Destination attractions things to do in asia

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Asia boasts a fascinating history, diverse geography, and many unique attractions to explore. Religious shrines, natural wonders, and mankinds influences abound throughout the various small and large Asian countries.

CHINA

The most populated country in the world offers various commercial centers buzzing with trade and one of the eight wonders of the world. The Great Wall in Beijing is obviously Chinas most famous tourist attraction. Visit sections of the wall from the ancient dynasties and enjoy different views as the 4,163 mile long wall winds through deserts, mountains, and grasslands.

Beijing is the capital city of China located in the Northern section two hours from the China Sea. Beijing offers interesting sights including the worlds largest imperial palace, the Forbidden City. The luxurious, well-preserved palace is surrounded by an impressive moat. Stroll through old city parks such as Beihai Park built by the Great Kahn or Tiantanh Park with Ming architecture. Beijing boasts a plethora of historic attractions including Drum Tower, Ming Tombs, an ancient observatory, Tiananmen Square, and many Buddhist and Taoist temples.

Chinas largest city, Shanghai is known as the Pearl of the Orient and exudes a modern, New York City feel. Shanghai means City of the Sea and sits on the legendary Yangtze River boasting a growing skyline of over 3,000 skyscrapers. Visit the impressive ninety-five story Shanghai World Financial Center with retail shops, a hotel, and an observation deck. Cruise tours departing from this seaport city offer an excellent way to see this massive country. Dramatic natural sights include Qutang and Wu Gorges, and Three Gorges Dam. Luxury cruise lines can take travelers on overnight tours to other exotic Asian locations or on shorter day excursions throughout China.

HONG KONG

The name Hong Kong means fragrant harbor and the city is located at the mouth of the Pearl River. Shopping, dining, and nightlife abound in the city around Victoria Harbor and across the water in Kowloon. Hong Kongs southern region, Kowloon is a peninsula jutting off Chinas mainland with luxury hotels and fine restaurants. The Peninsula Hotel offers the regions most well-known and elegant accommodations with impeccable services and amenities. Hong Kong is known for its delicious, high quality Cantonese food. A long-standing dining destination is the three-deck Jumbo Floating Restaurant on Aberdeen Harbor.

Bonham Strand and Nathan Road offer endless shopping with old trade goods and new designer knock-offs. Ride the seven minute Peak Tram to the top of the 1,810 foot Victoria Peak for magnificent panoramic views of Hong Kongs coastline and the Kowloon Mountains. Peak Tower is a big complex at the summit offering amusement parks, shops, and restaurants.

Beautiful rural regions with small towns, nature walks, and parks are scattered throughout Hong Kongs northern New Territories. Mai Po Marsh is a haven for bird-watchers while hikers and cyclists enjoy the trails around Plover Cove Reservoir. Small villages such as Shui Tau allow visitors to see traditional Chinese houses.

JAPAN

Ancient history abounds in Japans two old capital cities of Kyoto and Nara. In Nara visit the Todai Temple with the largest bronze Buddha in the world and the Kasuga Shrine with thousands of paper lanterns. Deer roam freely with visitors in the park around the Todai Temple and are uniquely friendly and accustomed to being feed by and photographed with humans.

Kyoto has fourteen World Heritage sights and you can choose from many excellent bus tours in various languages to learn about Kyotos fascinating history. Kinkakuji is the impressive Temple of the Golden Pavilion and its setting on a peaceful pond surrounded by lush gardens gives visitors a true sense of Japan.

Enjoy Japans natural scenery from a modern bullet train traveling at speeds of over 100 miles per hour from Kyoto or Nara to Tokyo and beyond. The Tokaido train line passes by Japans highest mountain, the dormant Mount Fuji volcano. Natural hot springs are popular destinations found all over Japan including in the Fuji Five Lakes Region at the base of Mount Fuji. Other than climbing the mountain, visitors can hike, fish, camp, or enjoy amusement park rides at nearby Fujikyu Highlands.

Japans current capital is the crowded commercial center of Tokyo. Take an elevator to the top of the Tokyo Tower Observatory for a panoramic view. Take pictures of the city from Tokyo Bay on a Sumida River Cruise. Upscale hotels and busy restaurants suit any taste or budget in Tokyo. Trendy shopping is found in the Ginza Shopping District. Electronics and computers are sold in the Ueno neighborhood and the Ameyoko Market is known for its bargain shopping. Happening night clubs and fabulous city light views are enjoyed in buzzing, tourist-friendly Roppongi Hills.

INDIA

Exploring India requires careful planning of daily excursions and accommodations prior to your trip. The large, populated, spiritual country can be appreciated with informed caution.

Bombay, known as Mumbai, sits on the Arabian Sea boasting beaches, hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. The streets of Bombay are packed like a constant open market and varying districts highlight the countrys wealth disparity. The white stone Flora Fountain built in 1864 is prominently displayed in the heart of Bombays Fort District. The Gateway of India is an 85 foot high stone archway welcoming boat passengers when they arrive at the peninsula.

In the heart of India is the crowded capital city of Delhi. The twelfth century, 240 foot high Qutb Tower soars over the sprawling city. The Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi near Connought Place offers luxurious accommodations, fine cuisine, gardens, and rejuvenating spa treatments inspired by the Indian Philosophy of Ayurveda.

A train excursion is a safe way to explore Delhis many area attractions. The massive seventeenth century Taj Mahal in nearby Agra is another of the worlds manmade wonders. The magnificent white marble mausoleum is a beautiful masterpiece built by an emperor as a memorial to his wife.

In the southern plains of Madhya Pradesh is Bandhavgarh National Park visitors can marvel at the many Tigers. Tourists are required to bring authorized guides when traveling in their own transportation. Elephant rides available inside the park and are a fun way to spot the wildlife.

India offers ancient religious sights, Ayurvedic spas, tiger parks, and the Himalayan mountain range. The large country has plenty of natural and manmade attractions and activities.

INDONESIA

In Southeast Asia, Indonesia consists of thousands of over 13,000 small islands surrounded by miles of pristine Indian Ocean beaches.

With upscale restaurants, spas and villas, quaint historic towns, and thousands of temples Bali is probably the best known of Indonesias resort islands. Water recreation activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and swimming are all popular in Bali. Ubud is a fascinating community to visit in Bali with sacred Hindu temples such as Uluwatu Temple. Enjoy the sunset from one of the restaurants perched on a 100 foot cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Play golf on one of Balis championship golf courses with lush views. Observe the spectacular wildlife at Bali Barat National Park or picnic surrounded by colorful flowers at the Bali Botanical Garden.

Java is the most populated Indonesian island and active volcanoes dominate its landscape. The capital city, Jakarta offers museums, monuments, elegant hotels, diverse restaurants, and the cultural events you expect in a big city. Jakartas ancient temples show off the countrys rich history. Mount Bromo is Javas most famous volcano with its hot springs and resorts.

SOUTH KOREA

Seoul, meaning the center of everything, is the capital city of South Korea and the heart of the countrys history and culture. The biggest outdoor market is Asia, Dongdaemun Market, is found in the Jongo-gu area. Haggle with all types of shop vendors at thousands of stores. Kyongbuk is an impressive historical palace from the Chosum Dynasty with dramatic buildings and towers. The fourteenth century palace sits on lovely green grounds with a lake and stone bridge.

Seoul is family friendly with its outstanding Childrens Grand Park featuring a zoo, amusement park, and botanical garden. Other theme parks around Seoul include Seoul Land with water rides and the indoor Lotte World with sports facilities and two department stores. Ride the Namsan Cable Car to a peak with an incredible nighttime view of the city lights and your choice of restaurants.

Asia is the planets largest and most populated continent. Additional beautiful countries with interesting attractions include Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Nepal, and The Philippines. Asias manmade wonders, diverse cities, rural towns, and extensive landscapes would take a lifetime to fully explore.