Li Jiang

The Old Town

Walking around the old town will take you back in time to where all the Chinese love stories and martial art movies might take place. Walking around late at night will certainly transport you into another world. During the day however, tourists, shops, and food stalls line the streets as a result for the giant influx of tourism. Despite the numbers of tourists, this place is still magical. Cobble stone roads and bridges, waterways still used by locals, and old architecture give you a the feeling of history all around. 

Yangshuo, China

Natural Beauty

Only until I was gliding through the Chinese countryside on the train was I aware of the natural beauty that China would have in store for me. Yangshuo is a small city surrounded by magnificent limestone structures that seem to go on forever. The landscape makes you feel like your in a Dr. Seuss picture book or on another planet in the Dragon Ball Z TV series. 

Rock Climbing

Yangshuo is considered the number one rock climbing spot in Asia and climbers come from all over the world to experience this amazing place. Because of this the expat community here is made almost entirely of rock climbers. Before I stepped off the bus I made some great friends that let me tag along in their rock climbing adventures, shared their gear, and gave me advice. 

(The Egg)

Bike around

West Street

Walk down west street at night and be overwhelmed with the many places to eat, drink, and shop. This is the main touristy street that you will encounter. Hospital street is a another street that has many cheap and delicious places to eat. 

Climb to the TV tower

There is a man that will let you view Yangshuo from the TV tower for the small price of purchasing water for 1USD. The view from here is outstanding and the 360 feeling can not be captured by mere photographs.

I managed to get my name on the footpath to the TV tower

Delicious cheap food

Choose your own stir fry for about 2USD

(Food and drinks after a day of climbing)

Weird stuff at the supermarket

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong can be overwhelming. If you know the right things to do, this city can also be pretty awesome! I was here for almost a week so I'll list some cool things to do in Hong Kong.

The Skyline

Hong Kong more skyscrapers than anywhere in the world almost double of that of New York City which has the 2nd most skyscrapers in the world. No wonder it is said to have one of the best skylines in the world. 

Victoria Peak

One of the most famous views of the skyline can be seen from Victoria Peak which is one of the most popular touristy things to do while your here and is a must. You can take the tram or walk up a steep path.

(The tram is a cool experience)

It was pretty cloudy/rainy when I went but it was still a lovely experience

(View from Victoria Peak)

Ferry

Another way to view the awesome city and to get to and from Hong Kong Island is to take the ferry. this only costs you less than 50US cents or 3.50HKD which is cheaper than taking the train and much more scenic. 

( IFC2, the 2nd tallest building in Hong Kong seen from the ferry)

Symphony of Lights

Every night at 8pm many iconic buildings participate in a light show attracting tons of people along Victoria Harbor.

Nature in Hong Kong?

Tired of looking at tall buildings? Hong Kong includes tons of little islands with beaches for during the summer, fishing villages, and tons of places for great hiking with scenic views.

Sunset Peak

My friends Tom and Alex took me to Sunset Peak as it is the best around this time of year. This is another very cheap thing to do since the train and bus will cost about 5USD round trip. 

Tram

A great way to explore the city for cheap is by taking the trams since they cost less than .50USD and can bring you all over Hong Kong Island. 

Nightlife: Lan Kwai Fong

Lan Kwai Fong Street has become iconic for a drinking in Hong Kong. On Friday and Saturday the bars overflow and the street is packed. Go to 7-11 and get some cheap beer to drink in the street. Everyone clusters in the outdoor seating and in the middle of the street anyway so it seems like a waste to sit in the corner of a bar and pay four times the price for a beer.

(This is only Thursday night)

Chungking Mansion

Stay at one of the many guesthouses of this once dangerous building full of many shops, indian food, and accommodation. A line of hagglers line the front gate harassing everyone to buy watches, suits, and anything else your heart desires. Many people from Hong Kong still consider this place dangerous. Besides people in the stairway selling drugs and many immigrants trying to sell things it didn't seem like anyone would harm you.

Protests at Admiralty

See the magic of the Hong Kong movement for electoral reform, crucial for deciding the fate of Hong Kong in the near future

(thousands of post-it notes with thoughts and wishes)

Food

Ofcourse the only way to experience a new place is to eat all of the food!

Dim Sum

Duck, duck, goose!, and Chicken

Wonton Soup

Street Food

Wet Market

(Seafood market is below us)

(Cheap meals with meat and rice)

Egg Tarts

Other things to do:

Check out the many temples

Admire the bamboo scaffolding 

(Used to make many skyscrapers)

Explore different neighborhoods

(Temple Street is good for shopping, eating, drinking)

Rent a Junk Boat

I didn't do this because it is a bit expensive and the ferry does just fine. But if you want to spend some money and try something new, this looks fun. Also a helicopter tour could be cool too. 

One of the longest escalators in the world is also here!