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China's largest city—and its most cosmopolitan Shanghai is a luxurious playground for the well-heeled, with Michelin-star dining, high-end fashion houses, and over-the-top hotels. The Huangpu River splits the city into two districts: Pudong and Puxi. The Pudong skyline looks like it was ripped from the Jetsons; on the Puxi side, you can walk the Bund riverside district to get a taste of old Shanghai. The food scene is phenomenal; take advantage of tours that focus on local eats, like dumpling houses. Also, don’t miss the chance to fill your suitcase with custom-made clothing from bespoke shops. #springblossoms#leaveyourmark

Night Walk

Beauty at night! the feeling of not crowded streets of a tourist spot in Lijiang. You can see the beauty of the place when it’s less people but sometimes you miss it when it’s crowded and busy. I think of that back when everything is normal. Most of my friends recommends staying at Shuhe Ancient Town as it is not so touristic place not like the Lijiang Old Town. I like this place more as it’s not too crowded and not fancy as the main town in Lijiang. The feeling of emptiness #urbanexplorer #shuheoldtown #lijiang #yunnan #china #explorewithtony #naturelover #adventure #life #photographersdayoff #leaveyourmark

Cables Caves Temples

Stunning view of the city when your riding the cable car! It’s defiantly a must when you travel to Kunming to get your best luck touching and asking for wishes at the Kunming dragon gate! it’s very historical site where Buddhist caves are carved and paths in this mountain. The place is kinda tiring to walk up but it’s a great experience and adding good memories. best not to wear slippers sharp rocks around. #urbanexplorer #dragongate #kunming #yunnan #china #explorewithtony #naturelover #adventure #life #photographersdayoff #leaveyourmark

Feels Local

Enjoying bread, ham and eggs for breakfast? Not when you travel to other country! When we are in Huahin we said that our breakfast will be only on this place! they have a good noodles soup plus a good milk tea! best to come early for breakfast or early for dinner because the line will be long! Best of Jek Piek Coffee Shop! Its a must try! #urbanexplorer #huahin #bangkok #thailand #china #explorewithtony #naturelover #adventure #life #photographersdayoff #leaveyourmark

Great Relaxation Spot in Vietnam

Mui Né isn’t one of Vietnam’s most famous cities, but it should be! This city is a bit of a surfer’s paradise as it’s surrounded by beaches with the perfect conditions for catching waves. Outside of surfing and catching rays on the beach, you can also visit a local fishing village and the Fairy Stream for something a little different 🙂 #leaveyourmark#urbanexplorer

End of the world

As the name goes on, it's almost looks like the end of the world when I'm walking and sitting on the edges of these mountains. You cannot see anything far behind and the clouds just fill up the valley; which made me feel like the clouds can take me if only they can bear my weight haha. This famous falls is named after a woman, called Nogalikai whose story is that she was an ordinary woman but did extraordinary things to save her family and then when she was cheated she felt broken and died because of that. So these water coming out of that mountain is said to be her tears falling from heaven. Thus even today the local people admire this falls to be sacred and you're not allowed to take any leaves back home from this place, as it is a sin. #leaveyourmark #urbanexplorer #indiatravel #northeast #leaveyourmark#urbanexplorer

When in Xining, don’t forget to wander the streets to admire the wide variety of ingredients, spices and snacks! From freshly baked bread, biscuits and cakes to meat and sacks of different spices, all of your senses will be in for a right treat!⠀ ⠀ We spent about an hour just walking up and down each side of the streets in downtown Xining and came across a wonderful array of local food, and wanted to try absolutely everything that came into sight. Have you tried any of the items featured here?⠀ ⠀ 📍Xining, Qinghai Province, China #leaveyourmark

We couldn’t stop drooling over all the incredible food options available to us when strolling through the streets and local market of Danzhai. From freshly cured meats and sweets to grilled tofu, sweet potatoes and more, we could have easily stayed an entire day just feasting on food - including these awesome cold rice noodles. 🥢 Cold rice noodles, DIY style. Customised to taste using an array of sauces / condiments and toppings. Just look at those heaped bowls 😍 📍Danzhai Food Street, Guizhou, China #leaveyourmark

We travelled 1.5 hours from Libo to Danzhai to experience batik art first-hand; a craft inherited through generations among the Miao ethnic group. While we were disappointed that it wasn’t the intimate workshop we had hoped for in terms of learning more about the history of the craft and the meaning behind the designs and motifs we saw (we were led to a huge open plan room, handed pots of melted wax and told to just get on with it 😆), we loved exploring shops filled with delicately decorated batik prints hidden within the streets of the town, alongside intricate architecture and a street a filled with life. 📍Danzhai, Guizhou, China #leaveyourmark

An ancient confection, a theatrical preparation. This simple treat, traditionally made from sugar and maltose syrup, is as fun to eat as it is to watch being made. The syrup is simmered and cooled to form a gel-like substance, then, while dipping it repeatedly through the flour, the confectioner shapes it into a ring that they then proceed to fold into figures of eight until it separates into the finest of hairs. Essentially, it’s hand-pulled cotton candy! 🍭 🥢 麦芽糖 / Also known as Dragon’s Beard Candy 📍Luoyang Ancient Town, Luoyang, Henan, China #leaveyourmark

Lijiang Old Town is a super picturesque place to spend an afternoon when travelling through Lijiang itself. It’s also a well-preserved ancient Naxi town that’s 1,000+ years old and UNESCO listed in 1997. From cute boutique shops filled with local handicraft items, to cozy cafes and local restaurants boating a wide range of flavourful dishes, you could easily get lost in the huge network of alleys and canals. 📍Lijiang Old Town, Yunnan #leaveyourmark

The thousand household village, and the largest Miao village in China. Set in the natural basin of a valley, surrounded by paddy fields, wooden houses on stilts (known as diao jiao lou, 豆角楼) rise up off the grounds covering the hillsides. Comprised of three storeys, the first usually is usually used for storage of tools and livestock; the second acts as the bedroom, living room, kitchen; the third is used to store grain and other products. From long table banquets and colorful performances to incredible viewing decks and unique local eats, you’ll need to stay at least two days to experience everything Xijiang Miao Village has to offer. 📍Xijiang Miao Village, Guizhou, China #leaveyourmark

Mati Temple was built in the Jin Dynasty, and features a series of grottoes that blend into the cliff face! In total there are 7 small grotto groups that stretch over 30km, and legend has it that this temple was so named because a sacred horse left a footprint in the rock here - which you can also see inside the temple!). Aside from the grottoes, the area itself is super beautiful, with lush greenery surrounding the entire area. 📍Mati Temple, Gansu Province, China #leaveyourmark

An ancient fortress amidst an arid landscape (somewhat)🏰 The Jiayuguan Pass is located in the northwest of Gansu Provinxe, and was a key hub for traffic passing along the Silk Road. Apart from the wall itself, which is part of the Great Wall, there are a few historical artefacts you can view! We spent an afternoon walking along the wall, and it was so interesting to be able to walk along a part of the Great Wall that was not in Beijing! 📍Jiayuguan Pass, Jiayuguan, Gansu Province, China #leaveyourmark

One of the most visited tourist sites in Bogota - El Museo de Oro - or, the Museum of Gold. Here, we witnessed the largest collection of gold artefacts (said to be around 34,000 pieces) that showcase everything from pottery and textile objects to jewellery and more - all highlighting the country’s indigenous culture / past. An interesting and informative place to visit for anyone in the city! 📍El Museo de Oro, Bogota, Colombia #leaveyourmark

A Zhe Ke is a stunningly authentic village in the Honghe area of Yunnan. While here, we learned that locals will hold an annual banquet called the Long Street Banquet - every family will cook a dish or two, dress up and gather together with their neighbours to eat and celebrate. 📍A Zhe Ke, Yunnan, China #leaveyourmark

Walking through a village is one thing, but being invited to experience someone’s way of life is something we are always grateful for. We love how open a lot of people we meet can be, and this was no different during a visit to Tuanshan Village in Yunnan province. While exploring the small streets, clay-built houses and marvelling at the incredible view of the rice terraces nearby, we witnessed all of the locals coming together to eat outside. It was a special day for them, celebrating the life of one of their own who had recently passed. ⠀ ⠀ A sorrowful day for many, but when gathered together with tables full of food, they still managed to find that silver lining on the grey clouds and find the space within their hearts to welcome us in to see their way of life that little bit closer.⠀ ⠀ 📍Tuanshan Village, Yunnan Province, China #leaveyourmark

If you only have time to do one thing while in Jianshui, pay a visit to the tofu factory. ⠀ ⠀ An astonishing fact that we learned during our trip was that the local community still use fresh water collected from ancient wells scattered throughout the village. The water from each of these wells is used for different things, for example soaking the soybeans in preparation for making tofu!⠀ ⠀ Just next to an old well, Ximen Daban, is the Da Ban Jin (大板井) tofu factory. Inside, we saw a group of ladies forming tight little squares of freshly made tofu - using just their hands and a small cheese cloth - at lightening speed. Steaming buckets of freshly made beancurd are in constant rotation, and the sweet smell of steamed soy bean lingers in the air.⠀ ⠀ Once all packaged up, these tofu squares are shipped off to different restaurants where, to serve, these squares are left to dry a little bit before being grilled to perfection.⠀ ⠀ 📍 Da Ban Jin (大板井) Tofu Factory, Jianshui, Yunnan Province, China. #leaveyourmark

Yuanyang: a photographer’s dream...providing the weather cooperates! From November to early spring, the incredible rice terraces are flooded with water in preparation of the next harvest. Crafted by hand by the Hani people in Yunnan, these rice terraces are an amazing feat of hard work, and are now recognised as a UNESCO heritage site. 📍 Yuanyang, Yunnan Province, China #leaveyourmark

Tombs of the Kings !!

Wherever you see fort, then they should remind you that they have served an important part in the history. Also in the same way, tombs. Forts are generally designed to keep the king at an elevated position which represents that he is above all the people of his country; giving him an immortal status. These tombs play an important role in keeping that status alive. Like the mummies (preserved bodies of kings/queens) in Egypt, places were built for Kings in India. And these tombs come with such magnanimity and artistic work in that. Mostly these tombs are built when the king is alive, and the tomb will be of his taste (like nowadays buying that premium burial ground for ourself). Situated near to the Golconda fort, these tombs has bodies of kings who once lived in that fort. If you look from the top of that fort, you can easily see people coming at a distance of atleast 5 kms; which provides a strategic advantage against any enemy attacks. And later when the time is over, the kings are placed inside these tombs. Symbolizing life and death. #urbanexplorer #leaveyourmark #indiatravel #tombs #leaveyourmark#urbanexplorer

The Leaning Tower of Zhongshan

Above Sun Wen Xi Road rises a steep hill home to a verdant park. The very top is the site of the Fufengwen Pagoda, a famous and slightly less than vertical tower. It's not possible to enter the pagoda, but it's a good spot for a photo (and a good motivation to climb the stairs to the top of the hill!) Other park attractions include a memorial pavilion to Dr Sun Yat-sen, tennis and basketball courts, and pleasant walking paths. There are at least three entrances to the park, most of them leading to stairs, but there's one accessible entrance with a stair-free ascent of the hill. Visit the park together with the century-old Sun Wen Xi Road for an ideal visit to Zhongshan. #leaveyourmark #urbanexplorer #lightthecity #photography #travel #zhongshan #guangdong #park #pagoda

Serendipity

Even after four years of exploring Guangzhou it still holds surprises. Walking through the massive and hectic fabric market in Haizhu District, I came across the Chunyangguan, a Daoist temple complex built on a small rocky hill. Inside, a network of gardens, fountains, temples and pavilions provide a restful and contemplative haven. Something of the peace was destroyed by the relentless recitation of rules for visiting which are blasted by loudspeakers outside each temple, but fortunately there are quiet places to sit and meditate also. The highest point of the hill has a small tower you can climb for a good view of the surroundings. You can also get a fairly close up look at the ceramic rooftop decorations of one of the temples from here. Chunyangguan is about a 10-15 minute walk from Sun Yat-sen University Metro Station (中大站). Show your health code to enter. #LeaveYourMark #UrbanExplorer #LightTheCity #photography #travel #Dao #temple #Guangzhou #Guangdong #China #classical #architecture #peaceful #staycation

Off the beaten track in Sumatra

Medan, the major city of North Sumatra, is not well known as a tourist destination, but besides being a convenient launch point for more popular sites like Lake Toba, it also has attractions of its own. The city has a very authentic, lived-in feel, not dressed up for tourists. It's worth spending a few days and getting a feel for life for average Indonesians. Getting There - Medan airport is connected to the city by a rapid train, as well as taxis. Getting around the city is easiest by motorbike, so I recommend renting one. Lake Toba is also accessible by motorcycle (long ride). Attractions - The royal palace, the seat of the local sultan, is partly open to tourists. Part of the palace complex is inhabited by members of the sultan's family. The museum, designed like the traditional houses of the Indigenous peoples of the highlands, gives a good overview of the local history, particularly of the Indigenous tribes. It was a helpful preview for me before going up into the mountains. Food & Restaurants - There are many small eateries and a few fine restaurants and trendy cafés. Don't miss the Sibolang Durian Bar, where you can get an all-you-can-eat special on the stinky but sweet fruit. #LeaveYourMark #UrbanExplorer #LightTheCity #photography #travel #Indonesia #Medan #mosque #museum #palace #durian

Feel Light !!

Shanghai is always home to many stupendous brunch spots, with perfect outdoor patio seating during the spring. As we today visited one of the most talked about patio seating restaurant Cotton's. Situated in Anting road (安亭路), this restaurant sort of bit hidden and it may not be quite obvious up front. Just look out for number 132 in Anting road, and enter that gated community. This opens the door to an amazing garden, where you can enjoy the plants surrounding you. Although I would say for a brunch set menu they have limited options, their Ala carte is worth to give it a try. We ordered the salmon salad, egg & ham sandwich, cheese platter, some fruit mix and steak sandwich. It was totally delicious 🤤 and we'll definitely come back to here. And never miss to try their wild mushroom pizza. I believe it'll be even more romantic in the night, just that I'm wary about mosquitoes during spring haha. Altogether, it's a perfect brunch spot. #urbanexplorer #leaveyourmark #deliciousfood #brunchspots #leaveyourmark#urbanexplorer

On the edge of Hunan province lies a quaint little town, mysterious both in look and nature. Fenghuang Ancient Town (also know as Phoenix Ancient Town) seems to hold an air of intrigue and elegance as you wander through its alleys. While a lot has transformed to cater to tourist, the view is still one that will stay with us for years to come.⠀ ⠀ In this little town, with a history spanning 1,300 years, Tuo Jiang River is a prominent feature for locals, who we saw either washing clothes, drifting on boats or catching fish. ⠀ Set against the stunning backdrop of houses built on wooden stilts, the Tuo Jiang River is a source of life for those living in Fenghuang Ancient Town. It stretches from northwest to southeast of the town, and often sees many a riverboat floating idly by as fishermen make their way to and from a long day at work.⠀ ⠀ 📍Fenghuang Ancient Town, Hunan Province, China⠀ #leaveyourmark

Sometimes Zhujiajiao can be unbearably busy, but I still love strolling through the narrow alleyways, watching the boats drift along the canal and trying all the different snacks you can buy while there! plus a walk through the gardens never goes amiss. It’s so peaceful and tranquil when away from the main street of this water town. #LeaveYourMark

Welcome to Qinghai, China’s fourth largest province and home to towering mountains, stunning waterscapes and a variety of folk cultures.⠀ ⠀ We started our adventure in Xining (西宁), the capital city of the province on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau - and a city that played a key role in trade and cultural exchange after opening the Silk Road. And one of the most famous historical places to visit near Xining is Ta’er Monastery (otherwise known as Kumbum Monastery).⠀ ⠀ With 400 years of history, this monastery is a religious activity center that still houses practising monks within the complex that comprises of Buddhist halls, large courtyards, multiple stupas and more. ⠀ ⠀ 📍Kumbum Monastery, near Xining, Qinghai Province, China #leaveyourmark

Taking the form of two tree-covered mountains, a new mixed-use development in Shanghai is nearing completion! Set to house a variety of retail spaces, offices, eateries, event venues and galleries, we're eager to see what this 300,000sqm structure will be like once it's finalized. Most impressive of all is the exterior of this development, designed to take the form of two tree-covered mountains where huge concrete columns act as giant planters - each holding a cluster of trees! Certainly adds a welcomed touch of nature to an otherwise concrete-grey neighbourhood. #leaveyourmark

A hideout from the city. Aside from the seven-arched bluestone bridge that can be found in the Seven Small Arches Scenic Area, this ancient, water-filled forest makes for a fairytale-like escape from urban life. While here, don’t miss out on paddling your own boat through the vibrant green waters 🚣‍♀️ 📍Seven Small Arches Scenic Park, Libo Scenic Area, Guizhou, China #leaveyourmark

Dali’s Ethan Lake covers an impressive area of 250 square meters. As one of the biggest freshwater lakes in China, you’d be amiss to skip even just enjoying a nice cup of coffee on one of the lakeside building’s rooftops. Whichever side you end up visiting Erhai Lake, the lakeside walks ensure beautiful scenery all round, and long enough to work off heavy lunches if needs be! #leaveyourmark