December 3rd, 2010 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
I have literally passed through Guangzhou dozens of times but have been yet to discover any real charm amongst its mammoth sized urban sprawl.
This all changed when I stumbled upon a few classic streets in the city’s old quarter which have thoroughly revived my interest. The stunning qilou that line the peaceful En Ning Street [...]
December 3rd, 2010 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
Stretching some 450 metres into the sky on the banks of the Pearl River is Guangzhou’s newest icon. Nicknamed the “Supermodel”, the tower is said to mimic the body of a sexy woman.
The elevator to the top is a special ride that brings dizzying but intermittent views across the city as you whizz your way [...]
November 28th, 2010 | by admin | published in latest posts, places, things to do & see
Shamian Island is known in Guangzhou for its beautiful old architecture. This former UK & French concession area is a great place to enjoy an atmospheric stroll amongst colonial styled structures from a bygone era.
It also means this picturesque little spot is a draw-card for photographers adding a layer of vibrancy and interest that truly [...]
November 28th, 2010 | by admin | published in featured, latest posts, things to do & see
A Qing dynasty relic of Lingnan culture which seems to have survived the cultural revolution relatively unscathed now houses the Guangdong Museum of Folk Art in a few of its many halls.
Elaborately carved Chaozhou styled wooden doors depict classic Chinese scenes while mythological characters feature in the colourful, intricate lime sculptures that grace the eaves [...]
August 5th, 2010 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
How times change! A few years ago you would not have been able to drag me near this place. For me traveling was about chasing the so-called truly authentic experience where these types of tourism sights just don’t feature.
Nowadays though it is a different story. I haven’t totally lost my traveling roots and I still [...]
July 26th, 2010 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
The wild man of the forest is one of Borneo’s true highlights.
Having an up close and personal experience with one of these beautiful beasts is easy if you head to Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, approximately 30 kilometres outside of Kuching.
Established in 1975, the centre has records of 26 orangutans as its residents with 15 of [...]
June 16th, 2010 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
One of the more popular theories on the origins of the Dragon Boat festival is as remembrance of the search for the suicidal ancient scholar Qu Yuan. Accused of treason this popular poet drowned himself after being banished. Local residents are said to have raced around the waters try to rescue him or retrieve his [...]
May 30th, 2010 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
The focus of Shanghai in 2010 is clearly on the World Expo and if you are anywhere in its vicinity during the next few months then a visit is mandatory, if only to see what all the fuss is about.
My initial idea that I would pop in for a few hours, take a quick look [...]
December 26th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
After a tedious bus journey from Hanoi it was as if Mother Nature had snapped her fingers the moment we arrived in Bai Chay. Looming gray clouds parted giving way to dazzling rays of winter sunshine that started to slip through just as we stepped onto one of Bhaya’s traditional junk styled cruise boats.
We immediately [...]
December 24th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
This was the last place I expected to be overwhelmed by atmosphere on a western religious holiday.
Crowds had started to gather in the square in front of St Josephs cathedral in the old quarter from around 5pm. Strangely enough the gates around the cathedral were securely bolted. We found out later that [...]
