These are the emerging destinations in Asia you have to visit in 2026, according to KAYAK

Maybe you’re tired of visiting the same old cities year after year, and you’ve worn out Tokyo and Bali for the time being. Maybe you’re looking for a new, undiscovered gem to explore. Maybe you want to be the trendsetter who introduces all your friends to their new favourite travel destination.

If you feel this way, you’re not alone – KAYAK’s second annual ‘What the Future’ report finds that 71 percent of Gen Z and 75 percent of Millennials are craving ‘undiscovered destinations’. The report, based on community data from TikTok, says China is the place to be in 2026, though not in the cities you might expect.

Coming in second-place on the global list is Chongqing, China, a city that has gone viral many times on TikTok for its mind-boggling layout. The city is built on steep, hilly terrain, with roads, metro lines, bridges, and more laid out in labyrinthine layers. ‘Street-level’ is a mythical concept in Chongqing, and the city appears to be 90 percent stairs. It’s a fascinating city, and full of ancient and modern Chinese history to boot, so it’s no wonder it’s starting to get attention.

If sub-zero temperatures don’t faze you, then the third-placed city might be your speed. Harbin, China, is a city renowned for its freezing winters – hence its nickname, the ‘Ice City’. It hosts the world-famous Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, the world’s biggest ice festival. It’s well-worth freezing your toes off for the sight of astounding ice castles and detailed snow sculptures. Besides that, Harbin is also home to gorgeous Russian-style architecture and rich, savoury dishes like smoked sausages and “iron pot” stews. 

China’s Shenzhen follows closely at fifth place. Often called the ‘Silicon Valley of China’, Shenzhen is also an incredible place for the design-obsessed – it was recognised as a UNESCO City of Design for its leadership in areas such as graphic design, industrial design, and architecture. Visit in the second half of the year to check out Shenzhen Design Week; otherwise, its shopping and nightlife scene should have plenty to keep you occupied. 

Here are the top 10 emerging destinations in 2026, according to KAYAK:

1. Cork, Ireland
2. Chongqing, China
3. Harbin, China
4. Zakynthos, Greece
5. Shenzhen, China
6. Almaty, Kazakhstan
7. Hilo (Big Island), Hawaii, USA
8. Noumea, New Caledonia
9. La Romana, Dominican Republic
10. Luxembourg

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