Asia attractions

One of India’s major seaports, Kochi’s harbor is up there with the world’s most scenic waterways, providing one of the few all-weather safe harbors on India’s west coast. In the center of the harbor, between Fort Cochin’s promontory and the mainland, is man-made Wellington Island, the area’s main seaport and transport terminal.

Located in a residential area in the foothills of Mount Bukhansan, the Gana Art Center is one of the largest exhibition spaces in South Korea. The rotating exhibitions held here highlight modern, contemporary, and impressionist art by a variety of established and emerging artists from Korea and around the world.

Wedi Ireng Beach is a small, secluded beach not far from the bustling Pulau Merah Beach. The Javanese name of this beach—which translates to “Black Sand”— is misleading because although some sand here is black, the top layer is an attractive white. Wedi Ireng Beach is an idyllic place to swim, snorkel, and relax in almost unspoiled natural surroundings.

Goddess Peak (Shennu Feng) is where the goddess Yao Ji is believed to be immortalized in stone, watching over the Yangtze River below. This highest of the twelve peaks comprising the Wu Gorge is thought to resemble a woman standing on the river’s northern shore.

These Hindu and Jain temples comprise the remains of what was once an even larger, more elaborate temple complex—which seems impossible once you see the Group of Monuments up close. Recognized far and wide for their intricate (and physically exaggerated) erotic carvings, the temples, which are built in Nagara-style architecture, are one of the great symbols of India’s spiritual, cultural, and architectural heritage.

The central focus of the town of Nainital, Naini Lake is a popular place for boating and for taking in the views. According to legend, the lake sits where the left eye of Sati, Shiva’s consort, fell to the earth, and this gives the town its name—"naina" is Sanskrit for "eye" and "tal" means "lake."

Dover Street Market Ginza, the Japanese outpost of the iconic London store, feels more like an art gallery than a retail space. Curated by fashion visionary Rei Kawakubo, it features high-end clothing, urban streetwear, jewelry, accessories, books, and more, spread over seven floors, creating a unique shopping space that blends art and style.

On the outskirts of Hyderabad, Shilparamam is a recreation of a traditional crafts village that was created to preserve and showcase arts and handicrafts from across India. Here, you can browse its many stalls, see maker demonstrations, and watch live music and dance performances. Of course, shopping is the major draw for most visitors; you can buy everything from pottery to clothing, paintings, and embroidery.

Part of Madame Tussauds Singapore, Images of Singapore LIVE is an immersive walk-through experience that takes visitors through 200 years of the city-state’s history. Using themed sets, live actors, and immersive exhibits, the experience lets visitors trace Singapore’s development from a humble fishing village to a modern powerhouse.

One of China’s oldest and most impressive temple complexes, Jinci Temple—just southwest of Taiyuan in the Shanxi province—was constructed some 1,500 years ago. Formerly used for ancestral worship, the sprawling temple complex contains nearly 100 buildings scattered across a verdant garden setting. It’s also celebrated for its wealth of ancient trees, including a 3,000-year-old cypress.

Lush, green, and at the heart of Halimun Salak National Park, Mt. Salak (Gunung Salak) is one of West Java’s most accessible volcanoes. The summit at 7,254 feet (2,211 meters) is an overnight trip for most. But the waterfalls on its lower slopes—including Nangka, Luhur, Daun, and Kawung—can be hiked in just half a day.

On India’s westernmost point, Narayan Sarovar is a small lake, village, and Hindu pilgrimage site (especially the Koteshwar Temple) that’s spiritually significant because it’s where a lake meets the ocean. But along with its spiritual connections, Narayan Sarovar is a wildlife sanctuary that’s home to wild asses, desert foxes, wolves, and rare plants, which can be seen on nature walks.

A tiny islet linked to mainland Qingdao by a road bridge, leafy Little Qingdao (Xiao Qingdao or Qin Island) is a popular spot for a stroll and offers great views back towards the city. Highlights include a German-built lighthouse from 1900, a World War II Japanese torpedo dump, and a statue of a lady with a zither (qin).

Famed for its more than 100 years of towel production and home to almost 200 towel factories, the city of Imabari in Ehime Prefecture honors its colorful culture and heritage at the Towel Museum. Here, towels are elevated from everyday items to works of art, and visitors can learn all about how this essential item is manufactured.

Officially called Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Chowringhee cuts through the heart of Kolkata. Running alongside the Maidan park, this wide avenue is a must for visitors keen to experience the soul of the city through its jumble of colonial-era buildings, shops, markets, and sidewalk stalls.

Situated near the Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Shantivan is a memorial to Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India, and marks the spot where the politician was cremated. Shantivan is surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens, and the whole area is a lovely place to get away from the crowds and noise of urban Delhi.

Established in 2013, Art Basel Hong Kong is the premier art fair in Asia and follows Art Basel and Art Basel Miami Beach. With half of the participating galleries coming from the Asia Pacific region, Art Basel Hong Kong showcases some of the best and newest in modern and contemporary art from artists in Asia, as well as around the world.

Located on the Chhotanagpur Plateau on the western end of West Bengal, the Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area is a natural area popular among hikers, climbers, and eco-tourism enthusiasts. Highlights include scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and several lakes and dams.

This bridge over the Sabarmati River was officially renamed Swami Vivekananda Bridge in 1997, yet locals still refer to it by its original name, Ellis Bridge. It’s undergone renovation several times since its British colonial-era construction, and remains a symbol of Ahmedabad’s transformation over the years, linking the old city with newer developments on the west side of the river.

From May to June, Changchun’s Peony Garden comes alive with opulent blossoms in shades of pink, white, and fuchsia, and the sweet scent of peony fills the air. Paired with classical Chinese backdrops of bridges, streams, pavilions, and woodland, it’s a lovely but fleeting display of flowers that play an important role in Chinese culture.

Formerly known as the Museum of Tribal Art and Artefacts, the Odisha State Tribal Museum focuses on the 62 tribal communities that live in Odisha. It’s a great place to spend some time learning about the region’s cultures through a range of exhibits that showcase everything from textiles to traditional crafts.

The Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King houses the contents of the royal tombs of the Nanyue ruler Zhao Mo. The skeletons of Zhao Mo, along with 15 of his courtiers, who were buried alive to serve him in death, and several thousand objects from the empire are on display.