East Asia Cities Map
Introduction
East Asia is a region of diverse cultures and traditions, bustling cities, and breathtaking natural beauty. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip to this part of the world. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive travel guide for the East Asia Cities Map, covering all the top attractions and hidden gems, as well as food, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, and more.
Top Attractions
Beijing, China
As the capital of China, Beijing is a city steeped in history and culture. The most famous attraction is the Great Wall of China, which can be visited in several sections around the city. Other must-see sites include the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is a vibrant city with something for everyone. Visit the iconic Tokyo Tower for stunning views of the city, explore the bustling streets of Shibuya, or take in the beautiful cherry blossoms at Ueno Park. For a taste of traditional Japan, visit the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa.
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is a city of contrasts, with modern skyscrapers standing alongside ancient temples. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces, or take a stroll through the charming Bukchon Hanok Village. For a taste of Korean culture, sample some delicious street food at the Gwangjang Market.
Hidden Gems
While the top attractions are certainly worth visiting, there are also plenty of hidden gems to discover in East Asia. Here are a few of our favorites:
- The Jiufen Old Street in Taiwan, with its winding alleys and traditional tea houses.
- The Gion district of Kyoto, Japan, where you may spot a geisha or two.
- The Chi Lin Nunnery in Hong Kong, a peaceful oasis in the midst of the city.
Food Scene
East Asia is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine. Here are a few must-try dishes:
- Beijing roast duck in China
- Sushi and sashimi in Japan
- Bibimbap and kimchi in South Korea
- Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) in Taiwan
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling in East Asia doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few tips for saving money:
- Visit during the shoulder season (late spring or early fall) for lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Stay in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels or guesthouses.
- Eat street food or visit local markets for affordable meals.
Outdoor Adventures
East Asia is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural scenery. Here are a few outdoor adventures to add to your itinerary:
- Hiking the Great Wall of China
- Climbing Mount Fuji in Japan
- Exploring the caves of Halong Bay in Vietnam
Historical Landmarks
East Asia has a rich history, and there are many landmarks that tell the story of the region. Here are a few to visit:
- The Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia
- The Hiroshima Peace Memorial in Japan
- The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Family-Friendly Activities
East Asia is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities to keep kids entertained. Here are a few ideas:
- Visiting Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea in Japan
- Exploring the Taipei Zoo in Taiwan
- Taking a river cruise on the Han River in Seoul, South Korea
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a little different, here are a few off-the-beaten-path experiences to try:
- Visiting the abandoned Hashima Island in Japan
- Exploring the abandoned city of Fengdu in China
- Visiting the Cat Ba Island in Vietnam
Natural Wonders
East Asia is home to some of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. Here are a few to add to your itinerary:
- The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China, which inspired the scenery in the movie Avatar
- The Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, with its beautiful limestone formations
- The Yushan National Park in Taiwan, with its stunning mountain views
Vibrant Nightlife
East Asia is also known for its vibrant nightlife. Here are a few places to party:
- The Lan Kwai Fong district in Hong Kong
- The Gangnam district in Seoul, South Korea
- The Ximending district in Taipei, Taiwan
Local Markets
East Asia is home to some of the world’s most vibrant and colorful markets. Here are a few to explore:
- The Donghuamen Night Market in Beijing, China
- The Kuromon Ichiba Market in Osaka, Japan
- The Gwangjang Market in Seoul, South Korea
- The Shilin Night Market in Taipei, Taiwan
Beaches and Mountains
East Asia has it all, from stunning beaches to towering mountains. Here are a few to add to your itinerary:
- The beaches of Bali, Indonesia
- The mountains of Hokkaido, Japan
- The beaches of Phuket, Thailand
Cultural Immersion
If you’re interested in immersing yourself in the local culture, here are a few ways to do it:
- Participating in a tea ceremony in Japan
- Taking a calligraphy class in China
- Learning to make kimchi in South Korea
Art and Music Scene
East Asia is home to a thriving art and music scene. Here are a few places to check out:
- The National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan
- The 798 Art District in Beijing, China
- The K-Pop scene in Seoul, South Korea
Walking Tours
One of the best ways to explore a new city is on foot. Here are a few walking tours to try:
- The Old Quarter Walking Tour in Hanoi, Vietnam
- The Geisha District Walking Tour in Kyoto, Japan
- The Central and Sheung Wan Foodie Walk in Hong Kong
Architectural Marvels
East Asia is home to some of the world’s most stunning architecture. Here are a few to admire:
- The Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan
- The Harbin Ice and Snow World in China
- The Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea
Historical Sites
For history buffs, East Asia is a treasure trove of historical sites. Here are a few to visit:
- The Hiroshima Peace Memorial in Japan
- The Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei, Taiwan
Biking Routes
East Asia is also a great destination for biking enthusiasts. Here are a few routes to try:
- The Huayna Picchu Mountain Biking Trail in Peru
- The Mekong Delta Biking Route in Vietnam
- The Yilan Coastal Biking Trail in Taiwan
Wellness Retreats
If you’re looking for some relaxation and rejuvenation, East Asia has plenty of wellness retreats to choose from. Here are a few to consider:
- The Shambhala Retreat in Bali, Indonesia
- The Ryokan Experience in Japan
- The Jeju Island