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  • Representative examples of dragon frescos were made by painters of the Kano school most notably Kano Tanyu, who engaged in two years of study before embarking on the painting on the ceiling of Myoshinji.  This particular dragon is said to be watching twelve different angles. It took over eight years to complete.
    myoshinji-dragon-fresco.jpg
  • Dragon at the Cantonese Congregation Hall was the gathering place for this trading association's Chinese members back in Hoi An's heyday as one of Asia' major trading ports.
    cantonese-assembly-dragon.jpg
  • Khai Dinh Ceiling Dragon - Khai Dinh Tomb was built for the Vietnamese Emperor Khai Dinh and is  is smaller than his predecessors though the buildings are more elaborate than the other imperial tombs of its era, mixing a number of architectural styles. The walls are formed by the biggest sculptures of dragons in all of Vietnam. not to mention the dragon fresco in the interior ceiling.
    khai-dinh-dragon-2.jpg
  • Nine Dragon Screen, Beihai Park - Built in 1756, the Nine Dragon Screen is made of glazed tiles. The screen was made to scare off evil spirits. Apparently it didn't work too well or scare off too many spirits because the temple it once guarded has long disappeared.
    nine-dragon-screen.jpg
  • Hue is well-known for its dragon boats and boat excursions along the Perfume River. Visitors cruise on these boats to visit the Vietnamese royal mausoleums and a few pagodas and temples along the way.  Spectacular dragons are carved into the boat’s bow.
    dragon-boat-hue-2.jpg
  • The central town of Hue is famous for its dragon boat trips along the Huong Perfume River - visitors travel on these boats to visit the Vietnamese royal mausoleums.  Spectacular dragons are carved onto the boats' bows.  On the excursion visitors travel along the Huong River past several scenic areas of Hue, including temples, pagodas and a couple of richly decorated royal tombs.
    dragon-boat-hue-1.jpg
  • The central town of Hue is well known for its dragon boat trips along the Huong Perfume River visitors travel on these boats to visit the Vietnamese royal mausoleums.  Spectacular dragons are carved into the boat’s floor and railings.  On the voyage, visitors travel along the Huong River, from Truong Tien to Bach Ho bridges. The boat cruises gently past several scenic areas of Hue, including temples, pagodas and a couple of richly decorated royal tombs.
    hue-dragon-boats-2.jpg
  • The central town of Hue is well known for its dragon boat trips along the Huong Perfume River visitors travel on these boats to visit the Vietnamese royal mausoleums.  Spectacular dragons are carved into the boat’s floor and railings.  On the voyage, visitors travel along the Huong River, from Truong Tien to Bach Ho bridges. The boat cruises gently past several scenic areas of Hue, including temples, pagodas and a couple of richly decorated royal tombs.
    hue-dragon-boats-5.jpg
  • The central town of Hue is well known for its dragon boat trips along the Huong Perfume River visitors travel on these boats to visit the Vietnamese royal mausoleums.  Spectacular dragons are carved into the boat’s floor and railings.  On the voyage, visitors travel along the Huong River, from Truong Tien to Bach Ho bridges. The boat cruises gently past several scenic areas of Hue, including temples, pagodas and a couple of richly decorated royal tombs.
    hue-dragon-boats-1.jpg
  • Anshoji Seiryuden Moss Banryu Dragon – The auspicious Seiryuden has a moss male dragon on the west side of the treasure hall rising powerfully and is about to ascend to heaven. The female dragon, loosely coiled on the east side, watches over the male dragon. A cloud of flame is rising around the dragon. The surrounding giant trees look like dragons dancing and the sky opens up as if they are waiting to descend and rise.  Seiryuden Shrine, a sacred place that can be said to be the origin of Anshoji Temple’s origins was born in the mountains of Yamashina Kyoto and has been connected to 1200 years of life, which connect from the infinite past to the infinite future and continues to this day. The temple grounds, which were said to once have had over 700 temples have been lost, but everything in the temple precincts, down to the plants and trees that remain, is a symbol of the temple's life which connects the past to the future.
    Anshoji-11.jpg
  • Anshoji Seiryuden Moss Banryu Dragon – The auspicious Seiryuden has a moss male dragon on the west side of the treasure hall rising powerfully and is about to ascend to heaven. The female dragon, loosely coiled on the east side, watches over the male dragon. A cloud of flame is rising around the dragon. The surrounding giant trees look like dragons dancing and the sky opens up as if they are waiting to descend and rise.  Seiryuden Shrine, a sacred place that can be said to be the origin of Anshoji Temple’s origins was born in the mountains of Yamashina Kyoto and has been connected to 1200 years of life, which connect from the infinite past to the infinite future and continues to this day. The temple grounds, which were said to once have had over 700 temples have been lost, but everything in the temple precincts, down to the plants and trees that remain, is a symbol of the temple's life which connects the past to the future.
    anshoji-7.jpg
  • Anshoji Seiryuden Moss Banryu Dragon – The auspicious Seiryuden has a moss male dragon on the west side of the treasure hall rising powerfully and is about to ascend to heaven. The female dragon, loosely coiled on the east side, watches over the male dragon. A cloud of flame is rising around the dragon. The surrounding giant trees look like dragons dancing and the sky opens up as if they are waiting to descend and rise.  Seiryuden Shrine, a sacred place that can be said to be the origin of Anshoji Temple’s origins was born in the mountains of Yamashina Kyoto and has been connected to 1200 years of life, which connect from the infinite past to the infinite future and continues to this day. The temple grounds, which were said to once have had over 700 temples have been lost, but everything in the temple precincts, down to the plants and trees that remain, is a symbol of the temple's life which connects the past to the future.
    anshoji-6.jpg
  • Anshoji Seiryuden Moss Banryu Dragon – The auspicious Seiryuden has a moss male dragon on the west side of the treasure hall rising powerfully and is about to ascend to heaven. The female dragon, loosely coiled on the east side, watches over the male dragon. A cloud of flame is rising around the dragon. The surrounding giant trees look like dragons dancing and the sky opens up as if they are waiting to descend and rise.  Seiryuden Shrine, a sacred place that can be said to be the origin of Anshoji Temple’s origins was born in the mountains of Yamashina Kyoto and has been connected to 1200 years of life, which connect from the infinite past to the infinite future and continues to this day. The temple grounds, which were said to once have had over 700 temples have been lost, but everything in the temple precincts, down to the plants and trees that remain, is a symbol of the temple's life which connects the past to the future.
    Anshoji-12.jpg
  • Anshoji Seiryuden Moss Banryu Dragon – The auspicious Seiryuden has a moss male dragon on the west side of the treasure hall rising powerfully and is about to ascend to heaven. The female dragon, loosely coiled on the east side, watches over the male dragon. A cloud of flame is rising around the dragon. The surrounding giant trees look like dragons dancing and the sky opens up as if they are waiting to descend and rise.  Seiryuden Shrine, a sacred place that can be said to be the origin of Anshoji Temple’s origins was born in the mountains of Yamashina Kyoto and has been connected to 1200 years of life, which connect from the infinite past to the infinite future and continues to this day. The temple grounds, which were said to once have had over 700 temples have been lost, but everything in the temple precincts, down to the plants and trees that remain, is a symbol of the temple's life which connects the past to the future.
    Anshoji-10.jpg
  • Anshoji Seiryuden Moss Banryu Dragon – The auspicious Seiryuden has a moss male dragon on the west side of the treasure hall rising powerfully and is about to ascend to heaven. The female dragon, loosely coiled on the east side, watches over the male dragon. A cloud of flame is rising around the dragon. The surrounding giant trees look like dragons dancing and the sky opens up as if they are waiting to descend and rise.  Seiryuden Shrine, a sacred place that can be said to be the origin of Anshoji Temple’s origins was born in the mountains of Yamashina Kyoto and has been connected to 1200 years of life, which connect from the infinite past to the infinite future and continues to this day. The temple grounds, which were said to once have had over 700 temples have been lost, but everything in the temple precincts, down to the plants and trees that remain, is a symbol of the temple's life which connects the past to the future.
    anshoji-9.jpg
  • Anshoji Seiryuden Moss Banryu Dragon – The auspicious Seiryuden has a moss male dragon on the west side of the treasure hall rising powerfully and is about to ascend to heaven. The female dragon, loosely coiled on the east side, watches over the male dragon. A cloud of flame is rising around the dragon. The surrounding giant trees look like dragons dancing and the sky opens up as if they are waiting to descend and rise.  Seiryuden Shrine, a sacred place that can be said to be the origin of Anshoji Temple’s origins was born in the mountains of Yamashina Kyoto and has been connected to 1200 years of life, which connect from the infinite past to the infinite future and continues to this day. The temple grounds, which were said to once have had over 700 temples have been lost, but everything in the temple precincts, down to the plants and trees that remain, is a symbol of the temple's life which connects the past to the future.
    anshoji-4.jpg
  • Anshoji Seiryuden Moss Banryu Dragon – The auspicious Seiryuden has a moss male dragon on the west side of the treasure hall rising powerfully and is about to ascend to heaven. The female dragon, loosely coiled on the east side, watches over the male dragon. A cloud of flame is rising around the dragon. The surrounding giant trees look like dragons dancing and the sky opens up as if they are waiting to descend and rise.  Seiryuden Shrine, a sacred place that can be said to be the origin of Anshoji Temple’s origins was born in the mountains of Yamashina Kyoto and has been connected to 1200 years of life, which connect from the infinite past to the infinite future and continues to this day. The temple grounds, which were said to once have had over 700 temples have been lost, but everything in the temple precincts, down to the plants and trees that remain, is a symbol of the temple's life which connects the past to the future.
    anshoji-5.jpg
  • Anshoji Seiryuden Moss Banryu Dragon – The auspicious Seiryuden has a moss male dragon on the west side of the treasure hall rising powerfully and is about to ascend to heaven. The female dragon, loosely coiled on the east side, watches over the male dragon. A cloud of flame is rising around the dragon. The surrounding giant trees look like dragons dancing and the sky opens up as if they are waiting to descend and rise.  Seiryuden Shrine, a sacred place that can be said to be the origin of Anshoji Temple’s origins was born in the mountains of Yamashina Kyoto and has been connected to 1200 years of life, which connect from the infinite past to the infinite future and continues to this day. The temple grounds, which were said to once have had over 700 temples have been lost, but everything in the temple precincts, down to the plants and trees that remain, is a symbol of the temple's life which connects the past to the future.
    anshoji-3.jpg
  • Anshoji Seiryuden Moss Banryu Dragon – The auspicious Seiryuden has a moss male dragon on the west side of the treasure hall rising powerfully and is about to ascend to heaven. The female dragon, loosely coiled on the east side, watches over the male dragon. A cloud of flame is rising around the dragon. The surrounding giant trees look like dragons dancing and the sky opens up as if they are waiting to descend and rise.  Seiryuden Shrine, a sacred place that can be said to be the origin of Anshoji Temple’s origins was born in the mountains of Yamashina Kyoto and has been connected to 1200 years of life, which connect from the infinite past to the infinite future and continues to this day. The temple grounds, which were said to once have had over 700 temples have been lost, but everything in the temple precincts, down to the plants and trees that remain, is a symbol of the temple's life which connects the past to the future.
    anshoji-2.jpg
  • Anshoji Seiryuden Moss Banryu Dragon – The auspicious Seiryuden has a moss male dragon on the west side of the treasure hall rising powerfully and is about to ascend to heaven. The female dragon, loosely coiled on the east side, watches over the male dragon. A cloud of flame is rising around the dragon. The surrounding giant trees look like dragons dancing and the sky opens up as if they are waiting to descend and rise.  Seiryuden Shrine, a sacred place that can be said to be the origin of Anshoji Temple’s origins was born in the mountains of Yamashina Kyoto and has been connected to 1200 years of life, which connect from the infinite past to the infinite future and continues to this day. The temple grounds, which were said to once have had over 700 temples have been lost, but everything in the temple precincts, down to the plants and trees that remain, is a symbol of the temple's life which connects the past to the future.
    anshoji-1.jpg
  • Kigami Shrine Dragon Fresco - Kigami Shrine, where you can see an elaborate ceiling painting of a dragon.  There is a square platform in the middle of the shrinie, where visitors can make a ringing noise by clapping their hands when offering a prayer.  Though the ceiling fresco of the dragon is somewhat faded, it is still worth a visit.  Dragons in temples and shrines are often used in decorations thought to ward off fire and evil.
    kigami-shrine-2.jpg
  • Kigami Shrine Dragon Fresco - Kigami Shrine, where you can see an elaborate ceiling painting of a dragon.  There is a square platform in the middle of the shrinie, where visitors can make a ringing noise by clapping their hands when offering a prayer.  Though the ceiling fresco of the dragon is somewhat faded, it is still worth a visit.  Dragons in temples and shrines are often used in decorations thought to ward off fire and evil.
    kigami-shrine-1.jpg
  • Chinese dragons are mythical creatures in mythology and folklore. In Chinese art they are portrayed as serpentine creatures with four legs. A dragon is yang and complements a Chinese phoenix. Chinese dragons traditionally symbolize  power, particularly control over water, rain, and floods. The dragon is also a symbol of good luck.
    malacca-chinatown-3.jpg
  • Ryogin-an was originally the residence of the third abott of Tofuku-ji. The Garden of the Dragon is one of the finest modern karesansui gardens designed by Shigemori Mirei, with stones dramatically placed amidst black and white gravel - each dark area represents a dragon or clouds.  The Eastern garden is the "Garden of the Inseparable", with a simple ginkgo tree standing in the background. This garden uses purple gravel that is not common for zen gardens, and hints at the recency of its design. All three gardens were designed by Shigemori Mirei a modern master landscape gardener who designed other gardens in Tofukuji as well as others in Kyoto and indeed Japan.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-83.jpg
  • Ryogin-an was originally the residence of the third abott of Tofuku-ji. The Garden of the Dragon is one of the finest modern karesansui gardens designed by Shigemori Mirei, with stones dramatically placed amidst black and white gravel - each dark area represents a dragon or clouds.  The Eastern garden is the "Garden of the Inseparable", with a simple ginkgo tree standing in the background. This garden uses purple gravel that is not common for zen gardens, and hints at the recency of its design. All three gardens were designed by Shigemori Mirei a modern master landscape gardener who designed other gardens in Tofukuji as well as others in Kyoto and indeed Japan.
    ryugin-an-6.jpg
  • Ryogin-an was originally the residence of the third abott of Tofuku-ji. The Garden of the Dragon is one of the finest modern karesansui gardens designed by Shigemori Mirei, with stones dramatically placed amidst black and white gravel - each dark area represents a dragon or clouds.  The Eastern garden is the "Garden of the Inseparable", with a simple ginkgo tree standing in the background. This garden uses purple gravel that is not common for zen gardens, and hints at the recency of its design. All three gardens were designed by Shigemori Mirei a modern master landscape gardener who designed other gardens in Tofukuji as well as others in Kyoto and around Japan
    ryugin-an-1.jpg
  • Ryogin-an was originally the residence of the third abott of Tofuku-ji, The most prominent features of this temple are its three zen gardens designed in karesansui style.  The Garden of the Dragon one of the finest modern karesansui gardens designed by Shigemori Mirei, with stones dramatically placed amidst black and white gravel.  The dark areas represent dragons or clouds.  The Eastern garden is the "Garden of the Inseparable", with a simple ginkgo tree standing in the background. This garden uses purple gravel that is not common for zen gardens, a clue as to the modernity of its design. All three gardens were designed by Shigemori Mirei a modern master landscape gardener who designed other gardens in Tofukuji as well as others in Kyoto and Japan
    ryugin-an-7.jpg
  • Ryogin-an was originally the residence of the third abott of Tofuku-ji. The Garden of the Dragon is one of the finest modern karesansui gardens designed by Shigemori Mirei, with stones dramatically placed amidst black and white gravel - each dark area represents a dragon or clouds.  The Eastern garden is the "Garden of the Inseparable", with a simple ginkgo tree standing in the background. This garden uses purple gravel that is not common for zen gardens, and hints at the recency of its design. All three gardens were designed by Shigemori Mirei a modern master landscape gardener who designed other gardens in Tofukuji as well as others in Kyoto and indeed Japan.
    ryugin-an-2.jpg
  • Kaminarimon "Thunder Gate"  is a large entrance gate that leads to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo.  In the center of Kaminarimon Gate a giant red lantern hangs hat is 4 meters tall, 3 meters in circumference weighing  670 kilos or  1480 pounds.  The front of the lantern shows the name of  the gate in Chinese characters or kanji.  A famous wooden carving of a dragon is on the bottom of this lantern.
    kaminarimon-6.jpg
  • Dragon Topiary at Van Mieu Temple of Literature - a Confucian temple which was formerly a center of learning in Hanoi. It is Confucian Temple, not Buddhist, and was once called Imperial Academy - Vietnam's first university.  It is one of several temples in Vietnam which are dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. The various pavilions, halls, statues and stelae of doctors are places where offering ceremonies, study sessions and the strict exams of the Dai Viet took place. The temple is shown on the 100,000 Vietnamese Dong banknote.
    temple-of-literature-23.jpg
  • Dragon Topiary at Van Mieu Temple of Literature - Topiary is the art of trainingn shrubs and plants via clipping leaves to develop certain shapes. The word comes from lLatin topiarius.  Plants that are usually used for topiary are evergreens with dense foliage such as yet.   Hedges sometimes take on a fanciful form like topiary to give them extra beauty.
    temple-of-literature-16.jpg
  • Dragon Topiary at Van Mieu Temple of Literature - a Confucian temple which was formerly a center of learning in Hanoi. It is Confucian Temple, not Buddhist, and was once called Imperial Academy - Vietnam's first university.  It is one of several temples in Vietnam which are dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. The various pavilions, halls, statues and stelae of doctors are places where offering ceremonies, study sessions and the strict exams of the Dai Viet took place. The temple is shown on the 100,000 Vietnamese Dong banknote.
    temple-of-literature-11.jpg
  • Thai man having a chat on his cellphone, showing his ornate dragon tattoo.  Though temporary tattoos are increasingly popular, the real thing e.g. permanent ones, can be works of art and a form of self-expression.
    thai-tatoo.jpg
  • Mt Phousi Dragon Stairs.  Mt Phousi is a hill right at the centre of the old town of Luang Prabang. Visitors climb the mountain on a long staircase that zigzags up the hill until you reach the summit with its own temple and views of Luang Prabang, Mekong and Nam Khan rivers below.
    mt-phousi.jpg
  • Dotombori Dragon - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-16.jpg
  • Dotombori Dragon - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-15.jpg
  • Dragon Topiary at Van Mieu Temple of Literature - a Confucian temple which was formerly a center of learning in Hanoi. It is Confucian Temple, not Buddhist, and was once called Imperial Academy - Vietnam's first university.  It is one of several temples in Vietnam which are dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. The various pavilions, halls, statues and stelae of doctors are places where offering ceremonies, study sessions and the strict exams of the Dai Viet took place. The temple is shown on the 100,000 Vietnamese Dong banknote.
    temple-of-literature-17.jpg
  • Dotombori Dragon - Dotombori is a district of Osaka famous for its neon and mechanized signs, most famously for the sign of the candy manufacturer Glico.  The Glico Man sign shows a giant electronic display of a runner crossing a finish line.  Along the streets, to advertise their products and menus visitors are amazed at the moving giant crabs, puffed out blowfish, smoking dragons and other dramatic kitsch.  Dotombori is a district has always been known for its historic theaters, night life, shops and restaurants and in modern times its many neon and mechanized signs,
    dotombori-signs-18.jpg
  • Tairyuji Dragon Ceiling Fresco - Tairyuji Temple is the 21st temple on the 88 temple pilgrimage in Shikoku and is famous as a nansho - in other words a "difficult to reach temple.”  Set at 610 meters above sea level and involves a steep descent followed by a steep ascent. Most visitors take the ropeway which opened in 1992. Tairyuji is special and unusual among the pilgrimage temples in that whereas all the temples on the pilgrimage claim to have some connection with Kobo Daishi almost all of them have no historical documentation confirming it. Tairyuji does - Kobo Daishi himself wrote about the time he spent on this mountain at the age of 15. He spent 50 days here reciting a mantra one million times in an attempt to reach enlightenment. Though he didn't succeed, he continued his ascetic practices further south in a cave on Cape Muroto.
    Tairyuji-3.jpg
  • Confucious Temple Dragon Bas Relief - The temple is a unique structure that blends the architectural styles of both Southern and Northern China. Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, was born over 2,500 years ago in Shandong Province as the second son of a military man. He busied himself with study and preaching to his many disciples. His most famous writing is The Analects of Confucius. This is a record of his collected sayings, the teachings in his dialogues with his disciples, and the disciples conversations with Confucius about their beliefs. The entire mausoleum contains 20 compilations of the Sayings of Confucious in 500 sections, for a total of over 16,000 characters of The Analects of Confucius carved into marble.
    confucious-nagasaki-5.jpg
  • Tairyuji Dragon Ceiling Fresco - Tairyuji Temple is the 21st temple on the 88 temple pilgrimage in Shikoku and is famous as a nansho - in other words a "difficult to reach temple.”  Set at 610 meters above sea level and involves a steep descent followed by a steep ascent. Most visitors take the ropeway which opened in 1992. Tairyuji is special and unusual among the pilgrimage temples in that whereas all the temples on the pilgrimage claim to have some connection with Kobo Daishi almost all of them have no historical documentation confirming it. Tairyuji does - Kobo Daishi himself wrote about the time he spent on this mountain at the age of 15. He spent 50 days here reciting a mantra one million times in an attempt to reach enlightenment. Though he didn't succeed, he continued his ascetic practices further south in a cave on Cape Muroto.
    Tairyuji-4.jpg
  • The Perfume River (Huong River) is a river that passes through Hue, Vienam.  Flowers from orchards upriver fall into the water, giving it a floral aroma, hence the name.   The river source comes from in the  Day Truong Son mountain range.The Perfume Huong River flows to the north-east to Hue before emptying into the Tam Giang lagoon. The river darkens along the foothills of Ngoc Tran Mountain where there is a deep abyss.   River trips on dragon-decorated boats depart from Hue to the tombs of Nguyen Dynasty emperors and further upriver and downriver.
    hue-boat-dragon-01.jpg
  • The Tomb of Khai Dinh was built for the Nguyen Emperor Khai Dinh. The tomb is a blend of Western and Eastern architecture. Khai Dinh tomb's area is smaller than his predecessors but the buildings are more elaborate than others of its era, mixing a number of architectural styles. The side walls are formed by the biggest sculptures of dragons in all of Vietnam. The tomb is home to an imperial audience court with twelve stone bodyguards statue.
    khai-dinh-dragon-3.jpg
  • The Tomb of Khai Dinh was built for the Nguyen Emperor Khai Dinh. The tomb is a blend of Western and Eastern architecture. Khai Dinh tomb's area is smaller than his predecessors but the buildings are more elaborate than others of its era, mixing a number of architectural styles. The side walls are formed by the biggest sculptures of dragons in all of Vietnam. The tomb is home to an imperial audience court with twelve stone bodyguards statue.
    khai-dinh-dragon-4.jpg
  • Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, Hoi An - Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall was founded in 1690 by Fukien Chinese immigrants in Hoi An.  It contains Thien Hau goddess of the sea protector, protector of sailors. Phuoc Kien is probably the most elaborate of the assembly halls, temples and pagoda of Hoi An with more lavish and resplendent architecture, bas relief, murals, huge spiral incense coils, and large dragons.
    phuoc-kien-hoi-an-11.jpg
  • Golden Chinese Dragon at Kek Lok Si Temple or Temple of Supreme Bliss, a Buddhist temple situated in Penang and  one of the best known temples on the island. It is said to be the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia.
    golden-chinese-dragon.jpg
  • Ryogin-an was originally the residence of the third abott of Tofuku-ji, The most prominent features of this temple are its three day zen gardens karesansui style. Thesouth garden, called the "garden of vanity" lies in front of the hojo. It consists in an austere rectangle of raked gravel, nicely echoing the emptiness of vanity.  At the western end of the garden a bamboo fence with a unique design closes the perspective together with the maples that loom over it. The design of the fence has no particular meaning according to the monk I asked to, but the pamphlet says they're lighting bolts.  The Garden of the Dragon one of the finest modern karesansui gardens, with stones dramatically placed amidst black and white gravel - each dark area represents something a dragon or clouds.  The Eastern garden is the "Garden of the Inseparable", with a simple ginkgo tree standing in the background. This garden uses purple gravel that is not common for zen gardens, and hints at the recency of its design. All three gardens were designed by Shigemori Mirei a modern master landscape gardener who designed other gardens in Tofukuji as well as others in Kyoto and indeed Japan.
    ryugin-an-3.jpg
  • 64.1 Kigami Shrine 城上神社  has presided the guardian of Omori town for more than 400 years. On its ceiling are dragon frescos.  Locals believe that the dragon on the ceiling will howl if you clap your hands. The god of Kigami shrine known as Okuninushi-no-mikoto -  the god of marriage, among other things. This Shinto god will help singles find the perfect partner and then later bless their marriage. Throughout the shrine compond heart-shaped wooden votive plaques are to be found, covered with wishes from hopeful couples.
    64.1.IWAMI-KIGAMI-SHRINE-01.jpg
  • A chozuya or temizuya is a water ablution pavilion for purification at Japanese temples and shrines. Basins are filled with water and are used by worshipers for washing their hands, mouth and the handle of the ladle to purify themselves before approaching the shrine or temple. The basins at temples or shrines are called chozubachi. Wood or bamboo dippers are usually available to worshipers.  This purification is done before worship.  Similar water basins are also found in Japanese gardens and tea ceremony houses, but are called tsukubai.
    yugyoji-temizuya-01.jpg
  • Bas relief ceiling at the Forbidden City, with a golden dragon motif. Dragons were known to be a protection against fire, being water based creatures at Wan Chun Ting Pavilion.
    Wan-Chun-Ting-Pavilion-2.jpg
  • Tsukabai Water Fountain - Water is considered purifying in Japan, hence the emphasis on cleanliness in everyday life. Water fountains such as these, known as tsukubai, are also beneficial to hear the trickling of falling water to soothe the nerves as well. A tsukubai is a small basin provided at Japanese Buddhist temples for visitors to purify themselves by the ritual washing of hands and rinsing of the mouth. This type of ritual cleansing is also the custom for guests attending a tea ceremony. Tsukubai are usually of stone, and are often provided with a small scoop, laid across the top, ready for use.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-52.jpg
  • Chinatown is the residential heart of Old Malacca just west of the Malacca River, with its narrow winding streets, beautifully decorated houses, tiny shops, temples and mosques. The whole area is undergoing a renaissance with new shops, restaurants and hotels catering to tourists mushrooming everywhere. However, the area still has a lot of atmosphere and is worth having a look around.
    malacca-chinatown-2.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-11.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-06.jpg
  • The pine tree of Shibamata Taishakuten is called Zui-ryÅ«-no-matsu or "lucky dragon pine" which is more than 400 years old with branches that extend up to 40 meters long.  It is said that the monks fertilize the tree with sake or rice wine to enhance its growth.
    taishakuten-pine-1.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-15.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-14.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-12.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-10.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-08.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-04.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-05.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-03.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-02.jpg
  • Gyoda is a mostly flat city full of rice paddies. One of these paddies has been turned into a giant artistic canvas. Different strains of rice, which grow into a variety of colors, are planted in a pattern in spring. Each year the pattern’s theme changes.  In 2016 the theme is Dragon Quest from the game app. As the rice grows, the picture is revealed. The Japanese call this tambo art. Gyoda holds the Guiness World Record for the World's Largest Rice Paddy Art.  The tanbo art of Gyoda began in 2008 with 433 locals who participated in the tanbo art rice planting event.  Each year the number grow, as the image to be planned and planted is changed. This turns the entire rice field into a canvas for a huge painting that can only be fully appreciated from the nearby tower.
    rice-field-art-3.jpg
  • Gyoda is a mostly flat city full of rice paddies. One of these paddies has been turned into a giant artistic canvas. Different strains of rice, which grow into a variety of colors, are planted in a pattern in spring. Each year the pattern’s theme changes.  In 2016 the theme is Dragon Quest from the game app. As the rice grows, the picture is revealed. The Japanese call this tambo art. Gyoda holds the Guiness World Record for the World's Largest Rice Paddy Art.  The tanbo art of Gyoda began in 2008 with 433 locals who participated in the tanbo art rice planting event.  Each year the number grow, as the image to be planned and planted is changed. This turns the entire rice field into a canvas for a huge painting that can only be fully appreciated from the nearby tower.
    rice-field-art-2.jpg
  • Gyoda is a mostly flat city full of rice paddies. One of these paddies has been turned into a giant artistic canvas. Different strains of rice, which grow into a variety of colors, are planted in a pattern in spring. Each year the pattern’s theme changes.  In 2016 the theme is Dragon Quest from the game app. As the rice grows, the picture is revealed. The Japanese call this tambo art. Gyoda holds the Guiness World Record for the World's Largest Rice Paddy Art.  The tanbo art of Gyoda began in 2008 with 433 locals who participated in the tanbo art rice planting event.  Each year the number grow, as the image to be planned and planted is changed. This turns the entire rice field into a canvas for a huge painting that can only be fully appreciated from the nearby tower.
    rice-field-art-1.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-19.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-18.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-17.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-16.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-13.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-09.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-07.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-01.jpg
  • Chinese Decorative Incense with Colorful Dragons - There are many forms of Chinese incense and its use and formulation theory is strongly tied to Traditional Chinese medicine and are still referred today as "fragrant medicines". Use of incense has long been as much for healthy well-being as religious ceremonies.
    decorative-incense-sticks-01.jpg
  • Wat Tham Khao Tao is a large temple in the village of Khao Tao. The temple has a cave with Buddha images and more images are being raised right along the shoreline. Overlooking the village with it’s many fishing boats there are various Buddha statues, as well as others devoted to famous monks, Kannon, not to mention Disneyesque dragons.
    Wat-Tham-Khao-Tao-6.jpg
  • Dragonfly Odonata has its source in the myth that Dragonflies were once Dragons.  Such stores evolved from myths associated with Dragonflies and their taxonomic cousins Damselflies.  The dragonfly flight and its ability to move in all directions and they can move at an amazing 45 miles an hour, hover like a helicopter or even fly backwards like a hummingbird.  Dragonflies can even fly long distances, including across seas. These amazing abilities give them a sense of power and poise. Although they are well known for their speed and range, a number of predators can catch them:  hawks, falcons, and swallows.
    dragonfly-04.jpg
  • Dragonfly Odonata has its source in the myth that Dragonflies were once Dragons.  Such stores evolved from myths associated with Dragonflies and their taxonomic cousins Damselflies.  The dragonfly flight and its ability to move in all directions and they can move at an amazing 45 miles an hour, hover like a helicopter or even fly backwards like a hummingbird.  Dragonflies can even fly long distances, including across seas. These amazing abilities give them a sense of power and poise. Although they are well known for their speed and range, a number of predators can catch them:  hawks, falcons, and swallows.
    dragonfly-03.jpg
  • Wat Tham Khao Tao is a large temple in the village of Khao Tao. The temple has a cave with Buddha images and more images are being raised right along the shoreline. Overlooking the village with it’s many fishing boats there are various Buddha statues, as well as others devoted to famous monks, Kannon, not to mention Disneyesque dragons.
    Wat-Tham-Khao-Tao-1.jpg
  • Wat Tham Khao Tao is a large temple in the village of Khao Tao. The temple has a cave with Buddha images and more images are being raised right along the shoreline. Overlooking the village with it’s many fishing boats there are various Buddha statues, as well as others devoted to famous monks, Kannon, not to mention Disneyesque dragons.
    Wat-Tham-Khao-Tao-3.jpg
  • Wat Tham Khao Tao is a large temple in the village of Khao Tao. The temple has a cave with Buddha images and more images are being raised right along the shoreline. Overlooking the village with it’s many fishing boats there are various Buddha statues, as well as others devoted to famous monks, Kannon, not to mention Disneyesque dragons.
    Wat-Tham-Khao-Tao-4.jpg
  • Wat Tham Khao Tao is a large temple in the village of Khao Tao. The temple has a cave with Buddha images and more images are being raised right along the shoreline. Overlooking the village with it’s many fishing boats there are various Buddha statues, as well as others devoted to famous monks, Kannon, not to mention Disneyesque dragons.
    Wat-Tham-Khao-Tao-5.jpg
  • Dragonfly Odonata has its source in the myth that Dragonflies were once Dragons.  Such stores evolved from myths associated with Dragonflies and their taxonomic cousins Damselflies.  The dragonfly flight and its ability to move in all directions and they can move at an amazing 45 miles an hour, hover like a helicopter or even fly backwards like a hummingbird.  Dragonflies can even fly long distances, including across seas. These amazing abilities give them a sense of power and poise. Although they are well known for their speed and range, a number of predators can catch them:  hawks, falcons, and swallows.
    dragonfly-02.jpg
  • Dragonfly Odonata has its source in the myth that Dragonflies were once Dragons.  Such stores evolved from myths associated with Dragonflies and their taxonomic cousins Damselflies.  The dragonfly flight and its ability to move in all directions and they can move at an amazing 45 miles an hour, hover like a helicopter or even fly backwards like a hummingbird.  Dragonflies can even fly long distances, including across seas. These amazing abilities give them a sense of power and poise. Although they are well known for their speed and range, a number of predators can catch them:  hawks, falcons, and swallows.
    dragonfly-01.jpg
  • Chinese Lion Doorknobs, Chinese architecture refers to a style of architecture that has taken shape in Asia over many centuries. The structural principles of Chinese architecture have remained largely unchanged, the main changes being only the decorative details. Since the Tang Dynasty, Chinese architecture has had a major influence on the architectural styles of Korea, Vietnam and Japan.
    chinese-door-5.jpg
  • Chinese architecture refers to a style of architecture that has taken shape in Asia over many centuries. The structural principles of Chinese architecture have remained largely unchanged, the main changes being only the decorative details. Since the Tang Dynasty, Chinese architecture has had a major influence on the architectural styles of Korea, Vietnam and Japan.
    chinese-door-2.jpg
  • Ryugin-an Eastern garden is the "Garden of the Inseparable".  This garden uses purple gravel that is not common for zen gardens, an indicator of the modernity of its design.  Ryugin-an gardens were designed by Shigemori Mirei the renowned landscape architect and garden designer who designed other gardens at Tofukuji, as well as other venues in Kyoto and elsewhere in Japan.
    ryugin-an-4.jpg
  • Ryogin-an Eastern garden is the "Garden of the Inseparable". This garden uses purple gravel that is not common for zen gardens, an indicator of the modernity of its of its design. Ryogin-an gardens were designed by Shigemori Mirei the renowned landscape architect and garden designer who designed other gardens at Tofukuji, as well as other venues in Kyoto and Japan.
    ryugin-an-5.jpg
  • There are many forms of Chinese incense and its use and formulation theory is strongly tied to Traditional Chinese medicine and are still referred today as "fragrant medicines". Use of incense has long been as much for healthy well-being as religious ceremonies.
    chinese-incense-2.jpg
  • Burning Incense Penang - There are many forms of Chinese incense and its use and formulation theory is strongly tied to Traditional Chinese medicine and are still referred today as "fragrant medicines". Use of incense has long been as much for healthy well-being as religious ceremonies.
    penang-incense-temple-1.jpg
  • There are many forms of Chinese incense and its use and formulation theory is strongly tied to Traditional Chinese medicine and are still referred today as "fragrant medicines". Use of incense has long been as much for healthy well-being as religious ceremonies.
    chinese-incense-3.jpg
  • There are many forms of Chinese incense and its use and formulation theory is strongly tied to Traditional Chinese medicine and are still referred today as "fragrant medicines". Use of incense has long been as much for healthy well-being as religious ceremonies.
    chinese-incense-1.jpg
  • The Cebu Taoist Temple is located in Beverly Hills subdivision of Cebu City and was built by Cebu's sizeable Chinese community. The temple is the center of worship for Taoism, the religion which follows the teachings of the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tze.
    taoist-cebu-1.jpg
  • The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Harvest Moon Festival is celebrated with lion dances, moon cakes.   It is usually held around mid or late September in China, Vietnam and Chinatowns around the world.
    harvest-moon-lion-dance-2.jpg
  • The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Harvest Moon Festival is celebrated with lion dances, moon cakes.   It is usually held around mid or late September in China, Vietnam and Chinatowns around the world.
    harvest-moon-lion-dance-1.jpg
  • Dragonfruit at Ben Thanh Market - The dragonfruit may look exotic and appealing, and in fact it does have a pleasant taste though not nearly as strong and outlandish as its peel may hint at.
    vietnamese-fruit-vendor.jpg
  • The Temple of Heaven, or Tiantan, is sometimes used as the very symbol of Beijing. The temple was visited regularly  visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer for good harvests. Speaking of which, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a magnificent triple-gabled circular building, 32 metres in diameter and 38 metres tall, built on three levels of marble stone base.  The building is completely wooden, using no nails in its construction.
    temple-of-heaven-4.jpg
  • Wat Ku Tao is a highly unusual temple in Chiang Mai.  Its chedi is said to have been built in 1613 to hold the ashes and remains of Prince Saravadi the Burmese overlord of Chiang Mai. The name "Ku Tao" comes from the northern Thai word 'tao' for melon.  The temple's chedi is noteworthy for its unusual,  bulbous pagoda.  The structure is decorated with colourful porcelain tiles and represents five Buddhist monk's alms bowls.   This temple is also known as Wearuwanaram Vihan. Which suggests that the temple was once located in a forest of bamboo.
    wat-ku-tao-3.jpg
  • Dragonfruit Hylocereus - A pitaya is the fruit of several cactus species, most importantly of the genus Hylocereus sweet pitayas commonly known as dragonfruit.  They are also sometimes called strawberry pear or nanettikafruit. The fruit's texture is sometimes compared to the kiwi fruit due to the presence of black, crunchy seeds.
    dragonfruit-5.jpg
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