The Ballad of Mulan is the original legend of Hua Mulan – the one that inspired the animated Disney movie and now the most recent live-action remake. This newest Mulan movie did not come without controversy. First, there were rumors of non-Asian actors starring in the movie. Then, people got upset that there would be…
Tag: China
Moving to China: 10 Reasons to Consider Relocating
Moving to China is something that my husband Isaac and I did on a whim. We were happily living in Prague, Czech Republic but we were bored and had never explored Asia. Isaac is a teacher, so when he got a spam email suggesting that he apply for a job in China he laughed and…
AliExpress Online Shopping: Pros & Cons
Despite my environmental goals, I am a big online shopper. I am working on buying less and have successfully reduced my online purchases. However, it isn’t always possible not to shop online. Especially when it can save you a significant amount of money. This is why I’d like to share my experiences with AliExpress. What…
Christmas in China
Christmas in China has gotten big this last decade. Chinese schools, especially those that employ foreigners, enjoy Christmas holidays. All shopping malls, parks and public venues in major cities get as festive as New York City. There are also many events for both Chinese locals and foreigners to attend. I celebrated my first Christmas in…
Red Envelopes & Money Giving Parties
Money can be a taboo topic, especially when with friends or family. In China, however, it is not taboo to get excited about giving and getting money. This is why red envelopes are a fun tradition around the holidays! And by holidays, I mean any and all holidays. Taobao, the Chinese equivalent of AliExpress, owned…
Chinese “Singles’ Day” on 11/11 is like Black Friday
Happy singles day! Although I am not currently single, I can’t promise you that my husband won’t file for divorce once he sees how much I bought today. Why do I always become a crazy shopaholic on November 11th? Because AliExpress, my favorite place to shop, has everything on sale! To make things even better,…
Camping on the Great Wall of China
It was three years ago that we went camping on the Great Wall of China. It is an experience that I think about often for two reasons, because: 1. It was a unique and once in a life time trip that was absolutely amazing. 2. It rained overnight and we were only able to actually…
I Puked on Mt. Everest: Altitude Sickness 101
I went to Tibet two years ago back when I lived in Shanghai, China. Recently it has been coming up in my Facebook memories and looking back, I see that I only posted about the good and happy moments of the trip. Although it was a positive experience that I would be happy to relive…
Chinese New Year Parade in Manhattan, NYC
The highlight of the day for me was two dogs, a husky and a golden retriever dressed in traditional golden Chinese lion uniforms. Just like the ones that are worn for the lion dance!
Exploring Shanghai Day, Sunset & Night
You can see all of this in one day in Shanghai. Did you know that the financial center has some of the tallest buildings in the world?
Beach and Tubing in Xiangshan, China (Video)
A day full of splashes and driving on a scenic route! The beach was at Xiangshan, Ningbo and the Tubing/Drifting was at Danshanchishui Yuyao, Beixi Stream. Taken with my GoPro Hero+! Trips like these are some of the few things I miss about living in China.
42-Hour Bus Ride from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp: Tibet Adventure
During our week in Tibet we spent over 46 hours on a bus. The long best rides were from Lhasa to Shigatse (12 hours), Shigatse to Everest (12 hours), Everest to Shigatse (12 hours) and a highway from Shigatse to Lhasa (6 hours). Four days in a row on a bus isn’t ideal, but Tibet Vista managed to make it bearable!
Haggling for a Tailor-Made Suit at Shanghai’s AP Plaza’s Fake Market
In China, most consumer items are cheaper than almost anywhere else in the world. As we have posted before, Taobao is usually our go-to place for cheap goods, especially clothes. However, this particular item I wanted to buy in person. In person, you can get accurate measurements, try on the suit when it’s finished, and of course, in China you can take part in a coveted sport of sorts: haggling!
Tubing in -25°C: Harbin, China 2018
Wearing an entire suitcase worth of clothes, tubing in Harbin, China was so scary that we weren’t even cold!
Taobao Trendy: Online Bargains in China
When I’m not traveling, crafting or telling other people to eat insects even though I don’t anymore, I’m trying not to shop because I have way too many clothes. How did I go from moving to China with five suitcases between Isaac and myself to having piles of clothes over the apartment and bursting out…
Dragon Burn: Shanghai’s Burning Man
Last month Isaac and I visited our first Burn! It was the Dragon Burn – Shanghai’s regional of the Burning Man. It was bigger than ever, with almost 700 attendees and there were plenty of workshops (planned as well as guerrilla) and lots of fascinating art pieces! As members of the Vegan Camp, The Cucumburners,…
Finding Happiness in the Simple Things
Honest, rambly, longest post ever time. I have been quite unhappy in my daily life lately and I’ve been trying to find happiness in simple things, as cliche as it sounds. I have found that being unhappy can be a complicated and controversial topic to discuss with others. But it’s such an important to share…
Waste-Free Wednesdays: Intro to Zero-Waste Lifestyle
I have been on a journey towards a zero-waste lifestyle since the beginning of this year. What began as an item on my New Year’s Resolutions list sandwiched in between ‘lose weight’ and ‘leave China’ actually ended up changing the way I live and see the world. Living in rural area of Shanghai has really…
Snow Day in Shanghai, China 2018
Shanghai experienced one it’s heaviest snowfalls in years and it shut down schools throughout the city. Rolls of non-slip carpets covered the Shanghai’s slipperiest paths and people were warned to stay indoors if possible or waddle like a penguin. Snow selfies took over everyone’s WeChat Moments and giggling children ran outside to build snowmen. Here’s what the snow day on January 25th, 2018 looked like…
The Second Tallest Building in the World, Shanghai
When we’re not traveling and exploring South East Asia, we’re exploring China and the city we live in, Shanghai. We have now been to the three tallest buildings in Shanghai – the only trifecta of mega-tall skyscrapers in the world! “Mega-tall” isn’t just my way of describing them, it’s the official term for skyscrapers taller…
10 Signs That You Travel Too Much
This year I’ve been lucky enough to travel. A lot. I spent New Year’s Eve in Seoul during a long layover after visiting the USA already anticipating my trip to the Philippines and Indonesia for Chinese New Year. Between working full time and working on my blog and YouTube channel, I was excited to have…
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival 101: Weekend Guide
By Isaac Roosa Is a winter trip to Harbin worth it for just the weekend? If you live in Eastern China, the answer is “Yes!” Not only is it possible, but we wholeheartedly recommend it! You may have been searching around trying to figure out how to “Do Harbin in one Weekend” but have been…
20 Best Photos of Harbin’s Snow & Ice Festival 2018
The Ice and Snow Festival have been popular tourists attractions since Harbin began hosting them in 1989. The Snow Festival is held on Sun Island, close to the city center and the Ice and Snow World is only a few kilometers away. Tickets to each event cost 330 RMB for adults. If you’re limited on…
Harbin Ice Festival Teaser (Video)
Our first trip of 2018 is very different from our usual warm destination getaway. While we usually pack swim suits and straw hats, this time our backpack is filled with thermal leggings and even a electrically heating vest. The highlight of our weekend trip to Harbin will include the Ice and Snow Festival which is…
Battle Shanghai’s Pollution: How to Stay Healthy
It can be easy to make light of air pollution, especially after living in China for a long time. Many locals never wear masks and some families will let their children play outside when you can barely see across the street. But even if you’re not sensitive to it, pollution does have serious impacts on your health. Coughing…
Tibet Adventures: Chapter 3 – Potala Palace
We’re climbing the steps at Potala Palace, and indeed they are a challenge. Olena and I are panting as we ascent ever more slowly, and my dad is just a few steps behind. Considering he had another restless night, he’s doing very well. Even with a full night’s sleep and plenty of food, each of…
Tibet Adventures: Chapter 2 – Lhasa Monasteries
We’re eating again, this time the next day at a buffet with our tour group. We are seated outside, and I’m currently devouring a stack of deep-fried vegetables. There are actually quite a few vegan options here! A dog circles around our feet. “Can we get it some chicken?” Olena suggests, “He looks hungry!” I…
Tibet Adventures: Chapter 1 – Lhasa
I’m in bed at our hotel, trying to sleep. We’ve read so much about the fabled “Altitude Sickness,” and now it’s finally happening. Olena, by some miracle, is sleeping peacefully to my right. She had a headache and some carsickness on the bus ride to the hotel, but aside from that she’s been fine. I was also…
A Song of Ice and Tired – An Unforgettable Week in Tibet
Our plane is descending towards Gonggar Airport in Lhasa, Tibet. Looking over my father’s lap and out the window, I see more mountains than this New Englander could ever expect to see back home. The clouds circle around the mountain peaks like the fog from dry ice, and presently a larger one passes under our plane, momentarily…
Shanghai Event Review: Ship of Dreams – The Titanic Experience
The Ship of Dreams – The Titanic Experience is only a once in a lifetime adventure if you can resist going twice! When you’re not part of the crowd following Jack and Rose as they fall in love, you can enjoy some champagne on deck, watch the Captain have a few too many drinks or just…
How I Became a Beveage (Vegan…ish)
‘Vegan’ is a word I never thought I’d use in reference to myself. Until three months ago, I never even said ‘vegan’ without grimacing unless I was being sarcastic. I loved meat, cheese and eggs, pitied vegetarians and looked down on vegans. Why did I single vegans out so much? One or two may have…
Where to Buy the Best Canned Tuna in China for Cheap
If you follow my blog, you know I love sushi. Sadly, I can’t eat it every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Whenever I’m not eating raw fish, I’m stuffing my face with fish fillet, baked salmon and canned tuna! Yesterday I received a special delivery of 15 large cans of tuna for just 117…
Booking Trips on Ctrip.com
While writing about the Dragon Boat Festival I found myself getting off topic by talking too much about Ctrip.com. If you’re going to live in China (or even if you’re just visiting), you should get familiar with Ctrip – the Skyscanner of China. You can download their app or just use their website that’s available…
Dragon Boat Festival in Shanghai
The Dragon Boat Festival is a popular Chinese tradition involving dragon-themed boats racing down the river. There are different types of boats that hold various amounts of rowers. Every team always one drummer who’s job it is to keep a steady rhythm for his team to row to. Unless you plan weeks in advance, you…
Dragon Boat Festival in Shanghai, China
The Dragon Boat Festival is a popular Chinese tradition involving dragon-themed boats racing down the river. There are different types of boats that hold various amounts of rowers. Every team always one drummer who’s job it is to keep a steady rhythm for his team to row to. Unless you plan weeks in advance, you…
Chinese Hair Salons: Cheap Haircuts, Pricey Hair Coloring
I’m the type of person who puts off getting a haircut in fear of a hairdresser butchering my hair. This fear is magnified in a country where I can’t communicate properly with the man holding the scissors – which is my fault, but that’s not the point. Getting a haircut in China involves repeatedly showing the…
Celebrating One Year of Marriage in China
I remember waking up this time last year in a panic. Our wedding was going to be small & casual but my favorite white dress had a neon stain. I didn’t mind it until 5 hours before the ceremony, at which point I had no time to find a new one because my friend needed…
How to Drink Delicious Western Alcohol Affordably (in China)
Needless to say, moving to China has been one huge culture shock after another. We’ve almost been here for a year now and it still happens sometime. One of the biggest shocks has been the lack of affordable yet tasty wine that was abundant in Prague. Great Wall, Dynasty and Changyu are the popular cheap brands of…
Don’t Fear Un-refrigerated Eggs!
There is a popular misconception in most Western countries that eggs need to be refrigerated. While there are many arguments for and against refrigerating eggs, it is a fact that it is not dangerous to eat eggs that have not been in a fridge. The simple test to see if an egg is good to…
Tailors in China: Cheap & Genius
Chinese fashion isn’t for everyone. The clothes and sizes don’t sit right on curvy body types and shopping at Western stores isn’t cheap. During my crafting obsession I somehow convinced myself that I could make myself a dress without a sowing machine and I ordered beautiful material that just gathered dust. With the help of…
Restaurant Manners in China
A typical Chinese restaurant offers a wide variety of food including tofu in all shapes and forms, at least four different styles of pork, dumplings, rice, noodles, veggies, fish and chicken. When you order a dish, you’ll notice immediately that the portion is huge – that’s because you’re supposed to share everything. At a typical…
Strawberry Shopping in China
I arrived in China at the end of July with an unexpected craving for strawberries. Several months went by without a single strawberry in sight and I started getting nervous. I had basically given up on ever eating them again, until November came by and incredibly expensive strawberries flooded the streets. For the first month, an average of…
Wasting Plastic: China & Recycling
China is ahead of the Western world in many ways but is still trying to catch up in others. Wasting plastic in combination with not recycling may be the most baffling thing about the country that is so desperately trying to improve it’s pollution situation. While China has taken many effective steps to reduce pollution, it…
Wuxi’s Taoist Temple (Photos)
Wuxi is a great place to visit and explore. On a recent trip to the Cherry Blossom Festival at the scenic Turtle Head Island, we discovered a beautiful Taoist temple! We discovered quite late that we weren’t allowed to take photos inside… but hopefully the Tao gods will forgive us!
Why are there Daily Fireworks in China?
At least once a day I jump out of my skin, sometimes spilling coffee or tea, because of sudden machine-gun-sounding fireworks. These fireworks have nothing to do with holidays and don’t happen at night, so you can barely even see the pretty colors. So why would Chinese people waste their money on day-time fireworks? Many…
Kubuqi Desert Adventures, Inner Mongolia (Photos)
On our weekend trip to Inner Mongolia we got to explore the Kubuqi desert! We actually thought we were going to see the Gobi, but apparently that’s only in Mongolia (Outer Mongolia). Whoops! Despite the mix-up, a desert is a desert and this one was gorgeous! We took the tour with Anda Tours: http://andaguesthouse.com/
Long Weekend Flights: Yay or Nay?
I am one of those restless travelers who mopes until they are in a new place, then starts planning the next trip while on the current one. This is why whenever there’s a long weekend, I’m obsessively searching for places to visit! But the airport hassle for just a day or two in a new…
Huaqiao Off the Beaten Path (PHOTOS)
What happens when already live off the beaten path? Find something even more unusual! (PHOTOS)
China Doesn’t Sugarcoat Meat-Eating & Neither Should You
Eating fresh meat comes at a price. Can’t bear to look? Then maybe you shouldn’t be eating it.
What I Sacrificed to Move to China
I sacrificed 98% of my possessions to move to China .Was it worth it?
Chinese Liquor: Never Been Sicker
Chinese liquor is strong and cheap. My favorite is a medical herbal wine that tastes almost like Czech Becherovka!
144 Visa-Free Hours in China
Visiting China has never been so stress-free! You can now come to most visit-worthy cities without a visa for 72 or 144 hours!
What Is Macau & Why Should You Visit?
Macau is a unique country worth a visit! You can go on a day-trip from Hong Kong via ferry or helicopter!
Cheaper than Venice: Gondolas in Macau
Macau is an independent territory in China that used to be a Portuguese colony. It is known as the Vegas of China and has a fake Venice inside a shopping mall!
China Problems: Air Pollution & Thirst
No bottled water + bad air pollution = health dilemma.
Vegan Heaven: Kale in Shanghai
Everyone knows that eating kale is good for you. But who knew it could decorate a city!
Getting (& Giving) Red Envelopes
Red Envelopes come in two forms: traditional paper with intricate designs and the increasingly popular digital alternative! People love Red Envelopes because they contain money. Amounts can vary from worthless 50 cent coins given to children to significant amounts of money for newlyweds. It doesn’t even have to be Chinese New Year to get (or…
Colder on the Inside – Winter in Southern China
Winter mornings are always unpleasant. Unraveling those warm covers always fills me with dread. It takes me a few minutes to prepare for the plunge into the freezing air. I run to the bathroom to take a warm shower and brush my teeth, hopping up and down on my tows to keep my feet off…
Chinese Delicacies: Calorie Bombs on a Stick (Tanghulu)
Candied fruit on a stick seems like a healthier choice than ice cream. Think again! This delicacy has more calories than a McDonald’s cheeseburger!
8 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Thailand
8 tips to help you save money, avoid diarrhea and theft by monkeys in Thailand.
Chinese Delicacies: 2,000 Year Old Pancakes
Chinese fried pancakes are soft yet crispy with a coriander finish! People have been eating them for almost 2,000 years! Read more…
Drinking Hot Water in China
Hot water is healthy to drink and it’s all the rage in China. Even vending machines have it! Water isn’t only thing that’s hot either…
Introducing the Huaqiao Foreign Friends Association
The Huaqiao Foreign Friends Association aims to help foreigners feel at home and bring us together with locals to expose them to the English language. Learn more about the association and it’s goals.
11 Bar: the Only Bar in Huaqiao
We finally have a bar in Huaqiao! Here’s why it’s a big deal…
Anything is Possible at a Chinese Airport
30 minutes from one plane to another? Anything is possible at a Chinese airport!
Living in Huaqiao: Cooking your own Food (Guest Post)
Strawberry season, and other tips about shopping in Huaqiao!
Living in Huaqiao: Korean Food Review (Guest Post)
There are some pretty delicious Korean food options in Huaqiao too!
Living in Huaqiao: Chinese Food Review (Guest Post)
Chinese food is great! Here are some of the dishes you should try in Huaqiao!
Living in Huaqiao: The Ultimate List of Places to Eat (Guest Post)
There are SO many food options in Huaqiao! Here’s just a few to pick from…
Living in Huaqiao: Food at KCIS (Guest Post)
Here’s what your food options are at KCIS. Teachers get a free lunch every day!
Living in Huaqiao: Leaving for Weekends (Guest Post)
The most excited part of leaving Huaqiao is leaving it. Here’s some tips on weekend trips that are not Shanghai!
Living in Huaqiao: Basic Beauty 101 (Guest Post)
Keeping chic in Huaqiao isn’t easy when all the elements are against you! Here’s some tips…
Living in Huaqiao: The Great Firewall (Guest Post)
VPNs are essential if you want to access Facebook and Google in China! Read more…
Entertainment in Huaqiao (Guest Post)
So what do people do for fun in Huaqiao?
All About Line Eleven (Guest Post)
KCIS is located at the end of Shanghai’s metro line 11. Read more about the line here.
Living in Huaqiao: Get from A to B Without Dealing with X, Y, Z (Guest Post)
Huaqiao is located just outside of Shanghai, but public transportation is great here! Read more…
Shanghai’s Financial Center by Night (PHOTOS)
Shanghai’s financial center light up beautifully at night!
5 Ways to Stay Warm During Chinese Winter
Winter in China is NOT pretty. The humid coldness seeps right into your bones. Here’s tips on staying warm!
Living in a Chinese Economic Development Zone
I live on the very edge of Shanghai, in a Chinese economic development zone. What exactly does that mean?
Shopping for Western Food in China
Shopping for Western food in China can be a challenge. However you can find just about anything, as long as you know where to look!
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium has the world’s longest submarine viewing tunnel! Read more…
Feeding Lions at Shanghai Wild Animal Park
Shanghai Wild Animal Park put visitors and cages and lets the animals roam freely!
Shanghai’s French Concession: Photo Diary
The French Concession is a hipster, European-looking area in Shanghai! It’s unique and unlike anything you’ll ever see in China!
Are E-Bikes More Dangerous Than Motorcycles?
E-bikes (electronic scooters) are a popular way to get around China. They only go up to 60 km/hour but they are WAY more dangerous than motorcycles…
Chinese Paparazzi & Language Barriers
Caucasians stand out in China. The locals will take photos of you and try to communicate!
A “China Day” at the Water Village
Suzhou Water Village is known as the Venice of the East for it’s canals and oriental Chinese boats! Read more…
Chinese Hot Pot: All You Can Eat
Chinese hot pot: where all you can eat, self-BBQ and food on a conveyor belt all come together!
Beer Pong in a Grocery Store
Partying is a little different in China. The best place to play beer pong is in a grocery store!
Chicken Feet and Century Eggs
Chicken feet (bones and all) are a Chinese delicacy. So are rotten smelling black eggs! Read more…
Drawing the Line Between Pet and Dinner
China treats their cattle badly but their pets like royalty. Why and how does this work?
The Tallest Building in Shanghai – America’s Next Top Model Style
Shanghai is home to the second tallest building in the world and many other fascinating sky scrapers!
Chinese Valentine’s Day: Tough Love or True Love?
China has it’s own Valentine’s day and plenty of other ways for singles to meet!
Four Health Benefits of Moving to China
Squat toilets, dangerous traffic, hard mattresses and sweating all summer long has it’s health benefits!
The Politics Behind the Chinese Exhibition in Prague 2014
Looking at the two mighty soldier statues evoked respect and admiration for Chinese culture and history. It is clear why Zeman hopes to gain economic insight and profit from cooperating with China. But adopting some great ideas can lead to also adopting less desirable ones — and if Czech respect for human rights ends up traded for money, then more people will begin looking at both statue and flesh-and-blood soldiers in fear instead of awe…
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