The natural landscape of the stone forest is a spectacular limestone formation, which has been named a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Exposed to rain and winds and eroded by the elements, the limestone ranges were shaped by time into a vast forest of stone. The karst formations are believed to be 270 million years old and are located just under 100 km away from Kunming.

Cagliari Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church which was constructed in the 13th century in Pisan-Romanesque style and restored during the 1930s. Walking along its nave, you can admire the amazing marble elements, which provide the building with an enchanting aura, as well as the two astonishing pulpits sculpted by Guglielmo da Pisa.

Overlooking Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, Mount Sugarloaf is a popular place for outdoor activities. There are several picnic areas and lookouts, and the light hike is suitable for the whole family. Grab the kids, pack some lunch and climb the summit.

The Beitou area of Taipei is renowned for its high concentration of thermal spa centres. There are establishments to fit any budget, from the low-priced open-air Public Hot Spring (modest swimwear required) to private hotels and resorts uphill, all offering hot spring baths at various price points. One option most resorts offer is renting a private room with a large bath that can be filled with hot spring water. The Spring City Resort in Beitou is a great mid-range option. A session here includes access to about a dozen thermal pools of varying water temperature (from seemingly boiling-hot to rather chilly), plus robe, towel, and slipper rental. They even offer a free shuttle bus to the metro station. For a luxurious spa treatment, look into the offerings of Hotel Regent Taipei, for example. Wellspring Spa offers a wide range of relaxing treatments including massages, body wraps, skin polishing and facials. Take the elevator to the top floor and unwind at this urban sanctuary.