Rivers have been supporting life for centuries by giving us water, food, and a medium for transport. However, as cities grew in size, many of these rivers were altered to suit the rising demands of the infrastructure. Many of these rivers were diverted or completely covered by underground channels. Many of these rivers were completely covered by underground channels.

This has affected their role in the ecosystem, as well as their relationship with their natural environments. These rivers are flowing, but they are flowing within a confined space, which is quite different from their natural state. Now, let’s look at the list of underground flowing rivers around the world.

Underground rivers hidden beneath cities worldwide

Underground rivers flow beneath cities worldwide, shaping geology, drainage systems, and hidden ecosystems while remaining largely unseen in daily life. These subterranean waterways influence groundwater levels, support unique biodiversity, and occasionally affect infrastructure stability and urban planning in significant ways over time.

Sunswick Creek, New York City

Sunswick Creek flowed through Queens and appeared on maps in the late nineteenth century.

With continued urban construction, the creek was enclosed and eventually buried beneath roads and buildings. It now moves through underground pipes with no direct exposure to natural light or surrounding ecosystems.The enclosure of Sunswick Creek happened over an extended period as infrastructure expanded. The waterway was gradually integrated into the city’s drainage network. Its current condition reflects reduced ecological activity and limited biodiversity due to confined flow and urban runoff entering the system.

Tibbetts Brook, New York City

Tibbetts Brook begins north of the Bronx and passes through Van Cortlandt Park before entering an underground channel. From that point, it flows through a constructed sewer system beneath urban areas, with only a small section remaining visible above ground.The brook previously supported fish, birds, and small mammals. Urban development introduced pollution and altered water flow. Recorded contamination events affected aquatic life, reducing species presence. The enclosed sections now function primarily as part of the city’s water management system.

Sawmill River, Yonkers, New York

The Sawmill River extends from Chappaqua to Yonkers, where a portion was buried during early twentieth-century industrial expansion. This section was enclosed beneath infrastructure, removing it from natural environmental conditions and increasing exposure to urban pollutants.Restoration work has uncovered parts of the river in recent years. These efforts have improved water movement and allowed some ecological recovery. Despite these changes, the river continues to show effects of long-term enclosure and surrounding urban activity.

Park River, Hartford, Connecticut

The Park River was diverted underground in the 1940s as part of a flood control and urban planning project. It now flows through tunnels beneath the city, including areas below major public buildings and infrastructure.Prior to its enclosure, the river carried sewage and industrial waste. The diversion addressed surface-level concerns but altered the natural system. The underground channel continues to carry water, with limited ecological activity observed within the enclosed environment.

Neglinnaya River, Moscow

The Neglinnaya River once flowed across Moscow before being redirected into underground tunnels. It now runs beneath the city for several kilometres and joins the Moskva River through controlled outlets.The enclosure was carried out to manage flooding and sanitation in an expanding urban area. The river functions as part of the city’s drainage system. Its natural characteristics have been replaced by engineered channels designed for water control rather than ecological balance.Rivers have supported human civilisation for centuries, providing water, food, and transport. As cities expanded, many rivers were redirected, buried, or confined underground to accommodate infrastructure demands. These hidden waterways continue flowing beneath urban landscapes, quietly shaping drainage systems, ecosystems, and city planning while remaining largely unseen in daily life.

If you’re planning to take your health seriously in 2026, get these best health gadgets for travel. From fitness trackers to portable smoothie blenders, find the best accessories to keep up with your fitness and well-being while on the go.

Give your fitness and well-being priority while travelling with the best health gadgets, from activity trackers to body massagers.

Health and fitness often take a backseat when we travel, thanks to indulgent meals and leisurely holiday schedules. While the occasional cheat meal and laidback vibe are part of the fun, your well-being shouldn’t fall by the wayside when you’re on the move. That’s where health gadgets and fitness accessories come in, helping you track your activity, monitor goals, and stay active wherever you are.

I personally find it difficult to keep track of my water intake when I’m travelling, so a watch that sends gentle reminders to pause for a water break is nothing short of a boon. It keeps me hydrated through sunny walks and long, exhausting explorations. Beyond hydration alerts, fitness gadgets with built-in sensors help monitor steps taken, distance travelled, heart rate, sleep patterns, and calories burned, ensuring I stay mindful of my activity levels even on holiday.

Portable fitness equipment, on the other hand, lets you carry your gym wherever you go; think resistance bands and foldable yoga mats that fit easily into your luggage. And since recovery is just as important as movement, wellness gadgets like body massagers and noise-cancelling headphones help restore energy levels and maintain healthy sleep cycles, even when you’re far from home.

Explore health tech essentials, from fitness trackers to gun massagers, to pack on your next trip. Find accessories offering continuous monitoring, AI-driven health insights, and robust battery life for your next adventure.

What top health gadgets to carry while travelling?

Smart wearables

Smart rings, smartwatches, fitness bands, and activity trackers are must-have gadgets if you are serious about your fitness. While they’re essential for gym-goers and fitness freaks, these accessories are suitable for anyone looking to maintain their health, habits, and activities. Such fitness tech gadgets use sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and optical heart rate monitors to track, monitor, and record movement, body position, and blood flow. This data, using health technology, is translated into steps, calories, active minutes, and alerts.

Nutrition, wellness, and recovery gadgets

Include healthy drinks when travelling by carrying a portable blender. Relax your muscles after a long day of walking around a new city with body massagers, and give recovery a top preference with active-noise-cancellation headphones to listen to soothing music, both during long commutes and sleeping soundly in hotel rooms. Stay hydrated through your journeys with smart bottles that alert you to drink water. These gadgets help to maintain your physical and mental well-being when on a trip.

Portable workout equipment

When exercising daily is your priority, even one day without it can make you restless. Especially when you’re away from your gym or yoga studio, portable equipment makes it easier to squeeze in a workout anytime, anywhere. Lightweight essentials such as resistance bands, jump ropes, foldable yoga mats, suspension trainers, muscle roller sticks, and massage balls help you maintain strength and recovery, even on vacation.

What are the benefits of travel health gadgets?

Travel health gadgets aid in maintaining health and wellness optimisation. Real-time monitoring of vital signs like heart rate and oxygen saturation, improved sleep quality, and better control of conditions like diabetes or hypertension are among its major advantages. On a broader level, these accessories promote activeness and exercise and help travellers maintain wellness routines while far from home.

• Health metrics: Make sure the devices or accessories you choose provide tracking abilities of different aspects, from heart rate to sleep hours. Additionally, check if the gadget is compatible with Google and iOS apps and if it provides AI-driven health analysis.
• Battery life and durability: Select high-quality health gadgets that last long when used all day and over extended periods.
• Portability: When choosing fitness accessories, go with lightweight and compact items, which can easily fit into your travel bags.

Timeout has revealed its rankings for the top 10 best cities to visit in Asia in 2026 for leisure and business travellers.

Asia doesn’t really do boring when it comes to cities. It’s loud, fast, colourful, sometimes chaotic, but that’s exactly what makes it so addictive to explore.

One minute you’re walking past centuries-old temples, the next you’re standing under neon skyscrapers or eating something incredible from a street stall.

For 2026, Time Out’s annual Best Cities ranking, based on insights from over 24,000 locals and more than 100 city experts, highlights the places that people genuinely love living in, not just visiting.

Top 10 Cities in Asia to Travel to in 2026

Here are the top 10 best cities to visit in Asia in 2026, and why each one deserves a spot on your list.

1. Shanghai

Shanghai taking the top spot makes a lot of sense. It’s a city that feels like it’s constantly moving forward, yet still deeply connected to its past.

Time Out described it as a place of “restless innovation”.

There are futuristic skylines in Pudong, historic lanes in the French Concession, and a food scene that ranges from cheap street eats to high-end dining. What’s interesting is that locals rated it highly for affordability too, especially when it comes to eating out and everyday experiences.

It’s not just impressive, it’s liveable, and that’s what puts it at number one.

2. Bangkok

Bangkok sits comfortably near the top.

This is a city that never slows down. Street markets, rooftop bars, temples, nightlife; everything exists side by side, and somehow it all works.

Time Out ranked it among the top cities globally too, largely because of its food scene and overall energy.

Whether you’re eating $2 street food or dining in a rooftop restaurant, Bangkok delivers. It’s chaotic, yes, but in a way that feels exciting rather than overwhelming.

3. Seoul

Seoul is one of those cities that feels incredibly modern but still deeply traditional.

One can start their day exploring royal palaces, spend the afternoon shopping in districts like Hongdae or Myeongdong, and end the night at a Korean barbecue spot or late-night cafe.

Time Out highlighted its constant cultural buzz, and that’s exactly it. There’s always something happening, whether it’s music, fashion, or food.

It’s fast-paced but surprisingly easy to navigate, which makes it a great destination for travellers.

4. Tokyo

Tokyo doesn’t need an introduction, but it still manages to surprise people.

It’s one of the most dynamic cities in the world, futuristic yet deeply rooted in tradition. There is everything from tiny ramen shops to Michelin-starred restaurants, quiet shrines tucked between skyscrapers, and neighbourhoods that all feel completely different from each other.

Time Out continues to rank Tokyo highly for its creativity, culture, and world-class experiences.

It’s busy, but incredibly organised, which makes a big difference.

5. Hong Kong

Hong Kong stands out because of its contrasts.

One minute, one is surrounded by towering skyscrapers, the next, they’re hiking in nature or sitting by the waterfront. It’s compact but packed with things to do.

The city also ranks highly for food, with a mix of Michelin-starred restaurants and local eateries that are just as memorable.

It’s fast, efficient, and endlessly interesting, which is why it remains one of Asia’s best.

6. Singapore

Singapore is probably one of the easiest cities in Asia to travel through, and that’s part of its appeal.

Everything works. Transport is seamless, streets are clean, and the city feels safe and organised. But beyond that, there’s a seriously good food culture, especially in its famous hawker centres.

It also blends nature and urban life quite well; gardens, waterfront spaces, and futuristic attractions all within a relatively small area.

7. Hanoi

Hanoi has a completely different vibe compared to the cities above, and that’s exactly why it’s on this list.

It’s chaotic in a more traditional way, with narrow streets, motorbikes everywhere, and a street food culture that’s honestly one of the best in Asia.

Time Out consistently highlights its food scene and old-world charm as key reasons for its ranking.

It’s not polished, but it feels real, and that’s what makes it memorable.

8. Beijing

Beijing offers something one doesn’t really get in many other cities – a direct connection to history on a massive scale.

From the Forbidden City to the Great Wall nearby, the city is packed with cultural landmarks. But it’s not just about history; there’s a growing modern side too, with art districts, cafes, and a changing food scene.

It’s a city that feels both ancient and evolving at the same time.

9. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is probably the most relaxed city on this list.

Unlike Bangkok, it moves at a slower pace, surrounded by mountains and filled with temples, markets, and a strong sense of community.

Time Out noted that a high percentage of locals describe it as welcoming and friendly, and one can feel that when they visit.

It’s ideal if one wants culture without the intensity of a megacity.

10. Ho Chi Minh City

Rounding off the list is Ho Chi Minh City, which brings a completely different kind of energy.

It’s fast, busy, and constantly moving with motorbikes everywhere, cafes on every corner, and a mix of old and new architecture.

The city reflects modern Vietnam in a lot of ways – growing quickly, evolving, and full of life.

It’s not always easy to navigate at first, but once travellers get into the rhythm, it becomes incredibly exciting.

Bottom Line

Asia in 2026 is all about variety.

There are ultra-modern cities, cultural powerhouses, and more relaxed destinations, and somehow, they all offer completely different experiences.

There’s no wrong choice here. It just depends on what kind of trip travellers are after – chaos or calm, tradition or modernity, street food or fine dining.

10 Best Cities in Asia FAQs

Who has ranked the top 10 cities in Asia for 2026?
The ranking has been curated by the popular travel and leisure website, Time Out.

Is cost taken into consideration for the rankings?
Yes, but cost is not the main driver as experiences, ease of travel, and diversity of things to do occupy the key criteria.

Which country is the best to visit for exploring these cities?

China, Thailand, and Vietnam are the best-represented countries in the top 10 best Asian cities to visit in 2026, and are within short hops from one another by flight.

Before the advent of the highway, the railway, and the airplane, the rivers were the major routes used for trade, migration, agriculture, and the exchange of cultures. It is a fact that many of the earliest human settlements were founded near the rivers, where the fertile floodplains provided the support for agriculture, allowing people to live in the often inhospitable environments provided by the rivers. Even today, the longest rivers in the world are the major ecological and economic routes on the planet. From the Amazonian rainforests to the African plains, from the Siberian snows to the Middle Eastern deserts, the longest rivers are the major routes that cover hundreds of kilometers and several nations. Here are the 10 longest rivers in the world, each of them notable not just for their length but for their importance to the development of the surrounding lands.

Nile – 6,650 km

The longest river in the world, the Nile River, runs north through northeastern Africa before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. The river travels through 11 countries, including Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt, and has sustained human settlement for millennia. Ancient Egyptian civilisation flourished along its fertile banks, where annual floods enriched the soil for agriculture. Today, the Nile is still the lifeline of water supply to Egypt, an oasis of green in a sea of desert.

Amazon River – 6,400 km

The Amazon River runs through Peru, Colombia, and Brazil. The Amazon is the largest river on earth by volume of water, and is the lifeline of the Amazon rainforest. The Amazon River Basin is home to 40 percent of the world’s biodiversity. The river expands during the rainy season, flooding a large part of the rainforest. The Nile is considered longer than the Amazon River, but studies indicate that it is possible that the Amazon River is longer or even longer than the Nile River, depending on how the measurement is taken.

Yangtze River – 6,300 km

Asia’s longest river entirely runs through China. It originates in the glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau and empties into the East China Sea near Shanghai. The Yangtze has been very important to China’s history, culture, and economic growth. The Yangtze River basin is home to a third of China’s inhabitants and is considered one of China’s most fertile agricultural regions. Additionally, it is home to the Three Gorges Dam, which is the biggest hydroelectric power station in the world, emphasizing its role in power generation and flood prevention.

Mississippi – Missouri River System – 6,275 km

The Mississippi River and Missouri River combine to make up the longest river system in North America. The Missouri River originates in the Rocky Mountains, flows into the Mississippi River, which then flows south through the heart of America before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. This river has been an essential transportation route for centuries and is vital today for transportation of agricultural products such as corn and soybeans. The Mississippi River Basin is enormous, draining 40 percent of the continental United States. This makes it one of the most significant river systems in the world.

Yenisei River – 5,539 km

The Yenisei River flows from Mongolia into Siberia before emptying into the Arctic Ocean. This is one of the largest river systems flowing into the Arctic Ocean. This river plays an essential part in the ecology and economy of Siberia. The river runs through vast forests, wilderness, and rugged territory, making it one of the most scenic river valleys in the world. The river valley has hydroelectric dams and is an essential transportation route because of the lack of roads.

Yellow River – 5,464 km

The Yellow River is also known as the Huang He and has been named the “Cradle of Chinese Civilization.” The Yellow River runs through northern China and is renowned for its rich yellow silt carried from the loess plateau that gives the water its characteristic hue. Throughout the ages, the Yellow River has been synonymous with the rise and fall of civilizations in the region as the floods of the Yellow River have had a significant impact on the fortunes of the region. The Yellow River has been inextricably linked with the rich cultural and agricultural past of China.

Ob-Irtysh River System – 5,410 km

The Ob-Irtysh river system drains the largest basin in Asia. The Irtysh River rises in the mountains of China and flows through Kazakhstan before joining the Ob River in western Siberia and finally emptying into the Arctic Ocean. This massive system passes through vast plains and wetlands and is essential for regional transport, fishing, and hydroelectric power. Its basin contains some of the largest wetlands in the world.

Paraná River – 4,880 km

The Paraná River flows through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina and is the second-longest river in South America after the Amazon. It is very important to regional farming and energy production, especially through its Itaipu Dam, which is one of the biggest hydroelectric dams in the world. It is also part of a vast basin that is home to major cities and farming regions in southern South America.

Congo River – 4,700 km

The Congo River runs through the heart of central Africa and is the second-largest river in the world in terms of water discharge, after the Amazon. It is also the deepest river in the world, reaching depths of over 200 meters. It runs through a rainforest and very remote regions of Africa and is a source of transportation for millions of people. It is also a source of hydroelectric power due to its vast discharge.

Amur River – 4,444 km

The Amur River is a natural border between China and Russia before emptying into the Sea of Okhotsk. Unlike other rivers in the Asian region, the Amur River is relatively undammed, with large sections of the river remaining pristine. The river is home to diverse wildlife with unique ecosystems, including the habitats of the Amur tiger and the Amur leopard.