East Asia
Eco-friendly travel guide to East Asia advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in East Asia, Asia.
- Air quality: 3 / 5
- Bus connections: 3 / 5
- Train connections: 3 / 5
- Hitchhiking: 2 / 5
- National parks: 3 / 5
- Outdoor activities: 4 / 5
- Locals' English level: 3 / 5
- Safety: 3 / 5
- Accommodation: US$10 - $40
- Budget per day: US$50 - $200
Contents
Responsible Travel
East Asia is a subregion of Asia that includes China, Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, and Taiwan. If we calculate East Asia's total population, it comes out to be 1.6 billion, which was recorded in 2020. The whole area which comes under East Asia is 11840000 square kilometers. The most used languages here are Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Mongolian, Tibetan and others. The significant cities include Tokyo, which is the capital of Japan with a population of 38140000. The second major and largest populated city of East Asia is Seoul which is the capital of South Korea and boasts a population of 25520000. The third major city is Shanghai, which belongs to China, with a total population of 24484000. There is an East Asian game that is a multisport event organized by the East Asian Games Association between East Asian countries' athletes. In East Asia, the Chinese civilization is regarded as one of the earliest civilizations. In turn, cultures that were civilized in East Asia include Japanese, Korean and Mongolian societies with their own independent countries. Different East Asia countries have different festivals like the Lunar New Year, which the Chinese celebrate between 21st January till 20th feb. It is celebrated to worship the King of Gods. The same is observed in Korea, where it is known as Korean New Year. Some other festivals celebrated by Tibetans, Mongols, etc., are Loser, also known as White Moon, and are celebrated from 25th January till 2nd March. During the late 19th century, the Conations of East Asia with Europe and western world word strengthening made a fall or the decline of China's powers. During the mid 19th century, the Qing Dynasty, which was the last Imperial dynasty of China, faced a downfall due to various obstacles. Later it was incapable of re-establishing itself as a world power in front of its rivals, which word the industrial revolution all Imperial Europe and Japan, which was modernizing rapidly. The US was how Japan could open itself to western ways, and the US commodore did the same. He helped Japan to open itself towards western ways, which enabled Japan to expand and modernize itself. As Japan's dynasty started getting its powers and connections with Europe, it later became the most dominant East Asia power. The countries present here are highly modern and advanced in technology; therefore, there are many things you can see. Being a tourist in today's world comes with its own set of responsibilities and obligations. The change climate of the planet urges us to be more responsible and take accountability for our actions and also study the impact we have on the environment. One must travel in an eco friendly way and ensure that the local citizens or the natural surroundings are not affected. These are some of the most crucial tips that vacationers must follow to travel responsibly.
- Choosing the right transport method: A major part of your travel experience includes discovering every nook and cranny of the city. While you will have transport options like private cars and taxis at your disposal you need to know that not only do they contribute to more congestion and traffic pollution but also emit harmful gases into the environment. So, choose options like walking, cycling, electronic and public transportation in general.
- Trying local food: A huge part of the local culture is the traditional food that is offered at the local traditional restaurants and by street food vendors. Instead of just sticking to international fast food franchises that contribute to so much waste being produced in the world, you should try the local options. Not only will it help the local economy but also will directly help the families whose sole source of earning are these small food businesses.
- Do not throw waste: As an eco-friendly traveler, you need to promote sustainable living as much as possible in the city to motivate not only fellow tourists but local people. When you visit any tourists attractions especially city parks, make sure you do not throw any food wrapper and do not just stop at that but if you see any trash, pick it up and throw it in the dustbin. It might look like a very small thing to do but has a huge impact on people watching especially the children present in the park since they learn and mimic the behaviour of other people around them.
- Choose a green hotel: Plenty of accommodations are available in the city that provide you with a top-notch experience but instead of choosing them, you can pick green hotels for your stay. They use eco-friendly measures to reduce the pollution and waste of the city. This is one of the great ways to contribute towards the city to keep it safe and clean.
- Shop local: In order to support local craftsmen and artisans always shop local. During your trip to the city, you will come across small shops and food stalls in almost every lane of the city. If you want to have an unforgettable experience in the city, then buy goods and handicrafts from these shops. This will not only help you to save a lot of money but you will be supporting a lot of local people who are dependent on their small businesses to earn a livelihood.
Air Quality and Pollution
Air pollution can cause the fine particles in polluted air to penetrate deep into the lungs and the cardiovascular system, causing severe diseases including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and respiratory infections. Industry, transportation, coal power plants, and household reliable fuel usage are significant contributors to the problem of air pollution. Air pollution is continuously rising and affecting economies and people's quality of life. Air pollution threatens the health of people. In some regions, you will experience excellent air quality, but other areas will make you experience the worst air quality. The air pollution burden of the Region is among the highest in the world. Many cities in East Asia face the problem of Air pollution and bad air quality. Hotan in Xinjiang, China, became Asia's and the world's most polluted city in 2020. This can be worrying for the tourists planning to visit these places. There are some precautions that you can take. These include:
- Wearing a mask
- Carrying your inhaler or antihistamines with you if you're asthmatic
- Staying in areas that are far from industrial complexes'
Respect the Culture
The East Asian cultural sphere's principal culture is Chinese culture, with Japanese Culture, Korean Culture, and Vietnamese Culture lying on the peripheries. The regions directly south of China, now most commonly known as Southeast Asia, were referred to as Nanyang. Shared features of countries within the East Asian cultural sphere include their philosophies, beliefs, religions, political structures, social institutions, laws, rituals, military doctrines, medicine, science, literature, art, cuisine, architecture, etc. Shared belief systems throughout the Region include Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. The Lion Dance may be a traditional dance in Chinese Culture and other culturally East Asian countries. The performers in the lion dance mimic a lion's movements in a lion costume to bring good luck and fortune. Apart from China, versions of the lion dance are found in Japan, Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Tibet, and Taiwan. People perform Lion Dances usually during New Year, religious and cultural celebrations.
Top 10 Places to Visit
- The Great Wall of China China: The Great Wall of China. This facility was built at the beginning of the 14th century, during the Ming dynasty's reign. The build was carried out with thousands of workers, many of whom were buried under the building walls. The length of the Great Wall of China is 8850 km. To reach the Great Wall of China, you must travel outside Beijing and travel 70 km north by train or bus as part of a tour group.
- Fujiyama volcano Japan: This landmark is the main symbol of the country. The volcano reaches 3780 m in height. Numerous valleys and meadows surround it with many wildflowers. The traveler can get to Fujiyama by bus and taxi. To do this, you need to leave Tokyo from the southwest side of the city and drive 90 km. However, modern geologists and volcanic researchers say that there is no need to fear the eruption of Fujiyama shortly.
- Mount HuangshanChina: Mount Huangshan is considered the "face of the Chinese mountains." According to an ancient legend, Emperor Xuanyuan practiced special exercises to achieve immortality. The Chinese think this place to be the most beautiful in China. Besides, the mountains are famous for centuries-old whimsical pines, whose names match the appearance: "Pine that welcomes the guest"; "The Pine Saying Goodbye to the Guest"; "Lying dragon," etc.
- Tokyo Tokyo, Japan: The youngest and largest metropolis globally, where 37 million people live - Tokyo, its sights cannot be passed even in a week. Skyscrapers, stock exchanges, headquarters of the largest corporations coexist with century-old buildings, temples, and small Japanese streets. Must see: Meiji Shrine is the tomb of the emperor. There is a garden around it and a memorial, where 80 frescoes depict moments of the imperial family's life. You can get there by subway (Meiji-Jingu-Mae station) or by bus (Harajuku or Eegi stops). Shinjuku Imperial Park - 20 minutes by train from Ueno Station. Museum of Advanced Technologies Miraikan. Tokyo TV Tower 300 m high with a giant aquarium, Wax Museum, holographic exhibition. Tsukiji Fish Market. Disneyland with attractions for children and adults. The city never sleeps. Starting the day with an early sightseeing tour, you can only return late in the evening to recuperate for the next day.
- Hong Kong skyline Hong kong: Hong Kong skyline Skyscrapers are built in a row on Victoria Bay's coast. Their main feature is night illumination. She turns the already prominent and magnificent buildings into the laser show's main characters. The Symphony of Lights starts every day at 8 pm. Thanks to its constancy, the phenomenon even got into the Guinness Book of Records. Anyone can watch what is happening for free.
- Senado SquareMacau: The heart of historic Macau. Any journey around the city begins from here. The main objects are fountains, benches, green alleys, cafes and shops, and black and white paving stones with a wave-like pattern. Among the most famous is the Church of St. Dominic, the House of Mercy, the former Senate, the Chinese temple, the Church of Our Lady, etc. National holidays, fairs, and festivals are held in the square.
- War memorial ( Namyeong-dong, South Korea): In addition to the museum building with six thematic halls, it includes a well-developed area with a large park. A platform has been created where aircraft, tanks, and other military equipment and weapons are demonstrated. There are memorials and sculptural compositions dedicated to military themes. There is a sculptural composition on the main square that symbolizes North and South Korea's brotherhood.
- Taipei City Taiwan: Of course, the first place in the review should be given to Taiwan's capital - Taipei, its economic center. Numerous enterprises specializing in the production of various electronics are concentrated here, which are produced not only for local counters but also for export abroad. The city is rich in museums, picturesque gardens, entertainment centers, and temples, so every tourist who comes here will find something to see in Taiwan in 1 day.
- Karakoram Mongolia: The Karakorum, the Mongol Empire's former capital, was established by Chinggis Khan in the 12th century. The Karakorum is located in Mongolia's central part near the ancient Silk Road, 400 kilometers from modern Ulaanbaatar. Now little remains of this legendary city, but this place is considered sacred for the locals. During the khans of Ogedei, Guyuk, and Mongke, the sovereigns of near and distant countries, including Russian princes, came to the Karakorum as a sign of obedience and reverence. During the reign of Kublai in 1260, the empire's capital was first moved to Kaiping (Shangdu) and then to Beijing in 1264.
- Seoul South Korea: Seoul is a big city with over one million, where there are many exciting things. But its main feature is a combination of historic buildings and modern skyscrapers—main attractions: Gyeongbokgung Palace. In Seoul's heart, there is a royal palace built in the 14th century. The complex has several beautiful statues, a green park. Changdeokgung Palace is one of the rare landmarks in Seoul, which has preserved its exact historical appearance. It was built in the striking architectural style of the Joseon Dynasty. It was here that the last monarch of the country lived. Seoul TV Tower has an observation deck from which you can admire the city from a height of 479 meters. It is where the best photos in South Korea come from.
Explore
The continent of Asia, the largest continent of the world, hosts millions of people every year with the colorful cultures of the various countries it hosts. There are many details to surprise people in this continent, which has hosted many civilizations for many years. Here you will get to experience the best cities and best areas to explore with your family.
City Parks
- Rikugien, Japan: This park is a perfect example of traditional Japanese gardens. As in all parks and gardens, each tree species and each plant's location and their positions about each other are carefully thought out. The composition looks complementary and beautiful from every angle. A thin path stretching through the trees leads to the small hill, from where everyone stops for a while and watches the park's view that integrates with the city.
- Beihai Park, China: Beihai Park, located a short distance from the Imperial Palace, is one of Beijing's oldest surviving imperial gardens. The park in question gives its name to Beihai Lake (North Lake). The open space was there in the early 10th century. Among the most important buildings are the Round Castle, dating from the 1271-1368 Yuan period. The magnificent Hall of Enlightenment, built-in 1690 and home to a one and a half meter tall Buddha and carved from a single block of white jade and a rather large black jade vase from the early 12th century.
- Ocean Park, Hongkong: Ocean Park remains the most popular theme park in Hong Kong, with the constant addition of new toys and an adorable panda population. The theme park, which opened its doors to its visitors in 1977, allows families with children to spend pleasant hours. In the garden, which consists of Waterfronts and Summit's central parts, there is a hotel and many eating and drinking and shopping venues and entertainment areas.
Gorgeous Asian Animals and Aqua City are the Docks' main attractions, located right next to Ocean Park's main entrance. In this part, a giant-sized aquarium and Old Hong Kong, which is home to 5000 fish from more than 400 species, await you. Whiskers Harbor is for children. At the Summit, where you will reach after a scenic cable car ride, you can take speed trains or spend time in the aquarium area with traces from the mainland.
- Eco land theme park, South Korea: You must enjoy your visit to eco land. Each of the stops is worth seeing, and each stop has a coffee shop and snacks. It is a beautifully arranged theme park with different views at different stations, and you can take pictures. The train journey to each destination makes it easier for you to travel—Eco Land Theme Park 1km² built in the ancient forest of Gotjawal. Visitors can explore a train similar to the 1800s steam-powered Baldwin train. Seven Baldwin trains-like (Lincoln Train) operated in the park were specially ordered and manufactured manually in England.
National Parks
- Kerama Shotō National Park, Japan: Kerama Shotō National Park in Okinawa has the tropical Kerama Islands from which the park is named. The area is full of gorgeous turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Water sports such as swimming and snorkeling are not the main attraction here.
- Zhangjiajie, China: Zhangjiajie is a national forest park whose territory is divided into several large regions, each differing in its characteristics and picturesque scenery. The park consists of large sandstone columns located above the rainforest, a labyrinth of karst caves, majestic waterfalls, magnificent travertines, a picturesque lake, mighty rivers. You will be amazed after visiting the national park.
- Jirisan Mountain, South Korea: It is centering three mountain peaks, Cheonwangbong Peak (1,915m), Nogodan Peak, and Banyabong Peak. The highest peak in South Korea mainland, the Jirisan mountain region, is 40 km long from east to west. It is geographically spread over Jeollanam-do, Jeollabuk-do, and Gyeongsangnamdo regions, and its forested areas make up 20% of South Korea's total forest area.
- Dadohaehaesang, South Korea: South Korea's largest national park is located in the beautiful state of Jeollanam-do in the southwest of the country. Although it is the largest in terms of size, it is also only one of four marine and coastal national parks. The three islands of Hongdo, Heuksando, and Baekdo are the , main attractions. Visitors can see 1,500 plant species, 140 different bird species, and 150 ocean water fish
Beaches
- Jodogahama, Japan: Jodogahama is a beach with white cliffs, pine forests, and bright blue water. It is famous for its clean air, perfect cleanliness, warm and gentle sun. It is an ideal place for swimming, hiking, and boating. It is a small beach hidden in a closed bay. It is famous for the white volcanic cliffs formed 52 million years ago. It is also decorated with green pine trees, blue sea, lush bushes, and an equipped promenade.
- Sangju, South Korea: The 2 km long and vast beach area is covered with silver sand, the water is spotless, and the scenic bushes near the shore are a great place for excursions. The rice fields with pine forests and nearby mountains protect the beach from strong winds. Such a fantastic place to see and explore.
- Fulong, Taiwan: It is located in the northeastern part of Taiwan, near the picturesque village of Fulong. It belongs to Taipei County and is one of the best beaches on the island's north coast. Convenient rail and bus connections have been established between Fulong and Taiwan's capital, attracting many tourists and locals to these places. Sand sculpting competitions are also regularly held on the beach. A large-scale rock festival is held in July, bringing together the most famous Chinese musicians and foreign colleagues.
- Zanpa, Japan: Zanpa Beach is located a little west of Okinawa center. It is visited not only by Japanese but also by international tourists. There is an opportunity to do any of the water sports on the beach. If you get bored of your beach holiday, you can easily reach Cape Zanpa. It is delightful to have a barbecue, walk and exercise in the park's territory adjacent to the beach.
Landmarks
- Beijing, China: Tiananmen Square, Wangfujing Street, the egg-shaped Beijing National Theater, Temple of Heaven, the Lama (Yonghegong) Temple, the National Museum of China, the National Museum of China, and many more are among the other places waiting for their tourists.
- Chiang Mai, Thailand: When you hear the name, not only the world-famous temples come to mind, but also, with its natural beauties, Chiang Mai manages to make tourists fall in love with itself. Who can resist this place with its unique mountains, forests, waterfalls, local markets, and museums! Moreover, these are places that have been discovered until now, and think about the ones that were not! Maybe you will notice unseen beauty while getting lost in the streets, who knows? The Doi Suthep park's scenery, the Mae Sa, Huay Kaew, and Monthathan Falls, Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium, and the Tribal Museum are the first places you should see. The months between May-August and October: January is the perfect times to visit this place. You can attend outdoor events, including the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, especially between November and February. The good news from Turkey Chiang Mai direct flights available, alternatively Bangkok, can transfer.
- Kathmandu, Nepal: We came to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, another place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Do not expect a quiet environment with plenty of temples! Kathmandu is a boisterous and lively place; it is located a short distance from the Himalayas and contains historical places that must visit. You should find the temples in Durbar Square, see the world heritage site of Boudhanath Stupa, explore Nepal's most important Hindu temple Pashupatinath and the Royal Palace, which was transformed into the Narayanhiti Palace Museum after the 2001 Massacre of the Royal Family. We recommend you to go to Kathmandu in spring when the winter months are cold, and the monsoon temperatures prevail in the summer. We also have a warning about accommodation; As more luxurious facilities are built further away from the city center, the prices can be higher. There are small hotels and hostels in the city center. The choice is yours. You can go from Istanbul to Kathmandu by direct or indirect flights.
Museums
- Shanghai Museum, Shanghai: A homage to China's extraordinary cultural heritage. Shanghai Museum is a must-visit if you are interested in Asian Culture. You will also be able to understand why and how the Chinese, known for their fine craftsmanship in painting, calligraphy, and furniture, were able to decorate their homes so beautifully. Try to visit the place when you visit Shanghai.
- Mori Art Museum, Tokyo: It is located on the top two floors of a skyscraper in the Roppongi area. Mori pushes modernity boundaries with its glass-screened areas where high-quality exhibitions are held, such as Yayoi Kusama and Andy Warhol retrospectives, the observation pier that views Tokyo at 360 degrees. It would be best if you visited the place during your vacations with friends and family members. It has beautiful and fantastic art in the country.
- Chichu Art Museum, Naoshima: Known as Japan's 'island of art,' small Naoshima is home to unexpectedly world-class installations, extraordinary cultural performances, and museums around the world. Chichu Art Museum, mostly built underground, is one of the island's perfect beauties with its large display areas and artifacts. The country is also fantastic and memorable for sightseeing and exploring.
- ArtScience Museum, Singapore: The ArtScience Museum, built as a part of Marina Bay Sands Resort, is the world's first art and science museum. Worldwide tours are organized to the museum, which is worth seeing with its extraordinary architecture in the form of a lotus—exploring the interactive digital playground. Ideal for those who want to meet with nature, city, park, and space themes differently.
Eat
Considering this is the most populated Region globally, it has many regional cuisines (especially in China). Examples of staple foods in East Asia include rice, noodles, mung beans, soybeans, seafood (Japan has the highest per capita consumption of seafood), mutton (Mongolia), bok choy (Chinese cabbage), and tea. Cuisines in East Asia are somewhat similar to Southeast Asian cuisine due to cultural and ethnic mixing. The cuisine of East Asia shares many of the same ingredients and techniques. The use of soy sauce is widespread here, made from fermenting soybeans, and widespread in the Region. Rice is the leading staple food in all of East Asia and is a primary focus of food security. Moreover, in East Asian countries, the word for 'cooked rice' can embody the meaning of food in general. Popular terms associated with East Asian cuisine include kimchi, sushi, hot pot, tea, dumplings, noodles ramen, sashimi, wasabi, and udon.
Drink
A national drink is a different beverage strongly associated with a particular country and can be part of their national identity and self-image. National drinks fall into two categories, that is; alcoholic and nonalcoholic. An alcoholic national beverage is sometimes a liquor drunk straight/neat (as in the whiskey in Asia) but is often a mixed drink (e.g., caipirinhas in Brazil) or beer or wine. Sometimes different countries on the same continent see the same beverage as their national drink. Here you will get to see the many drink lovers who enjoy the drink at every function.
Tap-water
Japan's tap water, a country present in East Asia, is safe to consume directly. As we all know, Japan is a highly advanced country in terms of technology; therefore, they have the most updated technology used to purify tap water. It eliminates bottled water as you can have a good quality steel bottle that you can refill from various drinking water fountains. Tap water's primary source is surface water, which forms around 77 %, and the rest 23 % is obtained through groundwater. China's tap water is not fit for drinking because it is not filtered or purified to provide drinking water; therefore, it is advised that you should not consume the tap water directly. This country's tap water has rust, bacteria, virus, chlorine, and other heavy metals toxic to human health. However, the tap water is fit for washing purposes and other domestic purposes such as laundry or bathing. The tap water in Mongolia is not fit for drinking, but it might look clear if it has nothing wrong. It is highly recommended that you must not consume it directly. You can boil or install an additional filter to purify water, and later you can finish that. This country's primary water source is its river, which has a total area of 704 kilometers. The tap water of North Korea is not at all good. It is because of the inefficiency of water treatment plants that are present here. They do not purify water at an acceptable level; therefore, it is not fit for drinking. Even the tanks used as reservoirs are uncovered, making it open to many organisms to enter; even the wells used as a source of groundwater are not protected well. Most North Koreans depend on the Taejon River as a water source for bathing and washing, and later, it is used for drinking after boiling it. The tap water of Korea south is very much safe to drink, and you can consume it directly without boiling it. Therefore there is no use in purchasing bottled water in this country. However, almost all Koreans boil the water before drinking it, so consuming directly is ready to face Koreans' staring. The major river which flows in South Korean city Seoul is the Han River.
Activities
There are a lot of activities which you can perform in the countries of this continent. Other than this, there are different activities which differ from country to country. These activities can help you to gain a lot of experience. Actions are tasks that you perform out of your hobby or intrinsic feelings. There are different types of activities, such as water activities, land activities, and aerial activities. Hiking is a long walk that is done to explore nature. It involves a walk, usually on trails or footpaths or any natural areas like a hill. It is the best cardio workout. It has several health benefits like bits of help in keeping your heart healthy and decreasing any e type of heart disease rate. It maintains healthy blood pressure and blood sugar level. It also helps you boost your mood by reducing stress and anxiety, benefiting a good tour. If you are a nature lover, you must try this jungle safari tour. The fresh oxygen from the trees and the calm wind blowing from the forest will give you unique. There are more than thousands of species of plants are present in each of the national park. The best time to go on a tour in the morning time immediately after sunrise, whereas the Safari tour for the landscape is good to visit during sunset so that you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of sunset. There is an underwater museum also which you can see in Japan. China, Japan, and South Korea are the places where you can again try flyboarding. A flyboarding is an activity in which you are hydraulically uplifted on a water body. Other than this, there are many other activities which are also present in this country.
Accommodation
As South Asia is a continent with six countries, there are many accommodation options available here. The countries with most of the accommodation options and categories are Japan, China, and South Korea. You can even stay at technically advanced resorts. There are also eco-resorts which are present in each of these countries. Eco resorts are different from typical resorts and are sustainable. Other than this, there are different types of hotels which are also available in these countries. Hotels are categories by distant stars that depend upon their facilities, features, and customers' comfortability. The five-star hotels are considered to be the top categories of hotels. Some resorts are mostly available in South Korea. There are different features and benefits of living in various types of accommodation. Hotels are best for those who want to stay for not more than two weeks. Green hotels are for those people who want to help in the conservation of nature. Apartments are best for those who wish to stay for a longer time. Guesthouses are best for the ones who are traveling here with a large group. Inns and cottages are also present.
Green Hotels
Green hotels, which are also known as eco or sustainable hotels, are the ones that are present in almost every country of East Asia. Green hotels are a part of eco-tourism. There are many benefits of staying in an eco or green hotel as they are sustainable towards nature and help protect it. It does not mean that they only focus on protecting wildlife. They also provide comfort to their customers while preserving nature. However, they might harm wildlife but at the lowest possible rates. There are many benefits of staying in a green hotel, which helps you get satisfaction as you do something good for nature and its protection. Some other benefits involve that the cleaning agent that the room service uses to clean the room has less toxic chemicals and is made up of organic ingredients not to create any foul smell. The dishes served here are made up of organic fruits and vegetables that are not harmful to health, so their food is not detrimental.
Hostels and Guest Houses
Hostels are small rooms which are available everywhere, in every city of each of the countries. Hostels are a very famous type of accommodation, and out of total tourism, most of the solo travelers who are of young age choose this type of accommodation. In this type of housing, the room you get is shared by one other person, which means you have a roommate. As you have your roommate, there is no type of privacy you will get in hostels to keep that in mind while accommodating in a hostel. Another point is that you can even save money by cooking in the hostel itself. Many hostels have a kitchen available within the room itself, where you can cook for yourself. Other than this, the bathrooms are generally shared, so you have to share them. It might disturb your hygienic routine; therefore, you must be ready for it. Other than this, some guesthouses are also present in most of the countries. Guesthouses are an entire house that is available for rent. It is best if you are traveling with a large group. In guesthouses, you get customized dishes which is selected by yourself.
Apartments
Apartments are flats that are available on rent. There are different types of apartments which are available for rent. Apartments are best if you want to stay for a longer time, like 15 days minimum. Other than this, most of the tourists prefer apartments because of the privacy these apartments provide. Other than this, many of the flats present in Japan and South Korea have huge buildings, so it is advised that you must accommodate the topmost flat as you can have a good view of the whole city. Apartments are different from hotels because the rent is calculated per night in a hotel, whereas, in apartments, the rent is calculated for a fixed period. Many hotel rooms do not have balconies, whereas, in an apartment, you always get a balcony. Other than this, apartments have rooms that are spacious than hotel rooms. You do not get a kitchen, and you have to be dependent on the hotel for the menu, whereas in an apartment, you are independent and can make your food. These were the main points of difference.
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is an accommodation option in which you do not have to pay the host. It means that you stay with the local family without paying them. So if you want to help them, you can purchase household essential items or fruits and vegetables. Other than this, there are many benefits to Couchsurfing. The first benefit is that you stay with a local family who can help you by providing detailed knowledge about the country and its culture. You can experience how the local treats the tourists. You can save a lot of money. While Couchsurfing, you must always study the crime rates of that particular city so that you can be alerted about any fraud or scams.
Camping
Camping is an adventurous activity that involves sleeping n an open ground in the night sky. Some campgrounds are available in many of the countries of this continent. Other than this, there are beaches, hills, mountains and water bodies where you can camp. Camping is a temporary accommodation option because you will start getting bored after a point in time. Camping is dependent on the weather; therefore, you must not camp in bad weather. It would help if you packed according to the season you are camping. Camping is a free type of accommodation, but items such as tents and other essential items are needed, which are expensive.
Regions
China The world's most populous country and one of the oldest civilizations, with a vast array of cultural and natural treasures among the frenzied development. |
Hong Kong This former British colony markets itself as Asia's World City. Come for the skyscrapers and shopping and still find beaches and sleepy villages on car-free islands. |
Japan Isolated until the 19th century, Japan is today the world's third largest economy with both technology and tradition to offer. |
Macau A former Portuguese colony with liberal gambling laws and beautiful colonial architecture in its UNESCO listed historical city centre. |
Mongolia A nomadic land of vast spaces and mystic Buddhism. |
North Korea The world's most secret society and last remaining outpost of the Cold War. |
South Korea A hotspot of innovation and pop culture and in many ways the opposite of its northern neighbor. |
Taiwan The remnants of the Republic of China, and an island of sharp contrasts: lush mountains, skyscrapers, gentle tai-chi and good food. |
- The Russian Far East might be categorized with East Asia, but is part of Russia.
- While Vietnam is culturally associated with East Asia, it belongs to Southeast Asia geographically.
Cities
- Beijing — surviving five dynasties, the Communist Revolution and the Cultural Revolution, over 800 years of ancient cultural sites can be found throughout this very modern city
- Hong Kong — Cantonese-Chinese port city with a long British heritage crowned by Victoria Peak
- Kyoto — ancient capital of Japan, considered the cultural heart of the country, with many ancient Buddhist temples and gardens
- Shanghai — the main business center in China; an ultramodern, cosmopolitan metropolis with a fascinating mix of East and West
- Pyongyang — dominated by some of the most dystopian communist architecture
- Seoul — beautiful palaces, great food and a hopping nightlife, Seoul is a frenetic way to experience the Asia of old and new
- Taipei — center of government, commerce and culture of Taiwan, home to the world's second tallest skyscraper
- Tokyo — a huge, wealthy and fascinating urban jungle with high-tech visions of the future, side by side with glimpses of old Japan
- Ulaanbaatar — the not-so-pleasant capital, but a starting point for most travel in Mongolia
Getting There and Moving Around
There are different ways to reach here and move around in each country of this continent. Other than this, the best way to get here is through flights. Flights are the most convenient and secure way to reach here. You can cover a very long distance or can travel overseas to different countries through planes. Different travel options can help you move around in this city, which involves walking, cycling, taxi, or local buses.
Air
There is a total of 98 airports present in Japan. There is a total of 200 airports present in China. There is a total of 28 airports present in South Korea. There is a total of nine airports in Mongolia. There are four international airports in Taiwan. The flights that will help you reach this country might charge much, but they are the most convenient and comfortable way to travel.
Bus
There is no international bus facility that travels from one country to another country. Other than this there are buses which can help you to travel from one city to another. Intercity buses are equipped with an air conditioner, canteen, and leg space even to sleep if you are traveling at night. There are local buses which can help you in moving around in each of the countries. However, if you are traveling in a large group, you can even hire a private minibus to help you move around in this country and tourist spots.
Train
Trains are covering more than 146,000 kilometers of area in china. The total area covered by railways in japan is 30,000 kilometers, and the electrified railway with 21,600 kilometers. The total area of trains covered in South Korea is 5625 kilometers. The railway lines of trains are spread to 1,110 kilometers of the entire space. There are different trains such as regular trains and super-fast trains, and bullet trains in Japan.
Hitchhiking
You can save a lot of money from this traveling method. However, there are certain drawbacks to this type of travel option. The disadvantage includes that you must have patience because this travel option might take too long. There are different methods to ask for a free lift. In this country, you have to raise your hand high to signal that you need help. The crime rate of this country is low, which states that you can hitchhike successfully. To get a free lift, you must be present on a highway that connects to the city you wish to visit.
Others
There are a lot of ways to move around in each of the countries on this continent. However, among these travel options, the best practices are walking or cycling. These are the most eco-friendly ways to travel in this country and help you save a lot of money. Walking and cycling will help you to remain fit and has a positive impact on your health. You can visit various parks for a morning walk or even explore things through walking or cycling.
Sustainable Shopping
Sustainable shopping is shopping for those products that have a beneficial or less harmful impact on nature and health. It involves shopping for those products that are beneficial for humans, heart, and society. These products involve an organic food market where only organic fruits and vegetables are sold, which is grown without the use of harmful pesticides. These grocery stores have directly dealt with farmers rather than intermediaries; therefore, it is more profitable. There are second-hand stores that are also available and can be used to buy various products. Second-hand products always cost lesser than the original product.
Recycling
Recycling is a process of reusing. There are a lot of things which we can recycle. Other than this, recycling helps in the conservation of nature a lot. Recycling helps in eliminating waste, which eventually stops much of the pollution at an early stage. There are recycling centers present in each of the country which reduces the need for raw material.
Waste
Waste can create a lot of pollution if kept untreated. There are different types of garbage. The waste is first sent to a landfill. A landfill is a prominent place where all the trash in that area is dumped. Waste consumes a lot of land. Next to this, the non-biodegradable waste materials are sent to the Incinerator to decompose using electric energy.
Work and Study Abroad
There are many job opportunities present in this country, but there are already people of their own country ready to grab the job. However, if you have the right educational qualifications, you can get a managerial position as there are few organizations present in these countries. Other job vacancies are available, but that will not earn much, such as waiter, sales executive, waiter, sweeper, or other such work.
Exchange Student
An exchange student program is a program in which a student is sent to a foreign country to complete his degree. It is an outstanding program for those students who are ready to adopt the changes in their surroundings. This student exchange program helps a student to become independent.
Au Pair
An au pair is a person from a different nation who stays with the local family and takes care of their child. It is the best way to stay in a city without paying for accommodation. You can even experience the culture of that city with the help of locals. This work is least available in this country because not many parents need an Au pair. Most families have ladies who are housewives and take care of the child by staying at home.
Volunteering
Volunteering involves those things or activities which you do out of your own will and hobby. Volunteering will help you eliminate depressions, stress, or anxiety and keep you busy in your favorite works. You cannot charge for what you are volunteering because you are doing out of your own will. Some organizations are present in each of the countries and are ready to provide you membership. You must take membership of some famous as well as an active organization.