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Best city skylines in Asia

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Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
9.5
Marina Bay Sands supports a boat shaped SkyPark across the top of its three towers. An infinity pool on the rooftop looks out directly over the city skyline. Visitors can watch a nightly light and water show from the waterfront promenade below. The Gardens by the Bay's Supertrees add another layer to the view.
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
Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
9.7
Tokyo Skytree rises as the tallest tower in the world above the city's dense skyline. Its lattice steel structure was built to withstand frequent earthquakes. Visitors can ride glass lifts to observation decks partway and near the top. Mount Fuji is sometimes visible in the distance on clear days.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Visit the teamLab digital art museum
  • 🌆 Enjoy panoramic city views from observation decks
  • 🍣 Savour sushi at a local eatery
Hong Kong
Where East Meets West
9.3
Victoria Harbour separates Hong Kong Island's dense skyline from Kowloon across the water. A nightly light and sound show called Symphony of Lights runs along the waterfront. Visitors can ride the Star Ferry across the harbour for a moving view of the towers. The IFC and ICC buildings anchor either side of the water.
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
Shanghai
A dazzling mix of modernity and tradition
9.0
Shanghai's Pudong skyline groups three of the city's tallest towers within sight of each other. The Oriental Pearl Tower's pink spheres stand apart from the glass skyscrapers around it. Visitors can cross the river by ferry from the historic Bund for the classic photo angle. Boats light up the water below the towers each evening.
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
Taipei
A vibrant blend of old and new
9.0
Taipei 101 briefly held the title of the world's tallest building after opening in 2004. A massive steel damper ball hangs visible inside the tower to counter earthquakes and wind. Visitors can ride one of the world's fastest lifts to its observation deck. Mountains ring the city on nearly every side of the skyline.
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
Burj Khalifa rises 828 metres above Dubai, the tallest building in the world. An observation deck partway up offers sweeping views over the surrounding skyline. Visitors can watch choreographed fountain shows at its base after dark. Newer towers continue rising nearby in the Downtown Dubai district.
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
Bangkok
The city of contrasts and chaos
8.6
King Power Mahanakhon rises above Bangkok with a distinctive pixelated glass exterior. A glass skywalk near the top lets visitors look straight down through the floor. Visitors can view the skyline from a rooftop bar looking out over the Chao Phraya River. Boats still cross the river against the backdrop of the modern towers.
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
Kuala Lumpur
A fusion of cultures and skyscrapers
8.1
The Petronas Towers rise as twin skyscrapers connected by a skybridge on the 41st floor. They briefly held the title of the world's tallest buildings after opening in 1998. Visitors can cross the skybridge for views over Kuala Lumpur's surrounding skyline. A park at the base includes a large fountain lit up after dark.
Highlights:
  • 🪷 Visit the Batu Caves and climb the colorful staircase to the temple
  • 🛍️ Shop and dine in the bustling Bukit Bintang district
  • 🏙️ Stand beneath the towering Petronas Twin Towers and take in the view
Abu Dhabi
Modern luxury meets rich traditions
8.8
Etihad Towers rise in a cluster of five curved skyscrapers along Abu Dhabi's Corniche. An observation deck near the top offers views back over the coastline. Visitors can look out towards the domes of the Emirates Palace hotel nearby. The skyline continues to grow with new towers built on reclaimed land.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Admire world-class art at the Louvre Abu Dhabi
  • 🏜️ Take a thrilling desert safari at sunset
  • 🕌 Marvel at the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Guangzhou
A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
7.9
Canton Tower twists into a narrow waist shape partway up its 600 metre height. Locals nicknamed the building the Slender Waist for its unusual silhouette. Visitors can ride glass sky pods around its upper observation deck. The Pearl River flows directly beneath the tower's base.
Highlights:
  • 🏯 Explore the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall’s ornate Lingnan architecture
  • 🛳️ Cruise along the Pearl River to see Guangzhou illuminated at night
  • 🌇 Admire the skyline from the Canton Tower’s observation deck
Shenzhen
A Futuristic City with a Soul
7.8
Shenzhen's skyline grew from a small fishing village into a forest of skyscrapers within four decades. Ping An Finance Centre rises as one of the tallest buildings anywhere in the city. Visitors can ride an lift to its observation deck for sweeping views. New towers continue to rise across the surrounding financial district.
Highlights:
  • ☕ Stroll through OCT Loft for art, coffee, and design
  • 🛍️ Shop for gadgets and streetwear in Huaqiangbei market
  • 🌆 Take in skyline views from Ping An Finance Center
Doha
Where modern luxury meets tradition
8.4
West Bay's cluster of futuristic towers defines Doha's modern skyline along the Corniche. Many buildings here use bold geometric shapes rather than standard glass boxes. Visitors can view the skyline from across the bay near the Museum of Islamic Art. Traditional dhow boats often sail past in front of the modern backdrop.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Relax and stroll along the scenic Doha Corniche
  • 🏛️ Marvel at the Museum of Islamic Art’s collections
  • 🛍️ Explore the vibrant Souq Waqif and shop traditional goods
Chongqing
China’s Mountain City on the Yangtze
7.5
Chongqing's skyline stacks across steep hillsides where roads and buildings sit on multiple levels at once. Raffles City's eight interconnected towers cross the skyline near the river confluence. Visitors can view the layered skyline from across the Yangtze at night. Cable cars cross the river between towers lit up after dark.
Highlights:
  • ⛰️ Admire panoramic city views from Nanshan Mountain
  • 🏘️ Stroll through historic Ciqikou Ancient Town
  • 🏮 Explore vibrant Hongya Cave, especially at night
Riyadh
Tradition Meets Modern Ambition
7.3
Kingdom Centre Tower rises above Riyadh with a distinctive inverted arch near its top. A glass skybridge connects the two upper sections of the building. Visitors can walk across the bridge for views over the growing skyline below. New towers continue rising nearby in the King Abdullah Financial District.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Explore At-Turaif World Heritage Site's mud-brick architecture
  • 🏰 Visit historic Al Masmak Fortress museum
  • 🗻 Hike the breathtaking Edge of the World cliffs
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