Shanghai is home to several prominent shrines (which you can also read about here, here, here and here), the oldest and largest being Longhua Temple. Unlike the others, it feels authentically old, having survived the Cultural Revolution mostly unscathed. Tucked away in the southwest suburbs, Longhua Temple is a charming place to spend a quiet afternoon, unless […]
Jean Georges Shanghai: Elegant Bund-Side Dining
French born Jean-Georges Vongerichten is one of the world’s most highly acclaimed chefs with over twenty restaurants on his resume. His first venture, the eponymous Jean-Georges in New York City, has been awarded three Michelin stars. In 2004, he opened a sister property in Shanghai, his first signature restaurant outside New York. Jean Georges Shanghai […]
A Brief Introduction to Mahjong
I recently had the pleasure of attending an introductory class in mahjong, the popular Chinese tile game. One lesson definitely doesn’t make me an expert – I still have a lot more to learn about the complex game some liken to rummy – but it was a fun experience I’d like to share. Although the […]
Snapshot: Laundry Day in Shanghai
Hanging laundry out to dry is an everyday chore around the world. The practice is especially common in Asia, where the cost of electricity can be astronomical. Having an electric clothes dryer in Tokyo would be the height of luxury. I was expecting to see clothes fluttering in the breeze when we moved to Shanghai, […]
Hong Kong Museum of History: Where the Past Comes to Life
The Hong Kong Museum of History is not your average museum. You won’t find rooms full of religious artifacts or ancient pottery shards. Instead, Hong Kong’s colorful past is brought to life with realistic models that you can look at from all sides and even walk through. The Hong Kong Story, the museum’s permanent exhibition, […]