Top 10 Best Travel Destinations in Asia – 2 Places in Japan Made the List, Have You Been?

The Zhangye National Geopark in Gansu features rich Danxia landforms. (Photo provided by Shutterstock)

Summer is the peak travel season – have you started planning your next getaway? The travel magazine Lonely Planet has announced the 2017 Top 10 Best Travel Destinations in Asia, highlighting the hottest Asian travel spots for the coming year. Two destinations each from China and Japan were selected, along with Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and more, offering travelers new choices for exploring Asia.

Ranked No. 1 is China’s Gansu, a region that witnessed the historical development of the Silk Road. The Bingling Temple Grottoes preserve giant stone Buddha statues from various dynasties, the colorful and peculiar rock formations of the Zhangye National Geopark, and the distinctive Lanzhou beef noodles — all are reasons for travelers to visit Gansu. Especially this year, the newly opened Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway traverses the region east to west, greatly improving local transportation convenience.

Yokohama’s Red Brick Warehouse has revitalized a century-old building, and its seaside scenery has also become a popular dating spot for couples. The photo shows the Bell of Happiness. (Photography by Jian Yixin)

Southern India’s Kerala is hailed as the “God’s Own Country” and has also been selected by National Geographic as one of the “50 Places of a Lifetime.” (Photo provided by Shutterstock)

As for must-visit cities in Japan, Tokyo is a top destination. Beyond the bustling city center, Yokohama and Kamakura to the south of Tokyo also rank high, coming in at No. 2. Yokohama is less than a half-hour drive from central Tokyo, featuring a mix of seaside views and unique architecture. Kamakura, once an ancient capital of Japan, still preserves many historic sites, among which the Great Buddha of Kamakura is a famous landmark. Visitors can stroll through serene shrines on the quiet hillsides or explore specialty cafes and restaurants.

Ranked No. 3 is the Indian state of Kerala, which borders the Indian Ocean. A new international airport soon to be operational will boost exploration of pristine beaches in areas like Thottada and Bekal. In addition, Wayanad in the east is also a noteworthy wildlife sanctuary.

Also making the list are Singapore’s Keong Saik Road, Kazakhstan’s Astana, Japan’s Takayama, China’s Xi’an, Sri Lanka’s highland region, Malaysia’s Malacca, and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat Islands. Located in Singapore’s Chinatown around the area of Kreta Ayer, Keong Saik Road was once a red-light district but has now transformed into the most representative area of a “new Singapore,” with well-preserved early architecture, boutique shops, and luxury hotels, developing a unique character.

Kazakhstan’s second-largest city, Astana, appears as a bright city on an endless steppe and represents part of the nation’s future vision. This year, it was chosen as the host city for the World Expo, and the accelerated construction of its light rail transit system is furthering the city’s modernization and internationalization.

Additionally, in Japan’s Gifu Prefecture, besides the famous Shirakawa-go Gassho Village, the northern area is home to Takayama, known as the “Little Kyoto of Hida.” It is a must-visit destination for travelers to the Hida region, where traditional wooden buildings retain an old-world charm. The Takayama Matsuri festivals held in spring and autumn are also ranked among Japan’s three most beautiful festivals, complemented by the captivating colors of seasonal transitions.

Furthermore, the Silk Road starts in Xi’an, renowned worldwide for its rich UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The ancient capital blends historical grandeur with modern civilization, preserving treasures such as the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, imperial tombs, and ancient city walls, attracting travelers eager to explore the legacy of a prosperous dynasty.

● Top 10 Best Travel Destinations in Asia:

1. China’s Gansu

2. Southern Japan (Tokyo area)

3. Northern India (Kerala)

4. Singapore’s Keong Saik Road

5. Kazakhstan’s Astana

6. Japan’s Takayama

7. China’s Xi’an

8. Sri Lanka’s Highland Region

9. Malaysia’s Malacca

10. Indonesia’s Raja Ampat Islands