Top 10 Sights in East Asia

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Karts landscape in Guilin, China

We’re slowly making our way across the map in our attempt to point out the ten essential sights that will make your trip so much better. Now it’s the turn of the fascinating Far East, and choosing only ten sights will be a very difficult job. Culturally and geographically, East Asia is as diverse as it can get. Between China, Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea and Taiwan, there are also the city states of Macau and Hong Kong.

However, what all these countries have in common is the Chinese influence. From cuisine to philosophy, religion and even writing systems, there’s is a cultural heritage that these countries share to some extent. But delve deeper below the surface and you’ll find that they could not be more different!

1. Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas, Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a large concentration of temples per square mile, and this one is definitely the most impressive. There are actually more or less 12,000 Buddha statues housed in the temple, as well as a large (if uncertain) n umber of friendly monkys.

2. Macau Peninsula, Macau

All the most interesting historical sights in Macau are gathered on the Macau Peninsula, and at the same time, it is the home of most of the casinos too. The Macau Heritage Walk circuit is made up of 25 historic buildings which were designated World Heritage Sites.

3. Jeonju, South Korea

South Korea is an immensely underrated tourist destination, and although it is a bit more expensive than other Asian countries, it hides some amazing sights. Jeonju is the center of arts in the country and it is filled with museums, temples and monuments.

4.Taroko Gorge, Taiwan

Many people consider Taiwan an urban and industrial wasteland, but go beyond the urban areas and you’ll find some very scenic landscapes. The Taroko Gorge in particular is a magnificent canyon with rugged relief and breath-taking views.

5. Himeji Castle, Japan

Japan’s castles are all amazing, but Himeji is one of the largest and best preserved ones. Luckily, Himeji has escaped unscathed from wars and earthquakes, and now it is a Unesco World Heritage Site. You will have to pay admission to get in, but it is completely worth it.

6. Beppu, Japan

Beppu is Japan’s unofficial hot spring capital, so if you want a long relaxing soak in an onsen of your choice, head to Beppu. The famous Hell Springs, which come in a variety of colours (and textures, and smells).

7. Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve, Mongolia

Mongolia is one of the best ecotourism destinations in the world, thanks to its vast expanses of unspoiled tundra and very few urban areas. Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve is a mix of mountains, steppes, rivers, lakes and wetlands, despite the fact that it is quite small.

8. Karst Scenery, China

The karst landscapes are just as emblematic for China as the Great Wall. The bizarrely steep and rounded sloping mountains are unique in the world, and they are the product of complex geological processes. The Stone Forest near Kunming, Yunnan, is one of the most famous karts sceneries in China.

9. The Hanging Monastery, Datong, China

This monastery seems to be on the verge of falling off the cliff where it is perched, but it has been quite stable since its establishment 1400 years ago. The rooms of the monastery are linked through corridors hanging above the precipice.

10. Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan Province, China

One of the most breath-takingly amazing sites in China is Jiuzhaigou, a place of such beauty that it seem unreal. The scenic villages, blue lakes, lush forests and waterfalls will keep you busy for a long while.

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