The Bund @ Shanghai, China

The Bund is a famous waterfront and regarded as the symbol of Shanghai for hundreds of years. It is on the west bank of Huangpu River with length of 1500 meters. The most famous and attractive sight which is at the west side of the Bund are the various buildings of different architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism and the Renaissance.


Old and westernized building at The Bund.

Colourful flower arrangement at The Bund.

Statue of Mao Zedong at The Bund of Shanghai.

From southern side of The Bund, you can see the different architectural styles of the buildings.

This is northern of The Bund where there are many tall buildings. These are mainly high end hotels such as Hyatt and The Peninsular. The House of Roosevelt, which houses the Rolex Flagship Store and the largest wine cellar in China.

Facing the busy Nanjing Road from The Bund.

View of Oriental Tower from The Bund.

The financial centre of Shanghai at Lujiazui.

The Swatch Art Peace Hotel.

GPS/Coordinate: 31.238839, 121.490367
Public transport: 15 minutes walk from East Nanjing Road Station

Isuien Garden @ Nara, Japan

Isuien Garden is a Japanese garden located in the central of Nara and it was created during the Meiji era. The garden featured many elements of life and strike balance in Japanese culture. It has water area, surrounded by mountains and garden. In the central pond of the gardens, there are two islands with sculptures of a crane and tortoise. These animals are significant in Japanese culture which represent longevity. The surroundings area which is near by Kasuga shrine and Todaiji temple together with mountainous landscape enabled this garden to have a "borrowed landscape" and this producing a landscape blend in visual harmony. The area looks more harmony as there is no artificial items around.


One of the tea houses in Isuien Garden. This area is also known as front garden.

Entrance to Isuien Garden.

Autumn view of Isuien Garden.

Traditional path which was build during Meiji era passing thru garden moss.

The area on the left look like a tortoise. This resemble longevity.

A small pine of dripping water which is harmony with the surroundings.

Water wheel at rear garden.

Running water with beautiful background landscape of green and stone.


Part of the rear garden with stone steps. The scenery is beautiful, colourful and harmony.

Entrance to tea ceremony house.

Tea house surrounded by pond of water.

GPS/Coordinate: 34.685698, 135.837656
Address: 74 Suimoncho, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan.
Public transport: Isuien Garden is also located a 15 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station and 25 minutes from JR Nara station.
Admission fee: 650 Yen.

Kasuga Grand Shrine @ Nara, Japan

Kasuga Grand Shrine which is located in the city of Nara is registered as UNESCO World Heritage site. This Shinto shrine is famous for its hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns. The lanterns are donated by the worshippers. The area surrounding Kasuga shrine is mountainous and there is deer park near by. You will be able to see many deers roam freely around the shrine. kasuga shrine offers great view especially during autumn times with among the best autumn foliage view in Nara. This has been featured in Lonely Planet article.


Walk way to Kasuga Shrine. The path is aligned with hundreds of stone lanterns. These lanterns will only be light up twice a year during Setsubun Mantoro (February 2–4) and Obon Mantoro (August 14–15).

Main entrance to Kasuga shrine.

Kasuga Taisha is UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historic stone lanterns.

The stone lanterns are mostly decorated uniquely as it is donated by worshippers.

Autumn season in Kasuga shrine with hundreds of lanterns.

Famous stone lanterns in Kasuga shrine.

Autumn leafs with many stone lanterns.

Stone lanterns in Kasuga shrine.

Smaller enclaves.

Minamimon.

Kasuga shrine corridor.

Bronze lanterns.

List of contributors to the shrine.

Warning about deer in Nara park. Please take care and respectful to the animal and scared site here.

GPS/Coordinate: 34.681460, 135.848443
Address: 160 Kasuganocho, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan.
Public transport: Kasuga Taisha is located in the east of Nara Park. It is about a 30 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, or a 45 minute walk from JR Nara Station.