Shenzhen Shorts – The Gankeng Ancient Hakka Townlet

Shenzhen Shorts – The Gankeng Ancient Hakka Townlet

It was a hot day but I was keen on seeing the Gankeng Ancient Hakka Townlet in Shenzhen. From the Futian boundary crossing, I made it onto Shenzhen’s MTR and got off the Gankeng Station on Line 10. Then I walked about 8-10 minutes on 

Briefly, Nanjing – The Taste of Nanjing

Briefly, Nanjing – The Taste of Nanjing

The epicureans of the world know that there are eight great styles in Chinese cuisine.  These great styles are categorized according to the geographical regions in China.  Each of these eight styles differs in its cooking methods, selection of ingredients, the use of spices, and 

Briefly, Nanjing – Last Impressions

Briefly, Nanjing – Last Impressions

“Are there cameras here?  Quickly!” I was sitting in the backseat, watching the cab driver communicate with another driver on the phone.  He was desperately trying to find his way to the airport bus stop.  I felt bad, because my destination was actually the airport 

Briefly, Nanjing – The Linggu Temple

Briefly, Nanjing – The Linggu Temple

The afternoon heat was waning. I debated whether to see just one more site in the Zhongshan National Park before heading back to the hotel.  I felt like I have seen what I wanted to see in terms of history.  Yet I told myself to 

Briefly, Nanjing – The Trees of Love

Briefly, Nanjing – The Trees of Love

Once described as the First Villa of the Far East, the Former Residence of the Chairman of the Republican Government provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife Soong Meiling.  Nanjing called it fondly as the Soong Meiling Villa, as 

Briefly, Nanjing – The Ming Tomb

Briefly, Nanjing – The Ming Tomb

The Ming Filial Tomb (Ming Xiaoling) had historical significance on China’s imperial burial rites.  The architecture and formalities of the Ming emperor mausoleums preserved some features of their predecessors.  Yet in breaking many new grounds, the Ming Filial Tomb established itself as a milestone development 

Briefly, Nanjing – Dr. Sun Yatsen’s Resting Place

Briefly, Nanjing – Dr. Sun Yatsen’s Resting Place

Despite having done some research, I made some critical mistakes on this trip.  Although I did learn that the museums of China (all over the nation) close on Mondays, I did not know that it includes the Dr. Sun Yatsen Mausoleum.  Furthermore, the staff told 

Briefly, Nanjing – Relearning the Taiping Rebellion

Briefly, Nanjing – Relearning the Taiping Rebellion

There were two reasons why I visited Zhan Yuan (Zhan Garden).  First and foremost, it was only in Zhan Yuan that one could find an exhibition devoted exclusively to the history of Taiping Rebellion in China.  Secondly, Zhan Yuan itself is a site of significance.  

Briefly, Nanjing – The Living Spirits of Nanjing

Briefly, Nanjing – The Living Spirits of Nanjing

Having learned that the museums of Nanjing are closed on Mondays, I was determined to visit the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders in Jiangdongmen on Sunday, my second-last full day in Nanjing.  For it was one of the main 

Briefly, Nanjing – The Flow of History

Briefly, Nanjing – The Flow of History

When travelling solo, I am always aware of the ebb and flow of my mood. There is a kind of rhythm, a leap of the heart at the excitement of observing unfamiliar scenes and appreciating similarities at the same time. Unforeseen circumstances, be it bad