Asiahop’s blog
The most original places in China and Japan
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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
🌿 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
Asiahop is a different kind of travel agency. We design tailor-made trips, completely personalized and adapted to the interests and pace of each traveler. Our approach is a far cry from traditional organized tours, with no group guides or rigid itineraries. We believe that the best way to discover a new culture is to travel…
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Sichuan, land of spicy food, mountains and panda bears
Sichuan (四川), whose name means “Four Rivers,” is one of China’s most fascinating provinces. Located in the southwest of the country, this region captivates travelers with its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and, of course, its world-famous cuisine. Located in southwest China, Sichuan borders Qinghai Province and the Tibet Autonomous Region to the…
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Castle routes in Japan
There are around 100 castles in Japan, most of which were built between the 15th and 17th centuries. Centres of political, military and administrative power, they have withstood civil wars, clan attacks, internal rebellions and devastating fires. During the turbulent Sengoku period, they offered defence and strategic control, and in the Edo period, they symbolised…
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Let’s go to Okinawa! Not just beaches
The Okinawa archipelago is a region of Japan where you will discover a culture very different from the rest of the country. The Ryūkyū Islands, the name given to the group of islands stretching from the south of Kyūshū to the vicinity of Taiwan, has an enviable subtropical climate all year round and a very…
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15 day China route (easy)
If you are planning a two week route for China for your first visit to this country, keep reading. Here we detail an ideal plan for your 15 day China itinerary. And if you want to know when it is the best time to travel to China check our guide here. Where do I start?…
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Chinese Food: The Many Faces of Chinese Cuisine
A Journey through ancient flavors Chinese cuisine, with over 5,000 years of history, represents one of the oldest and most complex culinary traditions in the world. What we know today as Chinese cuisine is the result of centuries of evolution, adaptation, and innovation that have given rise to a universe of flavors, techniques, and culinary…
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What to see in Nikkō and how to get there from Tokyo
One of the most popular natural destinations accessible from Tokyo is Nikkō, a small town in Tochigi Prefecture that is home to one of Japan’s most unique and best-preserved religious sites in the midst of stunning nature. Nikkō National Park (日光国立公園) covers a large area and there are several hiking trails to enjoy its lakes,…
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Winter in Yamagata, a dream prefecture
Visiting Yamagata in winter is like being immersed in a fairytale. Easily accessible from Tokyo thanks to the Shinkansen, its main tourist attractions are Ginzan Onsen, Dewa Sanzan and Yamadera, as well as the so-called snow monsters of Zao Onsen, a place famous for its hot springs and ski resort. If you love the snow…