Temple patterns in Beijing

Asiahop’s blog

The most original places in China and Japan

  • Nihon Sankei, Japan’s 3 best scenic views

    Nihon Sankei, Japan’s 3 best scenic views

    The Japanese love to make lists of three to highlight places in their geography, elements of their culture, or products of their cuisine, among other things. In previous posts, we have already talked about food lists, such as the Nihon Sandai Rāmen (日本三大ラーメン), with the three best ramen in Japan (Sapporo Ramen from Hokkaido, Hakata

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  • The charm of Hongcun, the hidden gem of Anhui

    The charm of Hongcun, the hidden gem of Anhui

    Located in Anhui province (安徽), eastern China, the ancient village of Hongcun (宏村) represents one of the country’s best-preserved cultural treasures. This settlement, with more than 900 years of history and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, offers visitors an authentic immersion in traditional China, far from the hustle and bustle of large

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  • Fujian Tulou, unique Chinese architecture

    Fujian Tulou, unique Chinese architecture

    The Fujian Tulou (土楼) are ancestral fortresses historically inhabited by family clans. Circular or rectangular at the base, they are built with earth and wood, have several stories high, and have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. Still inhabited, some Tulou date back to the 12th century. And their shapes do not leave

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  • Nakasendo Trail through the Japanese Alps

    Nakasendo Trail through the Japanese Alps

    The Nakasendō Route (中山道), which literally means “road through the mountains,” was one of the five major highways of the Edo period (1603–1868), connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) with Kyoto. Unlike other routes that followed the coastline, such as the Tōkaidō, the Nakasendō cut through the mountainous interior of the country, stretching over 500 kilometers and

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  • How to Pay in China in 2026

    How to Pay in China in 2026

    Traveling to China today means encountering one of the most advanced societies when it comes to digital payments. Cash has barely been used for over 10 years. Everything is paid for with a mobile phone. While the yuan in its paper and coin version is still legally required to be accepted, in reality, many businesses

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  • What to see and do in Osaka when you don’t have much time

    What to see and do in Osaka when you don’t have much time

    Osaka is a city that deserves several days to get to know it beyond the surface. Its blend of history, lively urban life and one of Japan’s best food scenes make it a very complete destination. However, many travellers can only visit it in passing, taking advantage of its excellent location and train and plane

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  • The agency that takes you to China and Japan: ‘We use psychology to ensure people have their ideal trip.’

    The agency that takes you to China and Japan: ‘We use psychology to ensure people have their ideal trip.’

    If there is one thing these two entrepreneurs have in common, it is that Asia has captured their hearts. With that as their starting point, they have just launched Asiahop, an online agency that plans personalised trips. A journalist by training, consultant and now entrepreneur. Diego Bergantiños’ journey reached a new milestone just a few

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  • What is hotpot and how do you eat it?

    What is hotpot and how do you eat it?

    Hotpot (火锅, huǒguō) is much more than a simple dish in Chinese cuisine; it represents a complete social experience where the act of eating becomes a celebration shared with friends and family. This cooking method, which consists of a boiling pot in the center of the table where diners submerge and cook various ingredients, has

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  • Jinyunshan Natural Reserve, Chongqing

    Jinyunshan Natural Reserve, Chongqing

    🌿 Discover Chongqing’s natural sanctuary: Jinyunshan National Reserve 🌿Chongqing isn’t just skyscrapers and colorful lights. Just 30 minutes from the city center, you’ll find a fantastic place for a peaceful walk through the forest, free from tourists, noise, and crowds. These green mountains are full of hiking trails, with well-marked routes to various points of

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  • What it’s like to travel with Asiahop

    What it’s like to travel with Asiahop

    Asiahop is a different kind of travel agency. We were officially founded in 2025, but we have been travelling and taking people to China and Japan for over 10 years. We have lived and worked in these two countries. We love their culture, their places, their people, their cuisine and their way of life. That’s

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