Life, Travel, GRACE

After spending a day exploring the vibrant city of Changsha, we boarded a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie, watching the scenery gradually shift from urban landscapes to dramatic mountain views. The journey itself felt like the beginning of an adventure. The next morning, we made our way to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, and nothing could have prepared us for the sight that unfolded before us. Towering limestone pillars rose majestically from the mist, creating a surreal landscape that felt almost otherworldly. It was one of those moments when photos simply cannot do justice to what the eyes see. In the afternoon, we headed to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, where impressive man-made structures blend harmoniously with the surrounding cliffs and greenery. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the zipline ride across the canyon. Soaring above the vast expanse with the wind rushing past was pure exhilaration — though in the thrill of the moment, we forgot to capture a single photo! (Photos taken...

As 2026 begins, everyone is looking forward to a bright and promising year ahead. For me, I hope it will be filled with meaningful travel experiences. Over the past two years, I have visited China three times: Yunnan (again), Changsha, and Beijing. This time, I’d like to share my journey to Changsha and the national parks of Hunan.  We arrived in Changsha in early April, when the weather was just beginning to warm up. Some of the must-visit spots included Yuelu Academy and the Young Mao Zedong statue on Orange Isle. At first impression, Changsha felt like just another ordinary Chinese city, seemingly with little to offer. But perhaps that judgment was premature - sometimes, it is only by slowing down and exploring more deeply that a place begins to reveal its true character. Pavilion in Yuelu Academy compound.  Yuelu Academy, with lots of tourists. Young Mao Zetong statue. Lots of tourists were taking selfies or wefies with the statue.

 Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is a folk art museum in Guangzhou. The place is easily accessible via metro and public bus. What attract me about this place are the carving and architecture of the buildings. Like the Sacred Heart Church, the Hall was built during the Qing Dynasty era. The building complex is well preserved. The guided tour provided was very informative. A place not to be missed if you are in Guangzhou.

 Let's continue with my travel experience in Guangzhou, which I've visited in end 2019, before the Covid pandemic. If you would like to have a glimpse of western architecture footprint in the city, perhaps the Sacred Heart Cathedral at 56 Yide Road is the place to explore. The church building is built of granite. It has a history of more than a century. I visited this church twice, the second time was on the Christmas Day where Christmas Mass celebration was held. 

Perhaps this is the best attraction in town, according to my friend. So I booked the night cruise tickets via Klook website. You get to see the night view of the city amid the cool breeze. Overall, it’s just ok for me, I mean in terms of attractiveness. Here are some night view photos taken with my faithful iphone 6s. The first photo is the boat / cruise that we took. The must-see view is the Canton Tower (last 2 photos).

When you are in Hong Kong or Guangdong province, you can’t miss the yum cha culture there. Practically, it’s brunch (or breakfast) served with a pot of tea and 2 or more baskets of delicacies. I usually order the steamed bao (bun stuffed with meat or vege) and siu mai . Of course there are other varieties as well. Yummy. youtiao Porridge, yam cake, shrimp dumpling etc. xiao long bao Siu mai Tea is a must Steamed bao  

Was wandering around the Pearl River New Town area back in Sep 2019. Opera house, library and a museum are situated in that area. The Canton Tower is nearby too. Was impressed with the library - the design and the collection. Was a bit let down with the museum. Not much artefacts on displayed, or maybe I wasn't paying much attention on the details. Guangzhou Opera House Guangzhou Opera House Guangzhou Library (main entrance) Guangzhou Library (interior) Guangdong Museum (main entrance) Guangdong Museum (interior) Canton Tower

Had an opportunity to visit Yinchuan city last October while attending a conference. Yinchuan can be considered as the gateway to Inner Mongolia in the northern part of China; although I didn’t venture beyond that. It is the capital city of Ningxia province, with high concentration of Hui people who are mostly Muslim. Although the province is not large, the city itself and its surrounding offer some good places to visit. Coincidently, the place that I stayed (Yinchuan Macrolink Regent Hotel) is just a walking distance from the tourist bus station. It’s also next to the airport city terminal bus stop. I managed to visit Western Xia Imperial Tomb, Rock Paintings of Helan Mountain and China Western Film Studio, and Yinchuan Museum. Due to insufficient time, and rainy season, I didn’t manage to explore Helan Mountain (it was closed due to heavy rain/snow). Sha Hu and Shuidonggou site are also good for a day trip. Other places like Shapotou is a bit too far from the town. Probably will go t...

Had opportunity to travel to Guangzhou recently, and in coming months, for working assignment. Took a day or two to explore the town and vicinity. After visited the Liwan Park, came across Yongqing Fang area, where Bruce Lee ancestral home is located. Quite a fun exploration in that area.