When people think of Hainan they mostly think about the Sanya beaches, probably the closest you can get in China to a good beach, but if – like me – you’d like to try and see a bit more than
Walking along the Back & Northern Lakes of Beijing
On my last trip to Beijing I was lucky to meet a good old friend from back in the happy uni days attending courses at the East Asian department. Unlike myself, she has immersed herself in the local culture and
HK Temple Run Day : Wong Tai Sin, Chi Lin & 10000 Buddhas
I took a Chinese visitor to Hong Kong to see some of the local temple culture on a temple run day. We started at the quiet and beautiful Nan Lian gardens and Chu Lin Nunnery near Diamond Hill, continues to
Northern Peng Chau Island Hike : Hong Kong
Long ago I visited Peng Chau for the first time, one of Hong Kong’s small island with a laid back fishermen village feel to it. Though it’s a really small island, that fist time, I only explored the southern part
Daienji Temple : Meguro Toyko
Tokyo is filled with little hidden gems around every street corner. There’s definitely something very special about the Japanese temples. They’re extremely esthetic, delicate and beautiful in design, tranquility that calms your mood and lifts your spirits. When visiting Tokyo
Yong He Gong Lama Temple : Beijing
On one of my recent visits to Beijing I decided to stay at the Hutong area near Confucius Temple. It was a wonderful area, filled with local alley magic and temple shops, but it wasn’t all Confucian. In that area
Shibuya Crossing – Tobacco and Salt Museum : Tokyo
In one of my favorite movies of all time – Lost in Translation – the Shibuya Crossing represents all that’s different and overwhelming about the Tokyo experience. The neon lights, the gigantic rail station in the back, and the hordes
Meigetsuin Temple : Kamakura Japan
The last temple in my Kamakura temple run on my daytrip away from Tokyo is the Meigetsuin Zen Temple dating back to the 12th century. A very tranquil temple surrounded by green forest trees in what feels like a true
Beijing Hutongs : Fangjia, Nanluoguxiang and Wudaoying
The Beijing Hutongs are alley-ways all across Beijing that represent a traditional disappearing way of life. During my first visit to Beijing I stayed in a five star hotel near Tiananmen square completely disconnected from local life, so for the
Engakuji Temple : Kamakura Japan
One of the largest Zen Buddhist temples in Japan and situated in a gorgeous forested area in the lovely Kamakura, a day trip from Tokyo, is the Engaku-ji Temple. The temple dates back to the 13th century and is a
