Everyone says winter is the worst time to visit China — unless you’re heading to the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, that is. Before my visit, I found plenty of inspirational articles and photographs but I couldn’t pinpoint a recent Harbin ice festival guide to walk me through the logistics. I had zero desire […]
Comprehensive Harbin Ice Festival Guide & Winter Harbin Itinerary Read More »
When I went to Harbin, I didn’t expect it to be a culinary standout. Like most visitors, I went for the ice festival and didn’t think much about the rest of town. Turns out, there are a bunch of Harbin food specialties worth going out of your way for. Some of them, you’ll likely stumble
10 Yummy Foods in Harbin You Must Try Immediately Read More »
I cheated on my first trip to China: I stayed at the Hyatt, hired a private guide, and didn’t stray far from the tourist trail. Like many travelers, I was intimidated by getting around on my own. It sure doesn’t feel like home and in some ways, it’s harder to visit than other countries. But
11 China Travel Tips for Anyone Visiting China for the First Time Read More »
The question I’m asked most often is “how do you afford to travel so often?” In reality, it’s not one single thing. I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve, although none as interesting as working as a courier. I made $300 — on a one-way flight, no less — just for flying from
Planning Nanjing was an exercise in patience. Since it’s not as popular as other Chinese cities, there aren’t as many articles about it (and fewer still on the actual coordination of visiting, rather than just inspiration). But if I can do it, so can you — especially since I’m about to share how to spend
One Day in Nanjing (The Nitty Gritty Specifics!) Read More »
Just north of Hong Kong Island is the Kowloon peninsula: a densely populated area with a plethora of markets. Along with modern shopping malls selling almost any product imaginable, there are traditional street markets unlike anything you’ll find back home. Spend an afternoon touring the best of Kowloon’s markets and get your camera ready…you never
Have I told you about the time I almost fell for the tea house scam in Shanghai? No? Well, settle in because it wasn’t pretty. I didn’t expect Shanghai would be the city that threw me. Of everywhere I went in China, it’s the one that’s most conducive to tourists. After five days of communication
I Was *ThisClose* to Falling for a Shanghai Tea House Scam Read More »
My friends looked at me a little funny when I mentioned I added Nanjing to my China plans. Why not Xian, or Chengdu, or anywhere most visitors go to? And on top of that, I spent the night instead of just taking the bullet train from Shanghai to Nanjing for the day. But I really wanted
9 Things to Do in Nanjing That Are Absolutely Worth Your Time Read More »
I never thought Nanjing, China would be on the list of most magnificent places I’ve been. For the most part, the city is dreary, smoggy, and grey, especially in winter. But Usnisa Palace in Niushoushan Cultural Park is so stunning that it raises the entire city up a notch, to a level normally held for
I Went to Usnisa Palace in Nanjing and My Jaw is Still on the Floor Read More »
Independent travel in China is easier than you think thanks to high speed rail. Unlike buses, it’s easy to figure out and for the most part, trains run efficiently on schedule. As of 2019, there are 200+ departures on the train from Shanghai to Nanjing, making it incredibly easy to add in a side trip.
Yes, the Train from Shanghai to Nanjing is Easy, Fast, and Cheap! Read More »
