magazine
2024.09.07

Time Travel: 4 Retro Asian Cities | Focus #195

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cover image by kyoka

Capturing the scenery and streetscapes of your travel destinations is one of the joys of traveling. Places with a retro atmosphere are especially loved by many young creators for their charm. Here, we introduce four Asian travel destinations where you can take retro photos.

Taiwan - The Nostalgic Charm of Jiufen

Jiufen in Taiwan is a small, traditional town nestled in the mountains. The night view with red lanterns is enchanting, and there is a theory that it inspired the movie 'Spirited Away'. Narrow alleys, stone staircases, and old teahouses all exude a retro vibe.

Jiufen's retro charm stems from its history as a former gold mining town. Stone buildings and traditional market scenes remain intact, giving you a sense of time travel.

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Image by YuKoreeda

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Image by YuKoreeda

Hong Kong - Scenes of Trams and the Old City

Some areas of Hong Kong Island retain a strong retro atmosphere. In particular, the Central and Central District areas feature buildings from the British colonial era, offering a classic landscape. The nostalgic trams running through the city are like scenes from a movie.

Hong Kong's retro charm lies in the narrow alleys of the old city and the historic shopping streets. The mix of retro elements within the modern cityscape of skyscrapers creates a unique allure.

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Image by RYU

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Image by hayamihannah

Vietnam - The Historic Streets of Hoi An

The ancient city of Hoi An in central Vietnam is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The old town of Hoi An is characterized by architecture influenced by the French colonial era, with beautiful streets featuring yellow walls and blue wooden window frames.

The allure of Hoi An lies in its French colonial architecture and the scenery of old shops lining the market. During the Lantern Festival, the entire town is adorned with colorful lanterns, creating a magical scene.

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Image by kimis.photo

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Image by Pepper05

China - The Charm of Shanghai's Concession Era

The Bund area in Shanghai is home to many buildings from the old concession era. Especially at night, the illuminated historic buildings exude a retro atmosphere. In the Tianzifang area, you can enjoy the scenery of narrow alleys and old buildings intertwined.

Shanghai's retro charm originates from the concession era of the late 19th to early 20th century. The preserved Western-style architecture from that time contrasts with the modern skyscrapers, creating a unique retro vibe.

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Image by akira

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Image by akira

How was it?

Asia offers many travel destinations where you can enjoy a retro atmosphere. You can immerse yourself in photography, forgetting the daily grind as if you've traveled back in time. On your next trip, be sure to visit these places and capture plenty of retro photos.

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