Asian Buzz

‘Anywhere in Hong Kong’ can be visitor hotspot: Xia Baolong, Beijing’s top man on city affairs, urges tourism revamp amid ‘profound changes’

Beijing’s top official on Hong Kong affairs has urged the local administration to revitalise its tourism offerings amid “profound changes” in the market and see every corner of the city as a potential spot to lure visitors. Xia Baolong, the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, told tourism chief Kevin Yeung Yun-hung in a meeting in Beijing that the sector must recognise “external and internal changes” that call for reinvention and...

German tourists caught out by Holy Island causeway

The RNLI were called on Thursday to rescue the pair after their motorcycle was cut off.

The Best Winery In Every State

Calling all wine connoisseurs!

Nepal’s ‘Everest Man’ beats own record by climbing summit for 29th time

Kami Rita and fellow Sherpa guide Pasang Dawa have been competing for the title of most climbs of Everest.

These Dog-Friendly Hotels Will Pamper Your Pup in Luxury

Save this for your next road trip.

It's Official: We Found the 40 Prettiest Flowers in the World

How many of these breathtaking beauties do you recognize? As is often the case with beautiful things, we've given flowers meaning—so much so that even looking at one can make you feel more alive. A plain red rose has become a romantic expression of love and sunny daffodils represent the rebirth of the planet every spring. Of course, because they're plants, we also use them in more practical ways: Silky flower petals have been crushed and distilled into essential oils and perfumes for centuries, and we've figured out how to eat some of them and make tea with select leaves, stalks, and blooms. But to put it simply, the joy of admiring a gorgeous, colorful flower is unmatched. (Though we should note that some are best admired from afar because of toxicity.) Not to mention, no two flowers are exactly the same. Some rise out of the water to bloom while others sprout vines that go where they want…permanently decorating the side of your house. Even low bushes can produce incredible blossoms, like giant peonies, and if you've ever sat under a cherry blossom tree with a cool breeze blowing tiny petals around you, you know how magnificent flowering trees can be. A person who loves flowers is called an "anthophile," and if this describes you, you'll probably recognize most—if not all—of the flowers below. Rare or common, bright or soft, simple or complex, these beautiful flowers from around the world are certainly sights to behold.

20 fun classic beach cars

Chainsaw vandals hack at trees to get better Sydney harbour view

Hundreds of trees have recently been killed, conveniently exposing multi-million dollar views.

13 Beautiful City Skyline Photos Snapped Around the World

Dazzling views from the top await.

Northern Lights sightings possible again after Friday night light show

The Northern Lights might be visible in northern parts of the UK again on Saturday after the rare phenomenon was spotted across the country overnight. Also known as aurora borealis, the bands of pink and green light were seen across the UK and in parts of Europe after an "extreme" geomagnetic storm caused them to be more visible, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Why does this Japanese town want to build a wall to block Mount Fuji?

13 Nostalgic Photos of Vintage Amusement Parks

What a thrill.

7 curious and intriguing facts about the Great Wall of China that may not be well known to public

Many popular anecdotes about the wall are not true But there are many intriguing facts about it that are worth sharing As a member of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic structures in the world, and with that comes misconceptions (it is not one wall) and outright falsehoods (it cannot be seen from space...

Geologist and historian solves centuries old Mona Lisa mystery

Geologist and Renaissance art historian Ann Pizzorusso believes she might finally have an answer to put the debate to rest.

The 15 Best Mother-Daughter Trips to Take Together

Celebrate mom more than once a year with these curated trips!

The 20 Best Luggage Brands Worth Investing In

From Samsonite to Rimowa, Tumi to Away—here's what you need to know about each one.

Cosy tiny homes perfect for a minimalist escape

From a lake-side glasshouse in Iceland to a miniature wooden pod in England, these snug pads are perfect for escaping the winter chill.

9 fascinating places that don't actually exist

Here are some of the world’s most incredible places that don’t officially exist.

Astonishing spiritual sites you can visit in the US

Whether you're interested in learning more about other cultures or just want to take the time to meditate and get in touch with your spiritual side, you might want to take a trip to one of the country's many sacred sites. From beautiful temples to labyrinths to mountains inhabited by a fire goddess, this country has been home to many peoples, and many have found spiritual connection here. Take the time to walk through sparkling sands or meditate ocean-side. Just make sure to be respectful of the cultures for whom these places are holy.

The Most Popular Book the Year You Were Born

We had forgotten about so many of these.

31 Rare Vintage Photos of Palm Beach

The glamorous Florida town has attracted socialites, celebs, and even royalty through the years.

Beautiful Cities in Greece That Deserve More Love

Don't overlook these hidden gems!

Remembering the fishermen who never came home

Services are being held around the UK coast to honour the fishermen who lost their lives at sea

Vatican Museums staff start unprecedented legal action over labour conditions

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Forty-nine Vatican Museums employees have started an unprecedented labour dispute over what they say are unfair and poor conditions at their workplace, which could lead to an embarrassing lawsuit against Pope Francis' administration. The workers, mostly museum attendants, have sent a petition to the Vatican's "Governatorato", the body that administers the Vatican City

Air Vanuatu and Bonza collapse: Couple's dream wedding in paradise ruined after two airlines go under - leaving the best man and maid of honour stranded hundreds of kilometres away

Shane Holford and fiancée Emma Chapman, from the Sunshine Coast, have spent months making arrangements to hold their wedding in Vanuatu but it's now up in the air.

Northern lights make a rare southern appearance

The Best Solo Travel Destinations in the United States for an Unforgettable Adventure

Whether you're looking for nonstop activity or total relaxation. While traveling with friends and family can be a lot of fun, going somewhere alone has its perks. You get to choose everything — the destination, the hotel, the itinerary, the restaurants, how much money you spend and beyond. Only one opinion matters...yours. It's also a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone, meet new people (if you so choose), unplug, rejuvenate and bask in moments of reflection — or even just escape reality for a few days. Whether you're planning your first adventure on your own or are a solo travel veteran, choosing a destination can be overwhelming, especially if you still have a lot of places to check off your bucket list. The good news is, you don't have to go far for the adventure or relaxation you crave, because there are plenty of options across the U.S. Weighing variables such as walkability, safety, self care opportunities, number of historic sites and museums and access to nature, we've come up with a list of the best places in the U.S. for solo travelers — ranging from mountain and beach destinations to small towns and large cities. Time to book your ticket for one, plan your itinerary (or don't, remember, it's your trip!) and answer to no one except yourself for a few days.

25 Incredible Shipping Container Homes From Around the World

Don't knock this alternative form of housing before you see these.

Are These Bucket List Trips Actually Worth The Hype?

You might just have to see it to believe it.

Travel Insurance Singapore Guide (2024): Must-Knows for Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Travelling is a favourite Singaporean pastime. A national sport, if you will. But while we all love travel and wanderlust, most of us don't give much thought to buying travel insurance. Buying travel insurance in Singapore is something a lot of us take for granted. Few of us bother to buy travel insurance ahead of time, and even fewer compare policies to find the best travel insurance in Singapore. Here is everything you should look out for...

See how bright the northern lights were in Michigan

See how bright the northern lights were in Michigan

What the State You Grew Up in Says About You

Every state has its own distinctive culture and traditions.

The World’s 20 Most Beautiful Cities to Visit in Your Lifetime

Some standards and some surprises–all dazzling destinations to tempt you on your next trip.

New York Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicates show to ground-breaking Harlem Renaissance black art movement

55 years after its disastrous Harlem Renaissance show that featured no art by black artists, the New York Met has another show of the modern art movement's work 160 pieces depict the realities of daily life in black communities such as Harlem from 1920s to the 1940s, and portray the movement's great writers and thinkers The first time the Metropoli...

These Are the 24 Most Expensive ZIP Codes in Hawaii

Hawaii, renowned for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes and luxurious living, boasts some of the most expensive real estate in the United States. From breathtaking oceanfront properties to secluded...

I was born and raised in Greece. These are the 11 best luxury resorts in the country that are actually worth the money.

As an Athens local, I've stayed at my fair share of Greek hotels. Some of the country's luxury resorts are more worth it than others though.

After a Night at These Luxurious New International Hotels, You’ll Never Want to Come Home.

Wanderlust is not a deadly sin.

Sun, sea and delcious food: 10 wonderful agriturismos in Italy

You can’t beat an agriturismo. Rural locations, owners whose main job is farming, plus food and drink produced on site all add up to a charmingly informal stay. There is rarely a reception desk and there’ll be dogs and crowing roosters to contend with, but they offer brilliant food and a friendly welcome. And they are not all buried in the countryside; there are lots of agriturismos around Italy’s 5,000 miles of coast. Here are 10 within walking...

30 Rare Photographs Taken at Chateau Marmont

The iconic Hollywood hotel has been a favorite among celebrities for nearly 100 years.

Iceland's unmissable places you might not know about

There's more to Iceland than the popular Golden Circle. Here we highlight the country's other must-see spots.

Eight more Chinese cities join Hong Kong solo travel scheme

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Eight more Chinese cities have joined a scheme allowing their residents to travel to Hong Kong on their own, rather than as part of a tour group, as part of efforts to boost Hong Kong's economy. Hong Kong is battling to revive its economy following a national security crackdown and COVID-related controls, which led to many local and expats leaving the city and caused tourist

Outrage as children are pictured feeding ALLIGATOR in Florida park

Wadsworth Park officials have warned visitors against feeding alligators after a social media post of children nourishing the reptile made its way to officials

How to Transform Your Outdoor Space Into a Cozy Place to Hang Out

Make it instantly more inviting.

Urban Giants: the world's largest city with 500 million residents

10 of America’s Best Water Parks

Make a splash at these fun-filled oases.

The countries most affected by organized crime groups

For many people around the world, there is no other option. Gang life is the only choice that makes sense to get anywhere in life in certain war-torn, politically unstable, and economically desolate countries. These nations struggle with a dark underbelly of criminality while the surface may seem appealing and beautiful. Think about the lush tropical rainforests of Brazil, the beautiful savannas of South Africa, and the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas. Many of these countries have battled the existence of gang life and the violence that follows them. Click through the gallery to find out which countries have been most affected by these criminal groups.

'It's like the M25!' Fury as caravans invade Yorkshire beauty spot

Scenic South Gare in Redcar, North Yorkshire, was remote and tranquil until Covid. But visitors realised they could park up there and dodge police during lockdown, causing a boost in its popularity.

Inside the Alps festival which is cheaper than Glastonbury

FEMAIL was invited to Snowboxx in Avoriaz in its 10th year to party in style in the French Alps, where the pistes were blissfully clear and the nightlife was buzzing.

Former visitor centre in the Cotswolds to be sold

The centre closed its doors in February, having been a visitors centre since 1996.

Holiday hotspot popular with Brits threatens to ban all visitors

Binibeca Vell on Menorca has threatened to ban all tourists after previously telling them to only visit between 11am and 8pm so they can enjoy their breakfasts.