Asia is one of the most exciting travel destinations. The history is unmatched and very mysterious. The people in Asia are warm, loving people, eager to make visitors feel welcomed. Although the various regions are different as far as environment, climate, cuisine, and even culture, it is all fascinating. What you find there is a beautiful blend of old and new, which is just one of the many aspects that make Asia a top destination for millions of people every year.
Take Bali , Indonesia . If you love to shop, then this is your paradise. You will find magnificent clothing stores that offer casual wear, tailored attire, silverware, antiques, jewelry, shoes, handicrafts, and much, much more. In addition, Bali is a haven for leather where you can buy anything from jackets to shoes to handbags. Then, there are the creations by local artisans such as paintings, fabrics, and wood carvings. Best of all, the prices in Bali are unbelievable. In addition to shopping, Bali is also a beautiful place with a real Asian feel.
Beijing , China is next on our list of best places to visit. If you enjoy entertainment, Beijing would make the perfect destination. The official capital of China was reestablished prior to the Ming Dynasty in 1421 at which time Gugong, the Imperial Palace , or more commonly known as The Forbidden City, was constructed. It took more than 200,000 workers and 14 years of hard labor to complete but the result is astounding. As far as places to visit while in Beijing , there are far too many to mention but we would recommend you start with the Forbidden City , which has 8,700 rooms and hallways. Then, there is the Halls of Harmony, built on a raised foundation of marble and the Imperial Flower Garden, which is one of the few places of greenery within the walled compound of the City.
Next, for those who enjoy climbing, there is Mt. Fuji in Japan . You can climb anytime from July 1 to the end of August. Just remember, you need to be in good physical condition but the effort is definitely worth every step. Mt. Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan , reaching a staggering 12,290 feet. Actually a volcano, Mr. Fuji offers a number of wonderful hiking trails, with many stations where you can catch a bus or car to leave the mountain. Located just 60 miles from Tokyo , after climbing you can go into the city for fun nightlife and shopping.
In addition, we recommend you visit the quaint town of Puri in the Indian state of Orissa. There, you can enjoy the Festival of Rath Yatra, which is an annual event that in part has to do with moving the gods through the streets of the city. Thousands of people pull three gods by ropes, each in beautiful ornate chariots that are massive in size. In addition to this festival, you will discover wonderful food, interesting culture, and beautiful scenery.
Finally on our list of places to visit in Asia is Hong Kong, which is actually divided into four specific sections to include Hong Kong Island , Kowloon , New Territories , and Outlying Islands . The southern tip is comprised primarily of Kowloon and the most developed area of Hong Kong Island is a place called Victoria Harbor . In fact, the population there is so dense that this too is divided into two sections. Hong Kong is a bustling city that is actually quite modern, although the Asian culture can be seen everywhere. This city offers wonderful shopping, as well as entertainment, dining, or you could visit some of the learning institutions. The biggest island in Hong Kong is called Lantau yet it only has a population of around 45,000 people. One of the main attractions of Lantau is the Po Lin Monastery. There, you will find a bronze Buddha standing 85 feet tall.