Asia Between Tradition And Modernity

The Hong Kong Island skyline, with its ever-growing number of skyscrapers, speaks to ambition and money. Paris, London, even New York were centuries in the making, while Hong Kong's towers, bright lights, and glitzy shopping emporia weren't yet part of the urban scene when many of the young investment bankers who fuel one of the world's leading financial centers were born. Commerce is concentrated in the glittering high-rises of Central, tucked between Victoria Harbor and forested peaks on Hong Kong Island's north shore. While it's easy to think all the bright lights are the sum of today's Hong Kong, you need only walk or board a tram for the short jaunt west into Western to discover a side of Hong Kong that is more traditionally Chinese but no less high-energy. You'll discover the real Hong Kong to the east of Central, too, in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and beyond. Amid the residential towers are restaurants, shopping malls, bars, convention centers, a nice smattering of museums, and—depending on fate and the horse you wager on—one of Hong Kong's luckiest or unluckiest spots, the Happy Valley Racecourse. Kowloon sprawls across a generous swath of the Chinese mainland across Victoria Harbour from Central. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of Kowloon peninsula, is packed with glitzy shops, first-rate museums, and eye-popping views of the skyline across the water. Just to the north are the teeming market streets of Mong Kok and in the dense residential neighborhoods beyond, two of Hong Kong's most enchanting spiritual sights, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery. As you navigate this huge metropolis (easy to do on the excellent transportation network), keep in mind that streets are usually numbered odd on one side, even on the other. There's no baseline for street numbers and no block-based numbering system, but street signs indicate building numbers for any given block.

Taipeh’s skyline is now characterised by modern office skyscrapers and luxury apartment complexes – the result of the economic boom during the second half of the 20th century. Despite all the modernisation, tradition still has its place here: worshippers pray in ancient temples and religious processions regularly take place in the city’s streets. Taipei 101, the world’s tallest building until 2007, is particularly striking: the skyscraper inspired by bamboo shoots symbolises the connection between the old and the new and has become a landmark of the city.

With the glittering lights of Taipei - a futuristic metropolis of culture and ideas - sparkling nearby, Keelung is the first calling point for many visitors arriving in Taiwan. While this port city essentially serves as Taipei's ocean gateway, you shouldn’t be too hasty in dashing off to Taipei's neon-lit magic – first it’s well worth spending some time exploring the famous glowing night market, which hums with life each evening and is famous for its local seafood.

With the glittering lights of Taipei - a futuristic metropolis of culture and ideas - sparkling nearby, Keelung is the first calling point for many visitors arriving in Taiwan. While this port city essentially serves as Taipei's ocean gateway, you shouldn’t be too hasty in dashing off to Taipei's neon-lit magic – first it’s well worth spending some time exploring the famous glowing night market, which hums with life each evening and is famous for its local seafood.

The tropical island of Ishigaki in the south of Japan is part of the Yaeyama Archipelago in the Okinawa Prefecture. Located about 2,000 km (1,243 miles) away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, it has an attractive mild climate, idyllic sandy beaches and a turquoise sea. In addition to some of the best dive sites in Japan, including diving with manta rays in Kabira Bay, this relaxing paradise for beach buffs, divers and nature lovers also offers beautiful hiking trails and breathtaking views of the surrounding Yaeyama Islands.

The very special way of life in Okinawa combines exoticism, tradition and a warm welcome. The Japanese prefecture consists of around 160 islands, only 49 of which are inhabited. The relaxed way of life, also known as “Okinawa Time”, creates a special atmosphere and is the secret to the long lifespan of many of its inhabitants – Ogimi, a village on the main island, is home to many centenarians. Naha, the capital of Okinawa, is the gateway to the islands and offers cultural highlights including Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Shinto Naminoue Shrine overlooks Naminoue Beach, offering an amazing view over the sea and another place to appreciate the unique charm of the island.

Nagasaki is a place steeped in history and cultural treasures. Glover Garden, a beautiful park with villas dating back to the Meiji era, reflects the rich history of this vibrant city. Impressive temples such as Sofuku-ji, built in the 17th century by Chinese immigrants, and the striking Meganebashi arched stone bridge, which looks like a pair of glasses with its reflection in the water, are waiting to be discovered. A trip up the Inasayama by cable car offers breathtaking panoramic views and an unforgettable experience. As well as all these sights, the Peace Park and the Atom Bomb Museum are reminders of the tragic events when the second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki in 1945 and of the rebuilding of the city to make Nagasaki what it has become today.

Nagasaki city has developed into one of the most important port cities in Japan. During Japan’s period of isolation in the 17th century, Nagasaki played a prominent role in foreign trade relation and only a very few ports were open to restricted numbers of foreign traders. Even though Holland was a major country who conducted trading during this period, Dutch people were only allowed to stay in Dejima Island and were not allowed to have contact with the Japanese people. Today, you will still find the strong influence of Dutch and Chinese culture in the city which is very different from all other cities in Japan. In the more recent history, Nagasaki became the second city after Hiroshima to be destroyed by an atomic bomb towards the end of World War II. From the visit to Atomic bomb museum and peace memorial park, people could understand how chaotic the situation was and the agony that the people in the days have experienced from the damage inflicted by the atomic bomb. It continues to appeal to the world with their wish for world peace.

On Jeju, the second largest island in South Korea, you will find a mix of sandy beaches, steep cliffs and impressive volcanic landscapes. The island is particularly famous for the imposing crater of the Hallasan volcano – the highest point in South Korea at around 2,000 m (6,562 ft). Its romantic atmosphere makes Jeju a popular destination for newly-weds, while the last “mermaids” of South Korea, the Haenyeo, maintain the island’s diving traditions.

Busan stood in Seoul’s shadow for a long time, before becoming a popular destination in its own right. Today, South Korea’s second largest city attracts visitors with its idyllic coastline, busy markets and vibrant way of life. Highlights include the 1.5 km (just under a mile) long Haeundae Beach and Geumjeongsan Mountain. From the mountain range’s highest peak, Godangbong, you can enjoy breathtaking views over Busan. The famous Haedong Yonggungsa Temple also offers some fascinating insights and outlooks thanks to its spectacular location on the edge of a cliff. Art enthusiasts will find what they are looking for in the vibrant Gamcheon Culture Village, where local artists sell their works in colourful houses.

White-sand city beaches and hot-spring resorts may not be everyone's first image of Korea, but these are what Koreans flock to Busan for all year. And there are plenty of opportunities for rest, relaxation, retail therapy, and even a touch of glamour every October with the Busan International Film Festival. Busan's beaches are the big summertime draw but there is plenty to be seen year round. Quintessential experiences include taking some rest and relaxation at a local spa and exploring the Beomeosa temple complex.

In lively Fukuoka, you can experience the fast pace of Japanese civilisation, whose origins date back to 300 BC. The authentic atmosphere is particularly apparent at the rustic Yatai street stalls, where locals slurp ramen and swap recipes. Fukuoka is an attractive city with modern highlights including the enormous Canal City shopping and entertainment centre, which has an artificial canal flowing through it. Cultural and historic gems like the Dazaifu Temple stand as testament to the city’s importance in the 7th century, when it was the political and cultural centre of Kyushu Island. The history of the Futsukaichi Onsen hot springs go back just as far and still today offer a great place for a relaxing bath.

Situated on the third largest island in Japan, Beppu attracts many visitors to its thermal springs every year. The eight large springs, known as Beppu Hatto, each have a unique character and are an inviting place to take a relaxing bath. From hot springs to bubbling mud pools, the town has an impressive variety of thermal baths. The rising steam, coupled with the typical sulphur smell, create a mystical atmosphere.

Kobe is a modern, international city with many unique attractions to offer. These include settlements in Kitano with its former foreign residences, the lively Nankinmachi Chinatown and the Nada Sake district. The Rokko mountain range attracts hikers with spectacular views, while Arima Onsen is known for its thermal springs. A cable car takes visitors up to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden with its beautiful plants and flowers and in the port district, visitors can find the Kobe Daibutsu, one of Japan’s three great Buddha statues.

Located on the calm waters of the Inland Sea, Kobe has served as an important port town for hundreds of years. It was one of the first harbours to accept foreign traders in 1868 when Japan was just emerging from its centuries of isolation. What followed was a surge of Western trade and exports. Today, Kobe is quite multicultural, with expatriates from 98 different nations in residence, providing a cultural diversity most easily visible in restaurants serving every kind of cuisine, including the now world famous Kobe beef. The Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 set back Kobe’s development, but not for long. Kobe emerged more vibrant than before - with additional attractions, hotels and urban redevelopment, and only a few remnants of the extensive damage. It is a cosmopolitan place with lively shopping arcades, interesting museums, great restaurants, and a port that is still at the heart of things. Kobe is well known for its nightlife, in an intimate quarter of neon lights, cosy bars and sophisticated nightclubs. It also serves as the gateway to the ancient Japanese capitals of Kyoto and Nara.

Located on the calm waters of the Inland Sea, Kobe has served as an important port town for hundreds of years. It was one of the first harbours to accept foreign traders in 1868 when Japan was just emerging from its centuries of isolation. What followed was a surge of Western trade and exports. Today, Kobe is quite multicultural, with expatriates from 98 different nations in residence, providing a cultural diversity most easily visible in restaurants serving every kind of cuisine, including the now world famous Kobe beef. The Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 set back Kobe’s development, but not for long. Kobe emerged more vibrant than before - with additional attractions, hotels and urban redevelopment, and only a few remnants of the extensive damage. It is a cosmopolitan place with lively shopping arcades, interesting museums, great restaurants, and a port that is still at the heart of things. Kobe is well known for its nightlife, in an intimate quarter of neon lights, cosy bars and sophisticated nightclubs. It also serves as the gateway to the ancient Japanese capitals of Kyoto and Nara.

Lights, sushi, manga! Sprawling, frenetic, and endlessly fascinating, Japan’s capital is a city of contrasts. Shrines and gardens are pockets of calm between famously crowded streets and soaring office buildings. Mom-and-pop noodle houses share street space with Western-style chain restaurants and exquisite fine dining. Shopping yields lovely folk arts as well as the newest electronics. And nightlife kicks off with karaoke or sake and continues with techno clubs and more. Whether you seek the traditional or the cutting edge, Tokyo will provide it.

Lights, sushi, manga! Sprawling, frenetic, and endlessly fascinating, Japan’s capital is a city of contrasts. Shrines and gardens are pockets of calm between famously crowded streets and soaring office buildings. Mom-and-pop noodle houses share street space with Western-style chain restaurants and exquisite fine dining. Shopping yields lovely folk arts as well as the newest electronics. And nightlife kicks off with karaoke or sake and continues with techno clubs and more. Whether you seek the traditional or the cutting edge, Tokyo will provide it.