Central to the mega-city of Xi’an is a mammoth and ancient city wall. There is so much to explore, one way to set a program in the city is the delineate between what is inside and outside the great wall of Xi’an. Outside the wall – on the outskirts of the city – is the stunning Terracotta Warrior exhibit that is almost synonymous with Xi’an … Continue reading Xi’an Inside and Outside the Wall
They are actually mis-named, according to my Xi’an guide who was fastidious about English. “It was a poor translation! It should be Wild Swan Pagodas” he said, and I agree. Goose is not nearly as elegant a word as swan, and this temple complex in Xi’an is certainly elegant, and more! Both the Big and the Small Wild Goose Pavilions are in the center of … Continue reading The Wonders of the Wild Goose Pagodas
I admit it: I am addicted to train travel in China. Come with me on this short journey. Hangzhou to Hefei Continue reading High Speed – Hangzhou to Hefei
Hefei, capital of Anhui province, is a small Chinese city of 7 million, my home in China. Each year, I spend from 3 weeks to 3 months at USTC. The University of Science and Technology of China, one of China’s most prestigious universities, has played a major role in turning Hefei into an academic, research and industrial powerhouse. Hence, Hefei is not known as a … Continue reading Highlights of Hefei – My Home in China
Xiamen – only one day of vivid images. Continue reading Xiamen Briefly
China has countless historic sites and ultra-modern cities to explore, but another great attraction is the countryside and a perfect way to see it is on China’s amazing high speed trains. Maybe you have had trouble “picturing” what China really looks like, so here are some scenes from my recent train travels, and some lessons I learned to make the travel relaxing, especially if, like … Continue reading China at 300 kms/hr: Train Travel Tips so you Relax and Enjoy the View
Pingyao, almost 600 kms southwest of Beijing or a mere 4 hours on a highspeed train, is considered to be one of China’s best preserved ancient towns and premier tourist attractions. Most people come for a day, and most tourists are Chinese. I was drawn by the iconic photos of stone lanes and red lanterns, and I was delighted to find that Pingyao was that … Continue reading Ancient Pingyao – 3 Exceptional Attractions in One
From the first moment I saw this map, I was determined to make this trip. Not so much because I wanted to see Lhasa – that was a bonus – but because it seemed to me I could see most of China in one go! 4373 kilometers of China in the comfort of a modern train! For 48 hours, I would press my nose to … Continue reading 4373 Reasons to Ride The Shanghai – Lhasa Express
I know that Lhasa is a spiritual center. I have only been a tourist – albeit an official one. You cannot visit Lhasa without a permit. When I asked why, they said: “well, you know….” I think it was because Lhasa is a spiritual center. But for me, it was a short collection of images and textures that somehow portray Tibet spirituality to me. Above … Continue reading The Texture of Tibet – Lhasa 2017
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