How I survived a monsoon in Guangdong, China

My first year in China was filled with all sorts of adventures. From unknowingly tasting shark fin soup at a teacher’s dinner to trekking to the 10th tower of the Great Wall – the adventures were endless. But I guess that is why we travel… to push ourselves to the limits and not just see […]

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Adventures at the Chinese Grocery Store: Exploring New Chinese Foods

Whilst I’m always up for a good adventure, wandering different countries and exploring new cities, walking down the aisles of a Chinese grocery store often proves to be a whole new adventure in itself. I often smell things long before I see them and hear the frantic splashing of the live seafood section in the […]

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Visiting the Tian Tan Buddha, Lantau Island

The Tian Tan Buddha is one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. It’s no surprise that this was at the top of my Hong Kong bucket list in 2009 and while I didn’t get to see it on my first trip to Hong Kong, I was sure that I wouldn’t miss it […]

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A Quick Guide to Shanghai

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 […]

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A Brief History of the Summer Palace

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 […]

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The best walking routes within the Summer Palace

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 […]

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Essential Tips For Visiting the Summer Palace

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 […]

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Top 16 Things to do at the Summer Palace

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 […]

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A Quick Guide To The Seychelles

The Seychelles is an island cluster located in the Indian Ocean just off East Africa. There are over 100 islands making up the archipelago of which the vast majority still remain uninhabited. Here’s a quick guide to this pristine holiday destination. FAST FIVE FACTS: Population: approximately 92 000 Capital: Victoria Climate: Tropical Time Zone: GMT […]

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Six Reasons to Visit Egypt After The Political Unrest

Political unrest in Egypt has been rife for ages now and as sad and scary as it is, there is a glimmer of hope. However despite the political situation many of the local travel warnings have been relaxed, allowing travelers back into the country. So that leaves us with the question of… to travel… or […]

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