Race Across the World review — teen lovebirds, divorced exes … get set, go!
Race Across the World (BBC1) is back, proving once again that reality TV does not have to be fatuous tosh for the hard of thinking. Although I did get the 'Brits abroad embarrassment cringe' 13 minutes in when Caroline dashed around a rural town in China saying loudly: 'Do you speak English? Does anybody speak English?' If Chinese TV contestants ran around a market in, say, Barnstaple, saying, 'Do you speak Mandarin?' I wonder how many people would say, 'Yes, fluently! Over here.'
But this is a cut above the usual reality guff, the five pairs of contestants being required to travel 9,000 miles from Huanghuacheng in northeastern China via Nepal to Kanniyakamuri on the southern tip of India without a credit card or a
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Tatler Asia
16 hours ago
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Set sail: scenic boat rides around the world for your travel bucket list
Giethoorn (Overijssel Province, Netherlands) Above Giethoorn is straight out of a fairytale. (Photo: Amir Deljouyi / Unsplash) Nicknamed the 'Venice of the North' and often described as a fairytale village, Giethoorn has no roads—only a network of canals that residents and visitors navigate by electric 'whisper boats' and traditional wooden punts. But that's only half of Giethoorn's charm. The other half lies in its storybook cottages with thatched roofs, gardens bursting with flowers in the springtime, quaint arched wooden bridges and the occasional duck paddling gently on the canal. Don't miss: Shy escapes: 9 quiet destinations for introverts who love to travel Wuzhen (Zhejiang Province, China) Above Take a romantic evening boat ride in Wuzhen. (Photo: kuaileqie RE / Unsplash) Wuzhen is one of China's most meticulously preserved and lovingly restored water towns. Characterised by cobblestone alleys, arched stone bridges and Ming- and Qing-era architecture, it offers visitors a glimpse into the past. It's recommended to stay at least one night and go on a boat ride in the evening, when the wooden houses and still canals glow under the warm flicker of lanterns, transforming this picturesque town into a dreamy, mirror-like waterscape. Venice Canals Historic District (Los Angeles, California, USA) Above A picturesque pocket of serenity in Los Angeles (Photo: Leo_Visions / Unsplash) Inspired by Venice, Italy, Los Angeles's Venice Canals Historic District was conceived by developer Abbot Kinney in 1905. Today, after restoration efforts in the 1990s, only six of the original canals remain. Located a stone's throw from the Venice Beach Boardwalk, the canals offer a tranquil alternative. Glide past private docks, charming homes, arched pedestrian bridges and lush gardens in a kayak or rented gondola, and discover a surprisingly serene and picturesque corner of Los Angeles. The Great Stour (Canterbury, England) Above Punt through medieval Canterbury (Photo: Jolly Ittoop Athungal / Pexels) Just an hour outside London lies the idyllic city of Canterbury. Immerse yourself in a bit of history when you take a traditional punt along the Great Stour as it winds through the heart of this medieval city. Enjoy the scenery as you glide under centuries-old bridges and past rustic timber-framed homes, historic stone walls and charming English gardens. Don't forget to watch for glimpses of historic landmarks, including Canterbury Cathedral's spires rising in the distance. Amsterdam Canal Rings (Netherlands) Above This list wouldn't be complete without the Amsterdam Canal Rings. (Photo: Gabriel Guita/Pexels) A Unesco World Heritage Site and a defining feature of the city's historic core, Amsterdam's iconic 17th-century canal rings—Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht—offer tourists an opportunity to take in postcard-perfect views of gabled townhouses, arched stone bridges and colourful houseboats while cruising down its waterways. In the evening, the bridges are lit up, illuminating the canal and giving it an enchanting, cinematic glow. Maasin River (Siargao, Philippines) Above Take tropical boat ride in Siargao. (Photo: Eibner Saliba / Unsplash) If you're looking for a more tropical vibe, take a boat ride down the Maasin River in Siargao. Flanked by coconut palms and dense mangroves on both sides, you'll be gliding along emerald waters through a lush landscape that will take you to a secret lagoon. Feel free to take a quick dip in its refreshing waters before heading back up the river. Maasin is a quieter alternative to Siargao's surfing scene and perfectly captures the island's relaxed spirit and natural allure. Colmar (Alsace, France) Above France's 'Little Venice' (Photo: Evans Joel/Pexels) Located in France's Alsace region, just a couple of hours from Paris by train, is Colmar. Rumoured to be the inspiration for the French village in Studio Ghibli's Howl's Moving Castle , this hidden gem is another fairytale destination. Head over to the 'La Petite Venise' or 'Little Venice' district and take a scenic boat ride down the Lauch River, where you'll be greeted by storybook views of colourful half-timbered houses decked with pretty flower boxes, arched stone bridges and cobblestone streets.
Tatler Asia
2 days ago
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The living legacy of Chinatowns around the world
2. Yaowarat, Bangkok Above Bangkok (Photo: Mike González / Pexels) When King Rama I moved the Thai capital to Bangkok in the 1780s, Chinese traders resettled along the Chao Phraya River. Yaowarat Road became the spine of Bangkok's Chinatown, a gilded stretch of gold shops, shrines and shophouses where commerce and culture intertwined. For over two centuries, Yaowarat has remained vibrantly Chinese yet unmistakably Thai. Temples like Wat Mangkon Kamalawat draw worshippers, while street hawkers serve everything from bird's nest soup to Thai-Chinese fusion dishes with generations of culinary know-how behind them. Throughout the centuries, experts, industry insiders and influencers have made Yaowarat well-known. Gentrification has brought boutique hotels and speakeasies, but Yaowarat's spirit remains thick as fish maw soup. The older generation still sweeps storefronts at dawn, while the younger crowd turns family stalls into branded foodie empires. 3. San Francisco, USA Above San Francisco (Photo: Ricky Esquivel / Pexels) Established in the 1850s, San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest in the US. Born from Gold Rush dreams and hardened by the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the neighbourhood became a fortress against institutional racism. After the 1906 earthquake, the community rebuilt with ornate Chinese-inspired architecture, partly to attract tourists, partly to reclaim dignity. For decades, it was home to Chinese labourers, laundries and secret societies. Today, it's a bustling cultural hub, where Cantonese grandmothers haggle over bok choy and next-gen chefs serve Peking duck in sleek dining rooms. However, encroaching gentrification from tech giants has put immense pressure on the neighbourhood. But Chinatown's residents are reorganising, establishing cultural districts, protecting rent-controlled housing and resisting eviction. Here, the dragon still dances, and it still breathes fire. 4. Flushing, New York, USA Above Flushing (Photo: via Wikimedia Commons) While Manhattan's Chinatown was once the flagship, the real Chinese community boom has shifted to Flushing, Queens. Starting in the 1980s, an influx of immigrants from Fujian, Taiwan and mainland China transformed Flushing into a multilingual megahub. Unlike its Manhattan predecessor, Flushing is less performative and more lived-in. Here, you'll find regional Chinese cuisines rarely seen outside the mainland. Think Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles, Dongbei hot pot and Taiwanese shaved ice. Now, Flushing is rapidly expanding but faces the same gentrification threats as many of the other Chinatowns on this list. Malls, high-rises and luxury condos are appearing at dizzying rates. Still, the community is vocal: demanding infrastructure, transit investment and cultural preservation in the face of displacement. 5. London, Soho, UK Above London (Photo: Artūras Kokorevas / Pexels) The UK's first Chinese enclave started in Limehouse in the 19th century. It was initially home to sailors and working-class migrants. Post-WWII, however, many relocated to Soho, where Chinatown took root amid narrow streets and crumbling postwar buildings. From humbler beginnings, London's Chinatown evolved into a vibrant food and nightlife hub, with Cantonese roast shops, bakeries and later, pan-Asian influences. It's also home to community centres and Chinese-language newspapers that have helped generations settle and eventually thrive. Now, Soho's rise as a nightlife capital and tourist zone has brought soaring rents and a flood of chain restaurants. Yet local organisers are resisting whitewashing, ensuring that alongside the bubble tea and barbecue, the soul of Chinatown remains unmistakably Chinese and defiantly local. 6. Melbourne, Australia Above Melbourne (Photo: Pat Whelen via Pexels) Formed during Australia's 1850s gold rush, Melbourne's Chinatown is the oldest continuously inhabited Chinatown in the Western world. Early Chinese immigrants braved exclusion laws and rigid policies to form tight-knit communities along Little Bourke Street. Over the decades, it evolved from goldfield grit to Art Deco elegance, becoming a cultural landmark for both old and new generations of Chinese-Australians. These days, Melbourne's Chinatown still boasts traditional restaurants and lunar festivals. However, many young Chinese Australians are opening contemporary eateries, fashion boutiques and co-working studios, developing a stylish intersection of heritage and innovation.
Tatler Asia
4 days ago
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9 cultural events to look out for in June: Jay Chou concert, Jimmy O Yang show and ‘Lust, Caution' composer in Hong Kong
2. Cy Gavin Above 'Untitled (Aquarium)' (2025) by Cy Gavin (Image: courtesy of Cy Gavin, Jackie Furtado and Gagosian) When: Until August 2 Where: Gagosian, 7/F, Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central What: New York-based artist Cy Gavin—who drew global attention for his Met Gala blue carpet—is debuting his first solo show in Asia. His latest works explore transformation, resilience and natural cycles. Featuring elements like Maximillian sunflowers and protostars, Gavin weaves together metaphors of biological and geological growth. 3. Dongpo: Life in Poems Above 'Dongpo: Life in Poems' (Photo: courtesy of LCSD) When: June 13 to 14 Where: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui What: A poetic homage to Song dynasty polymath Su Dongpo (1037–1101), this stage production by China Oriental Performing Arts Group blends contemporary dance with classical Chinese cultural elements. Expect an atmospheric interpretation of Dongpo's legacy through calligraphy, poetry, martial arts, painting and more. 4. Jimmy O Yang Live in Hong Kong When: June 13 to 15 Where: Hong Kong Coliseum What: Hong Kong-born comedian and actor Jimmy O Yang returns for his hometown debut. Known for Interior Chinatown (2024) and Crazy Rich Asians (2018), Yang delivers fast-paced humour shaped by cultural quirks and personal tales of identity. 5. Echoes of the Heart Above A poster of 'Echoes of the Heart' (Photo: courtesy of French May) When: June 14 Where: Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui What: A multicultural musical moment featuring Canto-pop singer Jay Fung and French vocalist Joyce Jonathan. They'll perform across genres in Chinese, English and French. Jonathan, who won the NRJ Music Award for Francophone Breakthrough of the Year in 2011, is the first French singer-songwriter to join the Chinese music competition Ride the Wind in 2024. This concert is part of this year's French May. 6. Trevor Yeung: Courtyard of Detachments Above 'Pond of Never Enough' by Trevor Yeung (Photo: courtesy of M+ and the artist) When: June 14 to October 12 Where: M+, West Kowloon Cultural District What: Following his showcase at the 60th Venice Biennale, Hong Kong artist Trevor Yeung revisits and reimagines his acclaimed installation. Shifting from themes of attachment to detachment, Yeung explores power dynamics and emotional ecology through aquatic-inspired ecosystems. 7. Wing Po So: Polyglot Above 'Polyglot Mulberry' (2023) by Wing Po So (Image: courtesy of Blindspot Gallery and the artist) When: June 17 to August 23 Where: Blindspot Gallery, Wong Chuk Hang What: Wing Po So examines the language of nature through a pharmacological lens. Drawing from Chinese medicine, her mixed-media works use materia medica to reveal hidden systems and structures, offering a layered interpretation of the environment and the unseen forces within it. 8. The Film Music of Alexandre Desplat Above A still from 'The Shape of Water' (Image: courtesy of IMDB) When: June 20 and 21 Where: Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre What: The Hong Kong Philharmonic pays tribute to Alexandre Desplat, the French composer behind The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), Lust, Caution (2007), Godzilla (2014), The Shape of Water (2017). Though Desplat will not attend due to Hollywood commitments; his wife and violinist Solrey will conduct the performance. Don't miss: 'Frozen', James Horner and John Williams: the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra's new season line-up is announced 9. Jay Chou Carnival World Tour Above Jay Chou at his 'Carnival World Tour' in Nanning, China in April 2025 (Photo: Instagram/@jaychou) When: June 27 to 29 Where: Kai Tak Stadium, Kowloon City What: The Mando-pop legend Jay Chou returns to Hong Kong with his globe-trotting Carnival World Tour , which began in Shanghai in 2019 and has since then toured around Asia, Oceania and Europe. From Fade Away to If You Don't Love Me, It's Fine , fans can expect an energetic set of his greatest hits in this Hong Kong concert.
