Taiwan, South Korea and Japan: Temples to skylines

You've packed your favourite outfit, travel guide and camera, and now you're ready to go! Today you're hopping on a plane and embarking on an unforgettable city adventure in three of Asia's largest metropolises: Taipei, Seoul and Tokyo – three cities, three countries, three unique cultures and you right in the middle of it all! As your plane glides over the endless expanses of the Asian mainland, you're already busy forging plans and thinking about all the adventures ahead!

Amazed, you catch your first glimpse of the city's sea of houses surrounded by green mountain slopes. It's like a fantastic painting. You head to your hotel, quickly shake off the jet lag and your curiosity drives you into the exciting bustle of the metropolis.
In Taipei, you're spoilt for choice. There's just so much to discover! So, the obvious thing to do is to visit the first building you see. And no matter where you are, that's almost certainly Taipei 101. At 1,667 feet, the skyscraper is one of the tallest buildings in the world and offers a breathtaking view of Taiwan's sparkling capital. Hungry? No problem! This country is renowned for its excellent cuisine. And where can you get the best food? In one of the top five night markets of course: Shilin, Raohe, Shida, Ningxia and Huaxi! Dive into the hustle and bustle of the city at night and discover its unique street food. Enjoy!

New day, new adventure! Did you know that Taipei is home to the world's first cat café?! So how about a delicious drink and a tasty bite to eat while you pet some cute four-legged friends (optional, payable on site)? When you're done with that, another of Taipei's highlights awaits: Elephant Mountain! Climb one flight of stairs after another and discover what's probably the best viewpoint in the entire city. Once you reach the top, you'll have a fantastic view of the skyline and Taipei 101 with lush greenery right in front of you, the city's sea of houses behind and rolling hills in the background – the perfect place for a memorable pic or two. A little tip: The view from up here is particularly beautiful at sunset!

The city's numerous temples prove that beyond being ultra-modern, Taipei also has a rich history. Probably the most beautiful of these is the Mengjia Longshan Temple (Dragon Mountain Temple), and that's exactly where you're heading. Utterly captivated, you walk through the mighty main gate as the scent of incense fills the air. Dragons winding around stone pillars, shining golden characters, delicate ornaments and figures in all the colours of the rainbow and the typical curved tiled roofs paint a breathtaking picture of architectural beauty. And your next stop is no less impressive: the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Flanked by mighty halls, the chalk-white building towers above the expansive square like a fortress and reminds its visitors of Taiwan's first president, Chiang Kai-shek. Afterward in Daan Forest Park, the 'Central Park' of Taipei, you have a chance to get away from the urban jungle for a rest and recharge your batteries for all the new discoveries ahead.