Imperial cities Hangzhou, Hue, Agra, Kyoto have permanent everlasting structures during time and are the favorite destination of tourists in Asia.
1. Ancient capital Persepolis (515-331 BC) – Iran: This is the capital of Persian Empire under the Achaemenid dynasty (also known as the Achaemenid). Today Persepolis, located about 70 km from Shiraz city of Fars province to the northeast, has many magnificent buildings constructed with finely carved stones. The greatest part is Apadana palace. This large building was built in 515 BC with 460 m length, 300 meters wide.
Citadel of a glorious time remains only stone pillars challenging time and stone gates with sharp carved work, sculpted walls … to prove talent of ancient Persians artisans. Except ancient architecture of Persepolis, visitors can exploit the culture through divine rites and festivals that are organized every year here.
2. Kyoto (794-1868) in Japan:
Kyoto was the capital of sun rising country between 794 and up to 1868, before Meiji King moved capital to Tokyo. After the 2nd World War, temples of hundreds of year old still stand, the royal palaces, gardens have not been destroyed. This is the city attracting many foreign tourists who want to explore the ancient Japanese culture.
3. Angkor Thom (802-1431) in Cambodia:
Angkor Thom means “great city” and was built by King Jayavarvan VII after the Angkor Wat wonder nearly 100 years. Angkor Thom, surrounded by stone walls and 3 km long canals of each side, was the last capital of the Angkorian empire. A thousand years already past, the structure was almost destroyed by nature and war. However, the ancient capital with the mysterious Bayon statue still attract tourists to learn and explore while traveling to Cambodia.
4. Polonnaruwa (1055-1284) in Sri Lanka:
Polonnaruwa is an ancient capital and the center of cultural triangle of Sri Lanka (including 3 ancient cities: Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Anuradhapura). When the King “Parakramabahu I” of dynasty Sihalese overthrow Chola dynasty in 1070, he made Polonnaruwa to be capital. He built temples, huge mansions, parks, lotus ponds and a large reservoir of 2,400 hectares that still presents to this day.
5. Hangzhou (1127-1279) in China:
Hangzhou was the capital of dynasties in 153 years. Currently in the urban area, there are many palaces, glorious gardens. Hangzhou is so famous by its West Lake with 40 scenic surroundings. Except enjoying rare beautiful scenes, tourists are also fascinated with traditional products as silk, Long Jing tea …
6. Sukhothai (1238-1438) – Thailand:
Sukhothai was the first capital of Siam (1238-1257). First King Phokhun Si Intharathit has founded Phra Ruang dynasty. The scenary here becomes an ideal destination for tourists to understand more about culture and rich histories of the Kingdom of Thailand. You should visit Wat Mahathat Royal temple, Buddhism Road, Ramkhamhaeng National Museum and ramparts, canals …
7. Agra (1526-1658) in India:
Agra, a city on the banks of the Indian River Tamuna, was founded by King Sikandar Lodi in 1506. Today, this city belongs to Uttar Pradesh state. This is the capital of Mughal Empire from 1526 to 1658 with highly artistic structures.
Today Agra is an indispensable destination of travelers visiting India, with stunning world heritages, Agra fortress and Fatehpur Sikri. Taj Mahal castle is also voted by tourists as one of the seven new wonders created by human.
8. Mandalay (1859-1885) in Myanmar:
Mandalay by Sanskrit language is understood as “city of pearls”, the last capital of Myanmar Dynasty. King Mindon has turned Mandalay into a center of Myanmar Buddhist with temples and large monasteries decorated meticulously and carefully. Today the city still remains Buddhist gorgeous architectures, and becomes a destination attracting tourists together with Yagoon and Bagan.
9. Hue (1802-1945) in Vietnam:
Hue was the capital of the last feudal dynasty in Vietnam’s history. In 1802, after Nguyen Anh became a King and began the Nguyen dynasty, he built a series of works such as palaces, tombs, temples, pagodas. Hue ended mission of being the capital Vietnam in 1945, when the last emperor of Nguyen dynasty – Bao Dai – has abdicated. Today Hue still remains world-class values and is featured tourism destination in the Central Vietnam.
10. Yogyakarta (1946-1948) in Indonesia:
Located on the Java island, Yogyakarta was the capital of thousand island country during Indonesian National Revolution (1945-1949). Today, Yogyakarta is considered as the center of Java culture and traditional art. Yogyakarta is well known by fascinating attractions like Borobudur Buddhist wonders, Taman Sari water castle, Batik art that has always captivated travelers around the world.