When you choose to visit China, you’re entering a vast nation rich in thousands of years of history and culture. It’s a society influenced by significant events and governed by strict control over what you perceive and hear. While it may outwardly seem impressive and orderly, there are genuine contradictions and complexities that are crucial to grasp before your journey.
The largest day in American football is approaching next week!
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This week in Beijing, you can enjoy discounted crêpes, a comedic love story, and a pet-friendly celebration for the Chinese New Year.
Below are responses to frequently asked questions regarding the event, as well as directions to the venue.
Live performances, engaging dancing, a Battle of the Bands, and additional activities.
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Culturopolis and additional weekend activities to spark your weekend ideas!
Stay informed about the traditional Chinese festival calendar by using this useful guide.
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Culturopolis has arrived, and next week in Beijing, there will be a bag-making workshop and a unique Spittoon event.
It hasn't been very long (unlike the last time...) since my last blog post. I began sharing about our Long Trip while in Vietnam. This morning, I'm writing from our balcony in Luang Prabang, Laos. We have a fantastic view of the Mekong River here, and last night we enjoyed a lovely time sitting and watching the boats pass by. I just finished my coffee and am contentedly ignoring the breakfast dishes. "Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole is playing from the speaker, and life feels wonderful!
After over nine weeks, the final day of our summer journey had finally come. Our departure from Hong Kong was set for seven in the evening, providing us with more than half the day to explore before our van picked us up. The issue was that we had already covered much of the peninsula and Taipa, and I struggled to think of ways to fill the remaining hours in Macao. Instead, we opted to visit the Chinese mainland city of Zhuhai, where we had made a brief stop in 2015. I had three objectives: to explore the border crossing between Macao and mainland China, to get a better look at the impressive skyscrapers we had seen from afar, and to discover if the Chinese had actually extended the city into the Inner Harbour. It seemed unlikely, but Google Maps displayed a network of streets filled with restaurants extending over the water. From the Macao side, I couldn't spot any signs of this, and I realized it was likely just a quirk of the map, yet I felt an unusual need to see it for myself.
I have been really looking forward to this trip, but every time I begin to write about it, I end up experiencing a frustrating case of writer's block.
Mei Ling keeps us informed about all the local happenings in China, which is why on Sunday evening we found ourselves in a taxi heading quickly to the northern outskirts of Chengde to attend Emperor Kangxi’s Grand Ceremony. This large outdoor performance has been taking place during the warmer months since 2011. Kangxi was a Qing dynasty emperor who ruled for more than sixty years, making him the emperor with the longest reign in Chinese history. The show portrays significant events from Kangxi's reign, including various military campaigns and the unification of different ethnic groups. The amphitheater was part of a large complex that included restaurants, shops, and additional stages, all adorned with replicas of imperial Chinese architecture, such as pailou gates.
I have never placed much emphasis on the total number of countries I’ve visited, even though this is significant for many travelers. Instead, I am much more interested in the variety of unique locations I’ve experienced, even if that’s harder to monitor. National borders often reflect political decisions that have a fragile connection to the rich cultures and societies within them. When Yugoslavia divided into six countries, did those who had traveled to all six prior to this separation suddenly become more seasoned travelers just by staying home? If Scotland had separated from the United Kingdom, would all who had visited feel a boost of pride for adding another country to their list? I would prefer to explore new regions of Italy, Brazil, or China rather than make my first trip to a nondescript Caribbean destination like the Bahamas, which wouldn’t present anything I haven't already encountered in Jamaica or Trinidad. I find that I feel more thrilled when I arrive in a new province of China than when visiting most new countries because I am more confident that I will have completely new and intriguing experiences. That was the mindset I had as we touched down in Lijiang, our first destination in my debut visit to Yunnan province.
798 Coffee has launched in Sanlitun, O'Steak is commemorating its 13th anniversary with a refreshed menu, and there's a wine dinner happening at Puzzles, among other events.
Welcome to our blog dedicated to China—a captivating nation where centuries-old traditions coexist with cutting-edge innovation. Here, you’ll discover immersive articles on Chinese culture, cuisine, iconic landmarks, and everyday life in both sprawling metropolises and peaceful rural regions. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or simply curious about this remarkable country, we aim to provide fresh insights and practical guidance.
Our blog covers a wide range of topics, from travel tips—such as navigating the visa process and planning your itinerary—to exploring must-see destinations like the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and dynamic cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Food enthusiasts will enjoy our deep dive into Chinese gastronomy, sampling everything from savory street snacks to timeless classics like Peking duck.
We also shine a spotlight on modern China, examining its fast-paced technological advancements, burgeoning e-commerce, and forward-thinking architecture. Through firsthand experiences and expert commentary, we hope to bring you closer to the real China—its festivals, customs, and vibrant energy. Join us on this journey, and uncover the fascinating layers of history, innovation, and cultural diversity that make China truly unforgettable!