Beitou (北投) is a district of Taipei City at the foot of Yangmingshan (陽明山 or Yangming Mountain), a collection of mountain peaks that make up Yangminshan National Park. These include Seven Star Mountain (七星山 or Qixingshan), a dormant volcano that last erupted around 700,000 years ago.
Xinbeitou (新北投), the hot spring village around Xinbeitou MRT station, occupies a lush valley that is home to 1200 species of plants, 110 species of bird, and 160 varieties of butterflies.
Beitou Thermal Valley (also called Beitou Geothermal Valley or Hell Valley) is a second, highly acidic “green sulfur” hot spring that is a major tourist attraction in Beitou and the source of the hot creek running through Beitou Hot Spring Park.
The spring water is high in radium, which in the past underwent a corrosive reaction with the andesite rocks on the river bed about 150 meters downstream, creating layers of cream and white diamond-shaped crystals named Hokutolite or “Beitou stone”, ...
On April 12, 2026, Orthodox Easter (Pascha) in Vladivostok reached its public climax at the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral (Cathedral of the Transfiguration). This grand cathedral on the central square, overlooking Golden Horn Bay, served as the destination for the city’s main Easter procession (Крестный ход).
The procession began at 14:00 from Pokrovsky Cathedral and wound through the center, arriving at Spaso-Preobrazhensky around 14:30. There, Metropolitan Pavel of Vladivostok and Primorsky addressed the crowd with blessings and resurrection greetings. Clergy then blessed the traditional Easter foods—kulichi, paskha, and especially the vibrant red-dyed eggs symbolizing Christ’s blood and new life.
Believers exchanged the joyful Paschal greeting “Христос воскрес!” (“Christ is risen!”) and “Воистину воскрес!” (“Truly He is risen!”) while sharing and cracking the blessed eggs. The square in front of the cathedral quickly turned into...
Planning a trip to Russia in 2026 starts with checking your nationality’s visa requirements early, as most travelers need either an electronic visa for short stays up to 30 days or a traditional tourist visa obtained through a consulate or visa center, often requiring an invitation letter from a registered agency and proof of travel insurance. Some countries enjoy visa-free entry for limited periods, while others must apply well in advance—always verify the latest details on official Russian government sites since rules can shift.
Decide on the best timing based on your preferences: summer from June to August brings pleasant weather, long daylight hours especially during St. Petersburg’s famous White Nights, and lively festivals, though it is the peak season with higher crowds and prices. Shoulder seasons in late spring or early autumn offer milder temperatures and fewer visitors for a more relaxed experience, while winter delivers magical snowy landscapes ideal for cultural events but ...
Exploring Khlong San district on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River offers a refreshing contrast to the more crowded tourist spots across the water, revealing a quieter, more layered side of Bangkok where history lingers in the streets and architecture.
Once a vital trading hub during the Rattanakosin era, this neighborhood retains an intimate, lived-in feel that invites unhurried wandering along its riverfront and narrow sois. The historic section unfolds gently as you move away from the modern developments near Khlong San Pier, where older communities and landmarks tell stories of Chinese settlers, royal connections, and defensive fortifications from centuries past.
The area’s heritage shines through in its charming buildings, many of which blend Chinese, Thai, and colonial influences in understated yet captivating ways. Graceful shophouses with weathered facades and wooden details line some of the quieter lanes, their upper floors often featuring intricate latticework or faded pastel tones ...
