Austr Unit 13 be Prepared Australasia and Middle East [theory] I had a desire to see something besides my own shores, if only to be content to return to them someday. If I wish to live in my native land and love her, it should not be out of ignorance. Mary Queen of Scotland and The Isles Bangkok Hong Kong Cities of Australasia Asia 133 Asia is the most populated area of the planet. It is divided into 48 countries which have a long history and have developed their own culture and way of living. Bangkok (Thailand). The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings that has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since the 18th century. In the temple Wat Traimit there is the Golden Buddha, the world s largest solid gold statue, with a weight of 5.5 tons. Bejing (China). With a population of more than 20 million it is one of the most populous cities in the world. Beijing has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming to the end of the Qing dynasty. The Temple of Heaven groups several religious buildings, while the Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens and palaces. The Ming tombs are the mausoleums of the Ming dynasty emperors. The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built as early as the 7th century BC to protect the Empire from barbaric invasions. Tiananmen is its most famous square. Delhi (India) has a population of about 25 million. The Red Fort was the residence of the Mughal emperor of India until the end of the 19th century. The India Gate is a memorial to the soldiers who died in World War I. About 200 km away, in the city of Agra, is situated one of the most famous monuments of the world: a 17th century white marble mausoleum commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Hong Kong is a city in south-eastern China. It is a financial centre famous for its skyscrapers, nightlife and shopping opportunities. It also hosts a Walt Disney park. Singapore is an island city-state off southern Malaysia. Among its attractions are Sentosa, a popular island resort, the botanical gardens and the Universal Studios. Tokyo (Japan) is a combination of tradition and modernism. Its Senso-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple and the Tokyo Imperial Palace is the main imperial residence. The Tokyo Skytree, an observation tower, is one of its landmarks. Tokyo also hosts a Disney Park. Auckland 264 Australia and New Zealand Sydney (Australia) is famous for its harbour front and sail-like design Opera House, a multi-venue performing arts centre. Its harbour bridge is another landmark. The Bondi Beach is its famous beach and the Sea Life Aquarium is one of its attractions. Auckland is New Zealand s biggest city. Its landmarks are the Sky Tower and Harbour Bridge. Auckland Domain, the city s oldest park, is situated on top of an extinct volcano and it is also the site of the Museum. Mission Bay Beach, from which there is a charming view of the Rangitoto volcanic island, is its most famous beach.