Things to Do in Asia

During a 1773 renovation of a northeastern section of the Forbidden City, a Nine Dragon Screen was added to provide privacy for Emperor Qianlong’s retirement villa. Such screens can be found throughout China in palaces and gardens, each depicting nine different Chinese dragons in their carved reliefs. It is thought that evil sprits must travel in straight lines, so the Nine Dragon Screen is believed to serve the additional purpose of denying entry to evil spirits.

Each of the nine dragons on the wall are depicted playing with a pearl in the ocean. If you look carefully at the white dragons, one of them has a piece of wood on its stomach. According to local legend, the artisan responsible for the wall added the wood to replace a piece of broken glazed tile to meet his deadline. The gold dragon in the center of the screen is meant to represent the emperor.

Taipei’s National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shine honors the men and women who died fighting on behalf of Taiwan in the second Sino-Japanese War, Chinese Civil War and both Taiwan Cross-Strait Crises among others. Around 390,000 names are listed on wooden plaques throughout the complex. The site has several structures, including a separate shrine for both military and civilian martyrs and a drum tower used during special rites ceremonies. Both the civilian and military martyrs’ shrines display profiles of some of the martyrs enshrined there and information about the conflicts.

The shrine was completed in 1969 and was inspired by the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing. Plan your visit on the hour mark to witness the changing of the guard, an elaborate ritual similar to that seen at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. Memorial rites take place on March 29 and September 3 each year when the president and other government leaders come to pay their respects.

There was a time when this mountainous buffer between downtown Hong Kong and mainland China was populated solely by indigenous Hakka farmers and a scattering of old villages. That time wasn’t too long ago—just a mere number of decades. In the time that has lapsed since, however, the area known as the New Territories has exploded with growth and seen subsidized housing projects spring up as far as the eye can see. Although it’s now a sprawling suburb which houses 3.5 million people (half of Hong Kong’s population) there are still a number of worthwhile sights interspersed among the urban growth which transport visitors back to the New Territories of old.

Chief among the activities of most visitors is walking one of the historical trails such as Lung Yeuk Tau, a heritage trail which takes visitors past traditional walled villages constructed to guard against bandits and invaders. Pockmarked with rural parks—unlike the heavily urbanized areas of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon—the New Territories also feature legitimate treks and coastal walks where visitors can tackle trails such as the 1,400 foot (426.7 meter) Sharp Peak for a sweeping view of the city center.

For many the attraction of visiting the New Territories provides for a way to see how Hong Kong locals go about their daily life, yet attractions such as the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery still provide visitors the opportunity for some good old fashioned sightseeing. Those visiting the monastery will first have to climb a lengthy hill which is covered in plastic, golden arhats which peer out from bushes along the walkway. Once at the top, take in the 12,800 Buddha statues spread in all directions for a unique sight not to be found anywhere else in all of Hong Kong. Although this is just one example of the unique sights in the New Terrirories, the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery encourages visitors and locals alike to escape the city center for a spell and enjoy the slow pace of life found in the outer reaches of Hong Kong.

Known for its impressive botanical garden, intricate Iemitsu mausoleum, and ornate Toshogu Shrine (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Nikko National Park is an area of incredible natural beauty with plenty to see and do. In addition to shrines and temples, the park is home to numerous lakes, elaborate bridges, excellent hiking trails, and two stunning waterfalls—all set against a backdrop of dramatic mountain scenery.

India is home to the largest rail network in the world, and the National Rail Museum in Delhi is one of the best of its kind on the planet. Indoor and outdoor exhibits spread over  10 acres (4 hectares) of land feature dozens of authentic locomotives and old carriages, including the private saloon of the Maharaja of Mysore dating back to 1899 and the 1855 Fairy Queen, the oldest functioning steam engine in the world.

Train lovers will appreciate the collections of model trains and vintage railway maps, while a train ride that takes passengers in a loop around the site is always a hit with kids.

The National Museum of Singapore is the definitive historical record for the country as well as its oldest museum. Built in 1887, the impressive structure is one of the 11 national treasures of Singapore and contains several precious artifacts and fine art.

The museum offers free admission to its permanent exhibits including the Goh Seng Choo Gallery, which features a selection of watercolors from William Farquhar. Living in Singapore in the 19th century Farquhar assembled a series of paintings exploring  the sights and sounds of the country.

Even with these permanent exhibitions, the museum’s organizers also incorporate new events and exhibits that keep Singaporeans coming back, showcasing new work from local photographers, filmmakers and dance performers on a weekly basis.

Aside from these events, the museum itself is worth exploring, containing intricate designs to its façade and interior. The very dome atop the structure contains 3,000 zinc fish-scale tiles and panels made from stained-glass.