East Asia is a fascinating region full of history, culture, and intrigue. Throughout the centuries, many riddles and puzzles have emerged from East Asia that test one’s wit and knowledge of this part of the world. Here are 34 riddles about East Asia along with their answers to challenge your brain.
Riddles about China
As one of the oldest continuous civilizations in the world, China is a land of mystique and tradition. Its long history has given rise to many brain teasers over the years.
Riddle 1
What has a head like a dragon, a tail like a snake, scales like a carp, and lives in water?
Answer: A Chinese dragon
Riddle 2
What invention allowed Chinese scholars to carry thousands of writings at once?
Answer: Paper
Riddle 3
What food, when unlabeled, could be confused for ivory or jade?
Answer: Tofu
Riddle 4
I am made of two symbols joined together – one meaning “roof” and the other “mouth.” What am I?
Answer: The Chinese character for “house”
Riddle 5
What natural structure is so intricate that some say it can be seen from the moon?
Answer: The Great Wall of China
Riddles about Japan
The Land of the Rising Sun has perplexed outsiders for ages with its intricate customs, artistry, and innovations. Try cracking these riddles from the island nation.
Riddle 6
What Japanese puppet theater originated in the 17th century?
Answer: Bunraku
Riddle 7
I am a flowering tree that symbolizes Japan. My blossoms last for just a short time each spring.
Answer: Cherry blossom (sakura)
Riddle 8
What Japanese board game is known for its black and white stones placed strategically on a wooden grid?
Answer: Go
Riddle 9
I have a tsuba, tsuka, habaki, and hamon. What am I?
Answer: A samurai sword
Riddle 10
What does it mean to be “chonin” in feudal Japan?
Answer: A merchant or townsman
Riddles about Korea
The Korean peninsula holds a rich history stretching back thousands of years. See if you can decrypt these puzzles from the Land of the Morning Calm.
Riddle 11
What Korean percussion instrument is played by striking it with a mallet?
Answer: Janggu drum
Riddle 12
I was developed by the Korean navy in the 15th century to ward off Japanese pirates. What am I?
Answer: Turtle ship
Riddle 13
What alcoholic beverage is Korea well known for, made from fermented rice or other grains?
Answer: Soju
Riddle 14
What Korean side dish is made of fermented vegetables like cabbage or radish?
Answer: Kimchi
Riddle 15
What does “hanbok” refer to in Korea?
Answer: Traditional Korean clothing
Riddles about Mongolia
The endless steppes and nomadic culture of Mongolia harbor many mysteries. See if you can decipher these brain teasers from the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky.
Riddle 16
What is a traditional dwelling used by nomads on the Mongolian steppe?
Answer: A ger (yurt)
Riddle 17
Archers from what Mongolian ethnic group were known for their unmatched skills on horseback?
Answer: The Mongols
Riddle 18
What is the most popular meat in Mongolian cuisine?
Answer: Mutton/lamb
Riddle 19
I am a stringed instrument used in Mongolian music with two strings and a long, fretless neck. What am I?
Answer: The morin khuur (horsehead fiddle)
Riddle 20
Naadam is a traditional festival celebrating three masculine sports. What are they?
Answer: Wrestling, archery, and horse racing
Riddles about Taiwan
This island at the crossroads of Asian civilizations holds many secrets in its vibrant cultural blend. See if you can unravel these Taiwan riddles.
Riddle 21
I am a tower in Taiwan recognized as one of the wonders of the modern world. What am I?
Answer: Taipei 101
Riddle 22
What is the most prevalent religion or philosophy in Taiwan?
Answer: A blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism
Riddle 23
Which of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples are known for their rainbow-colored traditional clothing?
Answer: The Paiwan
Riddle 24
What sweet treat is Taiwan beloved for, consisting of shaved ice with condensed milk and fruit toppings?
Answer: Shaved snow ice
Riddle 25
I originated in Fujian and am a quintessential Taiwanese dish of rice, pork, and vegetables. What am I?
Answer: Lu rou fan (braised pork rice)
Riddles about Myanmar
Shrouded in mystery, Myanmar’s ancient temples and lush jungles conceal many secrets. See if you can illuminate these Myanmar riddles.
Riddle 26
What sacred Buddhist monument serves as the spiritual heart of Myanmar?
Answer: The Shwedagon Pagoda
Riddle 27
I am made from fermented tea leaves and often eaten as a snack or salad ingredient in Myanmar. What am I?
Answer: Laphet (fermented tea leaves)
Riddle 28
What is the most popular sport played recreationally across Myanmar?
Answer: Chinlone (cane ball)
Riddle 29
What type of theatrical dance-drama is unique to Myanmar?
Answer: Anyeint dance
Riddle 30
What garment do Burmese women traditionally wear that looks like a cylinder or tube?
Answer: A htamein
Riddles about Indonesia
With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is a hugely diverse nation brimming with mysteries. See if you can illuminate these riddles from the archipelago.
Riddle 31
I am a traditional hand-carved puppet from Indonesia, originally used in religious rituals. What am I?
Answer: A wayang puppet
Riddle 32
What is the national airline of Indonesia?
Answer: Garuda Indonesia
Riddle 33
What pungent Southeast Asian condiment is made from fermented soybeans?
Answer: Tempeh
Riddle 34
What ingredients are used to make soto ayam, a popular Indonesian chicken soup?
Answer: Chicken, rice or noodles, vegetables, and spices.
Conclusion
How did you fare with these riddles? East Asia is a region filled with diverse cultures, landscapes, and histories to uncover. These brain teasers offer just a glimpse into the mysteries of China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Taiwan, Myanmar, Indonesia, and beyond. Next time you travel through East Asia, keep your eyes peeled for more delightful puzzles to solve!
