Category Archives: China

 January 2, 2014 Shanghai, China Cold Blue Skies   Last full day in Shanghai was spent….SHOPPING.  I didn't go crazy as I restrained myself.  My hotel – The Intercontinenal Ruijin – is in the heart of the French Concession and was built in the early 1900s.  Prominent Shanghai businessman Henry Morris' house is here andContinue reading “Shopping!”

New Years Eve, 2014 Shanghai and Hangzhou, China Smoggy in Shanghai, Sunny in Hangzhou   Decided while in Beijing to spend New Years in Shanghai.  Idea was to go before my visa expires but of course, the law changed so I ended up paying over 300$ for a visa.  However, its now good for 10Continue reading “Shanghai Holiday”

November 24, 2014 Monday Beijing, China Clear Crisp Blue Skies  Well, started this post in Beijing and am just finishing it now.  Today is Dec 6 and I'm back home in Tokyo. Had a great time in China (first time as a tourist) and the trip made me eager to learn more about the history. Continue reading “The Real Beijing Under Clear Blue Skies”

 Monday November 24, 2014 Beijing, China Sunny, Cold and Blue Sky!   The weather gods cooperated yesterday so was able to go to the main objective of my trip – Terracotta Warriors – with no rain albeit cold conditions.  And the warriors did not disappoint.  But you really need to listen and learn about theContinue reading “Terracotta Warriors”

 November 23, 2014 Xi'an, China Rainy and Chilly  I got up at 430am yesterday to get ready to take my early AM flight to Xi'an which is one of the most important cities historically.  This is where China started with Emperor Qin in 200 BC or so.  This is where the Silk Road starts andContinue reading “Xi’an: Where it all started”

Friday November 22, 2014 Beijing, China Cold, Hazy but Blue Skies in the Afternoon  (This post is delayed a day due to Internet censorship issues) Since I went to bed around 830pm getting up at 5am was a cinch to get ready for a fully packed day.  Worked out for about 40 minutes at theContinue reading “The Forbidden City, Tianamen and The Great Wall”

November 20, 2014 Beijing, China Cold Hazy (or is it Smog?) So instead of taking Thanksgiving off, I've decided to do a long weekend in China (this will be the third year in a row that I am missing Thanksgiving!).  Given I will only have 5 days, decided to do Beijing and Xi'an to seeContinue reading “The Summer Palace in Winter”