Showing posts with label CITIES. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CITIES. Show all posts
The 9 Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Asia
There are dozens of incredible tourist attractions throughout Japan, South Korea, and China. While many are historic, some are simply entertaining and others are designed to give visitors some of the most breathtaking views of Asia possible.
We’ve compiled a list of some of Asia’s most popular tourist attractions, as decided by the number of visitors each receives over the course of the calendar year. You might be surprised to see some of America’s favorite outposts on the list along with some of Asia’s most renowned historic attractions.
Image credit: helix90Tokyo Disney was the first Disney theme park ever built outside of the United States. The theme park consists of both Tokyo Disney Land and Tokyo Disney Sea. The theme park recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and it is estimated that approximately 25 million people visit Tokyo Disney each year.
The Great Wall of China spans over 4,000 miles. Originally built to protect China against invaders, the wall is now a hot destination for tourists visiting from all over the world. The most popular section can be found at Bandaling, where a 10km section is open to the public for exploration. The actual number of visitors to the wall annually varies depending on the source you ask, but rumor has it that the local municipality caps visitation at 16 million people per year.
The Temple of Heaven is a series of buildings that were built in the 15th century. They represent some of the finest ancient Chinese architectural works still in existence today. Spiritually, the buildings represent the special relationships between heaven and earth. It is believed that 12 million people visit the Temple of Heaven annually.
Nagashima Spa Land is not an amusement park alone but an entire tourist complex. The largest flower festival in Japan is held in the spa’s botanical gardens each year. Visitors flock to this location to relax in both the indoor and outdoor hot springs, shop in the mall, and entertain themselves in the amusement park. Over 11.4 million people visit each year, with almost 4 million visiting the amusement park alone.
During the late 19th century the highest mountain at Hong Kong Island was developed into a resort for the rich and famous. The resort can be accessed by tram car and those who visit have a wide variety of dining and entertainment options. The real treat here, however, is the view. Each year over 9.4 million people visit Victoria Peak.
Universal Studios, much like Disney, has theme parks all over the world. Its Japanese outpost is one of the most popular and in its first year of operation received more than 11 million visitors. The theme park has since tapered down to a cool 8.7 million visitors per year instead.
The construction of the Forbidden City in China was completed in 1420 and was believed, by the emperor at least, to be the center of the universe. The city is protected by a 30 foot high wall and was reserved for the emperor only until 1925. At that point it was turned into a museum and the public was given open access. It’s estimated that the Forbidden City receives anywhere from 7 – 9 million visitors each year, though visitation during the 2008 Olympics likely made numbers for that year spike a bit higher.
Everland is the largest theme park in all of South Korea and, as far as attendance is concerned, is the 10th most popular in the world. Drawing close to 7.2 million visitors per year, it is believed this park draws more traffic than Universal Studios in Florida. Similar to Disney theme parks, Everland is split into different themed sections – giving visitors plenty to explore.
Not far North of Tai’an City you’ll find Mount Tai, which is considered one of the five mountains held sacred to Taoism. Once a respected retreat for Chinese emperors, millions of people flock to the mountain each year. Many climb the 7,000 steps to the Azure Clouds Temple which is found at the top of the mountain. Those who are wary of the stairs will simply explore the Taishan Temple at the base.
Asia is full of ancient and contemporary attractions bound to draw visitors from both local cities and the rest of the world. Make sure you take advantage of as many cultural opportunities as possible if you’re ever in the area. These are some of the most popular sites in Southeast Asia. Make room for them on your itinerary!
We’ve compiled a list of some of Asia’s most popular tourist attractions, as decided by the number of visitors each receives over the course of the calendar year. You might be surprised to see some of America’s favorite outposts on the list along with some of Asia’s most renowned historic attractions.
Toyko Disney Land (Tokyo)
Image credit: helix90Great Wall of China (Bandaling)
Temple of Heaven (Beijing, China)
Nagashima Spa Land (Japan)
Victoria Peak (Hong Kong, China)
Universal Studios (Osaka, Japan)
Forbidden City (Beijing, China)
Everland (Kyonggi-Do, South Korea)
Mount Tai /Taishan (Tai’an, China)
Asia is full of ancient and contemporary attractions bound to draw visitors from both local cities and the rest of the world. Make sure you take advantage of as many cultural opportunities as possible if you’re ever in the area. These are some of the most popular sites in Southeast Asia. Make room for them on your itinerary!
Most popular cities around the world
FRANCE, ITALY
1. Florence, Italy: This city is a gallery of world-class art and architecture. A curator's dream, the top sights include Michelangelo' s David, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Brunelleschi' s Duomo. The town itself is a masterpiece: Its bridges, buildings, streets, towers and sidewalks were painstakingly constructed by stonecutters. With its warm trattorias, upscale shops and small luxury hotels, the city is a Tuscan treasure.
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina: The country's capital exudes an air of the exotic, smoky and mysterious that is embodied by its tango salons and sophisticated café life. Now recovering from a period of economic crisis, the city has been called the Paris of South America for its neoclassical buildings on tree-lined boulevards. The Museo del Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA), created by young Argentinean architects in 2001, is a symbol of the city's modernity.
BANGKOK, THAILAND
3. Bangkok, Thailand: The yin-yang relationship between the old and the new is ever present in Thailand's capital city. Its 10 million residents strive to preserve the past (the Grand Palace) and expand for the future (with high-end shopping and luxury hotel developments that are among the best in Asia). The authenticity of the city's centuries-old culture can be discovered in its narrow alleyways, away from the grinding traffic, where visitors can find silk and handicrafts by local artisans.
ROME, ITALY
4. Rome, Italy: Once you see the Colosseum, venture to the Via Veneto, visit the Vatican and marinate in the history, art and architecture of the capital, indulge in Rome's la dolce vita. After the sunset casts its colorful glow on the Eternal City, romance fills the night air (take an after-dinner stroll with a loved one to Trevi Fountain or hang out at a surprising hot spot, the Pantheon).
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
5. Sydney, Australia: The 2000 Summer Olympics introduced Sydney to much of the world, but it has long been Australia's capital for sun and sand. In addition, the city's artistic side is defined by landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Cove and Sydney Harbour Bridge. An international beacon of the good life, this Southern Hemisphere city pulses with a thriving arts scene, fine restaurants and world-class hotels.
NEW YORK CITY
6. New York City: Millions of visitors come to Gotham City for an array of reasons. Those who love the arts can watch Broadway stars, glimpse masterpieces at the Met or escape with an opera at Lincoln Center. Foodies may choose from countless menus and mingle with the culinary artists—from mom-and-pop deli owners to star restaurant chefs. Famous Manhattan buildings are also worth seeing firsthand: Stand amid the throngs of sightseers below Times Square's neon billboards or peer down at the Monopoly-game like cityscape from atop the Empire State Building.
UDAIPUR, INDIA
7. Udaipur, India: Passage to Udaipur admits one to the "City of Sunrise." This destination—regaled for its temples and utter serenity—is known as India's most romantic city. With 16th-century architecture and timeless beauty, sample itineraries of tranquility might include a cruise on the calming waters of Pichola Lake or an afternoon meandering through fortresses and palaces.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY
10. Cape Town, South Africa: Long hailed as an up-and-coming tourist destination, Cape Town continually wins "best of" awards. A mixture of European influences and African ancestry, this town celebrates the land's many bounties with restaurants that pair entrées with cabernet sauvignon from the surrounding wine country. Activities may include escaping to a safari at a game refuge, strolling through the lush Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, taking a ride on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway or playing in the surf off Cape Point.
1. Florence, Italy: This city is a gallery of world-class art and architecture. A curator's dream, the top sights include Michelangelo' s David, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Brunelleschi' s Duomo. The town itself is a masterpiece: Its bridges, buildings, streets, towers and sidewalks were painstakingly constructed by stonecutters. With its warm trattorias, upscale shops and small luxury hotels, the city is a Tuscan treasure.BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina: The country's capital exudes an air of the exotic, smoky and mysterious that is embodied by its tango salons and sophisticated café life. Now recovering from a period of economic crisis, the city has been called the Paris of South America for its neoclassical buildings on tree-lined boulevards. The Museo del Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA), created by young Argentinean architects in 2001, is a symbol of the city's modernity.BANGKOK, THAILAND
3. Bangkok, Thailand: The yin-yang relationship between the old and the new is ever present in Thailand's capital city. Its 10 million residents strive to preserve the past (the Grand Palace) and expand for the future (with high-end shopping and luxury hotel developments that are among the best in Asia). The authenticity of the city's centuries-old culture can be discovered in its narrow alleyways, away from the grinding traffic, where visitors can find silk and handicrafts by local artisans. ROME, ITALY
4. Rome, Italy: Once you see the Colosseum, venture to the Via Veneto, visit the Vatican and marinate in the history, art and architecture of the capital, indulge in Rome's la dolce vita. After the sunset casts its colorful glow on the Eternal City, romance fills the night air (take an after-dinner stroll with a loved one to Trevi Fountain or hang out at a surprising hot spot, the Pantheon).SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
5. Sydney, Australia: The 2000 Summer Olympics introduced Sydney to much of the world, but it has long been Australia's capital for sun and sand. In addition, the city's artistic side is defined by landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Cove and Sydney Harbour Bridge. An international beacon of the good life, this Southern Hemisphere city pulses with a thriving arts scene, fine restaurants and world-class hotels.NEW YORK CITY
6. New York City: Millions of visitors come to Gotham City for an array of reasons. Those who love the arts can watch Broadway stars, glimpse masterpieces at the Met or escape with an opera at Lincoln Center. Foodies may choose from countless menus and mingle with the culinary artists—from mom-and-pop deli owners to star restaurant chefs. Famous Manhattan buildings are also worth seeing firsthand: Stand amid the throngs of sightseers below Times Square's neon billboards or peer down at the Monopoly-game like cityscape from atop the Empire State Building.
UDAIPUR, INDIA
7. Udaipur, India: Passage to Udaipur admits one to the "City of Sunrise." This destination—regaled for its temples and utter serenity—is known as India's most romantic city. With 16th-century architecture and timeless beauty, sample itineraries of tranquility might include a cruise on the calming waters of Pichola Lake or an afternoon meandering through fortresses and palaces.ISTANBUL, TURKEY
8. Istanbul, Turkey: Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a city that represents a crossroads of civilizations. The city that connects continents also embraces its differences most tangibly at the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar. Just as complex and monumental are Istanbul's sights, all constructs of 2,500 years of civilization. A visit to Topkapi Palace of the Ottoman dynasty and the Hippodrome built by the Romans should top your historical itinerary.
SAN FRANCISCO
9. San Francisco: The City by the Bay's Victorian neighborhoods and charming streetcars are just some of its historic attractions. Its modern-day delights include attending a tasting at one of the trend-setting restaurants or browsing contemporary art at the De Young Museum. The city is a living postcard, with backdrops such as the majestic Golden Gate Bridge and colorful, bustling Chinatown. But what brings back many visitors is its laidback vibe, visible in its lively café and bar scene.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
10. Cape Town, South Africa: Long hailed as an up-and-coming tourist destination, Cape Town continually wins "best of" awards. A mixture of European influences and African ancestry, this town celebrates the land's many bounties with restaurants that pair entrées with cabernet sauvignon from the surrounding wine country. Activities may include escaping to a safari at a game refuge, strolling through the lush Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, taking a ride on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway or playing in the surf off Cape Point.
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