East Asia Countries
East Asia countries used to be referred to collectively as the Far East. The term, “Far East,” described their location as viewed from Europe. Today, East Asia countries make up a geographic region that holds one-fourth of all the people in the world. The region is culturally diverse and includes many different languages and religions. East Asia countries include China, Japan, North and South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau and Mongolia.
Each of these countries is diverse in terms of languages, religions, cultural attractions, dining, historical sights and natural beauty. Let’s take a look at some attractions you should not miss when vacationing in East Asia countries:
The Great Wall of China is 4,163 miles long. Built to protect the Chinese from the Mongols, the wall crosses mountains and river valleys and has some of the most magnificent scenery in China. The best time to go is in May, September and October. During summer months it is flooded with tourists and tour buses. Parts of the wall are now accessible by cable car and one section now boasts a Starbucks coffee shop. You can walk as much of the wall as you wish.
Climbing Mount Fuji is one of the most popular things to do when visiting Japan. It is the tallest Japanese mountain at 12,388 feet, but it is also an active volcano. The trek up Mount Fuji is divided into 10 stages, referred to as stations. The first five of these stations are accessible by car or public transportation, so you start climbing the mountain on the trail leading from the fifth to sixth station. Even though it is crowded, July and August are the best months to hike Mount Fuji. You will need to be good physical condition for this attraction as the stages get tougher and tougher, and usually take in the neighborhood of six hours to ascend and four hours to descend. There are huts along the trails for those wish to spend their nights on the mountain.
Ali Mountain in Taiwan is a spectacular natural attraction. The name is given to eighteen hills--the highest one, Tower Hill, has an elevation of 8,736 feet. Ali Mountain is well-known for what it advertises as “five rare sites,” which includes Sunrise, Grand Sea of Clouds, the Alishan Sacred Tree (174 feet high), Flamboyant Cherry Blossom, and the Ali Mountain Forest Railway, which climbs from around one hundred feet to 8,038 feet above sea level.
Victoria Peak in Hong Kong is the highest point on the island, from which you can view Victoria Harbor and the crowd-filled streets and buildings of the city. You can ride up the mountainside in the Victoria Peak tram. Peak Tower, which has an unusual design--shaped like a wok--sits atop the peak. You can take in the 360-degree view or walk along the numerous nature trails.