Lifestyle, a Philippines-based culture and society guide, has listed seven Asian destinations that embody the "Austencore" aesthetic, a romantic, slow-paced lifestyle inspired by Britain's Regency era. These locations offer tranquil scenery with sprawling lawns, picnics, and cozy afternoon teas, reminiscent of the idyllic England depicted in Jane Austen's novels.

Among the destinations highlighted is Da Lat, a peaceful highland town in Vietnam. Da Lat is an ideal destination for various types of tourists, from adventurers seeking to conquer Lang Biang Mountain to romantics who prefer strolling through the city's flower gardens. Xuan Huong Lake, with its picturesque setting in the heart of Da Lat, provides the perfect backdrop for a boat ride with loved ones.

A romantic corner by Xuan Huong Lake, Da Lat, Lam Dong Province. Photo: Viet Quoc.

For a full Austencore experience, visitors can wander through the old French Quarter, where the ancient villas and quiet streets evoke the European resort towns of the previous century.

The other six destinations mentioned include the Cingjing Farm in Taiwan, China; the port city of Otaru and Furano, Japan; and the cities of Tagaytay, Baguio, and Sagada, Philippines.

According to Lifestyle, for travelers hesitant to venture too far, Tagaytay, located just a two-hour drive from Manila, is a prime choice. While it may not resemble the English countryside, its cool climate, misty mornings, and breathtaking views of Taal Lake create a romantic atmosphere.

Although Austen's novels aren't set in mountainous regions, film enthusiasts will recall the iconic scene of Elizabeth standing on a cliff in the 2005 film "Pride and Prejudice", her dress billowing in the wind as she gazes into the distance. In the Philippines, nowhere captures this imagery better than Marlboro Hill or Kiltepan Peak in Sagada.

Baguio, a summer capital nestled among pine forests and misty mountains in the Philippines, boasts a cool climate year-round. Despite its reputation for traffic and a bustling atmosphere, Baguio retains pockets of tranquility, from quiet roads hidden behind rows of pine trees to old villas on the hillsides, offering visitors a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Furano, located on the island of Hokkaido, is home to vast lavender fields, described by visitors as "enough to make anyone, even a Jane Austen fan, swoon." Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the town evokes the feeling of being transported to the Alps. The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to August) to fully appreciate the scenery and enjoy the region's famous fresh milk ice cream. Don't forget to visit Farm Tomita to sample the unique lavender products.

Otaru, just an hour by train from Sapporo, is a historic port city with European architecture, antique street lamps, and a romantic canal. A stroll along the Otaru Canal, stopping at craft shops selling music boxes, stained glass, and antique clocks, feels like preparing for a ball in an English town. Before leaving Otaru, enjoy tea and pastries at the renowned LeTAO patisserie.

Cingjing Farm, a European-style countryside destination nestled in the central mountain range of Taiwan, is the final entry on the list. Its peaceful landscape, fresh air, and slow pace of life evoke the settings of Austen's novels like "Emma" or "Mansfield Park." In the afternoon, visitors shouldn't miss the opportunity to visit the Old England Manor, a prominent Tudor-style hotel in the area, for afternoon tea and scones amidst the mist-covered hills. This scene is described as "like stepping out of the pages of a 19th-century classic."

Anh Minh