People of different faiths lived side by side in Gaochang until the city was destroyed 700 years ago.

Yining, Xinjiang (China) -- LESS than an hour east of Turpan, the ruins of the ancient city of Gaochang can be reached by a highway that runs along the base of the Huoyanshan (Flaming Mountain), a barren, loaf-shaped range 100km long. Under the searing summer sun the red sandstone mountain looks as if it is on fire, hence its name. 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- The Mahaparnirvana Special Train is a newly launched rail tour that traces the life of the Buddha from cradle to grave in what is today northern India and Nepal. The Buddhist destinations in the package aren’t new; the rail component is.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- The life of the Buddha is one of the most inspiring stories ever told. The Buddhist circuit of northern India and Nepal allows pilgrims and tourists alike to “walk with the Buddha”.

Genting Hinglands, Pahang (Malaysia) -- FROM humble beginnings where earth was dug up with bare hands, the Chin Swee Temple stands tall today with intricate carvings decorating its walls and statues of the various Buddhist deities.

Lhasa, Tibet (China) -- It’s been 48 long years since the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has been in exile in India. But they say that his heart is yearning to see Lhasa — the 1,300-year-old holy city. Lhasa has traditionally been the seat of Tibetan Buddhism and is regarded as the holiest centre in politically distressed Tibet.

Kathmandu, Nepal -- Boudha near Kathmandu is famously known as Little Tibet. It is one of the top tourist spots in the world, located around five kilometers northeast of Nepal's capital city on the old road from Tibet.

ASHREENA PILLAI pays a visit to one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in Malaysia,  situated in Petaling Jaya.

Petaling Jaya, Malaysia -- My visit to the Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple in Petaling Jaya was an unforgettable experience indeed.

A Buddhist group on a pilgrimage to Sri Lanka continues its journey.

Colombo, Sri Lanka -- To a group of devotees on a recent eight-day pilgrimage to Sri Lanka, the trip was no ordinary sightseeing tour of beautiful temples and ancient cities. We learnt about the country’s historical background and the places related to the Lord Buddha.

Putuoshan, China -- With its mountain scenery and seascapes the island of Putuoshan is like something straight from the pages of a book on Chinese myths and legends, as this scene illustrates. Perched on a headland is a pagoda, its burnished roof glowing in the sun. The hills are clad in rich green forests and waves of chocolate brown water pound the rocky coastline.

Bangkok, Thailand -- The Tiger Temple or Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua is famed for its practice of conservation and the Buddhist culture of peace. Getting its name from the many tame Indochinese Tigers that freely roam the ground, the Tiger Temple is a popular attraction for many travellers to the country.