Taipei Then Taipei, the capital and political center of Taiwan (officially the Republic of China), holds a unique cultural and historical background shaped by various influences.  Its name, meaning “North of Taiwan,” comes from the Chinese characters for “Tai” and “pei”, and is commonly romanized as “Taipei” or “Táiběi” in Hanyu Pinyin.  Originally spelled “Tʻai-pei”

Ho Chi Minh City Then Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest and most vibrant metropolis, has a rich history marked by cultural and political shifts.  Originally a Cham settlement called Baigaur, it later became known as Prey Nokor under Cambodian rule.  In 1698, Vietnamese influence formalized the name Gia Định, which lasted until the French

Manila Then Manila, the capital and chief city of the Philippines, is a vibrant hub of the nation’s economic, political, social, and cultural life.  The city’s Filipino name, Maynilà, translates to “where indigo is found,” derived from the phrase may-nilà.  This name references the indigo-yielding plants that were once abundant in the area, with the

Jakarta Then Jakarta, the capital and largest city of Indonesia, is strategically located on the northwest coast of Java, at the mouth of the Ciliwung River, along Jakarta Bay.  This geographic position has historically rendered it a vital hub for trade and cultural exchange, particularly due to its proximity to the Sunda Strait, which connects

Guangzhou Then Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province in southern China, has a rich historical background that is reflected in its various names throughout the centuries.  Originally known as Panyu, a name still retained by one of its districts, Guangzhou’s current name is believed to have multiple origins, with up to eleven different theories proposed

Shenzhen Then Shenzhen is a vibrant city located in the south-central region of Guangdong province, southeastern China.  Situated along the coast of the South China Sea and just north of Hong Kong, it has transformed from a small fishing village into one of the most dynamic urban centers in the world.  The city’s rapid development

Beijing Then Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China, has played a pivotal role in the nation’s political and cultural history for over eight centuries.  Known as the “Northern Capital,” the name Beijing was officially adopted in 1403 during the Ming dynasty to differentiate it from Nanjing, or “Southern Capital.”  The city has

Mumbai Then Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra state in southwestern India, is a bustling metropolis and the country’s financial hub, located on the Arabian Sea.  The city’s name, “Mumbai,” has its roots in the local Koli community, derived from the patron goddess Mumbadevi and the Marathi word “ā’ī,” meaning “mother.”  While some historians trace the

Kuala Lumpur Then Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, derives its name from the Malay words “Kuala,” meaning the confluence of two rivers, and “Lumpur,” which translates to “mud.”  This nomenclature reflects the city’s geographical setting at the junction of the Gombak and Klang rivers.  Historically, one theory suggests that it was named after

Bangkok was once called the Venice of the East. 🛶 Canals were its streets. Boats were its taxis. Today it is a city of skyscrapers, sky trains, and mega-malls. Yet the temples still glow gold beside the glass towers. This is Bangkok before and after — from the 1980s to now. Bangkok Then 🏯 A