-
The Ultimate Travel Plan: Visiting Beijing’s Bug Market
Along with visiting beautiful relics and experiencing new exotic landscapes, there is one aspect of travel that people cherish more than anything, food! Diving into the culinary world of different nations and cultures becomes a vital part of the experience! There’s no better place to find some local delicacies than in the bustling street markets, where local favourites are abundant. Beijing on the other hand has something a little different on offer, nothing less than a mouth-watering bug market. In the heart of a luxurious shopping district surrounded by megalithic malls and big named capitalist brands is an alley where you can chow down on some deep-fried critters to your…
-
The Milk Tea Alliance: An Online War of Democracy
A few things are capable of bringing nations together. It may be a common heritage or sharing cultural similarities, yet history has shown that nothing brings two countries together more than a hatred of a common enemy. For Asian countries, this dreaded bogeyman has always been the same, China, and more importantly, the lack of democracy that they inspire. In the past year, countries across South-East Asia have joined hands as a sign of solidarity in the face of adversity from both home and abroad. This unique union is symbolically represented by a common love that these nations share, milk tea. Who knew a nice cup of Yorkshire could be…
-
The 20 Best Highlights to See in Beijing
For centuries, Beijing has been the centre of one of the most mysterious cultures in human history. Whether it’s past Imperial emperors ruling land-conquering dynasties or today’s modern metropolis, the city has always represented the power and cultural influence of one of the biggest superpowers in the world. With such a vast complex history, Beijing is a city like no other. Amongst the imperial relics are plenty of examples of the city’s ever-growing modernisation, topping the list of must-see international cities. As such, there are plenty of things for the curious traveller to explore! So in that case, here are the best things to see in Beijing! This article may…
-
The Ultimate Travel Itinerary: Xi’an in 3 Days
China is a country with the deepest respect and admiration for its Imperial past, and it’s little wonder why. The city of Xi’an not only marks the centre of China’s ancient Kingdom, but in modern times, the city is known for some of the most significant archaeological discoveries in human history, the Terracotta Warriors. From some of the earliest forms of civilisation to the finest of dynasties, Xi’an is an encyclopaedia of Chinese history, and a worthy stop on any itinerary. In the article, I’ll show you how to hit all of Xi’an’s biggest highlights in just 3 days! The Attractions Xi’an is not only the ancient Chinese capital but…
-
Chinese Kids with Western Names
Ever wondered how your parents chose your name? Maybe you were named after a family member, or more likely your name was completely picked at random from a long potential list. Many people will even have a bit of resentment towards their parents for their names. Of all the millions of potential names they could have picked, why did they have to choose that one? For most of us, that’s the name we’ll be stuck with for the rest of our lives. Surprisingly, many Chinese kids have to go through the same drama, twice. Did you really think that Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee were their real names? Of course…
-
The 20 Best Highlights to See in Shanghai
Shanghai is a city which has transcended its Chinese heritage and has in many ways become its own independent international city. Since the city’s humble beginnings it has been influenced by all manner of cultures which has had a lasting effect until this day. For many, it tops the list of Chinese cities and often is the one and only destination people see during their time in the country. Any itinerary would be incomplete without it. As such, here are the top highlights in the city that is Shanghai. 1 – The Bund From it’s humble beginnings as a mile-long tow-path for dragging barges of rice along the Huangpu…
-
COVID in Taiwan: The Secret of Success
Currently, the majority of the world is experiencing a small-scale apocalypse. The entire globe has come to a complete standstill as it suffers through the worst global pandemic in centuries. I wouldn’t know anything about that, as I’m currently living in Taiwan, a country that has almost completely avoided any negative impact from COVID-19 and remains one of the safest countries in the world in a time of such carnage. If it weren’t for regular calls home and browsing online articles, I would have no idea that the rest of the world was in total lockdown. So, what is Taiwan’s secret? How has Taiwan managed to remain so unaffected during…
-
The Ultimate Travel Plan: The Terracotta Warriors
The Terracotta Warriors are one of the most significant archaeological excavations in human history and are rightly considered one of the most incredible and best-known attractions in China. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a large collection of life-size sculptures organised in battle formations that represent the members of the imperial guard which protected Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of the first unified dynasty of Imperial China. Visitors from every corner of the globe come to witness the awe-inspiring scenes within the excavation pits. It’s easily one of China’s greatest highlights, so here’s a complete guide on visiting the Terracotta Warriors. This article may contain affiliate links which…
-
Chinese Kids vs. Western Kids: What’s the Difference?
Of course, there is an incredible amount of contrast between China and the West, both culturally and superficially. After enough time in both places, such differences become just another part of everyday life. However, one difference stands out beyond the rest: childhoods. During my time teaching children in Beijing, I was fortunate enough to spend a considerable amount of time amongst China’s youth. I couldn’t help but notice the stark differences in their upbringing compared to the typical Western child. Chinese kids do not have what we would consider a typical childhood, and grow up under very different attitudes. It’s difficult to work out which way is better, so let’s…
-
China vs. Taiwan: What’s the Difference?
Dawn over the Taiwan Strait brings to light the geographical divide between the communist powerhouse and its more progressive, rebellious step-brother. But this is more than just distance – it’s divergence, an evolutionary boundary that has produced fascinating results. In the red corner: a one-party superpower shaping geopolitics, driving development, and manufacturing the world’s goods. In the blue corner: a scrappy island where democracy has flourished into a noisy, televised, memed society – fiercely defended by its people. Same civil war scar. Same cultural ancestry stretching back thousands of years. But somewhere between revolution and retreat, red flags and ballot boxes, the lines split hard. Different governments.Different economies.Different passports.Different militaries.Different…
