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The historical Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran, was damaged by an Israeli and US strike on March 2. Photo: via Reuters
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)

Damage to Iran’s cultural and historical sites adds to costs of war

Since the US and Israeli strikes, Unesco is tracking damage to protected landmarks in Iran, as well as heritage sites in Lebanon and Israel.

Asia travel

Shizuoka, in Japan, needs more tourists. How does it attract them?

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Asia travel

How the KPop Demon Hunters travel trend is shaking up ‘Korean wave’ tourism

Tourism

That lei you got in Hawaii? The orchids probably came from Thailand

Hawaiian lei are often made with Thai orchids. Now, lawmakers are pushing for a restriction on imported flowers – which could drive costs up.

A woman wears a lei, a traditional floral adornment given to welcome visitors, celebrate milestones or honor someone’s achievements. Hawaiian lei are often made with imported flowers, sparking debate on supporting local growers to preserve their cultural significance. Photo: Getty Images
A woman wears a lei, a traditional floral adornment given to welcome visitors, celebrate milestones or honor someone’s achievements. Hawaiian lei are often made with imported flowers, sparking debate on supporting local growers to preserve their cultural significance. Photo: Getty Images
China travel

Here are 5 ways to enter China without a visa – by land, sea or air

China has continually expanded its visa-free policies in recent years. Here is a breakdown of the latest rules.

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Tourism

5 top Instagram spots by Huizhou’s Highway 218 blending nature and architecture

From picturesque Xiangang Reservoir to Xialang Village’s architectural Grand Canopy, Huizhou’s scenic northwest has much for photographers.

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Asia travel

K-tourism 2.0: Gen Z tourists prefer singing, dancing immersive holidays

K-pop and K-culture are driving a rise in tourism in South Korea, and many Gen Z visitors are opting for immersive experiences.

Foreign tourists in Seoul pose in Saja Boys costumes from the Netflix animation KPop Demon Hunters. Photo: courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government
Foreign tourists in Seoul pose in Saja Boys costumes from the Netflix animation KPop Demon Hunters. Photo: courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government
Tourism

Want to see Bangkok’s ‘little Godzillas’ up close? Where and when is best

Hundreds of Asian monitor lizards live in the Thai capital’s Lumphini Park and early morning is one of the best times to see them.

Tourism

Paying for a ‘head orgasm’: ASMR spas are taking off in the United States

Scratchy, raspy, feathery and tingly: more people than ever are paying for spa-like sensory experiences to induce ‘the tingles’ in the brain.

Tourism

Gripping samurai exhibition explores Japan’s warrior class, cuts through myths

From armour to art, ‘Samurai’ at the British Museum traces the Japanese elite class’ evolution and cultural impact, from anime to Star Wars.

A samurai suit of armour and helmet are seen at “Samurai”, a new exhibition at London’s British Museum running until May 4.
Art

Saudi Arabia’s cultural ambitions on show at 2026 Diriyah biennale

The event brings together the work of 70 international artists as part of Saudi Arabia’s push to develop a self-sustaining art infrastructure.

Visitors to the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026 walk beside British-Filipino artist Pio Abad’s “Vanwa”, consisting of 99 letters made from locally sourced mud. Photo: courtesy of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation
Visitors to the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026 walk beside British-Filipino artist Pio Abad’s “Vanwa”, consisting of 99 letters made from locally sourced mud. Photo: courtesy of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation
Chinese culture

What is the Lantern Festival? Plus 6 ways to celebrate it in Hong Kong in 2026

Marking the last day of Chinese New Year celebrations, the Lantern Festival has roots that stretch back more than 2,000 years.

Travel news and advice

Do you feel fatigued when flying? Expert tips to avoid mid-flight slumps

Doctors break down key reasons why flying can leave you feeling so bloated and exhausted and give advice on how to stay feeling productive.

Tourism

What to do in China’s Zhongshan, a food paradise on Hong Kong’s doorstep

From restaurants serving top Cantonese food to shopping streets and Sun Yat-sen’s former home, Zhongshan provides a feast for the senses.

Zhongshan, in China’s Guangdong province, has developed rapidly in recent years, going from having not a lot to do to being a vibrant epicurean and cultural hub. Photo: Xinhua
Tourism

How ‘French Banksy’ JR plans to turn a famous Paris bridge into a massive cave

Known for his large-scale installations, JR will turn Paris’ Pont Neuf into a giant walk-through cave for his Pont Neuf Cavern project.

French artist JR plans to turn Paris’ Pont Neuf into a temporary art installation called the Pont Neuf Cavern. Photo: AP
French artist JR plans to turn Paris’ Pont Neuf into a temporary art installation called the Pont Neuf Cavern. Photo: AP
Tourism

How Chongqing in China offers an enthralling ‘8D’ experience like nothing else

With its vertical landscape, vibrant food scene and captivating chaos, the Chinese city of Chongqing is certain to catch you unprepared.

Tourism

The Shiba Inu story: where does the popular Japanese hunting dog come from?

One woman’s research has sparked interest in the heritage of Shiba Inus and local revitalisation in the city where the first one lived.

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Art

Qatar is making a bold new cultural play, from Art Basel to museums

All eyes are on the growing cultural scene in the Middle East, thanks in no small part to the inaugural Art Basel Qatar, held in Doha.

Palestinian artist Hazem Harb’s artwork on show at Art Basel Qatar, presented by Tabari Artspace, in February 2026. The debut of Art Basel Qatar signals Doha’s ambition to become the Middle East’s leading art hub. Photo: Art Basel
Palestinian artist Hazem Harb’s artwork on show at Art Basel Qatar, presented by Tabari Artspace, in February 2026. The debut of Art Basel Qatar signals Doha’s ambition to become the Middle East’s leading art hub. Photo: Art Basel
Tourism

The Instagram effect: an Italian village is paying the price for being too pretty

Santa Maddalena, a photogenic village in the Italian Dolomites, has to endure hordes of unruly visitors showing up just to take a photo.

Art

In London, a Singaporean artist reimagines St Sebastian, the LGBTQ icon

A film by Ming Wong, artist in residence at London’s National Gallery, recasts St Sebastian with Asian actors and questions identity.

Tourism

In Milan, you can adopt a centuries-old statue and give it a new life

The building of Milan’s Duomo started in 1386 and ended in 1965. Now, some of its centuries-old statues are being restored under an adoption scheme.

Bearded Saint with Book, which once stood outside the Duomo, needed a deep clean to remove a black crust caused by air pollution. Photo: AP
Tourism

Ponyo exhibition invites visitors into Hayao ⁠Miyazaki’s ocean world

The ‘Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo’ exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles includes rare artwork and production sketches.

A visitor interacts with a Ponyo exhibit at “Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo”, a new exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, on February 12, 2026. Photo: AFP
A visitor interacts with a Ponyo exhibit at “Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo”, a new exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, on February 12, 2026. Photo: AFP
Tourism

Chinese tourists flock to Korea for beauty treatments ahead of Lunar New Year

Korean dermatology clinics have seen a surge in Chinese customers of late and are courting them via Chinese social media.

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Tourism

Land ahoy! Cruise ships now come with their own ‘private’ islands

Norwegian to MSC are investing millions in grand resorts on Caribbean islands. Here are some where you can find relaxation, if not solitude.

TV shows and streaming video

Ascents of drama: why Taipei 101 climber Alex Honnold loves free soloing

Honnold, whose recent scaling of Taipei 101 features in Netflix’s Skyscraper Live, reflects on live audiences, young climbers and his limits.

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Climber Alex Honnold free solos the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan, on January 25, 2026. Photo: Reuters
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