Asia

Sensoji (浅草寺, Sensōji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It is one of Tokyo's most colorful and popular temples. The legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River, and even though they put the statue back into the river, it always returned to them. Consequently, Sensoji was built nearby for the goddess of Kannon. The temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple. When approaching the temple, visitors first enter through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), the outer gate of Sensoji Temple and the symbol of Asakusa and the entire city of Tokyo. Various events are held throughout the year in the Sensoji Temple area. The biggest of them is the Sanja Matsuri, the annual festival of the Asakusa Shrine, held in May. Other events are the Asakusa Samba Carnival in August and the Hagoita-ichi (Hagoita Market) at which decorated wooden paddles used in the traditional game of hanetsuki are sold. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3001.html

Akihabara (秋葉原), also called Akiba after a former local shrine, is a district in central Tokyo that is famous for its many electronics shops. In more recent years, Akihabara has gained recognition as the center of Japan's otaku (diehard fan) culture, and many shops and establishments devoted to anime and manga are now dispersed among the electronic stores in the district. On Sundays, Chuo Dori, the main street through the district, is closed to car traffic from 13:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from October through March). Akihabara has been undergoing major redevelopment over the years, including the renovation and expansion of Akihabara Station and the construction of new buildings in its proximity. Among these newly opened buildings were a huge Yodobashi electronics store and the Akihabara Crossfield, a business complex with the aim of promoting Akihabara as a center for global electronics technology and trade. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3003.html

Located on the tip of Hong Kong’s peninsula by Victoria Harbour, Tsim Sha Tsui is famous for its iconic view of the city’s harbour. This neighbourhood should be your top priority if you’re a first-time visitor! Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the busiest districts in Kowloon, and there’s plenty to see and do here. The shopping scene is varied, ranging from designer boutiques to local bric-a-brac stores. It’s also a good place to find a range of museums, galleries and live performances. But perhaps what it’s best known for is its view of Hong Kong’s harbour; here, you can watch the junk boats sail across Victoria Bay against the backdrop of an expansive glittering skyline. https://theculturetrip.com/asia/hong-kong/articles/the-top-10-cultural-things-to-do-and-see-in-tsim-sha-tsui/

When the sun goes down, the traders have already laid out their wares and the opera singers and fortune tellers begin to emerge. Welcome to the Temple Street Night Market, a popular street bazaar, named after a Tin Hau temple located in the centre of its main drag, and a place so steeped in local atmosphere that it has served as the backdrop to many a memorable movie. http://www.discoverhongkong.com/in/see-do/highlight-attractions/top-10/temple-street-night-market.jsp

You may think you’ve visited some pretty amazing markets in your lifetime, but we’re fairly sure that none will come close to beating the sheer size and variety found at Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market. It really is a sight to behold, and it’s arguably the best place in the whole city to buy souvenirs and all manner of other things. But beware; the size, heat, and crowds of thousands of people are not for the faint hearted though our guide to Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok should help you navigate and survive this awesome place! https://bangkokattractions.com/chatuchak-market-bangkok/

Khao San Road - The popular book 'The Beach' famously described Khao San Road as "the centre of the backpacking universe". Judging by the truth-seeking travellers who converge here it's a phrase that sums it up pretty much perfectly. On Khao San itself and the streets either side, you can shop, exchange tales and prepare for you next stint on the backpacker trail. Packed into a 1 km-long strip are budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels, internet cafes, bars, restaurants, massage parlours, travel agents, bookshops, market stalls, tattoo shops and much more. So much, in fact, that the people, peddlers and party spirit have spilt over into nearby Soi Rambuttri. With its carefree, anything-goes vibe, it's quite unlike anywhere else in Bangkok. http://www.bangkok.com/area-khao-san-road/

Asiatique successfully combines 2 of the most popular shopping experiences in the city: a night bazaar and a mall. Around 10 minutes downriver from Saphan Taksin BTS station, this once-bustling international trade port transformed into a huge replica warehouse complex with over 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants. Open from 5pm, spending an evening here is no problem: you’ll have good fun browsing the boutiques, picking up gifts or something for yourself. You’re also guaranteed to find something you’d like to eat and if this isn’t enough entertainment, nightly highlights range from Calypso ladyboy cabarets to classic Thai puppet shows. http://www.bangkok.com/shopping-mall/asiatique.htm

Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman is closed to traffic between 5pm-10pm every Saturday and transforms into a night market where petty traders and hawkers sell an assortment of goods in the open air. The night market offers visitors an interesting place to walk through and perhaps pick up some casual attire, local products, clothing as well as sample some local delicacies. http://www.visitkl.gov.my/visitklv2/index.php?r=column/cthree&id=40&place_id=1039

Petaling Street is where you can find roadside hawker stalls selling a variety of things such as clothes, food, drinks, electronic goods and fresh produce. With a myriad of goods and items, you will definitely be spoilt for choice. In case you’re hungry or thirsty, the restaurants and stalls here are more than capable of quenching your thirst and satiating your hunger. From waffles to local favourites like the Hokkien Mee and burgers to oyster omelette, you’re set for an extraordinary gastronomic adventure. http://www.visitkl.gov.my/visitklv2/index.php?r=column/cthree&id=40&place_id=845

The clock tower is a popular landmark in the old city. The vibrant Sardar Market is close to the tower, and narrow alleys lead from here to a bazaar selling vegetables, spices, Indian sweets, textiles, silver and handicrafts. It is a great place to ramble around at leisure. https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/rajasthan/clock-tower-and-sadar-market.html

The Red House was constructed in 1908 by Japanese architect Kondo Juro, which was the first government-built public market in Taiwan and also the most well-preserved Class III historic building in the nation. The Red House consists of “Bagua" shaped Octagonal Display Hall as the grand entrance for it’s meaning— people visiting from all around the world, a characteristic Cruciform Building as main construction and adjacent South and North squares. The Red House has been through few functions, shifted from public market, bookstore, cinema, to a theatre. More than a decade has passed since 2007 when Department of Cultural Affairs entrusted Taipei Culture Foundation to manage The Red House as a platform to promote Cultural and Creative Industry in the goal of reviving Ximending’s community. After gathering years of cultural and creative energies, Ximending is now considered as the most iconic location of Cultural and Creative Industry in not only Taipei, but all around Taiwan. https://www.travel.taipei/en/attraction/details/503

Shihfen Station is the largest train stop in Pingxi. Trains going both ways stop here and here one can see conductors exchanging credentials-a throwback to a more bureaucratic age during Japanese occupation that's worth a contemplative glance. There are two picturesque sites at Shihfen: where the train crosses the street and where it runs parallel to the street. Villagers here are accustomed to waiting for the train to pass and then carrying on once it's gone. https://www.travel.taipei/en/attraction/details/645

The far end of Old Street opens onto the Fisherman's Wharf, which is a perfect locale for viewing the sunset. Here also are the docks from whence travelers may ferry across the harbor to Bali. https://www.travel.taipei/en/attraction/details/659

Nijo Market (二条市場, Nijō Ichiba) is a public market in central Sapporo that occupies about one city block. Both locals and tourists visit the market to shop for fresh local produce and seafood such as crabs, salmon eggs, sea urchin and various fresh and prepared fish. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5310.html

Curb Market (札幌場外市場, Sapporo Jōgai Ichiba) consists of nearly 80 stores and restaurants lined up along several blocks just outside of Sapporo's Central Wholesale Market. One of the city's largest public markets, the Curb Market specializes in Hokkaido seafood such as crab, sea urchin, salmon roe, squid and scallops, and local produce such as corn, melons and potatoes when in season. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5317.html

The First Night Market In Cambodia. It is located just off of Sivatha Road, in the heart of the town. It is an outdoors market, but is covered by a roof to protect it from the elements. With around 240 shops, it is the biggest and most interesting night market to see. http://angkornightmarket.com/

Race course is a beautiful bright white place to relax. In the racecourse, you can find out the variety of food shops, handicrafts, electronics, clothes and accessories. http://www.srilanka.travel/index.php?route=attractions/attraction&attraction_id=213

Green path Colombo, formerly Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha street that popular for open air events and festive. In every weekend in here maintain art exhibitions. “Kala Pola” is a best example for art exhibition maintain in here. http://www.srilanka.travel/index.php?route=attractions/attraction&attraction_id=214

The ancient temple of Saidaiji Kannon-in was built around 1,200 years ago. Walking along the approach, visitors will pass by rows of traditional shops before entering the shrine’s gate and arriving at the main hall. https://www.okayama-japan.jp/en/spot/797

Siung beach is located in Purwodadi Village, Tepus district, about 35 kilometers from Wonosari City with asphalt road to the beach. Siung beach lies between Two-step Mountains, http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/yogyakarta/siung-beach.html

The Charminar is as much the signature of Hyderabad as the Taj Mahal is of Agra or the Eiffel Tower is of Paris. Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad, built Charminar in 1591 at the centre of the original city layout. Mecca Masjid: A two hundred yards southwest of the Charminar is the Mecca Masjid, so named because the bricks were brought from Mecca to build the central arch. Laad Baazar: This is famous, colourful shopping centre of the old city, tucked away in one of the streets leading off from Charminar. https://www.hyderabadtourism.in/places_visit.php

Binh Tay Market, constructed by the French in the 1880s, is located in the centre of Vietnam’s largest Chinatown district. Unlike Ben Thanh Market in District 1, this market mainly serves the local population with its extensive range of fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry, meat and seafood from regions across Vietnam. Also known as Cholon Chinatown Market, Binh Tay Market occupies a two-storey building along Thap Moui Street. Travellers can also find an assortment of handicrafts, lacquerware, and textiles that are sold in bulk, though goods are not varied compared to other (more touristy) markets in downtown Hanoi. Along with the interesting historical and cultural aspect of Cholon, Binh Tay Market is great for experiencing the local lifestyle and sampling unique Vietnamese-Chinese delicacies. http://www.vietnam-guide.com/ho-chi-minh-city/attractions/binh-tay-market.htm

Istalif lies north of Kabul in the Koh Daman - a valley ringed by barren hills dotted with villages nestled within green orchards. It is one the largest, most ancient and loveliest of them all. Istalif is famous for its green and blue pottery and its picturesque bazar. A visit to this place combines beautiful scenery with an introduction to Afghan village life. https://www.afghan-tours.com/kabulsurroundings.html

Away from Cibodas, and further down the road is the town of Cipanas. Here is the Cipanas Palace, the President’s mountain residence set amidst manicured lawns and refreshing hot springs. Cipanas has grown into a sizable town, where is a market where tourists come to shop for fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, decorative plants and souvenirs. And everywhere along the Bogor-Cipanas route up to Bandung, there are plentiful hotels, from the most exclusive accommodation complete with meeting facilities, to housing estates, to the more simple accommodation. There are also many flower gardens, fruit gardens, playgrounds and much more for families to enjoy. https://www.indonesia.travel/au/en/destinations/java/bandung/cipanas

Home to Indonesia's many textile factories, the city of Bandung offers a large number of factory outlets where Jakarta shoppers regularly flock to, to find the latest trendy apparel at reasonable prices. http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/point-of-interest/bandung-factory-outlet#image-59e6cfa18bd1e-0

The Higashiyama District (東山) along the lower slopes of Kyoto's eastern mountains is one of the city's best preserved historic districts. It is a great place to experience traditional old Kyoto, especially between Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine, where the narrow lanes, wooden buildings and traditional merchant shops invoke a feeling of the old capital city. Recent renovations to remove telephone poles and repave the streets have further improved the traditional feel of the district. The streets in Higashiyama are lined by small shops, cafes and restaurants which have been catering to tourists and pilgrims for centuries. These businesses retain their traditional design, although many have been renovated through the years, and they continue to serve customers today, selling local specialties such as Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, sweets, pickles, crafts and other souvenirs. The shops and restaurants in the area typically open around nine or ten in the morning and close relatively early around five or six in the evening, except during the ten day long Hanatoro in March when the streets of Higashiyama are lined by thousands of lanterns and many of the area's temples, shrines and businesses have extended hours and special illuminations. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3959.html

Bat Trang, traditional porcelain and pottery village with a history of seven centuries is an interesting attraction in Hanoi that tourists should not ignore. Bat Trang, the seven-century old pottery village, is an interesting attraction in Hanoi that tourists should not ignore. Bat Trang ceramics are produced for daily household use (bow, cup, plates, pot, bottle…), worshipping, or decoration purposes. Nowadays, the pottery artists bring into ceramics many innovations in production techniques, and creativity in products’ features, hence many new products have been born, and even daily household items may have the beauty like decoration ones. Visiting Bat Trang, tourists can take a walk or join a buffalo tour for sightseeing and shopping. Besides many ceramic stores along the road in the village, tourists should visit Bat Trang Porcelain and Pottery Market where they can directly make pottery products by themselves. Many youngsters and foreign tourists are interested in in this pottery- making experience, and spend a whole day in the market to make a gift for family or friends. https://www.vietnamonline.com/attraction/bat-trang-porcelain-and-pottery-village.html

Established in 1889, Dong Xuan Market is housed within a four-storey Soviet-style building on the northern edge of Hanoi Old Quarter. It’s also known as Hanoi’s largest indoor market, offering a wide range of goods such as fresh produce, souvenirs, accessories and clothing, as well as electronic and household appliances. Similar to most markets in Southeast Asia, Dong Xuan Market has a bustling wet market section on the ground floor, where locals shop for seafood, meat, and vegetables while the back section sells an array of pets (cats, dogs, and fish) and fresh flowers from all across Vietnam. If you’re looking to shop for souvenirs, head to the upper levels, where you can find numerous stalls selling tee shirts, fabrics, school uniforms, handbags, handicrafts, all of which are sold at wholesale prices. http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hanoi/shopping/dong-xuan-market.htm

Held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Hanoi Weekend Night Market is a busy, bustling gathering of roadside stalls and local food vendors that brings huge crowds of locals and tourists. It runs through the Old Quarter district from 19:00 onwards, starting from Hang Dao Street and running north to the edge of Dong Xuan Market. Pedestrian streets and historical sites within the area are illuminated with decorative lights, making this a popular spot for travelling photographers. Shopping-wise, the fashion items on sale won’t turn many heads as you will find the usual array of inexpensive t-shirts, handicrafts, accessories, shoes, sunglasses and souvenirs at Hanoi Weekend Night Market. However, the overall environment is very lively and bargaining is a way of life here - a good start is to offer about 75 per cent off the opening price. http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hanoi/shopping/hanoi-weekend-night-market.htm

After stumbling across the Christmas Market at Hakata Station, I discovered that Kyushu was actually holding many Christmas Markets across different JR Station locations. Kagoshima-chuo station happened to be another of those market locations, and despite being a lot smaller in size than the Hakata one, this market still had beautiful lights and some lovely stalls. https://en.japantravel.com/kagoshima/kagoshima-christmas-market/33772

Mirror Lake, formerly called Tao Pond, belonged to Mr. Zhang Xiaoxiang, a patriotic poet in South Song Dynasty. He donated 7 hectares of farmland to make a lake. The water is so clear that it reflects like mirror. That’s why it got its name as “Mirror Lake”. The lake is open to the public, pavilions and galleries are surrounded by willows. http://english.wuhu.gov.cn/Visitors.aspx?pTypeID=11070603

The ongoing 90 million yuan ($14.48 million) Haibin Beach renovation encompasses Lovers Post Office, Happy Hour Pagoda, Watch Tower, support-service facility, Happy Square at the main entrance, Music Fountain and more. The beach is a more-than-ever romantic venue for wedding photographs. http://www.cityofzhuhai.com/2016-04/20/c_51428.htm

Chung Ying Street (also named Zhong Ying Street) is located at Shatoujiao Town in Yantian District of Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. It lies at the border of Mainland China and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/guangdong/shenzhen/chung-ying-street.htm