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
Xingtian Temple : Taipei
Knowing Taipei as well as I do it’s somewhat surprising I never got around to visit one of Taiwan’s most popular temples – Xingtian Temple. In my recent visit to Taipei I finally remedied that, and after a visit to
Summer Palace : Beijing
The Beijing Summer Palace is quite the attraction. Perhaps aside from the surprising 798 art district this is probably the place I enjoyed the most during my visit to Beijing. It just has so much to offer – a UNESCO
