Oh boy, I’m leaving Asia now, having spent months here and heading for Europe. Its time for me to explore another part of the world, get back to a little bit of familiarity and decompress my nervous system. While I have enjoyed Asia more than I ever imagined, the busy cities, crowds, pollution and chaos …
This is one country where you definitely need preparation and research before your arrival. I have visited twice now, to Chengdu and Shanghai, flown with China Eastern & Southern and spent a week in Hong Kong. There are many tips and tricks I can provide and that is exactly what this post is designed to …
There is absolutely no shortage of things to do in this incredible city. Having such limited time to visit only so much ground one can cover. It’s a destination you could spend months in and still feel like there is much to be seen. Here are 6 free things to do in Shanghai China that …
This part of the city was actually not on my radar, but after doing a little research, I find myself really curious as to what remains. Like The Bund, this was one of the extraterritoriality locations in the city and remained so for just under 100 years. An area, governed by France, I have to …
I haven’t seen much real history yet in Shanghai so I search where to go to experience some old Chinese architecture. You know the style, those gorgeous swooping eaves like birds’ wings, dark carved wood, romantically conservative. As soon as these buildings alight on my iPad screen, I know I have found exactly what I’m …
Imagine a 5.5-kilometre-long, mainly pedestrian only street, lined with shops ranging from tiny boutique to big luxury brands. Early 20th century architecture at one end and a serene Buddhist Temple at the other. Food, snacks and candy to entice even the most hardcore dieter. Come with me and let’s have some fun on Nanjing Road …
After the initial exploratory jaunts around my neighbourhood, I notice what appeared to be European architecture. Surprised and delighted by this, I have been researching and walking further afield. An area that is now a tourist hotspot is our destination today. Here’s a few ideas of what to see at The Bund in Shanghai. Brief …
I have decided again, not to cover the travel day from Hong Kong to China, simply because it is one single flight and in the darkness of night. Leaving HK the plane was delayed on the tarmac for almost 1.5 hours because of a rain storm, but the remainder of the flight was uneventful. Here …
My visit has been interesting to say the least. This part of the city has a special breed of magic, one that cannot be duplicated but must be experienced. Walking the streets is going to be your best way to discover that. If you don’t have time for a languid and lengthy walk, here are …
I am in an area of the city that is actually a peninsula of the mainland, as opposed to the island itself. What was once fertile farmland, is now one of the most densely populated places on the planet. The streets and alleys are full of character, vim, illicit activity and chaos. Come get lost …
Where to start? Wow I was not expecting to see a market every few blocks, but that is exactly what I encounter exploring these gritty old streets of Kowloon. From raw food to souvenirs, antiques, jade and clothes, let me show you what I discover amongst this chaotic and lively metropolis. There are so many …
I decided not to write a travel day post from Chengdu as it was only one flight that lasted a few hours. I flew with Hong Kong Airlines and they have the most spacious seats in economy class that I think I have ever seen. A little snack was provided even though it was a …
I have covered the biggies in individual posts but here are a few other ideas in case you are looking for more ways to fill your time. Chengdu is a fascinating city, huge, I have only explored one very small area. Here are 5 free things to do in Chengdu that are fun, easy and …
One of the largest draws to this city in China, perhaps even the biggest attraction, are the pandas. There is only a very small portion of the world where these fascinating animals reside and its right here. The amazing Giant Panda Research Base in Chengdu is the closest facility to the city in which to …
At the centre of this bustling city, China’s fifth largest, is something you need to see. Well multiple things in fact, a cultural hub, the core. I walk here from my little hotel near Wenshu Temple and it only takes about 40 minutes. A great way to see more of this fascinating place and end …
I have really lucked out on the selection of the neighbourhood I find myself immersed in. When selecting my hotel, besides price, which is almost always the guiding factor for my frugal budget, it was location. I knew on this first visit, I would need somewhere more gentle, less big city. The charming district of …
My humble hotel is situated down the road from this Buddhist temple. When the streets become too chaotic, I head inside this sanctuary for peace and space. A national treasure and protected by the Chinese government, beautiful Wenshu Monastery is your escape in Chengdu. Brief History Located in the Wenshufang neighbourhood, the original temple dates …
What am I actually seeing? Like I mentioned in the previous post, this destination more than any other, requires prior research, setting up apps, banking, and logistics before arrival. Part of that research was the hotel of course. I prioritize first, one where I know the front desk staff speaks a little English. The other …
I’ve got a whopper to get through, 36-some-odd hours including three flights, a 12-hour layover and two taxis. I have been preparing for days/weeks for this next destination as it requires that much research. Here is my travel day Astana Kazakhstan to China on FlyArystan and China Eastern Airlines. Astana NQZ One of the most …
This is a fun post to create as there are numerous interesting and cool things to see in this new capital city. I have had no shortage what-so-ever of places to go and checkout during this visit. Usually, I limit these posts to 5, but here there is too much I want to pass along. …