10 Ideal Destinations for Meditation Tourism

If you're seeking a place to relax, unwind, or even meditate, Asia is a perfect choice.

1. Summer Palace (China)

China holds the record for the most populous country in the world, and due to its dense population, it offers numerous meditation retreats, helping people relax and find inner peace. The Summer Palace, also known as Yiheyuan, is a park, historical building, and exquisite architectural estate in China. It used to be a summer meditation retreat for Chinese emperors, and today, it hosts meditation tourism for weary travelers seeking respite from their busy lives.

Visitors can unwind here, strolling through ancient houses, bridges, and stunning gardens. Additionally, there's a beautiful ancient villa providing panoramic views and a gorgeous blue lake. It's the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon, immersing in the traditional culture and history of Chinese dynasties.

2. Great Wall of China

Not all of China's allure is found within its cities. Though climbing the Great Wall may not seem like a traditional form of relaxation, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the breathtaking views, vast spaces, and impressive scenery. The Great Wall is an ideal place to explore history while contemplating the significance of this magnificent Chinese structure.

3. Swaminarayan Akshardham, India

Nothing is more perfect for meditation than a temple or the serene scenery of a beautiful garden. Swaminarayan Akshardham is India's largest monumental stone architecture of today's era. The complex comprises 10 million pink sandstone blocks built on over 200 acres of land.

Designed by architect Vivendva Sompura under the guidance of Hindu spiritual leader Pramukh Swani Mahajaj, the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple speaks volumes about India's entire culture, history, and architectural artistry at its peak grandeur.

The construction involved a massive workforce of 7,000 sculptors and spanned over 5 years. Its main shrine architecture stands at a majestic 141 feet tall and 316 feet wide, 30 feet in length, adorned with 234 intricately carved pillars and 20,000 sculptures and images of deities, along with 11 colossal stone domes.

The castle stands atop 148 giant elephant statues and is surrounded by a mural depicting ancient Indian epics. Surrounding the temple are beautiful gardens and an enchanting fountain that illuminates at night for visitors to enjoy.

Currently, the temple attracts Hindu devotees and visitors from all over the world for worship and tours, with over 5,000 visitors daily.

4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, India

A railway station may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of relaxation and meditation, but fear not. Bombay's architectural marvel of a train station is reminiscent of a cathedral, boasting stunning stained glass windows, soaring turrets, and Gothic towers. It's a beautiful edifice that tourists often expect to find in the heart of France or England. Don't miss out on this unbelievable gem of Indian culture.

A railway station may not be the first thing on everyone's mind when it comes to relaxation and meditation. But fear not. The architecture of Bombay's railway station evokes memories of a cathedral, proud with its stunning stained glass windows, soaring turrets, and Gothic-style towers.

Built during India's time as a British colony, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of India's most captivating architectural marvels. Located in Mumbai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a perfect blend of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Indian architecture.

This masterpiece was designed by architect Frederick William Stevens and took 10 years to complete. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. If you're in India, don't miss out on this precious gem of Indian culture.

5. Singapore Botanic Gardens

Despite being renowned for its diverse street markets, the bustling city of Singapore still offers tranquil retreats for travelers. Topping the list of 291 must-visit attractions in Singapore in 2011 according to TripAdvisor, the Singapore Botanic Gardens will provide you with a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens spans over 74 hectares of land. The gardens showcase a diverse collection of plant specimens, including rare and exotic orchids with over 1,000 species of natural orchids and 3,000 hybrid orchids. There's also the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden – Asia's first children's garden – a perfect spot for kids to play, explore, and learn about the complexities of plant life. It's the only botanical garden in the world open from 5 am to 12 am daily, and admission is free.

6. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Singapore

Another serene and fantastic place to visit in Singapore is the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. It's a tropical rainforest reserve located in the city's outskirts. Visitors can engage in gentle sports such as hiking, biking, and trail walking here. The reserve also offers insights into some of the rarest and most peculiar insects and mammals in the world.

7. Longshan Temple, Taiwan

Longshan Temple, a 200-year-old Paoan temple on Dragon Mountain, Taipei. Meditation activities can be ensured to be absolutely safe within this famous religious site in Taiwan.

The temple complex was built in the late 18th century by migrants from Fujian. Despite wars and natural disasters, the temple was damaged, burned, and later restored after World War II but still retains its ancient architecture and is considered one of the most sacred, largest, and grandest temples in Taiwan. While many festivals and commemorations are held here, visitors who come during prayer hours are guaranteed tranquility and peace.

8. Beitou Hot Springs, Taiwan

What could be more wonderful than immersing yourself in hot springs for relaxation, just like in a spa? Beitou Natural Hot Springs (Taiwan) will help you dispel all tiredness and stress.

The hot springs in Beitou are warm all year round thanks to water sources from the Yangming Mountain volcanic range. There are quite a few large and small hot springs here for you to choose from.

9. Sensoji Temple, Japan

Sensoji Temple – the oldest temple in Tokyo dating back to the Edo period and the center of the annual Sanja Matsuri festival. Legend has it that in 628, while fishing on the Sumida River, two brothers, Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari, found a 5.5 cm Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) statue entangled in their net; despite their attempts to return the statue to the river several times, it kept coming back to them.

The village elder, Hajino Nakamoto, recognized the sacredness of the statue and donated part of his house to establish a small Kannon shrine for the villagers to visit and pray. The temple was completed in 645.

10. Yoyogi Park, Japan

As one of the largest parks in Tokyo, adjacent to Harajuku Station and the Meiji Shrine in the Shibuya area. The current location of Yoyogi Park was formerly the site of Japan's first successful helicopter flight on December 19, 1910, piloted by Major Yoshitoshi Tokugawa, and later became the parade ground for the ground army. During World War II, it served as the headquarters for American officers. Later, during the Summer Olympic Games, this venue became the Olympic Village, hosting swimming, diving, and basketball competitions.

Like a 'green oasis' in the heart of Tokyo, the scenery and beauty of the gardens within Yoyogi Park are unmatched anywhere else. Visiting Yoyogi Park once will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Whether you visit Asia to see friends, family, or simply to explore a new culture for the first time, Asian countries will offer you many exciting moments, things to see and do, and most importantly, plenty of places to relax. You'll surely return home fully rested and ready for your next adventure.

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Source: Travel Guide Mytour – By Toquoc.