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 [...]
July 15th, 2010 | by admin | published in latest posts, places
The sheer contrasts of Macau make it an intriguing and picturesque destination with a unique mish-mash of cultures. Not only does the city continue to grow economically due to its burgeoning gambling industry, but it has physically increased its size by around 170% from land reclamation.
A gambler’s mecca with glitzy, shiny, mega dollar structures that [...]
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 9th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, places, things to do & see
Another new project that caught my attention in Beijing was the redevelopment and refurbishment of the ancient Qianmen street. Located at the southern end of Tiananmen Square the street even boasts a tram car which occasionally whizzes past.
Now this refurbishment actually caused me to sit back and ponder a question which disturbs me a little [...]
December 6th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, places, things to do & see
Beijing has developed into such a cosmopolitan city over the past 12 years, so much so it is barely recognizable.
One of the latest developments I am really enjoying is The Village in Sanlitun. So often these types of developments remain half filled or are full of useless shops that I would never go near but [...]
December 4th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
Jingshan Park located across from the North Gate of the Forbidden City is somewhere which should be included on your “things to do in Beijing” list.
The Wan Chunting pagoda offers 360 degree panoramic views of Beijing including amazing vistas back across the Forbidden City which help to put in perspective the size, scope and former grandeur of [...]
August 25th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
A source of aspiration, ambition, inspiration and symbolizing national pride, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur is a captivating piece of architecture.
I didn’t expect to be drawn into such a magical aura and in fact almost considered not making the journey downtown to see it. After all it really is just another tall building, [...]
July 25th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
One of my favourite places at the moment in Hong Kong is the roof garden in IFC Two. An oasis located in one of the city’s iconic buildings it is the perfect spot to sit back and relax with some takeaway.
The environment is fantastic – comfortable seats and lounges, trees, a few funky sculptures [...]
May 20th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, places, things to do & see
This small piece of classic China featured in the 2005 movie The Painted Veil, starring Edward Norton and Naomi Watts.
Stepping through the archway into the old town it is just like stepping back in time.
The village oozes charm and tranquility with well preserved Ming and Qing dynasty houses, faded just enough to remind you [...]
