Tag: shanghai

How to survive China: 12 crucial tips

February 26, 2017

As interesting an experience as China was, it was obviously not without it’s downfalls so I’ve put together a list of tips I wish someone had given me before I went that would have made my life in China a lot easier and a little less bewildering. I had read some of these tips before and honestly wished I’d taken them more seriously. These are less like tips, more like ‘mandatory survival advice’!! Heed my words carefully! … More How to survive China: 12 crucial tips

Shanghai wrap-up: Can I live here?

January 5, 2017

After a pretty, errr, challenging week in Beijing and intro to China, (almost being homeless, train ticket stress, communication difficulties), you can imagine I was skipping in delight about the idea of arriving in metropolitan Shanghai. And it didn’t disappoint! Let’s see how it fared. (I’ve only employed a ‘rating out of 5’ system so I have an easy way to rank each city! I’m not wanting to judge anyone else’s homeland harshly!) … More Shanghai wrap-up: Can I live here?

Shanghai: The magical Yu Garden

December 30, 2016

If there’s anything in Asia I love almost as much as a temple, it’s the leafy green, ornate roofs and calm atmosphere of oriental gardens.

Say hello to Yu Garden, about a 20 minute walk down from The Bund. I can’t lie, it was pretty packed when I went but it was still beautiful. For just a small entrance, who can say no to a visit. Make sure it’s on your list!
Say hello to Yu Garden, about a 20 minute walk down from The Bund. I can’t lie, it was pretty packed when I went but it was still beautiful. For just a small entrance, who can say no to a visit. Make sure it’s on your list! … More Shanghai: The magical Yu Garden

Shanghai: Finding love the Chinese way

December 17, 2016

Barely two weeks into my China visit and I had already uncovered a plethora of cultural differences; some expected and some utterly foreign. Dating was one of these. If you ever watched the cracker of a dead-pan humour documentary Paul Merton in China back in 2007, you’ll be wise to the Chinese take on dating. (I can’t lie, watching … More Shanghai: Finding love the Chinese way

5 of Shanghai’s best bakeries and quick eats

November 14, 2016

I’m almost ashamed to admit that whichever stunning new country or city I end up in, there are always three creature comforts I crave: spaghetti, hot chocolate and pastries. Honestly, any of my friends will tell you I’m a fiend for those things. I can’t not have them in my life! I know travelling is about discovering new foods but sometimes you just need to hit that spot with a trusty old favourite. … More 5 of Shanghai’s best bakeries and quick eats

Shanghai: Nanjing Road and chatting Chinese politics with a local

October 3, 2016

Another Shanghai classic is the boisterous Nanjing Road, just a short walk from the Bund. It’s perhaps the shopping mecca of Shanghai. Get ready for some hustling along the pavement until you reach the main pedestrianised area of Nanjing Road (split into East and West). You’ll see lots of policemen with glow-y sticks and whistles, seemingly randomly … More Shanghai: Nanjing Road and chatting Chinese politics with a local