Houston is known as one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities in the United States and is also home to one of the largest Asian communities in the country. Each May, we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month to honor various communities' contributions to our city's development.
The cultural sites of Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and other Far East and Southeast Asia countries, as well as Pacific islands, are spread throughout the city. Explore them any time of the year.
Asia Society Texas Center
370 Southmore Blvd. Houston, TX 77004
Situated in Houston’s Museum District, Asia Society Texas Center opened to the public on April 14, 2012. The center was designed by Japan-born, Harvard-educated architect Yoshio Taniguchi, best known for his renovation and expansion of the MoMA in New York. The Asia Society aims to exhibit different cultures throughout centuries from a variety of artistic forms from artists around the world. Aside from its educational mission, the center has also been voted as one of Houston’s best wedding venues and is a holiday hot spot, offering a versatile intimate space with its unique atmosphere.
Photo by Chris Dunn - Courtesy of Asia Society Texas Center
Travel across Asia without ever leaving Houston at Asia Society Texas' permanent Explore Asia exhibition inaugurated in July, 2023. Highlighting five Asian countries across six unique experiences, Explore Asia is the only interactive learning exhibition in Texas focused specifically on Asia. Take an immersive journey to China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam! Travel across time and space on a virtual bullet train, learn about delicious meals and treats and where to find them in Houston.
Teo Chew Temple
10600 Turtlewood Court, Houston, TX 77072
Photo Courtesy of Dandee Danao
The Teo Chew Temple is a Vietnamese Buddhist temple located in southwest Houston’s Chinatown. This hidden pearl is tucked away in between commercial buildings and neighborhoods, but access to it is fairly easy. Once you get to the property, take some time to look around the grounds and appreciate the palace-like structures. When you make it inside the temple, you are taken into an immersive golden experience featuring walls lined with deities. Prayers with incense and offerings are encouraged, but visitors must follow the dress code. Guidelines upon entering the temple are no shorts or tank tops for men and moderate dresses or pants for women. Before leaving the grounds, make sure you stop by the wishing well and toss a coin or two for good luck! Admission is free and they’re open daily.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
1150 Brand Lane, Stafford, TX 77477
Photo Courtesy of Dandee Danao
One of the most heavenly structures hidden in plain sight, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Stafford, TX, is the first traditional Hindu Mandir of its kind in North America. Through an astounding 1.3 million volunteers' efforts, the Mandir was inaugurated in July 2004 after only 16 months of construction. Ascribing to ancient architectural scriptures of India, the temple was built from Turkish and Italian marble. A haven for spirituality and a place of paramount peace, the Mandir is also a lively center with social, cultural, and spiritual activities.
Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston
Photo by Juan Islas - Courtesy of Brays Oaks Management District
Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston (EGMH), opened on August 15, 2023, India’s Independence Day, is the only free-standing museum in the Americas dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. EGMH is a cultural and educational museum dedicated to preserving and promoting Mahatma Gandhi's legacy by cultivating the universal values of Truth, Nonviolence, Peace, Love, and Service.The museum highlights the power of nonviolent conflict resolution through examples of peace leaders worldwide. Gandhi’s transformative philosophy of nonviolence led to India’s independence and inspired civil rights, freedom, and social justice movements across the globe.
Don't forget to check out our Guide to Houston's Chinatown/Asiatown and explore guided tours offered by Houston Asiatown Tours.
