The Top 10 East Asia Destinations You Must See and Do [2024]

East Asia Destinations

East Asia is a fascinating and exotic region of the world that offers something for everyone. From the bright lights and towering skyscrapers of Tokyo to the ancient temples and rice paddies of Kyoto, there is no shortage of things to see and do in East Asia.

If you’re looking for an adventure, you can explore the jungles of Vietnam or go hiking in the mountains of Taiwan. Or if you’re looking for some relaxation, you can spend a day at the beach in Thailand or take a cruise down the Yangtze River in China. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 things to see and do in East Asia!

Best East Asia Destinations

1. Soak in the spirituality of Lhasa

The heart of Tibetan culture and the location of many cultural landmarks associated with Tibetan Buddhism is Lhasa. At a height of more than 3,600 meters, this majestic capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region is home to the holy Potala Palace, the most important monument in Tibetan culture.

Another holy landmark in Lhasa that offers peace is the neighboring Jokhang Temple. Devoted visitors worship along its walls while hiking to monasteries like the Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery, which offer a fascinating look into the way of life of Tibetan monks. By taking part in the Barkhor kora, the most revered pilgrimage route in Lhasa, you can even participate in the religious customs yourself.

2. Admire ice sculptures at the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

The world’s largest ice and snow sculpture festival is held in Heilongjiang province, despite the region’s bitterly cold winters. Each year, more than 10 million people travel to Harbin to see the giant ice sculptures that stand about 50 meters tall. When these life-size sculptures are illuminated, they give the winter event a wonderful feel by illuminating the night sky.

Zhaolin Park, Ice and Snow World, and Sun Island Scenic Area are three separate locales that each have something special to offer the event. Visitors to the event during the day can admire Sun Island’s spectacular ice sculptures. Zhaolin Park and Ice and Snow World put on a stunning display of lit sculptures and lanterns once dusk falls.

3. Pay homage to the Terracotta army in Xian

The famous Terracotta Army is a work of funerary art that was created and subsequently buried to guard the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang, in his afterlife. It is surrounded by wonder and mystical notions.

In addition to more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, 520 horses, 150 cavalry horses, and other non-military figures, the mausoleum site has been transformed into a sizable museum complex. It is not surprising that interested tourists from all over the world visit this well-known tourist destination in China since it truly is a sight to behold.

4. Take a bath in Onsen Hot Springs

Onsen, the Japanese term for a hot spring, is central to much of Japanese culture. Numerous hot springs exist in Japan as a result of the country’s volcanic activity; the Japanese frequently visit these hot springs to unwind.

5. Visit the historically significant City of Hiroshima

The A-Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Hiroshima’s main tourist destinations. This structure promoted the Hiroshima economy, and as the atomic bomb detonated, it was one of the few structures that were left standing.

6. Visit the Ruins of St. Paul’s

St. Paul’s Cathedral, formerly regarded as the best Christian structure in the Far East, is now only known for its towering Renaissance façade, which can be found at the summit of a wide flight of granite stairs in Macau.

A new church, built by Christians expelled from Japan in 1637 and modeled after the Gesù in Rome, was finished after the first one was destroyed by fire in 1601.

7. Stroll through Senado Square

Your vacation to Macau will probably begin in Senado Square (also known as Senate Square), which is located in the city’s historic center. The beautiful former Senate building, which is now home to the Municipal Council and is often regarded as Macau’s greatest example of Portuguese colonial architecture, is among the city’s highlights.

8. Eat Korean Food

The gastronomic delights that can be discovered in restaurants are one of the best ways to explore South Korean culture. Koreans enjoy grilling, and kimchi, or fermented cabbage, is a part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, according to UNESCO.

You may savor delectable goodies like bulgogi, japchae, and gomguk while visiting South Korea, along with a range of traditional banchan dishes including flavor-infused kimchi, rice, and gogumasun namul (sweet potato shoots).

9. Check out free museums

There are a ton of excellent museums in South Korea, each with its own aesthetic, allure, and historical focus, including those on animals, agriculture, national and international history, art, and more. In South Korea, visiting the free museums is a fantastic thing to do if you’re traveling on a tight budget.

10. Go Horseback Riding in Mongolia

The vast, uninhabited Mongolian landscape is a tremendous delight to ride across, and Mongolians are known for their horses. In fact, if you so desired, you might spend days alone out there, just interacting with the other travelers.

East Asia Destinations

While there are countless things to see and do in East Asia, these ten experiences are sure to provide visitors with a memorable and authentic taste of the region. From exploring the ancient temples of Kyoto to hiking through the stunning scenery of southern China, East Asia has something to offer everyone. So whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, be sure to add these top ten attractions to your travel itinerary.

Interested in more articles to read? Check out more of our blog posts down below:

• Best East Asia Places To Not Mis (2024)
• Wondering “Where To Go Southeast Asia?” The Best Places To Visit (2024)
• Southeast Asia and the Best Reasons to Visit (2024)
• The Best Things to Do in South Asia: A Guide for Adventurers and Travelers (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you have any questions about East Asia Destinations, you can refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the best East Asia Destinations below: