Springtime in Asia – Taipei to Kyoto

On this fascinating island visit the world’s tallest building, the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, the fabulous Palace Museum’s vast collection of Chinese art and the lovely Lungshan Temple. Explore lovely Keelung’s historic sites and Yeliu Park’s astonishing rock formations.

On this fascinating island visit the world’s tallest building, the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, the fabulous Palace Museum’s vast collection of Chinese art and the lovely Lungshan Temple. Explore lovely Keelung’s historic sites and Yeliu Park’s astonishing rock formations.

Naha is the capital and the largest city in the Okinawa Prefecture, which is made up of more than 150 islands. This part of Japan was once an independent entity – the Ryukyu Kingdom. Learn about its fascinating history at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and discover traditional Okinawan crafts at locations in the city like Naha City Traditional Arts & Crafts Center. If you’re up for a day trip, visit the ruins of Nakijin Castle less than 60 miles north – you’ll find much to explore on a trek through the grounds of this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site. Also nearby is the Churaumi Aquarium, where two huge whale sharks and a delightful dolphin show are among the highlights.

See the amazing contrasts of this burgeoning city, from the broad European-style Bund to the soaring ultra-modern buildings. Visit the magnificent art museum and the renowned 16th century Yu Yuan Gardens. Enjoy the city by night, see an acrobatic show, browse in local markets or take a trip to one of the famed garden cities of Suzhou or Wuxi.

See the amazing contrasts of this burgeoning city, from the broad European-style Bund to the soaring ultra-modern buildings. Visit the magnificent art museum and the renowned 16th century Yu Yuan Gardens. Enjoy the city by night, see an acrobatic show, browse in local markets or take a trip to one of the famed garden cities of Suzhou or Wuxi.

Travel to Beijing and stroll through the amazing Forbidden City and infamous Tiananmen Square. Visit the beautiful Temple of Heaven, where the emperor annually celebrated the harvest, and walk on the centuries-old Great Wall of China. Or venture to Xian and see the great terra cotta warriors.

Travel to Beijing and stroll through the amazing Forbidden City and infamous Tiananmen Square. Visit the beautiful Temple of Heaven, where the emperor annually celebrated the harvest, and walk on the centuries-old Great Wall of China. Or venture to Xian and see the great terra cotta warriors.

Head to Tiger Beach, Jinshitan Beach or Fujiazhuang Beach, some of the best in China, and then stroll through Xinghai Square, built in 1998 to honor the city’s centennial. Visit the Lushun Museum and see its extensive collection of mummies, take a scenic drive on Binhai Road, watch a dolphin show at the aquarium or enjoy the spectacular view from Haizhiyun Park.

An international trading port since the 19th century, Moji is a seaside town with a nostalgic flair that’s easy to explore on foot. Numerous historic structures have been well-preserved, so you’ll spot architecture dating to the Meiji and Taisho periods from 1868-1926. Go for a stroll along the waterfront promenade lined with historic buildings, cafés, restaurants and museums. Stop at the former Moji Customs Building, which now houses a free art gallery or Kaikyo Plaza, where you’ll find local handicrafts and artisanal goods. Don’t miss Mojiko Station, built in 1914 and one of the only remaining wooden rail stations in Japan.

Visit the breathtaking temples and shrines of Japan’s old imperial capital, Kyoto, or explore ancient Nara, the cradle of Japanese arts, literature and crafts, with its magnificent shrines and temples that predate Kyoto’s. Stroll through Nara Park, famed for its deer and impressive Kasuga Grand Shrine. Then travel on to Osaka and its famed castle. In Kobe, visit historic Himeji Castle, a huge edifice built entirely of wood and tile.

Visit the breathtaking temples and shrines of Japan’s old imperial capital, Kyoto, or explore ancient Nara, the cradle of Japanese arts, literature and crafts, with its magnificent shrines and temples that predate Kyoto’s. Stroll through Nara Park, famed for its deer and impressive Kasuga Grand Shrine. Then travel on to Osaka and its famed castle. In Kobe, visit historic Himeji Castle, a huge edifice built entirely of wood and tile.