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Category: Sights & Landmarks

Quick Day-trip to Nanjing

Quick Day-trip to Nanjing

Nanjing is a famous historical and culture city about an hour or two from Shanghai by speed train. It served as the capital  during several dynasties over the course of China’s history and most recently was the capital under the Kuomintang until 1949. There are quite a many historical sights and things to do in Nanjing however we only had two days to explore. On my to-do list was run around on the City Wall of Nanjing, play at Xuanwu…

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Sri Lanka and the Way of Life

Sri Lanka and the Way of Life

Sri Lanka really surprised me with it’s rich history and culture. Before arriving, I knew very little about the country other than where it is and Ceylon tea comes from there. However, after ten days of traveling around the Central region I was blown away by what I discovered. I learned about the long, rich history of Sri Lanka people, the food, landscape, and culture. It truly was life changing and I look forward to another visit to Sri Lanka….

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So, I Hiked Up Mount Tai and it was Good

So, I Hiked Up Mount Tai and it was Good

Mount Tai is one of the Five Sacred Mountains of China and happens to be the grandest of them all. Since Mount Tai is the easternmost mountain it is associated with sunrise and renewal. Over time the mountain has become a cornerstone in Chinese religion and for over 3000 years emperors and others have visited to offer sacrifice and pay homage. Because of Mount Tai’s significant cultural importance it is a very popular destination for Chinese and somewhat of a…

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So Much to See and Explore at West Lake in Hangzhou

So Much to See and Explore at West Lake in Hangzhou

West Lake in Hangzhou has many sights and activities to enjoy. If you like to wander and explore then you’ll be quite happy here. It’s really a great place to visit – so much beautiful nature, parks, historical sights, and restaurants, all concentrated in one relatively small area. West Lake is a large, shallow lake (2.5 square miles or 6.5 km² and 3 meters deep) flanked on three sides by forest and Hangzhou city to the northeast. We stayed one…

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Nanxiang Old Street, Birthplace of Xiaolongbao

Nanxiang Old Street, Birthplace of Xiaolongbao

Nanxiang Old Street 南翔老街 is a well preserved old town about 35 minutes metro ride from central Shanghai. The town was a major business center long ago and claims a history of over 1500 years. You can enjoy scenic walks along cobble stone streets and enjoy shopping, eating and sightseeing. In the center part are two large, stone pagoda and an ancient water well. Nanxiang is the birthplace of the famous dumpling known as Xiaolongbao. There are several restaurants and…

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Yangshan Deep-Water Port

Yangshan Deep-Water Port

If you enjoy exploring offbeat kind of places, Yangshan Deep-Water Port 洋山深水港 will not disappoint. Getting there is pretty exciting, too. The drive takes you across one of the world’s largest bridges, and huge wind turbines loom out in the sea along the way. Approaching the islands, you’ll see tall gantry cranes off in the distance loading and unloading mega container ships. It’s all pretty cool to see, especially for landlubbers like me who are unfamiliar with such things. Yangshan…

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Amazingly Beautiful Hong Kong

Amazingly Beautiful Hong Kong

Although I have always heard how beautiful and “amazing” Hong Kong is, I didn’t really get it until my first visit. Hong Kong is a city that must be experienced first-hand. Upon arrival I immediately sensed the vibrancy and energy of the city. Then I was struck by the peaceful beauty of nature, the sea and the food. Wow, the food scene in Hong Kong is truly a big deal. It’s such an interesting juxtaposition of Western and Chinese culture, not to mention…

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Beijing and The Great Wall

Beijing and The Great Wall

We took the bullet train from Shanghai to Beijing. I much prefer riding the bullet trains because they are on-time, fast and comfortable. Not to mention you go through much less hassle at the station. After we arrived to Beijing South station we took a 45-minute taxi ride to The Opposite House hotel. We really like the hotel’s modernist styling and personal service. The decor and artwork all around gives the hotel an interesting charm and didn’t feel sterile as…

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Suzhou Day Trip to Pingjiang Road

Suzhou Day Trip to Pingjiang Road

Although a large city, Suzhou has a few enclaves where you can go to experience its ancient heritage and lifestyle. Beware of the fact, however, that this also attracts many other tourists like you. Suzhou has many beautiful gardens, parks and historical sights, and seeing all of them in one day would be daunting. Instead we did a quick day trip, spending about five hours strolling along Pingjiang Road and ending at The Humble Administrator’s Garden (Zhuo Zheng Yuan 拙政园). Getting…

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