14 Nights Asia

Despite its status as Korea's second largest city, Pusan (or Busan) does not neglect the country's obsession with nature. The city's undulating hills result in an unusual mix of forested slopes, rugged beaches, lurching cliffs and hot springs. Pusan's seafood is legendary.

Despite its status as Korea's second largest city, Pusan (or Busan) does not neglect the country's obsession with nature. The city's undulating hills result in an unusual mix of forested slopes, rugged beaches, lurching cliffs and hot springs. Pusan's seafood is legendary.

Nicknamed "Little Kyoto," Kanazawas rich history and culture ranges from geisha districts to a 16th-century castle. Locals here enjoy the good life away from big-city buzz, whether they're picking up fresh seafood at Omicho Market or strolling Kenroku-en Garden's manicured paths

A busy port in Tottori Prefecture on the Sea of Japan, Sakaiminato is a gateway to some of Japans best nature and slow-paced, traditional culture. Head to Daisen Oki National Park, where you can hike up volcanic Mount Daisen, stopping for a rest inside Daisen-ji Buddhist temple, which lies halfway to the summit. In Sakaiminato city, walk along Mizuki Shigeru Road, lined with statues inspired by Japanese comic legend Shigeru Mizukis characters ? pop into the museum of the same name to see the artists original comics. Cruise to Sakaiminato and drive out to Matsue Castle ? finished in 1611, its one of the oldest still-standing castles in Japan ? and continue on to the ancient Shinto shrine at Izumo Taisha.

The dense downtown ward of Hakata sprawls from the harbor toward bamboo-forested hills. It's known for modern malls and traditional craft stores on Kawabata Shopping Arcade. Busy noodle shops serve Hakata-style pork ramen, and after-work crowds fill casual bars near Hakata Station.

The A-bomb Hypocentre (the exact point where the atomic bomb hit in 1945) brings most people to this pleasant, easy-going city. As a crossroads of cultures, it is imprinted with Chinese temples, Catholic churches and European-style houses, and imported cuisines and festivals flourish.

Cheju Island

One day is simply not enough in Tianjin and Beijing, so make sure to see some of the essential sights before your cruise departs. Cruise from Beijing to visit the Great Wall of China at Huangya Pass, located about an hour and a half from town. If youre an adventure junky, try climbing to the top of Widows Peak, the highest point of this portion of the wall, and snap a few breathtaking photos

One day is simply not enough in Tianjin and Beijing, so make sure to see some of the essential sights before your cruise departs. Cruise from Beijing to visit the Great Wall of China at Huangya Pass, located about an hour and a half from town. If youre an adventure junky, try climbing to the top of Widows Peak, the highest point of this portion of the wall, and snap a few breathtaking photos

The East China Sea is a marginal sea east of China

Still shaking off 40 years of oblivion and its Communist clothes, the biggest city in the biggest country on Earth is undergoing a massive rebirth. Though still battered, its thrust of energy is leading the way for the city to re-establishing itself as the Paris of China.