City Lights. Victoria Charles

the annual International Festival of Hammamet.

      Grand Mosque, Sousse, Tunisia.

      Cape Town, South Africa.

      Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

      Located at the border between Africa and Asia, Sharm el-Sheikh is a small city on the tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt.

      Recently become a popular tourist destination, Sharm el-Sheikh benefits from the cultural and historical richness of the region. Originally a fishing village on the coast of the Red Sea, a body of water whose beauty is an irresistible attraction to tourists, Sharm el-Sheikh also profits from a temperate climate, with temperatures remaining between 16 and 35 °C throughout the year. The city’s hotels and nightlife have greatly developed with the influx of visitors, with a number of new buildings accommodating trendy bars and nightclubs that keep the city lively and exciting.

      Adding to its international appeal, Sharm el-Sheikh has welcomed several international peace conferences, earning the nickname ‘City of Peace’.

      Asia

      Shanghai, China.

      Yokohama, Japan.

      One of Yokohama’s most popular landmarks, the Cosmo Clock 21 opened in 1999 and quickly became a symbol of the city. With a height of 112.5 metres, Cosmo Clock 21 is one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world. At night, the Cosmo Clock 21 is illuminated with patterns that repeat every 15 minutes, using different designs and colours according to the season.

      Sensoji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan.

      Sun and Moon Pagodas on Banyan Lake, Guilin, China.

      Skyline of Shanghai, China.

      Fukuoka, Japan.

      A product of the fusion of the ancient city of the same name and the city of Hakata, which took place in 1889, Fukuoka is the largest city on the Japanese island of Kyūshū.

      The city’s proximity to the Asian continent, being as it is closer to Seoul than to Tokyo, along with its port and the incredible cultural richness of the region, which was exposed to Mongol invasions in the 13^th century, make Fukuoka one of the most attractive cities in Japan.

      In a 2009 poll, Fukuoka ranked sixteenth on the list of the World’s Most Liveable Cities, due to its metropolitan features and numerous green spaces. It was also chosen by Newsweek in 2006 as one of the most dynamic cities in the world.

      Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly Victoria Terminus, Mumbai, India.

      Taipei, Taiwan.

      Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

      This market, located in central Ho Chi Minh City, has become one of the symbols of the city and is a must-see for tourists visiting the south of Vietnam.

      The market first formed in the 17^th century, when street vendors assembled near the Saigon River. It was formally established as a covered market after the French colonial forces took Gia Dinh Citadel in 1859, and since then it has seen several reconstructions. Today, it is the city’s largest market, attracting scores of people every day. It is also anticipated that Ben Thanh Market will become the District 1 station for the future Ho Chi Minh City metro system.

      At night, the main market locks its doors and vendors set up outdoor stalls along the streets around the building, creating the Ben Thanh night market. Here you will find bags, clothing and shoes, as well as souvenirs of Vietnam. The night market is also well-known for its vast array of traditional food, offering dishes from all across the country to passersby.

      Manila, The Philippines.

      Harmandir Sahib, called the Golden Temple and the Holy Lake, Amritsar, India.

      Khaju Bridge over Zayandeh Rud, Isfahan, Iran.

      Naqsh-e Jahan Square and Imam (Shah) Mosque, Isfahan, Iran.

      Naqsh-e Jahan Square, whose name translates to ‘image of the world’, also known as the Imam Square, is located in the centre of Isfahan in Iran. Rich in historical significance and honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is lined with buildings from the Safavid era, which lasted from around 1501 to 1736. This photo highlights the Shah Mosque, situated on the square’s south side.

      The Shah Mosque was built under the orders of the monarch Abbas I of Persia in the early 17^th century. A masterpiece of Persian architecture, adorned with colourful mosaics and elaborate calligraphic inscriptions, the mosque is a landmark of the city and a national emblem.

      Bangkok, Thailand.

      Mosque at night, unknown location.

      Shibuya district, Tokyo, Japan.

      © Barbara Helgason | Dreamstime.com

      The Shibuya district in Tokyo, established in 1932, is the area surrounding the busy Shibuya Railway Station and the business district of the same name. It is considered one of the fashion “hot spots” of the country and known for its active nightlife. It attracts many of the city’s youth, who flock to its streets in search of the latest trendy boutique. One shopping centre, called Shibuya 109, is believed to be the origin of the kogal subculture, which involves young women dressing up like Japanese schoolgirls.

      At night, Shibuya becomes alive with shoppers in search of the latest trends, as well as young fashion mavens out on the town, hoping to see and be seen.

      View from Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong, China.