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Best winter illumination destinations in Asia

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Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
9.5
The Christmas lights along Orchard Road are usually on from mid November to early January. Gardens by the Bay runs Christmas Wonderland among its giant Supertrees. Marina Bay has light displays at night. The weather is warm all year, so evening walks are comfortable and easy to plan.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Wander through Chinatown’s temples and traditional shophouses
  • 🌳 Visit Gardens by the Bay and its iconic Supertree Grove
  • 🌆 Admire the futuristic skyline from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
Hong Kong
Where East Meets West
9.3
Dozens of towers on both sides of Victoria Harbour join the nightly Symphony of Lights show. Christmas decorations at Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui add large trees and coloured displays. The Avenue of Stars promenade gives a wide view across the water. Ferries make the crossing short and cheap.
Highlights:
  • 🥢 Shop and eat street food in Mong Kok’s bustling markets
  • ⛴️ Sail across Victoria Harbour on the iconic Star Ferry
  • 🌇 Ride the Peak Tram and admire skyline views from Victoria Peak
Bangkok
The city of contrasts and chaos
8.6
The Chao Phraya River winds through the city. Riverside spots such as ICONSIAM and Asiatique are decorated with lights in the cool dry months from November to February. Light shows are set up along the water. Boat rides pass lit temples and hotels. The evening air is comfortable.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Watch the sunset over Wat Arun by the Chao Phraya River
  • 🚤 Take a boat ride through Bangkok’s bustling floating markets
  • 🏯 Visit the glittering Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple
Shanghai
A dazzling mix of modernity and tradition
9.0
Many towers across the river in Pudong are lit at night, including the 632 metre Shanghai Tower. A promenade along the Bund gives a wide view of the skyline. Historic buildings on the Bund are lit in warm gold. Lantern displays at Yu Garden are held for Lunar New Year.
Highlights:
  • 🌸 Wander through Yu Garden and explore its traditional pavilions
  • 🏙️ Take the world’s fastest elevator to Shanghai Tower’s observation deck
  • 🌃 Admire Shanghai’s skyline from The Bund promenade at night
Seoul
Where Tradition Meets High-Tech Marvels
8.6
Both modern and traditional, this capital looks beautiful after dark in winter. The Seoul Lantern Festival lights up the Cheonggyecheon stream in November with glowing figures on the water. Streets in Myeongdong are decorated for Christmas. Namsan Tower and the Han River bridges add city views.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Admire Seoul’s skyline from N Seoul Tower at sunset
  • 🛍️ Shop and eat street food in bustling Myeongdong
  • 🏯 Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the royal guard ceremony
Osaka
Castle, neon canals and street food
8.5
This port city on Osaka Bay has a long main boulevard called Midosuji. Its trees are covered in lights each winter. Nakanoshima Park, on a river island, hosts the Hikari Renaissance light show in December. Neon signs along the Dotonbori canal add more colour for evening walks.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the world’s largest
  • 🍢 Feast on street food at Dotonbori and see the neon lights
  • 🏯 Explore Osaka Castle and wander through its scenic park
Taipei
A vibrant blend of old and new
9.0
Families often visit the Christmasland display in New Taipei City, just outside the capital. It has giant trees and tunnels of lights. Taipei 101 stands above the skyline with its own light show. The Lantern Festival in February adds thousands of glowing lanterns. Night markets nearby sell hot snacks.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax and soak in the Beitou hot springs
  • 🍢 Wander through the bustling Shilin Night Market and try local snacks
  • 🏙️ Take in the skyline views from the Taipei 101 observatory
Dubai
Glamour, Adventure and Desert Charm
9.2
The Burj Khalifa opened in 2010. Its light shows now draw crowds each winter. Dubai Garden Glow in Zabeel Park has glowing sculptures and lantern displays. The evenings are mild and dry, so walking outdoors is easy. Malls and the Dubai Fountain add more lights.
Highlights:
  • 🏜️ Take a desert safari and ride camels over golden dunes
  • ⛷️ Shop and ski inside the Dubai Mall and Ski Dubai
  • 🏙️ Ascend the Burj Khalifa and watch the city from above
Macau
Where East meets West in style
8.3
A popular habit in the cool months is to stroll through Senado Square. Its wave patterned pavement is surrounded by Christmas displays. The facade of the Ruins of St. Paul is lit at night nearby. Casino resorts along the Cotai Strip add giant light displays.
Highlights:
  • 🗼 Admire views from the towering Macau Tower
  • 🛍️ Explore the vibrant Senado Square and its shops
  • 🏛️ Visit the historic Ruins of St. Paul's
Sapporo
Snow festival city with ramen and beer
7.7
The White Illumination began in 1981 along Odori Park and is now a fixture of the city's winter. Nearby, a German style Christmas market sells hot wine and sausages. In February the Snow Festival adds large snow sculptures that are lit at night. Dress very warmly.
Highlights:
  • ⏰ Visit the historic Sapporo Clock Tower landmark
  • 🌳 Stroll through Odori Park, Sapporo’s central green space
  • 🌄 Enjoy panoramic city views from Mount Moiwa Observatory
Nikko
Tokugawa shrines, waterfalls and hot springs
8.6
Unlike the neon streets of Tokyo, winter lights here are soft and set in snow. At the Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival hundreds of small snow huts are lit with candles. Hot spring towns such as Kinugawa add light displays by the river. Nikko is about two hours from Tokyo by train.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Admire the majestic Kegon Falls viewpoint
  • 🌉 Cross the striking vermilion Shinkyo Bridge
  • ⛩️ Visit the ornate Nikko Toshogu Shrine complex
Kobe
Harbour city with hills, beef and hot springs
7.8
Kobe Luminarie is held in early December each year in memory of the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake. Tall arches made of thousands of lights line the Old Foreign Settlement area. Meriken Park by the harbour is also lit at night. Crowds are large, so arrive early.
Highlights:
  • 🌿 Explore the lush Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens
  • ♨️ Relax in the historic Arima Onsen hot springs
  • 🌆 Visit iconic Kobe Port Tower for stunning views
Shinjuku
Skyscrapers, neon bars and a huge station
9.3
This district on the west side of central Tokyo surrounds one of the busiest train stations in the world. The Southern Terrace near the station has a winter light display with glowing trees and decorations. Kabukicho is full of neon signs. Small lantern lit alleys such as Omoide Yokocho serve hot food.
Highlights:
  • 🦖 Snap a photo with the giant Godzilla head in Kabukicho
  • 🌳 Stroll the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
  • 🌆 Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation decks
Fukushima
Spring blossoms, fruit orchards and hot springs
7.8
Quiet and rural, this prefecture in northern Japan has snowy villages lit by candles and lanterns. Ouchijuku, an old post town with thatched roof houses, holds a snow festival in February with lanterns on the snow. Aizu Wakamatsu holds a candle festival with hand painted candles.
Highlights:
  • 🏯 Explore Tsuruga Castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu and its castle park
  • ♨️ Relax in the tranquil hot springs of Iizaka Onsen
  • 🌸 Visit Hanamiyama Park to see stunning spring cherry blossoms
Ashikaga Flower Park
Giant wisteria trellis and winter light show
This garden north of Tokyo moved to its current site in 1997 and is known for its wisteria. In winter millions of lights turn the garden into a glowing flower display. A tunnel of light and glowing trees are the favourite spots for photos. A station named Ashikaga Flower Park makes the visit easy.
Highlights:
  • 🌟 Enjoy evening illuminations highlighting blossoms
  • 📸 Photograph vibrant seasonal flowers across the park
  • 🌸 Walk beneath the stunning wisteria tunnel in bloom
Odaiba
Tokyo Bay waterfront with Rainbow Bridge views
7.9
Compared with the dense lights of Shinjuku, the lights here are open and set beside Tokyo Bay. Rainbow Bridge is lit at night. A replica of the Statue of Liberty stands on the waterfront. Large Christmas trees and glowing shopping centres add to the view.
Highlights:
  • 🌉 Walk or view the illuminated Rainbow Bridge at night
  • 🗽 Stroll along Odaiba Seaside Park and see the Statue of Liberty replica
  • 🤖 Admire the life-sized Unicorn Gundam at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
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