Asia, a continent rich in history and culture, is home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring monuments, each a testament to the brilliance, creativity and cultural depth of past civilisations. In this issue, Top 10 of Asia highlights the top 10 ancient marvels across the continent, presented in no particular order. From the majestic Taj Mahal in India to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, these enduring wonders reflect unparalleled craftsmanship, advanced engineering and profound spiritual significance. Today, these iconic landmarks continue to captivate imaginations, standing as timeless legacies that embody the ingenuity and vision of their creators.
Taj Mahal (Agra, India)
Widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful buildings, the Taj Mahal was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1631 and completed in 1648 to honour his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Set on the right bank of the Yamuna River within a 17‑hectare Mughal garden, this vast white‑marble mausoleum exemplifies Indo‑Islamic artistry and engineering. Crafted from luminous white marble and set upon a raised platform, its perfect symmetry is enhanced by four slender minarets and a central dome rising 73 meters high. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal draws millions each year, symbolising eternal love and architectural mastery.
The Great Wall of China
Dubbed the largest man-made project in the world, The Great Wall of China was constructed intermittently from the 3rd century BC until the 17th century AD to defend the empire’s northern borders. Stretching over 20,000 km from Shanhaiguan in Hebei to Jiayuguan in Gansu, this colossal fortification combines rammed earth, stone and brick with trenches, beacon towers and garrison stations. Celebrated for its scale and engineering prowess, it reflects the strategic vision of emperors like Qin Shi Huang and the cultural exchanges between agrarian states and nomadic tribes. As an unparalleled feat of military architecture, the Wall continues to symbolise ancient ingenuity and Asia’s rich historical heritage.
Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
The largest religious monument on Earth, Angkor Wat stands as the crowning achievement of Khmer architecture and Southeast Asia’s ancient grandeur. Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, this vast temple complex spans over 160 hectares, blending Hindu symbolism with later Buddhist devotion. Its harmonious symmetry, intricate bas-reliefs and soaring towers mirror Mount Meru, the mythical home of the gods. Once the heart of the Khmer Empire, Angkor Wat is now a powerful symbol of Cambodian identity and national pride—so iconic it graces the country’s flag and draws millions seeking spiritual awe and historical wonder.
Himeji Castle (Himeji City, Japan)
Himeji Castle in Japan is a stunning example of feudal-era architecture and strategic ingenuity. Nicknamed the White Heron Castle for its graceful appearance, it has stood for centuries as a symbol of resilience and elegance. Constructed in the 14th century and expanded in the 1600s, it features a complex defensive layout designed to confuse invaders. Its white plastered walls offer protection against fire while enhancing its visual appeal. Remarkably preserved through wars and natural disasters, Himeji Castle remains one of Japan’s few original castles. Its harmonious blend of beauty and fortification secures its place among Asia’s greatest ancient marvels.
Borobudur Temple (Central Java, Indonesia)
Rising from the misty Kedu Valley like a stone lotus in bloom, Borobudur is the largest Buddhist monument on Earth—an awe-inspiring mandala carved in volcanic stone. Built in the 8th to 9th centuries by the Syailendra Dynasty, its design reflects Buddhist cosmology, symbolising the path to enlightenment. The temple’s three tiers represent the realms of desire (kamadhatu), form (rupadhatu) and formlessness (arupadhatu). Pilgrims ascend through 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues, symbolically journeying from the earthly to the spiritual. At the summit, 72 perforated stupas encircle the central stupa, representing Nirvana. Blending indigenous beliefs with Buddhist teachings, Borobudur is a sacred mandala in stone radiating cosmic light and transcendence.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Sri Lanka)
Sigiriya Rock Fotress, or Lion Rock, is a breathtaking ancient fortress rising nearly 200 metres above Sri Lanka’s central plains. Built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century, this monolithic outcrop features a palace atop its summit, reached through stone stairways and the iconic Lion’s Gate. Its surrounding gardens are masterpieces of ancient landscape design, complete with moats, pools and fountains. Midway up, frescoes and the polished Mirror Wall offer a glimpse into royal life and historic visitors’ musings. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya remains a symbol of ingenuity and ambition, earning its place among Asia’s most awe-inspiring ancient marvels.
Bagan Temples (Myanmar)
The Temples of Bagan in Myanmar are among Asia’s most remarkable ancient wonders. Once home to over 13,000 religious monuments, around 2,200 temples and pagodas remain scattered across the Bagan plains today. Built between the 9th and 13th centuries under the Pagan Kingdom, these structures reflect the region’s devotion to Theravada Buddhism. Notable sites include Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi and Shwesandaw Pagoda. Despite earthquakes and controversial restorations, Bagan retains its spiritual significance and continues to attract pilgrims and tourists. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, it offers one of the densest concentrations of Buddhist temples in the world.
Ayutthaya Historical Park (Ayutthaya, Thailand)
Established in 1350 CE, Ayutthaya rose to prominence as the thriving capital of the Siamese Kingdom, known for its global trade, diplomacy and innovative city planning. Surrounded by rivers, it was protected from invasion and seasonal floods. The city became a cultural crossroads, blending Thai, Khmer, Chinese, Persian and European influences. Though devastated by the Burmese in 1767, its ruins, including the iconic Wat Phra Si Sanphet, still echo its former glory. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya’s architectural and artistic legacy helped shape the development of Bangkok and remains a powerful symbol of Thailand’s historic strength and creativity.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Bhutan)
Clinging to a cliff 3,120 metres above sea level in Bhutan’s Paro Valley, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is one of Asia’s most breathtaking religious sites. Legend holds that Padmasambhava, known as the Second Buddha, flew to this remote cave on the back of a tigress and meditated here in the 8th century. The temple complex, built in 1692, still functions as a sacred site today. A two-hour uphill trek through pine forests and prayer flags is required to reach the monastery, but the views and spiritual atmosphere make it a truly rewarding experience.
Mohenjo-daro (Pakistan)
Mohenjo-daro, meaning “Mound of the Dead,” is one of the most remarkable remnants of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation. Located in Pakistan’s Sindh province, it was once a thriving metropolis around 2,600 BCE, with a population of 35,000 to 50,000. Renowned for its advanced urban planning, the city featured a grid layout, sophisticated drainage systems and public baths. Its well-organised streets and standardised brick construction reveal a highly developed society, with no evidence of warfare. Abandoned around 1,900 BCE, the reasons for its decline remain a mystery. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a glimpse into one of history’s earliest urban cultures.