Travel and Life in China and Europe
The Mogao Caves (莫高窟, Mògāokū) in Dunhuang left a deep impression on me. This site is the result of a thousand-year history, yet it hardly appears on the tourist map of many individual travelers. In few other places can you experience the history and significance of the Silk Road as directly as here. Today, I … Read more
Are you ready for a city that challenges all your senses simultaneously? Chongqing is no ordinary place. It’s a vertical labyrinth where trains run through residential buildings, the ground beneath your feet is suddenly the roof of a skyscraper, and the scent of fiery chili hangs in every alley. This megacity is so delightfully unconventional, … Read more
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to stand all alone on one of the wonders of the world? I can tell you: it is magical, and it is possible. For me, the Panlongshan Great Wall (蟠龙山长城, Pánlóngshān Chángchéng) is undisputed as the best place to experience the wild Great Wall in its most … Read more
Have you ever wondered what China feels like beyond the glittering skyscrapers of Shanghai or the imperial power of Beijing? My path to Dunhuang was pure coincidence—a stroke of luck during a longer journey. But what I found there changed my image of China forever. Far away from the well-developed coastal regions, a world opens … Read more
When you’re reading this article, you’re likely thinking about venturing on your first trip to China or perhaps you’ve already fallen hopelessly in love with Asian wanderlust. China can seem vast, complex, and at times even a little intimidating. But that is exactly where the magic lies. In this post, I want to share my … Read more
While we in Europe are familiar with apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Uber, you will quickly notice on your trip to China that these providers either do not work at all or the data is outdated. The unimaginably extensive digitalization in China is both a blessing and a challenge at the same time. To … Read more
If someone asks me which city in China is an absolute must-see, I don’t have to think twice: Beijing! I lived in this fascinating city for over three years myself. Beijing isn’t just the capital; it’s the vibrant cultural and political heart of the country. Here, you can experience the ancient Empire with a breath-taking … Read more
Have you ever heard that in winter in China, people sometimes prefer to stand outside in the sun to warm up because it’s colder inside their homes? Sounds paradoxical, doesn’t it? If you travel through China in winter, you’ll quickly realize that whether a home is cozy and warm depends on its geographical location. Welcome … Read more
When thinking about a trip to China, big names like Beijing or Shanghai are often the first to come to mind. However, in the south of the country lies Guangzhou – a metropolis that deeply impressed me with its very own blend of modernity and local culture. To me, the city feels more vibrant and … Read more
Have you ever asked yourself while planning your trip to China: “Who was this Ming guy anyway, and why does everyone have his vases?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone! In Europe, we often think in centuries, but in China, people think in dynasties. They are the Chinese equivalent to eras like the Baroque, the Middle … Read more