Established in 710 AD as the “Citadel of Peace” (Heijo-Kyo), Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital. It’s also the capital of the Nara Prefecture in Honshu’s Kansai region in central Japan. The city lies less than an hour’s drive from Osaka and Kyoto, and roughly 500 km (311 miles) southwest of Tokyo. There are plenty…
Located in the northwest corner of South Korea, Seoul is the largest city and capital of South Korea with 10 million people in the city and over 25 million in the greater metropolitan area, representing about half of all South Korea. Seoul is continuously growing and has become an economic, cultural, and political hub of the world. The city…
There are cities in the world never sleep, Shanghai doesn’t even sit down. This Asian metropolis is a multi-cultural and fascinating place, a mix of modern and traditional Chinese traditions. It is the largest city in China by population and it is one of the most important industrial, technological, commercial and financial center in the…
Hong Kong boasts of a glorious harbor, lush neighborhoods, and one of the most iconic glass-and-steel skylines in the world. And even though it doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages, Hong Kong’s denizens are extremely supportive of LGBTQ+ rights. Over the decades, Hong Kong has become a modern, tolerant city with an accepting attitude towards LGBTQ people.…
Kaleidoscopic Kyoto lies at the southern end of Lake Biwa, just 50 minutes from Osaka. The cultural and former historic capital of Japan, Kyoto reminds you of Japan’s glorious past. So, you’ll see everything from Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples to imperial palaces, gardens, and traditional houses. Also, it’s home to the geisha culture, vibrant…
Tranquil, yet trendy, the capital of Taiwan, Taipei is an alluring blend of Chinese, Southeast Asian, Japanese, and American cultures. This 300-year-old city is akin to a living museum; think Japanese-era mansions, Taoist temples, and delectable fusion cuisine. However, you’ll be most surprised to know that Taipei, staid as it might seem, is one of…
The capital of Japan is home to one of Asia’s biggest LGBT communities. So it’s hardly any surprise that there are plenty of gay hotels in Tokyo. Many are within easy reach of Shinjuku Ni-Chome, arguably the most popular Tokyo gay district. Lively enough by day, it’s more exuberant at night when the clubs and…
Tokyo is the capital and largest city in Japan with over 13 million people and it is the center of Japanese culture, finance, and government. Tokyo is a vast city with a marvelous mix of modern living and old-fashioned manners, slick high-tech gadgets and cutesy cartoon mascots. Experience one of the world’s largest cities, home…
One of the oldest cities in China and the oldest of the Four Great Ancient capitals of this ancient civilization is Xi’an, also known as Sian. Xi’an was where the Silk Road began and so the city was once a hotbed of activity and a melting point of cultures. However, although the city’s importance on…
Hangzhou, the city of China is considered as one of the most prosperous places in the country. This place is a rich town that embraces a number of ancient architectural as well as heritage sites. Even today, all of these sites are maintained very properly which further makes this city one of the most traveled…
For most people, the name Hiroshima instantly conjures up the horrific events of 6 August 1945, when the city became the target of the world’s first atom bomb. Poignant reminders of that tragic time are visible in different parts of the city that has risen from the ashes like a phoenix. Today one can hardly…
Japan is one of the most vibrant Asian countries, thanks to the thriving technological ambiance and dazzling natural beauty. Even though Japan is critically located within the Ring of Fire and there are high chances of some devastating natural calamities, the country is becoming a superpower since the World Wars. And in this country, one…
While you are exploring the beautiful island of Hokkaido, your visit to the capital city of Sapporo is a must. This part of the island is considered to be one of the most gorgeous sights of the island and also permits you to perform a number of activities. This is the place where you can…
Mongolia’s largest city, Ulaanbaatar, is rated as the coldest capital city in the world with temperatures plummeting to between -30 to -40 degrees Celcius in January. The city which was founded in 1693 was initially a yurt monastery located about 230kms from its current location. The ‘mobile town’ shifted continuously until between 1733 to 1778…
Located on the Pearl River, about 120 km (75 miles) north-northwest of Hong Kong and 145 km (90 miles) north of Macau, Guangzhou offers all the hustle, bustle, culture and commerce of other major Asian metropolises minus the massive tourist crowds. Guangzhou provides a combination of ancient structures and traditional cultural heritage with modern buildings, art galleries, natural…
Mongolia lies in central Asia between Siberia and China, at an average of 1,500 meters (5,800 ft) above sea level. It is the least densely populated country on the planet, a vast country with endless grassland, evergreen trees and rugged mountains. However, 45% of the Mongolian population lives in the busy capital, Ulaanbaatar, where life is a lot…
Shenzhen, a modern and beautiful metropolis located in southern China just across the border from Hong Kong, is the world’s largest manufacturing center and China’s richest and most booming Special Economic Zone. Once a small fishing village, Shenzen was chosen as the first of five Special Economic Zones in China by Deng Xiaoping in 1979 as an experiment in…
Over the past decades Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, has gained popularity, recognition along with status all over the world. This small yet great city is Asia’s 2nd richest city per capita as well as one of the world’s leading electronics manufacturing and information technology center. It is an economically pioneering city, an East…