The most beautiful sights of Asia are the world-famous Great Wall of China and the Indian Taj Mahal, the grandiose temple complexes of Indonesia and Thailand, the palaces of Japan and China The Great Wall of China (built in 220 BC and between 1368 and 1644) d.) is one of the most grandiose structures in the history of mankind, a symbol of China. This is the largest structure created by people in the entire history of the world and the only structure of this magnitude in the whole world. The length of all lines of the wall is 6350 km. This is the only creation of human hands, visible from space with the naked eye. The eighth wonder of the world, the longest in the world, “Wan li chang cheng” (“Wall of ten thousand li”) – this is how the Great Wall was called at different times. And although the last name can suggest the real size of the ancient Chinese wall (1 li is equal to 576 m), different sources give different numbers. According to some assumptions, its length does not exceed 4 thousand kilometers, according to others – it is more than 5 thousand kilometers. The average height of the wall is 6.6 m (up to 10 m in some sections), the width of the lower part is about 6.5 m, the upper part is about 5.5 m. This width allowed two horse-drawn carts to pass. Throughout the Great Wall of China, casemates for protection and watchtowers were built, and fortresses were built at the main mountain passes.

Taj Mahal

mausoleum-mosque located in Agra, India, on the banks of the Jumna River, built by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. The architectural complex, built entirely of white marble, and which is called nothing less than the pearl of the architecture of the East, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the most recognizable architectural structures in the world. Arjumanad Banu, the young wife of Shah Jahan (better known by her title of Mumtaz Mahal or Taj Mahal, which translates as “Crown of the Palace”), was the niece of Jahan’s mother and the daughter of the first vizier. However, there are many legends on this subject, the most romantic of which says that the future Shah Jahan, who was then still a prince, met a beautiful poor girl in the bazaar with wooden beads in her hands, and she looked at him like that, that he did not see anymore surrounded by dirt and poverty, and firmly decided to marry the beautiful woman, so as not to be parted ever. It is known for sure that in that year (1612) she was 19 years old, quite a lot even by the standards of modern India.

Forbidden City (Beijing Imperial Palace)

is the largest palace complex in the world. Conceived back in 1406, it has been closed to mere mortals for centuries (hence the name of the palace). From this place of the Middle Kingdom, 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties ruled. But even today, 75 years after the last Chinese emperor left the palace, it still remains forbidden, half of the city is still closed to curious tourists and surrounded by an aura of mystery. This Palace was the first of the Chinese sites listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site (in 1987). The Imperial Palace was built in 1406-1420. Its total area is 720 thousand square meters. m; The palace complex has 9999 rooms. Surrounded by a wall 3400 m long and a moat called “Golden Water”. A million builders and 100 thousand other specialists took part in its construction – stone carvers, wood carvers, artists, etc. The Gate of Heavenly Peace leads into it.

Fuji (Fujiyama)

is the highest mountain peak (3776 m) in Japan, a volcano on the Japanese island of Honshu, 150 kilometers west of Tokyo. It has ideal conical outlines and serves as an object of worship for the Japanese. The Fuji area is also part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. In good weather, Fuji is observed from a large area of the central part of the island of Honshu (out of 13 prefectures), but the views from the ocean are considered the most beautiful: it was here that the famous Tokaido, the road connecting Kyoto and Tokyo, ran. Fuji is not only a model of natural harmony and a symbol of Japan, it is a visible embodiment of the indestructible connection between tradition and modernity in the life of the Japanese people. The Japanese, in whom the genes of generations that have lived from time immemorial in common rhythms with Nature, have not died out, are able to contemplate the frozen eternity of their beloved mountain for a long time, recalling famous poems and legends and imbued with a state of peace and enlightened detachment.

Borobudur (Indonesia)

Buddhist stupa and the associated temple complex of the Mahayana Buddhism tradition, the largest Buddhist monument on Earth, a place of mass tourism in Indonesia. Borobudur is located on the island of Java in the province of Central Java, 40 km northwest of the city of Yogyakarta. Borobudur temple is considered one of the wonders of the world. There are no analogues of Borobudur in world architecture. The temple is built around a natural hill. It is a three-dimensional model of the universe of Mahayana Buddhism. Each person probably has their own comparison for this legendary historical monument in Indonesia. Imagine a stepped pyramid of five square and three round tiers, which, like a pot-bellied bottle, is topped with a stone mortar. Along the lower, square terraces stretch 1460 carved bas-reliefs that illustrate stories from the life of Gautama Buddha, his previous incarnations and stories from the lives of other bodhisattvas. If you walk around them tier by tier, a three-kilometer strip of stone paintings will step by step reveal the life of the Buddha.

Ayutthaya (Ayudhaya, Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya)

is an ancient city in Thailand. Located near Bangkok, 100 km north of it. The ancient capital of the kingdom of the same name, preceding Siam. In 1991, the historic center of Ayutthaya was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city was founded in 1350 by King Ramathibodi I (U Thong) and became his capital after the defeat suffered by Sukhothai. In the 15th-16th centuries, trade and handicrafts flourished, and at the beginning of the 18th century, after several years of war, Ayutthaya fell into decay and the capital of Siam was transferred first to Thonburi, and then to Bangkok. Before the fall, Ayutthaya had 400 temples, 3 palaces, 12 km of fortress walls, 17 small fortresses and 100 city gates. 50 km of canals were also laid in the city, for which it received the name of the Venice of the East.

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Asia is a vast part of the world, stretching from arctic to equatorial latitudes. All types of climatic belts found on Earth can be found here.

General information about the climate in Asia

The formation of Asia’s climate is related to the physical and geographical conditions of the territory. First of all, it refers to the vast length from north to south and from west to east, the topography and the washed waters.

The amount of sunlight and heat varies with latitude. The higher north, the less sunshine and the colder the climate.

Asia has some of the highest mountain systems on Earth, which affect air circulation, so the climate is different from flat regions.

Air from the Pacific only affects a narrow coastal strip, because there are mountains in the east of Asia. Also the monsoon circulation prevents the air masses from the ocean to go further.

The Atlantic Ocean brings dry continental air to Asia, and the Arctic Ocean brings cold arctic air. As it enters the interior, it transforms into continental air.

The Indian Ocean only affects the southern part of Asia. The Himalayas prevent these air masses from passing over.

Subarctic Climate Belt

It extends in a short strip from west to east across the entire Asian part of Russia. It is located mainly in the West Siberian Plain. This is a zone of tundra and forest tundra.

The more eastern, the lower the temperature in winter. This is where the cold pole – Oymyakon – is located. The temperature can drop to -50° C. In summer, the temperature averages +10° C. On the southern border of the zone it is slightly higher. At the same time, the threat of short-term frosts in summer remains.

Precipitation in the form of snow and rain is frequent, but the total amount per year is small (up to 600 mm). A large proportion of precipitation falls in summer. The wetting coefficient is more than 1, so the ground is overwatered.

There is heavy cloudiness and constant winds blowing here. This is due to Arctic cyclones.

Temperate Climate Belt

It occupies the rest of the territory of the Asian part of Russia. Since the territory is vast, there are subtypes of temperate climate:

• Continental Sharp
• Continental
• Monsoon climate.

The territory of temperate climate is influenced by Atlantic air, which, moving eastward, becomes drier. The farther away, the more continental features are more pronounced.

The continental climate subtype is located on the territory of Western Siberia. Summer temperatures here are comfortable from +15° C in the north of the zone, to +25° C in the south. Winters are cold, around -20° C.

Precipitation varies from north to south. The total annual amount is about 500 mm. But the south of the territory already has insufficient moisture. Here begins the semi-desert.

The sharply continental subtype occupies the southern part of Siberia, as well as the mountain systems in southern Siberia. Dry air blows all the year here, so there is little precipitation. Does not exceed 500 mm per year.

Summer temperatures are +20° C, winter temperatures are harsh -30° C.

Monsoon climate subtype occupies the territory of the Far East of Russia. Monsoons blow to the ocean in winter, so precipitation is scarce. The weather is clear but cold, averaging around -25° C. In the summer, the wind blows from the ocean to the mainland and brings with it an abundance of rain. Most of them are cyclonic in nature. The air is warm, about +15 ° C. Up to 800 mm of rain falls each summer.

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Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong, a modern metropolis with dizzying skyscrapers, has always attracted tourists with its combination of traditional Chinese culture, delicious cuisine and excellent shopping.

But today Hong Kong is also trying to develop its natural heritage. Thus, it opened the Global Geopark of China, located on 50 square kilometers. The Geopark is divided into two parts: a sedimentary zone in the northeast of the New Territories and a volcanic zone in the Sai Kung District. You can walk through the geopark on one of nine hiking trails or take a boat tour.

You won’t be bored on your return to the stone jungle either. You can try shark fin soup, visit the Hong Kong Museum of Art, buy machinery in Wonkok, visit the Temple of the Ten Thousand Buddhas or fish for yourself.

Ipoh, Malaysia

It is not the most popular tourist city. However, Ipoh can be considered the Malaysian food capital: small cafes with local cuisine fill the entire historic quarter of the city.

You can stay in the heart of the city at the unusual Sekeping Kong Heng Hotel: it has rooms with glass walls through which you can see the sky. Or you can rent a room with no walls on the roof.

New and interesting establishments like Roquette Art Café, Burps & Giggles, and Everyday Lifeshop are opening among the better-kept coffee shops and colonial buildings. But gourmet travelers are more likely to come for traditional Malaysian treats like the crispy soy chicken at Lou Wong and tofu pudding at Funny Mountain.

Wildlife lovers can go biking and bird watching at Kinta Nature Park or go rafting near Gopeng. You can climb to the top of the hill and admire the ancient temples. And if you’re in Ipoh, be sure to have a fragrant tea at Gaharu Tea Valley.

Pemutheran, Indonesia

Away from civilization, in the northwestern part of Bali, is Pemuteran, one of the best places for diving and snorkeling (snorkeling). Pemuteran has an artificial coral reef, Biorock, where you can spend a whole day underwater. There are about 10 diving centers in the area, which offer training courses in several languages.

However, this is not the only reason to visit Pemuteran. A couple of kilometers from Pemuteran is the Monkey Temple: the locals feed the monkeys with fruit, so there are a lot of them there (interesting photos are provided for you).

Another place that definitely deserves attention is the double bay and beaches near Menjangan. On the way from the southern part of the island you can admire the emerald green rice fields. However, it is not possible to enjoy it alone: Pemuteran is a very lively tourist destination. This means that there are resorts, restaurants and a lot of fun to be had.

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Asia gets its name from ancient Greek mythology. Once upon a time Asia (Asia) was the daughter of the Titan god Okeanides, who became the wife of Prometheus. The ancient Greeks borrowed the word “Asia” from the Assyrians, who called the place where the sun rises. Therefore, the Greeks began to call the area that lies to the east of Greece Asia.

In modern Asia the states are at different levels of development. If Bangladesh and Afghanistan are firmly stuck in the Middle Ages, then South Korea, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan are countries with developed economies.

Asia is the largest continent on Earth. Its total area is more than 43.4 million square kilometers (30% of the Earth’s territory). Asia is considered part of the Eurasian Peninsula.

In the west, the border of Asia passes through the Ural Mountains. Asia is washed by the Arctic Ocean in the North, the Pacific Ocean in the East (East China Sea, Bering Sea, Sea of Okhotsk, South China Sea, Sea of Japan and Yellow Sea), and the Indian Ocean (Arabian Sea) in the South.

In addition, the shores of Asia are also washed by the waters of the Red and Mediterranean Seas.

Since Asia occupies a huge territory, it is clear that the climate on this continent is very diverse. In Western and Eastern Siberia the climate is continental, in Central and Middle Asia it is desert and semi-desert, in Eastern, Southern and South-Eastern Asia it is monsoonal (monsoon season is June-October), in some regions it is equatorial, and in the extreme north it is arctic.

Among the Asian rivers should certainly be named the Yangtze (6300 km), the Huang He (5464 km), the Ob (5410 km), the Mekong (4 500 km), the Amur (4440 km), the Lena (4400 km) and the Yenisei (4 092 km).

The five largest lakes in Asia are as follows: Aral Sea, Baikal, Balkhash, Tonle Sap, and Issyk Kul.

A significant part of Asia is mountains. Asia is home to the Himalayas, the Pamirs, the Hindu Kush, the Altai and the Sayan Mountains. The largest mountain in Asia is Everest (Dzhomolungma), its height is 8,848 meters.

There are many deserts in Asia, among which perhaps one should highlight the Gobi, the Takla Makan, the Karakum Desert, and the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula. In total, there are more than 20 deserts in Asia.

At the moment the population of Asia already exceeds 4.3 billion people. That is about 60% of the total population of the Earth. At the same time, the annual population growth rate in Asia is about 2%.

Almost all of Asia’s population belongs to the Mongoloid race, which in turn is divided into smaller races – North Asian, Arctic, South Asian, and Far Eastern. In Iraq, southern Iran and northern India, the Indo-Mediterranean race predominates. In addition, there are many other races in Asia, such as Caucasoid and Negro.

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If you’ve been dreaming of traveling in Asia but don’t know what to choose from all the variety, our selection is just what you need. Noisy megacities, wild jungles, snow-white beaches – choose according to your taste. We’ll tell you not only about popular destinations, but also about places you probably haven’t even heard of.

Hokkaido is the second largest island in Japan. The climate here is noticeably colder than in other parts of the country. But there are many things for visitors to see. For example, the beautiful natural scenery, which you can enjoy on foot, by bike or by motorcycle. Or the mountain villages, where you can bathe in indoor onsen – hot mineral water from the spring, which is filled with special tubs ofuro. It is worth trying the luxurious seafood: crabs, sea urchins, scallops, caught in cold waters.

Ironically, it is in winter that Hokkaido experiences an influx of tourists: you can go skiing and snowboarding or see ice sculptures during the Sapporo Snow Festival.

Today, Hokkaido is easily accessible thanks to a high-speed train that connects Tokyo with Hakodate, the southern port city on the island. A Japan Rail pass, a travel-only pass for tourists traveling in Japan that allows unlimited travel, can be purchased on the train. The line will reportedly be extended to Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido, which will host the Asian Winter Games in 2017.

The center of the world is definitely Shanghai. It seems that all 24 million residents of the city are eager to live at their own pleasure. And they have all the conditions for it.

Ballroom dancing in parks, gourmet drinks in tea houses, amazingly delicious steamed dumplings served with black rice vinegar sauce, popular cocktail and craft beer establishments among neon-lit skyscrapers.

But old Shanghai hasn’t disappeared, either. The streets with houses built in the Shikumen architectural style are bustling with life. You can also admire the colonial European Art Deco buildings that are well preserved on the Weitang promenade.

In Shanghai you can find entertainment for all tastes. For example, Shanghai Disneyland has been welcoming visitors since June of this year. Or you can climb the Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world, and admire the panorama of the city.

In the center of Jeonju is the Hanokmaeul architectural complex, turned into an open-air museum with more than 700 perfectly preserved wooden buildings with curved roofs in the traditional Korean style. Exhibitions and festivals are regularly held here.

Cheongju attracts not only those interested in history but also foodies from all over the world. Food lovers come here not only from all over the country, but also from all over the world. Cheongju, designated a “City of Gastronomy” by UNESCO in 2012, is the birthplace of Korea’s most famous dish, pibimbap. Pibimbap consists of boiled white rice covered with a vegetable salad, a paste of hot peppers and raw egg, and thinly sliced slices of beef. If you find yourself in Cheongju, be sure to try the local street food, it is very popular for a reason.

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The Vietnamese are undoubtedly one of the friendliest nations in Asia, with their always radiant smiles. Vietnam is a relatively small country surrounded by China, Laos and Cambodia. The majestic Mekong River flows out of the high canyons of China, flows through the country and eventually flows into the sea.

The city of Da Dang has a magnificent beach atmosphere. There are 30 km of white sandy beaches fringed with endless palm trees. Among tourists and residents who like an active lifestyle, especially popular beaches Mai Khe and Lang Ko, where you can engage in various sports. 

Just 20 minutes away is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beautifully preserved Asian trading village of Hoi An. Further north is the ancient former capital of Vietnam, Hue. This city has an incredible history and places of phenomenal importance. It has a clean environment, stable infrastructure, and an exceptional way of life. Over the past decade, it has won the ASEAN Award for Sustainable City.

Bali, Indonesia

This tropical island is known for its beautiful beaches, winding rivers, endless jungle, temples and slightly hippy lifestyle. The island offers many activities for intrepid explorers, including rafting, diving, hiking to waterfalls, rice terraces and the Handara Gate.

The island can be likened to a puzzle, with a variety of areas suitable for totally different travelers. For beach lovers, the districts of Denpasar and Seminyak are suitable; here you can find upscale accommodation, clean and quiet beaches and peace away from noisy parties. For hipsters who love healthy food, yoga, surfing, and a rowdy nightlife, Changu is undoubtedly the best place. Further inland is Ubud, a spiritual place surrounded by rice paddies and wild jungle.

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The fog-shrouded Buddhist monastery of Paro Taktsang (Paro Taktsang, Taktsang-dzong, meaning “den of the tiger”) in Bhutan is one of the largest religious centers in the country. It overhangs an abyss on a rock 3,120 meters high, towering seven hundred meters above the Paro Valley. Founded in 1692, the temple complex was built next to caves that had sheltered monks for several hundred years. In 1998, Taktsang Lakkhang burned down almost completely – and was restored to its original form seven years later.

Today, the Taktsang Lakhang Monastery is an important tourist attraction in Bhutan. The balconies on the religious monuments offer picturesque landscapes of the western part of the country, and the halls with sculptures and statues of Buddha hollowed out right in the rock. It can be reached by mountain trails that were equipped just over a hundred years ago. The path to the monastery leads along paths lined with prayer flags that symbolize protection from evil forces, positive energy, vitality and good luck.

The Taktsang Lakkhang Monastery is located on a rock 3,120 meters high. The nearest large town, Paro, is 10 kilometers southeast of the Buddhist temple and can be reached by an unpaved road. A cab from Paro to the beginning of the tourist route to the monastery and back with a wait of about five to six hours will cost an average of 600 BTN (~$6.0); from Thimphu, located 60 kilometers (on the highway) east of the temple – 1500 BTN (~$15.0). There are several ascents to Taktsang-lakhang: from the northwest, the route to the rock monastery goes through a pine forest, dotted with colorful prayer flags, and from the south and north – through a rocky plateau with the magical name of “One hundred thousand fairies”, or Bumta (Bhumida).

The route is divided into three sectors, between which there are three small cafes where you can eat, rest and drink tea with milk or coffee. The route can be done on foot or on a mule. Travel time depends on one’s fitness, and it takes an average of two to three hours to ascend the trail to the temple; it takes about the same amount to descend. Traveling on a mule, which will cost an average of $10 per person per day, takes half as much time, even with a short rest stop (the animals need a little rest). In rainy and wet weather, because of the danger of falling on steep slopes and rocky areas, traveling on horseback is not recommended.

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The island of Bali is a favorite destination for travelers from all over the world. Here you can easily spend a couple of weeks or even a month or two, renting a room in a cozy hotel or a small villa in one of the resort towns of the island. This article is designed for those who are planning a vacation in Bali in the format of “no moving, staying in one place for the whole vacation. We know for sure that sooner or later you will want to leave your poolside paradise and go in search of beautiful places and exciting adventures.

How to move around Bali

There are actually two options. Either you rent a motorcycle (all the routes, in principle, conquerable on a motorcycle) or rent a car with a driver.

Renting a motorcycle will cost $5-15 per day depending on the model of bike and rental location with an impressive discount on long-term rentals. You can also order a bike or several bikes online with delivery to your hotel, so you don’t have to waste effort and time looking for one locally, see a great option here. Take a bike provided you are confident in your own driving skills, Bali is not the best place to learn how to drive a motorcycle.

The average cost of a car with a driver in Bali per day is about $40-$50, plus tips for the driver. You can rent a car through any hotel reception in Bali. You can also book a car with a driver online, after reading the reviews (so as not to risk buying a pig in a poke and not to waste time looking for a car on the spot).

Ubud and the surrounding area

Ubud is the heart of Bali. In fact, we always recommend making a stop in Ubud for a closer look at the town and the sights of downtown Bali, but if you intend to spend your vacation exclusively by the ocean, be sure to include a full-day trip here in your plans.

Spend the entire day in Ubud walking around the town and surrounding area, checking out the local shops and making stops for coffee and snacks. Be sure to turn off the main street and wander the art suburbs. Visit the forest of monkeys. If you have the time and inclination, treat yourself to a massage and an early dinner before heading back to the coast.

Lake and Batur Volcano

Batur is an active volcano, over the past 100 years the volcano has erupted about 20 times, some eruptions were very powerful, as evidenced by the frozen streams of lava covering the slopes of the volcano. Around the caldera of the volcano – quite a few places with an interesting landscape created by lava. Some of the places can be approached by car or motorcycle – see the map Geosite Goa Lava, Geosite Lava Bantal, Lava Tumuli Gunung Batur, Pura Perapen Batur.

Going down to Kintamani village, you can take a guided hiking (independent ascents to Batur are considered unsafe because of the aggressiveness of local guides towards independent travelers). The trekking takes 1-2 hours one way depending on the route, the difficulty is medium. After descending from the top of the volcano (or skipping this activity), soak in the Batur Natural Hot Springs.

Alternatives to trekking are kayaking on Lake Batur, biking or hiking through traditional villages in Kintamani District (ask for options at the office of C.Bali, which specializes in eco-tours. Plan on about 2-3 hours per tour.

If you are looking for a thrill and are willing to pay for it – include a visit to the village of Trunyan and the local creepy cemetery. You can get to the village by boat, which departs from Kedisan village on the south shore of Lake Batur, by taking a tour in Kintamani or by driving to the villages on the east shore and arranging for a boat and escort to Trunjan with local fishermen.

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