Suggested East Asian Destinations

East Asia

China
(1) Beijing is China's political and cultural power house. I hope you love pollution and have iron lungs. Wear a ultra grade air filter mask (3M makes some good ones I used during SARS) and check out the Forbidden Palace, Tiananmen Square, Great Wall of China, underground arts scene. To see counterfeiting in progress, visit Hong Qiao, the fake goods market (if it still exists). Don't even bother bringing back pirated DVDs since fines start at $10K per DVD if you're caught (stick w/ Netflix)! Just FYI, there are three qualities of fake goods: A, B and C "huo," (huo = stock). "A-hou" offers the best quality and may actually be the real thing. "C-hou" will obviously look fake with misspellings like "Kalvin Cline" or "Dorlex." In general, practice aggressive bargain shopping. Exercise the "walk away" where you state your bottom line price and walk away; the vendor will panic, grumble, complement your bargaining skills, and then accept your price. Note: This walk away technique does not work in Vietnam. I tried it but the vendor just let me walk away! Recommended stay: 4-5 days.

(2) Shanghai is mainland China's economic power house. Check out the Bund, China Communist Party's first office, Korea's interim government, Sun Yat Sen's house, and visit other cultural and art museums. Experience the Maglev bullet train if you're flying into Pudong Int'l Airport (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_levitation_train). Recommended stay: 3-5 days.

Hong Kong
(1) Perhaps the most beautiful skyline in the world! Take a boat ride, check out the mountain top visitor's center, and experience The Peninsula hotel! Recommended stay: 2 days.

Japan
(1) Tokyo is a must for any first time visitor! Visit Shinjuko, Shibuya (electronic city), Roppongi Hills (http://www.roppongihills.com/en/), temples, markets, and Yokohama!

(2) Hakone stop by for an amazing hot springs bath!

(3) Kyoto and her temples are inspiring. The Golden Temple is a must see. Get there: experience Japan's bullet train, the Shinkansen (http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2018.html)!

Taiwan
(1) Taipei is cheap, fun and cheerful! Check out the museums, Taipei 101, and night markets. I think they have the best night markets in all of Asia!! Try chou tofu--stinky tofu--it's like eating Dorian . . . mmmm! Recommended stay: 3-5 days.