Beijing boasts many spots to enjoy the stunning fall colors.
When I selected Yingkou as our second destination in China after Dalian, I was only aware of two specific locations I wanted to see: Liaohe Old Street and a coastal area named Bayuquan. It wasn't until we arrived that I conducted more thorough research and discovered that Bayuquan was an hour and a half drive south of downtown Yingkou, where we were staying. One intriguing aspect of China is that larger cities often have the same name as the surrounding prefecture, and the English-language internet frequently overlooks this distinction. A notable example is Chongqing, which is often referred to as the largest city in the world with a population of thirty-two million; however, that figure represents the entire province's population. Four cities in China hold provincial status, and Chongqing's province encompasses areas far beyond the actual city limits. The urban area at the core of the province has a population closer to twenty million. We faced a similar confusion in Yingkou, as Bayuquan was actually a separate city located a considerable distance away.
Beijing is an exciting city! Stay updated with our weekend summary of the newest happenings.
The Liu Organization has you taken care of.
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Still unsure about your weekend plans? Here’s some inspiration for you!
David Carey has returned to town with his latest ensemble, and we all benefit from it.
If you're in the vicinity of Tian'anmen and Qianmen, the archery tower is an excellent spot to explore for its historical significance and scenic views.
Dominican expatriate Shagi optimizes his time in Beijing by enjoying a perfect day in the city.
Investigating contemporary variations of 秋补 (qiū bǔ), also known as autumn tonic.
A couple of tasks for tomorrow, October 8.
Today marks the Mid-Autumn Festival, so let's delve into the cultural aspects related to the moon in China.
Some tasks to complete tomorrow, October 7.
Some tasks to accomplish tomorrow, October 6.
This afternoon, I returned to Lhasa. For this final day of travel, we chose a different route than the one we took to Mt. Kailash. The path to the mountain was very picturesque with several stops, but it was bumpy and slow. On the way back, there were no scenic interruptions, and the highway was relatively new, which resulted in a smoother ride, allowing us to travel faster. Upon our arrival, we bid farewell to our driver and guide, collected our additional checked luggage, checked into our rooms, and then I went out with Tony and Yelina to complete some souvenir shopping and grab a bite to eat. We walked about 30 minutes from the hotel to a street market, made our purchases, and ventured into a less touristy area. We were the only Westerners there, clearly in a local neighborhood. We found a local diner, ordered dumplings—always a popular choice—filled with yak meat. Tony selected a dish from a picture on the wall that looked intriguing, which turned out to be akin to a Shepherd's Pie, but made with yak meat and topped with a tortilla. That dish took quite a while to be prepared, and while waiting, a mother and her three daughters finished their meal at a nearby table. The girls greeted us with "Hello," their only English phrase, while continuing to smile and glance at us. I found it challenging to interact in such situations, as I felt like a novelty; I often smile and say hello but wished for deeper engagement. I asked Yelina if she could help facilitate communication and see if the girls would like to take a picture with me, which I also wanted. The mother agreed, and the girls eagerly arranged themselves for the photo. They were very sweet, and from their reactions, I believe this made their day, and they would share the experience with their friends. The meal was quite satisfying, and we left to explore a bit more but soon returned to the hotel. Tony, a rugby fan, noted that there are no sports bars here and hopes to watch the match on TV instead of his phone; it’s crucial for him to see this game.
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!