china

Comprehensive Harbin Ice Festival Guide & Winter Harbin Itinerary

dragon snow sculpture on sun island harbin

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 […]

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11 China Travel Tips for Anyone Visiting China for the First Time

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

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Visiting Kowloon’s Markets in Hong Kong

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

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I Was *ThisClose* to Falling for a Shanghai Tea House Scam

pagoda building lit at night in shanghai

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

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I Went to Usnisa Palace in Nanjing and My Jaw is Still on the Floor

great hall usnisa palace nanjing

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

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Yes, the Train from Shanghai to Nanjing is Easy, Fast, and Cheap!

First class seats on the Nanjing Shanghai train

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.

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