Loss of elasticity and dull skin tone are common issues caused by aging, environmental pollution, and inadequate care. Many people spend significant amounts on expensive salon procedures and cosmetic products with chemical components to achieve a lifting and radiant effect. However, achieving elasticity similar to Korean skin is possible using natural and safe home remedies.
Rice broth, or rice starch, is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It is capable not only of nourishing the skin but also of promoting its elasticity.
The following ingredients are needed to prepare the cream: 3-4 tablespoons of rice broth (thick water from cooked rice), 2 tablespoons of aloe vera (natural or store-bought), 1 vitamin E capsule, and 0.5 tablespoon of almond or coconut oil.
First, you must prepare the broth: after cooking the rice, separate the thick water (broth) and cool it down. Then, in a clean bowl, mix 3-4 tablespoons of this thick rice broth with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, the oil from the vitamin E capsule, and half a teaspoon of almond or coconut oil. All components are thoroughly beaten until a smooth and creamy consistency is achieved. The finished cream should be stored in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator and can be used for 7–10 days.
The cream is applied in the evening before bed. First, cleanse and dry the face with a mild cleanser. Then, apply a small amount of cream to the face and neck using light circular motions directed upwards, for 3–5 minutes. Leave the cream on the face overnight and wash it off with plain water in the morning. For best results, it is recommended to use this mask continuously for 30 days. Before using any new product, always perform a patch test on a small area of skin.
Jodhpur, known as the 'Blue City' in Rajasthan state, is a popular travel destination due to its rich royal history, magnificent palaces, and extensive forts. These forts not only tell stories of the past but also showcase the splendor of Rajput culture and architecture.
Some of these forts have been converted into heritage hotels, allowing guests to experience the atmosphere of royal life. Below is an overview of five outstanding forts that should be included in your itinerary.
Mehrangarh Fort is considered the most famous fort in Jodhpur. Located on a hill about 125 meters high, it offers stunning views of the city. Inside the fort is a museum where visitors are introduced to history through palaces, richly decorated walls, antique weaponry, and luxury items.
If you are looking for a stay in a royal style, Rohtel Garh is an ideal place, as it is a heritage hotel where kings once lived. Here you can go horseback riding, cook traditional Rajasthani cuisine, and enjoy local dishes.
Chandra Fort combines history and luxury. Its features include beautiful bay windows, traditional decor, and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy village tours, as well as horse and camel rides. Additionally, handmade souvenirs can be purchased here.
Umaid Bhawan Palace is recognized as one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. Part of this complex still serves as the residence of the Jodhpur royal family, while other parts function as a museum and a luxury hotel. Visitors can view rare artifacts related to royal history and utilize spa, cafe, and luxury room services.
Khejrala Fort, which is about 400 years old, has also been converted into a heritage hotel, although part of it still belongs to the royal family. This fort offers a combination of ancient Rajput style and modern amenities, and its tranquil atmosphere and luxurious rooms make it an excellent choice for relaxation.
If you are tired of eating poha or upma daily, try making bread uttapam. This simple recipe allows you to quickly prepare a tasty breakfast at home in just a few minutes.
Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. However, due to morning rush, there is often not enough time to prepare breakfast. In such cases, people usually look for recipes that are very quick to make and taste excellent, such as chila or poha.
If you are bored with monotonous breakfasts, you should pay attention to bread uttapam. This South Indian style dish is prepared in minutes and is liked by both children and adults. Below is a guide on how to make bread uttapam and a list of necessary ingredients.
For preparation, you will need: 4 slices of bread, 1/2 cup of suji, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1/2 cup of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, 1 small onion (finely chopped), 1/2 bell pepper (finely chopped), 2 green chilies (finely chopped), 1 tomato (finely chopped), salt to taste, oil, and water as needed.
To begin the process of making bread uttapam, cut off the edges of the bread slices. Then lightly spray the bread with water to soften it. After that, mix the bread with suji, flour, yogurt, and a little water, then blend everything in a blender. If necessary, you can add a little oil. It is important that the resulting mixture is neither too runny nor too thick.
Next, add the chopped onion, tomato, bell pepper, green chili, and grated ginger to this mixture, stirring well. Finally, add salt to prevent excess moisture from coming out of the vegetables. Heat a pan and grease it with a little oil. Pour the prepared mixture onto the pan and carefully spread it into a round shape. Fry over medium heat until golden brown on one side. Then add a little more oil, flip it, and fry on the other side until fully cooked.
When the uttapam becomes golden and crispy on both sides, remove it to a plate. Your delicious bread uttapam is ready. It is recommended to serve it hot with coconut, green, tomato paste, or sauce.
Preparation requires following several rules: the consistency of the mixture should not be too runny or too thick. Salt should always be added last. It is also important to cook the uttapam over medium heat so that it cooks evenly inside. Optionally, to increase nutritional value, you can add carrots, sweet peas, or cheese to the batter.
As temperatures rise in the Northern Hemisphere, more international travelers are heading to China in search of cooler destinations. This is turning summer tourism into a new driver for inbound tourism and consumption in the country.
Despite the popularity of traditional tourist spots, scenic regions in China with moderate climates have become sought after among foreign visitors looking to escape the heat. For example, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, located in Hunan Province in central China, is known for its impressive sandstone mountains, dense forests, and pleasant summer climate.
Belgian tourist Maria shared in an interview with China Media Group that the streams in the valleys and the refreshing mountain scenery make Zhangjiajie an ideal place for a summer getaway. She also noted the cleanliness of the surroundings and the warm reception from local residents. Thanks to China's 24-hour visa-free transit policy, Zhangjiajie has become an important gateway for visitors to Hunan, attracting guests from Europe, Southeast Asia, and other regions who come to enjoy the cool mountain air and stunning nature.
The city operates 13 passenger routes connecting eight countries and regions. Simplified entry procedures allow tourists to clear customs in about 30 minutes and head straight to the attractions.
Among all the attractions in Zhangjiajie, Tianmen Mountain is highly sought after, receiving about 15,000 visitors daily, with foreign tourists accounting for about 15%, which is 51.72% more than last year.
Changbai Mountain in Jilin Province in northeastern China has also become a summer favorite. Over the past decade, the average temperature here has remained below 22 degrees Celsius from June to August, offering guests a cool retreat amidst forests and mountains. During peak summer season, visitor numbers exceed 30,000 people daily, according to data from the Changbai Mountain Protection and Development Administration of Jilin.
In addition to natural beauty, international guests are impressed by the convenience and quality of daily services. High-speed rail connections between Changbai Mountain and Beijing allow arrival in the capital in just over four hours, making trips even more comfortable.
Beyond the landscapes, Chinese consumer goods are also becoming part of the summer trip for foreigners. Jocelyn from France made Huacangbei electronics market in Shenzhen her first stop after arriving, where she purchased a portable mist fan after researching products online.
Huacangbei, previously known mainly as an electronics hub, has transformed into a popular destination for foreign visitors and a trending location on social media. Local vendors offer cooling products, such as mist fans and cooling towels, adapted for various markets.
Foreign buyers are also seen browsing the storefronts of popular Chinese brands in Shanghai. Some tourists bring photos saved from social media, hoping to find the items they saw. Colombian tourist Cleo showed a store employee a photo of a bag she wanted to buy after discovering the brand on social media. Although the item was sold out, staff helped locate it in another warehouse and arranged delivery to her next destination—Beijing.
Thanks to more convenient payment services and an expanded tax refund policy, travel in China is gaining popularity among foreign guests, stimulating the development of the hotel, restaurant, and retail industries. Tourists are also trying traditional archery at a rural tourist spot in Panzian Village, Jiangxi Province, in eastern China.
Tour operators note that foreign travelers are moving beyond simple accommodation and sightseeing, aiming for deep immersion in local culinary traditions and cultural events, which opens up new opportunities for the tourism and consumption sectors.
According to data from the Ministry of Public Security, in the first half of the year, China welcomed 22.91 million foreign arrivals, a 20.4% increase compared to the previous year. Of these, 17.82 million trips were made by travelers entering under the visa-free regime, representing a 30.6% increase compared to the previous year.
