Conveniently located in the heart of Singapore's Civic District, this award-winning luxury hotel fashions modernity, technology and classical charm. 


Grand Park City Hall

A short 20 minutes' speedboat ride from Male will bring you to this island resort destination, featuring a collection of luxury beach and water villas and award-winning spa.

Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives

The first international luxury hotel in the historic Yunnan capital city boasts stylish rooms, modern facilities, and a central location with prime views of the famous Green Lake. 

Grand Park Kunming

Close to Japan Railway’s Otaru-Chikkō Station, Grand Park Otaru is centrally located and is adjacent to Wing Bay Otaru, one of Hokkaido's largest shopping mall for shopping and dining.

Grand Park Otaru

Conveniently located in the business and shopping district Grand Park Wuxi is also situated minutes away from the train station, offers easy access to and from major cities such as Shanghai, Suzhou and Nanjing.

Grand Park Wuxi

An iconic landmark in historical Xian with its signature façade reminiscent of an ancient palace. Stay in an ideal location within walking distance to main attractions and eateries. 

Grand Park Xian

Located just 10 minutes away from the business district, Vivocity and Sentosa, stay at this urban oasis in the heart of the local neighbourhood and heritage enclave of Queenstown.

Park Hotel Alexandra

Only a 5-minute walk from Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station, the newly renovated Park Hotel Hong Kong is a favourite choice in Kowloon's bustling entertainment and nightlife enclave.

Park Hotel Hong Kong

Ideally located along the famous street of Oike Dori, begin your adventures in Japan’s cultural city from Park Hotel Kyoto. Explore nearby UNESCO Heritage World Heritage locations and gastronomic centres.

Park Hotel Kyoto

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Travel blog by Park Hotel Group with tips, stories and insider's news from top destinations in Asia Pacific. Find out more about where to go, what to eat and attractions to visit in destinations like Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Maldives and more.

Travel Tips From Asia Pacific's Top Destinations

Discover & Explore

Among the top travel blogs in Asia, here’s Park Hotel Group offering tips, stories & insider's news from top destinations in Asia Pacific.

The iconic skyline, bustling streets, and vibrant markets may come to mind when you think of Hong Kong tourist spots. While these are certainly highlights of the city, the Hong Kong island also hides a treasure trove of lesser-known attractions that offer unique experiences for the discerning traveller, of which deserves a good spot on your travel itinerary.
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<h3>Sok Kwu Wan on Lamma Island</h3>

While Lamma Island is known for its hiking trails, the quieter village of Sok Kwu Wan on the eastern side offers a peaceful escape. Enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, take a leisurely stroll along the harbour, or hike to the scenic Mo Tat Wan Beach for picturesque views.
Opening Hours:&nbsp;24 Hours Ferry Fee:&nbsp;HKD23.10 (Adult), HKD11.50 (Child) Directions:&nbsp;1 hour by <a title="Directions to Sok Kwu Wan" href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Park+Hotel+Hong+Kong,+Park+Hotel+Hong+Kong,+Chatham+Road+South,+Tsim+Sha+Tsui,+Hong+Kong/Sok+Kwu+Wan+Pier,+Sok+Kwu+Wan+First+Street,+Lamma+Island,+Hong+Kong/@22.2545243,114.1067643,13z/data=!3m1!5s0x31da19babb327c87:0xad0170a712fd65d5!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x340400ee58accbdf:0x1bef34fa62201d33!2m2!1d114.1753263!2d22.2996185!1m5!1m1!1s0x34015527cfa39f63:0x760aa72f6312dd58!2m2!1d114.1309531!2d22.2056357?entry=ttu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">car and ferry</a>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Kowloon Walled City Park</h3>

Tucked away in the heart of Kowloon, the Kowloon Walled City Park is a serene oasis that offers a tranquil retreat from the fast-paced city. This historical site was once a lawless, densely populated urban enclave, but today, it is a beautifully landscaped park with traditional Chinese architecture, gardens, and a museum with a section that exhibits the history of the walled city.
Opening Hours:&nbsp;6.00am to 11pm daily Admission Fee:&nbsp;Free Directions:&nbsp;15 minutes by&nbsp;<a title="Directions to Kowloon Walled City Park" href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Park+Hotel+Hong+Kong,+Park+Hotel+Hong+Kong,+Chatham+Road+South,+Tsim+Sha+Tsui,+Hong+Kong/Kowloon+Walled+City+Park,+Kowloon+City,+Hong+Kong/@22.3193554,114.1641343,14z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x31da19babb327c87:0xad0170a712fd65d5!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x340400ee58accbdf:0x1bef34fa62201d33!2m2!1d114.1753263!2d22.2996185!1m5!1m1!1s0x3404072a1490a96b:0x780c2ce4eb360e9e!2m2!1d114.1903285!2d22.3321296!3e0?entry=ttu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">car</a>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Yim Tin Tsai Village</h3>

Located on an uninhabited island near Sai Kung, Yim Tin Tsai Village is a restored Hakka village frozen in time. In this village, whose name means 'Little Salt Pan", you will find the only place in Hong Kong where salt is produced today. Since receiving the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2005, the world heritage island has become one of Hong Kong&rsquo;s most popular day trip destinations in recent years.
Opening Hours:&nbsp;10am to 5pm daily Ferry Fee:&nbsp;HKD50 Directions:&nbsp;45 minutes by <a title="Directions to Yim Tin Tsai" href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Park+Hotel+Hong+Kong,+Park+Hotel+Hong+Kong,+Chatham+Road+South,+Tsim+Sha+Tsui,+Hong+Kong/Sai+Kung+Public+Pier,+Sai+Kung,+Hong+Kong/@22.3747416,114.2677013,15.38z/data=!3m1!5s0x31da19babb327c87:0xad0170a712fd65d5!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x340400ee58accbdf:0x1bef34fa62201d33!2m2!1d114.1753263!2d22.2996185!1m5!1m1!1s0x34040598076a2f1f:0xec2b7a350d3eb444!2m2!1d114.2748135!2d22.3819824?entry=ttu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">car and ferry</a>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Nan Lian Garden</h3>
&nbsp;

Tucked away in the heart of Diamond Hill, Nan Lian Garden is an exquisite example of a classical Chinese garden designed in the Tang dynasty style. In this tranquil Hong Kong park, stroll along winding paths, cross elegant bridges, and admire the lotus ponds and bonsai trees. The garden also houses the Chi Lin Nunnery, an exquisite wooden temple complex.
Opening Hours:&nbsp;7am to 9pm daily Admission Fee:&nbsp;Free Directions:&nbsp;15 minutes by <a title="Directions to Nan Lian Garden" href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Park+Hotel+Hong+Kong,+Park+Hotel+Hong+Kong,+Chatham+Road+South,+Tsim+Sha+Tsui,+Hong+Kong/Nan+Lian+Garden,+Fung+Tak+Road,+Ha+Yuen+Leng,+Hong+Kong/@22.3192586,114.1724339,14z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x31da19babb327c87:0xad0170a712fd65d5!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x340400ee58accbdf:0x1bef34fa62201d33!2m2!1d114.1753263!2d22.2996185!1m5!1m1!1s0x340406c51bc0545f:0xcdcbe7ca81cfcb86!2m2!1d114.205358!2d22.3391533!3e0?entry=ttu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">car</a>
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<h3>Tai-O Fishing Village</h3>
&nbsp;

Tai-O, nestled on Lantau Island, is a picturesque fishing village in Hong Kong. Known for its stilt houses and vibrant cultural scene, embark on a boat tour through the narrow waterways, sample an array of local snacks, and experience the laid-back atmosphere here.
Opening Hours:&nbsp;24 hours Admission Fee:&nbsp;Free Directions:&nbsp;1 hour 30 minutes by <a title="Directions to Tai O Village" href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Park+Hotel+Hong+Kong,+Park+Hotel+Hong+Kong,+Chatham+Road+South,+Tsim+Sha+Tsui,+Hong+Kong/Mui+Wo+Ferry+Pier,+Mui+Wo+Ferry+Pier+Road,+Hong+Kong/Tai+O,+Hong+Kong/@22.2871706,113.9384787,12z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x31da19babb327c87:0xad0170a712fd65d5!4m20!4m19!1m5!1m1!1s0x340400ee58accbdf:0x1bef34fa62201d33!2m2!1d114.1753263!2d22.2996185!1m5!1m1!1s0x3401562b24043e01:0xeb3b4a64e87bfc58!2m2!1d114.0023876!2d22.2651189!1m5!1m1!1s0x340158d232a2b105:0xa9398bbc7ee7bb30!2m2!1d113.8661195!2d22.2523195!3e0?entry=ttu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">car</a>
Begin your journey of exploration through&nbsp;these lesser-known attractions for a different perspective of the city, away from the crowds and the well-trodden tourist paths. For more convenient travels, stay at <a title="Park Hotel Hong Kong" href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/hong-kong-sar/park-hotel-hong-kong/?utm_source=phg-website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=sep-2023-hong-kong-hidden-gems" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Park Hotel Hong Kong</a> for quicker access to a network of efficient public transportation that can easily bring you to your desired attractions.&nbsp;

<h3>Park Hotel Hong Kong</h3>
Conveniently located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, the hotel is a stone&rsquo;s throw away from a myriad of local dining establishments, shopping malls and tourist attractions. Access the efficient metro network at just a 7-minute walk to the nearest station and be well on your journey to explore the best of this bustling and vibrant city.
<a title="Park Hotel Hong Kong" href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/hong-kong-sar/park-hotel-hong-kong/?utm_source=phg-website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=sep-2023-hong-kong-hidden-gems&amp;utm_content=body-text-visit-website" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Website</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a title="Contact Park Hotel Hong Kong" href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/hong-kong-sar/park-hotel-hong-kong/contact/?utm_source=phg-website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=sep-2023-hong-kong-hidden-gems&amp;utm_content=body-text-contact-hotel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Hotel</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a title="Explore Around Park Hotel Hong Kong" href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/hong-kong-sar/park-hotel-hong-kong/explore-around/?utm_source=phg-website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=sep-2023-hong-kong-hidden-gems&amp;utm_content=body-text-whats-around-hotel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What's Around Hotel</a>

Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Gems

Discover Hong Kong attractions off the beaten path. Explore hidden gems that reveal the city's unique charm as you uncover the best of Hong Kong's secrets.

Hong Kong Attractions | Park Hotel Group

Otaru, Japan, the city of timeless beauty, is a photographer&rsquo;s paradise that embodies rich historical charm. Its breath-taking landscapes offers a myriad of captivating locations for capturing stunning images. With this list of the photography spots, pack your camera gear and unleash your creativity to capture the essence of Otaru.
&nbsp;
<h3>Otaru Canal</h3>

The iconic Otaru Canal, lined with gas lamps and historic buildings, is one of the most picturesque locations in the city. In Winter, be sure to visit during the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, where the soft glow of countless snow lanterns illuminate the canal, providing the perfect bokeh effect for those capturing it on camera.
Tip: Include reflections of buildings in the water to capture a well-balanced photo, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Opening Hours:&nbsp;24 Hours Admission Fee:&nbsp;Free Directions:&nbsp;8 minutes by <a title="Directions to Otaru Canal" href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/GRAND+PARK+OTARU,+11+Chikko,+Otaru,+Hokkaido,+Japan/Otaru+Canal,+5+Minatomachi,+Otaru,+Hokkaido,+Japan/@43.1996221,141.0037675,17.3z/data=!3m1!5s0x31da19babb327c87:0xad0170a712fd65d5!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x5f0ae068a956a43f:0x7688f76dd6425fee!2m2!1d141.0238292!2d43.1833653!1m5!1m1!1s0x5f0ae16457554cd1:0x4ee07ad75699721!2m2!1d141.0021176!2d43.199041?entry=ttu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">car</a>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Otaru Art Base</h3>

Explore the creative haven of Otaru Art Base, a hub for contemporary expression and traditional craftsmanship. Housing the Stained-Glass Museum, the art centre&rsquo;s unique architecture and exhibits offer excellent opportunities for artistic photography. Get your cameras ready to capture the vivid stories told by Otaru museums' intricate designs.
Tip:&nbsp;Visit in the late afternoon for the &lsquo;Golden Hour&rsquo; effect, where warm, soft light will add an ethereal quality to your photo.
Opening Hours:&nbsp;9.30am to 5pm daily Admission Fee:&nbsp;2,900 JPY (includes admission to four museums) Directions:&nbsp;8 minutes by <a title="Directions to Otaru Art Base" href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/GRAND+PARK+OTARU,+11+Chikko,+Otaru,+Hokkaido,+Japan/Otaru+Art+Base,+1+Chome-3-1+Ironai,+Otaru,+Hokkaido+047-0031,+Japan/@43.1894782,141.0044571,15z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x31da19babb327c87:0xad0170a712fd65d5!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x5f0ae068a956a43f:0x7688f76dd6425fee!2m2!1d141.0238292!2d43.1833653!1m5!1m1!1s0x5f0ae04d88b14b37:0x31fcb1b45d9ae829!2m2!1d141.0018713!2d43.1976641?entry=ttu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">car</a>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Mount Tengu (Tenguyama)</h3>

For panoramic views of Otaru and its coastal surroundings, head to Mount Tengu. Accessible by a short hike or a cable car ride, this vantage point offers an unparalleled view of the city below. Capture the city's rooftops, the blue expanse of the Sea of Japan, and the mountains in the distance.
Tip: Arrive as early as you can to avoid the crowds.
Opening Hours:&nbsp;9.30am to 9pm daily (Observation Deck) Admission Fee:&nbsp;1140 JPY (adult), 570 JPY (child) Directions:&nbsp;15 minutes by <a title="Directions to Mount Tengu" href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/GRAND+PARK+OTARU,+11+Chikko,+Otaru,+Hokkaido,+Japan/Otaru+Tenguyama,+2+Chome-16-15+Mogami,+Otaru,+Hokkaido+047-0023,+Japan/@43.1849461,140.9912943,15z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x31da19babb327c87:0xad0170a712fd65d5!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x5f0ae068a956a43f:0x7688f76dd6425fee!2m2!1d141.0238292!2d43.1833653!1m5!1m1!1s0x5f0ae0c2af8f9435:0xb58329d8b636bafe!2m2!1d140.9752401!2d43.1776081!3e0?entry=ttu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">car</a>
&nbsp;
<h3>Sakaimachi Street</h3>

Sakaimachi Street is a historic district filled with charming craft shops, cafes, and boutiques. The colourful facades and storefronts make for an excellent location for street photography. Capture the vibrant local life and photograph the rich architectural heritage of the area during your visit.
Tip: Interact with friendly shop owners for behind-the-scenes shots, as well as to learn more about their craft and story.
Opening Hours:&nbsp;9am to 6pm daily Admission Fee:&nbsp;Free Directions:&nbsp;8 minutes by <a title="Directions to Sakaimachi Street" href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/GRAND+PARK+OTARU,+11+Chikko,+Otaru,+Hokkaido,+Japan/Sakaimachi,+Otaru,+Hokkaido,+Japan/@43.188351,141.0067532,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x5f0ae068a956a43f:0x7688f76dd6425fee!2m2!1d141.0238292!2d43.1833653!1m5!1m1!1s0x5f0ae05033b256d5:0xc6641a555bfa3a0a!2m2!1d141.006748!2d43.1937111?entry=ttu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">car</a>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Shukutsu Park Observation Deck</h3>

For nature and seascape photographers, Shukutsu Park is a must-visit location. This coastal park offers stunning views of the Sea of Japan and majestic rock formations. Capture the rugged coastline, dramatic waves, and seagulls in flight for dynamic and captivating shots.
Tip: If available, opt for a wide-angle lens to expand your view and capture the expansive panorama before you.
Opening Hours:&nbsp;24 Hours Admission Fee:&nbsp;Free Directions:&nbsp;18 minutes by <a title="Directions to Shukutsu Park" href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/GRAND+PARK+OTARU,+11+Chikko,+Otaru,+Hokkaido,+Japan/Otaru+Shukutsu+Panorama+Observation+Deck,+3+Chome+Shukutsu,+Otaru,+Hokkaido,+Japan/@43.209713,140.9731644,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x5f0ae068a956a43f:0x7688f76dd6425fee!2m2!1d141.0238292!2d43.1833653!1m5!1m1!1s0x5f0b1e05ac13851f:0xc8f7d77009698769!2m2!1d141.0094517!2d43.2381474!3e0?entry=ttu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">car</a>

<h3>Grand Park Otaru</h3>
35 minutes away from Sapporo by <a title="Directions to Grand Park Otaru" href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Sapporo+Station,+4+Chome+Kita+6+Jonishi,+Kita+Ward,+Sapporo,+Hokkaido+060-0806,+Japan/GRAND+PARK+OTARU,+11+Chikko,+Otaru,+Hokkaido,+Japan/@43.1267781,141.1010829,12z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x31da19babb327c87:0xad0170a712fd65d5!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x5f0b2974d2c3f903:0xa5e2b18cdd4a47a5!2m2!1d141.3507553!2d43.0686606!1m5!1m1!1s0x5f0ae068a956a43f:0x7688f76dd6425fee!2m2!1d141.0238292!2d43.1833653!3e0?entry=ttu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">car</a>, busk in the beauty of nature from Grand Park Otaru, surrounded by mountains and panoramic views of Ishikari Bay, offering luxury accommodation that boast sophisticated furnishings and modern amenities. Adjacent to Wing Bay Otaru, one of Hokkaido's largest shopping mall for shopping and dining, and close to Japan Railway&rsquo;s Otaru-Chikkō Station, Grand Park Otaru is an ideal base to explore local attractions and enjoy seasonal activities such as skiing, cruising and sightseeing in Otaru.
<a title="Grand Park Otaru" href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/otaru/grand-park-otaru/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Website</a> | <a title="Contact Hotel" href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/otaru/grand-park-otaru/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Hotel</a> | <a title="What's Around Hotel" href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/otaru/grand-park-otaru/explore-around/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What's Around Hotel</a>

The Best Photography Spots in Otaru, Japan

Explore Otaru attractions through our photography guide and discover the most picturesque spots in this charming Japanese town.

Otaru Attractions | Park Hotel Group

Embark on a journey of tranquillity in the captivating city of Wuxi in China. Known for ancient towns, breathtaking landscapes, serene lakes, stunning gardens and historical Chinese temples, Wuxi offers a haven of natural wonders and serenity for locals and tourists alike. Explore some of these idyllic Wuxi attractions that await you on your next visit to this remarkable city.
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Taihu Lake: A Majestic Water Wonderland</h3>

Of all China lakes, the Taihu Lake is the largest freshwater lake that spans over 2,250 square kilometres. It stands as a magnificent testament to natural grandeur. Nestled within the charming city of Wuxi, Taihu Lake offers an awe-inspiring expanse of scenic areas, adorned with lush islands and crystal-clear waters. Hop on a boat ride , and do not miss the opportunity to make a memorable stop at Turtle Head Isle, a small peninsula resembling a turtle head, renown for the beauty of its annual cherry blossoms.
Opening Hours:&nbsp;8:00am to 5:30pm daily (closes at 5:00pm in Winter) Admission Fee: &yen;105 (inclusive of Turtle Head Isle) Directions:&nbsp;25 minutes by <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Grand+Park+Wuxi,+%E5%8D%97%E7%A6%85%E5%AF%BA+Liangxi+District,+Wuxi,+Jiangsu,+China/Wuxi+Taihu+Lake+Yuantouzhu+Scenic+Spot+Management+Division+Kaifangshi+Scenic+Spot+Management+Ke,+Binhu+District,+Wuxi,+China/@31.559254,120.2435827,14z/data=!3m1!5s0x31da19babb327c87:0xad0170a712fd65d5!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x35b38e58ba1d98c3:0xd9d898d27aba12e0!2m2!1d120.2986364!2d31.5803751!1m5!1m1!1s0x35b3889f67f2c8d5:0x8551d2bc3b734d6c!2m2!1d120.22756!2d31.54631!3e0?entry=ttu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">car</a>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Xihui Park: A Tranquil Oasis</h3>

Experience the tranquillity of Xihui Park, an oasis that beautifully embodies the Chinese philosophy of harmonious coexistence with nature. With its expansive seven square kilometres, Xihui Park provides a respite from the bustling city life, offering a myriad of attractions within its verdant grounds. Discover the renowned Xihui Rock, a symbol of strength and endurance, explore the serene Huishan Temple and Jichang Garden, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the iconic Plum Garden. Do not miss the Dragon Light Pagoda, a seven-story brick-and-wood octagonal tower located at the crest of Xishan.
Opening Hours: 24 Hours Admission Fee:&nbsp;&yen;10 Directions:&nbsp;12 minutes by <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Grand+Park+Wuxi,+%E5%8D%97%E7%A6%85%E5%AF%BA+Liangxi+District,+Wuxi,+Jiangsu,+China/Xihui+Park+Ticket+Office,+Huishan+Forest+Park,+%E6%83%A0%E5%B1%B1%E6%A8%AA%E8%A1%97+Binhu+District,+Wuxi,+Jiangsu,+China/@31.5809349,120.2800501,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x35b38e58ba1d98c3:0xd9d898d27aba12e0!2m2!1d120.2986364!2d31.5803751!1m5!1m1!1s0x35b38eddaaff8d13:0xb957d33eab9dc95a!2m2!1d120.271642!2d31.580016!3e0?entry=ttu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">car</a>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Li Garden: A Chinese Botanical Garden</h3>

Indulge your senses at the Li Garden, a masterpiece of horticultural artistry. Recognised as one of the four most famous classical gardens in Jiangnan, Li Garden showcases the exquisite beauty of traditional Chinese gardening. Adorned with intricate pavilions and tranquil ponds embellished with lotus blossoms, every corner of Li Garden tells a story and reflects the meticulous attention to detail that characterises Chinese garden design.
Opening Hours:&nbsp;7:00am to 6:00pm daily Admission Fee: &yen;45 Directions:&nbsp;20 minutes by <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Grand+Park+Wuxi,+%E5%8D%97%E7%A6%85%E5%AF%BA+Liangxi+District,+Wuxi,+Jiangsu,+China/Li+Yuan,+Huanhu+Road,+Binhu+District,+Wuxi,+Jiangsu,+China/@31.5172265,120.2596455,17.75z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x35b38e58ba1d98c3:0xd9d898d27aba12e0!2m2!1d120.2986364!2d31.5803751!1m5!1m1!1s0x35b385e68f94ad3f:0x5570236ac5405f24!2m2!1d120.259296!2d31.517969!3e0?entry=ttu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">car</a>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Lihu Park: Where Nature and Modernity Converge</h3>

Located on the shores of Lake Li, Lihu Park seamlessly blends natural beauty with modern amenities. Home to many private gardens in the past, the current urban recreational space offers a harmonious fusion of nature and modernity, providing visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From its golf club to sports facilities and various pavilions, Lihu Park is loved by the locals who come to fly kites, do tai-chi, enjoy a leisurely stroll or relax in its enigmatic beauty.
Opening Hours: 24 Hours Admission Fee: Free Directions:&nbsp;18 minutes by <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Grand+Park+Wuxi,+%E5%8D%97%E7%A6%85%E5%AF%BA+Liangxi+District,+Wuxi,+Jiangsu,+China/Lihu+Park,+Binhu+District,+Wuxi,+China/@31.5224254,120.2661304,17.14z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x35b38e58ba1d98c3:0xd9d898d27aba12e0!2m2!1d120.2986364!2d31.5803751!1m5!1m1!1s0x35b385edec3a89a7:0x5d12c40ce8a33303!2m2!1d120.2703826!2d31.5212972!3e0?entry=ttu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">car</a>
&nbsp;
Wuxi's natural wonders exemplifies the city's commitment to preserving natural beauty and offering peaceful retreats to all visitors. Experience the city&rsquo;s charm and allure with a stay at <a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/wuxi/grand-park-wuxi/?utm_source=phg-website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=jul-2023-wuxi-natural-treasures" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grand Park Wuxi</a>.

<h3>Grand Park Wuxi</h3>
Situated in the heart of the business and shopping district, Grand Park Wuxi allows convenient access to popular local shopping and meeting spots where the metro station is located at a five-minute walk away. Equipped with fully adaptable meeting spaces for varying group sizes and a grand ballroom, find a perfect setting for any business meetings or events.
<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/wuxi/grand-park-wuxi/?utm_source=phg-website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=jul-2023-wuxi-natural-treasures" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/wuxi/grand-park-wuxi/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Hotel</a> | <a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/wuxi/grand-park-wuxi/explore-around/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What&rsquo;s Around Hotel</a>
&nbsp;
Banner Image: <a href="https://sg.trip.com/travel-guide/attraction/wuxi/lingshan-town-nianhua-bay-23822661/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ctrip.com</a>

National Treasures in Wuxi That Await Your Discovery

Prepare to be spellbound as you explore the hidden Wuxi attractions and embrace the tranquil allure that eagerly awaits your discovery during the upcoming visit to this remarkable city.

Known for its breathtaking landscapes, stunning gardens, serene lakes, and peaceful parks, Wuxi offers a haven of natural wonders and serenity for locals and tourists alike.

Renowned for its diverse and mouthwatering culinary dishes, Singapore offers a whole range of gastronomic delights, but none more popular than its iconic hawker and food court fare. If you are planning a trip to the country, be sure to indulge in these top 5 must-try local food in Singapore that captures the essence of the city&rsquo;s vibrant food culture.
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Hainanese Chicken Rice</h3>

One of Singapore's national dishes, Hainanese Chicken Rice, is a culinary delight that combines poached or roasted chicken with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth. The dish is typically served with a spicy garlic chilli sauce, ginger and garlic paste, sweetened dark soy sauce, accompanied by cucumber slices. The dish originated from early Chinese immigrants originally from Hainan province in southern China, evolving over time to become a true Singaporean classic.
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Laksa</h3>

Laksa, a rich, fragrant and spicy noodle Peranakan dish, is another Singaporean dish that travellers must try. This dish features a light coconut curry broth filled with rice noodles, shrimp, fish cake, and bean sprouts. It is sometimes served with an extra dollop of homemade chilli paste for an extra kick. The complex flavours of spices and herbs create a deliciously satisfying bowl of goodness.
&nbsp;
<h3>Chilli Crab</h3>

No visit to Singapore is complete without trying the famous Chilli Crab. This mouth-watering dish features stir-fried crabs drenched in a sweet and spicy chilli gravy, loaded with ketchup, garlic, ginger, and eggs for an added richness. An irresistible match made in culinary heaven. Do not forget to mop up the sauce with some crispy plain buns, known as "mantou", for a complete sensory experience!
&nbsp;
<h3>Char Kway Teow</h3>

Considered a sinful treat by the locals, Char Kway Teow is a stir-fried noodle dish that combines flat rice noodles, yellow wheat noodles, soy sauce, garlic, Chinese sausage, shrimp, and bean sprouts, all cooked in a hot wok to infuse the dish with a smoky "wok hei" flavour. With its perfect balance of textures and tantalising flavours, Char Kway Teow is a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
&nbsp;
<h3>Roti Prata</h3>

A breakfast treat or local supper option, Roti Prata is a versatile flaky Indian flatbread cooked to crispy golden brown perfection. Served with a side of fragrant chicken, mutton, or fish curry, the locals can enjoy it together with Roti Prata for the perfect combination of savoury and spice. Patrons can opt to have Roti Prata in its original flavour or choose to include one or a combination of fillings like egg, cheese, or indulge in sweet options like chocolate or banana for a delightful twist.
Singapore's culinary scene is a treasure trove of flavours and a food-lovers paradise. Visit Singapore and stay within reach of these iconic dishes and experience the city's rich culinary heritage at <a title="Grand Park City Hall" href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/singapore/grand-park-city-hall/?utm_source=phg-website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=jun-2023_singapore-must-try-food" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grand Park City Hall</a>.

<h3>Grand Park City Hall</h3>
Grand Park City Hall welcomes travellers on a luxurious and accessible stay in Singapore&rsquo;s Civic District and within the Central Business District (CBD). A stone's throw from major shopping malls such as Raffles City and Capitol Piazza with endless dining options, visitors can arrive at the Suntec City business district and Marina Bay entertainment district in minutes by car from the hotel's prime location.
<a title="Grand Park City Hall" href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/singapore/grand-park-city-hall/?utm_source=phg-website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=jun-2023_singapore-must-try-food" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Website</a> | <a title="Contact Grand Park City Hall" href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/singapore/grand-park-city-hall/contact/?utm_source=phg-website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=jun-2023_singapore-must-try-food" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Hotel</a> | <a title="Explore around Grand Park City Hall" href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/singapore/grand-park-city-hall/explore-around/?utm_source=phg-website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=jun-2023_singapore-must-try-food" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What's Around Hotel</a>

Top 5 Must-Try Dishes in Singapore

Indulge in a gastronomic adventure from discovering the Singapore must try food ranging from classics to tantalizing gourmet experiences that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Singapore, a Food-Lover’s Paradise – Top 5 Must-Try Dishes in Lion City

More than stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and handicrafts, Kunming in China is known for having diverse local food and delicious cuisine. Prepared with a fusion of Chinese, Southeast Asian, and Tibetan flavours, Kunming food is also heavily influenced by the region's rich ethnic diversity, incorporating ingredients and techniques from the Yi, Bai, and other minority groups from the Yunnan province. From spicy hotpots to refreshing rice noodles and savoury steamed buns, foodies are in for a gastronomical adventure with these must-try items!
&nbsp;
<h3>Cross-The-Bridge Rice Noodles</h3>

Cooked in a variety of ways, Yunnan food is known for rice noodles and this dish in particular, is a speciality. Served with a large bowl of hot broth and a dozen small plates with fresh meat slices, raw quail eggs and various vegetables, the heat of the boiling soup acts as an agent to cook the ingredients as soon as the dish is served. For a finishing touch, a layer of goose oil is added on the top of the soup for heat preservation. In Yunnan&rsquo;s Mengzi city where the dish originated from, locals add edible chrysanthemum flowers for extra flavours.
&nbsp;
<h3>Steam-Pot Chicken</h3>

Steam-pot chicken is a popular dish in Kunming, where the chicken is cooked in a pot over boiling water, hence gaining its name. Yunnan people add ginger, shallot, pepper, and salt to marinate the chicken in the pot and let it heat for about four hours, where the steam from within the pot comes into contact with the pot&rsquo;s lid and condenses into water, flowing back into the pot as delicious chicken broth. With this special cooking method, the chicken is tender and juicy when ready, and is usually served with dipping sauces for some added tastes.
&nbsp;
<h3>Roasted Rice Cakes</h3>

These rice cakes are a unique snack found within the Yunnan province. It is a popular breakfast option among the locals, and you can find many local food stalls in Kunming selling them. The dish is made with a mix of white and purple rice. Grounding the cooked rice and forming them into flattened square or round shapes, they are then toasted and brushed with sesame sauce or spicy sauce. To enjoy this snack like a local, try adding a deep-fried dough stick, sausage, or ham for that savoury kick.
&nbsp;
<h3>Yunnan Stuffed Bun</h3>

Yunnan stuffed bun is another popular snack found in many famous local food stalls along the streets. Made using low-gluten flour and lard with ham, diced meat, sugar and chopped dried mushrooms in its filling, the bun is recognised for its flaky skin that resembles the texture of a croissant but is soft on touch. Sugar is used to accentuate the flavour of the meat filling. Bite into one while it is still hot and you will be reaching for another one before you know it.
&nbsp;
<h3>Yunnan Coffee</h3>

With its increasingly popularity, Yunnan coffee is not to be missed on your travels in Kunming, China. The province's unique geography, high-altitude mountainous regions and abundant rainfall provides the ideal conditions for growing quality coffee beans. Characterised by a smooth, mellow taste, Yunnan coffee gives off hints of chocolate and nuts and some may even taste sweetness in it. Give this specialty coffee a try when you are in Kunming!

<h3 class="jsx-3303226078 intro__copy">Grand Park Kunming</h3>
<div class="jsx-3303226078 intro__copy">Enjoy the beauty of Eternal Spring in the historic Yunnan capital city with Grand Park Kunming, from contemporary rooms to personalised concierge service for a luxurious 5-star hotel experience. Surrounded by lush greenery and prime views of the famous Green Lake, stay close to attractions from major squares, popular pedestrian streets, iconic temples and local markets.</div>
<div class="jsx-3303226078 intro__copy">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="jsx-3303226078 intro__copy"><a title="Grand Park Kunming" href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/kunming/grand-park-kunming/?utm_source=phg_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=may-2023_kunming-food-to-try" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Website</a> | <a title="Contact Grand Park Kunming" href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/kunming/grand-park-kunming/contact/?utm_source=phg_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=may-2023_kunming-food-to-try" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Hotel</a> | <a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/kunming/grand-park-kunming/explore-around/?utm_source=phg_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=may-2023_kunming-food-to-try/">What's Around Hotel</a></div>

Must-Try Food and Drinks in Kunming

Kunming Cuisine | Park Hotel Group | Local Food to Try in Kunming

Join us on a culinary journey as you discover authentic Kunming cuisine with exquisite flavours and cultural delights showcasing the city’s rich heritage.

Feast to Your Heart’s Content – Food and Drinks to try in Kunming

While the Maldives is a famous destination for relaxation and rejuvenation, it has more to offer than its picturesque beaches and turquoise waters. Aside from lounging on the beach, here are top things to do in the beautiful island nation, Maldives, to enjoy your tropical holiday to the fullest.

<h3>Snorkelling and Diving</h3>
Home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, embark on one of the <a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/north-male-atoll/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives/experiences?utm_source=phg_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=apr-2023_maldives-things-to-do">best snorkelling and scuba diving experiences in Maldives</a>. Maldivian waters allow for excellent visibility, making it easy to spot the vibrant marine life. With great emphasis on <a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/north-male-atoll/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives/sustainability?utm_source=phg_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=apr-2023_maldives-things-to-do">sustainability</a>, Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, hosts a Marine &amp; Sustainability programme for guests by their very own Sustainability Manager and Resident Marine Biologist. From guided house reef snorkelling to marine talks, sessions are available daily for guests to embark on an educational journey to understand on caring for these precious reefs.
&nbsp;

<h3>Spa and Wellness</h3>
For an indulgent self-care session, explore a variety of spa treatments from diverse offerings available at <a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/north-male-atoll/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives/the-spa?utm_source=phg_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=apr-2023_maldives-things-to-do">The Spa</a>. Visitors are treated to a variety of spa treatments, from enhanced Asian spa techniques of Balinese to Ayurvedic, designed to achieve one&rsquo;s inner peace. Step out of our signature spa sessions feeling restored and revitalised, ready to enjoy the rest of your Maldives adventures to the fullest. If you are feeling up to it, take your wellness journey up a notch by participating <a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/north-male-atoll/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives/the-spa?utm_source=phg_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=apr-2023_maldives-things-to-do">in a yoga class</a> to calm your mind with the Resident Yoga Master.

<h3>Water Sports</h3>
Heads up adventure seekers, a trip to Maldives will not be complete without participating in water sports activities, such as jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing to get your adrenaline up and heart pumping! Enjoy a diverse range of activities at Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives&rsquo; <a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/north-male-atoll/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives/experiences?utm_source=phg_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=apr-2023_maldives-things-to-do">Watersport Centre</a>, including Catamaran sailing, kayaking, water skiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, fun tubes riding, kite surfing, wave surfing, stand up paddling and more.

<h3>Fishing</h3>
Fishing is an integral part of the Maldivian culture, and visitors can experience it first-hand by taking a fishing <a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/north-male-atoll/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives/experiences?utm_source=phg_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=apr-2023_maldives-things-to-do">excursion</a> on a boat ride. Cruise on a Dhoni (Maldivian traditional boat) while you learn the traditional fishing method involving using a hand line for catch and raw fish as bait, and have a go at having your own catch of the day.

<h3>Island Hopping</h3>
Island hopping in the Maldives is a popular activity for travellers who want to explore the stunning natural beauty of this island nation. Beyond the white sand beaches, it is an excellent way to experience the different cultures and lifestyles of the Maldivians by visiting local villages. Choose the islands you want to visit and your mode of transport such as local ferries or speedboats to travel between islands, depending on your budget. Do not miss luxurious stays at private islanads such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/north-male-atoll/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives?utm_source=phg_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=apr-2023_maldives-things-to-do">Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives</a>, nestled in North Mal&eacute; Atoll, to end off your island-hopping experience.
Thrill-seekers or relax enthusiasts, there is something for everyone in the Maldives.
&nbsp;

<h3>Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives</h3>
Park Hotel Group's first luxury resort is a mere 20-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport in Mal&eacute;. Find your own personal paradise on an island boasting a stunning collection of villas, pristine beaches, and breathtaking scenery. Families can also enjoy their time on the island with a variety of family-friendly facilities offering a plethora of children&rsquo;s activities that will keep the little ones entertained.
<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/north-male-atoll/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives?utm_source=phg_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=apr-2023_maldives-things-to-do">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/north-male-atoll/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives/contact?utm_source=phg_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=apr-2023_maldives-things-to-do">Contact Hotel</a> | <a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/north-male-atoll/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives/explore-around?utm_source=phg_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=apr-2023_maldives-things-to-do">What&rsquo;s Around Hotel</a>

Maldives Must-Dos: Beyond Its Beaches

Discover the top things to do in Maldives beyond beaches, for your perfect tropical getaway! From snorkelling to exploring local culture & much more.

Top Things To Do in Maldives | Park Hotel Group | Guide to Maldives

A destination not to be missed on your trip to Japan, Kyoto is a city that embodies the essence of traditional Japanese culture with something unique to experience every season. If you are visiting for the first time, here's a guide to top things to do in Kyoto.
<h2>Getting Around</h2>
Japan has an excellent public transportation system that makes getting around convenient and easy. Buses and trains offer great coverage to most Kyoto tourist spots. With a stay at <a title="Park Hotel Kyoto" href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/kyoto/park-hotel-kyoto/?utm_source=phg_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=mar-2023-a-guide-to-kyoto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Park Hotel Kyoto</a>, travellers are a 3-minute walk away from the nearest subway station, making Kyoto sightseeing highly accessible.

With an increasing popularity, renting a bicycle to get around is also a fun and eco-friendly way to explore Kyoto's sights, especially for cherry blossom viewing in spring. The flat streets and designated cycling lanes make cycling a safe mode of travel. Explore our recommended cycling routes, updated seasonally&nbsp;<a title="Cycling Routes for Cherry Blossom Viewing" href="https://1638df9a676fc3d71282-bf860197c8469310f4560e51c90cb884.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/u/document/-EN-----------------------_----------------------Cycling-Route.pdf?utm_source=phg_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=mar-2023-a-guide-to-kyoto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.

<h2>Temples and Shrines</h2>
The famous Fushimi Inari Shrine is known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates and is one of the most recognizable landmarks. Other Kyoto must-see temples and shrines include the inconic Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, with its shimmering gold exterior set against a picturesque pond and garden, as well as the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known to worship the goddess of mercy. If you are visiting in the autumn season, be sure to capture the stunning autumn foliage that provides hues of red and orange to the surroundings of these Kyoto attractions.

<h2>Walking Tours</h2>
The Philosopher's Path, Heian Shrine Garden are places of tranquil, where visitors can take relaxing strolls and view the greenery. These Kyoto attractions are known for the display of cherry blossoms, and are highly recommended by the locals to visit.

Enjoy a Gion walking tour, in the famed entertainment district of Kyoto and city centre of traditional arts. Lined with traditional wooden buildings, the district is filled with nightlife establishments to unwind at. If you are lucky, you might spot a Geisha or Maiko (apprentice Geisha) heading to one of their appointments.

<h2>&nbsp;Kyoto Food and Beverage</h2>
Treat yourself after a day&rsquo;s worth of exploring at the Nishiki Market, a bustling place selling an array of fresh produce and must-eat Kyoto specialties, including sweets and souvenirs. Try some local delicacies like the Kyoto beef sushi and Kyoto tofu. For a more elaborate dining experience, try out kaiseki cuisine, Japan&rsquo;s artful culinary tradition known for the beautifully presented and delicious multi-course meals.

<h2>Festivals of Kyoto</h2>
To make the most of your travels, plan your trip in time for the popular Kyoto festivals. Gion Matsuri is one of Japan's largest festivals held by the Yaksha Shrine to ward off sickness and disease. An iconic sight to behold would be the procession of magnificent floats, standing up to 25 meters tall and weighing up to 12 tons, being pulled along the streets.
No matter if you are drawn to cultural events, natural beauty, or local cuisine, Kyoto offers something new to discover with every visit.

Park Hotel Kyoto
<div class="jsx-3303226078 intro__copy">
Stay in the heart of Kyoto on the famous Oike Street at a 3-minute walk away from the nearest subway station. Inspired by traditional townhouses and an interior adorned with local handmade arts and crafts, find a selection of rooms and suites with neutral colour palettes and plenty of natural light for a cosy and comfortable stay experience.
</div>
<a title="Park Hotel Kyoto | Homepage" href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/kyoto/park-hotel-kyoto?utm_source=phg_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=mar-2023-a-guide-to-kyoto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Website</a> |&nbsp;<a title="Park Hotel Kyoto | Contact Us" href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/kyoto/park-hotel-kyoto/contact?utm_source=phg_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=mar-2023-a-guide-to-kyoto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Hotel</a>&nbsp;| <a title="Park Hotel Kyoto | What's Around Us" href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/kyoto/park-hotel-kyoto/explore-around?utm_source=phg_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=mar-2023-a-guide-to-kyoto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What's Around Hotel</a>

Kyoto's Top Places of Interest

If you are visiting for the first time, here's a guide on top things to do in Kyoto as you explore cultural events, natural beauty, local cuisine & much more.

Top Things To Do in Kyoto | Park Hotel Group | Guide to Kyoto

Mention Hokkaido and chances are images of Sakura-lined streets and fresh, succulent seafood like spider crabs spring to mind. Whilst these are true of this photogenic island, there is much more to discover and a single trip is never enough. Save this page to getting the best out of Sapporo and Otaru &ndash; key destinations within Hokkaido.&nbsp;

<h3>Season To Feast</h3>
Known widely as the most delicious time of the year, harvest time in Hokkaido stretches from September to November, during Autumn, when the weather is at a nice 13 to 22 degrees Celsius. Held every year in the month of September, the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sapporo-autumnfest.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sapporo Autumn Fest</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;Odori Park&nbsp;is the mecca of all produce from across Hokkaido. From farm to sea, this pop up market has all the crowd favourites &ndash; fresh trout, pickled salmon roe, grilled seafood, piping hot bowls of Hokkaido ramen and fresh vegetables and fruit and the many dishes they star in.
Come nightfall, breathe deep and take in smoky, charred scents that fill the cool air as the night stalls come alive. From &ldquo;provincial&rdquo; specialties to &ldquo;bar food&rdquo;, you&rsquo;ll be excused for hitting the month&rsquo;s quota of indulgence right in the middle of Odori Park. Think wagyu beef skewers, flame grilled seafood and more, accompanied by Japanese rice wine, sake. This is a food festival even the locals from all over Japan flock to every year.
Gentle reminder: Do clear your own utensils and leave the place as clean as it was after having your fill. Observe the crowd if in doubt and follow.

<h3>Flower Fields Forever</h3>
Stop by for instantly Instagramable shots set against the natural beauty of Hokkaido&rsquo;s lavender fields. Step into picture perfect carpets of violet that go on forever into the horizon. Urban legend has it that the first lavender fields blossomed around 1955, grown by a few families who were interested in the extraction of lavender oil.
As the fields grew, it was featured in a Japanese drama serial that stretched over two decades, and an entire generation of J-pop and J-drama lovers grew to identify with the beauty of these gently rolling plains of fleur. One of the most established Lavender farms is&nbsp;<a href="http://www.farm-tomita.co.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Farm Tomita</a>. Besides the Lavender Fields, Farm Tomita also boasts another vibrant garden of flower bands in vivid hues &ndash; think purple Lavender against white Kasso, pink cricket pear, red poppy and California poppy of Orange.
The farm also has its own caf&eacute;, perfect for a respite from all the walking. Here, freshly made sweets and pastries take centerstage, as do homecooked hot mains, made with vegetables, fruit and honey from the farm itself.

<h3>Come Crab Me</h3>
What&rsquo;s a visit to Hokkaido without devouring the freshest seafood you can lay your hands on? Meet the real Hokkaido crabs &ndash; large, spindly and sweetly succulent &ndash; and take a dare shot holding them with your bare hands. The owners of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kani-honke.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sapporo KaniHonke</a>, well-known for plating the best of Hokkaido&rsquo;s crustaceans since the 1960&rsquo;s, have some ready for your photoshoot in the pond near the entrance. Savour these crabs simply boiled, in a cold starter, stuffed into a gratin dish, or made into pudding, each dish on the menu is chockful of flavourful crab meat.
For an authentic market-fresh experience, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kitanogurume.co.jp/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kita no Gourmet Tei</a>, located within the seafood market of Kita no Gourmet for a wallet-friendly, palate-indulgent treat. Using the choicest ocean produce from next door&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sapporo-market.gr.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sapporo Central Wholesale Market</a>&nbsp;where Hokkaido&rsquo;s ocean fresh produce is sold, be spoilt for choice with the variety of &lsquo;live&rsquo; crabs including Taraba King crab and hairy crabs, available here to sea urchin, salmon roe, sweet scallops and shrimp, abalone and a wide variety of fresh fish including the ever-popular salmon, cod, mackerel and fatty tuna. Have your catch of the day freshly sliced, grilled over binchotan grill.

<h3>Same But Different</h3>
Just a 25-minute rapid train ride away from Sapporo Station, Otaru gives a glimpse into the quieter past of Hokkaido. Where Sapporo is vibrant and dynamic, Otaru is serene and the pace here, slower. It&rsquo;s almost like stepping into a time machine, turning the clock back to when the Otaru Canal was built in 1923. Once one of the busiest ports in the country, the Otaru Canal was largely used for the trading of grain and textile with Europe and Russia, tales the hundred-year-old warehouses and stone banks that line the canal would echo.
Architecture buffs and history aficionados will appreciate going on a tour of the 71 designated historic landmarks in this town. From fire-resistant architecture that proliferated after the great Inaho-cho Fire that consumed the city in 1905 to Grecian architectural styles that feature massive columns, popular during the Showa period (1926-1989). A symbol of the lively commercial past of this town, the&nbsp;<a title="Otaru Canal" href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/otaru/grand-park-otaru/explore-around?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_best-of-hokkaido" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Otaru Canal</a>&nbsp;was reincarnated as a picturesque town some almost twenty years ago. The town stretches from the old fishing village of Zenibako to another ancient fishing village, Oshoro, which has ties to Japan&rsquo;s prehistoric past.
With more modern facilities built up at Yokohama and Kobe, the port town of Otaru fell from glory and the canal became a subject of contention amongst residents. Eventually, the canal was half-filled, and so now we have pathways by the canal to stroll along and take in the beauty of the site. To learn more about the town&rsquo;s history and significance, do visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.city.otaru.lg.jp/simin/sisetu/bungakukan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Otaru Museum of Literature</a>&nbsp;which documents pivotal moments and persons of this town.
Now the one kilometre metre long Otaru Canal provides the perfect setting for the annual&nbsp;Otaru Snow Light Festival, which takes place in the evening in Winter. Once used for shipping, the Otaru Canal now stands as a reminder of the town&rsquo;s history as a port town, which bursts into cherry blossoms come Spring. You can also take a cruise down the canal to soak in the romance of Otaru and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.

<h3>Pretty As Rainbow</h3>
Sweet shops galore adorn the Otaru Canal and soft serve ice cream here is a signature sweet treat made all the better using Hokkaido farm fresh milk. A recent icon of this dessert is the rainbow soft serve in pastel hues served around town, such as at the&nbsp;Venetian Cafeteria. Using all-natural ingredients, the seven layer (a.k.a rainbow) soft serve is the most popular. Flavours are stacked one on the other starting at the top with grape, melon, green tea, lavender, milk, strawberry and chocolate. This non-descript stall is next to the Venetian museum can be found between the Otaru canal and Sakaimachi.
Stop by for more rainbow soft serve at&nbsp;<a href="http://en.otaru-sakaimachi.com/kitaichi-glass-sangokan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kitaichi Glass Sangokan caf&eacute;</a>, which is also famous for its giant cream puff. However, the top dessert shop (according to Tripadvisor) has to be&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kitakaro.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kitakaro Otaru Honkan</a>&nbsp;and its to-die-for cream puffs and rice crackers. Clearly a winner, light puff pastry envelops generously piped fresh cream making their cream puffs drool-worthy while the homemade rice crackers come in a myriad of tempting flavours it&rsquo;s difficult to pick just a few.
For milk and cheese lovers, the famous LeTao brand has not one but three shops on the end of the same street, Sakaimachi Street &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.letao.jp/global/en/sp/shop/pathos.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeTao Pathos</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.letao.jp/global/en/sp/shop/letao.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeTao Honten</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://en.otaru-sakaimachi.com/letao-plus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeTao Cheesecake Labo</a>. Pop into any of the three for the softest, fluffiest cheesecake in town. Light yet flavourful and perfect with freshly brewed black coffee or comforting cup of tea it is easy to see how this could be one of the best afternoon tea treats.

<h3>Local Craft &amp; Architecture</h3>
Craftmanship, as anywhere else in Japan, is an honorable and artistic pursuit. In Otaru, music box shops dot the town, its faint tinkling perpetually filling the air and bringing alive the magic of Otaru. Head to the Sakaimachi Intersection, where the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.otaru-orgel.co.jp/english/e_main.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Otaru Orgel Museum</a>&nbsp;stands proudly in a picturesque 1912 redbrick building. The main building showcases hundreds of music boxes in almost any imaginable form, spread over three floors. For something unique, try customizing the music with the box of your choice with your favourite tune! A steam clock stands proudly outside the building which toots every 15 minutes and on the hour too. Across the road, in the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.otaru-orgel.co.jp/english/e_antique.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Antique Museum</a>, Aeolian pipe organs stand grandly on display as does a collection of antique dolls.
Personal reflections are also literal here in Otaru with its glass craft and culture. Interestingly, this was introduced to the port town through what it was best known for &ndash; fishing. Folklore has it that a century or more ago, a local glassblower was inspired to create ornamental glassware after he came across glass floats used by fishermen. Over time, glassblowing and craft become more widespread and glass studios and shops sprouted in response to increased appreciate and demand for the delicate craft. Check out the beauty of glass art at the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kitaichiglass.co.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kitaichi Glass outlets</a>&nbsp;along the canal, and&nbsp;<a href="http://glassstudio-otaru.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Glass Studio</a>, located at the foot of&nbsp;Mount Tengu.

<h3>Be Near To It All</h3>
Not to be missed during the wintry months are the powder soft snow on&nbsp;Mount Tengu, a beautiful ski mountain and attraction awarded 1 star in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. The night views in all seasons from the observation deck overlooking Otaru city is one of the Hokkaido&rsquo;s best besides views atop Mount Hakodate and Mount Moiwa. Skiing on Mount Tengu is particularly recommended for those who prefer less crowded slopes.
For more scenic pursuits, the west end area of Otaru is designated as Niseko Shakotan Otaru Coast Quasi-National Park. Popular spots here include the very steep Akaiwa Cliff, strangely-shaped Madoiwa Rock, and the mysterious "Blue Cave". Step up to the Shukutsu Panorama Observatory and enjoy a view of the beautiful coastline leading to Shakotan Peninsula. Visiting the cliffs and caves on boat is also available during Summer months if you would like to get up close with these magnificent creations.
Keen to know more about the beauty of Otaru? Here's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/otaru/grand-park-otaru/explore-around?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_best-of-hokkaido" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our guide</a>&nbsp;to more experiences and activities you should explore.&nbsp;
Stay comfortably with a view of Mount Tengu, Ishikari Bay and the Otaru Marina at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/otaru/grand-park-otaru?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_best-of-hokkaido" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grand Park Otaru</a>. The seafront resort offers top notch restaurants within and easy access to nearby top-notch golf courses, ski resorts and Wing Bay Otaru shopping mall, which is directly connected to the JR Otaru Chikko station. The Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street and Sakaimachi Intersection is also a mere 5-minute ride from the hotel.
With <a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/otaru/grand-park-otaru/offers/best-flexible-rate?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_best-of-hokkaido" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best flexible rates and free cancellation</a>, Grand Park Otaru makes the ideal stay for your vacation in Hokkaido, Japan.
Information details:
Sapporo
<a href="http://www.sapporo-autumnfest.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sapporo Autumn Fest</a>, Odori Park, 4-chome to 11-chome, 7 Odorinishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0042, Hokkaido, Tel. 81-011-281-6400
<a href="http://www.farm-tomita.co.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Farm Tomita</a>, 15 Kisenkita, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun 071-0704, Hokkaido, Tel. 81-167-39-3939
<a href="http://www.kani-honke.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sapporo KaniHonke</a>, 1-18 2-chome Kitasanjyo-Nishi Chuouku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0003, Tel. +81-011-222-0018
<a href="http://www.kitanogurume.co.jp/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kita no Gourmet Tei</a>, 22 Chome, 4-1 Kita 11 Jonishi, Chuo, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0011, Japan, Tel. +81-11-621-3545
<a href="http://www.sapporo-market.gr.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sapporo Central Wholesale Market</a>, 21-2-3 Kita 11-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0011, Tel. +81 11-621-7044
Otaru
<a href="https://www.city.otaru.lg.jp/simin/sisetu/bungakukan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Otaru Literature Museum</a>, 1 Chome-9-5 Ironai, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido, Tel. 81-0134-32-2388, Closed Mondays (and the following day if a public holiday falls on Mondays), and year-end and new-year holidays.
Venetian Cafeteria, 5-27 Sakaimachi, Otaru 047-0027, Hokkaido, Tel. 81-134-33-1993
<a href="http://en.otaru-sakaimachi.com/kitaichi-glass-sangokan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kitaichi Glass Sangokan Caf&eacute;</a>, 7-26 Sakaimachi, Otaru 047-0027, Hokkaido, Tel.81-134-33-1993
<a href="http://www.kitakaro.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kitakaro Otaru Honkan</a>, 7-22 Sakaimachi, Otaru 047-0027, Hokkaido, Tel.81-134-31-3464
<a href="http://en.otaru-sakaimachi.com/letao-cheese-cake-labo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeTao Cheesecake Labo</a>, Sakaimachi 6-13, Otaru 047-0027, Hokkaido, Tel.81-134-31-5580
<a href="https://www.letao.jp/global/en/sp/shop/pathos.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeTao Pathos</a>,5-22 Sakaimachi, Otaru 047-0027, Hokkaido, Tel.81-134-31-4500
<a href="https://www.letao.jp/global/en/sp/shop/letao.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeTao Honten</a>, 7-16 Sakaemachi, Otaru 047-0027, Hokkaido, Tel.81-134-31-4500
<a href="http://www.otaru-orgel.co.jp/english/e_main.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Otaru Orgel Museum</a>, 4-1 Sumiyoshicho, Otaru 047-0015, Hokkaido, Tel.81-134-22-1108
<a href="http://www.otaru-orgel.co.jp/english/e_antique.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Otaru Antique Museum</a>, ６-13 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027, Japan, Tel. 81-134-34-3915
<a href="http://www.kitaichiglass.co.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kitaichi Glass Outlet</a>, 7-20 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027, Japan, Tel. +81 134-33-3991
<a href="http://glassstudio-otaru.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Glass Studio</a>, 2 Chome-16-16 Mogami, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0023, Japan, Tel. +81 134-33-9390
Photo credits (Top to bottom): Nakae, teycindy.com, 305 Seahill, Sapporo.Travel, John6536, thattiffany.blogspot, Travel.jogo, Grand Park Otaru

The Best of Hokkaido, Japan

Best of Hokkaido, Japan - Save the page for your cheat-sheet to getting the best out of Sapporo and Otaru cities.

Best of Hokkaido | Blog about Hokkaido, Japan | Park Hotel Group

FUSS-FREE FAMILY HOLIDAYS
With clever planning and the right preparation, travelling with your loved ones can lead to a dream vacation.
The best family holidays are fantastic opportunities to bond and get back in touch with loved ones, but without proper planning, these can turn into logistical nightmares, unnecessary stress and even constant bickering during trips. To help navigate around these possible pain points, follow our tips for a better family vacation experience!

SAFE DESTINATIONS
As your home-away-from home for the next few days or weeks, choose from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/en/destinations?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_family-holidays" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best family destinations</a>&nbsp;that will give you peace of mind. From family resorts to kid-friendly hotels and facilities to places of attraction, bear in mind that the younger the family members, the greater the attention to ensure minimal health-related inconveniences.
Check location maps and find out the hotel&rsquo;s proximity to various attractions and amenities. Better still, check the official website of the accommodation, where chances are there&rsquo;s more accurate information regarding all the above and more. Booking direct on the hotel website often has more benefits too, ranging from complimentary daily breakfast to room upgrades.

THOUGHTFUL ACCOMODATION
This distinguishes an amazing family holiday from any other. Check if there are special child-friendly amenities that can range from rooms decked in kid-friendly d&eacute;cor with child-friendly toiletries and more. Ensure that everyone has enough space for a good rest.&nbsp;
Family packages are probably your best bet for a hassle-free holiday. Book&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/offers/family-moments?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_family-holidays" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Park Hotel Group&rsquo;s Family Moments offer</a>&nbsp;to enjoy complimentary stay for kids under 12 years old,&nbsp;with additional perks like 50% discount on your second room for selected hotels, complimentary kids meals, complimentary in-room amenities that are specially tailored for your tots.&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/familymomentsphg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a>
To reduce the hassle of getting around, choose hotels that offer airport pickups and group transportation.

FUN ACTIVITIES FOR ALL
Holidays with children should be enjoyable for all! Check if your hotel and resort of choice offers kid-friendly activities. Let the little ones be happily occupied with fun programmes guided by trained facilitators who might be able to take them off your hands while you relax with a much-deserved spa treatment, discover the locale or simply unwind. For a family-friendly resort in the Maldives, head to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/north-male-atoll/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=phg-blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_family-holidays" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;well-stocked family &amp; kids room with games and toys that will keep adults and kids entertained.
In Singapore,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/singapore/grand-park-city-hall/rooms/family-suite?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_family-holidays" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grand Park City Hall's&nbsp;Family Suite</a>&nbsp;is a playground for both grownups and kids alike.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kids can have fun in this specially-designed children&rsquo;s room furnished&nbsp;with&nbsp;an activity wall, low&nbsp;desk, swing chair and bean bag. Parents can sleep soundly in a separate room with interconnecting doors to the children's room.&nbsp;Each family stay offers a tailored sanctuary of respite for both young and old.
Instead of trying to visit as many attractions as possible, check how much time is needed for each place and draw up a list of priority attractions together using Google Maps. This way, everyone&rsquo;s needs are met, and you can all enjoy your vacation together without rushing everywhere.&nbsp;

ALWAYS BE PREPARED
Always be prepared to battle potential trip dampeners like health scares and lost items. Just in case, consult your General practitioner for necessary vaccinations and pack some essential medication for tummy upsets and common colds. If you're on a staycation, it won&rsquo;t hurt to be aware of neighbouring chemists, clinics or hospitals. Just in case.
For long journeys, prepare some simple snacks and keep your child stimulated with games or toys. These serve as enjoyable distractions and can also help with air pressure during flights.
Another tip: Some airports, like Changi Airport, has playgrounds and areas within the departure area where kids can have all the fun prior to the flight, and hopefully, will be in need of some rest during the actual travel on-board the plane.

CAPTURE THOSE MOMENTS
Precious family moments should be treasured for a lifetime. Snap away using your smartphone or camera for more conversations and reflections post-trip. This will also be great resources for family scrapbooking moments or reminiscing shared experiences together, which helps everyone bond even more. Upload them too to share with close family and friends!
Excited to take your family on a holiday? Start with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/blog?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_family-holidays" target="_blank" rel="noopener">short trips to neighbouring countries</a>&nbsp;that you can explore even on a long weekend.

Travel Tips For Your Family Holiday

The best family holidays are fantastic opportunities to bond and get back in touch with loved ones. Follow our tips for a better experience when you next travel with your family.

Family Holidays | Vacations with Children | Park Hotel Group

HONG KONG HOOD-HOPPING
Victoria Peak. Central. Causeway Bay. Stanley. For many visitors, knowledge of the island is often limited to these famous &ndash; albeit deserving &ndash; places to visit in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/hong-kong-sar/park-hotel-hong-kong/explore-around?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_hong-kong-neighbourhoods" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hong Kong</a>. If you&rsquo;re looking for&nbsp;something off the beaten track, however, more than 80 sq km of island await. From densely populated urban areas to scenic villages dotting undeveloped coastline, linked by world-class public transportation, there are charming enclaves to be discovered.
Use this as your <a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/hong-kong-sar/park-hotel-hong-kong?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_hong-kong-neighbourhoods">Hong Kong SAR</a> travel guide to &ldquo;hood-hop&rdquo; through five of the most happening neighbourhoods when you visit Hong Kong.

KENNEDY TOWN
Laid-back seaside enclave
On the western edge of the island is the cosy neighbourhood of Kennedy Town, easily accessed by the public train system, the MTR. It has what few neighbourhoods in Hong Kong have: an unobstructed view of the sea. And despite being piled with high-rises, it also has a large park, public swimming pool, and retail malls with integrated playzones, making it one of the more family-friendly parts of the island.
The gentrification that has come to better-known Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun in recent years is also changing Kennedy Town, but at a much slower rate. Recently arrived food and drink establishments tend to be more like neighbourhood hangouts for fun yet quality dining. Local favourites such as Quay West on New Praya offer beer, cocktails and straightforward pub grub, plus fantastic views of the harbour, the mountains of Kowloon, and several islands. Casual eateries and bars such as the low-key but modern Jaspa&rsquo;s on Catchick Street and the newest installment of legendary local English-style pub Old China Hand on Davis Street are also close enough to smell the sea.
Kennedy Town resident Joey Ko says K-Town (as it is also known) offers a rare kind of balance on Hong Kong Island. &ldquo;I like it here because I&rsquo;m close to where I work in the city centre, but when I come back home, it&rsquo;s quiet and relaxing,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s still the city but there&rsquo;s plenty of space to go running or walking along the pier and waterfront, or in the park.&rdquo;
This appealing mix of city and nature is probably best summed up in the iconic &ldquo;stone wall trees&rdquo; further uphill on Forbes Street. These massive banyan trees were not removed to make way for retaining walls; rather, they were integrated into the neighbourhood&rsquo;s development, providing refreshing shade during the hot months as well as some very striking scenery.

SHEUNG WAN
Explore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/hong-kong-sar/park-hotel-hong-kong?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_hong-kong-neighbourhoods" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hong Kong</a>&nbsp;City&rsquo;s urban buzz by foot
It may be near the department stores, fancy restaurants and bars of Central, but Sheung Wan has managed to keep a very strong local identity even while more expats are being drawn here by comparatively low rents and a central location.
Composed of small city blocks bordered by countless short streets, narrow alleys and steep staircases, Sheung Wan is best explored by walking. Heading southward from Sheung Wan Station, which is built on reclaimed land in the neighbourhood&rsquo;s north, the terrain quickly goes from flat to hilly.
On lower streets such as Bonham Strand and Jervois Street, an independent cafe culture has emerged, featuring organic, single-origin and fair trade coffees from around the world. For buzz-hungry coffee aficionados in Hong Kong, the unique character of such cafes as Dandy&rsquo;s Organic Cafe, The Green Lounge and Barista Jam, among others, are a welcome change of pace in a city that is otherwise dominated by corporate coffee chains.
In lower Sheung Wan, one is also spoilt for choice when it comes to both local and international cuisine. Laksa, poutine, sushi and French-style rotisserie chicken are available alongside Cantonese chezai noodle shops and small storefronts selling bowls of leungcha &ndash; cold herbal teas that not only refresh but also restore balance to one&rsquo;s body, according to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine.
Taking the stairs of the aptly named Ladder Street uphill brings one to the stretch of Hollywood Road that is also known as Antique Street, because of its dozens of antique shops. The majority of dealers here, such as KY Fine Art, known for furniture, ink paintings and ceramics, or Qi Ling, whose forte is terracotta works, are friendly, well-established and specialised.

As the saying goes, if you have to ask the price, then you probably can&rsquo;t afford it. In such a case, you can seek to improve your fortunes at the most impressive antique on Hollywood Road &ndash; Man Mo Temple. Built in 1847, this small, weathered Buddhist temple was where hopeful scholars made offerings to the gods in the hope of passing the old imperial exams. Today, people still go there to pray for good fortune. Massive coils of burning incense hang from the ceiling, creating an oasis of tranquility.
Just across the street from Man Mo Temple is one of Hollywood Road&rsquo;s more unusual shops, Indosiam Rare Books. Packed with rare and antiquarian books about China and Southeast Asia from as far back as the 17th century, as well as modern books and posters, it attracts Asia-based foreigners, rare book collectors and, perhaps more surprisingly, young Hong Kongers looking to learn more about their roots.
Indosiam owner Yves Azemar has lived in Hong Kong for 25 years, the last 12 of which he has spent running this cultural anomaly in a city overrun with e-readers and tablet computers. Supplementing store revenue with online book sales, he has kept his shop going while many other businesses in the area have come and gone. &ldquo;I admire those who try their luck here,&rdquo; he says.
All the changes in Sheung Wan over the years have created an urban vitality that Azemar appreciates. &ldquo;Whenever I go for a walk around the neighbourhood, I always find something new,&rdquo; he says.

SAI YING PUN
Neighbourhood of the future
In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/hong-kong-sar/park-hotel-hong-kong?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_hong-kong-neighbourhoods" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hong Kong</a>&nbsp;real estate, access to public transport is everything. The opening of new metro stations in the island&rsquo;s west this year will bring fast, cheap rail transport to three new neighbourhoods, and change is already afoot in one of these: Sai Ying Pun.
Just west of Sheung Wan, Sai Ying Pun is bordered by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) to the south and Victoria Harbour to the north. Sai Ying Pun smells of the sea, and it&rsquo;s not just due to its being next to the harbour. The shops on both sides of Des Voeux Road West sell a cornucopia of dried seafood, giving the road a distinctive fishy smell, and its nickname: Dried Seafood Street.
Aromas are only a part of Sai Ying Pun&rsquo;s character. The ringing bells of the trams that have been operating here since 1904 remind visitors of a different era &ndash; before the arrival of the lightning-fast MTR. The island&rsquo;s cheapest, and slowest, form of public transport, these beloved trams are an integral part of the island&rsquo;s character, and a ride in one is highly recommended for those who want to experience a piece of history.

A short walk uphill culminates in another bit of yesteryear. Lin Heung Ku, a typical Hong Kong Tea House, traces its roots back to 1889, where it was first founded in Guangzhou, China, opening its first two tea houses in Hong Kong in 1926. Here at its Central branch, the vibe is a cacophony of loud banter, clanging of plates. The aroma emanating from the steaming dim sum trolleys makes each dish alluring though the ever-present crowd may take some getting used to.
&ldquo;For me, Sai Ying Pun&rsquo;s got Hong Kong&rsquo;s best balance of old and new, international and Chinese,&rdquo; says Mike Denison, a teacher at HKU who has lived here for two years. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s a little bit of everything here.&rdquo; True enough, the walk to Lin Heung Ku passes by the trend-setting HoLiFook, Parisian bistro Metropolitain, organic grocer and restaurant Locofama, the CrossFit gym CrossFit Typhoon, and an ANXBTC store that claims to be the world&rsquo;s first bricks and mortar bitcoin exchange.

SHEK O
Beach Village escape
The north of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/hong-kong-sar/park-hotel-hong-kong?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_hong-kong-neighbourhoods" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hong Kong</a>&nbsp;may be dominated by concrete jungle, but the south side is a different story. Hong Kong beaches are seldom trending as a key attraction but Shek O, a colourful, coastal hamlet, is set between a scenic bay and tree-covered mountains, and well-deserves mention as a must-visit spot.
Other than the regular bus service, there is little to remind one of urban life in Shek O. For the growing number of expats who live here, that&rsquo;s exactly the point. There are no grocery stores, ATMs, Michelin-starred restaurants or shopping malls here.
There is, however, a small but friendly community that is happy being off on its own, even if it has to share with the rest of the city. During the warm months, visitors flood into Shek O on weekends to play on Front Beach, the larger of its two beaches. On weekdays, residents have Front Beach, and its smaller counterpart Back Beach, all to themselves.
Shek O native Dicky Ng has lived in the village since he was born here 46 years ago. The owner and proprietor of Ming&rsquo;s Cafe says he never gets bored of village life.
&ldquo;You can swim here. You can surf, dive and fish too,&rdquo; he says between sips of coffee. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s great hiking, and fantastic views &ndash; especially from the mountains above the village. The sand on the beach is especially fine. I close my cafe on Wednesdays and sit out on the beach, drinking beer in the sunshine.&rdquo;
Following a tight alley from Ming&rsquo;s Cafe toward the centre of the village, one quickly arrives at Tin Hau Temple, a compact Buddhist structure adjacent to The Black Sheep, one of the few Western restaurants in Shek O.
Just past the temple, waves lap at sandy Back Beach, where locals and expats come to shoot the breeze at Ben&rsquo;s Back Beach Bar, the sound of surf in the background. Considered Hong Kong&rsquo;s best beach bar for its family- and pet-friendly atmosphere, affordable drinks and sunset view, Ben&rsquo;s, like the neighbourhoods in this story, is a metaphor for Hong Kongers enjoying the good life, far from the madding crowd.

VISITOR INFORMATION
SHEUNG WAN
Barista Jam Shop D, 128 Jervois St, Sheung Wan Tel: +852 2854 2211 <a href="http://www.facebook.com/baristajamhk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.facebook.com/baristajamhk/</a>
Indosiam Rare Books 1A, 89 Hollywood Road, Central Hong Kong 00000 Tel: +852 2854 2853 <a href="http://www.livre-rare-book.com/c/b/indosiam" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.livre-rare-book.com/c/b/indosiam</a>
Man Mo Temple 124-126 Hollywood Road, Tai Ping Shan, Sheung Wan Tel: +852 2540 0350
SAI YING PUN
Lin Heung Ku Western Centre, 46-50 Des Voeux Rd W Tel: +852 2156 9328<a href="http://www.linheung.com.hk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a>
Ho Lee Fook  G/F No. 1-5 Elgin st, Soho, Hong Kong <a href="mailto:info@holeefook.com.hk%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">info@holeefook.com.hk</a> Tel: +852 2810 0860
Sushi Mori Leishun Court, Caroline Hill Rd, So Kon Po Tel: +852 3462 2728
Luddite G/F, 15A Haven Street Tel: +852 2870 0422 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/luddite1811/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.instagram.com/luddite1811/?hl=en</a>
SHEK O
Ming&rsquo;s Caf&eacute; Shek O Village Road
Ben&rsquo;s Back Beach Bar Shek O back beach, 273 Shek O Village Tel: +852 2809 2268
Photo credits (Top to bottom):&nbsp;PROMark Lehmkuhler,&nbsp;Forz (Wikipedia),&nbsp;doctorho,&nbsp;tommy@chau,&nbsp;Chelsea Marie Hicks,&nbsp;Clotee Pridgen Allochuku,&nbsp;David Law

Hong Kong SAR Hood-hopping

Want to know where to go in Hong Kong? Skip the tourist attractions and shopping malls and check out some of Hong Kong Island’s up-and-coming neighbourhoods.

Hong Kong Neighbourhoods | Attractions & Sightseeing | Park Hotel Group

PORTAL TO THE PAST
For a glimpse into old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/wuxi/grand-park-wuxi?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=phg-blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_portal-to-the-past" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wuxi</a>, go on a journey through Huishan Old Town, described as the city&rsquo;s open-air museum.
China&rsquo;s sleek bullet train streaks through the outskirts of Wuxi at 350km/h. Blurred by speed, the rows of residential blocks and glassy commercial towers that the train passes appear to be sprouting in unison across the landscape. As we near the centre, the downtown skyline appears to be extended by a handful of skyscrapers &ndash; some more than 300m high.
By Chinese standards, Wuxi is a relatively small city of over six million. A hub of industry in eastern Jiangsu province, its strategic location straddling the Grand Canal and closeness to Shanghai and Suzhou has historically contributed to its prosperity. Now experiencing a renewed vigour, Wuxi is the centre of China&rsquo;s booming solar-technology industry and a stop on the busy high-speed-rail corridor linking the provincial capital of Nanjing to Shanghai. It takes around 45 minutes from Wuxi to Shanghai as well as to Nanjing, and trains depart from Wuxi&rsquo;s railway station at 10-minute intervals.
Amid such striving modernism, it is easy to forget that Wuxi is an ancient city. Its history can be traced back to the Neolithic Age, some 4,000 years ago. The construction of the Grand Canal in the sixth century, which flows right through the city, further established Wuxi as a cradle of industry, trade and culture.
Huishan Old Town, one of the famed Wuxi attractions, lies just 10-minutes by taxi to the west of the modern city centre, and is a well-preserved time capsule of Wuxi&rsquo;s past. Its location at the foot of Mount Hui (Huishan) and Mount Xi (Xishan) blesses it with ideal fengshui elements according to traditional beliefs &ndash; it is easy to see why ancient folk chose this idyllic spot. Perched on a hilltop above the town, the 32m-tall octagonal Longguang Pagoda in Xihui Park is an iconic symbol of old Wuxi city.
The historic enclave measures just 1 sq km, but offers spectacular gardens, temples and atmospheric lanes. It is also home to 118 ancestral halls built over the centuries to honour family ancestors and historical figures. Around 80 different Chinese family surnames are represented, making it a popular pilgrimage site for Chinese travellers.
Entrance to the ancient town is through a large park filled with plum blossoms and lotus lakes. It is a treasured community gathering place &ndash; a group of women huddle in a pagoda singing folk songs, a few old men take to kite-flying and young couples manoeuvre swan-shaped paddle boats. Few, however, are brave enough to ride the antique-looking cable cars &ndash; with their semi-open cabins &ndash; that scale the wooded mountainsides.

The main attraction lies across Yingshan Lake in the far west of the park. Stepping into the cobbled square of the ancient town is surreal. Like entering a time warp, the white-patina walls and black flying-eave rooflines enclose you and the bustle of Chinese tourists could easily be Ming dynasty townsfolk gathered to watch a street performance on the magnificent&nbsp;two-storey&nbsp;Town Stage facing the square.
An arched doorway opposite leads to Xihui Park&rsquo;s most beautiful gardens; as splendid as the famed gardens of nearby Suzhou. One of the most impressive is Jichang Garden dating from the Ming Dynasty. Inside, stonewalls enclose large reflective ponds, zigzag bridges and ornate pavilion roofs with dragon carvings. Elaborate rockeries carved into&nbsp;tunnelled&nbsp;caves and winding ravines, make for fun wandering. Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty loved the design of the garden so much, he had a replica built in Beijing&rsquo;s Summer Palace.
Jichang&rsquo;s&nbsp;elegance gives way to the enchanting, steep-set gardens surrounding Erquan Pavilion and Tian Xia Di Er Quan (second spring under heaven) &ndash; a freshwater spring that trickles through pretty rivulets, rockeries and ponds, and spurts out the mouth of a stone dragon.

Lu Yu, a tea expert in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), once declared that this was the second-best spring water in China for making tea (the first is at Mount Lu in Jiangxi province). This prompted emperors, poets and tea aficionados to visit the spring, and they were often inspired to leave odes inscribed on the garden walls. After exploring the many sunlit grottoes, where you will invariably find a local resident practising tai chi, you might want to take a break in one of the picturesque pavilion teahouses and try a Huishan brew for yourself.
Next door, separated by a wall shaped like the rippling movement of a dragon, the 1,500-year-old Huishan Temple is Wuxi&rsquo;s oldest. Incense plumes and the soothing chants of monks make for atmospheric wandering.

Back at the arched pavilion entrance, cobbled lanes lined with whitewashed village houses and more ancestral halls radiate off the main square. Tucked behind carved-wood screens are intriguing finds, like Xian Feng bookstore &ndash; a hip little store connected to a coffee shop &ndash; and craftsmen&rsquo;s studios selling brightly painted Huishan clay figurines. A string of&nbsp;cosy&nbsp;bars line Huishan Canal, which flows into the nearby Grand Canal. And for a taste of Wuxi&rsquo;s cuisine &ndash; often described as &ldquo;sweet&rdquo; &ndash; Lao Cai Guan just off the main square is set in a lantern-strung house with intricately carved windows and private rooms overlooking an inner courtyard. Be sure to try Wuxi&rsquo;s signature dish of spareribs braised in rice wine and soya sauce, spiced with ginger, anise, cloves and black peppercorns.
Lao Cai Guan also brews its own Huiquan yellow wine. Made from Huishan spring water and local glutinous rice, the sweet liquor was declared an Imperial wine in the Qing Dynasty and was a tipple of choice in the aristocratic homesteads featured in the famous Chinese novel, Dream of the Red Chamber. It comes in glazed pottery jars tied with batik-print fabric and makes a delightful souvenir from a part of Wuxi city, China, where time stands gloriously still.

VISITOR INFORMATION
GETTING THERE
Huishan Old Town Situated west of Wuxi, Huishan Old Town is about 10 to 15 minutes by taxi from Wuxi Railway Station, or 20 minutes by taxi from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/wuxi/grand-park-wuxi?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=phg-blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_portal-to-the-past" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grand Park Wuxi</a>. Entrance to all sites in Huishan Old Town costs RMB70.
Xian Feng Bookstore 9 Xiuzhang Street Tel:&nbsp;+86 510 8370 2691 A quaint curio and coffeehouse set in an ancient residence with a sun-dappled courtyard.
Lao Cai Guan Tel:&nbsp;+86 510 8358 1177 Popular restaurant with intricately carved windows and private rooms serving Wuxi&rsquo;s sweetly seasoned cuisine and home-brewed local Huiquan yellow wine.&nbsp;
Photo credits:&nbsp;BRAD WESTPHAL

Portal to the Past

Huishan Old Town features unique position and its famous for the majestic sceneries, as well as well-preserved typical ancestral halls.

Huishan Old Town: Portal To The Past | Wuxi China Guide

Romantic comedy sensation Crazy Rich Asians hit the cinemas most recently and has set many minds and hearts around the world curious and even aflame to visit Singapore. Whether it is the movie or post-holiday blues that is fuelling your wanderlust, it is never too early to plan for your next escape or yearend vacation to this island city state.
Pick whatever you fancy; either, trace the steps of Crazy Rich Asians (CRA) cast and visit the locations the film was set, or discover other rich experiences, sights, sounds and even gems that can only be found in Singapore, here are some recommendations that you should not miss on your bucket list:

1.&nbsp;Escape into the Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay
Stepping into this 0.8ha cool conservatory would make you feel that you are teleported into Pandora, home planet of the Na&rsquo;vi aliens from Avatar, another Hollywood movie. The 58-metre tall dome was built to simulate a temperate climate normally found in about 1,000 - 3,500 metres above sea level. This treat for the senses features over 137,000 plants that include delicate ferns, carnivorous pitcher plants, orchid hybrids and endangered species, as well as a 35-metre high waterfall. Also, visit the Flower Dome, one of the largest greenhouses in the world next door.
Trace CRA footsteps: Experience the SuperTree Grove in the evenings at Gardens by the Bay where Collin and Araminta&rsquo;s wedding after-party was held.
READ MORE: <a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/blog/gardens-by-the-bay?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=aug-2022_rich-experiences-in-singapore">Gardens by the Bay - Uncover a Secret Garden, Cloud Forest and Holograms in the Garden City</a>

2.&nbsp;Savour rich Singapore street food flavours
Witness how the colourful cultures within Singapore co-exist and often melded in the local street food scene when you visit the numerous hawker centres. Savour Hainanese chicken rice located in&nbsp;Maxwell Food Centre&nbsp;which is within CBD area. You can also find authentic Eurasian and Peranakan cuisine (Popo and Nana&rsquo;s Delight) and hearty British comfort food (Lad &amp; Dad) in the same hawker centre.
ABC Brickworks Food Centre&nbsp;is also popular local favourite! Expect to wait in line at Nusa &amp; Tara for their bowl of lontong (which includes rice cakes and stewed vegetables in flavourful, spiced coconut gravy) and at Yi Sheng Fried Hokkien Mee for a plate of stir fried noodles in prawn and pork bone broth.
Trace CRA footsteps: Visit&nbsp;Newton Food Centre&nbsp;to soak in the hawker atmosphere seen in the film.

3.&nbsp;Immerse in Singapore&rsquo;s history&nbsp;
Take a bumboat ride along Singapore River and admire how Singapore&rsquo;s old historical architecture beautifully juxtaposes against the backdrop of the city skyscrapers. Visit heritage landmarks including the&nbsp;National Museum of Singapore,&nbsp;St. Andrew&rsquo;s Cathedral&nbsp;(built in 1856 -1861) as well as&nbsp;National Gallery Singapore&nbsp;which is housed in two national monuments - City Hall and the former Supreme Court.
Stop by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/singapore/grand-park-city-hall?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=aug-2022_rich-experiences-in-singapore" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grand&nbsp;Park City Hall</a>&nbsp;for some coffee or tipple to appreciate the art collection that features Singapore&rsquo;s history and the rich medley of cultural influences that have contributed to the vibrancy of the city. Do not miss the copper artwork that takes a prideful spot in the arrival lobby at the hotel&rsquo;s ground floor; the art piece which features the blueprint of old Singapore evolves with time.
Trace CRA footsteps: Visit&nbsp;CHIJMES, the venue for the wedding of the year in the film.

4.&nbsp;Discover untold stories
Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/guide-to-little-india?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=aug-2022_rich-experiences-in-singapore">Little India</a>&nbsp;and be amazed by this historic district that is abuzz with incredible people, food and shopping including local hawker market, Tekka Market and a mall that opens 24 hours daily. The neighbouring streets also offer a mix of churches, mosques, as well as Hindu and Chinese temples. If you want to try good thosai or dosa, an Indian pancake made from fermented batter, check out&nbsp;MTR Restaurant, a famous vegetarian restaurant.
Trace CRA footsteps: Walk along&nbsp;Club Street, where the precursor to one of the pivotal scenes in the story was set and admire the refurbished heritage shophouses around the vicinity.
Photo credits (Top to bottom):&nbsp;Marklin Ang, Helmut Ignat, Singapore Tourism Board, Grand Park City Hall, Singapore Tourism Board.

Rich Experiences in Singapore

It is never too early to plan for your next escape or year-end vacation to this island city state, Singapore.

Rich Experiences in Singapore | Crazy Rich Asians Trail | Park Hotel Group

With crystal-blue waters and powder-fine sand as far as the eyes can see &ndash; Maldives is an exquisite paradise and an island of many travellers&rsquo; dreams. Be it thrill-seekers, honey-mooners or laid-back travellers, this island-country nestled in the Indian Ocean offers memorable things to do, and breath-taking sights to see. &nbsp;
Pack your bags and escape to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/north-male-atoll/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives/experiences?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_things-to-do-in-maldives">Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives</a>, where the luxury resort promises you an unforgettable vacation with these 6 incredible things to do on the island.&nbsp;

1) PRIVATE DINING
Maldives&rsquo;s pristine beaches means couples, friends and even families can share precious, intimate moments and memories with private dining options on a secluded beach, or in the privacy of their villas. Start the day with breakfast by the beach, escape into the tranquillity of a private beach dinner, or gaze into the sky with a million stars. Start your vacation right and float into bliss with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/north-male-atoll/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives/private-dining?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_things-to-do-in-maldives">any of these private dining experiences</a>&nbsp;by Grand Park Kodhipparu.

2) SCUBA DIVING
The beauty of Maldives extends beyond and below its stunning beaches and azure waters. Life beneath the water&rsquo;s surface sets the island apart from other dive destinations in the world with a vast number of marine species, renowned dive sites and shark points. Enquire at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/north-male-atoll/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives/experiences?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_things-to-do-in-maldives">Grand Park Kodhipparu</a>'s dive center&nbsp;for an underwater experience of a lifetime. PADI certified professionals are there to ensure a safe and fun time.
Passionate about marine biology? Chat with the resort's resident marine biologist and get the chance to participate in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/north-male-atoll/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives/sustainability?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_things-to-do-in-maldives" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sustainability initiatives</a>&nbsp;such as coral planting and more.

3) WATER SPORTS
How can we forget the thrill-seekers and activity-lovers? Soak in some Vitamin D, dive in to Maldives&rsquo;s magnificent waters and pick from an array of water activities at the resort's water sports centre. From banana boat riding and snorkelling, windsurfing and jetskiing, you can easily keep your sports enthusiasm and love for adrenaline occupied for days.

4) EXPLORE MALE
Spare a day and take a boat trip from down to Mal&eacute;, the capital city of the Maldives,&nbsp;for a day of wandering and cultural exploration. Take an IG-worthy shot at The President&rsquo;s Palace, Mulee&rsquo;aage Palace is a quaint or pay a visit to the city&rsquo;s National Museum to discover the historical side of the Maldives. Unwind and people-watch your afternoon away at some of Male&rsquo;s seafront cafes and take this opportunity to try out some authentic Maldivian food.

5) RELAX AND TAKE A BREATHER
A vacation isn&rsquo;t complete with some quality R&amp;R. Tailor your wellness journey with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/en/maldives/the-spa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Spa&rsquo;</a>s selections of signature sessions and treatments and rediscover your glow with skin care treatments tailored to each guest. City dwellers and wellness enthusiasts can rejuvenate with a session of sunset yoga or choose from a list of recreational programs to relax and make full use of your time on the island.
Embark on a journey of discovery to reconnect with yourself and create mindfulness in everything you do. Stay for 3 nights and more at Grand Park Kodhipparu to enjoy the benefits with a variety of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/en/north-male-atoll/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives/offers?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_things-to-do-in-maldives" target="_blank" rel="noopener">offers</a>&nbsp;from complimentary speedboat transfers, yoga sessions and more!

6) GO ON EXCURSIONS
Immerse yourself in Maldivian life by taking an excursion and tour the island&rsquo;s sights and marine life. Be it fishing to get the best catch in the traditional Maldividianway, or cruising on a Dhoni (Maldivian traditional boat) to catch the dolphins an enjoy a romantic sunset, create beautiful memories at this paradise on earth.

6 Best Things To Do In The Maldives

Pack your bags, grab a loved one, and escape to Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, where the resort promises you an unforgettable vacation with these 6 incredible things to do on the island.

Things to do in Maldives | Maldives Activities | Park Hotel Group 

This post was first published on 23 May 2018.
Against an impressive scenic Singapore skyline, the city state&rsquo;s Civic District pulsates with passion and stories to be discovered &ndash; of national history, art &amp; culture, nature and technology, and much more.
Read on to uncover unique stellar experiences that you won&rsquo;t want to miss out on the next time you&rsquo;re in the &lsquo;hood.
Already tempted to visit Singapore and track down the locations where 'Crazy Rich Asians' was filmed?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/singapore/grand-park-city-hall/offers/advance-purchase-offer?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_top-5-things-to-do-in-singapore-civic-district" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Find out more</a>.
1. FIND YOUR MUSE Take your pick from over eight museums that showcase various aspects of Singapore.
National Museum of Singapore From its humble origins as a tropical rainforest island, to its founding and early days, the National Museum of Singapore has highlights the struggles of Singapore society as well as celebrates the successes and achievement the country has come to enjoy. Also central is the focus on the multicultural, multiracial and multireligious social fabric of Singapore.
Art Science Museum&nbsp; Southeast Asia's leading institution is home to 21 galleries spread across 50,000 square feet. The iconic lotus-inspired building has staged major exhibitions that explore the interrelationship between culture and technology, art and science. Notable exhibits include those of Leonardo Da Vinci, Salvatore Dal&iacute;, Andy Warhol and Vincent Van Gogh, as well as the upcoming cinematic tribute Marvel Studios: Ten Years of Heroes exhibition and Theo Jansen's world-famous moving sculptures -The Strandbeests.

National Gallery Singapore Housed in two national monuments &ndash; City Hall and the former Supreme Court &ndash; the National Gallery Singapore oversees Southeast Asia&rsquo;s largest public collection of modern art in its long-term and special exhibitions it stages. The Gallery also partners international museums to give voice to Southeast Asian art in a global setting. Additionally, a children&rsquo;s gallery over at the Keppel Centre for Art Education within The Gallery, and family programmes designed in consultation with art practitioners will stimulate the imagination of young minds and ignite creativity and appreciation for visual arts. Head to Y&agrave;n located at the fifth level, for authentic Cantonese cuisine that pleases easily. With focused dedication to provenance and refined techniques, the restaurant presents a well-crafted menu amidst an elegant contemporary ambience.

2. TRAILS OF PLEASURE Discover a different perspective of the country&rsquo;s history through art when you embark on the Civic District Art Trail. Guide yourself around art installations that tell the Singapore story. From prominent historical figures such as Sir Stamford Raffles, modern Singapore&rsquo;s founder, located outside Victoria Theatre, to 21st century architectural icons. Admire the works of some of Singapore&rsquo;s pioneering sculptors, as well as modern pieces by artists from around the globe. These include the sculptures 20 Tonnes by Singaporean sculptor Han Sai Por, just in front of the National Museum of Singapore. Also located on the same grounds is Let There Be Peace (2005), a 3-metre-tall bronze United Nations Peace Monument for Asia created by Alexandra Nechita from Romania. Many other sculptures can also be found along the Singapore River too, depicting the commercial and kampung spirit of yesteryears such as From Chettairs to Financiers and The First Generation.
3. WORK, PLAY, EAT Work and play can co-exist in the Central Business District (CBD) just a five-minute ride away. Numerous open spaces and arcades encourage social gatherings while top notch restaurants and bars proudly delight discerning palates while providing the ideal environment for business discussions and networking. Linger a little longer after the sun sets in the Tanjong Pagar, Telok Ayer or Amoy zones and discover a gamut of gourmet finds tucked high up in one of the many skyscrapers, amidst bustling Maxwell Food Centre or Amoy Street Food Centre or are only accessible via back lane or hidden fronts.
Burger Joint Definitely for burger aficionados. Look out for a simple Burger neon sign to gain entrance to this hard to find gem of a place. The burgers here are made with Nebraskan beef patties, with just the right amount of seasoning for the quintessential American burger experience.

Maxwell Food Centre Tucked into the thick of local hawker surrounds, Lad &amp; Dad stands out with its British comfort offering. From Bangers &amp; Mash to Bacon &amp; Chip Butty, the young owner and his dad cooks and serves hearty meals from the heart. Swing by The Hangar Coffee Express for a cuppa of gourmet coffee or savour authentic Eurasian and Peranakan cuisine at Popo and Nana&rsquo;s. With a rotating menu of signatures such as Ayam Buah Keluak and Devil&rsquo;s Curry, be sure to be early at meal periods to avoid the unfortune &lsquo;sold out&rsquo; tags.
Amoy Street Food Centre When in Singapore, just queue. This could not be a truer endorsement of good food, at least in the context Singapore&rsquo;s vibrant street food scene. Join the snaking queues for Han Kee Fish Soup, freshly cooked to order with the freshest catch of the day. Or indulge in Michelin Bib Gourmand Beef Noodles by Hong Kee Beef Noodle which has over fifty years of history.
4. WELLNESS ON THE ROAD Literally. Run along the scenic Marina Bay, especially at dusk or when night falls, for a breath-takingly surreal experience that is absolutely motivating. Take in the sight and sounds along the Esplanade by the Bay which features live performances by the river on most evenings.
Recommended route: Begin at the Marina Barrage, Singapore&rsquo;s 15th reservoir, and the first in the heart of the city. Then head towards Marina Bay Sands, Clifford Pier, The Fullerton Hotel, Esplanade &ndash; Theatres on the Bay, the Floating platform just beside before hitting the Helix Bridge, and back towards the Marina Barrage.
Alternatively, drop in a fitness centre readily available at every other corner to get your adrenalin pumping. Virgin Active has three fitness clubs located within the CBD, just a five-minute ride away.

5. STARS OF THE NIGHT Whoever said Singapore had no night scene was just plain ignorant. The island is in fact home to some of Asia&rsquo;s top bars and night spots with progressive experiences to boot.
Smoke &amp; Mirrors Perched atop the National Gallery Singapore and overlooking the vast green field of the padang with Marina Bay Sands looming in the background, the innovative cocktails have been featured at the Singapore Cocktail Festival consecutively. They also host guest bartenders from other top bars in Asia which creates even more excitement in the Singapore bar scene.

Clarke Quay Brightly lit in gawdy psychedelic fashion, Clarke Quay wields its charm with a vast array of restaurants and bars and perfectly Instagram-able setting. Savour fresh seafood prepared in a variety of ways at popular seafood chain restaurants; indulge in a piping hot bowl of Japanese ramen tonkatsu broth; opt for freshly brewed beers and well-made Mexican fare, the choices are mind-boggling, as is the experience on-board the junk boats that ply the river, ever ready to share the Singapore River story.
To get more out of the Civic District, we recommend spending a few nights at the Grand Park City Hall, conveniently located just behind the National Gallery Singapore, and minutes from City Hall train station. Freshly refurbished, guests can look forward to a highly personalized stay and seamless checking in and out with the use of the hotel&rsquo;s mobile application.
Experience <a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/singapore/grand-park-city-hall?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_top-5-things-to-do-in-singapore-civic-district" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grand Park City Hall</a>&nbsp;yourself.&nbsp;

WHERE TO STAY <a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/singapore/grand-park-city-hall">Grand Park City Hall</a> 10 Coleman Street, South, Singapore 179809, p. (65) 6336 3456, e.&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info.gpch@parkhotelgroup.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">info.gpch@parkhotelgroup.com</a>
<ul>
<li>5 minutes&rsquo; walk to National Gallery Singapore</li>
<li>5 minutes&rsquo; drive to Central Business District</li>
<li>10 minutes&rsquo; walk to National Museum Singapore and Peranakan Museum</li>
<li>10 minutes' drive to Marina Barrage and Gardens by the Bay</li>
</ul>
WHERE TO GO Art Science Museum 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974, p. (65) 6688 8826
National Gallery Singapore 1 St Andrew's Rd, Singapore 178957, p. (65) 6271 7000, e.&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@nationalgallery.sg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">info@nationalgallery.sg</a>
National Museum of Singapore 93 Stamford Road, 178897, p. (65) 6332 3659, e.&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nhb_nm_hospitality@nhb.gov.sg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nhb_nm_hospitality@nhb.gov.sg</a>
Peranakan Museum 39 Armenian St, Singapore 179941, p. (65) 6332 7591, e.&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nhb_pm_vs@nhb.gov.sg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nhb_pm_vs@nhb.gov.sg</a>
Burger Joint #01-03, 115 Amoy Street, 069935, p. (65) 6221 8648
Lad &amp; Dad Maxwell Food Centre Stall 79, 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore, 069184, p. (65) 9247 7385
The Hangar Coffee Express 1 Kadayanallur Street, #01-33, Singapore, 069184
Han Kee Fish Soup 7 Maxwell Rd, Singapore 069111
Hong Kee Beef Noodles 7 Maxwell Rd, #01-42 Amoy Street Food Centre, Singapore 069111
Marina Barrage 8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018951, p. (65) 6514 5959, e.&nbsp;<a href="mailto:PUB_MarinaBarrage@pub.gov.sg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PUB_MarinaBarrage@pub.gov.sg</a>
Esplanade &ndash; Theatres on the Bay 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981, p. (65) 6828 8377
Virgin Active Raffles Place Level 6, Tower 2, One Raffles Place, Singapore 048616, p. (65) 6908 7878
Smoke &amp; Mirrors 1 St. Andrew's Road, #06-01 National Gallery Singapore, 178957, p. (65) 9234 8122, e.&nbsp;<a href="mailto:reserve@smokeandmirrors.com.sg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reserve@smokeandmirrors.com.sg</a> Clarke Quay 3 River Valley Rd, Singapore 179024, p. (65) 6337 3292, e.&nbsp;<a href="mailto:retail@capitaland.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retail@capitaland.com</a>
Y&agrave;n 1 Saint Andrew's Road, #05-02 National Gallery Singapore, 178957, p. (65) 6384 5585, e.&nbsp;<a href="mailto:reserve@yan.com.sg">reserve@yan.com.sg</a>
Fascinated by what Singapore has to offer? That's not all!&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/blog/gardens-by-the-bay/?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_top-5-things-to-do-in-singapore-civic-district" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Uncover a secret garden, cloud forest and holograms in the garden city</a>.
Photo credits (Top to bottom):&nbsp;donkuok,&nbsp;Afrian Mahardika,&nbsp;Singapore Tourism Board,&nbsp;Christian H,&nbsp;Smoke &amp; Mirrors

Top 5 Things To Do in Singapore’s Civic District

National history, art & culture, nature and technology, and much more. Read on to uncover unique stellar experiences that you won’t want to miss out on the next time you’re in the ‘hood.

Top 5 Things to do in Singapore's Civic District | Park Hotel Group

Staying indoors can get suffocating, especially when kids are filled with energy just ready to go for a day out. With the COVID-19 virus dampening the mood, these are 5 places where you can still go and do fun things while taking a breather from being cooped up indoors.

Plan a Staycation in Singapore
Staying home can be a bore, so why not book a staycation? Create precious family moments with your little ones and take your family&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/offers/family-moments?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=oct-2021_ways-to-fight-cabin-fever" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on a great getaway</a>&nbsp;where children under 12 stay for free! Take your kids to go on a fun afternoon of exploration from letting them try their hand at towel origami, designing their own door tag and even making DIY pizza. Slide away from the stress, unwind with your family, and get some well-deserved family time with upscale amenities include spacious rooms/suits and more at no additional charge.
There&rsquo;s no better time than now to take a quick escapade and lavish you, your friends and your family with some time away from the worries of life.

Unleash Your Creativity
Indulge in high tea and let your creativy run wild at the same time at art jamming sessions. The artisan boutique art teahouse, Artisteaq, has a few outlets across the island, but their flagship outlet at Mandarin Gallery remains the most popular. From their signature high tea sets with your classic high tea savouries and sweets, to their seafood high tea sets with oysters, pan seared scallops and smoked salmon, the boutique teahouse aims to get your creative juices flowing by tantalising your taste buds.

Head Outdoors
The lion city may be small and covered in blocks after blocks of high-rise buildings as far as the eyes can see, but hidden among the urbanity are these&nbsp;<a href="https://www.https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/blog/best-nature-trails-singapore?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=oct-2021_ways-to-fight-cabin-feverparkhotelgroup.com/en/stories/best-nature-trails-singapore" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best nature trails in Singapore</a>. Get some fresh air amongst the lush flora and fauna at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, also the first and only tropical garden officially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Kids who are aspiring horticulturists and green fingers will love the Botanic Garden's variety of educational programmes from forest tours to a storytelling session.
Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve is another popular nature trail in Singapore. As Singapore&rsquo;s first ASEAN Heritage Park, the wetlands provide visitors a gateway into the life that flourishes in the mangroves, such as herons, kingfishers, sunbirds and mudskippers. Trek through this serene ecological jewel and discover life outside of the city&rsquo;s bustle.

Explore Museums
The National Gallery Singapore has long been known to run various kids and family programmes throughout the year, so spare a few afternoons and discover exhibitions, workshops and activities that both you and your family can participate in. From drop-in family activities that changes every month, to family art workshops and Stories in Art that brings kids on a journey of story behind artworks, it&rsquo;s easy to spend the entire day at the National Gallery for a fun, enriching experience.
End the day with an authentic Cantonese experience at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.yan.com.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yan</a>&nbsp;and feast on chef&rsquo;s signatures or dim sum platters and stay at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/singapore/grand-park-city-hall?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=oct-2021_ways-to-fight-cabin-fever" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grand Park City Hall</a>&nbsp;for a relaxing getaway with your little ones.

Let The Kids Run Free when You Dine Alfresco
Dining together can be a great way to unwind and spend some downtime with your family. Be it dining alfresco and enjoy the evening breeze, or eat at the comfort of your home or room and call for delivery from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/singapore/grand-park-city-hall/tablescape?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=oct-2021_ways-to-fight-cabin-fever" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tablescape</a>, be spoilt for choice as you explore ways to lavish your family with a new dining experience.
New experiences are always around the corner, so be it choosing to take an idyllic weekend getaway with your family, or simply having a meal out on the town, it&rsquo;s time to fight cabin fever create memories with your loved ones this March.

5 Ways To Fight Cabin Fever

Staying indoors can get suffocating, especially when kids are filled with energy just ready to go for a day out. With the COVID-19 virus dampening the mood, these are 5 places where you can still go and do fun things while taking a breather from being cooped up indoors.

Best Things To Do In Singapore | Indoor And Outdoor | Park Hotel Group

6 Wonders of Xian
With over 3,000 years of history, Xi'an (西安) is often referred to as the birthplace of Chinese civilisation. As the oldest surviving capital of ancient China, the city is home to some of China's most influential historical monuments, ancient ruins and heritage sites. Looking for a centrally located accomodation in Xian to start your cultural adventure? Stay at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/xian/grand-park-xian?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=phg-blog&amp;utm_campaign=oct-2021_wonders-of-xian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grand Park Xian</a>&nbsp;for convenient access to the best Xian attractions and look forward to a comfortable night stay after a long day of exploring.

1.&nbsp;Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Located within the Daci'en Temple compound, this well-preserved UNESCO Heritage Site is renowned for its impressive collection of Buddhist sutras and statues. Walk through the seven-story pagoda to appreciate the history of valuable Buddhist artefacts and be treated with panoramic views of the city at the top. The best times to visit is in the early morning to avoid the crowd or late in the evening when the pagoda and surrounding areas becomes beautifully iilluminated with glittering lights.&nbsp;

2. Muslim Quarters
A lively and colourful neighbourhood that houses a large enclave of Muslim community in Xi'an, spend an evening at the Muselim Quarters for a peek into the life of a local. Wander down narrowly paved roads to taste some of Xian&rsquo;s distinctive street snacks, purchase unique souvenirs for friends and family back home, watch cultural performances on the street and interact with the friendly locals!

3. Xian City Wall
Just a short walk away from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/xian/grand-park-xian?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=phg-blog&amp;utm_campaign=oct-2021_wonders-of-xian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grand Park Xian</a>, step into a portal of the past at this iconic military fortress that was built during the Ming dynasty to protect the city. Take a long stroll, hop on a bike or rent a buggy to explore one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China that showcases both old and new Xian. Don't miss interesting performances such as the Changing Of the Guards ceremony that take place throughout the day.

4. Tangbo Art Museum
This hidden gem boasts a cosy collection of masterpieces ranging from Shaanxi folk art to historical paintings and artworks from local contemporary artists. At the end of your guided tour, get a hands-on lesson on Chinese calligraphy, paper-cutting or even making a shadow puppet!

5. Xian cuisine
Food in Xian should be considered a wonder of its own! Influenced by its location on the fabled Silk Road where traders around Asia gathered in the past, Xian is a food haven that is inspired by a melting pot of cultures and traditions. The city is also a popular destination for Muslim travellers, who have plenty of halal food options to choose from.&nbsp;
One of the city's must-eat is a bowl of Biang Biang noodles.&nbsp;Originating from Xi'an, the popularity behind this hand-made broad noodle mixed with chilli oil isn't only because of its addictive taste, but also for having the most complex Chinese characters in a single word with an impressive total of 58 strokes.&nbsp;
Every city has a signature local dish. In Xi'an,&nbsp;Yang Rou Pao Mo&nbsp;羊肉泡饃 is deeply loved by both locals and tourists for being a nourishing meal of crumbled flatbread soaked in savoury mutton gravy that is perfect for cold weather!&nbsp;

6. Terracotta Army
A trip to Xian isn&rsquo;t complete without a visit to the Terracotta Army Museum, a 40 minutes drive away from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/xian/grand-park-xian?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=phg-blog&amp;utm_campaign=oct-2021_wonders-of-xian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grand Park Xian</a>. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often called the Eighth Wonder of The World, stand in awe of more than 8,000 Terracotta figures that were sculpted during the Qin dynasty to protect the tomb of China's first Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Opt for an audio tour or private guide for the best way to immerse yourself in the exhibits and make the most out of your trip.&nbsp;

Things to do in Xi'an

As the oldest surviving capital of ancient China, the city is home to a collection of influential historical monuments, ancient ruins and heritage sites that continue to attract and enthral tourists and locals alike. Influenced by its location at the eastern terminus of the famed Silk Road where traders around Asia crossed path, modern-day Xi'an is now a cosmopolitan city with a melting pot of cultures and cuisine.

Things to do in Xian | Xian Travel Tips  | Park Hotel Group

It&rsquo;s no secret that most of us love a good deal, and this is especially true for travel. A recent report by SkyScanner revealed that &ldquo;splurget&rdquo; trips are the next travel trend, where travellers holiday on a budget with an indulgent splurge. Go ahead, embark on your dream getaway without spending a fortune with these 5 travel tips on how to save, so that you can spend more on what truly matters.
<h3 style="text-align: center;">1. PLAN EARLY&nbsp;&amp; PLAN WELL</h3>

Starting early on your travel planning will put you at the forefront of scoring the best deals. Take advantage of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/offers/advance-purchase-offer?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_5-best-travel-planning-tips" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Advanced Purchase hotel offers</a>&nbsp;to save up to 35% on accommodation when you book at least 45 days in advance. Flexible with your vacation dates? Prices tend to be lower during off-peak season, and you&rsquo;ll get to enjoy some peace and quiet away from the rush of tourist crowd. If you&rsquo;re an adventurer with no destination in mind, check out our&nbsp;2019 Travel Calendar&nbsp;on the best places to visit in Asia.&nbsp;
<h3 style="text-align: center;">2. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS&nbsp;</h3>
&nbsp;

Finding the best flight fares is an art on its own. Flight aggregators like the user-friendly Google Flights is a one-stop-shop to compare prices, monitor price drops and search for multi-city fares before making the purchase. Rumour&nbsp;has it that cheap flights can be found on Tuesdays... but we&rsquo;ll leave you to find out!&nbsp;
<h3 style="text-align: center;">3. BOOK DIRECT&nbsp;FOR THE BEST RATES</h3>

Finding the perfect accommodation at the right price can be a daunting task with a plethora of booking sites available on the web.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/best-rate-guarantee" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Book direct</a>&nbsp;to access benefits such as best rate guarantee, exclusive rates, complimentary wi-fi, earn PARK$ and more. When it comes to travel accommodation, the details matter. A flexible change of plan policy allows you to travel with a peace of mind in the event of an emergency. Celebrating a special occasion? Leave a note in the Special Request section and you might open the door to a surprise during your stay!
<h3 style="text-align: center;">4. SPEND &amp; BE REWARDED WITH LOYALTY PROGRAMMES&nbsp;</h3>

Whether it&rsquo;s enjoying special perks, ease of convenience or a sense of familiarity, there are plenty of benefits in signing up with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/park-rewards?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_5-best-travel-planning-tips" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Park Rewards</a>, Park Hotel Group&rsquo;s free-to-join dedicated loyalty programme. Stay or dine to earn PARK$ and enjoy easy online access to a catalogue of rewards faster with greater flexibility. Think no expiry, no blackout dates and the freedom to #DineShopStayRepeat
<h3 style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;5. TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL&nbsp;</h3>

From&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/blog/hong-kong-neighbourhoods?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_5-best-travel-planning-tips" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hood-hopping in charming enclaves in Hong Kong</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/blog/rich-experiences-in-singapore?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_5-best-travel-planning-tips" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tracing the steps of the Crazy Rich Asians scenes in Singapore</a>, explore like the locals do. Sign up for free walking tours and get to know the city inside out. &nbsp;&nbsp;For an authentic experience, head to the markets to indulge in native cuisine and open your palate to new flavours. Forget the kitschy magnets and bring home with one-of-a-kind keepsakes that last,&nbsp;from Yunnan's exquisite Dai embroidary&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/blog/best-of-hokkaido?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_5-best-travel-planning-tips" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Otaru&rsquo;s hand-blown glass pieces</a>.&nbsp;Skip the busy tourist districts and go off the beaten track to embark on a cultural journey, such as stepping into a portal to the past of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/blog/huishan-old-town?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=nov-2021_5-best-travel-planning-tips" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Huishan Old Town in Wuxi</a>.
&nbsp;
Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Unsplash, Pexel, Pexel, Grand Park Xi An, Park Rewards, Getty Images.&nbsp;

5 Travel Tips to Know Before You Travel

Writing down a ‘to-do’ list is always a good start, and this way you will be sure that nothing is left at home. If you are planning your dream trip here are 5 travel tips to know before you travel.

5 Travel Tips to Know Before You Travel | Park Hotel Group

Now you&rsquo;ve made up your mind to visit Yunnan, one of the most diverse, fascinating and lush provinces in China, and&nbsp;homeground of Pu erh tea. You&rsquo;ll probably wonder how long the trip should be, and how many days should you be spending in <a title="Kunming" href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/destination-kunming?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=phg-blog&amp;utm_campaign=oct-2021_5-must-see-attractions-yunnan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kunming</a>, the capital of Yunnan, known as the City of Eternal Spring.
Kunming is the gateway to exploring some of the most beautiful, peculiar, breathtaking and unique natural landscapes of Yunnan, as it is the transportation hub in the region.&nbsp;A typical trip to Yunnan usually last about 6-7 days, it includes Kunming &ndash; Dali &ndash; Lijiang, and Shangri-la if you have 2-3 more days to spare. Stay at a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/kunming/grand-park-kunming?utm_source=brand_website&amp;utm_medium=phg-blog&amp;utm_campaign=oct-2021_5-must-see-attractions-yunnan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hotel near the attractions</a>&nbsp;will save you more time.
We&rsquo;ll recommend at least 2 days in Kunming to cover all the beautiful attractions in the city such as Dian Lake, Stone Forest, Western Hills and the Minority Villages, then travel out of the city to visit other splendid landscapes in the Yunnan provinces.
Here are 5 jaw-dropping beautiful destinations in the Yunnan province which are within a few hours from Kunming.
<h3 style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;1. Dongchuan Red Land&nbsp;</h3>

Famed as the &ldquo;God&rsquo;s Palette&rdquo;, Dongchuan Red Land (东川红土地) features the most typical red soil in Yunnan highland. The land reflects strong colours of red, white, yellow, green etc. create a majestic view of the mountain. It has risen to be the most beloved paradise by the photographers and backpackers of the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Distance from Kunming: 175KM&nbsp; Estimated Travel Time: 4.5 hrs drive/ 6 hrs bus ride.&nbsp;
<h3 style="text-align: center;">2. Lijiang&nbsp;</h3>

Lijiang (丽江) is a fairyland blessed with crisp air, clear lakes and captivating snow-capped mountains. Soak up the local atmosphere at the narrow streets of the charming Lijiang Old Town, a well-preserved World Cultural Heritage Site listed by UNESCO. Enjoy the scenery at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山), where every step up the mountain takes you to an awe-inspiring scene. &nbsp;
Distance from Kunming: 648KM, via Dali 248KM&nbsp; Estimated Travel Time: 1hr flight from Kunming, 6.5 hrs drive/ bus ride.&nbsp;
<h3 style="text-align: center;">3. Xishuangbanna&nbsp;</h3>

Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), a city within an hour&rsquo;s flight from Kunming, is a sunny region that reminds visitors of Thailand. It is a great place to learning the Dai Minority&rsquo;s culture, costumes and architecture, perfect for those looking for sunshine, jungle trekking and some water-splashing fun during the annual Dai Water Splashing Festival. &nbsp;
Distance from Kunming: 520KM&nbsp; Estimated Travel Time: 1 hr. 10 min. via plane.
&nbsp;4. Dali

Sandwiched between the mountains and the clear waters of Erhai Lake, Dali (大理) is a laidback region full of exciting and beautiful sights. Take a stroll along Erhai Lake. You&rsquo;ll find the beauty of Dali is a woven tapestry of sunshine, lake breeze, reflections of blue water and clear sky of primitive simplicity and purity.
Distance from Kunming: 400KM&nbsp; Estimated Travel Time: 45-55 min. via plane, 2-3 hrs via train.&nbsp;
<h3 style="text-align: center;">5.&nbsp;Yuan Yang Terraced Rice Fields &nbsp;</h3>
&nbsp;

Located at the Honghe Prefecture in the Yunnan Province, Yuanyang (元阳) is home to some of the most amazing landscapes in the world. Along the cliffs of mountains above 2000 meters sea level, lies the spectacular terraces that cascade down to the banks of the Red River. A true heaven for photographers.
Distance from Kunming: 140KM&nbsp; Estimated Travel Time: 5.5 hrs drive/ 5-6 hrs bus ride.&nbsp;

5 Must-See Attractions in Yunnan 

Here are 5 spectacular landscapes in Yunnan accessible from Kunming City in under a few hours.