26-DAY SHANGHAI NIGHTS, TAIWAN LANTERNS & JAPAN'S GEMS

Hong Kong, situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea, is a kaleidoscope of life, a sophisticated fusion of East and West, a city of diversity where new and old meet at every turn. Hong Kong offers a host of memorable tourist attractions within its compact area. Victoria Harbour and the Giant Buddha are among the most awe-inspiring. Read more about Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Shanghai, at the mouth of the Yangtze River on the mid-coast of mainland China, is the most populous city in the People's Republic. It is the largest centre of commerce and finance on mainland China, and the show-piece of the world's fastest-growing major economy. It is a major cruise port rivalling Hong Kong and Singapore, and the largest container port in the world. Read more about Shanghai, China

Shanghai, at the mouth of the Yangtze River on the mid-coast of mainland China, is the most populous city in the People's Republic. It is the largest centre of commerce and finance on mainland China, and the show-piece of the world's fastest-growing major economy. It is a major cruise port rivalling Hong Kong and Singapore, and the largest container port in the world. Read more about Shanghai, China

Naha is the capital and main city of the Okinawa Prefecture in Japan, and is located on Okinawa Island, the largest of a long stretch of islands between mainland Japan and Taiwan. With the only sub-tropical climate in all of Japan it is a major tourist destination for the Japanese. Till recently there were not many foreign tourists to these shores, but this is quickly changing. Read more about Naha, Japan

Miyako is a small city of 60,000 people on the eastern-most coast of Honshu, Japan's main island. The island of Miyako-jima is home to beautiful beaches, perfect for sunning, swimming and snorkelling. When you are ‘sun-spent’, migrate to the Miyako-jima City Tropical Plant Garden to marvel at over 1,500 species of exotic tropical plants. Read more about Miyako, Japan

Hualien City is located on the east coast of Taiwan, on a strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountain Range, and is the capital of the Hualien County. Tourists visit the city for its own beauty and interest, and it is also the base for a tour to the famous Torako Gorge, just a short distance north of the city. Hire a motor scooter or take a taxi to visit the numerous tourist spots. Read more about Hualien, Taiwan, Province of China

Taipei, located on the Danshui River, is the largest city and the capital of Taiwan, in the Republic of China. It lies 25 km SW of the Pacific Ocean port Keelung in northern Taiwan. Now a sprawling metropolis, for those who love the hustle and bustle of a big city, it truly is a great place to visit. Read more about Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, Province of China

Hong Kong, situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea, is a kaleidoscope of life, a sophisticated fusion of East and West, a city of diversity where new and old meet at every turn. Hong Kong offers a host of memorable tourist attractions within its compact area. Victoria Harbour and the Giant Buddha are among the most awe-inspiring. Read more about Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Taipei, located on the Danshui River, is the largest city and the capital of Taiwan, in the Republic of China. It lies 25 km SW of the Pacific Ocean port Keelung in northern Taiwan. Now a sprawling metropolis, for those who love the hustle and bustle of a big city, it truly is a great place to visit. Read more about Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, Province of China

Ishigaki is the largest city for the Yaeyama Island Group, and is located on Ishigaki Island, as is the area's major boat terminal, Ishigaki Port. It is the southernmost of the Ryukyu (or Nansei) Islands chain, of which the largest is Okinawa. The island enjoys a thriving culture steeped in traditions that are a mixture from Japan, China, nearby Taiwan (230km to the west), and its former trading partners. Read more about Ishigaki, Japan

Naha is the capital and main city of the Okinawa Prefecture in Japan, and is located on Okinawa Island, the largest of a long stretch of islands between mainland Japan and Taiwan. With the only sub-tropical climate in all of Japan it is a major tourist destination for the Japanese. Till recently there were not many foreign tourists to these shores, but this is quickly changing. Read more about Naha, Japan

Miyazaki lies on the east coast of Japan’s fourth largest island Kyushu, looking out to the Pacific Ocean. To the west lie the verdant mountains rising to 1150m. This is a tourist city, known for shopping, many public baths, and the Phoenix Seagaia Resort. Read more about Miyazaki , Japan

Kochi is the capital of Kochi Prefecture on the southern coast of Shikoku Island, Japan. The city is small and friendly, with a casual atmosphere and a dose of southern flair. It boasts several attractions of interest to travellers. Read more about Kochi, Japan

Osaka, the heart of the Greater Osaka Area, is located at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay, and is the third largest city in Japan. Historically it is also regarded as the commercial capital of Japan, as evidenced by its daytime population being over a million greater than its night time population. From above ground and underground shopping malls and specialised shopping complexes, to the unusual America Mura which offers both new and used clothing, as well as flea markets, and the Asia Pacific Trade Centre with its international wholesale market, shopping here truly is a fascinating experience. Read more about Osaka, Japan

Osaka, the heart of the Greater Osaka Area, is located at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay, and is the third largest city in Japan. Historically it is also regarded as the commercial capital of Japan, as evidenced by its daytime population being over a million greater than its night time population. From above ground and underground shopping malls and specialised shopping complexes, to the unusual America Mura which offers both new and used clothing, as well as flea markets, and the Asia Pacific Trade Centre with its international wholesale market, shopping here truly is a fascinating experience. Read more about Osaka, Japan

Shimizu is located on the coast of Suruga Bay, 140km SW of Tokyo, on the island of Honshu, facing the Pacific Ocean. Shimizu-ku is actually a ward or sub-division of the city of Shiuoka. The Kakita River flows through the town. Read more about Shimizu, Japan

Tokyo, located on the eastern side of the main island of Honshu, is the core of the most populated area in the world (urban area 38M). The small fishing village of Edo was fortified in 1457 with Edo Castle (The Imperial Palace now stands at this location) and became one of the largest cities in the world by the 18th C. Its stringent policy of seclusion ended in 1854 and opened Japan to outside trade. Read more about Tokyo, Japan