Climbing to the Tenth Tower of the Great Wall: Badaling

The Great Wall of China, Badaling

The Chinese have a famous saying,  “You aren’t a man until you’ve climbed the Great Wall of China.” Being a strong independent woman, my first thought upon hearing this, was damn right, I sure as hell will be hiking up that Great Wall and not just up the wall, but to the tenth watch tower. Whatever […]

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The Great Wall: Badaling

Spanning a distance of 21 000 kilometers across Northern China, it’s no secret that The Great Wall forms one of Asia’s oldest wonders. Built more than 2300 years ago by a range of Emperors, its main purpose was to prevent invasion and protect trading along the Silk Road. Today, it forms one of the must […]

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How to Avoid China’s Crowds and Chaos

China is a traveler’s paradise. Being one of the world’s oldest civilizations, it’s definitely a place that every travelista should explore, at least once in her life.  Walk through clouds of incense at the Lama Temple, run your hands amidst bright red prayer wheels, wander along the glistening Kunming Lake of the Old Summer Palace […]

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Chinese Dining Etiquette: 15 Rules for Eating in China

Dining etiquette in China, whether it be a friendly dinner or formal business meeting, is built on strong traditions and whilst it may seem that all you need is to master the use of your chopsticks, it’s important to remember that table manners are more ritualized in the Eastern world with traditions and superstitions still […]

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SHANGHAI IN 48 HOURS

Shanghai is one of China’s most popular cities. Filled with crowded streets and soaring skyscrapers, it forms a modern economical hub. With only 48 hours to spend here, it can seem like a mammoth task to explore this beautiful city so I’ve narrowed it down to a simple easy to follow guide. Ready, set, go! […]

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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 Visual Itinerary to Gubei Water Town & Simatai

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 […]

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