Wuyuan, Jiangxi, China
Believed to be the most beautiful countryside in China, Wuyuan’s rural life is incomplete without the elegant sight of its yellow carpet of flowers. Wuyuan also preserves its rich historical architecture in its multiple villages such as Likeng, Xiaoqi, Lingjiao and Guankeng.
Especially, the early March to the mid of April is usually the perfect time to admire the fairyland landscape of Wuyuan with its charming yellow blossoms.
Lamayuru, Ladakh, India
“Where can we find moonland?” “It’s right behind this hillock.” That’s a normal conversation in Lamayuru!
An ideal stopover for those traveling on the Kargil-Leh route, Lamayuru is a village that is not to be missed by the avid photographer. The best location to view the moonscapes of Lamayuru is to climb up what is known as a meditation hill.
The village is one of the oldest monasteries of Ladakh that towers over the village’s impressive topography. To immerse in the rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage and culture, you may choose to stay in the age-old monastery.
Biei, Hokkaido, Japan
Biei is a small town surrounded by a picturesque landscape of gently rolling hills and vast fields. A pleasant way to enjoy the charming Biei is by cycling or driving through the hills and visiting some of the flower fields and famous trees along the way.
During the vibrant summer and autumn months, the beautiful rural hills and vast fields change into a vivid and mesmerising floral landscape.
Damyang, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
Another wonder of Mother Nature, bamboo can be found in abundance in the bamboo village of Damyang. While you take a slow stroll into the forest and lose yourself in the midst of the trees, the tranquility and serenity will offer you a peaceful respite away from the bustling cities of the country.
Shirakawa-go, Gifu, Japan
Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, Shirakawa-go is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.
It is one of those places that you would think only exists in fantasy films or your wildest dreams. The iconic Gassho-style thatched roof houses can withstand the heavy snowfall during winter. Gassho means “hands in prayer.” The long-standing architectural design brought the villagers together, helping each other in re-thatching the roofs.
Cua Van, Ha Long City, Vietnam
Out of the four villages in Ha Long Bay, Cua Van village is the top attraction. Situated on 20km away from the tourist boat wharf, Cua Van village is a tranquil haven for travelers who want to experience the authentic lives of the local people. Another reason to visit this village is that it is also home to an interesting marine and coastal ecosystem.
Pariangan, West Sumatra, Indonesia
Known to be the oldest and most culturally significant, Pariangan is one of the well-preserved Minangkabau villages, comprising many rumah gadang, or traditional houses, of the Minangkabau people. The oldest is said to be at least three hundred years old with intricate wood carvings, woven rattan walls and the traditional pointed-roof architecture.
Pariangan villages also has a hill, Sirangkiang which is a place for tourists to enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the foot of the mountain, and the warm water baths.