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What is Ghost Month and the Hungry Ghost Festival?
Do you believe in ghosts? That’s always been the divisive question separating the non-believers from the sixth-sensers; the logical from the “open-minded”. In Taiwan, however, this question has a much more definitive answer. The sincere belief in ghosts and the spiritual world is so deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture that as many as 70-90% of Taiwanese citizens acknowledge at least acknowledge its cultural significance. Even those who might not consider themselves true “believers” still observe many customs and superstitions surrounding the idea. Though you may be picturing ghouls and goblins coming to haunt your dreams, it’s not quite as morbid as you might think. In fact, there’s an entire month…
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What is it Like Living in China?
China is one of the most misunderstood nations on Earth. Tales of mysticism and peculiar oriental traditions travelled far and wide along the Silk Road and beyond, creating a cultural mythology like no other. Foreign nationals are few and far between in the lands of China; thus, a perspective on life in the beating heart of Maoist communism is more exclusive than a list of potential Premier candidates. As one of the few wai guo ren who has lived and worked amongst the hallowed streets that were once considered forbidden, what was life like living in China? As a bright-eyed, clueless Brit, I was equally uninformed and completely naive to…
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The 10 Best Highlights to See in Tianjin
Sitting in the shadows of the behemoth of a capital, Tianjin is often forgotten by visitors to Northern China. However, this city boasts a history and culture as valid and as vibrant as any other. Tianjin is a city which perfectly blends the old-world charm of ancient China with its unrelenting modernisation. Each spot highlights the city’s and the nation’s complex development, bringing Tianjin out of the shadows once and for all! So in that case, here are 10 of the best sights to see during your time in Tianjin. This article may contain affiliate links, for which I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you, dear readers!…
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20 Things to Do and NOT to Do in China
China boasts an incredibly rich cultural heritage that spans thousands of years! Throughout its lengthy history, this vast country has developed a multitude of remarkable traditions and cultural practices. As a result, Chinese culture holds many unique aspects that set it apart from others. Navigating the cultural norms and social etiquette of any country can be challenging, especially in a place like China! Nobody wants to commit a cultural faux pas, especially when some mistakes could be costlier than others. So in that case, here’s a handy list of 20 do’s and don’ts for your trip to China! This article may contain affiliate links, for which I may be compensated…
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The Ultimate Travel Plan: The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is one of the world’s largest and most famous winter festivals. Welcome to the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, a dazzling spectacle that turns China’s “Ice City” into a frozen fairyland. Unlike most places on Earth, Harbin comes alive in the winter months in the form of the world’s largest and most famous winter festival. This annual extravaganza is a masterpiece of frozen artistry, boasting colossal ice sculptures, towering ice castles, and an ethereal luminosity that will leave you spellbound. So in that case, here’s everything you need to know about the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. This article may contain affiliate…
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The Siberian Tiger Park: A Retrospective of Cruelty
While fastidiously reading through my Lonely Planet Travel book on China, I soon came across a section dedicated to the little-explored far northeast. Amongst this barren frozen wasteland, its crowning jewel is the city of Harbin. Known as the Ice City, Harbin has also gained international recognition as the host of the yearly Snow and Ice Festival, a place which produces some of the world’s largest ice sculptures. The city was also home to a Japanese chemical weapon laboratory during the height of the war. Yet, that isn’t what has brought the city such notoriety. Harbin is also home to the Siberian Tiger Park, a place where the breeding and…
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The 20 Strangest Chinese Superstitions
The mythical nation of China is one that’s steeped in ancient traditions and belief systems. As such, superstitions and the supernatural have played a role in the lives of Chinese citizens for centuries, with many of these practices still being observed today! While stepping on a crack or a broken mirror might bring bad fortune in the West, there are plenty more mystical dos and don’ts that are followed in China! So, in that case, here are the 20 strangest and most unique superstitions in China! This article may contain affiliate links which I may be compensated at no extra cost to you, dear readers! The Number 4 The number…
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What Is KTV? Asia’s Favourite Pastime
Who hasn’t spent an alcohol-fuelled evening in front of a run-down karaoke machine with a microphone in hand? Though this may be a once-in-a-blue-moon affair for us Westerners, for many countries in Asia, this is a national pastime. The art of karaoke is taken so seriously that there are places specifically designed to do it! From private disco booths and family-friendly venues to fully-stocked bars and scantily clad KTV girls, these places have it all! If you ever find yourself in Asia, it’s a rite of passage to visit one! So, in that case, let me show you everything you need to know about the KTV industry. This article may…
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The Ultimate Beijing Guide: The Forbidden City
The true centrepiece of Beijing and indeed the greater Chinese dynasties of old, the Forbidden City was once the home to the nation’s most powerful emperors and remains a living guide to the once-mighty empire. For centuries, as the name suggests, its doors were sealed to the normal peasantry, but these days, anyone and everyone is able to marvel at the gargantuan developments within. This 600-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site is by far one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions, bringing domestic and international sightseers from far and wide. So in that case, here’s the ultimate guide for exploring the Forbidden City. The article may contain affiliate links through…
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The 20 Best Highlights To See In Xi’an
There are a few cities richer in historical significance than the city of Xi’an. Once the ancient capital of Imperial China, it played host to countless dynasties and distant merchants. The city was brought to international recognition by its jaw-dropping archaeological discoveries and remains a travelling hotspot amongst local and foreign tourists alike. Amongst them, Xi’an has plenty of highlights on offer! So in that case, let me show you the 20 best highlights to see during your time in the ancient Imperial capital of Xi’an! This article may contain affiliate links which I may be compensated for at no extra cost to you dear readers! The Museum of the…
