Shanghai is one of China’s biggest metropolitan cities. Situated on the estuary of the Yangtze River, Shanghai serves as East China’s most influential financial, economic, and cultural center. For many international travelers, it also serves as the first port of entry due to its modernization and blend of eastern and western cultures. Here’s a quick […]
Read More
You can’t visit China without tasting an authentic Chinese hot pot. More affectionately and less accurately known by westerners as Chinese fondue, hot pot is one of the most popular dishes surrounding any social gathering. The origins of hot pot itself date back to over a 1000 years where it first appeared in Mongolia before […]
Read More
China is home to many architectural wonders filled with deep history and cultural design. The Summer Palace forms one of the largest and most well preserved imperial gardens. First built in 1750, it covers an area of 2.9 square kilometers and is dominated by Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake which covers three quarters of the palace […]
Read More
The Summer Palace is one of the largest and best preserved Imperial Gardens in the world. Its Chinese name, Yiheyuan translates into the ‘Garden of Nurtured Harmony’ and that is exactly what this vast ensemble of lakes, gardens and palaces nestled among the surrounding landscape forms. First designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1990, it’s […]
Read More
The Summer Palace is one of the best preserved masterpieces of Chinese landscape and design. Filled with lakes, gardens, pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges, it all comes together to form a harmonious ensemble of calming aesthetic pleasure. It’s also one of the largest imperial gardens in China. Wandering around, taking in the surrounding architecture […]
Read More
One of the best preserved imperial gardens in the world can be found to the northwest of Beijing, just 15 km outside of the city center. Yiheyuan which means The Garden of Restful Peace is also more popularly known as The Summer Palace and was initially built in 1750 by Emperor Qianglong. Filled with arched […]
Read More
If you’re thinking of planning a day trip away from the hustle and bustle of Beijing, then a trip to Gubei Water Town and the Simatai section of the Great Wall should definitely be on your list. Here is a quick visual itinerary for your visit. 7:00 am Leave Beijing. Catch bus number 980 from […]
Read More
China has many hidden secrets and Gubei Water Town is one of them. Situated just outside of central Beijing’s hustle and bustle, this ancient village encompasses the core of traditional Chinese culture and architecture. The water town itself is said to be a replica of the Wuzhen Water Town near Shanghai and covers an area […]
Read More
One of my favorite things about Southern China is how easy it is to travel to surrounding cities like Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macau. Getting to Hong Kong is pretty easy – an 80 minute bus ride to Shenzhen, followed by a short walk across the border and you’ve entered a completely new city! Here […]
Read More
Every year, over a million people flock to China to see the famous Terracotta Army. Uncovered in 1974 and now referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, this UNESCO World Heritage Site displays an extraordinary level of craftsmanship and Chinese artistry. With more than 8 000 terracotta warriors, horses, and weapons having been discovered; […]
Read More
LIFE OF SHAL 