Navigation Menu

China

China

Things to do in Shanghai for Every Interest: Great Ideas for Your China Itinerary

Posted by on 1:42 am in Blog, China | 40 comments

Things to do in Shanghai for Every Interest: Great Ideas for Your China Itinerary

Shanghai has long been the gateway to China. Located on the Yangtze River delta, it is known as the city above the sea, the Paris of the East.

It is the largest economic and trade center in China, and one of the country’s biggest cultural centers. Though despite the ancient cultures we find in Beijing and Xi’an, Shanghai is a relatively young city, with a unique fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.

As China’s largest and richest city, Shanghai is a mega-metropolis which oozes an atmosphere on par with New York and Paris in terms of modernity; a bustling international hub with something for everyone.

Whether you’re in Shanghai for architecture, cuisine, history, shopping, or entertainment, this is a town that’s tailored just for you. The following are things to do in Shanghai for every interest – great ideas for your itinerary no matter what you like to do!

read more

These Real World Destinations Inspired Your Favorite Fairy Tales

Posted by on 3:40 pm in Blog, China, France, Germany, Kenya, Tanzania | 24 comments

These Real World Destinations Inspired Your Favorite Fairy Tales

Fairy tales have captured our hearts and minds since once upon a time, and these imagined lands are often so vivid that they stay with us into adulthood. We dream of escaping to these fantastic, otherworldly settings to escape the bore of daily life.

But the authors who imagine these enchanting lands often draw inspiration from locations in real life. From the mountains of Germany to the plains of sub-Saharan Africa, there are many places around the world which look like they’ve been ripped from the pages of a fairy tale. And that’s because the real world inspired the story.

If you love fairy tales and have a serious case of wanderlust, you can visit these real places that inspired some of the best stories of all time. None of these destinations require a fairy godmother to reach – just a short flight!

read more

How to Uncover the Real China that Few Tourists Ever Get to See (Teach English in China)

Posted by on 3:57 pm in Blog, China, Expat Life | 31 comments

How to Uncover the Real China that Few Tourists Ever Get to See (Teach English in China)

The most rewarding travel moments are when you can have an experience that few others achieve.

When it comes to exploring China, visiting popular tourist sites like the Great Wall or eating Peking Duck may satisfy the bucket list, but that makes your experience just like any other tourist.

So when we visited China, we wanted to make our experience unforgettable and uncover the real China that few tourists ever get to see. We decided to teach English in China, and on reflecting back, have the following advice for those looking to achieve an immersive experience.

read more

The Best Way to Travel from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou – by Bus or by Plane?

Posted by on 3:37 pm in China, Travel Tips | 16 comments

The Best Way to Travel from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou – by Bus or by Plane?

A nature reserve and national park located in the north Chinese province of Sichuan, Jiuzhaigou is known for fabulous scenery such as multi-level waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. Though perhaps the parks best-known feature is its dozens of blue, green and turquoise-colored lakes. The saying that “no more water worthy of appreciating after those of in Jiuzhaigou” can be the true interpretation of its scenery.

But for such wonderful attraction, why do so many tourists miss it? Most simply don’t know how to get there. As the largest city in the southwest China, Chengdu is only about 400 kilometers away, and is your best gateway. From here you have the option of daily flights and buses to Jiuzhaigou.

The difference between choosing a bus or a plane comes down to both time and price. Most of time, taking bus from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou will take 9 to 10 hours, as opposed to the 40 minutes to 1 hour for the journey on a plane. The following if information to help guide your choice.

read more

How to Spend 48 Hours in Tibet

Posted by on 8:36 am in Blog, China, World, Writers | 34 comments

How to Spend 48 Hours in Tibet

Tibet is a beautiful area within China* that is home to its own unique culture, style, and landscape. This fascinating place is the perfect destination for adventurers and travelers of all kinds! You’ll find ancient history, beautiful surroundings, and religiously-inclined locals who are happy and kind.

*Tibetans say their country is an independent nation: the Chinese government says it is part of China. Read more about the Tibetan sovereignty debate.

Here’s how you can visit the highlights of Tibet in 48 hours.

read more

7 Reasons You Should Spend Winter Among the Wonders of Jilin

Posted by on 9:17 pm in Adventure Travel, Blog, China, World, Writers | 57 comments

7 Reasons You Should Spend Winter Among the Wonders of Jilin

Jilin is a northeastern Chinese province bordering North Korea and Russia, and while it may not be the first place you think to go when you think of China, come winter it is a destination full of superlatives; of ski resorts, natural hot springs, and stunning ice-rimmed riverside trees.

For those travelers looking for a destination which offers an incredible winter wonderland, and lengthy period of winter snow, this is the place to be. From October to April, Jilin is transformed into a truly magical destination with mesmerising natural wonders you have to see to believe.

From a stunning, deep-blue volcanic crater lake within the country’s largest reserve, to China’s extraordinary frozen fog, the following are 7 reasons to spend this winter among the wonders of Jilin.

read more

Visiting the Most Famous Mosque in China; Dongguan Great Mosque, Xining

Posted by on 4:06 pm in Blog, China | 25 comments

Visiting the Most Famous Mosque in China; Dongguan Great Mosque, Xining

It’s hard not to notice the Great Mosque on a stroll of Dongguan Street, Xining. And with magnificent islamic architecture that combines together towers, a palace-like prayer hall, and a dazzling green Arabian-style dome, it’s hard not to walk past without being drawn in.

Built on a grand scale combining both Chinese traditional architectural art and Islamic architectural features, this is the biggest mosque in Qinghai Province, and one of the one of the four great mosques in Northwestern China.

A visit to Dongguan Great Mosque Xining offers a fascinating insight into Chinese Muslim culture. This is arguably the most famous Islamic Mosque in China.

read more

7 Destinations For Thrill Seekers

Posted by on 1:59 pm in Adventure Travel, Belize, Blog, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Nepal, New Zealand | 22 comments

7 Destinations For Thrill Seekers

Adrenaline junkies have always been faced with a problem; the next activity has to be slightly more exciting than the last, or what’s the point?

A decade or so ago, even a humble trip to Las Vegas to blow a month’s wages on the tables would have been the trip of a lifetime. Hardcore thrill-seekers now have to resort to chucking themselves off skyscrapers to scratch the adrenaline itch. Happily, for those of us who aren’t yet completely addicted to this kind of craziness, the world is full of exciting stuff that you don’t need to be clinically mad to want to try!

Here are the top 7 destinations in the world for thrill seekers!

read more