Asia attractions

Built in 1846, Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware is the oldest remaining British Colonial building in Hong Kong. Formerly the residence of the Commander of the British Forces in Hong Kong, today it features exhibitions, demonstrations, and lectures on tea, tea culture, and the history of tea in China.

Set within the compound of the old Monte Fort, the Macao Museum chronicles the history of this region and its blend of European and Asian cultures. Exhibits cover the territory’s history, the relationship between China and Portugal, Macanese religion, folk customs, architecture, and urban development.

Situated near Elliot's Beach, the colorful Ashtalakshmi Temple was constructed in the mid-1970s to honor the Hindu goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi. The multitiered structure features images of the goddess in her eight forms, with shrines spread over four floors accessible by steep and narrow staircases.

Spanning the tranquil Uji River, Uji-bashi Bridge occupies a legendary site. Few Japanese landmarks have played such a starring role in Japanese literature and art as the Heian-period version of this structure, which was featured in The Tale of Genji—a masterpiece of Japanese prose that’s considered by many historians to be the world’s first novel. It was originally built in 646, and was most recently rebuilt in 1996.

The Mt. Purro Nature Reserve ecoresort sits in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains, east of Manila. Activities include hiking, bird-watching, ropes courses, tree planting, waterfall swims, a swimming pool, and encounters with the indigenous Dumagat people. There’s also a restaurant and accommodation at a range of price points.

The 19th-century Tokyo Daijingu Shrine is one of the city’s most significant Shinto shrines. Dedicated to sun goddesses and deities of creation who are believed to oversee matchmaking, it attracts worshippers who come to pray for love and marriage, draw fortunes, and purchase love charms. The shrine is also notable as the first place to host a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony, and it remains a popular wedding spot today.

Nestled in the heart of South Korea’s South Jeolla Province, Naganeupseong Folk Village stands as a testament to the nation's cultural heritage. From charming thatched-roof homes to intricate handicrafts, this well-preserved village invites you to step back in time and immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions that still thrive today.

At Tobu World Square, see some of the world’s most famous sights without leaving Japan. Just outside Nikko, the park displays more than 100 miniatures of architectural landmarks, about half of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Travelers of all ages enjoy spotting icons such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Eiffel Tower.

Located within the Plover Cove Country Park, Plover Cove Reservoir is the second-largest reservoir in Hong Kong, and the first “reservoir in the sea” in the world. Part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, the area around the reservoir offers fantastic hiking and cycling, and is a popular destination for day trips.

Straddling the border of Thailand and Myanmar, the Mae Sai Valley is a lush, mountainous area that serves as a convenient gateway to the Golden Triangle—the intersection of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. The border town of Mae Sai, though not the prettiest in northern Thailand, has plenty of accommodations, food stalls, and souvenir stalls.

Bharat Sevashram Sangha is a Hindu charitable organization headquartered in Kolkata. Visitors to their temple and ashram on the island of Ganga Sagar can learn about the organization’s humanitarian efforts, including disaster relief, healthcare, education, tribal welfare, vocational training programs, and spiritual outreach.

On the banks of the Ganges River, Rishikesh's Triveni Ghat is a major hub for Hindu pilgrims. It's at its liveliest around sunset, when a prayer ritual known as the Ganga aarti occurs. During this ritual, priests pray to the river using giant lanterns, and worshipers set small oil lanterns made of leaves afloat into the river.

Built by the Jesuits to repel an attack from the sea, the Monte Fort (Fortaleza de Monte) is the oldest military fortification on the Macau peninsula. Though cannons were readied and defense preparations made, the only military action the Monte Fort ever saw was during an unsuccessful raid by the Dutch in 1622.

Packed to the rafters with artisan items, Ubud Art Market is the place to come for Balinese souvenirs. This colorful cornucopia sells everything from silk scarves and flowing skirts to carved Hindu and Buddhist statues, traditional Balinese masks, and exotic fruit—and shot to fame when Julia Roberts visited in the Eat, Pray, Love movie.

The Quan Am Pagoda is a Chinese-style temple in Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown area. It’s a very colorful place, devoted to the Goddess of Mercy, Quan Am. The Quan Am Pagoda is one of the city’s most popular Buddhist sites, and it is worth making a trip to Cholon to see.

Set amid the bustle of downtown Manila, Manila American Cemetery is an oasis of peace and remembrance. The cemetery is home to the remains of 17,184 soldiers who died during World War II, with serried ranks of brilliant white crosses across manicured lawns and galleries that explain key battles.

Built in 1835 by George D. Coleman, the Armenian Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator is the oldest Christian church in Singapore. A towering all-white structure, the church is adorned with crafted pillars and features an entrance framed with classical pediments.

Jeju may not be renowned for its nightlife, but for visitors to the island, watching a Nanta performance at Jeju Nanta Theatre is a must. Nanta performances have become a cultural institution in South Korea, and the non-verbal performance combines comedy and music with martial arts, acrobatics, and traditional Korean dance.

Housed in a silver cone-shaped building designed by architect I.M. Pei, the Macao Science Center (Centro de Ciencia de Macau)is a science-themed museum and learning center. With exhibitions, films, live demonstrations, and interactive experiences across different science and technology themes, the museum offers a fun learning environment for the whole family.

On the outskirts of Munnar, Top Station is the site of a former transshipment spot used for transporting tea grown in the region to other parts of the world. These days, its main function is as a tourist attraction, and many people hike up to the top in the wee hours of the morning to reach the summit in time for sunrise.

A trick-art gallery in Port Dickson, PD Dream World Upside Down & 3D is a fun destination for the whole family. Pose in the jaws of a T. rex, balancing on a rope high above Manhattan, and more. One of the highlights is the upside-down room, where visitors can pose for photos that look as though they are walking on the ceiling.

Home to Shanghai’s contemporary art scene epicenter, M50 Creative Park, Moganshan Road (Moganshan Lu) was once known for its street art and grimy, gritty vibe. Today, the street art is under demolition, while luxury edifices such as the 1,000 Trees building are transforming the district. Galleries, cafes, and bookstores line the streets.

Just a short train journey from the center of Taipei, Fulong Beach provides a tranquil escape from city life, one filled with white sands and clean waters. An addition to its great opportunities for surfers and sun-worshippers, the beach is home to a hiking trail that reveals spectacular views of Taiwan’s Pacific Coast.

Located at the base of Shiga Kogen, Yudanaka Onsen is a popular hot springs resort with a history dating back more than 1,300 years. Visitors come to this charming, traditional town to soak in a variety of hot spring baths, or onsens. Yudanaka Onsen also offers easy access to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.

Located on Hong Kong’s Victoria Peak, Lion’s Pavilion at the Peak offers some of the best free views in the city. Visit the multilevel structure, built by the Tai Ping Shan chapter of the Lions Club International, alongside plenty of other tourists for the stunning views over Victoria Harbor and the Hong Kong skyline.

A favorite among college students from the many schools in the area as well as well-heeled Delhiites looking to shop, the M Block Market is an upscale shopping complex in the Greater Kailash neighborhood dominated by retail shops selling international brands. With plenty of eateries and cafés, it’s also a good spot for coffee or a meal.

Dedicated to the 20th-century Taiwanese sculptor Ju Ming, the Juming Museum is both a key cultural stop and a popular place for outdoor recreation. Located in the Jinshan District north of Taipei, the museum is home to a sprawling sculpture garden. Head inside to learn more about Ju Ming’s career and see works by affiliated artists.

Located at the foot of Mt. Maling, Tianya Haijiao, which means “edge of the sky and the corner of the sea” is commonly referred to as the End of the Earth. Considered for a long time to be the southernmost point of China, today it’s a cultural and scenic spot, and one of the most popular attractions on Hainan Island.

Close to the towering South Gate (Yongningmen) of the Xian City Wall, Shuyuanmen Pedestrian Street is a pedestrianized lane that’s tailor-made for souvenir shopping. Head here for traditional arts and crafts, as well as Chinese signatures from jade to chopsticks, from teapots to calligraphy. The historic-looking buildings are reconstructions.

Despite its governmental-sounding name (literally “India house”), Bhopal’s Bharat Bhavan is a multi-arts center designed by Indian architect and urban planner Charles Correa in 1982. It includes an art gallery of Indian painting and sculpture, art workshops, performance spaces, libraries of poetry and classical and folk music, a bookshop, and a museum of tribal and folk art.