Set amid the forest-green splendor of Luzon Island is bustling Manila, the second largest city in Southeast Asia, with its towering skyscrapers and remarkable joie de vivre. Yet amid the big-city excitement are oases of calm: lush tropical parks, magnificent cathedrals and dramatic Spanish forts. North of the city, mountains beckon with their spectacular rice terraces, while across Manila Bay stands Mount Mariveles, a dormant volcano studded with scenic hiking trails.

Although Hong Kong has returned to its original Chinese roots, it still remains a cosmopolitan city with influences, languages and accents from around the world. Here East meets West and the result is electric. Soaring skyscrapers rise from the hills and harbor, blending geography and nature with commercial concrete, steel and pulsating neon in a way that brings traditional Chinese culture and Western-style commerce into perfect harmony.

Although Hong Kong has returned to its original Chinese roots, it still remains a cosmopolitan city with influences, languages and accents from around the world. Here East meets West and the result is electric. Soaring skyscrapers rise from the hills and harbor, blending geography and nature with commercial concrete, steel and pulsating neon in a way that brings traditional Chinese culture and Western-style commerce into perfect harmony.

Looking out over the Taiwan Strait, Xiamen has long been an active port city, used as a base to defend against pirates during the Ming Dynasty and a hub for tea exportation in the 19th century. Today, Xiamen is the gateway to the culture and scenery of south China, with ancient temples, excellent universities and inviting beaches. A short ferry cruise from Xiamen sits the island of Gulangyu, a favorite retreat for the locals. Should you visit the island, you will likely investigate its sights via electromobile, as there are no gas-powered vehicles on the island. This, along with beautiful vistas and interesting architecture, lends Gulangyu its unique appeal.

Located where the Yangtze River meets the Pacific, Shanghai’s enviable position is the source of its existence, shaping it into what it is today – a modern metropolis of dizzying scale and ancient influence. Once a tiny fishing village, Shanghai is now the center of Chinas economic resurgence with a spacious waterfront promenade and flotilla of sampans edging the Huangpu River.

Located where the Yangtze River meets the Pacific, Shanghai’s enviable position is the source of its existence, shaping it into what it is today – a modern metropolis of dizzying scale and ancient influence. Once a tiny fishing village, Shanghai is now the center of Chinas economic resurgence with a spacious waterfront promenade and flotilla of sampans edging the Huangpu River.

Jeju province encompasses the South Korean island of Jeju in the Korea Strait. Its known for its beach resorts and volcanic landscape of craters and cavelike lava tubes. Hallasan Mountain, a dormant volcano, features hiking trails, a crater lake at the 1,950m summit and nearby Gwaneumsa Temple. The Geomunoreum Lava Tube System includes 7km-long Manjanggul Cave, created centuries ago when Hallasan was still active

Incheon is rising to new heights, literally. The city is developing metropolitan real estate with dramatic results, including a district called Songdo International City, home to the world’s tallest twin tower buildings and South Korea’s tallest building, the North Asia Trade Tower. Visit Independence Memorial Hall commemorating General MacArthur, who turned the tide of the Korean War, while farther afield the Incheon Islands are favored by hikers and beachgoers.

Incheon is rising to new heights, literally. The city is developing metropolitan real estate with dramatic results, including a district called Songdo International City, home to the world’s tallest twin tower buildings and South Korea’s tallest building, the North Asia Trade Tower. Visit Independence Memorial Hall commemorating General MacArthur, who turned the tide of the Korean War, while farther afield the Incheon Islands are favored by hikers and beachgoers.