There is an infamous scam in Shanghai where seemingly nice Chinese “college students” invite hapless tourists to practice English with them at a tea house. There are variations to the set up, but the result is always the same: the tourists are forced to pay outrageous sums of money. But not all tea tastings are […]
China
Shanghai’s Jade Buddha Temple
Founded in 1882 and rebuilt in 1912, Shanghai’s Jade Buddha Temple is an active place of worship for Shanghai’s practicing Buddhists and one of the city’s premier historical attractions. The temple was built to house two Buddhist relics that were bestowed on a Chinese abbot when he visited Burma centuries ago. The centerpiece of the temple is […]
Red Velvet Afternoon Tea at the Waldorf Astoria, Shanghai
The mere mention of the Waldorf Astoria evokes a sense of exclusivity, elegance and grandeur. With only 20 hotels worldwide, this legendary brand is able to maintain an impeccable degree of service. Their aim is to be the standard by which all other hotels are measured. So it should be no surprise that the Waldorf Astoria […]
Visiting a Shanghai Flower Market
Shanghai’s Caojiadu Flower Market is where local florists go to get their stock and where orchids can be had for a song. Stall after stall is filled to the brim with every kind of flower under the sun. Potted plants claim the space near the ground-floor entrances while the cut flowers can be found down a ramp […]
A Tour of Shanghai’s Fairmont Peace Hotel
Shanghai’s iconic Fairmont Peace Hotel began life in 1929 as Sassoon House, named after its owner Sir Victor Sassoon, a British real estate mogul. While Mr. Sassoon lived in the 10th floor penthouse, the rest of the building was dominated by the prestigious Cathay Hotel. The Chinese government took over the building (and all the […]