Ronan O'Connell

Chinese influence is prevalent in Southeast Asia’s cities, especially in these charismatic hubs of Sino culture and commerce.

Originally established by the Spanish colonists to fortify their new settlement, Intramuros is regarded as Manila’s most charismatic enclave.

Asia has more than its fair share of eerie legends. Here’s a selection of some of the spookiest sites around the region.

Long abandoned and off the tourist trail, Hue’s Tiger Arena was once the scene of epic face-offs between big cats and Imperial soldiers riding on elephants.

Nepal and India are reviving ancient architectural wonders to tackle modern water shortages.

A recent major exhibition put the spotlight on Ukiyo-e, artistic depictions Japan’s notoriously permissive “floating world”.

In the 1700s Korean painters brought fresh insight and reality to traditional art, cataloguing the country’s landscapes and society in exquisite detail.

Known for fire temples and unique burial rites, the Parsis are among Mumbai’s most fascinating communities. But, with their numbers dwindling, opportunities to witness their customs firsthand are limited.

Although it is often overshadowed by its neighbors, Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, Patan lives up to its original Sanskrit name of Lalitpur (City of Beauty).

Ho Chi Minh City’s main tourist draws are deserving of their fame, but rich rewards await those who venture off the beaten path.

Malaysia’s array of spectacular mosques showcase wonderful religious architecture as well as the nation’s deep Islamic spirituality.

Travelers can visit sites across Japan linked to Saigo Takamori, the “Last Samurai”, an extraordinary swordsman who helped shape the country.