SudhikshaAsia is set for a huge travel year in 2026. From immersive theme parks to creative urban districts, the region is rolling out experiences that blend nostalgia, aesthetics, and adventure. Travellers will find themselves spoilt for choice, from photogenic landscapes to social-first hotspots.
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These are the new attractions you will want on your radar in 2026:
1. Catch them all at Japan’s Pokémon Playground
Image credit: Wikipedia
Japan’s Pokémon Park is ready to open in 2026 in Osaka and promises to be a dream come true for fans of the franchise. Visitors can explore life-sized environments inspired by the games and anime, catch their favourite Pokémon, and participate in interactive experiences that blur the line between fantasy and reality.
The park will also feature themed rides, exclusive merchandise, and live shows, making it perfect for families, gaming enthusiasts, and nostalgic travellers alike. In addition, photo-friendly zones ensure every corner is social media-ready, allowing visitors to capture memories worth sharing.
The park is divided into two main zones. The first is Pokémon Forest, a roughly 500‑metre woodland trail winding through grassy clearings, tunnels, and slopes where over 600 Pokémon species can be found. The second, Sedge Town, is a walkable town‑style area featuring a Pokémon Centre, themed shops, food and drinks, and a “Gym” show venue.
The first round of tickets will be available via a lottery starting 21 November 2025 for visits between 5 February and 31 March 2026. For fans, this park brings childhood fantasies to life, blending recreation, nostalgia, and social-media-ready moments. This makes it a must-visit destination for both Pokémon enthusiasts and travellers seeking immersive, photogenic experiences in Tokyo.
2. Gain culture cred at Hong Kong’s Arts Harbour
Image credit: WestK Performing Arts Centre official website
For travellers who want a touch of sophistication, Hong Kong’s cultural hub at West Kowloon is evolving fast, with the WestK Performing Arts Centre slated to open in 2026, promising a new focal point for theatre and performance. Besides world-class theatres and rehearsal studios, the complex will include interactive art installations and public spaces that invite exploration.
As a result, both culture lovers and casual visitors will find something engaging, whether they wish to attend a performance, participate in a workshop, or simply admire the architecture. With this in mind, the attraction adds an exciting dimension to Hong Kong’s vibrant arts scene and makes for an ideal afternoon-to-evening cultural crawl.
3. Marvel at museums that mystify in Abu Dhabi
Image credit: Gehry Partners
Another exciting attraction to look forward to lies in Abu Dhabi. The city is strengthening its global cultural standing with major developments on Saadiyat Island. The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum are all set to open in late 2025, followed by the highly anticipated Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in 2026. This creates a dynamic lineup of world-class institutions.
The museum will house a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, showcasing both international masters and leading artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Its multiple galleries, immersive installations, and flexible exhibition spaces are designed to encourage dialogue between cultures and artistic disciplines.
Beyond the exhibitions, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will include performance spaces, learning and research centres, restaurants, and outdoor cultural plazas. With its combination of architectural innovation and world-class collections, the Guggenheim is positioned to be both a visual icon and a vibrant cultural destination on Saadiyat Island.
4. Be a part of big-brand fun at Dingdian Park, Beijing
Image credit: International Web Portal of Beijing
Fun times lie ahead in Beijing. Dingdian Park, located near Universal Beijing Resort in Beijing’s Tongzhou District, will open in 2026 as Asia’s largest indoor children’s theme park. The complex will span approximately 70,000 to 73,000 square metres and will feature multiple themed areas based on major international entertainment brands such as Peppa Pig and My Little Pony.
Besides immersive zones, a massive indoor pedestrian street, and interactive experiences, it will also include a themed hotel and commercial promenade for a full stay-and-play adventure. Therefore, families, pop-culture fans, and travellers seeking weather-proof fun will find this destination irresistible.
Dingdian Park promises to be a landmark destination for families, fans of global IP brands, and travellers seeking fun that is both weather-proof and visually engaging.
5. Embark on a trek in the Dongseo Trail in South Korea
Image credit: World Travelers Club official website
For adventure junkies, a fascinating challenge awaits. The Dongseo Trail, South Korea’s first coast-to-coast hiking route, stretches approximately 849 kilometres from Anmyeon Island in the west to Uljin in the east. The trail, expected to be fully open by 2026, crosses forests, mountains, rural towns, and coastal landscapes, offering breathtaking vistas and a variety of trekking options.
In addition, shorter day hikes and multi-day treks allow visitors to experience the trail even if they do not wish to complete the full route. Alongside 90 villages and 44 campsites planned along the route, the Dongseo Trail provides an immersive nature experience for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Once complete, the plan includes 90 villages and 44 campsites along the route, making it ideal for backpackers, long-distance walkers, and travellers seeking a slow-travel, nature-immersed experience. For travellers looking for a different kind of Korean itinerary beyond cities and pop culture, the Dongseo Trail offers a chance to explore the country’s wilderness from sea to sea.
Why 2026 is Asia’s Year of Travel
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With Pokémon nostalgia, immersive cityscapes, and coast-to-coast trails, 2026 offers travel moments made for memory and social feeds alike. Culture, adventure, and nature collide across Asia’s newest destinations. So, pack your curiosity and step boldly into destinations that could define travel itself. 2026 is your year to explore Asia like never before.
