Blog
Travel tips, business guides, and insights on life in China from a local perspective
The Best Day Trips From Beijing: Nearby Cities Worth Visiting
My guide to the best nearby destinations for a day trip from Beijing — Tianjin, Chengde, and Beijing's own outskirts. From my own experience living in China.
The Best Day Trips From Shanghai: Nearby Cities Worth Visiting
My guide to the best nearby destinations for a day trip from Shanghai — Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and the Wuzhen water town. From my own experience living in China.
The Best Day Trips From Guangzhou: Nearby Cities Worth Visiting
My guide to the best nearby destinations for a day trip from Guangzhou — Shenzhen, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhuhai, and Hong Kong. From my own experience living in China.
The Best Day Trips From Chongqing: Dazu Rock Carvings and Wulong Karst
My guide to the best nearby destinations for a day trip from Chongqing — the heritage Dazu Rock Carvings, and the natural Wulong Karst region. From my own experience living in China.
Canton Tower: The Real 2026 Ticket and Deck Guide
My guide to Canton Tower in Guangzhou — real ticket prices for each deck, opening hours, and the glass Bubble Tram experience. From my own experience living in China.
Chen Clan Academy: A Masterpiece of Southern Chinese Architecture in Guangzhou
My guide to Chen Clan Academy in Guangzhou — its history, architectural carvings, and its symbolic ¥10 ticket. From my own experience living in China.
Huaisheng Mosque, Guangzhou: The Oldest Mosque in China
My guide to Huaisheng Mosque (the Lighthouse Mosque) in Guangzhou — its 7th-century history, the Guangta minaret, and the real visiting rules. From my own experience living in China.
Baiyun Mountain, Guangzhou: A Natural Escape From the City
My guide to Baiyun Mountain (White Cloud Mountain) in Guangzhou — the cable car, hiking trails, and panoramic views. From my own experience living in China.
Yuexiu Park and the Five Rams Statue: Guangzhou's Founding Legend
My guide to Yuexiu Park, the largest park in central Guangzhou, and its famous Five Rams Statue. From my own experience living in China.
Guangzhou Opera House: Zaha Hadid's Masterpiece on the Pearl River
My guide to the Guangzhou Opera House in Zhujiang New Town — Zaha Hadid's design, backstage tours, and ticket prices. From my own experience living in China.
Guangzhou Wholesale Markets: Your Guide Beyond the Canton Fair
My guide to Guangzhou's permanent wholesale markets — leather, clothing, and Yide Road — for anyone visiting outside Canton Fair season or looking to widen their sourcing search. From my own experience living in China.
Shamian Island, Guangzhou: A Historic European Quarter With No Entry Ticket
My guide to Shamian Island in Guangzhou — its history as a foreign concession, its preserved European architecture, and its historic church. From my own experience living in China.