Things we like - culture

Traditional wedding welcome
Witnessing a Sri Lankan wedding procession is a unique experience. Unlike in most parts of the world, where the wife-to-be is the main attraction, the Sri Lankan bejewelled bride shares the stage equally with her groom. Together, they hope for the community's acceptance during the wedding procession. Select male Kandyan dancers, clad in flowing white garments and bright ornaments, clear the lovebirds' path while leading the community to gather at the intricate wedding venue. Alongside rhythmic echoes of magul drums and metal anklets, the dancers' precise shifts from head to toe are striking. The finale of somersaults celebrates not just the couple's wedded bliss, but also an impressive performance. Owing to derivatives of traditional shaman rituals, these types of weddings are not common nowadays.

Heart of old Shanghai
Shanghai isn't only about the shiny new skyscrapers sprouting up in Pudong, but also the old charming neighbourhoods across the Huangpu River in Puxi. One area that's become very popular is Tianzifang in the French Concession. It's a maze of alleyways off Taikang Road, with the nearest subway station south of it at Dapuqiao on Line 9. Wander in and check out the small craft stores, boutiques and cafes. Most of the shops are independent entrepreneurs, some selling typical tourist knickknacks, others exquisite Suzhou embroidery on cashmere. The prices range wildly, catering to all wallets. The neighbourhood was originally built in the 1930s, and even the famous realism painter Chen Yifei had a studio here. In 2006, the area was slated for demolition, but about a year later local and international media interest in the place made it a popular haunt.

Experience tribal life
For tourists craving something different and more remote from the Kota Kinabalu cityscape, a trip back in time to old Borneo is well in order. At the Mari Mari Cultural Village, witness Sabah's ethnic glory up close: fresh rice wine and sweet delicacies, indigenous accessories, and intricate tattoos. Enjoy a hearty chuckle when attempting the wooden trampoline high jumps or dressing in traditional wedding garb. Test your prowess at living like a tribe member by trying to cook efficiently with bamboo tools, dancing tribal style, or even attempting well-aimed dart blows using bamboo weapons. With advanced local agent booking and an eager attitude in tow, these and more make for a refreshingly unique folkloric experience.