Category: China

Asian Empires throughout History: The Definitive Guide

The empires of Asia were expansive both in geography and in tenure.  The Mongols had an empire that spanned the entire Asian continent as far as Europe, and the Ottomans ruled for almost 700 years, far wider and longer than any of their European counterparts.

Silk Road Explorers – “Imperialist Villains”

Silk Road Explorers – “Imperialist Villains” The Silk Road, extensive trade routes that once connected the East and the West, fell into decline in the 15th century due to several factors, among them the drying up and eventual abandonment of the oasis towns that grew prosperous from the Silk Road trade.  (You may read about the […]

Trans-Siberian Railway: Travel advice

Trans Siberian Railway: Travel advice. What is it? The trans-Siberian railway was once hailed ‘the fairest jewel in the land of the Tsars’. Crossing Russia, Mongolia and China, this web of tracks provides unrivalled views of a changing landscape and a journey through cultures from European Russia to the Pacific edge. From life aboard the […]

Lushan National Park, China

From steep wintry peaks, rising more than 1.4 kilometers above sea level, to ancient forests and river ways, the range of scenery around Mount Lushan is genuinely breathtaking. A relatively unknown spot for Western tourists, the Lushan National Park is hugely popular for Chinese tourists. The mountainous region is littered with beautiful flora and fauna, and is teeming with wildlife, including the world’s largest migratory white crane flock. 

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is, first and foremost, a remarkable feat of human ingenuity, perseverance and construction. It offers a multi-dimensional insight into ancient Chinese history. From how the wall was constructed, to the ideology and strategic practicalities that necessitated its construction, there is so much to learn from the Great Wall of China.

The Forbidden City, Beijing

Everything about the Forbidden City, from its name to its history, is full of intrigue. For many visitors, the Forbidden City embodies the secrecy, mystery and power of China’s past.

Around the World in Six Coffees: Italy, France, Japan, China, Morocco & Argentina

Around the World in Six Coffees: Italy, France, Japan, China, Morocco & Argentina Order a cappuccino in Italy after 11am and expect to receive strange looks. In Argentina, don’t be surprised when your coffee order is accompanied by two cookies and a glass of seltzer. And be warned: 2-3 spoons of sugar may be added […]

Terracotta Warriors: History and Latest Discoveries

Travellers flock to Xi’an to walk around Emperor’s Qin’s tomb complex, one of the most famous archaeological finds in the world, the Terracotta Warriors

Dinosaurs and Dinosaur Fossils: The Definitive Guide for Travellers

Dinosaurs and Dinosaur Fossils Knowledge of dinosaurs exploded into the mainstream through Hollywood magic, thanks to Stephen Spielberg’s animated drama adventure Land Before Time (1988, co-produced with George Lucas of Star Wars fame) and the suspenseful Jurassic Park (1993) and its numerous sequels. In this article, we will look at the history of dinosaurs, dinosaur fossils, the controversial commercial aspect […]

Xi’an, the Beginning of the Silk Road: Definitive Guide for Travellers

Xi’an, the Beginning of the Silk Road The bustling city of Xi’an (“Western Peace”) in China‘s Shaanxi Province is one of China’s oldest cities and perhaps also its most culturally significant: as the ancient city of Chang’an (“Perpetual Peace”) it served as capital of the Han dynasty, and was the starting point and eastern terminus […]

Eight Amazing Rail Journeys: The Definitive Guide

Eight Amazing Rail Journeys This article details eight amazing rail journeys that you may wish to consider when planning your journeys. Humans have been travelling by sea since ancient times, but on land, humans were limited to walking, riding horses, or riding horse- or ox-drawn carriages. When Cornishman Richard Trevithick (1771-1833) demonstrated his “Puffing Devil” […]

The Bund, Shanghai: China’s Colonial-Era Riverfront Quarter

The Bund, Shanghai: China’s Colonial-Era Riverfront Quarter Along the western bank of Shanghai’s Huangpu River stands a row of grand European-style buildings known as the Bund — a legacy of the foreign concessions that once ran this stretch of China’s coast. Built by British, French and American merchants after the Opium Wars forced Shanghai open […]

History and Legacy of the Silk Road route

The History and Legacy of the Silk Road route The Silk Road route (also called the Silk Routes) was an extensive system of trade routes formally established during the rule of China’s Han Dynasty. The silk road routes traversed the Eurasian steppe (and later, through oceans and seas as the maritime silk road ), connecting […]

Books to read about the Silk Road | Guide for Senior Travellers

Best books to read about the Silk Road – a list for senior travellers The linking of Asia to Europe via Eurasia for conquest and trade since at least 120BC is a unique part of the worlds history. Along this collection of interconnecting pathways, tracks and roads people invaded other nations as well transported knowledge, […]

Dinosaurs, Palaeontology and Evolution: 10 of the Best Books for natural history lovers

Dinosaurs, Paleontology and Evolution: 10 of the Best Books for natural history lovers Paleontology and archaeology: discovering the Earth’s past Paleontology and archaeology are traditionally the domain of experts, but thanks to some excellent literature, the mysteries of our distant past are becoming increasingly available to us all. Many of us have a passion for […]