The Best of Asia
In TIME's annual look at the region's most remarkable places and experiences, our correspondents sought out the stories that illuminate Asia's spectacular diversity — bringing you the best of the region for the mind, body and soul

Best for the Body

Best of the Mind

Best for the Soul


Debating China's Puzzling Future
Can the mainland continue to thrive without political reform? Two books offer opposing views


Bad Days for Japan's Goodfellas
Japan's once powerful yakuza are discovering organized crime doesn't pay like it used to


Verbatim

Inbox

Essay: Notes on a Divided World
In a supposedly borderless era, countries are rushing to wall themselves off from neighbors


Accidental Art (Books)
A book of "found images" celebrates photography's happy flukes

Toy Story (Diversions)
A smattering of Chinese artists are keeping the magic of handcrafted playthings alive

Arabian Bites (Amuse Bouche)
Jakarta's new Moroccan eateries bring a taste of Marrakech to Southeast Asia

The Bold and the Beautiful (City Guide)
Manila may be daunting, but its raucous cityscape conceals a beguiling poetry