On Buddha’s Shoulder
While waiting in a long line to walk down the cliffside steps to Buddha’s feet, I was able to take a photo over the shoulder of the world’s largest Buddha.
On Buddha’s Shoulder Read More »
While waiting in a long line to walk down the cliffside steps to Buddha’s feet, I was able to take a photo over the shoulder of the world’s largest Buddha.
On Buddha’s Shoulder Read More »
The Beijing Ancient Observatory (北京古观象台) not only offers history and science lessons, but also provides great views of Beijing.
A traveler and former China expat’s review of River Town, the first book on China by The New Yorker correspondent Peter Hessler.
Traveler Reads: River Town by Peter Hessler Read More »
I’ve taken quite a few trains around the world. Unfortunately, trains in the US lag behind those of other countries in terms of convenience and cost.
Train Travel Adventures Read More »
The Chinese New Year is upon us! It’s the year of the snake, which probably means that a lot of people in China will eat some sort of snake dish to celebrate (couldn’t do that last year with the year of the dragon). During my first summer in China, my parents came to visit for
Slithering into a New Year Read More »
Airpocalypse around Beijing reminded me about the air pollution when I lived in Shenzhen–the hazy days I saw there and even in Hong Kong.
We took a ride from Urumqi to Tianchi (天池), Heavenly Lake. This turned out to be my favorite day in China’s Xinjiang Province.
Xinjiang’s Heavenly Nature Read More »
The apocalypse did not come. I still had to work (I wonder how many people called out sick for this). Since the world hasn’t ended, we should travel more. And we should definitely experience more of the wonders it has to offer.
It’s Not the End of the World Read More »
Traveling in China during any national holiday means that you will encounter huge crowds of people no matter where you go.
Holiday Crowds in China Read More »
This Sunday is Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节) in China, and this year it coincides with the October 1 national holiday, which means the entire country has a week-long holiday. While I was in China, it was only a week-long holiday for the national holiday. But, after I left, the government decided to promote traditional holidays and
Every now and then I get depressed viewing other people’s photos of China because they always seem to have beautiful skies surrounding tourist destinations.
On my second major holiday journey during my time in China, I traveled to northern Sichuan Province to visit Jiuzhaigou National Park. This was the only time I visited a Tibetan region of China as it was (and still is) rather difficult for foreigners to access the province of Tibet. I stayed in Shuzheng village
Counting Blessings Read More »
There’s a lot of beauty around China, and the scenery around Dinghu in Zhaoqing represents some of what the country has to offer travelers.
Relaxing on a Chinese Lake Read More »
Over the last couple weeks, blog posts have proclaimed, “I’m leaving China,” mostly from long-term expats. I left China well before this exodus trend.
I Left China Before It Was Cool to Leave Read More »
When I visited Beijing in the couple years before the Olympics, I didn’t see any of the venues for the games. At that time I didn’t even know where in the city they were located. I stuck with the tourist destinations that included the Forbidden City. Unfortunately, it was difficult to see the Forbidden City.
Forbidden Olympics Read More »