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 …
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 …