The 5 Best Places in Asia for Architecture
Asia has a little bit of everything. It’s perhaps unsurprising in a continent of such wide diversity, you’ll be able to find buildings of all shapes and sizes to whet your architectural appetite. Today, let’s take a look at five of the best, as we briefly glance over some of the most beautiful spots in the East.
- Taktsang Monastery – Bhutan
Kicking off our list is a spot of religious significance which was first constructed in 1692. Built into the edge of a cliff face, the Taktsang Monastery stands out as one of the most naturally beautiful spots in the world, let alone Asia.
The gigantic buildings which peer out over the Paro Valley a brilliant blend of white and brown, which juxtaposes perfectly with the grey and green of the mountains. However, just like anything in life, good things only come to those who put the effort in.
According to JustWanderLustBlog, it’s as much as a three-hour trek to reach the buildings from the summit of the valley. That said, the average time is roughly one-and-a-half to two hours.
- Ayutthaya – Thailand
Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, this incredible spot of architectural brilliance was razed to the ground by the Burmese army in 1767 – leaving it a mere shell of its former self.
Siam’s loss is our gain though, with the remains of the flame-licked city providing one of the truest and most aesthetically pleasing glimpses into the past. While many buildings were destroyed, a large remnant still remain to highlight the building prowess and the power of the fallen empire.
- Darjeeling Colonial Hill Station – India
The introduction of the teas industry from the British Empire brought with it a change in purpose for the people of Darjeeling. Initially an army base, the introduction of the popular drink saw a number of colonists set up camp there.
According to Audley Travel, these colonial hill stations remain one of the highlights of the region. Located next to the tea plantations which still inhabit the area, any traveller will be able to fully immerse themselves in the Raj culture of yesteryear, as they stroll through the crisp subcontinental heat.
- Himeji Castle – Japan
Started in 1331, Himeji Castle in Japan wasn’t fully finished until as late as 1609. Today it stands as the most popularly visited landmark of its nature in the nation, and was also the first to be acknowledged as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Fascinatingly, Himeji has managed to avoid sustaining any damage throughout its lengthy and illustrious history. That applies from both a natural disaster and man-made perspective, with the castle almost as perfectly preserved today as it was when it was first finished. It’s rare you’ll be able to say that about anywhere, so make sure to check it out.
- Ajanta Caves – India
These oldest sections of these archaic caves date back to as long ago as the 2nd century BC, making them easily the oldest name on our list. Hewn into the rock of Ajanta, the cave systems take nearly three hours to fully explore from one end to the other.
It’s believed the paintings inside the caves were crafted by the monks who originally lived there, as a means of staving off boredom when the monsoon season restricted them to their dwellings.
Today, the caves are some of the most breath-taking of their kind in the world. Intricate patterns, amazingly preserved statues and ancient art can be found throughout the cave complex.
Have any of these locations stood out for you? Make sure to visit at least one of them during your next visit to Asia.
