Top 24 Famous Landmarks in Asia | Must-See Sites & Monuments

There are dozens of famous landmarks in Asia to appreciate and adore but which ones should you add to your bucket list? This incredible continent is so diverse, rich in culture, and full of history – that you may be stumped on deciding which landmark you should see. The list below will help you pinpoint some of your ‘must-sees’ and get you zealous to start your travels.

Covering a third of the globe and home to over 60% of the world’s population, how could you not add Asia to your bucket list? The Asian landmarks mentioned here stretch across the continent, from China to India, and beyond. Get prepared to witness a collection of stunning landmarks that are sure to leave an impression on you for years and years.

Travelers from all around the world flock to this continent, in part, because of the vast array of famous landmarks in Asia. The best landmarks include everything from natural and ancient structures to world-class modern skyscrapers so extraterrestrial you wouldn’t believe it possible.

Whether you’re looking to visit mountainous terrain and national parks, view ancient temples and palaces, or enjoy famous Asian architecture, the list below has every interest covered.

1) Burj Khalifa, Dubai

They say, ‘Go big or go home.’ and whoever they are, might not have thought it could get as big as the Burj Khalifa. What was once an inhospitable desert wasteland, this Arabic Peninsula has become a beautiful swan that nobody predicted. Today, the peninsula is home to one of the most impressive and one of the most famous tourist attractions in Asia.

Located in the most populated city of the United Arab Emirates – Dubai, Burj Khalifa stands tall above the rest. With its 2716.5 feet (828 meters), this skyscraper is the tallest building in the world.

2) Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal is India’s pride, and for good reason. This giant mausoleum complex was a gesture dedicated to love. Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1632, the construction of the Taj took more than 20 years before it was finally ready to house the remains of the emperor’s beloved wife.

Today, the Taj Mahal is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and welcomes at least seven to eight million tourists every year.

3) Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is Chinas’ most famous landmark. The wall is 13,170 miles (21,196 km) long and took approximately twenty years to finish building.

There are several access points to start your journey on the Great Wall. Each of these points of access offers a different experience. The most popular section is the one nearest to Beijing: Badaling. It is popular with Chinese tourists and is the most crowded section of the wall.

However, if you want to venture out further and have less of a crowd, Mutianyu is a great option. It’s fully restored and far enough away that you can enjoy the beautiful scenery without the crowds.

4) Mount Everest, Nepal/China

Now, it would be crazy to leave out this famous geographical landmark in Asia. Standing at 29,029 ft (8,848m) above sea level, the legendary Mount Everest is the world’s tallest mountain. Located on the border of China and Nepal, Mount Everest is one of the most glorious sights, and ascending it is one of the riskiest endeavors to attempt.

5) Angkor Wat and the Siem Reap Temples, Cambodia

Angkor Wat and the Siem Reap Temples are famous Southeast Asia landmarks. Built by the Khmer empire, between the 10th and 15th centuries, Angkor Wat and the other Siem Reap temples give you the chance to explore some of the most exciting ancient ruins in the world.

Because of the monuments’ curious blend with the surrounding jungle, there are also hundreds of myths and legends that accompany its fame. Angkor Wat and the Siem Reap temples are a definite must-see destination to visit in Asia.

6) Halong Bay, Vietnam

Halong Bay, according to local legend, was named after the Mother Dragon who had first arrived there. Her children settled in Bach Long, which means ‘the tail of the dragon’ and they taught the local people how to plant crops, raise cattle, and how to protect themselves in the future.

Halong Bay is dotted with 1,600 limestone islands and islets and is 580 square miles (1,500 square km) large. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7) Komodo National Park, Indonesia

The Komodo National Park is a new entry to the recent edition of the Seven Wonders of The World. This is home to the endemic Komodo Dragon – the largest lizard on Earth. Komodo National Park offers up 29 picturesque islands and countless vibrant coral reefs that sustain one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems.

8) Borobudur, Indonesia

Located in central Java, Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and a famous Asian attraction. Built between the 8th and the 9th century, Borobudur is renowned for its 73 bell-shaped stupas, all containing a Buddha statue inside.

9) The Forbidden City, China

The Forbidden City is China’s best-preserved palace and the largest ancient palatial structure in the world. The city was constructed in 1420.

Located in the center of modern Beijing, The Forbidden City welcomes around 14 million tourists every year, making it one of the most visited landmarks in Asia.

10) Mount Fuji, Japan

Alongside Mount Everest, Mount Fuji in Japan is another recognizable mountain in the world. This 1200 foot (3776 meters) mountain is located on the Japanese island of Honshū and is still considered an active volcano, even though its last eruption was all the way back in 1707.

11) Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Japan

Fushimi Inari-Taisha is a picturesque vision located in southern Kyoto. It is world-famous because of the thousands of vermilion Torii gates that create an elaborate trail leading into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari.

12) Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia

The Petronas Twin Towers were completed in 1998 and, to this day, continue to be the tallest pair of buildings in the world, standing at 1390 ft (452 meters). The pair is used as the headquarters of Malaysia’s national petroleum company – Petronas. Although the Petronas Twin Towers are the youngest duo on the list, their opulence, height, and popularity have earned them a mention as famous buildings in Asia.

13) Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is where we find our next famous Asian landmark, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This is one of the world’s largest and most marvelous mosques. It took eleven years to be completed (1996-2007), and today it stands as a symbol of Abu Dhabi’s pride.

Due to the mosques’ open-door policy, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque attracts more than 5 million tourists per year and has claimed the title of the most photographed mosque in the world.

14) Petra, Jordan

The ancient city of Petra in Jordan is one of the most recognizable and historical places in Asia.

With plenty of well-preserved antique structures, including the incredible Monastery and the home of Indiana Jones’ Holy Grail – the Treasury. The former capital of the great Nabataean Kingdom is a world-renowned landmark that guarantees a memorable adventure.

15) Grand Palace, Thailand

This South Asia landmark is located in Bangkok, Thailand – the land of smiles. The Grand Palace is a complex of opulent buildings that is a popular attraction in the country.

One of the reasons behind the Grand Palace’s popularity is Wat Phra Kaew Temple. The grandest Buddhist temple, Wat Phra Kaew, is also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and draws approximately 8 million visitors every year.

16) The Chocolate Hills, Philippines

The Chocolate Hills are located on the island of Bohol in the Philippines. Varying in size, these 1,268 peculiarly shaped hills get their name from the change of color they go through during summer. The lush green mounts suddenly turn chocolate brown when the vegetation dies off. These chocolatey brown hues create the most spectacular view in the country.

17) Sigiriya Fortress, Sri Lanka

The Sigiriya Fortress is located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla. Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress that is also the most prominent attraction in Sri Lanka.

Referred by the locals as The 8th Wonder of the World, the fortress includes remnants of a ruined palace, ancient defensive systems, canals, alleys, and even fountains – all of which are perched on a slab of rock, surrounded by the jungle.

18) Taipei 101, Taiwan

This bamboo-shaped tower is the 8th tallest building in the world and is impressively futuristic in design. On the 89th floor is the observation deck that can be reached with the world’s third-fastest high-speed elevator. This elevator travels at a staggering 3200 ft (1,008m) per minute, taking only 37 seconds to reach the top. Once you’re up there, you’ll be amazed by the views.

19) Tian Tan Buddha, Hong Kong

The majestic Buddha, which sits atop Mount Muk Yue, is the second-largest outdoor bronze sitting Buddha in the world and weighs a whopping 230 tonnes. It took more than 12 years to build the 100 feet (34m) tall statue. Take time to enjoy the endless views over the island, the South China Sea, and Hong Kong in the distance.

20) Big Lake, Kazakhstan

What makes Big Lake so special is its amazing blue turquoise water. At 8202 ft (2,500 meters) above sea level, this lake is lined with mountains reaching over 13 ft (4,000 meters). Although you cannot swim in the big lake as it supplies the water for the city Almaty, several stunning walking trails lead off from the lake for exploring.

21) Pink Mosque, Iran

The Pink Mosque, or the Kaleidoscope Mosque, also locally known as the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, dates back to the 19th century. The mosque’s pink floral tiles and colorful stained glass were popular during this era. Now, the city is home to one of the world’s most photographed mosques in the world.

22) Jingmaham Living Root Bridge, India

Most people are used to seeing bridges made with materials like steel, but this bridge is made from the roots of living trees. This unique bridge is made out of the roots of rubber trees, which are bound together to create strong bridge-like structures. The Jingmaham bridge stands across a stream and is strong enough to hold up to 50 people at one time.

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22 Famous Landmarks in Asia | Must-See Sites & Monuments