Xiamen City Guide

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KUCHING

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L A N G K AW I

MARCH 2017

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FAT FAT BEER HORSE Housed in a former fish factory, this local brewery is responsible for kickstarting the city’s craft beer craze. The range of ales here blends East and West seamlessly, with homegrown flavours like Chinese bayberry, seaweed and coriander. fb.com/fatfatbeerhorse

NANPUTUO TEMPLE The grounds of this Buddhist temple dedicated to the Bodhisattva Guanyin rise high above the city.

When you’re finished with the temple, hike up into the surrounding hills for picturesque views of the ocean and countryside. nanputuo.com

SHA PO WEI ART DISTRICT The city’s old fishing port has recently been converted into an art district. Head here on weekends to visit galleries, dine at cafés, and peruse craft markets, where local artisans showcase homemade accessories and food.

GULANGYU ISLAND While the ambassadors may already have left this car-free island just off the coast, their Westernstyle mansions, gardens and embassies remain. The architecture and the numerous museums on the island are a reminder of the region’s rich history.

SOUVENIR

The city’s famous peanut brittle is made from roasted peanuts and liquefied sugar for a sweet, crisp bite.

Zhongshan Walking St

68

YANGON RGN

M YA N M A R

BURMESE

MMK

+95

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SOUVENIR

Don the local fashion with a custom-made longyi .

Globe Tailoring

ANYA AHTA

MYANMAR DEITTA

Set on the ground floor of a colonial shophouse, this beer station-style eatery channels the tastes of central Myanmar (“Anya”) with flavourful curries and salads. Try the moreish dried beef, which pairs well with cold beer. #136 St 37

This gallery in Yangon’s historic downtown area has a reputation for boundary-pushing photographic shows.

Recent exhibits have focused on natural resource extraction, as well as the plight of the persecuted Rohingya ethnic minority. deitta.org

ROOT This is one of the few places in Yangon where you can sample authentic fare from the secretive Wa state, which has been closed to foreigners for decades. Don’t miss the gloopy, congee-like moik, which is made with brown rice and vegetables. fb.com/rootkitchen

CICI Aimed at chic young women, Cici’s designs put a twist on traditional style – think bold prints and body-hugging, long-line dresses. The boutique recently launched a line of longyis (Burmese sarongs) with pockets. fb.com/CiciMyanmar

Words by BIJU SUKUMARAN; POPPY MCPHERSON; Photos by GET TY IMAGES ( Yangon); J MARSHALL - TRIBALEYE IMAGES / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO ( longyi)

Postcards