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Is it always required to go far out into the countryside in search of something really exceptional, or is there another way? What if you found it in a city?
A city is the beating heart of a civilization; it is fascinating and ever-evolving. In the middle of the mayhem, though, it is sometimes vital to take a breather and relax. Stop your hectic day and take in the beautiful cityscapes that surround you. The cityscapes come alive with dazzling luminosity as night falls. There is an enticing magnetic rush emanating from the bright lights of certain Asian urban centers at night. Here are some of the top Asian skylines to fall in love with.
1. Hong Kong
Anyone who visits Hong Kong would agree that it boasts one of the world’s most breathtaking skylines. The surrounding nature and the urban growth of Hong Kong are both reflected in the city’s skyline, which is highlighted by Victoria Peak and skyscrapers.
No matter where you are in Hong Kong—Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, or Hong Kong Island—mountains are always visible in the distance. The government of Hong Kong imposed height restrictions on the city’s structures, so we can often see the surrounding mountains against a blue sky.
This Asian metropolis has 317 skyscrapers, making it the city with the most in the world. Hong Kong’s Skyline along Victoria Harbor is mostly made up of the city’s gleaming, notably high-end, buildings. Public open areas are transformed into cultural centers that encourage imagination and creativity, and modern architecture that blends Chinese Lingnan and British styles is a priority.
The International Commerce Centre is the highest skyscraper in Hong Kong and the ninth-tallest in the globe with a height of 484 m (1,588 ft) and 118 stories. The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, is the world’s highest hotel thanks to its 15-floor takeover of the International Commerce Centre. Visitors may take in breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour from the Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck, located on the building’s 100th level.
2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai’s location on the Persian Gulf has made it of importance to world trade since the old times. However, Dubai, as we know it, has not come to be until the oil discovery in 1966. The city has witnessed a significant growth in the 70s owing to the oil revenue; a growth that has made it capable to be, now, a world trade center and a top destination for tourists.
Some describe Dubai as a futuristic city, while others categorize it as the hub for luxury and tourism. But, one thing that makes it the most attractive and unforgettable experience is the stunning Dubai Skyline. With the perfect blend of nature and futuristic architecture, the city offers one of the best views of iconic places. If you are visiting Dubai, don’t miss out on watching the most beautiful skylines in the world.
Although Dubai is filled with incredible spots to enjoy the great view of the city, there are some perfect sights to make them more beautiful. Take a gander at the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa. It offers astonishing views of downtown Dubai and the beautiful skyline.
One of the greatest 360-degree views of Dubai is available on the 124th and 125th floors, from the observation deck. And if you’ve got the means for it, the best seats in the house are on the 148th floor. The tallest observation deck in the world and the greatest vantage point of the Dubai skyline await you at the very top.
3. Shanghai, China
Shanghai has the largest container port in the world and is the financial and transportation center for all of China and the rest of the globe. This city is often held up as an example of China’s phenomenal economic progress.
The city’s architectural hallmark, the Bund, which runs along the Huangpu River, has become instantly recognizable to people all over the globe. Although skyscrapers cannot be constructed higher than the Bund, on the other side of the river, the city has grown into one of the biggest and wealthiest in the nation.
The Shanghai Tower, at 632 meters, is the tallest building in China. Another one to admire is the Shanghai Bottle Opener, a building illuminated by a pulsating light show that features revolving advertisements, films, and text.
Taking in the Shanghai skyline from a variety of vantage points reveals new insights into the metropolis. Where can you get the finest view of the cityscape? The Bund is where the majority of iconic photos of the Shanghai skyline were shot. While taking a stroll down the Bund, not only will you be treated to a breathtaking panorama of Shanghai’s stunning skyline, but you will also be able to see some impressive examples of both classical and contemporary architecture.
4. Singapore
Among the world’s remaining city-states, Singapore stands out as a unique, unified metropolis. Its economy was one of the four Asian Tigers that grew rapidly between the 1960s and the 1990s. Following its declaration of independence from the United Kingdom, the city has seen explosive expansion, becoming a major financial center, transit hub, and tourism destination on a global scale.
The city of Singapore has been dubbed “the futuristic city of Asia” due to the almost daily erection of new buildings. A combination of the city’s plentiful greenery and contemporary buildings gives it one of the most magnificent skylines in all of Asia. The Tanjong Pagar Center, at 951 feet, is the city’s tallest structure.
The Singapore Flyer is the ideal vantage point from which to take in the city’s stunning skyline. This is one of the most picturesque areas in Singapore, situated on the river near the Helix Bridge. At every time of day or night, the Singapore Flyer provides an unrivaled vantage point over the city. Merlion Park is another fantastic waterfront location from which to take in the Singapore skyline. These locations are just 15 minutes away from each other, so you can get two perspectives in a short amount of time.
5. Tokyo, Japan
The war did cause considerable damage to the Japanese capital city. But even before then, the city’s ancient core architecture had not changed much. After the war concluded, however, Tokyo was able to begin its transformation into an economic and technological hub when it welcomed the 1964 Summer Olympics.
The Tokyo Skytree is not to be missed by anybody visiting Tokyo in search of a really unforgettable experience. This enormous building is an impressive 634 meters in height. It is the highest building in Japan and the second tallest building in the world (after Dubai’s Burj Khalifa). On a clear day, visitors may see the renowned Mt. Fuji from the upper of the two observation decks, which provide a stunning panorama of Tokyo and its environs.
At 350 meters, the observation deck offers a breathtaking panorama of Tokyo’s neon-lit streets and buildings. On the other hand, the view from the observation deck at 450 meters will make you feel like you’re on the summit of the planet as you survey the city below.
Another well-known structure in Tokyo is the Tokyo Tower. This tower, a staple of the Tokyo skyline, often appears in Japanese media such as anime and manga.
This skyscraper is an astounding 333 meters in height. Shorter than the Sky Tree, but with equally impressive city vistas from its two observation decks. Nighttime vistas from the observation decks are enough to make any Japan fan drool.
6. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is rapidly expanding into a world-class metropolis. It is not surprise that the city remains a popular tourist destination in the area, given its many attractions, including its shining skyscrapers and historic buildings, its abundance of natural wonders, and its lively nightlife.
The Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia are really remarkable structures. Once the highest building in the world, these twin structures are now prominent landmarks in the Malaysian landscape. You can see the beautiful skyline from the glass sky bridge that connects the two skyscrapers.
There’s also the Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower, which is worth checking out. Menara Kuala Lumpur, sometimes referred to simply as “Kuala Lumpur Tower,” is not to be confused with the Twin Towers. The iconic Iranian-inspired dome houses the Atmosphere 360 restaurant, which revolves above the public-access viewing deck, and is the second-tallest building in Asia. Menara, one of Kuala Lumpur’s highest structures, is also noted as a pit stop and marker in season 1 of Amazing Race Asia.
7. Seoul, South Korea
South Korea, another of the four Asian tigers that have gone through a significant economic revolution in the latter part of the 20th century, has its capital city in Seoul. It has emerged as a leading hub for information and communication technologies on a global scale. In addition to this, it has played home to a number of significant sporting events, including as the Summer Olympics in 1988 and the FIFA World Cup in 2002, alongside the Japanese capital city of Tokyo.
The Seoul skyline is particularly distinctive due to the spectacular combination of nature and high-rise buildings that it has. An observation that takes in all 65 of the city’s structures, including the Lotte World Tower, is particularly arresting. The city of Seoul is elevated and is encircled on all sides by mountains, which contributes to the city’s allure.
The Lotte World Tower, which is the highest skyscraper in Seoul, the Three IFC Office Tower, the Samsung Tower Palace, Mok Dong Hyperion, and the 63 Building are a few examples of the great buildings that contribute to the skyline of Seoul. The highest observation deck of the Namsan Seoul Tower offers the greatest view of the city’s skyline. However, there are various other locations throughout the city from where one may obtain an excellent view of the beautiful cityscape of Seoul.
8. Taipei, Taiwan
The capital and biggest city of Taiwan is Taipei. Over 2.7 million people call the city’s 104.94 square kilometers of land their home. The city of Taipei is host to the majority of Taiwan’s iconic skyscrapers, which are renowned for their innovative fusion of classical Chinese and contemporary Western styles.
The Taipei 101, the highest structure in Taiwan and one of the tallest in the world, adds beauty and elegance to the skyline of Taipei. Taipei 101 has five underground levels and 101 above-ground stories. It was the highest structure in the world from March 31, 2004, to March 10, 2010, and the first skyscraper to reach half a kilometer in heigh.
The tower’s 101 stories are meant to represent the passing of time and the beginning of a new century (100+1) as well as the beginning of each subsequent year (1 January = 1-01). It represents aspirations that are above and above by going beyond the conventional threshold of 100.
Dihua Street, with its ancient wood-frame buildings on small alleyways, the Raohe night market, which hums with energy until the early hours of the morning, and the observation deck and rooftop park atop Taipei 101 are what make Taipei one of the planet’s most stunning skylines.
9. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is both the country’s biggest city and its capital. Since most tourists entering Thailand do so via Bangkok, it would be hard to ignore the city’s breathtaking skyline. Because of its tropical location, Bangkok is home to verdant foliage, which serves as a striking counterpoint to the city’s many skyscrapers.
The MahaNakhon Tower, at an impressive 1,031 feet in height, is the city’s highest structure. The building’s glass facade makes it seem like it has been chiseled out, making it one of the most impressive examples of architecture in the nation.
The Vertigo Sky Bar is a great spot to get a bird’s-eye view of the city. An outdoor restaurant with a stunning view of Bangkok’s skyline, Vertigo serves up excellent meals with drinks from the adjacent Moon Bar.
The King Power Mahanakhon has one of the best views in Bangkok, making it a popular choice for Instagram photos. This massive skyscraper is the second-tallest structure in Bangkok, at 314 meters tall and 77 stories. King Power Mahanakhon is a must-see if you’re visiting the Thai capital and want to get some great photos for Insta.
10. Mumbai, India
When talking about cities’ skylines, you can’t overlook Mumbai, the beating heart of Maharashtra. One of India’s most progressive cities, Mumbai’s skyline is a visual representation of the city’s modernity. A newbie to India’s financial capital may be intimidated by the city’s hectic pace, but it is at night that the true spirit of Mumbai reveals itself.
The sheer quantity of Mumbai’s skyscrapers is legendary. Over three thousand buildings in Mumbai meet the criteria for the classification of a skyscraper, making it the city with the largest concentration of such structures in India. The skyline of Mumbai is dominated by a mix of commercial and residential high-rises.
Mumbai is rapidly expanding to become one of the world’s biggest cities. The tallest buildings in Mumbai, those above 200 meters in height, were all constructed after 2010. Their numbers, though, are rising quickly.
Marine Drive is the spot to go if you wish to head out and see the city’s beautiful skyline. Every Mumbai resident has, at some point in their life, sat on Marine Drive, felt the wind in their face, and lost themselves in reflection while gazing at the Mumbai cityscape. Despite its location in the middle of one of the city’s major thoroughfares, visitors to Marine Drive often report feeling a sense of peace and quiet.
Final Words
The most dramatic statement that can be made about a city is captured in its skyline or silhouette. From afar, a city’s skyline may reveal a lot about its size, wealth, and cultural legacy, as well as its residential, commercial, and business areas.
However, these are only 10 of the many cities in Asia that may offer stunning skylines. These skylines reflect the economic growth and strength of the aforementioned Asian cities and provide a look into the future of many more.
