June 28th, 2011 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
A lion appeared at the opposite end of the courtyard. Standing for a few moments then dramatically jumping up onto the first set of poles which looked to be around a metre high. Within moments he had bounded a further two or three times in perfect unison to the beating drum. This initial burst of [...]
June 5th, 2011 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
You don’t often find many “special” temples in the more populated cities of China anymore. Most are over-touristed and lack any authentic atmosphere. The Hualin temple in Guangzhou’s old Liwan district definitely managed to impress me. To be more accurate, the 500 Arhat Hall was the standout for this entire ancient complex.
Walking inside the hall [...]
June 4th, 2011 | by admin | published in latest posts, other stuff
My latest published article has just been released in the June 2011 issue of Qatar Airways inflight magazine – Oryx.
It is a short introduction to one of my favorite areas in Guangzhou.
To read the full piece, My Favourite Street, Guangzhou – click here.
May 23rd, 2011 | by admin | published in latest posts, middle kingdom life
Having been in China for quite some time now I think I might have become almost immune to the unexpected or unusual sights. One afternoon recently when strolling across a bridge over the Pearl River, duly accompanied by cars and buses whizzing past I saw this guy pushing his fully laden bicycle along the far [...]
May 23rd, 2011 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
Recently I was asked to share my favourite part of Guangzhou and without doubt it has to be the old Liwan area. The sheer diversity and extremes remind me of why I love to travel as well as really being in many ways a great glimpse into the old and new China.
As soon as you [...]
May 5th, 2011 | by admin | published in eating & drinking
I have written about dim sum on this site a few times now and actually, if I haven’t mentioned it already – I love dim sum!!!
So the opportunity to sit around eating dim sum and drinking tea in the city that spawned these tasty little morsels was just too much to resist. Especially, since I [...]
March 30th, 2011 | by admin | published in other stuff
Seeing groups of men huddled around on the streets of most Chinese cities can only mean one thing – Chinese Chess!
A very popular past time this game of skill and strategy is a battle between armies and has a couple of thousand years of history behind it. Whilst it can only be played by two [...]
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 [...]
