TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN ASIA

1. Mount Fuji, Japan

Mount Fuji - or Fujisan in Japanese - is the highest peak in the Fuji volcanic chain in
central Japan and is the country's highest and most beautiful mountain. Almost perfectly round,
its symmetrical form has long been celebrated in poetry and painting. The best known of these
homages to this beautiful mountain can be found in the 8th-century verses of Yamabe Akahito,
and the series of woodcuts, Views of Fuji, by Hokusai at the turn of the 19th century.
The stunning snowcapped mountain is one of Japan's "Three Holy Mountains," which
are traditionally considered to hold a particular power-Mount Fuji has volcanic power.
While many visitors come here to just photograph this World Heritage List Cultural Site
and well-known symbol of Japan, others arrive for the climbing opportunities. Until the late
19th century, women were not allowed to make their way to the summit (which is still
considered a sacred site), so visitors of all ethnicities, genders, and ages now arrive to make up
for lost time.
There are four possible routes to reach the top of the mountain, and all offer a number
of stops along the way in the form of shrines, historical monuments, and even teahouses.
Recognized as the very symbol and emblem of Japan, the often snowcapped Mount Fuji
can, on a clear day, be seen from as far away as Tokyo some 100 kilometers to the east. Part of
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Mount Fuji attracts more than a million tourists each year to the
mountain and surrounding towns, approximately 300,000 of whom will make the climb to the
top.
 Of the hundreds of thousands of climbers who attempt to reach the summit of Mount
Fuji between July and August, many will scale the mountain as an almost religious act, the
culmination of which is the observation of sunrise on the summit.
One of Japan's Three Holy Mountains, or sanreizan, Mount Fuji joined the ranks of
UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in 2013 as an important cultural location.
Climbing the mountain is now a rewarding and relatively easy experience given the
numerous facilities set up to feed and accommodate climbers. Near the mountain are many
cultural attractions and fun things to do that offer other reasons to visit besides summiting the
peak.

2. Dead Sea, Israel

The Dead Sea, known in Hebrew as Yam Ha-Melakh (the Sea of Salt) is the lowest point on earth. It’s
surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Negev Desert. The shores of the Dead Sea are the lowest
point on the surface of the earth. The saline water of the lake means no fish can survive in the salty
waters, hence the name. The other result of the salty water is their renowned health and healing
properties of the mud. You can also float naturally in them. There are tours to the Dead Sea available
from across Israel which allow you to experience this yourself. Alternatively, staying at a Dead Sea Hotel
provides additional spa and treatment experiences.

The Dead Sea is part of the long border between Israel and Jordan whose towering mountains can
be seen from the Israeli side, part of the Judean and Negev deserts. Just a one-hour drive from
Jerusalem, the sea is a place popular with Israelis wanting a few days relaxation or taking advantage of
the medical properties of the water. It’s also popular with tourists staying for a short time to experience
the unique Sea and surroundings. People famously cover themselves in the mineral-rich mud and float
in the salty waters at its beaches.

The dark blue waters of the Dead Sea touch the borders of both Jordan and Israel. Actually, a lake
despite its name, the Dead Sea sits at the lowest land elevation on Earth-over 430 meters below sea
level. With a salt concentration of around 31 percent-almost 10 times saltier than the ocean -the Dead
Sea is so thick, nothing can sink into it, and everyone who walks into it will naturally float. While the lake
is too salty to support aquatic life, there are plenty of animals that call the surrounding desert home-and
hikers will run into anything from hares to foxes and leopards when exploring the nature reserves
around the Dead Sea.

3. Angkor Wat and Siem Reap, Cambodia

The resort town of Siem Reap is better known as being the gateway to the Angkor region and
the magnificent temples left behind by the Khmer civilization. The largest religious monument in the
world, Angkor Wat was built in the early 12th century and stretches over an area of over 160 hectares.

Siem Reap itself is an exciting mix of Chinese and French colonial architecture-a place where
traditional Apsara dance performance spaces mix in with French bakeries, galleries, and rice paddies.

If you have a couple of hours before your visit to Angkor Wat, the Angkor National Museum is
an excellent way to learn more about the archeological ruins and the stunning civilization behind them.

Everyone who arrives is here to see Angkor Wat, the country's greatest tourist attraction, but
the town's burgeoning popularity with travelers has led to a whole host of other activities and things to
do opening up, providing some downtime from temple-hopping.
 The vast religious complex of Angkor Wat comprises more than a thousand buildings, and it is
one of the great cultural wonders of the world. Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious structure,
covering some 400 acres (160 hectares), and marks the high point of Khmer architecture.

Although Angkor Wat was no longer a site of political, cultural or commercial significance by the
13th century, it remained an important monument for the Buddhist religion into the 1800s.

Indeed, unlike many historical sites, Angkor Wat was never truly abandoned. Rather, it fell
gradually into disuse and disrepair.

Nonetheless, it remained an architectural marvel unlike anything else. It was “rediscovered” in

1840s by the French explorer Henri Mouhot, who wrote that the site was “grander than anything left to
us by Greece or Rome.”

The compliment can likely be attributed to the temple’s design, which is supposed to represent
Mount Meru, the home of the gods, according to tenets of both the Hindu and Buddhist faiths. Its five
towers are intended to recreate the five peaks of Mount Meru, while the walls and moat below honor
the surrounding mountain ranges and the sea.

By the time of the site’s construction, the Khmer had developed and refined their own
architectural style, which relied on sandstone. As a result, Angkor Wat was constructed with blocks of
sandstone.

A 15-foot-high wall, surrounded by a wide moat, protected the city, the temple and residents
from invasion, and much of that fortification is still standing. A sandstone causeway served as the main
access point for the temple.

Inside these walls, Angkor Wat stretches across more than 200 acres. It’s believed that this area
included the city, the temple structure and the emperor’s palace, which was just north of the temple.

However, in keeping with tradition at the time, only the city’s outer walls and the temple were
made of sandstone, with the rest of the structures built from wood and other, less durable materials.
Hence, only portions of the temple and city wall remain.

Even so, the temple is still a majestic structure: At its highest point—the tower above the main
shrine—it reaches nearly 70 feet into the air.

Angkor Wat is a miniature replica of the universe in stone and represents an earthly model of
the cosmic world. The central tower rises from the center of the monument symbolizing the mythical
mountain, Meru, situated at the center of the universe. Its five towers correspond to the peaks of Meru.
The outer wall corresponds to the mountains at the edge of the world, and the surrounding moat the
oceans beyond.
 4. Kathmandu, Nepal

Nepal's capital and largest city is also known as the "City of Temples." A melting pot of Hindu
and Buddhist religious influences, Kathmandu is full of stupas-including Nepal's holiest Buddhist site,
Boudhanath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Swayambhu, home to holy monkeys and one of the
oldest temples in Nepal. Both those looking for a religious experience and camera-toting tourists can
find much to appreciate in a city where spirituality touches almost everything.

Sitting at an elevation of over 1,400 meters above sea level, Kathmandu is a popular gateway to
the Himalayas and to nearby destinations like the Ancient City of Patan.

Climbers from all over the world arrive here to set off on their 15-day-long Everest Base Camp
trek, but overnight trips around the city are also popular to catch sight of the Himalayas in all their
splendor. Even those without a love for adventure can find much to see and do in the capital-from
impressive markets to historic monuments to plenty of colorful festivals throughout the year.

Nepal is a surprisingly diverse country that attracts visitors for many reasons. Some are lured by
the call of the mountains and seeking to climb or trek in the Himalayas, others are intrigued by the
culture and the famous city of Kathmandu, and yet others come hoping to find some sort of spiritual
awakening. Nepal can be an adrenaline adventure, a cultural eye opener, a life-changing experience, or
all of the above.

Most travelers spend some time in Kathmandu visiting sacred and historic attractions, and then
head out to other parts of the country. Some of the best places to visit outside the capital are Chitwan
National Park and Bardiya National Park for wildlife viewing, and the lakeside town of Pokhara, a
popular area for embarking on treks.

Kathmandu, the capital and largest city in Nepal, is like no other city in the world. The decaying
buildings in the heart of the city are a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere that permeates the streets.
The smell of incense wafts from stores while street sellers push their goods, and people go about their
daily lives, all against a backdrop of historic temples and carved statues.

For several hundred years, Kathmandu was one of three rival royal cities, along with Bhaktapur
and Patan. Situated in close proximity to each other, today these three almost run together.

The highlight of Kathmandu has long been Durbar Square, the largest of the palace squares in
the three royal cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Temples and monuments of varying shapes,
sizes, styles, and faiths can be found here.

5. Jaipur, India

New Delhi and Mumbai might be India's best-known cities, but Jaipur takes home the "most
beautiful" prize. Known as the "pink city" because of the unique color of the stone used to build many of
the structures around, Jaipur is also home to a community of artisans. Here, craftsmen produce
everything from block printing and blue pottery to shellac work; stone carvings; and Bandhani, the
unique art of decorating tie-dye textile by plucking sections of it with the fingernails.

Many of the most breathtaking attractions in Jaipur are architectural marvels, including the
stunning Jal Mahal palace, which sits in the center of the Man Sagar Lake.

Many other monuments and pink structures are located within 10 kilometers of the city,
including the ancient temple complex Galtaji, built right into narrow hills and surrounded by sacred
kunds (small water pools). The world's largest stone sundial at Jantar Mantar and the 10th-century red
sandstone and marble Amer Fort are also just outside the city and attract many visitors.

Jaipur became known as “The Pink City” when, in 1876, Maharaja Ram Singh had most of the
buildings painted pink—the color of hospitality—in preparation for a visit by Britain's Queen Victoria.
Today, the city is known for its bazaars, forts, temples, palaces, and wildlife sanctuaries.
 6. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is best known for its stunning golden beaches lined with swaying palm trees and blue-green
waters, but this Indonesian island has a lot more attractions to offer visitors. Not that the beaches
shouldn't top your must-visit list-the glorious stretches of sand at laid-back Crystal Bay, the undeveloped
White Sands Beach, or the serene Sanur with its untouched village-feel are some of Bali's best
destinations.

In addition to sun, sand, and sea, Bali also offers a unique cultural and historical landscape filled
with temples, including ancient pilgrimage temple Tanah Lot (famous for its sunsets); Gunung Lebah and
its scenic jungle surroundings; and Pura Goa Lawah, considered one of the six holiest places of worship
in Bali.

For more active pursuits, consider a hike up the 5,633-foot-tall active volcano on Mount Batur,
especially at sunrise. Or visit the many terraced rice paddies that line up the Bali countryside. The
Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud are particularly scenic.

Bali is the most popular island holiday destination in the Indonesian archipelago. It’s home to an
ancient culture that's known for its warm hospitality as well as exotic temples and palaces set against
stunning natural backdrops. Dining in Bali presents endless choices of exotic, local cuisine. After sunset,
famous nightspots come to life offering exciting clubbing and packed dance floors.

Inland, towering volcanoes and pristine jungles offer plenty to see and do, but you won't want
to stay away from the coastline for long. Popular beach resorts include Kuta, Seminyak and Jimbaran
where many of the finest hotels and villas look over world-class surf spots. For tranquil seascapes and
sunrises, Sanur, Nusa Dua and remote Candidasa are your best bets. Bali’s lesser travelled eastern and
northern regions also offer wonderful diving spots in calm bays, with coral gardens teeming with
colourful marine biodiversity.

7. Bagan, Myanmar

An ancient city and one of the top heritage sites in the world, Bagan was once the capital of a
powerful kingdom. Today, Bagan and Angkor are the two most important ancient religious sites in Asia,
receiving hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The Bagan Archeological Zone extends over a 41-
square-kilometer area and is home to more than 3,000 pagodas, stupas, and other religious structures
tucked away amid dense forests.

To see Bagan in all its glory, however, you can't beat taking a hot air balloon ride over the
temples. Outside the Archeological Zone, Bagan is famous for its lacquer and sand paintings, both of
which you can find at local markets in most villages. Bagan town also has a busy night market and a
traditional Burmese market (Mani-Sithu Market), and you can catch a boat tour or a cruise from the
town's central jetty.

Thatbyinnyu Pahto temple-the tallest in Bagan at over 200 feet-is another must-visit, and so is
Gubyaukgyi or the Great Painted Cave Temple with its 12th-century frescoes.

Bagan is called the Land of 3000 Pagodas because of the 3822 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and
monasteries located on the plains. The ancient city of Bagan is now, as of July 2019, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. You’re going to want to visit this gem before word of it’s beauty gets out and it becomes
an overly crowded tourist destination.
 8. Banaue, Philippines

Banaue is a tiny town in the Philippines famous for its terraced fields, which have been explored
by hand since time immemorial. Banaue is currently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The
Philippines- the best place to travel in Asia, a nation of hundreds of large and tiny islands, has beautiful
sceneries. It would also be negligent not to highlight Banaue, which is located in the Philippines'
Northwest.

The weather in the Cordillera mountains is notoriously unpredictable. As a result, you should
visit this location during the dry season, which runs from April to May. And if you want to go rice farming
with the locals, June through July is a terrific time.

When visiting Banaue, you will be awestruck by the stunning terraced fields - one of Asia's most
gorgeous rice fields. Those lands are owned by the Ifugao, an indigenous tribe that has lived for
thousands of years beneath this mountain. Aside from the natural beauty granted by mother nature and
the welcoming indigenous people. Banaue also has some of the most distinctive food in the Philippines.

Visitors can see Banaue's picture in many images and movies, but you have to visit it with your
own eyes to really appreciate its beauty.

Banaue terraced fields are located on the slope of a mountain at an elevation of around 1,500m
above sea level and cover an area of 10,360 km2. Banaue might be up to 2000 years old. Visitors can
now completely appreciate its lyrical natural beauty from Banaue's observatory. Furthermore, you can
enjoy a dinner with a strong rural taste while admiring the tranquil beauty of this region from one of the
town's restaurants.
9. Kuang Si Falls Luang Prabang, Laos

Kuang Si Falls Luang Prabang and 33 of the villages surrounding it are part of the UNESCO Town of
Luang Prabang World Heritage Site. Together, these sites are home to an incredible mix of cultural and
architectural heritage that has shaped Laos through the centuries. The Wat Xieng Thong or "Temple of
the Golden City" is a good example of this-a 16th-century structure showcasing stunning examples of
Laos arts and crafts but also a historically significant place where all Laos kings were once crowned.
Right in the center of town, Mount Phou Si is home to Wat Chom Si and offers one of the best views
over the town once you get to the top. Luang Prabang is best explored on foot or on a bike, getting lost
in the narrow alleyways where temples, houses, and colonial buildings all mix in a harmonious
atmosphere. Just outside the city and reached by driving through sloping, lush hills and rice paddies,
there are a number of natural sites worth a visit. The Pak Ou Caves, which sit over the Mekong River
and are home to hundreds of miniature wooden Buddha statues, and the three-level Kuang Si Falls are
popular day trips from Luang Prabang.
 10.Sarawak- Borneo

Sarawak, also known as 'The Land of Hornbills' is situated northwest on the wild island of
Borneo. Strong primeval forces and tribal traditions still resonates in every corner of Sarawak,
from longhouses to the majestic highlands, from nostalgic city alley-ways to vibrant rivers that
runs through the lavish splurge of rainforest canopies, it is a refuge for wildlife and home to 27
ethnic groups each with its own language and culture.

This third largest island in the world is seeped in old-world charm. Vast cave networks,
limestone needles and stunning pinnacles of the Mulu National Park, the vast expanse of virgin
rainforests in the Bako National Park, buildings dating back to the days of White Rajahs in a city
of native allure and colonial charm, Kuching. Sarawak endowed with the world's richest and
most diverse ecosystem.
 11. Hanoi, Vietnam

Most visitors arriving in Vietnam land in either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, or head
straight to Halong Bay and the beach-but Vietnam's best place to visit is actually a well-
guarded secret.

The ancient city of Hoi An is home to one of Asia's oldest trading ports and a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. A major commercial stop for trading ships as far back as the
15th century, Hoi An still maintains much of its original architecture in the form of
timber frame buildings, colorful French-colonial shutters, and Chinese tiled roofs.
Religious buildings, courtyards, and shophouses sit side by side on narrow alleyways
all across Ancient Town, Hoi An's historical center.

Every full moon cycle, Hoi An celebrates the Lantern Festival, which honors ancestors
through light. On the night before the full moon, all the lights in the Ancient Town are
turned off, and colorful lanterns and candles are placed on windows, inside houses, and
on boats lazily floating down the river.

Visitors at other times of the month can walk Hoi An to discover the Museum of
History and Culture (originally a pagoda dedicated to the Goddess of Compassion,
Guan Yin); the 17th-century covered Japanese bridge; and the Old House of Tan Ky,
a preserved 18th-century merchant's house.
 12. Bhutan

Bhutan is a landlocked country surrounded by the Himalayas, Tibet, and parts of India.
A nation of steep mountains, green valleys, and swift rivers, Bhutan is home to 7,570-
meter-tall Gangkhar Puensum, the world's highest unclimbed mountain.

Some of the most beautiful sights in the country are high up, perched on cliffs-Tiger's
Nest Monastery is a good example, set over 3,000 meters up in the mountains and only
reachable after a grueling hike.

In an effort to protect the biodiversity and historical heritage of the country, free travel
throughout the country isn't allowed. This means all foreign visitors arriving in Bhutan
must travel on a pre-paid package tour organized through an approved operator. While
some agencies will offer pre-arranged stops, others will work with you to help you see
what you're really interested in-places worth a visit include the fortress and Buddhist
monastery ruins of Drukgyal Dzong, the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary (home to the
rare black-necked cranes), and a number of dzongs or religious fortresses.
 13. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Gardens by the Bay is an independent organisation responsible for developing and

managing one of Asia’s foremost garden destinations.

The Gardens is led by a multidisciplinary team of professionals who have been involved
in the greening of Singapore and had worked alongside international and local experts to
develop the Gardens. It has an in-house team of skilled landscape designers,
horticulturists, arborists, engineers, plant health, garden and turf management experts,
as well as plant research and orchid breeding professionals, who leverage on the
extensive global network of plant sources cultivated during the development days, to
continuously curate and grow the Gardens.

Guided by its vision to be a world of gardens for all to own, enjoy and cherish, Gardens
by the Bay has earned numerous awards and accolades including the World Building of
the Year in 2012, the President’s Design Award (Singapore) in 2013, the Outstanding
Achievement Award by the Themed Entertainment Association in 2014, the Largest Glass
Greenhouse (Flower Dome) in the Guinness World Records for 2015, and the TripAdvisor
Certificate of Excellence in 2016. These achievements are testament to the ongoing
excellence of the Gardens and spur the team towards attaining greater success.
 14. Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpar

Batu Caves, complex of limestone grottoes in Peninsular Malaysia. The caves are one of the
country’s biggest tourist attractions and are a place of pilgrimage for Tamil Hindus. They are
named for the Sungai Batu (Batu River), which flows nearby, and are located 7 miles (13 km)
north of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.

The caves were little-known except to local residents until 1878, when the American
naturalist William Temple Hornaday revealed their existence to the wider world. K.
Thamboosamy Pillay, a leader of the Tamil Hindu community in Malaya (as the region was then
called), built a temple within the caves in 1891. It is said that he took inspiration from the similarity
in shape of the cave entrance to the tip of the vel, or spear, traditionally wielded by the
deity Murugan. Thaipusam, the Tamil Hindu festival devoted to Murugan, was first celebrated on
the site in 1892 and is now a major event that attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims annually.

The Batu Caves are located within a high limestone outcropping. A colossal gold-painted statue
of Murugan, made from reinforced concrete and 140 feet (42.7 metres) in height, stands near the
base of a flight of 272 steps. As visitors climb the steps, they are
frequently accosted by macaques begging aggressively for food. At the top of the steps is the
entrance to the largest cave, called Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave. Within it is the largest of
several temples on the site. At a lower level on the flight of steps is Dark Cave, which is sometimes
closed to visitors. Other caves lie still closer to the base of the steps. Ramayana Cave has an
entrance marked with a statue of the monkey god Hanuman, hero of the Indian epic
poem Ramayana. The cave itself is lined with dioramas depicting scenes from the epic. The Cave
Villa, which includes Art Gallery Cave and Museum Cave, features more paintings and statues.
 15. Palawan Island, Philippines

The island province of Palawan has much to offer to those who want to get to the heart and soul
of the Philippines.

The more adventurous traveler can visit one of Palawan’s indigenous people, the Batak, whose
settlements are on the slope of Cleopatra’s Needle. The Tabon and Palawan Museums with their
displays of prehistoric artifacts from the Tabon caves and items from the Spanish era bring the
areas’ local history to life and are well worth exploring.

There is an amazing variety of architecture from the famous Lighthouses at Poblacion and
Brooke’s Point, to the Fort at Cagayancillo and Culion Cathedral. For a more lively experience
of Palawan culture, there are numerous colorful and exciting festivals held throughout the year
featuring parades, processions, religious ceremonies, and dance displays.

The opportunities for adventure in Palawan are endless. The province has some of the most
exciting and challenging dive sites in the world with a myriad of marine life to view and
photograph. Kayaking and rafting among the spectacular limestone cliffs and the extensive coral
reefs provide exhilarating challenges with stunning backdrops.

There is also sailing, fishing, and canoeing for those who prefer a slightly slower-paced activity.
Horse riding and inland trekking are ‘must-do’s’ with the hilly terrains of Nagtabon Beach and
the El Nido Cliffs’ ideal spots for both activities.
The natural environment of Palawan is varied and breathtaking. From game and marine reserves
to lakes and subterranean rivers, coral reefs, and fabulous beaches there is much to experience.

UNESCO has sited Tubbataha Reef and the Saint Paul Subterranean River National Park as
World Heritage sites with good reason. There are numerous outstanding seaside areas to explore
with Honda Bay, Meara Marina, Starfish Island and Snake Island, some of the most beautiful
places in which to swim, snorkel and dive.

Palawan consists of 1,780 islands of pristine white beaches, dramatic rock formations, secret
coves, and underground mysteries. An untamed land, a nature lover’s paradise, and an
adventurer’s dream: Palawan certainly lives up to its image as the last frontier.

The island province has been declared a nature sanctuary of the world and for good reason. It is
wrapped in a mantel of rainforests, outstanding dive sites, majestic mountains, primeval caves,
and shimmering beaches. It bursts with exotic flora and fauna and is surrounded by a coral shelf
that abounds with varied and colorful marine life.

The long narrow strip of the main island, located southwest of Manila, is around 425 kilometers
long and 40 kilometers at its widest. On both sides of a backbone of tall mountain ranges, an
irregular coastline meanders in intervals of a vertical limestone cliff and sweeping white sand.

This unique topography provides a wealth of diverse pursuits for the traveler to its shores.
Palawan was also named “World’s Best Island” by Travel + Leisure for 2013 and included in
Condé Nast Traveler’s “Destination to Watch in 2013.”
 16. Juifen, Taiwan

Jiufen is in New Taipei City's Ruifang District. Before its gold mining boom, the main economic
activity was the harvesting and processing of camphor. Jiufen had 90 stoves for the camphor.
Ten stoves were generally grouped together in a processing site. Therefore, over time these
evolved into nine processing sites. The name "Jiufen" can be translated as "nine units" or "nine
sections."

Jiufen used to be the center of gold mining. It is located within the hills in northeast of Taiwan.
The village is next to the mountain and facing the sea. In 1890, someone struck gold near Jiufen.
The poor village soon attracted prospectors of 4,000 families. The village once was gold city of
Asia and called little Shanghai or little Hong Kong. However, with the decline of gold mining
activities, Jiufen fades. Later, several movies chose to shoot here and the movies won

international acknowledgement. For example, the film "A City of Sadness" has won first prize in
Venice Film Festival and awakened people's memory of Jiufen. It seems that the prosperous old
streets, buildings, mines and the glamorous gold digging days are flashing before our eyes. The
place is whispering its golden past. Now, there are many unique teahouses in Jiufen. These
teahouses are best stops during visit to this mountain village. Also, there is the beautiful ocean
view of Keelung outer sea.

The most prosperous shopping district is Jiufen Old Street. It goes through most of the village.
There are many visitors on the street. Along the street there are shops vending the most famous
country snack of Jiufen, yam dish and various local dishes. There are some historical items well
reserved. The trip to Jiufen is full of fun and delights. Jiufen has many accommodation places
provided by local residents. If you were not in a hurry, you may want to pick a nice inn and stay
for the starlight and fishing lights at night.
17. Gobi Desert, Mongolia

Southern Mongolia is widely known for its Gobi Desert, one of the world's most unique
ecosystems and best kept secrets. The region is famous for its unique nature formations,
many places of real dinosaur fossils, and numerous endemic flora and fauna.

The Mongolian Gobi is the largest, as well as the coldest desert in Asia, and the fifth-largest
in the world. The Gobi desert covers the southern part of Mongolia, northern and
northwestern parts of China. The Gobi desert area covers 1.3 million square kilometers,
the fifth-largest desert in size, and is elevated approximately 1500 m above sea level. The
Himalayas block weather and starves the desert of rainfall from the South.

Sand covers only 5% of the Gobi desert in Mongolia. There are mountains with lush green
valleys, random sand dunes, oases, rivers, lakes, historical sites, vast barren steppes, grassy
steppes, and mud cliffs with dinosaur fossils. 40% of Mongolian territory is semi-desert.
The Gobi desert landscape will attract you – it will be seen changing minute by minute,
hour by hour, and day by day when driving.
 18. Ha long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay, Vietnamese Vinh Ha Long (“Where the Dragon Descends to the Sea”), bay on the
northwest coast of the Gulf of Tonkin, near the city of Ha Long (Hong Gai), Quang Ninh province,
northern Vietnam. Situated 102 miles (164 km) southeast of Hanoi, the 580-square-mile (1,500-
square-km) area contains some 3,000 rocky and earthen islands, typically in the form of jagged
limestone pillars jutting out from the sea, and several caves and grottoes, all of which blend
together to produce an exotic and picturesque seascape. A diverse population of marine and land
mammals, reptiles, fish, and birds are found in the waters and tropical forests.

There are two similar legends about the origin of the bay, which are reflected in its name. The first
legend asserts that a dragon stomped on the earth with such force that mountains crumbled,
forming large valleys that soon filled with water; only the peaks of mountains—now the rocky
islands of Ha Long Bay—remained above the surface. The alternate folklore tells of a dragon
whose large tail tore up the earth, creating valleys and crevices that became flooded when the beast
jumped into the nearby water. Both versions lent themselves to the modern-day legend of
Tarasque, a dragonlike marine creature believed to inhabit the bay.

The discovery of numerous stone artifacts provided evidence of the Hoabinhian culture that
flourished some 10,000 years ago, and there is also evidence for a specific Ha Long culture. As
late as the 19th century the bay was used by Chinese and Vietnamese pirates, but in the 20th
century human occupation of the islands in Ha Long Bay was relatively limited. There is a
substantial population along the coastline that relies on the bay for shipping and fishing. Tourism
is also a significant industry, with some visitors eager to catch a glimpse of the legendary Tarasque.
Plans to increase economic growth in the area by the addition of factories and residential districts
are countered by efforts to conserve the biological and physical attributes of the bay. Part of Cat
Ba, one of the region’s largest islands, was named a national park in 1986, and the entirety of the
bay was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
 19. Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju Island UNESCO Global Geopark, a beautiful volcanic island, is the southernmost island of the
Korean Peninsula. It is located in the center of northeast Asia with mild weather which retains clean
air because of land and sea breezes and temperature is rarely below zero thanks to the warm
Kuroshio Current. Jeju Island is the youngest volcanic island in Korea and various volcanic
landforms are well preserved such as lava tube caves, small volcanic edifices, volcanic shield, etc. It
provides various magnificent landscapes from alpine plants of Mount Hallasan to colorful soft
temperate corals under the sea.
Jeju Island UNESCO Global Geopark is a Quaternary shield volcanic island characterized by an
overall gentle topography and an elliptical shape, situated off the southern coast of the Korean
Peninsula. The island was produced by volcanic activity which occurred from about 2 million years
ago until historic times. Basaltic to trachytic lavas occur extensively on the island together with
diverse volcanic landforms, including Mount Hallasan that rises at the center of the island and about
360 volcanic cones that are scattered throughout the island. In the subsurface, however, numerous
hydromagmatic volcanoes (tuff rings and tuff cones) produced by explosive hydrovolcanic activity
occur extensively together with intervening volcanoclastic sedimentary deposits.
 20. Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan

Arashiyama (嵐山) is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has
been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural
setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall color seasons.

The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops,
restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama's
famous bamboo groves and pleasure boats that are available for rent on the river.

North of central Arashiyama the atmosphere becomes less touristy and more rural, with several
small temples scattered along the base of the wooded mountains. The area north of the Togetsukyo
Bridge is also known as Sagano, while "Arashiyama" technically refers just to the mountains south
of the river but is commonly used to name the entire district.

One of the most enjoyable and convenient ways to travel around the Sagano area is by rental
bicycle, which are available for around 1000 yen near the train stations. Cycling through rural
residential areas and past fields while traveling between temples can be one of the most enjoyable
parts of a visit to Arashiyama. There is also an attractive preserved town area near the Adashino
Nenbutsuji Temple.

Arashiyama becomes most attractive (and busy) around early April and the second half of
November when the cherry blossom and fall color seasons usually peak. During the summer
months, traditional cormorant fishing is practiced on the Hozu River for tourists to watch.
 FIESTIVALS IN ASIA
1.) Holi (India)
The Holi Festival of Colors (also called the Festival of Love) is an ancient Hindu religious festival
usually held in March. Celebrated by all Hindus and particularly in India, Nepal and Pakistan, Holi
has grown in popularity with non-Hindus across South Asia and all over the world wherever there
is a large Hindu community.
Holi (known as Dhuli in Hindi) is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar and is
a fivefold celebration: the beginning of spring, the beginning of the Hindu new year, a time for
renewing old relationships and ending conflicts in current relationships, love (signified by Radha’s
love for Krishna, a Hindu deity) and the triumph of good over evil, (signified by the religious
legend of demoness Holika’s death).
Celebrations begin with the lighting of bonfires the night before Holi, in a ceremony known as
Holika Dahan (burning of Holika). This is accompanied by singing, dancing and general merriment
to the sound of dholak drums. The next day, Holi, brings laughing and dancing crowds throwing
colored powder (abiror gulal) and water at strangers, friends and foes in a celebration of joy and
goodwill. After a day of play with colors, families then take the time to visit each other’s houses,
exchanging sweets and Holi delicacies.

2.) Taiwan Lantern Festival (Taiwan)

There are lots of different lantern festivals in Asia, but perhaps the most stunning and most
renowned is the Taiwan Lantern Festival held in the Pingxi District. Hosted by the Tourism Bureau
of the Ministry of Transport and Communications to celebrate the wider Lantern Festival also
observed by the Chinese and Vietnamese, this cultural festival involves many activities all
throughout Taiwan.
In the Yangshui District, for example, Tainan Yanshui Fireworks Display (meaning beehive of
fireworks) at the Wumiao Temple is one of the most important, originally signifying the warding
off of evil and disease. Over in the mountainous Pingxi District, the sky lanterns were originally
released to let others know that the town was safe. The two events are known together as the
“Fireworks in the South, Sky Lanterns in the North”.
While the event is celebrated with lantern making, lantern riddle games and displays of glittering
decorative lanterns, the most magical, romantic and striking event happens when the lanterns
are adorned with the wishes and dreams of each owner and then released simultaneously along
with thousands of others.

3.) Songkran (Thailand)

Sawatdee Pee Mai! The Songkran Festival celebrates New Year’s Day in Thailand and also
coincides with the New Year of many calendars of countries in South and Southeast Asia. As such,
it might seem at times that the whole of Asia has descended on the streets of Thailand when
Songkran – the world’s biggest water fight – begins in April.
Perhaps Thailand’s most energetic and well-known cultural festival, Songkran brings reveling
crowds to the main streets, rubbing brightly colored chalk or talc on each other and throwing
water. Armed with buckets, bowls, water guns and even hoses, the young and old take part in
this friendly war of waters, indiscriminately ‘blessing’ all passers-by in the warmest month of the
year. The throwing of water is symbolic of the spring-cleaning aspect of Songkran and is also seen
as a way of paying respect to others, while the chalk was traditionally used by monks to mark
blessings.
While it’s not clear exactly how Songkran began, the festival has roots in Buddhism, with many
Thais still honoring the festival’s origins. Locals celebrate the New Year by returning home to their
families, spring-cleaning their houses, sprinkling water from silver bowls onto the hands of elders
and monks as a sign of respect (known as Rod Nahm Dum Hua), paying homage to Buddha and
taking food and bags of sand to monasteries.

4.) Harbin International Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival (China)

The annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is perhaps the largest ice and
snow festival in the world. Taking place in the winter months, this unique festival showcases
beautiful ice sculpture artworks, ranging from small mythical creatures and beautifully lit ice
lanterns to awe-inspiring 250-feet monuments in an amazing display of craftsmanship and light.

The first ice lanterns were a winter-time tradition in northeast China, hand-made by local
peasants and fishermen by pouring water into a bucket, letting it freeze outside then gently
pulling out the resulting bucket-shaped ice from its container. Then, they would chisel a hole in
the top, creating a hollow vessel in which a candle was then placed, creating a windproof lantern
to use while out on the lake.

5.) Thaipusam (Malaysia)

Attracting over one million devotees and tens of thousands of tourists, Malaysia’s celebration of the
Hindu festival Thaipusam is an eight-hour procession that starts at the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in
Kuala Lumpur and ends after a flight of 272 steps to the stunning temple at Batu Caves just outside
Kuala Lumpur.

Thaipusam is usually celebrated by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai
(January/February) and in communities where there is a significant Tamil presence. What is perhaps
unique about Malaysia’s celebration is the rare scene of people from different ethnic groups and faiths
also bearing “kavadi” alongside the Hindu devotees.

Kavadi is a physical burden through which devotees implore for help from the God Murugan in order to
avert some great misfortune. While the simplest kavadi might entail simply carrying a pot of milk on
their heads or carrying a semicircular decorated canopy supported by a wooden rod on their shoulders,
some devotees also engage in mortification of the flesh where the skin, tongue or cheeks of devotees
are pieced with vel skewers – definitely not a sight for the squeamish!