Yunnan province, which borders Tibet in southwestern China, is home to a sizable population of ethnic Tibetans. Its city of Shangri-la (known as Zhongdian until authorities decided their fair city was surely the paradise described in the book Lost Horizon) also contains one of the most important Tibetan monasteries. Sumtseling Monastery (also known as Ganden Sumtseling Gompa, Songzanlin Scenic […]
China
A Sexy Spanish Lunch at el Willy, Shanghai
Last week China celebrated Qingming Festival, giving my husband a precious weekday off work and, just like last year, we took advantage of the opportunity by enjoying a leisurely lunch on the Bund. Our restaurant of choice, el Willy, is owned by Spanish chef Willy Moreno and considered one of the hottest spots in town. […]
Shanghai’s Modern Art Scene on Moganshan Lu
One of the most exciting neighborhoods in Shanghai has sprung up along Moganshan Lu in a dilapidated industrial complex near Suzhou Creek. Drawn by low rent, artists have flocked to the area now known as M50, an abbreviation of the address 50 Moganshan Lu, where a former factory has been converted into a collection of […]
Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai
My mom came to visit us in Shanghai last year and absolutely fell in love with the beautiful old buildings lining the Bund. We walked into the lobbies and soaked up the 1930’s style of the restored hotels and banks. This year I thought it would be fun to treat her to afternoon tea at […]
Shanghai Cherry Blossom Festival
Spring has arrived in Shanghai and the evidence is blooming in the city’s many parks and gardens. Despite Shanghai’s reputation as an overdeveloped megalopolis, there is an amazing abundance of well-tended green spaces. One of the newest is Gucun Park, and at 180 hectares, it’s the largest of the city’s so-called forest parks which give […]