The Khmer Empire was a powerful Kingdom in South-East Asia. Its major architectural works (temples and sculptures) are located in present day Cambodia, where the capital of the empire was located. However, during long periods of time the Khmer ruled over parts of present day Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
Like other major ethnic groups in the history of South-East Asia (the Thais, the Mons, The Chams) the Khmer are thought to have descended in the prehistoric period from the river valleys in Eastern Tibet and Southwest China. The Khmer appear first on the scene (in Chinese records) in the second half of the 6th century A.D. with the Kingdom known as Chenla.
Since the Khmer reigned for long periods over extended areas of present day Thailand, Thailand has a substantial number of important Khmer monuments on its territory, mainly in its Northeastern Region (such as Phonom Rung and Muang Tam in Buriram Province, Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Muang Singh in Kanchanaburi province). Any look ...
The National Palace Museum was originally established as the Palace Museum in the Forbidden City on 10 October 1925, shortly after the expulsion of Puyi, the last emperor of China, from the Forbidden City by warlord Feng Yuxiang.
The articles in the museum consisted of the valuables of the former imperial family.
In 1931, shortly after the Mukden Incident, the Nationalist Government ordered the museum to make preparations to evacuate its most valuable pieces out of the city to prevent them from falling into the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army.
As a result, from 6 February to 15 May 1933, the Palace Museum's 13,491 crates and 6,066 crates of objects from the Exhibition Office of Ancient Artifacts, the Summer Palace and the Imperial Hanlin Academy were moved in five groups to Shanghai.
In 1936, the collection was moved to Nanjing after the construction of the storage in the Taoist monastery Chaotian Palace was complete. As the Imperial Japanese Army advanced farther inland during the ...
The Tamsui Old Street 淡水老街 is a street in Tamsui District, New Taipei, Taiwan.
Tamsui Old Street, also known as Danshui Old Street, is a pedestrian zone located in the Tamsui District, near the red line MRT station of the same name.
It is a boardwalk-like area by the riverfront filled with shops, carnival games, restaurants, cafés, and local snacks. The street is accessible within walking distance from Tamsui Station of Taipei Metro.
While the exact street designated as “Old Street” is not clearly marked, the area collectively referred to as “Tamsui Old Street” includes multiple streets and alleys around the MRT station and river, with lots of shops and food stalls.
The shops generally open in the afternoon and stay open until midnight, offering a variety of local delicacies such as A-gei, iron eggs, and fried squid.
The whole area is fun to see. You can walk along the river, shop for local foods or explore some of the historic sites in the area. A place you ...
Taipei Confucius Temple 台北孔廟
While Guanyu is the god of war, Confucius (孔夫子) is considered the god of literature and wisdom. As confusing as his name sounds, Confucius is not exactly a “god.” It’s better to describe him as a great philosopher. However, since Confucianism deeply influences the Chinese-speaking world, it does feel like a religion in some ways. Sometimes people come here to wish for a good grades.
The standard structure of a Confucius temple includes a wall and a stage. The tall wall is a symbol of Confucius’s invincible wisdom. The stage is where students dance to celebrate Confucius’s birthday.
To get here take the MRT Red Line to Yuanshan Station then take exit no.2
The temple is plain compared to normal Chinese temples but that doesn’t make it any less interesting. The styling and history of this temple makes it well worth a visit.
Taipei Confucius Temple 台北孔廟 - A Great Off the Beaten Path Temple - Taipei Taiwan 2025
