Best gardens and parks in Asia
Best gardens and parks in Asia
Manicured zen gardens and historic imperial parks in Asia
Asia has some of the oldest garden traditions in the world, and the range across the continent is wide enough that the word "garden" barely covers it. Classical Chinese gardens built around rocks and water, Japanese designs where every element is placed with a specific view in mind, terraced rice landscapes in Southeast Asia, Mughal gardens laid out along strict geometric principles. The underlying ideas are different enough that moving between them feels like travelling through distinct design philosophies.
The destinations on this page include formal botanical gardens, imperial palace grounds, urban parks and working agricultural landscapes that have taken on a life beyond their original purpose. Some are UNESCO listed and draw millions of visitors a year. Others are quieter institutions attached to research universities or maintained by private families.
Seasons matter more here than in most other regions. Cherry blossoms in Japan, lotus flowers in China, highland flower seasons in northern Thailand – the timing of a visit can change the experience significantly, and several of the destinations listed are worth planning around a specific window.
Lists by region
City in Japan
Kanazawa
Samurai streets, gold leaf and Kenrokuen garden
Kenrokuen in Kanazawa is one of the three great gardens of Japan. It was built by local lords over about 170 years. Ponds, streams, teahouses and old pines fill its wide grounds. In winter gardeners tie ropes to the pine branches to protect them from snow.
City in Japan
Okayama
A castle, a garden and Momotaro's legend
Korakuen in Okayama is one of the three great gardens of Japan and was completed in 1700. A wide lawn and a winding stream lead to teahouses and ponds. Tall pine trees frame a view of Okayama Castle. Cranes are kept in the garden as a symbol of long life.
City in Japan
Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo is a park of about 58 hectares with Japanese, French and English gardens. It has about a thousand cherry trees that bloom in spring. Greenhouses and lawns fill other corners. Visitors pay a small fee and enjoy quiet paths in the middle of a busy city.
City in Japan
Nara
Giant Buddha, tame deer and ancient temples
Nara Park is a large green park in the old capital of Japan. About 1,200 wild deer roam freely and are protected as messengers of the gods. Visitors can buy special crackers to feed them. Great temples and shrines including Todai ji stand among the trees.
City in China
Kunming
Spring City with Eternal Blossoms
Green Lake Park in Kunming lies in the middle of the city and has ponds, bridges and lotus flowers. Locals gather to dance and play music in the mornings. In winter black headed gulls arrive from Siberia to feed beside the water. Visitors can feed them from the paths.
City in Israel
Haifa
Terraced Gardens, Seaside Views, Harmony
The Baha'i Gardens in Haifa climb Mount Carmel in nineteen terraces. Lawns, pools and cypress trees flow down from the golden dome of the Shrine of the Bab. UNESCO listed the site in 2008. Guided walks take visitors through the terraces on selected mornings and offer views over the harbour.
City in China
Suzhou
Gardens, canals and silk dreams
The Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou dates from 1509 and is the largest classical garden in the city. Ponds, bridges and pavilions fill the grounds. Windows in white walls frame views like paintings. UNESCO listed the classical gardens of Suzhou in 1997 as a masterpiece of landscape design.
City in Japan
Himeji
Famed white castle and samurai gardens
Koko en is a set of nine walled gardens next to Himeji Castle. It was built in 1992 in the style of Edo period samurai gardens. Ponds, waterfalls and bamboo groves fill each section. Visitors can sip green tea in a tea house with a view of the castle.
City in Iran
Shiraz
Poetry, Gardens and Persian Splendor
Eram Garden in Shiraz is a classic Persian garden with tall cypress trees and long water channels. A pretty pavilion stands at its centre. UNESCO lists Persian gardens as an outstanding example of the art of design. Visitors stroll among roses and orange trees in the spring.
City in Sri Lanka
Colombo
A Colorful Blend of Old and New
Galle Face Green is a long ocean front lawn in the middle of Colombo. Families come at sunset to fly kites and watch waves. Street stalls sell snacks along the promenade. The old Galle Face Hotel stands at the southern end of the promenade and gives shade and tea.
State/Prefecture in Japan
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
Furano in central Hokkaido is famous for lavender fields that bloom in July. Farm Tomita spreads purple rows across gentle hills under the Tokachi mountains. Nearby fields show poppies, salvia and other bright flowers. Visitors can buy lavender ice cream and see the flowers from viewing platforms.
Island in South Korea
Jeju Island
Nature's Island Paradise
Hallasan National Park on Jeju Island protects a volcano rising 1,947 metres. Trails lead through forests and open meadows to a crater lake at the top. Spring azaleas turn the slopes pink. Hikers can climb to the summit in a long day and look out over the island.
City in Japan
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove near Kyoto is a path lined with tall green stalks. The bamboo sways and rustles in the breeze. Sunlight filters through in narrow beams. Visitors can walk on to the nearby Tenryu ji Zen garden for a quieter stroll among ponds and maples.
City in Thailand
Chiang Mai
Ancient temples and mountain escapes
Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden near Chiang Mai covers wooded hills with greenhouses and nature trails. A canopy walkway about 400 metres long rises through the treetops. Glasshouses display orchids, ferns and plants from many climates. Cooler mountain air makes the walk pleasant and the views over the valley wide.
Palace in Istanbul
Topkapi Palace
Ottoman Empire’s Majestic Seat
The gardens of Topkapi Palace in Istanbul climb a hill above the Bosphorus. Courtyards lead from one to another through shady trees and tulip beds. Sultans once relaxed in small pavilions with views of the sea. Visitors can wander the fourth courtyard in spring when the tulips bloom.
Park in Singapore
Gardens by the Bay
Futuristic Garden Oasis in Singapore
Gardens by the Bay in Singapore is known for its Supertrees. These steel towers covered in plants rise 25 to 50 metres. A walkway links the tallest trees high above the ground. Nearby glass domes hold a cloud forest with a huge indoor waterfall and misty paths.
City in Japan
Kitakyushu
Castle, retro port and steel heritage
Kawachi Fuji Garden in Kitakyushu is known for its wisteria tunnels. Long trellises hold hanging purple and white blooms in late April and May. Visitors walk through the tunnels as if beneath a colourful ceiling. Advance tickets are needed on busy days because the garden is small.
Palace in Beijing
Summer Palace
Imperial Garden of Tranquil Beauty
The Summer Palace in Beijing is a former imperial garden built around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. A painted corridor about 728 metres long runs beside the water. Pavilions and bridges sit among willows and lotus. Visitors can also take a boat across the lake.
Region in Malaysia
Penang
Heritage charm meets foodie heaven
The Penang Botanic Gardens opened in 1884 in a valley of jungle at the foot of Penang Hill. Winding paths lead to a waterfall and shady lawns. Long tailed macaques and other wildlife roam the grounds. Visitors can walk or jog among tall palms and old trees.
City in China
Hangzhou
A Timeless Blend of Serenity
West Lake in Hangzhou is a scenic lake with causeways, pagodas and willow trees. Poets and painters admired it for more than a thousand years. Visitors can walk the Su Causeway or cross by boat to small islands. UNESCO recognised its cultural landscape in 2011.
City in Sri Lanka
Kandy
Sacred Temples, Misty Hills, Tea Trails
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya near Kandy cover about 60 hectares along a bend in the Mahaweli River. Long avenues of palms and giant bamboo shade the paths. An orchid house and spice garden show local plants. Visitors can picnic on wide lawns beneath huge old trees.
Palace in Seoul
Changdeokgung Palace
Seoul's harmonious royal retreat
The Secret Garden of Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul was the private retreat of Korean kings. Pavilions stand beside a lotus pond and old trees. Guided walks lead through quiet paths in the hills behind the palace. UNESCO lists the palace as a fine example of Joseon design that fits its landscape.
Palace in Russia
Peterhof Palace
Opulent gardens and imperial grandeur
The Peterhof gardens outside Saint Petersburg feature the Grand Cascade and more than 150 fountains. Peter the Great ordered the palace to be built in 1714 to rival Versailles. The fountains work by gravity and need no pumps. Visitors can stroll the lower park beside the Gulf of Finland.
Garden in Shanghai
Yu Yuan Garden
Serene oasis amid Shanghai bustle
Yu Garden in Shanghai was built in 1559 by an official of the Ming dynasty for his father. Rocks, ponds and pavilions fill a small space behind white walls with dragon shaped tops. A zigzag bridge crosses a pond full of koi. The garden sits beside a busy bazaar.
Garden in Japan
Ashikaga Flower Park
Giant wisteria trellis and winter light show
Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi is famous for a great wisteria more than 150 years old. The vine covers a huge frame and forms a tent of purple flowers. In spring the park opens into the evening when lights make the blooms glow. Roses and azaleas grow in other gardens.
Landmark in Kyoto
Kinkaku-ji
Gold leaf pavilion beside a mirror pond
The garden of Kinkaku ji in Kyoto surrounds a mirror pond called Kyoko chi. The golden pavilion is reflected in the still water. Stone islands and pines are arranged to make the view balanced from the path. A small teahouse stands near the end of the route.
Botanical Garden in Thailand
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
Vibrant oasis of tropical flora and fauna
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden near Pattaya covers about 240 hectares of gardens and lakes. It has one of the largest collections of orchids and palms in Thailand. Visitors can ride in a small trolley between themed gardens. Shows and an elephant park entertain families and keep children busy.
Temple in Kyoto
Ryoan-ji
Zen temple with Japan's famous rock garden
The rock garden at Ryoan ji in Kyoto is a rectangle of raked white gravel with fifteen stones. Zen monks laid it out in the late 15th century. From any seat on the veranda at least one stone stays hidden from view. Visitors sit quietly and think about what the pattern means.
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