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Asia is renowned for its rich and diverse traditional cultures, but little known is that it is also a haven for meditation retreats, an ideal choice for travel enthusiasts passionate about meditation.
Di Hoa Vien
China holds the world's highest population record, and due to its denser population than other countries, it hosts numerous meditation retreats to help people relax and find inner peace. Di Hoa Vien, also known as the Summer Palace, is a park, a historical building, and a picturesque palace in China. Once a place for summer meditation for Chinese emperors, today it offers meditation retreats for tired and stressed travelers seeking relief from their busy daily lives. Visitors can relax here, stroll through ancient houses, bridges, and beautiful gardens. There is also a stunning ancient villa that provides panoramic views, along with a beautiful green lake. It's a perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon, enjoying the traditional culture and history of Chinese dynasties.
Great Wall of China
Not all of China's allure is found within its cities. While climbing the Great Wall of China might not sound like a conventional relaxation method, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the breathtaking scenery, vast and serene spaces. The Great Wall is an ideal place to explore history and contemplate the significance of this grand and majestic Chinese structure.
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, India
Nothing is more perfect for meditation than a temple or the tranquil scenery of a beautiful garden. Swaminarayan Akshardham is India's largest contemporary stone-carved architectural masterpiece. The construction consists of 10 million red sandstone blocks built on over 200 acres of land. Designed by architect Virendra Sompura under the inspiration of Hindu spiritual leader Pramukh Swani Maharaj, the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple speaks to the entire culture, history, and artistic architecture of India in its ultimate grandeur. Built with a colossal force of 7,000 craftsmen over 5 years, the main temple (Akshardham Mandir) is a towering masterpiece at 141 feet high, 316 feet wide, and 30 feet long, adorned with 234 intricately carved columns displaying 20,000 sculptures and images of deities. It features 11 colossal domes made of stone. The temple stands on 148 colossal elephant statues and is surrounded by a mural depicting the epic tales of the Celestial Archers. The vicinity includes beautifully landscaped gardens and a mesmerizing fountain show in the evening for visitors to enjoy. Attracting over 5,000 visitors for worship and sightseeing every day.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, India
Built during India's colonial era, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus stands as one of India's most captivating architectural masterpieces. Located in the city of Mumbai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus seamlessly combines Gothic Revival Victoria architecture with traditional Indian design. Designed by architect Frederick William Stevens, it took a decade to complete. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a gem of Indian culture that should not be missed when visiting India.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore Botanic Gardens sprawl across a vast 74-hectare land. The gardens showcase a diverse collection of unique plant specimens, including over 1,000 naturally occurring orchid species and 3,000 hybrid orchid species. Featuring the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden – Asia's first children's garden – it's an ideal place for children to play, explore, and learn about the intricacies of plant life. This botanical garden is unique worldwide, opening its doors from 5 AM to 12 AM daily, and offers free admission.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Singapore
Another tranquil and fantastic spot to visit in Singapore is the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. It's a preserved tropical rainforest in the suburban area of the city. Visitors can engage in light sports like hiking, cycling, and trail walking. The reserve also provides insights into the world's rarest and most peculiar insects and mammals.
Long Son Pagoda, Taiwan
Long Son Pagoda, a 200-year-old Paoan temple on Dragon Mountain, Taipei. Meditation activities can be absolutely ensured in this famous religious site in Taiwan. Built in the late 18th century by migrants from Fujian, the temple underwent damage during wars and natural disasters, was rebuilt post-World War II, yet retains its ancient architectural charm. Regarded as one of Taiwan's most sacred, extensive, and magnificent temples, it provides tranquility and peace during prayer hours.
Beitou Hot Springs, Taiwan
What could be more marvelous than immersing yourself in natural hot springs for relaxation, just like in a spa? The warm natural hot springs in Beitou remain inviting throughout the year, sourced from the Yangmingshan volcanic range. Here, you'll find numerous hot springs of various sizes to choose from.
Sensoji Temple, Japan
Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo dating back to the Edo period, is the central hub 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, discovered a Kannon Buddhist statue about 5.5cm tall entangled in their fishing net. Despite multiple attempts to return the statue to the river, it kept coming back to them. The village elder, Hajino Nakamoto, recognized the sacredness of the statue and donated a part of his house to establish a small Kannon Buddhist temple for the villagers to visit and pray.
Yoyogi Park, Japan
As one of the largest parks in Tokyo, adjacent to Harajuku Station and the Meiji Shrine in the Shibuya area, Yoyogi Park's current location was once the successful test site for Japan's first helicopter flight on December 19, 1910, piloted by Major Yoshitoshi Tokugawa. Later, it became the site for the ground army's military parade. During World War II, it served as the headquarters for American officers. Subsequently, during the Summer Olympic Games, this venue transformed into the Olympic Village, hosting competitions in swimming, diving, and basketball. Like a 'green oasis' in the heart of Tokyo, the landscape and beauty of the gardens within Yoyogi Park are unparalleled. A visit to Yoyogi Park will leave an indelible mark on your memory.
By Nhu Nguyen (Wiki Travel)
Posted by: Huynh Thi Xuan Hong
Keywords: Meditation Retreats in Asia
