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Traveling to Xinjiang: China’s Wild West
Xinjiang is one of China’s most unique regions and one truly worth exploring if you have time. Xinjiang is far from what most would imagine China to be. Uyghurs, the majority group living in Xinjiang, are culturally distinct from most Han Chinese. Aside from their physical features, they mostly practice Islam, speak Uyghur, and have their own cultural traditions. Although…
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Backpacking in Sudan
When I tell my friends I went backpacking in Sudan, the response I usually get is, “Sudan? Why?” Like most people, I had limited knowledge of Sudan; my image was entirely shaped by the mass media. When I envisioned Sudan, I thought about rebels on the back of pick up trucks riding with long rifles, and hungry children roaming the…
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Black Barbershop in Shanghai
If you’re of African heritage living in Shanghai or thinking about moving to Shanghai, it is likely you’re looking for a barbershop that can cut black hair to keep you fresh from week to week. Cultura is the place you’re looking for. Cultura is located at No. 263, Lane 99 Zhongtan Lu or 中潭路99弄263号, 近远景路 You can walk here…
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Day Trips From Tokyo
Many travelers visiting Japan will fly into Tokyo and spend a few days here before heading off to their next destination. For those with limited time in Japan that can’t afford to go far or just have a few extra days to spare, here are four places you can visit if you’re looking for day trips from Tokyo. 1) Kamakura:…
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Dali: One of the Most Scenic Places in China
Yunnan is often regarded by Chinese locals as the most beautiful province, and after visiting, I couldn’t agree more. I visited Dali, one of the most scenic places in China and was absolutely stunned by its natural beauty. If you’re in China, Dali is one place you should visit. How to get to Dali Assuming you’re not already in Yunnan…
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How to go to Graduate School in Japan
In 2009, the Japanese government started a program to attract foreign students, which became known as the “Global 30”, now the “Top Global University Program.” The Japanese government selected the most elite schools and began offering English-only undergraduate and master’s programs. Since 2009, graduate school in Japan for international students has become more popular than ever. The beauty of this…
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Which Section of the Great Wall is the Best?
Contrary to what most people believe, the Great Wall is not one long continuous wall, but rather multiple walls. Each part of the wall is unique and not so unique in its own way. Many travelers often have trouble deciding which part of the Great Wall they’d like to visit. With so many walls to choose from, travelers are often…
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How to Travel to Tibet Without a Tour
Many people often ask, “How can I travel to Tibet without a tour?” The process, while it seems difficult, is actually straightforward and a lot easier than you think. Tibet is generally defined as Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) located in western China. While this is true, Tibet, the cultural region, extends much further into China. One can visit additional parts…
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The Warmth of Humanity in Inle Lake, Myanmar
My journey through Myanmar was a memorable one, not simply due to the abundance of culturally rich historical sites, but due to the warm spirit and hospitality of the Burmese people. In particular, one family I met in the Inle Lake area. My last day in Myanmar was inspiring and I will be forever grateful for such a day. I…
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What to do in Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu might be one of the cooler capital cities I’ve been to and is great for backpackers with its cheap accommodation, food, and relative ease of getting around. In Kathmandu, you immediately feel like you’re in another world and this is one of the reasons I love this city. While Kathmandu is not the main attraction in Nepal, I’d argue…
