Xishuangbanna, one of the eight autonomous prefectures (自治州) in Southwest China’s Yunnan province, has made it to the list of Lonely Planet’s top 10 regions to visit in 2022.

With the China-Laos railway scheduled to open on December 2, 2021, trips to Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture would be more accessible. Along with neighboring Myanmar and Laos, the exotic region is best known for dense tropical rainforest and distinct ethnic culture.

A paradise for plants and animals

Xishuangbanna boasts the most intact tropical ecosystem in China, which harbors a quarter of the country’s animal species and one sixth of plants. There are quite a few spots to get a glimpse of this animal and plant paradise, and Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) always comes first.

XTBG, situated in the south of the province, is not only the country’s top level tourist attraction, but also a research institution affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Home to over 13,000 species of plants, it is one of the largest tropical botanical gardens in the country.

The site is divided into two areas: one in the east, and the other in the west. The western area has 20 small botanical gardens that contain a wide variety of peculiar plants. The eastern area is three times bigger than the other, featuring dense tropical rainforests and giant waterfalls.

If tropical plants are not enough, the Wild Elephant Valley would be a great option for animal lovers. The nature reserve is the only place in China to observe Asian elephants at close quarters and it shelters other rare wild animals, too.

Dai ethnic culture

The Dai ethnic group has lived in Xishuangbanna for centuries, accounting for around 30 percent of the region’s population. A visit to the tropical paradise would never be complete without experiencing the local culture.

Manting Park is the oldest park in the region that dates back 1,300 years, which is also one of the main venues for the annual Water Splashing Festival (WSF), the most important traditional occasion for the Dai people to welcome the New Year.

The festival usually falls in mid-April and involves three days of festive celebrations, including religious rituals, water splashing, boat racing and releasing sky lanterns.

In L.A., while you enjoy downtown’s parks, museums and such, you can stay for some t these days. Here are three popular downtown Los Angeles restaurants that you might want to for yourself:

It’s pretty easy to find Mexican food in L.A.. But what do you do when you want memorable, out-of-the-ordinary Mexican? Fellow chefs like to go to Broken Spanish.

Broken Spanish says it adds a 3% extra charge to its bills so it can provide health insurance for its full-time employees, but diners can have the charge removed if they wish.

Broken Spanish:1050 S. Flower St. Los Angeles, CA, 90015.   Call:213-749-1460.

If you’re in the mood for food inspired by Southern Europe and the Mediterranean, this is the spot.

The original sandwich with pork, beef and a tomato-based sauce is a favorite with chefs.

Other dishes getting attention: The Fava Fritter Bäco and the House Granola with Lebni and Honey. Veggie lovers will find a menu full of offerings. Bäco Mercat also has a wide selection of wine, cocktails and beer.

Bäco Mercat: 408 S. Main St. Los Angeles, CA, 90013.   Call:213-687-8808.

When you want Italian that improves pasta and pizza selections and offers a range of menu items well beyond traditional fare, head to Bestia.

If you’ve ever hesitated to order fish for fear that it will arrive dry, lacking flavor, Bestia will change your mind.

You’ll also find a nice variety of desserts on the menu such as Maple Ricotta Fritters and Warm Pear Ricotta Tart.

Bestia: 2121 E. 7th Place, Los Angeles, CA 90021.   Call: 213-514-5724.

Four Reasons to Visit the Tsinandali Festival

Georgia’s first international classical music festival begins this September in Tsinandali. Here are four reasons why the Tsinandali Festival is well worth a trip.

1. World-class classical music

The Tsinandali Festival presents some of the greatest conductors, composers and performers from across the globe for 15 days of world-class classical music.

The Festival whose music director is Gianandrea Noseda features performances from talented musicians, such as violinist Lisa Batiashvili, pianist Nicholas Angelich and cellist Gautier Capucon.

2. The first public performance of the Pan-Caucasia Youth Orchestra

On September 8, at the Tsinandali Festival, the Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra(PCYO) will give their first public performance.

The PCYO established by George Ramishviliand and Avi Shoshani gives over 80 young musicians from across the Caucasus region the extraordinary opportunity to train and perform with world-class conductors, coaches and musicians.

3. Amazing architecture

In between concerts, take a walk through the historic 2.5-acre park on the Tsinandali Estate and discover the truly beautiful architecture it has on offer. The manor house of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze does not disappoint. Steeped in history, the manor house once hosted discussions of new literary, artistic and musical trends. It is now presented as a museum.

4. The wine

The Tsinandali Estate is known as a major center for wine in Georgia, as it was on the Estate—about 230 years ago —that wine in Georgia was first made and bottled.

Still, to this day, the Estate practices the historic tradition of Georgian winemaking while, at the same time, creating the standards of modern technological approach. People come from far and wide to tour the beautiful wine estate which has been rebuilt in recent years but remains true to the high standards once set.