These oldest cities demonstrate that tradition and innovation can coexist harmoniously, setting a precedent for urban development worldwide
Asia is a continent of dualities. Here, hypermodern skyscrapers tower over ancient temples, and centuries-old customs coexist with cutting-edge innovation. Nowhere is this contrast more striking than in its oldest cities, where history isn’t just preserved but lived. From the brightly lit streets of Bangkok to the quiet elegance of Kyoto, these cultural powerhouses demonstrate that smart cities aren’t just about sleek technology but about reimagining the past for the future.
While the term “smart city” often evokes images of ultra-modern metropolises like Singapore or Shenzhen, a new wave of historic urban centres is rewriting the playbook. These oldest cities, steeped in heritage and tradition, are integrating artificial intelligence, green energy and digital governance without sacrificing their soul. The result? Urban living that elevates the past.
- Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, is best known for its ancient temples, tranquil Zen gardens and traditional geisha districts. But beneath its historic charm lies a quietly growing technological revolution. It might be one of the oldest cities in Asia, but it knows how to upgrade its past while preserving it.
One of Kyoto’s biggest innovations is Keihanna Science City, a research hub that integrates AI-driven urban planning, robotics and sustainable energy solutions into daily life. More than a tech district, Keihanna is a working model for how an ancient city can embrace cutting-edge technology while maintaining its aesthetic and cultural integrity.
The city has also introduced AI-powered tourism management systems to combat over-tourism. With millions flocking to Kyoto’s shrines and streets annually, AI algorithms analyse crowd movements and predict congestion, guiding visitors to less crowded but equally stunning sites. Digital signboards and mobile apps (designed with Kyoto’s signature elegance) help tourists experience the city’s beauty without disrupting local life.
And then there’s transportation. Kyoto has merged tradition with smart mobility by launching electric rickshaws (tuk tuk) that preserve the charm of its historic streets while promoting sustainability. Meanwhile, bullet trains departing from Kyoto Station now incorporate AI for predictive maintenance, ensuring that one of Japan’s most treasured and oldest cities stays seamlessly connected to the rest of the country.
- Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a city of contradictions. Ancient temples stand next to high-rises, while street vendors sell pad thai beneath skytrains. But its rapid urbanisation hasn’t stopped the city from prioritising smart city development.
The One Bangkok project, Thailand’s first fully integrated smart district, is set to redefine urban living with AI-powered infrastructure, energy-efficient skyscrapers, and an extensive public transit network. This US$3.5 billion development aims to merge sustainability with Bangkok’s chaotic charm.
Thailand’s government is also pushing forward with its National Smart City Plan, aiming to transform 105 locations—including Bangkok—into hubs of digital governance and clean energy. One example is the transformation of Rattanakosin Island, home to the Grand Palace, into a smart heritage district. Using digital mapping and AI-driven monitoring systems, authorities preserve Bangkok’s cultural landmarks while improving traffic flow and disaster response.
Meanwhile, Bangkok’s famous floating markets are getting a digital facelift. Local vendors are adopting cashless payments via QR codes, a far cry from the traditional bartering system but a necessary evolution for efficiency in the 21st century. It may be one of the oldest cities in Asia, but technology is only preserving its culture.
- Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, is one of the oldest cities in Southeast Asia, with roots dating back over a thousand years. But don’t let its labyrinthine Old Quarter fool you—this city is going smart at lightning speed.
Hanoi has introduced AI-powered traffic monitoring systems to combat its notorious congestion. These smart traffic lights analyse vehicle flow in real time, reducing gridlock and improving air quality in a city where motorbikes still reign supreme.
The city is also using big data and AI for heritage conservation. Hanoi’s historic temples and colonial-era architecture are being digitally mapped with 3D modelling, ensuring that restoration projects stay true to their original designs. The government has even experimented with VR tourism, allowing visitors to experience Hanoi’s past through interactive digital reconstructions of ancient landmarks.
Hanoi’s food scene, arguably the best in Southeast Asia, is also undergoing a tech upgrade. Some of the city’s most historic family-run restaurants are now using AI-driven recipe preservation, ensuring that traditional pho and banh mi recipes are documented and passed down accurately.
- Jaipur, India
Jaipur, known for its majestic palaces and rose-hued architecture, is a shining example of how India’s heritage and oldest cities are embracing smart technology. As a Unesco World Heritage site, Jaipur is under strict conservation laws—but that hasn’t stopped it from innovating.
The city has introduced a smart waste management system using IoT sensors to optimise garbage collection while preserving its pristine streets. Meanwhile, Jaipur’s historic forts and markets are monitored by AI-driven security systems, protecting centuries-old structures from damage and over-tourism.
One of Jaipur’s most ambitious projects is the Smart Heritage Walk, where tourists can use an AI-powered app to receive real-time historical insights as they explore the city. This initiative keeps Jaipur’s cultural narrative alive while ensuring a seamless visitor experience.
- George Town, Malaysia
Malaysia’s George Town, a melting pot of Chinese, Indian and Malay influences, is famous for its colonial-era architecture and vibrant street art. As a Unesco-listed city, it faces strict development regulations, but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a tech-forward destination.
George Town has introduced digital conservation projects, where historical buildings are scanned and archived in 3D to ensure accurate restorations. Meanwhile, the city’s famous trishaws (three-wheeled rickshaws) are being retrofitted with electric engines, blending nostalgia with sustainability.
The city is also pioneering AI-driven flood prediction systems to protect its historic waterfront areas from rising sea levels. With climate change threatening George Town’s existence, technology is now its greatest ally in preservation.
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Quelle/Source: Tatler Asia, 24.03.2025
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