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Tag: Religion

Journey to Lhasa and the Roof of the World

Journey to Lhasa and the Roof of the World

Lhasa and the world-famous Potala Palace marks the final destination on my quest to see all the sites depicted on the back of the Chinese bank notes (the Palace is on the 50-yuan bill). What started as a fun personal goal ended very well as Lhasa and Tibet are certainly at the top of my list of favorite places. Tibet is called the “roof of the world” for good reason as the plateau rises sharply with an average height of 4500…

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Xining: A Cultural and Geographic Crossroads

Xining: A Cultural and Geographic Crossroads

Xining 西宁市 is the capital city of Qinghai province in western China and the eastern gate of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. Xining is a great city to fly into then branch off on adventures to other places of interest such as Zhangye’s Rainbow Mountains, Qinghai Lake, Silk Road tours, and of course the train to Lhasa, Tibet. Xining was a major trading hub along the Silk Road and western stronghold resisting attacks from the west. There are many Muslims and Buddhists who first…

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Qibao Old Street: A Shanghai Food Street

Qibao Old Street: A Shanghai Food Street

Qibao (七宝) is an old water town located about 20 kilometers from downtown Shanghai which has a very popular food street.  Most days, and especially when the weather is good, people flock there to enjoy a stroll and eat traditional snacks. Qibao means, “Seven Treasures” in Chinese and the legend is there were seven of them around the area such as a Gold Lotus Scripture, a magic tree, and a golden chicken to name a few. The old town is…

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Narita Is More Than An International Airport

Narita Is More Than An International Airport

Narita, Japan is way more than an airport. Of course for most of us that’s all we know because so many international flights transit there. If you have a long layover an overnight or two in Narita is a great way to relax before continuing on. Of course now that I know about this cool little town, I will try to at least stay overnight when possible. It’s really that much fun and a great way to add to your…

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Fun and Easy Day Trip to Sheshan Park

Fun and Easy Day Trip to Sheshan Park

Sheshan Park 佘山 is a hill of about 100m high west of Shanghai, China. On top are an old Jesuit observatory (a museum now) and The Sheshan Basilica. The observatory complex was founded by French Mission Catholique in 1872. Sheshan Basilica is the largest Catholic cathedral in Southeast China and was built around 1863. Shanghai is flat as a pancake so this hill, although only 100m, sticks out. Sheshan Park makes for a fun day trip to go hike about, check…

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Xi’an Terracotta Warriors and Villages

Xi’an Terracotta Warriors and Villages

Our journey to Xi’an was with a tour company called Insiders Experience. First day breakfast we stopped for delicious local foods on our way to see the famous Terracotta Army. Afterward we visited an ancient Taoist temple in the Lishan Mountains and then a local lunch. After lunch and the next day we drove around the countryside visiting small villages and exploring rural China. Xi’an Terracotta Warriors The official name for the “museum” is Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor…

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Sri Lanka and the Way of Life

Sri Lanka and the Way of Life

Sri Lanka really surprised me with it’s rich history and culture. Before arriving, I knew very little about the country other than where it is and Ceylon tea comes from there. However, after ten days of traveling around the Central region I was blown away by what I discovered. I learned about the long, rich history of Sri Lanka people, the food, landscape, and culture. It truly was life changing and I look forward to another visit to Sri Lanka….

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So, I Hiked Up Mount Tai and it was Good

So, I Hiked Up Mount Tai and it was Good

Mount Tai is one of the Five Sacred Mountains of China and happens to be the grandest of them all. Since Mount Tai is the easternmost mountain it is associated with sunrise and renewal. Over time the mountain has become a cornerstone in Chinese religion and for over 3000 years emperors and others have visited to offer sacrifice and pay homage. Because of Mount Tai’s significant cultural importance it is a very popular destination for Chinese and somewhat of a…

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Shanghai Zhenru Temple (and Fish Market)

Shanghai Zhenru Temple (and Fish Market)

From the outside you can see Zhenru Temple easily because of the tall pagoda. The temple itself is a bit hidden away behind other buildings and does not seem like it’ll be much. However, once inside the compound is very well kept and nice. There is a long passage way along the canal which is great for sitting and taking in a peaceful afternoon. Getting to Zhenru Temple Getting to the temple is kind of an experience itself if coming…

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Longhua Temple

Longhua Temple

Longhua Temple 龙华寺 and Pagoda was first built around 242 A.D. and is the oldest temple complex in Shanghai. Legend has it that Sun Quan, King of the Kingdom of Wu, got hold of some of the cremated remains of the Buddha. He had 13 pagodas built to house the relics, and Longhua Pagoda is one of them. Although the original buildings were destroyed by war and time, the present-day construction preserves the architectural design of the Song Dynasty. Most…

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