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Stories about leisure travel in Hong Kong, China, Asia, and around the world.
last updated:
13 September, 2024
The Putra Mosque in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Photo: EPA-EFE
Malaysia

Muslim Malaysians promote mosques on TikTok after discontent over tourism video

Many highlight religious sites’ architecture after Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign clip failed to feature any mosques.

Travel Destinations

Welcome to winter in Finland – dog-sledding, river floating, sauna toasting

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Hong Kong property

Distressed property deals to rise in Hong Kong this year as sellers cut prices

Art

European Capital of Culture rebrand for Chemnitz, German far-right hotbed

Chemnitz, a city known for right-wing extremism, will host 150 cultural projects in 2025 to change its image. But not everyone is on board.

A far-right rally in Chemnitz in 2019. Photo: AFP
Asia travel

Update | First of 400 million pilgrims take dip in holy waters at Hindu festival

India’s Maha Kumbh Mela gets under way, with 15 million Hindu devotees lining up to bathe in the waters of river they regard as sacred.

Asia travel

4 snake-themed Korean travel spots to visit in the Year of the Snake

From a Seoul park to nature spots, these serpentine sites make for great Lunar New Year travel ideas. They aren’t known for real snakes.

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Asia travel

Why Amanpulo is the ultimate A-listers’ resort in the Philippines

On a private island that requires a private flight to reach, Amanpulo epitomises the best of the Aman brand, with a unique, secluded location and a simple approach to luxury.

Amanpulo in the Philippines is an island only reachable by private flights leaving daily from Manila. Photo: Handout
Singapore

A decade ago, the US had the most powerful passport. Now it’s Singapore

This year, American passport holders can enter 186 countries and territories without a visa. For Singapore it’s 195.

Travel news and advice

7 big travel trends in 2025, from package trips to ‘set-jetting’

Also trending this year: ‘not hot’ destinations, more solo female travel, natural phenomena tourism and holidays with purpose, experts say.

Macau

China’s Hainan island seeks rapper’s delight with invites to US stars

The authorities are hoping to turn the island province into a major music destination after Kanye West sold out two shows last year.

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Authorities are hoping to turn Hainan into a major music destination after Kanye West sold out two shows last year. Photo: Xinhua
Animal welfare in Hong Kong

Travel-loving Hongkongers losing interest in keeping pets, animal charity says

Rising number of cats are also being abandoned, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says.

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A cat at the SPCA adoption centre in Wan Chai waits for a new home. Photo: May Tse
Hong Kong transport

Luggage woes for HK Express passengers after system fault at Hong Kong airport

Cathay Pacific’s budget arm, HK Express, says around 300 bags had to be taken on later flights after luggage system malfunctioned.

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Technology

Are electric-powered skis, unveiled at CES, the future of snow sports?

E-winter sports trended at CES Las Vegas, with an electric off-road board for snow and sand, and battery-powered skis, grabbing attention.

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China's economic recovery

China’s aviation sector in clear skies of profit after 4 turbulent years

Civil aviation in China returned to profitability in 2024, the industry’s first positive return after four years of pandemic-induced losses.

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Increases in passenger volume have helped to bring China’s civil aviation sector back into profitability. Photo: Xinhua
Hong Kong society

Hong Kong expands probe after more Cathay passengers on Nepal flights fall ill

Centre for Health Protection investigating two food poisoning cases involving 36 passengers who arrived from Kathmandu earlier this week.

Cathay passengers from Kathmandu who suffered food poisoning are sent to North Lantau Hospital for examination. Photo: Handout
Malaysia

My Take | Can Johor-Singapore SEZ be a flag-bearer for Southeast Asia’s economic clout?

The SEZ aims to tap new growth areas alongside priority industries to make it the region of choice for businesses, but challenges remain.

Japan

Kyoto to sharply raise hotel tax in bid to curb overtourism – will it work?

Some analysts say the higher accommodation tax may lead to tourists staying in nearby cities and making day trips to Kyoto.

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Asia travel

Chinese cancel Thai holidays as actor Wang Xing’s kidnapping fuels safety fears

Thailand is expected to take a tourism and economic hit from Lunar New Year trip cancellations.

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A handout photo from the Royal Thai Police shows Chinese actor Wang Xing being escorted by officers after returning from Myanmar, at the police airport in Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday. Photo: EPA-EFE
Hong Kong property

Allan Zeman’s Lan Kwai Fong Group plans major entertainment hub in Xian

The planned project ‘is huge and it’ll be the largest Lan Kwai Fong we have,’ Zeman says.

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong urged to tune into ‘concert economy’ as shows attract 4 million

Big pop concerts held in 2023 and 2024 attracted over 4.2 million spectators, including more than 1.5 million visitors, tourism minister says.

Indonesia

Bali to curb HMPV cases, steps up checks on visitors from China and Malaysia

The Indonesian government says HMPV is not a deadly virus and advises locals to maintain good hygiene.

Passengers at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Indonesia. Photo: Xinhua
Asia travel

Kyushu, Japan, road trip offers orgy of onsen and panoramic views

Driving from Kumamoto to Beppu through the mountains of Kyushu brings chances to stay at traditional inns and relax in hot-spring baths.

An autumn morning in Yufuin in the hills of Kyushu, Japan. A drive across the island on the Yamanami Highway affords breathtaking views and plenty of chances for hot-spring baths. Photo: Sam Evans
Asia travel

Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival, where extreme body piercings bring blessings

Every autumn in Phuket, those chosen by the gods are impaled with spikes, swords and more in one of Thailand’s most unusual religious events.

Hong Kong economy

‘High hopes’: how Hong Kong can make waves in the cruise industry

Setting up exhibits at terminals and making sure cruise ships sail in a certain direction to maximise views are among suggestions.

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Cathay Pacific

2 Cathay passengers charged over scuffle on flight from Japan to Hong Kong

Woman from Hong Kong and another from mainland China arrested after altercation that allegedly involved throwing items at each other.

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A Cathay spokesman said the two passengers engaged in disruptive behaviour after the aircraft landed in Hong Kong. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Hong Kong tourism

100,000 spectators expected at Hong Kong Lunar New Year float parade

Night parade will be held on the first day of the Year of the Snake, showcasing 55 performance groups, including K-pop band Kep1er.

K-pop girl group Kep1er will perform during the Lunar New Year celebrations. Photo: Handout
China travel

Shanghai draws S Koreans in droves as China’s visa-free entry entices travellers

Even some less-visited places around Shanghai are gaining popularity, but the language barrier, pollution and internet censorship may still deter some visits.

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Nepal

Planning a helicopter tour of Everest? Nepal has some bad news for you

Officials say locals angry at the environmental impact of helicopter flights and loss of income from trekkers have threatened landing sites.

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