The page features 5 major cities in Asia. They come from Japan, Vietnam, China, and Thailand. See other countries in Asia, please visit Countryaah.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto was the capital of Japan for 1,000 years, and today it is still known as the center of Japanese culture.
The city has more than 1,600 Buddhist temples and as many as 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Overall, Kyoto is home to up to 20% of Japan’s national treasures.
One of the most interesting is the shrine of Fushimi-Inari Taisha, which was founded as early as 711. The temple is accessed through the impressive Torii Gates, or Japanese temple gates. The gates seem cohesive, but actually consist of countless smaller gates erected side by side. Walking along the path under the gate alley is a unique experience.
Although the historical significance of the temples is great, one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions is the bamboo grove. The green thorny bamboo trees of the bamboo grove rise towards the sky side by side so that their tops seem to extend all the way to the sky. The Bamboo Forest is guaranteed not to resemble any forest you have seen before, and is therefore one of the most famous attractions in all of Japan.
Kyoto is also known for its many beautiful gardens, which often surround Japanese temples.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi is not the largest city in Vietnam, but it has nevertheless been the capital of the country since 1010.
Today, as many as 7.7 million people call Hanoita their hometown.
Over time, Hanoi has also been under French colonial rule, although former Vietnamese Communist leader Ho Chi Minh liberated the city from the French in 1954. Time as a French colony is still reflected in Hanoi’s cityscape. You can naturally see French colonial buildings, especially in the French Quarter, which also offers a huge range of shopping opportunities and a variety of luxury shops.
Hanoi’s old district dates back to the 14th century and has always played a role as an important trading post. The old town offers many interesting experiences. One such example is Xng Xuân Market, which is the largest market in Hanoi. The streets of the old town are full of little shops selling everything from toys to silk ties. The old town is also home to the impressive Saint Joseph’s Cathedral, inspired by Paris’s Notre Dame.
Lake Hoàn Kiếm, located close to the Old Town, is popular with tourists and locals alike, and the latter in particular enjoy spending time relaxing or practicing tai chi on the shores of the lake. The island in the middle of the lake can be reached via a picturesque wooden bridge. The pagoda of Ngoc Son Temple on the island was built in the 13th century.
Shanghai, China
Shanghai is located at the mouth of the Yangtze River on the coast of the East China Sea. With a population of 25 million, Shanghai is the largest city in China and at the same time one of the largest cities in the world.
One of the city’s attractions is the beach boulevard, a 1.5-kilometer-long “the Bund,” inviting for a leisurely stroll. Along the boulevard, you can stop to admire the beautiful historic buildings that represent many architectural trends. The Bund also offers the best views of Shanghai’s famous skyline, one of the most impressive in the world.
In the French Quarter of the city, it feels as if you have stepped out of the hustle and bustle of a big city for a moment and straight into the atmospheric streets of just another small town. The block is characterized by small shops and pretty villas. Trees planted along the streets have been brought into town since the early 20th century.
In Shanghai’s Old Town (南市), you can get a good idea of what historic China once looked like. Although more modern houses rise here and there between the old buildings, the district is still characterized by old charming temples. Leisure here traditionally includes enjoying a cup of tea in one of the many beautiful tea rooms in the old town.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Charming Chiang Mai is located in northern Thailand and offers a wide variety of cultural experiences. Founded in 1296, Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand.
There are more than 300 temples in Chiang Mai, more than in any other Thai city. The city’s main attractions include the 14th-century Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, one of the most beautiful and sacred temples in Thailand. In the center of the temple area rises a 24-meter-high gilded pagoda.
In the evenings, shopping is especially practiced in Chiang Mai. The city has several evening markets that trade everything from Thai handicrafts to souvenirs and food. In addition, just outside Chiang Mai there are several shopping malls.
The surroundings of the city offer a lot to see anyway. For example, you can visit the Padaung Mountain Tribe north of Chiang Mai. Padaungs are known for the brass rings that adorn the necks of women in the tribe.
Near Chiang Mai, it is also possible to get to meet Asian elephants. At the Elephant Care elephant center, you can feed elephants with bananas, hay or sugar cane, among other things. You can also take a fun walk in the woods near the center along with the elephants.
Osaka, Japan
Osaka is Japan’s third largest city, offering state-of-the-art business centers, quaint parks and a glimpse of “old” Japan.
The city center is divided into two areas, northern Kita and southern Minam. Kita is the financial center of Osaka, home to a wide variety of businesses, restaurants and hotels. In Minam, on the other hand, you will find an awesome selection of interesting restaurants and a cityscape decorated with countless neon lights. Minami Mideskussuji Street is also home to Osaka Shopping Center.
Dōtonbori is the city’s entertainment center. The crowds moving in the glow of the neon lights are downright enticing to enjoy themselves! For example, take a walk along the Dōtonbor Canal, where you will find a good selection of fine restaurants. As the evening approaches, the atmosphere becomes even more vibrant as countless neon signs light up.
If you want to take a break from the breathtaking metropolitan life, you should head to one of Osaka’s many beautiful parks. Every March, during the time of the cherry blossoms, the parks turn like small pink dots in the urban landscape of Osaka. One of the largest is Tennōji Park, which also has a zoo and a museum.
If you like stunning panoramic views, don’t miss a visit to the 170-meter-high Umeda Sky Building.
Enjoy the more traditional atmosphere of Osaka at Hozenji Yokocho Alley, which features several traditional Japanese restaurants and shops. The Hozenji Yokocho area is also considered one of the most beautiful in the city.
In the big cities of Asia, you get to experience a fascinating combination of ancient traditions and modern life.
Asian Millions of Cities offer all the comforts of a modern metropolis, in addition to enjoying the atmosphere of the old neighborhoods and admiring the many beautiful historic temples. Especially in countries known for their colonial history, you will also get to experience an interesting contrast between Asian and European culture.
Each city has its own unique look, formed as a result of each city’s long and varied history. Whatever of the major Asian cities you choose, you can expect more impressive experiences from each other that will be remembered for a long time.
