Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia
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Lugou Bridge
Some 485 granite and marble lions—each slightly different—stand guard along Beijing’s Lugou Bridge, built in 1192 and the oldest in the Chinese capital. Italian explorer Marco Polo supposedly wrote about the bridge, with its 11 arches spanning the Yongding River southwest of central Beijing, earning it the nickname Marco Polo Bridge.
The Basics
The nationally famous Lugou Bridge has featured in countless movie scenes filmed in Beijing, yet it remains a bit off-the-beaten path for foreign tourists. Guided tours to the bridge might also include points of interest, such as the Peking Man Site, where the first complete Peking Man skull was discovered in 1929, or the Stone Flower Cave with its colorfully illuminated rock formations.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Lugou Bridge is a must-visit for history buffs and photographers.
- Beijing tours that include the bridge typically last about eight hours.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection if you plan to spend some time on the bridge, as you’ll find little shade.
How to Get There
While outside Beijing’s city center, the bridge is still easily accessible by public transportation. Take one of several public buses to Lugou Xinqiao Station or ride the Beijing Subway (Line 14) to Dawayao Station and catch Bus 339 to Lugou Xinqiao Station.
When to Get There
This scenic spot is open for visitors throughout the year, with reduced hours during the winter months (November to March). While there’s no bad time to visit, you’ll capture the best photos of the curving arches and stone lions right around sunset.
The Marco Polo Bridge Incident
On July 7, 1937, the stone bridge witnessed one of the most important moments in modern Chinese history when fighting broke out between Japanese troops and the Chinese army, setting off the eight-year Sino-Japanese War. This war would continue until Japan finally surrendered in 1945 at the end of World War II.
Address: Beijing, China
Admission: Free
From $ 55
Longmen Grottoes
Artists from the Northern Wei dynasty began carving in the Longmen Grottoes in the year 494 and continued to do so for some 200 years. Today, the UNESCO-listed caves contain more than 100,000 Buddhist statues and images—one of the best and last remaining collections of Buddhist rock carvings in China.
The 2,300 grottoes and niches extend along the banks of the Yi River, but only a stretch of less than a mile (1 kilometer) is open to visitors. Many of the statues have been decapitated by vandals over the centuries, but many of the heads have been returned, giving visitors a more complete image of what the caves might have looked like in their heyday.
Among the most impressive caves are the Ancestor Worshipping Temple (Fengxian Si), the largest of the accessible grottoes at Longment; Ten Thousand Buddha Cave (Wan Fo Dong) with its 15,000 Buddha carvings; and the Three Binyang Caves.
Practical Info
If you want to avoid the tour bus crowds, get to the caves first thing in the morning before the buses arrive or at night, when they’re beautifully illuminated.
Address: China
Hours: March 1- to Oct 31 7am-7:50pm; Nov 1-Feb 28 7:30am-6:50pm
Admission: CNY 120
From $ 320
Longqingxia Ravine
Also known as the Dragon’s Rejoice Ravine, the Longqingxia Ravine can be found on the Gucheng River, just under 100 kilometers northwest of Beijing. This area of natural beauty is a huge draw for visitors on day trips out of the city, with many renting boats to get up close to the ravine and marvel at its lush vegetation.
An iconic natural landmark of the Longqingxia Ravine is the Jiguanshan, or Rooster Crown Mountain – so called because it resembles a rooster lying down. This is a solitary peak surrounded by water on three sides.
Practical Info
While it’s possible to reach the Longqingxia Ravine by public bus from Beijing, the easiest way to get there is by hiring a car or going as part of an organized day trip.
Address: Beijing, China
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 76
Lukang
Lukang is a sleepy Taiwan town where narrow winding streets are lined with old heritage buildings and quaint little shops. However, right up until the end of the 19th century the picture looked quite different, as Lugang was once a significant cultural and commercial center serving as the economic and transport hub of central Taiwan.
The Japanese invasion, the silting of its harbor, and a refusal to allow railroads to pass through the city eventually led to Lukang’s commercial decline. However, this lack of more development meant that the town avoided the process of modernization that saw historical buildings in cities such as Tainan and Taipei torn down. As a result, Lukang is one of the few big towns in Taiwan that remains preserved just as it was in its heyday.
Nowadays, visitors take day trips to Lukang to soak up all that history and sense of tradition. It’s a place to wander around local handicraft shops, stopping only to indulge in the distinctive cuisine that came about as a result of the town’s multicultural past. Lukang is also home to some 200 temples, including some of the most visually stunning Chinese temples in the whole of Taiwan.
Practical Info
To get to Lukang from Taipei, take the train to Changhua Station and head to the bus station across the street. From here, you can catch the bus to Lukang.
Address: Lukang, Taiwan
From $ 149
Long Bien Bridge
Designed by Parisian architects and built between 1899 and 1902, Hanoi’s Long Bien Bridge was the first steel bridge spanning the Red River and has long been a point of pride for the Vietnamese. During the war against the French in 1954, the bridge served as a vital transportation link for moving food into Northern Central Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, the bridge was bombed by American air attacks, and yet today, it still stands as a testament to the nation’s tumultuous history.
Apart from its historical significance, the bridge has a pedestrian path where vendors often set up stalls selling some of the city’s tastiest street foods. It’s also one of the best spots in Hanoi for watching a sunrise or sunset, and it’s not unusual to see young couples having their wedding pictures taken on the historic structure.
Practical Info
While the Long Bien Bridge has a footpath, pedestrians should still be careful of the often congested motorbike traffic crossing the bridge.
Address: Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 31
Lukla
Lukla is maybe best known for having the dubious honor of being the town with the world’s most dangerous airport, the Tenzing-Hillary Airport. Not only are there no radar devices, but the airstrip is on a slope as well as flanked by both a 3,000-meter drop into the valley on one side and a steep cliff on the other. Each safe landing is a heroic feat by the pilot – if it can be achieved at all that is, since weather conditions regularly shut down the airport for days. Nonetheless, for travellers heading into Sagarmatha National Park for hiking as well as those starting their climb to Everest Base Camp, flying to this crazy airport is simply part of the already adrenalin-fuelled package.
If you can manage to keep your eyes open during the approach, the stunning views will stay with you forever. Between the haze and clouds covering the mountains, you can see terraced fields, the occasional village but mostly a landscape of tall peaks and harsh cliffs rushing past. Lukla itself is entirely tailored to trekkers and there are lots of shops with outdoor gear, cafés with free wifi and several guest houses. The houses are made of simple gray stone with bright blue door and window frames and colorful roofs. All the while the air in the lively village is filled with the hum of the propeller planes landing every few minutes and the surefooted steps of porters hauling huge loads of food, drinks and everything else needed toward the Everest region.
Practical Info
The plane is by far the easiest way to reach Lukla in this remote corner of the Everest region. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is about 25 minutes, but for those with a fear of flying and no love for extreme airports, it is also possible to reach the village from Kathmandu via a bus journey to Jiri followed by a five day hike.
Address: Lukla, Nepal
From $ 1,045
Lodi Gardens
Spread out over 90 acres (36 hectares), Lodi Gardens is a gorgeous and lush park full of meandering pathways, beautiful greenery, and four Lodi dynasty tombs. Many locals and visitors alike find refuge here from the dust and noise of Delhi, and you’re likely to come across picnickers, joggers, and elderly Delhiites on morning walks.
The Basics
Lodi Gardens (also spelled Lodhi Gardens) is one of the best maintained parks in Delhi, with lots of benches and plenty of green space for spreading out picnic blankets. For many visitors, the biggest draw is the park’s four beautifully maintained domed tombs, including the mausoleums of Mohammed Shah (which dates to 1444) and Sikander Lodi, and the 15th-century Bara Gumbad tomb. The gardens are also popular with runners, as the grounds are laced with meandering trails.
While the Archaeological Society of India has provided signboards with details about the tombs, the park is best explored with a guide. Many Delhi sightseeing and heritage tours visit the park, walking tours offer in-depth details about the gardens’ history, and yoga and meditation tours give an energetic boost to your morning.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lodi Gardens is ideal for picnickers, joggers, and anyone seeking a green oasis within the crowded city.
- Bring comfortable footwear for exploring the tombs, as the stairs leading up to them can be uneven.
- There are usually plenty of vendors selling chips, ice cream, and bottled water in the park. Other services include well-maintained public toilets.
- Lodi Gardens is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers, though some tombs are not due to stairs.
How to Get There
The gardens’ main entrance is on Lodhi Road, about a 15-minute walk from Khan Market, and a 5- to 10-minute walk east of Sri Aurobindo Marg and Safdarjung’s Tomb (which is often visited on tours in conjunction with the garden). The nearest metro station is Jorbagh, a 12-minute walk away, which connects to Central Delhi’s Rajiv Chowk (Connaught Place) on the Yellow Line. Parking is limited here, so it’s best to ride public transport, take a taxi, or visit with a tour.
When to Get There
Like all outdoor attractions in New Delhi, it’s best to visit Lodi Gardens during winter and avoid the hottest months of the year (May and June). It can get muggy and muddy here during the rainy season (July and August). If you come to jog, come at sunrise or sunset when the temperatures are more manageable; just note that you’ll likely be sharing the paths with plenty of local runners.
The Birds of Lodi Gardens
Lodi Gardens is home to a huge variety of avian species. A signboard at the park’s southern entrance details the birds you might see, including green parakeets, woodpeckers, swifts, common hawks, pigeons, and bulbuls. If you're lucky, you may also spot species such as the white-breasted kingfisher or even the Indian grey hornbill, named for their strikingly bulbous beaks.
Address: Khan Market, New Delhi, DL, India
From $ 14
Luodai
Visitors flock to Luodai, an ancient town located in the Sichuan area of China, about 12.8 miles (20 kilometers) from Chengdu City. Situated at the base of Er’eshan Mountain as part of the Longquanshan Mountains, Luodai is considered the largest and best-preserved Hakka ancient town in the western part of the country. Ninety percent of Luodai’s inhabitants are Hakka, and the Hakka language is still spoken here.
Built more than 1,000 years ago, Luodai has a long history and, now, a vibrant tourist culture. The architecture and layout of the ancient town preserves the typical styles from Ming and Qing dynasties, with old streets, Hakka folk houses and narrow alleys. There are also several parks, a museum and four guildhalls, which add great historical and artistic value. Created in the typical architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the guildhalls feature exquisite carvings of Chinese motifs like dragons, flowers, phoenix and other birds. Be sure to check out the picturesque Yudai Lake and Jinlong Great Wall and Temple.
Practical Info
Luodai Ancient Town is located about an hour’s bus ride from downtown Chengdu and makes a pleasant day trip. You can take bus #81 or #58 from Chengdu city to Wuguiqiao Long Distance Bus Station. Public buses from Wugui go directly to Luodai every five minutes, while traveling via private vehicle takes about 30 minutes from Chengdu to Luodai. Entrance is free.
Address: Luodai, China
From $ 15
M50 Creative Park
M50 Creative Park is an artistic area of Shanghai. Situated just south of Shanghai Suzhou Creek, M50 is one of the earliest, largest, and most influential creative industry and modern art clusters in the city.
An open park, art-lovers and creative types have lots to explore here. It's a thriving hub of galleries and art studios, with exhibitions from both local and international artists. There are a wide range of art forms, from the popular black and white portraits of Shanghai’s urban development, to audio visual and abstract art.
Despite being one of the best-known creative hubs in Shanghai, strolling into M50 Creative Park gives the distinct sense of stumbling across a hidden gem. If you’re looking for a piece of art to take home, this is the ideal place to find something original at a reasonable price.
Insider’s Tip
Notable galleries and studios to visit include the Island6 Arts Center, the LWH Gallery, and the Eastlink Gallery.
Practical Info
To reach M50 Creative Park, take Line 1 of the metro and alight at Shanghai Railway Station, or take Line 3 or 4 to Zhongtan Road.
Address: 50 Moganshan Road, Shanghai 200000, China
From $ 50
Lotte World
Easily accessible from Jamsil Station on the Seoul subway, this extraordinary recreational complex is the world’s largest indoor theme park, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
The Lotte complex also includes an outdoor amusement park (Magic Island), folk museum, shopping centers, an artificial island within an artificial lake, and a luxury hotel (all linked by monorail), and it receives an average of eight million visitors a year.
Housed largely in glass to permit natural light, the complex offers country-themed districts, complete with full-scale parades, feature films, laser light shows, souvenir shops, terrifying rides, and an astonishing variety of international cuisine, snacks, and foodstuffs.
Among the most popular rides within the grounds are a Spanish pirate ship that swings a full 75 degrees, the so-called “Gyro Drop” and “Gyro Swing”, the latter of which replicates the sensation of being inside a hurricane. Also noteworthy is the “Flume Ride” which floats atop steep waves.
There is a skating rink complete with a snack bar, a sports shop, skate rental service, and a changing area. At the Folk Museum, cultural items are displayed that date back thousands of years, highlighting key moments in Korean history, as well as several miniature villages and a playground.
The Lotte complex also includes an outdoor amusement park (Magic Island), folk museum, shopping centers, an artificial island within an artificial lake, and a luxury hotel (all linked by monorail), and it receives an average of eight million visitors a year.
Housed largely in glass to permit natural light, the complex offers country-themed districts, complete with full-scale parades, feature films, laser light shows, souvenir shops, terrifying rides, and an astonishing variety of international cuisine, snacks, and foodstuffs.
Among the most popular rides within the grounds are a Spanish pirate ship that swings a full 75 degrees, the so-called “Gyro Drop” and “Gyro Swing”, the latter of which replicates the sensation of being inside a hurricane. Also noteworthy is the “Flume Ride” which floats atop steep waves.
There is a skating rink complete with a snack bar, a sports shop, skate rental service, and a changing area. At the Folk Museum, cultural items are displayed that date back thousands of years, highlighting key moments in Korean history, as well as several miniature villages and a playground.
Address: Seoul, South Korea
Hours: Lotte World is open daily from 9:30am to 10pm (11pm on weekends).
Admission: Admission: 26,000 won for adults / 20,000 won for children, discounts for everyone after 4pm
From $ 12
Longji Rice Terraces
For the farmers who reside in Southern China’s Longji region, rice terraces are simply a way of life. Yet for the thousands of annual visitors who make the 2-hour journey from the city of Guilin, the Longji Rice Terraces—nicknamed the Dragon’s Backbone—are an iconic symbol of Chinese agriculture and one of the most photographed sites in the country.
The Basics
Here in Longji, in Longsheng county, layer upon layer of cultivated terraces stretch skyward on steep slopes—at some points they slope at over 50° angles. Despite the dramatic grades of the mountainside, however, traditional Chinese rice farmers have managed to sculpt the hillside into orderly terraces that annually yield massive harvests of rice.
When visiting the Longji Rice Terraces, you can walk among rural and traditional villages that still house ethnic minority people such as the Yao and Zhuang people. Most travelers visit as part of a guided day trip from Guilin; these self-guided, small-group, or private tours often include a visit to a Zhuang or Yao village, where women still grow very long hair in a traditional style.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Longji Rice Terraces are a must-see for photographers and those looking for a rural escape.
- Day trips to the rice terraces from Guilin last upwards of eight hours, and often include hotel pickup and drop-off from your Guilin hotel.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
How to Get There
Due to their considerable distance from Guilin (59 miles/95 kilometers), the easiest and most convenient way to visit the terraces in and around Longsheng is to book a guided tour.
When to Get There
Though there really isn’t a bad season to visit the Dragon’s Backbone. The early summer months of May and June are popular for photographers, as this is when the terraces are irrigated and cast a mirrored effect that crawls up the walls of the valleys.
Which Terraces to Visit
The Longji region is home to several picturesque rice paddies, the most famous of which are the terraced fields of Ping’an Village. Less touristed and perhaps more visually impressive are the fields at Jinkeng near Dazhai Village.
Address: Longsheng, Guilin, China
Admission: CNY 50
From $ 58
Lumpini Park
This urban oasis in the heart of bustling Bangkok offers travelers and locals a 142-acre escape from the chaos of the city. Towering trees, well-designed playgrounds and an artificial lake where visitors can rent boats and float in peace are part of the draw to popular Lumpini Park. Runners follow worn paths that wind through the grounds and cyclists loop through the park between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. Lumpini Park is the perfect place to relax, unwind and recover before heading back into the street of Bangkok.
Practical Info
The park is located near the Sala Daeng Station of the BTS Skytrain Silom Line. It is also accessible by more than a dozen different city buses, including the 4, 13, 14, 15 and 47.
Address: Pathum Wan, Bangkok, Thailand
From $ 30
Long Son Pagoda
Founded in the 19th century, the Long Son Pagoda has been attracting travelers thanks to its stunning façade, traditional peaked roofs and ornately decorated mosaic dragons. Its peaceful interior pays homage to seven monks who lit themselves on fire during the 1960s in an act of protest. Travelers will find hand-carved busts of these men surrounding a massive white seated Buddha, who’s perched in a lotus blossom looking out at these martyrs.
Visitors can explore the grounds and make their way to the top of the hill and platform surrounding the massive Buddha, where incredible views of nearby towns and the Vietnamese countryside do not disappoint.
Practical Info
The pagoda is open daily from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and then from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Visitors should be aware of a popular scam that’s run by children outside the pagoda, in which they offer to show tourists around for free and then demand money at the end. Locals recommend turning them away.
Address: Vietnam
From $ 18
Lopburi
Situated 150 kilometers north of Bangkok, Lopburi is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, dating back to the Dvaravati period when it was known as Lavo. The influence of the Khmer empire is particularly evident throughout the city, but it reached the peak of its commercial, cultural, and political importance when the seventeenth century Siamese King Narai made it his second capital.
The ruins seen in Lopburi today are mainly from this era, including the large palace on the Lopburi River. Narai was also responsible for restoring many of the Khmer temples, as well as various monuments that he restored and transformed into Buddhist shrines.
Today, hundreds of monkeys have made some of the major ruins of Lopburi their home. These macaques have become as much a part of the city as the ruins themselves, but it’s wise for visitors to stay on their guard as they will steal cameras, small bags, and, in particular, anything that remotely resembles food!
Practical Info
The easiest way to reach Lopburi is by train, with regular services departing from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station daily. The journey takes between two to three hours, depending on the train. There are also regular bus services that depart from the Northern Bus Terminal in Bangkok and a mini-van service that leaves from near the Victory Monument.
Address: Lopburi, Thailand
From $ 933
Liyuan Theater
Liyuan Theater is situated in the Qianmen Jianguo Hotel in Beijing’s Xuanwu District, south of Tiananmen Square. The area is famous for being the birthplace of Peking Opera, and the Liyuan Theater has been hosting this traditional performing art since 1990.
Popular among tourists as well as Chinese opera lovers, the performances at the Liyuan Theater offer a classic introduction to Peking Opera, with elements of Beijing culture, kung fu, and even humor featuring prominently. Performers wear theatrical makeup, dramatic masks, and stunning costumes to convey their stories, and spectators should expect thunderously loud music and heart-felt performances from the stage.
The Liyuan Theater hosts a four-part Peking Opera every evening except Chinese New Year.
Practical Info
To reach the theater by public transport, take Subway Line 7 and alight at Hufangqiao Station. The nightly four-part show begins at 7:30pm.
Address: No.175 Yongan Road, Beijing, Xuanwu District, China
Hours: Daily performance: 7:30-8:40pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
Lovina
A mellow, family-centered resort on the north coast of Bali, Lovina offers gray-black beaches and more affordable prices than you’ll find at the buzzing resorts to the south. The main attraction is a sunrise dolphin-watching trip. Guests also enjoy diving and snorkeling on the coral reef, and hiking in the hills beyond town.
The Basics
Lovina is a worthwhile destination itself, to chill on the dark sand beaches, hike in the hills, watch dolphins, and explore other coastal attractions. However, many will visit as part of a larger north Bali day tour, combining a sunrise dolphin trip with stops at the Gitgit or Sekumpul waterfalls and in Bedugul. A handful of Lovina dolphin tours also include snorkeling around the spectacular coral near Menjangan Island, a couple of hours west.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lovina is a popular choice for families with children, thanks to its calm waters and affordable accommodations.
- Dolphin-watching boats usually depart at 6am, which requires leaving South Bali at 3am, or even earlier.
- Don’t miss Lovina’s delicious grilled fish called ikan bakar.
- Lovina dolphin tours use small outrigger boats. Boarding requires reasonable balance, mobility, and strength.
How to Get There
Lovina sits on Bali’s north coast, around 6 miles (9 kilometers) east of the city of Singaraja. Perama shuttle buses connect Lovina to the major tourist hubs of Kuta, Ubud, and Sanur, as well as northerly destinations such as Padangbai, Candidasa, and Bedugul. North Bali is generally kinder to self-drivers than south Bali, but many will still find it easier to hire a driver.
When to Get There
If you’re visiting Lovina to enjoy the narrow beach, the weather is most cooperative during the dry months of May to September. Most visitors come for the dolphins, which can be spotted leaping and frolicking in the bay at sunrise. You’ll find smaller crowds if you visit during the low season months of October, November, February, and March.
Where to See Dolphins in Bali
Lovina is famous for its wild dolphins, although many believe that all the noisy dolphin-watching boats may be detrimental to their well-being. Dolphins in captivity in Bali are mainly kept in unpleasant conditions, usually in cramped, and sometimes even chlorinated, pools. Though you can see dolphins in the wild in Lovina, please don’t plan to swim with dolphins on Bali.
Address: Lovina, Bali, Indonesia
From $ 46
Macau Tower
Reaching a neck-pinching height of 1,109 feet (338 meters), Macau Tower dominates Macau’s skyline and offers sweeping views of the peninsula for over one million visitors per year. Visitors without a fear of heights can rapidly ascend the high-speed, glass-fronted elevator to the tower observation decks on the 58th and 61st floors.
The Basics
Inspired by the Sky Tower in Auckland, Macau Tower ranks among Macau’s most popular attractions, with plenty of ways to experience it depending on the thrill level you’re looking for. Options range from a basic admission ticket to the outdoor observation deck for 360-degree views of Macau and the Pearl River Delta to more adrenaline-fueled activities like one of the world’s highest commercial bungy jumps or a more controlled Skyjump or outdoor Skywalk. If you fancy more of a challenge, you can even scale the side of the building to its highest point with the help of safety cables, ladders, and guides.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Macau Tower is a must-see for thrill seekers and first-time visitors.
- Don’t forget your camera for a photo op from the top.
- Book your Macau Tower admission ticket or experience in advance, especially during high season, to avoid long lines.
How to Get There
The best way to reach Macau Tower is by taxi or public bus. Routes 9A, 18, 23, 26, and 32 stop at the base of the tower.
When to Get There
Macau Tower is open daily, with extended hours on weekends and public holidays. Since the view is the biggest draw, plan to visit on a clear day. Expect frequent rainfall during spring and summer (April to August).
Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment at Macau Tower
Even non–thrill seekers will find something to do within Macau Tower. The building is home to a movie theater, casino, shopping center, and several restaurants serving both Chinese and international fare.
Address: Largo da Torre de Macau, Macau, China
Hours: Open Mon - Fri, 10am - 9pm; Sat - Sun, 9am - 9pm
Admission: MOP 145 for adults, MOP 75 for seniors and children
From $ 18
Lupu Bridge
When Shanghai’s Lupu Bridge was completed in 2003, it was the world’s longest spanning steel arch bridge. The bridge with a total length of 12,795 feet (3,900 meters) and a main span of 1,805 feet (550 meters) takes its name from the two districts that it connects, Luwan and Pudong, and it extends across the Huangpu River.
The Basics
Lupu Bridge, built to serve the rapidly developing areas on the southern side of the Huangpu River, is the river’s seventh bridge. Known for its use of cable-stayed, arch, and suspension technology, it was in the 2010 Shanghai World Expo and won the 2008 IABSE Outstanding Structure Award. The bridge accommodates six traffic lanes and allows ships up to 70,000 tons to pass underneath. Some Huangpu River cruises offer views of the bridge.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The observation deck at the top of the bridge is no longer open.
- Pedestrians are not allowed on the bridge.
- The Luwan district was merged into the Huangpu district in 2011.
- Book a cruise for a close-up look at the Huangpu River.
How to Get There
From Pudong, Lupu Bridge can be accessed from the on-ramps to North-South Elevated Road, northbound on Jiyang Road or westbound on Yaohua Road. From Huangpu, the bridge can be accessed from Luban Road interchange. Various buses also lead to the bridge, with the closest access points at Luban Road stop or Lupu Bridge stop. You can also take the metro, Line 13, to Shibo Dadao Station.
When to Get There
The bridge can be crossed as a motorist at any time, although traffic conditions vary depending on time of day. The best views of the bridge are at night, when it’s lit up.
Views of the Bridge
Although the bridge can no longer be accessed by pedestrians, it is still an impressive bridge to see. If driving across isn’t an option, visitors can get good views of the bridge from the site of the 2010 World Expo or on a Huangpu River cruise.
Address: Lu Ban Lu, Huang Pu Qu, Shanghai, China
From $ 142
Loboc
This tropical municipality located on the island of Bohol is known for its popular lunch cruises that take crews of eager travelers along the Loboc River. A highlight of this afternoon excursion is—in addition to buffet lunch—a liver performance by the famed Loboc Children’s Choir. This world-renowned group comprised of youthful voices has made a name for itself in competitions across the globe.
Travelers who prefer land to water can explore the iconic Loboc Church, which was built in the early 1600s. Its stone façade and religious detailing is a clear example of Jesuit colonial influence on this tiny municipality. Visitors will find ornate stone carvings, colorful stucco paintings and intriguing gargoyles, as well as other medieval creatures.
Practical Info
Loboc is located about 25 kilometers east of Tagbilaran.
Address: Loboc, Philippines
From $ 89
Longshan Temple
The oldest temple in Taiwan, Mengjia Longshan Temple was built in 1738 by immigrants from Fujian, China. The ornate and exquisite structure has been damaged by war and natural disasters, but also rebuilt, expanded, and improved over the years. Today is remains a center of religious life and a bastion of local culture in Taipei.
The Basics
Considered one of the three great temples of Taipei, Longshan Temple is dedicated to Guanyin, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. However, as is typical with temples in Taiwan, it actually houses hundreds of Buddhist, Taoist, and Chinese folk deities, including Mazu, goddess of the sea. Don’t miss the only pair of bronze dragon columns in Taipei; intricate and ornate decorations on the doors, walls, and roofs; and elaborate carvings out of stone and wood.
Many Taipei sightseeing tours stop at Longshan Temple as well as other attractions that may include nearby Bopiliao Ancient Street or Huaxi Night Market, Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, and the National Palace Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Longshan Temple is a must-see for those with an interest in history, architecture, and religion.
- This is an active place of worship, so please be respectful.
- The temple is free to enter but donations are accepted.
- Due to very thick crowds and stairs to some areas, the temple is not ideal for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Longshan Temple is located in Taipei’s Wanhua district. By MRT, take the Blue Line to Longshan Temple (Exit 1). By train, take the local service to Wanhua Station and walk north to the temple. A number of buses also stop nearby.
When to Get There
The temple is open daily until 10pm throughout the year. To hear the chanting of monks and gathered worshippers, visit around 6am, 8am, or 5pm, though it’s also worthwhile visiting at night to see the temple lit up.
Festivals and Gatherings at Longshan Temple
The temple holds a number of festivals and cultural activities a year. Guanyin’s birthday is a popular celebration. On the 1st and 15th of each month, worshippers gather to celebrate the sea goddess, Mazu, and the popular lantern lighting ceremony occurs on the eve of the Chinese New Year.
Address: Taipei, Taiwan
Admission: Free
From $ 31