Archive by Author
Chinese Restaurant Cheat Sheet Posted by sasha on Nov 27, 2017
One of the most overwhelming experiences for newcomers to China is walking into a local restaurant and seeing a menu full of nothing but Chinese characters. I remember being terrified in my first few weeks in China every time I walked into such a place. How was I going to order? What if I ended…
Guilin Day Two Video Posted by sasha on Nov 22, 2017
With just 72 hours in Guilin, you’ll want to get out of the city after the first day. Just a 2-hour bus ride away is the incredibly scenic town of Yangshuo. After you get checked in to your hostel, grab a bike and head out to explore the beautiful karst mountain scenery, stopping to enjoy…
72 Hours in Guilin (Part Two) Posted by sasha on Nov 20, 2017
There is a saying in Chinese that goes: “Guilin’s scenery is the finest under Heaven” (桂林山水甲天下 – guì lín shān shuǐ jiǎ tiān xià), and for good reason. The beauty of Guilin has been inspiration for artists, poets, and musicians alike for thousands of years. While the city of Guilin is certainly worthy of a…
Guilin Day One Video Posted by sasha on Nov 16, 2017
With 72 hours visa-free in Guilin, there’s lots to see and do. On the first day, you can explore the beautiful 7 Star Park, eat the famous rice noodles, see the Sun and Moon Pagodas, and hit a bustling night market. Check it out in part one of our new video series on “72 Hours…
72 Hours in Guilin (Part One) Posted by sasha on Nov 14, 2017
More and more Chinese cities are welcoming tourists for short visa-free visits. In addition to Beijing, Kunming, and Chengdu, the beautiful city of Guilin (桂林 – guì lín) also allows you to visit for three days without the hassle and expense of getting a visa. Famed for its karst mountain peaks along the Li River…
A Short Visit to Pingle Ancient Town Posted by sasha on Nov 12, 2017
While there’s enough to see and do in Chengdu to stay there for at least three days, it’s great to escape the big city and get out to explore a small town. Pingle Ancient Town is the perfect place to go. Relax in a teahouse down by the river, hike up a Buddhist mountain, visit…
Pingle Ancient Town Posted by sasha on Nov 9, 2017
After spending a few days in the big city of Chengdu, why not get out and experience a small scenic town? Pingle Ancient Town (平乐古镇 – píng lè gǔ zhèn) is the perfect place to go. Once an important stop on the Tea Horse Road (茶马古道 – chá mǎ gǔ dào), this riverside town is a nice place…