Thai puppet performance, the performers use life-like puppets

Thai puppetry, known as hun lakhon lek, is an ancient art form. Each puppet, usually just under a meter long (3.2 feet), is controlled by three people with a rope and pulley system, which help make the puppet look as if it is gracefully dancing on stage. Most puppets are made to look like kohn dancers, a traditional Thai masked performance from episodes of Ramakien.

Tourist can view these traditional Thai puppet performances at the Artist's House, located along Bang Luang canals of Bangkok. Thai puppet shows held every day but Wednesdays at 2 pm.

Delhi is the new cultural capital of India.*Discover cultural heritage

The city's calendar is filled year round with concerts, recitals and cultural extravaganzas. As the city of Khusrao and Ghalib, Delhi is an important cultural center with many of the country's top artists performing regularly in the capital. Delhi thus boasts of a wide variety whether it is Kathak from Lucknow or a Kathakali from Kerala. The institution of the traditional baithak lives on in the city, where all generations are equally addicted to music. Delhi Tourism displays the rich, diverse cultural heritage by sponsoring a series of festivals during the year that mirror the multiplicity of cultures and reflect the fusion of regional diversity that constitutes modern day Delhi.

The Old Quarter is the perfect example of Hanoi's dual nature. Founded as a small village some thousand years ago, Thang Long as it was, and is known, has stood the trials of time to become the capital of the country. Once every street of the city's centre sold only one thing. Silver, maybe, or beef. These days, things are different, but even now, one can wander Hang Bac to see rows of jewelry shops among the noodle stands and knick-knack stores. Hanoi is a city of contrasts, but beyond that, it's a city with a unique beauty and character.

Jakarta, a city filled with colors! This is Batik Jakarta, the handicraft from Betawi culture.

*Ondel-ondel
The traditional Betawi housesor, named “Ondel-ondel” (a two-meter high Betawi puppet with colorful dress and crown), are usually found during Independence Day and special events.

*Batik Jakarta
Jakarta offers many handicrafts, like Batik Jakarta with the many motives, designs, and colors. Batik Jakarta is made by printing and hand processing.

If culture were the soul of a nation, the pulse is right here in Kuala Lumpur.

Located in the heart of South East Asia, Malaysia is divided into Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, lies midway along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and represents the cultural, commercial and transportation center of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur has become a metropolitan center and the largest city in Malaysia with a population of over 1.3 million. Malays, Chinese and Indians comprise the multicultural population. The ethnic diversity can be seen in the customs and religious beliefs, as well as languages, cuisines, and architecture. Known as KL to the locals, the city is a heady mix of history and culture intertwined with mushrooming skyscrapers and office towers. Buzzing with life from morning to night, explore the diverse shopping to the vibrant nightlife to its historical heritage – Kuala Lumpur has something for everyone. Kuala Lumpur is the best example of a city that has managed to preserve the best of its cultural heritage and combine it with modern conveniences to offer a wholly unique experience to visitors.

Metropolitan Manila is a multi-faceted destination with its strings of cultural dynamism.
Aliwan Festival is one of Metro Manila's festivities. Aliwan is a tagalog word for “entertainment” or “amusement.” It is one of the Philippines' grandest fiesta that is being held in Metro Manila during the summer months. It is an annual event that showcases the different Filipino cultures and heritage.

Metro Manila is also the home to various art museums. The National Museum of the Philippines splendors the greatest art pieces of Philippine history, such as the Spolarium. For a geeky experience, there is Mind Museum, an interactive science museum.

The Simplicity, Serenity and Spirituality of Korean Music

Spirituality lays the foundation for traditional Korean music and is present in every aspect. The tinkling notes and soaring melodies of these enchanting compositions are based on Buddhist and shamanist beliefs. The Yin and the Yang is present as gongs symbolize the heavens, while drums symbolize the earth. Whether the distinct and diverse sounds of Korean music are used to reenact court or royal ceremonies or for the introspection of religious and scholarly pursuit, it has been lovingly preserved and is showcased in heart-wrenching and energetic performances throughout Seoul.

Taipei Performing Arts Center
Taipei Performing Arts Center is designed by OMA, led by renowned architects Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten, inspired by the Taiwanese hotpot as a diagram of consolidation and efficiency, and will be the new cultural landmark in Taiwan.
In addition to creating a genre-crossing experience for the audience, it is eager to foster local and next generation of artists and to promote international collaboration, which will enable Taipei to bring in a new perspective and present outstanding Taiwanese works on the international stage.

Taipei Music Center
Taipei Music Center is a multi-purpose architecture that has numerous functions, such as providing performance spaces, preserving cultural records, and stimulating industry development. It is the heart of Taiwan's popular music industry, the second home for musicians, a new world for music enthusiasts, and the most familiar corner for the general public to get in touch with the music culture and enjoy music performances.

Traditional Japanese entertainments retain their power to amaze and delight

*Ukiyo-e
Ukiyo-e (wood-block prints) is a style of painting that emerged in the 17th century and is one of the most representative art forms of Japan. “Ukiyo” (literally “floating world”) infers a meaning of “reality,” and many works in this genre depict scenes from everyday urban life and natural scenery of the time, as well as beautiful women and actors, and were popular as a form of entertainment for the general public. Ota Memorial Museum of Art in Harajuku in Tokyo has many ukiyo-e in its collection,and is one of the few art galleries in Tokyo to specialize in this genre. It is popular with art lovers in Japan, and also receives many visitors from overseas with an interest in Japanese culture. The museum has a collection that spans a wide range, from the Edo period (1603-1868) to the early 20th century. One of its attractions for the many visitors is that it offers an opportunity to trace the history of ukiyo-e from beginning to end. As one form of Japanese artistic culture that has also influenced the European art world, ukiyo-e tell us about the lives and thoughts of the people of the Edo period, and the technique is alive and well today, having been handed down as a traditional craft. The delicate and colorful techniques unique to Japan will surely continue to fascinate many people in the future.
※Ukiyo-e works on display are changed every month according to themes of exhibition.

Ōta Memorial Museum of Art Website
http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/eng