Asia, the largest continent on Earth, is a treasure trove of architectural wonders that reflect the rich history, cultural diversity, and innovative spirit of its nations. From ancient temples and palaces to modern skyscrapers and cultural landmarks, Asia boasts an impressive collection of famous buildings that have become iconic symbols of their countries. We will delve deeper into the top 20 famous buildings in Asia, exploring their architectural significance, cultural importance, and enduring allure.
1. The Great Wall of China, China
(Photo: wikipedia.org)
The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous and impressive structures in the world. It is a series of fortifications that were built over many centuries by different Chinese dynasties to protect their lands from nomadic invaders. The wall stretches for thousands of kilometers across northern China and southern Mongolia, following the natural contours of mountains, rivers, and deserts. The wall has different sections that vary in age, design, and materials, but the most well-preserved and complete part is from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), which extended the wall from the coast of the Bo Hai Sea to the western edge of China. The Great Wall of China is not only a remarkable engineering feat, but also a symbol of China's culture, history, and identity.
2. Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal is a magnificent mausoleum of white marble that stands on the right bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, India. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj Mahal is considered the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the most beautiful examples of Mughal architecture, which combines elements from Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles. The complex consists of a main gateway, a garden, a mosque, a jawab (a building mirroring the mosque), and the mausoleum itself, which is surrounded by four minarets.
The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and took about 22 years to complete, with the help of more than 20,000 workers and artisans from various countries. The Taj Mahal is famous for its exquisite craftsmanship and intricate decoration, such as the calligraphy, the floral motifs, the inlay work, and the marble screens. The Taj Mahal is also known for its changing colors depending on the time of day and the season. It is a symbol of India's rich history and culture, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
3. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is a magnificent temple complex in Cambodia that was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II. It is the largest religious structure in the world, covering 162.6 hectares (402 acres) of land. It was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, but it later became a Buddhist shrine. Angkor Wat is famous for its stunning architecture, which combines the temple-mountain and the galleried temple styles. It is also adorned with elaborate bas-reliefs and sculptures that depict Hindu and Buddhist mythology, as well as historical scenes of the Khmer Empire. Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Cambodia's cultural heritage.
4. Petronas Towers, Malaysia
The Petronas Twin Towers are iconic buildings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004. The Petronas Twin Towers were built to be the headquarters of Petronas, Malaysia's national petroleum company, and were designed by Argentinian-born American architect Cesar Pelli.
The Petronas Twin Towers have an eight-lobed circular structure containing 88 floors of habitable space and a pyramid-shaped top supported by thin steel columns. Both towers reach a height of 1,483 feet (451.9 meters), including 242 feet (73.6 meters) for spires and pillars. Each building is supported by 16 massive columns around it, which, along with the rest of the frame, are made of high-strength steel-reinforced concrete instead of structural steel; The outer shell consists of stainless steel and glass. A two-story sky bridge connects the two towers between the 41st and 42nd floors.
5. Tokyo Skytree, Japan
The Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan, standing 634 meters tall, and a symbol of Tokyo. The tower is located in Sumida Ward, in the northeastern part of Tokyo. The tower is at the center of a large commercial development funded by a group of six terrestrial broadcasters, including Tobu Railway and NHK.
The tower has an observatory that can accommodate up to 2,000 people at 350 meters above the ground and an observatory that can accommodate up to 900 people at 450 meters above the ground. The upper observation deck features a spiral glass-enclosed skywalk that climbs 5 meters to the top floor. The glass floor offers a direct view of the cityscape below. The tower is also earthquake resistant and has a reinforced concrete core. The tower was designed based on three concepts: a fusion of neo-futuristic design and traditional Japanese beauty, a catalyst for urban revitalization, and a contribution to safety and security.
6. Forbidden City, China
The Forbidden City is a palace complex in Beijing, China, that was the home of the Chinese emperors and their households for over 500 years. It was built from 1406 to 1420 by the Yongle Emperor of the Ming dynasty and was the center of the political and ceremonial life of China. The palace complex covers an area of 178 acres and consists of 980 buildings with 9,999 rooms. The name "Forbidden City" comes from the fact that common people were not allowed to enter the palace without permission. The Forbidden City is now a museum that displays the art and history of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Chinese culture and architecture.
7. Potala Palace, Tibet
The Potala Palace is a magnificent fortress in Lhasa, Tibet, China. It was the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas for centuries, and now it is a museum and a World Heritage Site. The palace is named after Mount Potalaka, the mythical home of Avalokiteśvara, a bodhisattva of compassion. The palace consists of two parts: the White Palace and the Red Palace. The White Palace was used for political and administrative affairs, while the Red Palace was used for religious purposes. The palace has more than 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, and 200,000 statues. It also contains many precious relics, paintings, scriptures, and artifacts. The palace stands on Red Mountain, at an altitude of 3,700 meters (12,300 feet), and overlooks the Lhasa Valley.
8. Burj Khalifa, United Arab Emirates
The Burj Khalifa is a mixed-use skyscraper located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the world's tallest building, according to all three of the main criteria by which such buildings are judged: height to the architectural top, height to the highest occupied floor, and height to the tip of the spire. The Burj Khalifa has a total height of 829.8 m (2,722 ft) and a roof height of 828 m (2,717 ft). It has 163 floors, plus 9 maintenance levels in the spire and 2 parking levels in the basement.
The building was designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the same firm that designed the Willis Tower in Chicago and the One World Trade Center in New York. The design is inspired by the Islamic architecture of the region, especially the Great Mosque of Samarra. The building is named after Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the neighboring emirate of Abu Dhabi and the leader of the United Arab Emirates.
(Photo: tomorrow.city)
The construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004 and was completed in 2009. The building was opened in 2010 as part of a new development called Downtown Dubai. The building is home to various commercial, residential, and hospitality ventures, including offices, apartments, hotels, restaurants, observation decks, and a fountain show. The Burj Khalifa holds several world records, such as the highest outdoor observation deck, the highest number of stories, the highest occupied floor, and the tallest free-standing structure.
9. Lotus Temple, India
The Lotus Temple is a beautiful and unique structure that serves as a place of worship for the followers of the Baháʼí Faith. It is located in New Delhi, India, and was opened to the public in 1986. The temple is shaped like a lotus flower, which is a symbol of purity, beauty, and peace in many religions. The temple has 27 white marble petals that form nine sides and nine entrances. The petals are arranged in three concentric rings: the outer ring covers the entrances, the middle ring covers the outer hall, and the inner ring covers the central hall. The central hall can accommodate up to 2,500 people and has a glass-and-steel roof that lets in natural light. The temple is surrounded by nine pools of water and 26 acres of landscaped gardens.
The Lotus Temple is one of only nine Baháʼí Houses of Worship in the world. It was designed by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba, who won several awards for his work. The construction of the temple took 10 years and cost $10.56 million. The temple is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds, who can come to pray, meditate or listen to the sacred scriptures of different religions. The temple does not have any idols, statues, or pictures, and no sermons or rituals are performed. The only sound in the temple is the chanting or reading of the holy texts.
10. The Great Mosque of Mecca, Saudi Arabia
The Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the world and one of the holiest sites in Islam. It is located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and surrounds the Kaaba, which Muslims believe was built by Abraham and Ismail. Every Muslim must perform the Hajj to the Sacred Mosque at least once in his life if he can, and it is also a major phase of the Umrah.
Among the important sites included in the Grand Mosque are the Black Stone, the Zamzam Well, the Maqam of Ibrahim, and Al-Safa and Al-Marwah. The mosque was subjected to major renovations and expansions throughout history, and passed under the control of different caliphs, sultans, and kings, and is now under the control of the King of Saudi Arabia, who bears the title of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
11. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort in front of Marina Bay in Singapore and a symbol of the city. When it opened in 2010, it was billed as the most expensive independent casino property in the world at S$8 billion ($6.88 billion). Marina Bay Sands was designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, with a unique artistic image that blurs the line between art and architecture.
This resort has many amenities and services, including a casino, a shopping mall, a luxury hotel with bathtubs and balconies, a science park, a museum, a theater, and a rooftop entertainment area. One of the highlights of Marina Bay Sands is the SkyPark, a park suspended from three 55-storey towers, featuring the world's longest infinity pool. Marina Bay Sands is an ideal destination for travelers who want to explore Singapore with a modern and luxurious style.
12. Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar
The Shwedagon Pagoda, also known as the Golden Pagoda, is a gilded stupa located in Yangon, Myanmar. It is the most sacred Buddhist site in the country, as it is believed to contain relics of four previous Buddhas, including eight strands of hair from Gautama Buddha. The pagoda stands on a hill that is 51 meters high and dominates the skyline of Yangon. It has a history of over 2,500 years and has witnessed many events in Myanmar's history, such as natural disasters, military occupation, and political protests.
The pagoda is surrounded by four entrances, each guarded by a pair of chinthe, mythical lion-like creatures.
13. Taipei 101, Taiwan
Taipei 101 is a skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan that was the world's tallest building from 2004 to 2009. It has 101 floors and a height of 508 meters, including the spire. It was formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center and is a landmark of Taiwan. Taipei 101 has a shopping mall, an observatory, and a restaurant on its top floor. It also has the world's fastest elevators that can reach the 89th floor in 37 seconds. Taipei 101 is designed in a postmodern style and has a bamboo-like shape. It is also known for its environmental features, such as its wind damper and its LEED certification.
14. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, United Arab Emirates
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and is located in Abu Dhabi, the country's capital. The mosque is the main place for daily prayers and receives the largest number of visitors during Eid al-Fitr, reaching about 41 thousand visitors. The construction of the mosque began in 1994 and ended in 2007, and it was inaugurated in December of the same year.
The mosque is named after its founder and first president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was buried here after he died in 2004. The mosque’s architect, Yusuf Abdul Kay, drew inspiration from various sources including Persian, Mughal, and Indian Islamic architecture. The mosque has 82 domes of seven different sizes and four minarets that are 107 meters high. The mosque also includes a library that contains books and publications dealing with various Islamic topics in many languages, including Arabic, English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, and Korean.
15. Himeji Castle, Japan
Himeji Castle is a hilltop Japanese castle located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Also known as Shirasagi Castle, it is said to resemble a bird in flight due to its elegant white appearance. Himeji Castle is considered a masterpiece of Japanese castle architecture and is a complex 83-room castle with an advanced feudal-era defensive system. Himeji Castle is designated as a National Treasure and is also registered as a World Heritage Site.
Himeji Castle is strategically located on the western approach to the old capital of Kyoto. The first fort built on this site was completed in 1333 but was later dismantled and rebuilt as Himeyama Castle in 1346. Two centuries later, it was rebuilt into Himeji Castle. Himeji Castle was extensively rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1581, adding a three-story keep. In 1600 Tokugawa Ieyasu gave the castle to Ikeda Terumasa for his exploits at the Battle of Sekigahara. Ikeda Terumasa completely rebuilt the castle from 1601 to 1609 and expanded it into a large castle. Later, from 1617 to 1618 Honda Tadamasa added several buildings to the castle.
(Photo: remotelands)
Himeji Castle has remained intact for nearly 700 years, surviving natural disasters such as the bombing of Himeji City during World War II and the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995. Himeji Castle is the largest and most visited castle in Japan and was one of the first registered World Heritage Sites in Japan in 1993.
16. Borobudur Temple, Indonesia
Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world which was built in the 9th century AD during the reign of the Syailendra Dynasty. This temple is located in the Kedu Valley, in the southern part of Central Java, in the center of Java Island, Indonesia.
The temple has nine levels composed of six square terraces and three circular terraces, which are covered by a central stupa. The walls and fences of the temple are decorated with fine reliefs covering a surface area of 2,500 m2. Surrounding the circular terrace are 72 perforated stupas, each containing a Buddha statue.
(Photo: escapemanila.com)
This temple is a holy place for Buddhists and a place of pilgrimage for pilgrims. The pilgrim's journey starts from the base of the temple and follows a path around the temple, rising to the top through three levels symbolizing Buddhist cosmology: Kāmadhātu (world of desire), Rūpadhātu (world of form) and Arūpadhātu (world of formlessness). The temple guides pilgrims through an extensive system of staircases and passageways with 1,460 narrative relief panels on the walls and balustrades. Borobudur has one of the largest and most complete collections of Buddhist reliefs in the world.
17. Hwaseong Fortress, South Korea
Hwaseong Fortress is a fortress made of stone and brick surrounding the center of Suwon in the Joseon Dynasty in the late 18th century. It was built by King Jeongjo for defensive purposes, to form a new political base, and to enshrine the remains of his father, Crown Prince Jangheon. The massive walls of the fort are 5.74 km long and enclose an area of 130 ha. Suncheon Stream flows through the center of the fort.
The city walls contain several defenses, most of which are perfectly preserved. These include the Hong Gate, Observatory, Command Center, Multiple Arrow Launcher, FireBase, Gaknu, Secret Gate, Beacon Tower, Camp, and Trenches. The four main gates are located to the north, south, east, and west. Hwaseong has had a great influence on the development of architecture, urban planning, landscaping, and related arts in Korea. It combines military, political, and commercial functions, unlike Chinese and Japanese fortresses. Designed by Jeong Yak-Yong, a leading scholar of the Silhak school, it is characterized by careful planning, a combination of dwelling and defense functions, and the application of the latest scientific knowledge.
18. Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), Turkey
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a historic and religious landmark in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built by Sultan Ahmed I between 1609 and 1616, during the Ottoman Empire. The mosque is famous for its six minarets, which are slender towers that rise from the corners of the building and call the faithful to prayer.
The mosque is also known for its blue tiles that cover the interior walls, creating a stunning contrast with the white marble and red carpets. The mosque has a large courtyard with a fountain and a spacious prayer hall with a main dome and eight smaller domes. The mosque is located next to the Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church that was converted into a mosque and then a museum. The Blue Mosque is still an active place of worship, as well as a popular tourist attraction.
Asia is a continent that showcases an extraordinary fusion of ancient traditions and modern innovations, and its famous buildings stand as testaments to this diverse architectural heritage. From the majestic Great Wall of China and the timeless Taj Mahal to the futuristic Burj Khalifa and Taipei 101, these structures embody the creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of the nations they represent. As enduring symbols of Asia's past, present, and future, these architectural marvels continue to captivate visitors from around the world, offering glimpses into the continent's rich
What is the oldest building in Asia?
Asia, the largest and most populous continent, is steeped in history that goes back thousands of years. It hosts an array of ancient structures that shed light on its diverse and rich heritage. Some of the oldest buildings in Asia are:
Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, is a complex of stone structures dating back to 9500–7500 BC. It is considered to be a place of worship and one of the oldest examples of monumental architecture in the world.
Hōryū-ji in Japan, is a Buddhist temple complex founded in 607 AD. It contains some of the oldest wooden buildings still standing, such as the Kondō (Main Hall) and the Gojū-no-tō (Five-story Pagoda), both built in the 7th century.
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