Last year I took some time off during summer break to get away from Hong Kong and visit one of the nearby sensational tropical attractions. At that time, a new budget airline by the name of Airphil Express just opened
Nanjing Purple Mountains & Botanical Gardens
If you want to see Nanjing from above, make your way to the Nanjing Purple Mountains (紫金山, Zijinshan). After wrapping up a few temples, ancient city walls and lakes in Nanjing, we set to see a bit of the nature
Treasure Hill Temple : Taipei
Next to the newly renovated Treasure Hill – a military neighborhood turned artist village – lies an old temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy – Guan Yin (觀音). This temple dates back almost 300 years, and is well worth
Museum of World Religions : Taipei
If the Puppetry Museum and the Museum of Drinking Water didn’t convince you there are lots of great little museums across Taipei, perhaps this one will – the Museum of World Religions. In my last visit to Taipei I made
Magellan’s Cross – Basilica of Santo Niño : Cebu City
Heading towards the beautiful Filipino islands people often skip Cebu City. Though I agree that Cebu City might not be a destination that stands out by itself, if you do have a few hours to burn in Cebu before or
The Houses of Gulang Yu : Xiamen
Want a taste of Europe in China? Gulang Island has just the thing. Though the island has suffered from the ongoing rampage of China’s 20th century political turmoil it still maintains what I believe is among the best selection of
Confucius Temple : Nanjing
Overlooking Qin Huai River and not too far from old Nanjing walls and the Gate of China is the Nanjing Confucius Temple featuring one of the biggest statues of the great teacher. In Taiwan I’ve been told that Confucian temples
Taipei Treasure Hill Artist Village
China, Hong Kong and Taiwan in particular receive a lot of criticism for their lack of artistic creativity. I’ve had endless conversations with fellow expats describe the places I hold dear as an "arts wasteland" where there’s "no creativity" with
Lion Forest Garden : Suzhou
Ever since arriving in the region I’ve been repeatedly asked about my favorite place in China. Being the good psyc student that I am I am usually able to reflect back the question, and many of the responses I get
The Sheung Wan Magic : Hidden Temples in HK
There’s something magical about Sheung Wan. Only a short walk from the hustle and bustle of SOHO and LKF is this odd little local neighborhood that is a complete contrast to the modern insanity of the Central and Admiralty financial
