Ancient Chinese architecture can be a bit of a mystery, especially for Western travelers on a China tour. Wrapped up in cosmology, mythology, and mystical symbolism, you can be forgiven for feeling just a tad confused. Between all the pagodas, temples, and courtyards, it’s easy to overlook the significance and miss what’s really important about […]
READ MOREDiscover the secrets of traditional Chinese architecture styles
We’ve blogged before about how traditional Chinese architecture can be a little overwhelming and confusing, especially if you’re trying to decipher its meaning on your first China tour. Like many aspects of local culture, traditional Chinese architecture styles have endured. Surviving millennia, the various distinct styles are usually the hallmark of a particular period in […]
READ MORETraditional Chinese architecture: 7 things to know before your first China tour
If you’ve ever looked at the traditional Chinese architecture of any ancient building you could be deceived into thinking it all looks the same. From colorful artwork to gilded animals, symmetrical design with a deeper meaning, and ornate curved roof corners, it can be very confusing to the Western eye. You might be left wondering […]
READ MOREFancy a Chinese tea ceremony? Here’s everything a westerner needs to know
A Chinese tea ceremony is synonymous with life in China. Hardly a surprise given that tea has been cultivated in China for more than three thousand years. There’s no doubt that Chinese tea provides many health-giving properties, but the tradition of the Chinese tea ceremony draws more from a desire to create a spiritual and […]
READ MORESearching for the best Chinese tea? Here’s the ultimate top 10 list for aspiring tea connoisseurs
The best Chinese tea? Do this countdown with us Wherever you go in China, you’ll hear claims from locals that the best Chinese tea is to be found in their region. Irrespective of whether it’s north, south, or anywhere in between, it seems claimants for China’s best tea are everywhere. Now we totally understand that […]
READ MOREHow to choose Chinese tea like a local: 8 things to look for before you buy
A little bit like buying a fancy bottle of wine, knowing how to choose Chinese tea like a local can be, well, a little confusing. In fact, because the art and science of tea has a modern history, as well as an ancient one. More recent influences on the maintaining the quality of tea emerged […]
READ MOREChinese Tea: The Elixir of life in all its forms
There is something utterly calming and restorative that arises from the simple act of pouring boiled water onto crisp, tight tea leaves. The sound of water plunging to the bottom of a pot. The slow spread of color as flavor seeps through water. The promise of peace, relief, and calm – if only for a […]
READ MOREReady to celebrate Chinese New Year? This is how we do it!
If you’re traveling in China early in the year, you’ll probably notice a buzz that seems to creep up out of nowhere. Typically composed and reserved as a people, you may even find a sense of anticipation and excitement permeating the air everywhere you visit in China. Well, it’s no surprise. With Chinese New Year […]
READ MOREJingdezhen porcelain: Discover Shanghai’s hidden secrets at Jingdezhen Porcelain Artware Co
Chinese porcelain – specifically Jingdezhen porcelain – enjoys a history that is almost as expansive as China itself. For travelers to Shanghai, a firsthand experience of China’s best porcelain and ceramics can be found at Jingdezhen Porcelain Artware Co. Expect to find examples of the finest quality traditional Chinese porcelain. Yes, there are serious nods […]
READ MOREWhat to eat for breakfast in China: Enjoy the most important meal of the day and eat like a local
Wondering what to eat for breakfast in China? Taking a China tour and confused about the food options? That’s hardly a surprise. China is a vast country and the diversity of cultures and cuisines is one of its many distinguishing features. So how do you know what to eat? Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or […]
READ MORE