Meet the 11 'Cities of Charm' of this year's China-ASEAN Expo

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Since the 3rd China-ASEAN Expo, the “Cities of Charm” has become a long tradition and a special feature for each year's event. China and all the 10 ASEAN countries are required to select a city to honor the “City of Charm” each year, representing the country to showcase its culture, features and development.

So, which cities have been chosen as this year's “Cities of Charm?” Let's take a look.

Beihai City, China

Boats and ships berthed in the harbor in Beihai City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region /VCG Photo

Beihai City in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region takes center stage as China's “City of Charm” this year. Lying on the northeast bank of Beibu Gulf, Beihai is a hub city that connects southeast China to Southeast Asia. In ancient history, Beihai was one of the departure harbors for the maritime Silk Road. Now, the city still plays an important role in the country's maritime trade industry with many Southeast Asian countries.

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei /VCG Photo

Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB), the capital of Brunei, was chosen as the country's “City of Charm” this year. As the capital of one of the world's richest countries, BSB ‘s wealth totally depends on the country's prosperous oil industry. Glittering mosques, flashy and extravagant architectures almost dominate the city in every corner. Despite being a luxurious city from its appearance, there is almost no nightlife in the city as the main daily activities are shopping and eating.

Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia

Sambor Prei Kuk temple, an archaeological site of Ancient Ishanapura in Kampong Thom province, Cambodia. /VCG Photo

Kampong Thom Province honors the “City of Charm” of Cambodia this year. Located at the center of Cambodia, Kampong Thom Province is the country's second largest province by area. Its capital is named Kampong Thom, a picturesque town on the banks of the Stung Saen River. The province has rich potentials in tourism, attracting both national and international tourists with its exotic lakes, rivers, forests, mountains and more than 200 ancient temples.

West Sumatra Province, Indonesia

Green rice paddles in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia /VCG Photo

West Sumatra Province was chosen as Indonesia's "City of Charm" this year. Located in Sumatra, Indonesia, West Sumatra Province is the homeland of the Minangkabau people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Indonesia with its rich and beautiful culture and heritage. It is also home to an abundant array of majestic natural wonders like mountains, canyons, valleys, lakes, beaches and national parks.

Vientiane Province, Laos

Monument Thatcher Luang in the Vientiane Province in Laos

Located in the northwest of Laos, Vientiane Province is a large province with various landscapes, ranging from the flat, fertile alluvial plains in the Mekong River Valley to rugged limestone mountains in the northern and western part of the province. The province is renowned for having the highest mountain peak in Laos, which is 2,819 meters high. Outside the main provincial towns, the countryside also has beautiful areas, such as the green rice paddles, tropical fruit trees and jungle vegetation. As traditional architecture and lifestyles are still maintained in the villages, tourists visiting the area can experience the province's authentic culture.

Sarawak, Malaysia

The rainforest in Sarawak, Malaysia /VCG Photo

Located in northwest Borneo Island, Sarawak is the largest state of Malaysia. Sarawak is one of the most desirable travel destinations in Malaysia, as it can allow access for tourists to natural wonders, profound history and diverse culture. If you're an enthusiast of “jungle adventures”, you should not miss the pristine forests in Sarawak where you can spot various rare tropical plants, as well as animals like orangutans, crocodiles and hornbills.

Hpa-An, Myanmar

Buddha statues in cave temple in Hpa-An, Myanmar /Photo via travelbadger.com

Hpa-An, the capital of Karen State, is situated in the south of Myanmar. This picturesque and tranquil city is surrounded by lush green paddy fields, spectacular landscapes and cascading rivers. Since the majority of residents in the city are Buddhists, you can get the chance to explore the Buddhist culture here, especially those renowned cave temples decorated with stone carved Buddha statues.

Tarlac, Philippines

Tourists go hiking in Tarlac, Philippines /Photo via caexpo.com

Tarlac, the landlocked province, is often dubbed as “the center of central Luzon”, as it is located in the central Luzon region of the Philippines. The favorable climate and topography make Tarlac a major producer of vegetables and fruits, such as okra, tomato, sugarcane, coconut, etc. Meanwhile, this landlocked province also offers thrill-seekers a variety of outdoor activities like trekking, river rafting and trail biking, all of which can make your adrenaline flow.

Singapore

Night view of Singapore /VCG Photo

Singapore, the charming city-state is widely acknowledged as the global hub of finance, trade and transport. It also ranks highly in numerous internationals rankings of innovation, education, manufacturing and tourism. Singapore's multiracial population leads to its melting pot of cultures, thus people can experience a potpourri of ethnic cuisines, a variety of traditions and customs, and diverse cultural activities.

Chumphon, Thailand

Tourist boat over the sea in Chumphon, Thailand /Photo via tripadvisor.com

Located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Chumphon is known as the gateway to southern Thailand. It is an important transit point for travelers en route from the capital city Bangkok to popular islands of Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Chumphon also boasts balmy weather, gorgeous sandy beaches, blue seas and luxurious fruit plantations.

Ben Tre, Vietnam

A farmer cruises through a small canal in Ben Tre, Vietnam /VCG Photo

Many people know the name of “Ben Tre” because of the famous keo dua, a kind of coconut candy produced in Ben Tre. Ben Tre, dubbed as“ Vietnam's capital of coconut”, is surrounded by lush coconut fields and the fresh sweet coconut juice here is said to be the best in the country. Tourists can also immerse themselves in the culture of the Mekong Delta and experience a simple and sedate Vietnamese lifestyle in the serene city.