Shanghai is China’s modern, pulsing heart. It’s home to millions of people, and as the economic center of the country, home to billions more dollars and yuan. Aside from being an economic powerhouse, Shanghai is also mainland China’s most international city. It’s one of the few places outside of Hong Kong where you’ll find someone […]
Ten Must-See attractions in Shanghai Read Post »
Not to be confused with the artist, the town of Dali is located a couple of hours’ train ride north of Kunming in China’s Southwestern Yunnan province. There are no melting clocks or dreamy oil paintings in this Dali. Instead, you’ll find ancient architecture, bustling nightlife, and a gorgeous lake framed by regal mountain peaks.
Dali: The Town in China, Not the Painter Read Post »
Shanghai is under lockdown. As I write this, I’m sitting in my apartment, awaiting the call to go downstairs and take my twelfth COVID-19 test. These nucleic acid tests are the only time I’ve been through my front door for eight days straight. I haven’t left my apartment complex since… sometime in March? The days
The Great Shanghai Shutdown Read Post »
China is a country of rule breakers. It’s a nation of criminals, scofflaws, delinquents, lawbreakers, and ne’er do wells who are constantly engaged in a convoluted game of cat and mouse with the authorities. This flagrant disregard for the rules and regulations was one of the biggest things that shocked me about China. Don’t believe
Breaking the Law in China Read Post »
The world has many fascinating cities. Grand amalgamations of humanity that bustle with culture and energy. When I first visited Beijing, I was somewhat underwhelmed. It was only after going back that China’s capital revealed how awesome it was. Here’s why I think you should give Beijing a chance.
Why Beijing is One of the World’s Awesomest Cities Read Post »
Sometimes you find an amazing travel experience through extensive research and planning. Other times, you just sort of randomly stumble on them. The second case happened to me when I randomly stumbled on Beihai Park in Beijing. It turned out to be one of the best random stumbles I’ve ever had.
Beihai Park: My New Favorite Green Blob Read Post »
Where can you find nature in a city of 20 million people? At first glance, Beijing seems like the last place you would look for natural beauty. Afterall, this sprawling megacity is famous for being crowded and polluted, especially after the “airpocalypse” of 2014. But, this city is full of surprises. Beijing has some gorgeous
Fragrant Hills Park: a New View of Beijing Read Post »
Sometimes the most peaceful places have histories full of war, embezzlement, and imperial collapse. How could on Earth could a green forested hill covered in classical Chinese architecture, surrounded by a placid lake have seen such turbulence? That’s the Summer Palace in Beijing for ya. Beijing’s Summer Palace doesn’t quite get as much hype as
The Summer Palace in Beijing: the World’s Nicest Birthday Gift Read Post »
July 1st marked the hundredth anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party. Love it or hate it, the Chinese Communist Party is the largest political organization in the world, and arguably one of the most powerful. The CCP has around 90 million members, ten times the population of New York City. The party
It’s the 100 Year Anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party Read Post »
The Dragon Boat Festival is a national holiday in China that takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. Usually near the beginning of summer. The holiday is famous for the dragon boat races, where people race cool-looking boats carved into the shape of dragons. I’ve lived in China for almost three
What is the Dragon Boat Festival? Read Post »
