home of the Roman Senate – centuries before being converted into a church – remains one of the most intact structures at the Forum. Further on, you’ll find the Arch of Septimius Severus, which was constructed in 203 AD by the eponymous emperor to celebrate his victory over the Parthians (whose ancient empire lies in modern-day Iran). One of the largest arches in Rome, it stands some 23m high and boasts intricately carved reliefs. Among the temples venerating various deities on site, the Temple of Caesar (dedicated to Julius Caesar) is perhaps of foremost importance.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-64062 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-5980728_1920-e1643190936738.jpg" alt="roman italy gafencu art chapel" width="700" height="467" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-5980728_1920-e1643190936738.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-5980728_1920-e1643190936738-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-5980728_1920-e1643190936738-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Eye for Art
In a city awash with ancient ruins, it is perhaps the Pantheon that stands today as the most complete. Thought to be over 2,000 years old, the temple – originally believed to be dedicated to pagan deities like Neptune, god of the sea – became a Catholic church in 609 AD and features stunning works by some of Italy’s most renowned Renaissance painters. This includes the legendary Raphael, who would eventually make the Pantheon his final resting place, and whose tomb can still be visited. Perhaps even more impressive, though, is its dome, a 43m-high perfect half-sphere with a central open-air oculus. An impressive architectural feat for its age, the majesty of its soaring walls continues to thrill travellers to this day.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-64061 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2595024_1920-e1643191053500.jpg" alt="roman italy gafencu art sight seeing" width="700" height="514" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2595024_1920-e1643191053500.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2595024_1920-e1643191053500-200x147.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2595024_1920-e1643191053500-600x441.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Stairway to History
Having featured in such notable movies as Roman Holiday (1953) starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn, 1999’s The Talented Mr Ripley and more recently in 2015 spy-thriller The Man from U.N.C.L.E., the Spanish Steps are one of Rome’s most popular sights. First constructed in 1725, the stairway immediately became a hotspot for English visitors stopping in the city during their Grand Tour. Today, its popularity remains undiminished, and the top of the 135-step climb remains a great space to take in the city’s sights and people.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-64060" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-420x280.jpg" alt="roman italy gafencu art culture" width="700" height="467" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-800x533.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-600x400.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-1200x800.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Appetite for Piazza
Past splendour and modernity meet in spectacular fashion at the Piazza Navona, a capacious open-air square punctuated with classic architecture, Baroque water features, historic churches alongside street artists, contemporary eateries and even a selection of retail outlets. At its centre stands Bernini’s iconic Fountain of Four Rivers, while underneath, you’ll find the Stadium of Domitian, a UNESCO site that was once an ancient athletics stadium seating some 20,000 spectators. Some of the city’s best culinary offerings can be found in the square, including traditional Roman-style pizza and mouth-watering pasta dishes such as cacio e pepe.
For a peek into local life, venture forth to Campo de’ Fiori, another open-air plaza just to the south of Piazza Navona. Since 1869, it has hosted a daily fish and vegetable market, and city dwellers gather to peruse the copious fresh, locally sourced produce. Once the sun dips below the horizon, the market gives way to outdoor cafes, where you can mingle with locals and toss back a well-deserved espresso – or beer – or several. Saluti.
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The full version of this feature appears on Gafencu Magazine’s February 2022 print issue as ❝Roman Legacy❞&nbsp;by Tenzing Thondup. Download the&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.apple.com/cn/app/gafencu-men/id541555130?l=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">free app&nbsp;</a>(<a href="https://apps.apple.com/cn/app/gafencu-men/id541555130?l=en">iOS</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gafencu.android" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Android</a>)&nbsp;for digital editions of the magazine.
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Roman Legacy: Exploring the breathtaking sights of Italy’s capital city

Craving for a refreshing dessert to quench your thirst and satisfy your sweet tooth? Perhaps these uniquely decorated and delicious shaved ice garnished with a varietal of colourful toppings and syrups will be just ticket for you&#8230;

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1. Japnese Kakigori 
Kakigori is a Japanese shaved ice dessert flavored with syrup and a sweetener. Its texture is famously light and fluffy despite the heavy toppings, usually condensed milk and fruits, that decorate this ball-shaped dessert. 
Where to go: Shari Shari Kakigori House,&nbsp;Causeway Bay
2. Korean Bingsu 
A growing popularity in the city is the Korean style shaved ice bingsu. Like Kakigori, they are usually topped with condensed milk and fruit syrup and red beans or fresh fruit. A popular addition is also to have cacao, green tea or bean powder dusted on top of the ice for an added texture to contrast the lightness of the ice and sticky toppings. 
Where to go: Baekmidang, Tsim Sha Tsui
3. Hong Kong Bing Sha 
If you take a trip to one of the few remaining ‘bing sutt’ (ice room) shops across Hong Kong to refresh yourself with a cold drink or dessert, you will find many of the city’s unique flavours. Hong Kong-style shaved ice, for example, unlike the rest on this list features the addition of the round and chewy taro balls on top of red beans, fruits, syrups and condensed milk. 
Where to go: Cheung Chau Bing Sutt,&nbsp;Cheung Chau
4. Malaysian /Indonesian Cendol 
Cendol is an iced sweet dessert commonly found in Malaysia and Indonesia. For those who enjoy a combination of textures, this dessert, which also comes in a beverage form, features a mixture of shaved ice, palm sugar syrup, palm seed, green rice four jelly and coconut milk. 
Where to go: Bibi &amp; Baba,&nbsp;Wan Chai
5. Thai Namkhaeng sai 
Unique to the list is this Thai-style shaved ice dessert Namkhaeng Sai. Its toppings, which consists of a variety of Thai staples such as young coconut, black sticky rice, chestnuts, sweetened taro, red beans, cheng-sim-ee (and more) are all mixed at the bottom before being topped with ice and coconut milk. A refreshing and tropical dessert to satisfy any sweet tooth. 
Where to go: ChaTraMue,&nbsp;Causeway Bay
6. Filipino Halo-halo 
If you’re looking for the ultimate summer dessert, this popular Filipino dessert will go above and beyond to fix your sweet cravings. Although more crushed ice than shaved ice, this dessert-platter-in-a-cup overloads with a combination of toppings from ube, sweetened beans, coconut strips, sago, gulaman (agar), boiled taro and flan, to name just a few. Easy to miss, this tropical dessert is not so commonly found around Hong Kong, except in a few hidden away Filipino stores and restaurants 
Where to go: Little Wanchai Filipino Store,&nbsp;Pui O, Lantau Island
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Tag: culture