The experienced traveller appreciates that there is more than one reason to vacation – they travel to visit, they travel to explore and they travel to shop. No vacation is complete without something being brought home, and sometimes it’s worth going beyond the regular fridge magnet to something that not only says “I travel!” but “I travel well.” For such an experience, few cities offer you the opportunity to show off your taste, style and the perfect items to start conversations about your travels, courtesy of the unique fashion pieces made by their local designers. Here are 5 places to visit to diversify your wardrobe.
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Seoul, South Korea

Gangnam may be on your shortlist of places to visit in Korea, courtesy of an obnoxiously catchy song, but don’t miss out on the smaller Garosu-gil area for a taste of modern Korean fashion and art. You could restock your wardrobe and even add a few statement pieces to your home in this neighbourhood. Just for good measure, there are a number of restaurants and cafes for when you want to take a short break from the shopping.

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Tokyo, Japan

Korean pop culture may be spreading like wildfire across Asia, but it has yet to properly unsettle the watchful eyes of Japan. Shibuya and Harajuku are ground zero for all Japanese fashion trends and are must-visits if you want to keep up with the times. 'Shibuya 109' is where you go for mainstream fashion but don’t miss out on the independent designers and underground fashion of 'Fake Tokyo'.

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Shanghai, China

Not straying too far from the region, China has had to play third fiddle to both Japan and Korea, but Shanghai has, over the last few years proven itself to be the rising fashion capital of the country. Local Chinese designers like Ban Xiao Xue, Masha Ma and Qui Hao have made the city one of their major bases, leading to the ‘Paris of the East’ being touted as the next fashion capital of the world. Nanjing Road is a must-visit for any shopper.

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Bali, Indonesia

The general perception is that Bali is known for its beaches, but unless you’re a surfer, you may find yourself just lounging by the sand at most of the tourist hotspots. But when you’re done developing your tan, venture out into Seminyak where a long and loud stretch of road offers everything from clothes to handmade jewellery and furniture. And if you really want something locally unique, you could get items made from python leather.

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New Delhi, India

New Delhi is unapologetically a hub for chaos that offers beauty and splendour if you know where to look. Although the city has several shopping districts that will test your bargaining skills, Hauz Khas is the slightly more affluent neighbourhood that has taking the old and making it new. Independent fashion labels have made their homes in the historical buildings that are surrounded by lush greenery and a nearby pond, making it the most beautiful place in Delhi to shop.


 Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon believe that travelling well is an important part of living well. With this enduring philosophy at the heart of everything they do, they continuously strive to enhance the overall travel experience to ensure that every trip becomes more memorable, more meaningful and more rewarding. Discover what #lifewelltravelled means to fellow passengers and see how Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon enable you to travel well, here

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