Famous Places and Places in Asia

Historical attractions in Asia are important places that reflect each country's unique culture and history. The main attractions are introduced in more detail below.

China

Great Wall of China

Location: Beijing and other parts of northern China
History: The Great Wall dates back to the Spring and Autumn Warring States Period in the 7th century B.C. Several defensive walls were built at different times, and the most famous part was during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Features: The Great Wall was mainly constructed of soil, bricks, and stones, and used for military purposes to defend against aggression. Measuring about 21,196 km long, it is considered a symbol of Chinese history and architectural technology.
UNESCO Designated: Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Forbidden City

Location: Central Beijing
History: The Forbidden City was built from 1406 to 1420 by Emperor Yeongrak (1402-1424) of the Ming and Qing dynasties. As the palace where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties lived, there were 24 emperors.
Characteristics: The Forbidden City consists of 980 buildings and about 8,700 rooms, and is considered the essence of ancient Chinese architecture. It symbolizes the emperor's authority and the beauty of traditional Chinese architecture.
UNESCO Designated: Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Terracotta Army

Location: Shanxi Province Xi'an
History: Terracotta soldiers are about 8,000 terracotta statues made in the 3rd century B.C. to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin. They were first discovered by farmers in 1974.
Characteristics: The Terracotta Warrior is a elaborately carved life-sized soldier, horse, and tank, with each soldier's face being different. This reflects the belief that Emperor Qin's army was deployed to defend the tomb.
UNESCO Designated: Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Japan

Ancient temples in Kyoto (Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto)

Location: Kyoto
History: Kyoto was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868, during which many Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines were built.
Features: Kyoto's main attractions include Geumgaksa (Kinkakuji), Ngaksa (Kinkakuji), and Fushimi Inari Shrine. These temples and shrines played an important role as Japan's religious and cultural centers.
UNESCO Designated: Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1994.

Himeji Castle

Location: Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture
History: Himeji Castle was first built in 1333 and then expanded by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1581. The current structure was completed in 1609.
Characteristic: Himeji Castle, also called the Baekro Castle, is famous for its beautiful white outer walls and intricate defensive structures. It is regarded as a masterpiece of Japanese castle architecture.
UNESCO Designated: Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.

India

Taj Mahal

Location: Uttar Pradesh Agra

History: the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum constructed by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan from 1632 to 1653 in honor of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Features: Built in white marble, the Taj Mahal is famous for its elaborate inlay work and symmetrical construction. Considered a symbol of love and dedication, it attracts millions of visitors every year.
UNESCO Designated: Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1983.

Qutub Minar

Location: Delhi
History: Kutub Minar is an Islamic spire that started in 1193, completed in 1368. It was built by Kutub Urdin Aivak, Delhi's first Islamic ruler.
Features: At 72.5 m tall, it is the tallest brick minaret in the world. Adorned with elaborate sculptures and geometric patterns, it is an important historical site as part of the Kutub complex.
UNESCO Designated: Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.

Republic of Korea

Gyeongju Historical Area

Location: Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province
History: Gyeongju, the capital of the Silla Kingdom, boasts a history of more than 1,000 years. Many relics representing Silla culture and art are located here.
Features: Important relics such as Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Rock, Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory, and Anapji (Donggung and Wolji) are included. These relics showcase Silla's Buddhist culture and architectural skills.
UNESCO Designated: Listed as a World Heritage Site in 2000.

Changdeogung Palace (Changdeogung)

Location: Seoul
History: Changdeokgung Palace is a Joseon Dynasty palace built in 1405, featuring an architectural style that emphasizes harmony with nature.
Characteristics: Jewelry is famous for its beautiful gardens, ponds, and various plants. The layout and structures of the palace illustrate the elegance of Korean traditional architecture.
UNESCO Designated: Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1997.

Vietnam

Ha Long Bay

Location: Quang Ninh Province
History: Harong Bay is a beautiful bay of limestone pillars and islands formed through natural erosion and sedimentation for thousands of years.
Features: With about 1,600 islands and limestone pillars, it is famous for its emerald sea and unique limestone terrain. It boasts a diverse ecosystem with many underwater caves and marine life as well.
UNESCO Designated: Listed as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1994.

My Son Sanctuary

Location: Quang Men
History: Miseon Historic Site is a Hindu temple site in the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to 14th centuries. The Champa Kingdom was an ancient kingdom that existed in southern Indochina.
Features: The red-brick temples demonstrate the artistry and skill of Champa architecture. The site reflects well the influence of Champa culture and Hinduism.
UNESCO Designated: Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1999.

Cambodia

Angkor Wat
Location: Siem Reap
History: Angkor Wat was a Hindu temple built in Angkor, the capital of the Khmer Empire, in the early 12th century, and later converted into a Buddhist temple.
Features: The world's largest religious structure, featuring magnificent architecture and elaborate relief. The entire temple is designed symmetrically with the waterways.