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My Romantic Travel   →  Events and Festivals
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Traditional Chinese Wedding Celebrations

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

One of the largest and most populous countries in the world, the People’s Republic of China is an awe inspiring destination to visit. China is home to a diverse geography due to its sheer size. You will come across deserts, mountains, plains and beaches if you travel across the country. With a history spanning over thousands of years the Chinese are a proud nation. China is the home to the ancient Silk Road which connected Asia with Europe. Traders travelled this route taking with them Chinese silk to European countries even before the birth of Christ. Today this fascinating country is one of the world’s fastest growing economies and is a major financial and political player in the global arena.

Traditional Chinese wedding celebrations consist of many rituals and traditions. Although at present most Chinese do get married by their own will, according to tradition the parents decide whom one will get married to. Usually the grooms’ parents will send a matchmaker to the brides’ family with a proposal. If the brides’ parents give consent, then the birth dates of the couple will be matched for future fortune. The grooms’ family will then send a betrothal letter and wedding gifts to the brides’ family. Then the two families would decide on a wedding date and arrange the ceremony. This process is known as the six etiquettes in Chinese traditional culture. The traditional Chinese bride usually wears the colour red for good fortune and the wedding banquets are quite elaborate with as many as ten courses being served.

Home to world renowned Chinese cuisine, the country itself has a wide variety of fare to offer. You will notice that local food differ depending on the region of the country. However no matter where you are in China you can easily find delightful dishes to fulfil your appetite. Street food is also extremely popular especially in the major cities.

While visiting China luxury hotels can easily be found in cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong. One of world’s legendary hotels that have established their presence in China is Peninsula Hotels an excellent option where you will be pampered with world class service and you can simply relax and absorb the greatness of the People’s Republic of China.

Categories Travel

Weddings in China

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

Rich in history, China boasts a wealth of cultural traditions and beliefs that can be seen even today. Weddings in China are an example of a cultural event that provides fascinating insights into the traditional practices.

A traditional Chinese wedding begins with the proposal, usually facilitated by a matchmaker who acts on behalf of the families of both the potential bride and groom. The main parties in these negotiations are the parents rather than the couple. Once the prospective parties are in agreement, the betrothal process begins. When an agreement is reached and engagement tokens have been presented, the families would then decide on the most favourable auspicious day for the wedding ceremony.

Two important rituals take place on the wedding day and they are both symbols of the bride and groom’s progression into adulthood. The ‘hair dressing’ ritual concerns the bride who on the dawn of her wedding bathes with water that has been mixed with pumelo that is believed to purify her from evil influences. This is followed by the bride being attended to by a person referred to as the ‘good luck woman’, who styles her hair in a traditional manner while speaking words believed to bring about good fortune. The ‘capping’ ritual involves the groom who puts on a red sash and a pair of red shoes before going and kneeling at the altar of his family. The groom’s father then places a cap adorned with cypress leaves on his son’s head. Since red is symbolic of joy, the bride and groom usually have a lot of red in their attire.

The wedding itself is a simple ceremony which centres on paying homage to family ancestors, ‘Heaven and Earth’ and ‘Tsao-Chun’, the Kitchen God. The ceremony also includes the offering of tea with two lotus seeds or red dates to the parents of the groom. An important element of the wedding is the subsequent banquet where family and friends join together to celebrate the union.

Travellers looking for luxury accommodation can stay at such Shanghai five star hotels as Millennium Hongqiao Hotel Shanghai which offers the very best in facilities and services. Located in the Hongqiao area, this luxurious Shanghai hotel caters to business and leisure travellers alike.

Categories Travel

Hanoi Opera House

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on


Vietnam promises a rich setting and does not disappoint with a fascinating and picturesque country. Despite a history which appears tragic, the stunning scenery and captivating culture make it a must-visit destination. With steely determination, Vietnamese approach the new milieu with optimism shedding its old cloak of war and communism. Stunning coastlines, bountiful fields and rural scenery continue to elude the capitalistic world that beckons.


Located on the bank of the Red river is the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi where one will find a fusion of both east and west intermingled with Chinese and French effects. Despite years of revolutions, the city today appears rising like a phoenix. Architectural influences from the 1970s and 1980s are distinctly visible around the city centre.


Visitors to the city will be amazed at the lush landscapes and colonial buildings creating a salubrious environment. The steep history of the city offers many sites of historical importance to visit and admire. The prehistoric site known as the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a popular haunt. Declared a world heritage site, this edifice resonates the country’s preserved relics. Other places of note include the Temple of Litereature, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Water puppet theatre to name a few.


A symbolic building in the capital is the Hanoi Opera House. Located in the center of the town, this architectural masterpiece was constructed and designed by the French. As a result, European renaissance structures are prevalent in the design. Initially limited to only the performances of western artists, latterly this include all major entertainers and even conferences and meetings of repute were hosted in this venue.


Renowned as the largest theatre in the country, recent renovations has seen the state of the art amenities that are helping to propel this building into the world arena. The recent renovations add further grandeur to the edifice.


A short distance away from the Hanoi town is the Somerset Hoa Binh. This Serviced Apartment Hanoi is the ideal venue to unwind. These Hanoi apartments are spacious offering superlative conveniences in a comfortable and stylishly serviced residency. The Somerset Hoa Binh’s personalized services will definitely provide an exceptional experience contributing to the perfect getaway.

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Soothing Sounds of The Beijing Music Festival

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

From the ancient times onwards china has been a culturally rich continent with diverse talent that has resulted in changing the world in a great deal. Beijing city is currently grooms many festivals that sheds light on this rich age old culture. Among many the Beijing Music Festival is a well celebrated event that has taken place annually since 1998.Tthe event intertwines various sounds and rhythms from the world all over, thus opening doors to all the musicians.

You are guaranteed to find music to suite your personal taste from Opera, symphonic, classical jazz or even dance drama. The event continues for about one month commencing from mid October. the festival presents about 30 odd performances which comprises of famous artists as tenors Jose Carreras & Kathleen Battle, pianists Martha Argerich, Fou Ts’ong, violinists Issac Stern, and conductor Valery Gergiev.

Other than appeasing ones ear the event also smphasises on music education and public welfare by providing free concerts for children. China’s pro-active stance to uplift its culture has certainly created a positive impact with the help of The Beijing Music Festival.

Although this is a little out of the ordinary romantic experience music being the language of love, this is an excellent opportunity for you to appease your easthetic sences. You can be part of this event while residing at a Beijing Hotel with abundant of services.

The video below is a minor glimpse of what you can grasp at this festival.

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Loy Kathrong-a magical festival in a magical land

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
Many of the multi ethnic countries in the world are full of colorful festivities, Thailand is one of them. Its Chinese influence brought in the lunar calendar giving attention to its special dates. On a full moon evening of the 12th month one such festival takes place, Loi Krathong.

The festival takes place at throughout the country; city, towns or villages. Loi meaning float and Kathrong defining part of a banana tree trunk a floating device is created. On this night Thais will float their beautifully decorated Kathrong of various sizes in ponds, lakes and rivers illuminate every corner of the country. Although back in the days this ritual was taken place to pay respect to the spirit of water and many more now days it’s simply for fun time with family & friends.

You can witness this breathtaking festival while your stay at any Bangkok Hotel. This is just another reason to why you should visit the magical Thailand. If you are search of a romantic cultural getaway here is another reason to pack your bags!

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The City of Angels

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

Showered by a sub Mediterranean climate USA’s second most populous city Los Angeles is known for many other aspects than “Hollywood”. Diverse climate is a result of its unique geographical positioning as a hilly coastal plain. Encircled by the Pacific Ocean to its south and west the city resides from the Santa Monica to San Gabriel Mountains from the east. Thus opening doors to many canyons and valleys for the wondering eye to explore. This is an ideal getaway for couples who enjoy exploring the diverse regions of USA.

Its diverse Spanish-American culture fills the daylight while the nightlife is kept alive by the party animals that crawls the city the streets till the break of dawn. If you are less of a party fanatic there are many aesthetic cravings that you can savor which could be found in the Los Angeles Country Museum of Arts.

The many Los Angeles hotels will pamper you with relaxing spas and local to international gastronomic cravings that will present you with a complete romantic escapade.

Categories Travel

Thai Silk

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

Around 5 millenniums ago, Chinese Empress Si Ling-Chi discovered silk by a fluke. Si Ling-Chi developed the sericulture, the science of silk production, and also introduced silk garments to the world. Thousands of years later it was spread across the world, including Thailand. Thai silk industry dates back to some 3000 years, according to the archaeological discoveries. Whereas the oldest evidence for Thai silk is reported from Baan Chiang, a heritage site in Udon Thani Province.

Towards the northeast of Thailand is the Khorat Plateau, popular for being the country’s hub of silk industry. From raising the silkworms called Bombyx mori, to weaving graceful silk fabrics, Khorat Plateau oversees the silk production and also supplies rose silk since many years. At present, Thai silk is acclaimed as the finest fabric in the world.


Bombyx mori silkworm is hatched from the silk moth’s eggs and they feed on mulberry leaves. After feasting on the leaves the silkworm spin a fluffy cocoon using their spittle. The colours of the cocoon vary from pastel green to light gold, while the total length of its fibrils spans from 500 to 1500 yards. It is soaked in boiling water to separate the fibrils.

It takes several fibrils to produce one fine silk thread strong enough for weaving. Some use machines while a majority use hand-reeling to produce these raw silk thread. Its natural yellowish colour is removed by immersing the skeins in hydrogen peroxide. Before the weaving process, the raw silk is again soaked in hot water and dyed in vibrant colours. Weaving is done using traditional handloom methods, after washing and drying the silk yarn.

Unlike other types of silk, Thai silk have special attributes that defines its prominence. The special lustre of Thai silk comes from its triangular shaped fibres, reflecting an iridescent similar to a prism. The sheen and lustre of the silk also changes alluringly according to the angle and the reflection of light. To authenticate the quality of Thai silk, the fabrics are also given a special peacock emblem. The peacock emblem has a range of colours such as gold, silver, blue and green symbolizing its production method, quality and authenticity.

Products made from Thai silk are handbags, handkerchiefs, neckties, readymade clothes, scarves and even photo frames. Travellers to Bangkok can find these rich silk products at any popular shopping mall, silk fabric shop, department store, shopping plaza as well as in the nearby Chiang Mai City. Visitors can find comfortable lodging at a cosy Bangkok apartment such as those available at Bangkok President Park, a Bangkok service apartment complex. Visitors can take pleasure in a delightful shopping extravaganza while gaining an insight into the art of Thai silk production.

Categories Travel

Arts in the Park

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
On its surface, Singapore can be dismissed out of hand by the weary traveler as yet another sterile and superficial Asian city, a mere shopaholic’s dream. However, this description barely scratches the surface of the soul and innovation of its people who are the product of a cultural and ethnic melting pot, shaped by the influences of all four corners of the globe. This trait is best showcased when the normally staid and orderly streets erupt in the profusion of light and color brought on by a national festival.

The Arts in the Park Festival can be said to be one of the most charismatic and vivacious of the Singaporean calendar of events. Held throughout the month of July, coinciding with the riotous Food Festival, this event features a myriad of musical and dramatic performances, arts shows and street theatre all coming to life in makeshift performance and exhibition venues formed by the city-state’s many parks and outdoor venues. Musical performances are the most appreciated type of entertainment by the masses in search of revelry, from choir to bands to Chinese Orchestra, although it is customary to find almost any type of street entertainment amply well attended with jam-packed crowds.

The Arts in the Park Festival puts great emphasis on the creative development of children and youths. As such, most of the amateur drama and concerts which take place in the beautifully landscaped and famously clean parks of the city are comprised of students and young adults. The Art Park in particular has a Park Stage for such performances, as well as the Trees of Arts and Creativity Stage which facilitate interactions between adult audiences and the young talent, creating an environment of artistic enrichment and inter-generational dialogue through the medium of the arts. The Art Park also hosts exhibitions featuring the entries submitted to the art competition organized by the Urban Redevelopment Authority, which was introduced as a means of commemorating the new bridge at whose northern end the park is located.

This is only one of the many such draws and entertainments offered by Singapore during the summer months which can be enjoyed by tourists staying at a Singapore hotel. For those looking for a five star hotel in Singapore that affords them both ease of access to the Festival’s most happening places and value for money, you can’t go wrong when making a reservation at the Raffles Hotel, Singapore. Located at the heart of the city-state’s business district and in convenient proximity to its major transport links, the colonial style hotel is also a Singaporean landmark and the first choice of the elite and the exclusive.

Categories Travel

Chelsea Flower Show

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

One of the great metropolises of the world, London is a dichotomy of royalist traditionalism and high society meeting modern cosmopolitan commerce. Of the calendar of the city’s social events that annually draw crowds from all over the globe; none blends the aforementioned aspects together as seamlessly as the Chelsea Flower Show.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, or the Great Spring Show as it is officially called, is the red-letter event of the world’s leading horticultural organization, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). This gargantuan enterprise is one of the highlights of London’s social season, being the gardening equivalent of the Milan catwalk shows. It is an event which usually spans five days, the first two permitting attendance only to the members of the RHS and the royal family whose patronage the RHS enjoys. Having been held in an annual tradition spanning 200 years, the exhibition has long been hosted within the 11 acre grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London.

The cream of the world’s garden designers, landscape artists and nurseries come together to compete for the medals awarded to the best creations and “show gardens” (small delightfully imaginative inspirational gardens), introduce new varieties of flora and revive the appeal of older varieties. The centerpiece of the show is the Grand Pavilion, which is a vibrant floral marquee showcasing the best in horticultural achievement of the most elite names in the world of gardening.

Despite being televised by the BBC and receiving a lot of press, only around 150,000 visitors can be admitted to the show each year due to the limitations of ground capacity and tickets are sold out well in advance. Children under the age of 5 are not admitted. It can take a full day of walking to explore the numerous gardens, so visitors are advised to plan their day ahead of time using the show catalogues which are issued with the tickets, wear comfortable shoes and bring umbrellas in case of rain. Those unlucky enough to miss out can buy the official DVD of the event which is issued by the RHS.

For visitors staying at a London apartment hotel especially in the exclusive district of Mayfair, this is the must-not-miss social event of the season. Ascott London Mayfair is highly recommended for seekers of luxury London serviced apartments who wish for prime access to this and many more of the city’s high society events.

Categories Travel

Music and Dance in Hong Kong

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on


Towards the south of China rests Hong Kong an archipelago of 260 islets, renowned as one of the heavily populated regions of the World. Notable for its striking landscapes and soaring skyscrapers, Hong Kong is a major financial capital as well as a cultural and business center in the world.

Hong Kong is the birthplace for several popular music genres including Cantopop. The term Cantopop is derived from Cantonese Popular Music also known as Hong Kong Popular Music (HK-pop). Cantopop is influenced by a wide variety of popular genres such as Chinese music, Rhythm and Blues (R&B), electronica (electronic music), pop, jazz and rock.

If you prefer classical music, you would not want to miss the Cantonese Opera – a type of traditional musical drama. Originally an art form bestowed from the Cantonese culture of Southern China, Cantonese Opera is a fine fusion of singing, music, acrobatics, martial arts as well as acting.

To gain an insight into Hong Kong culture, you can indulge in the bravura performance of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. While inspiring and promoting musical appreciation amongst local inhabitants the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra claims to have a century old history entertaining 200,000 music aficionados with 150 performances every year.

Other than the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, there are various orchestras based in Hong Kong such as SAR Philharmonic Orchestra, City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and Pan Asia Symphony Orchestra in addition to Hong Kong Sinfonietta.

Not only music, but also many types of dance styles ranging from ballet to flamenco and even tango are performed and practiced throughout Hong Kong. Institutes such as Alan Li Dancing Studio, Angela Lau Dance Studio, B Major Flamenco Club, Academy of Dance and Feliz Primavera Tango Shoes, among others, teach diverse dancing styles whilst enriching the performing arts of Hong Kong.

Moreover to observe scores of alluring musical and dancing performances, you can drop by at Hong Kong Arts Centre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts or the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s (LCSD) performing venues, where you can savor various shows of visiting and local performers. To study dance forms and also watch the performances, try the institutes such as Hong Kong Dance Company, City Contemporary Dance Company or Hong Kong Ballet.

You can also capture the vibrant festivals hosted all year around in Hong Kong including the Hong Kong Arts Festival scheduled in February and March, the International Arts Carnival in the summer and the Thematic Arts Festival in October and November.

You can enjoy a host of music from classical to contemporary and many dance forms from traditional to modern, while staying at a comfortable Hong Kong hotel such as the Cosmopolitan Hotel. You can take pleasure in an array of amenities and services while savoring some of the most delectable cosmopolitan dishes at a Hong Kong hotel, with the advantage of having convenient access to many performing venues in Hong Kong.