On May 14, 2007, I launched a new web site to house all of the entries I’ve been posting about China. I hope you all like this new format better. Please click here to visit the new web site. Enjoy. {more}

I arrived back home to L.A. today. The flight from Shanghai to San Francisco was actually extremely fast arriving almost an hour early, taking just over 9 hours. {more}

Have you ever wondered what the inside of a train in China looks like? Here is a short video of a sleeper car taken during a ride to Beijing from Guilin. Sorry, the room has been used so its a little messy but you get the idea. In the video you see the hall in the sleeper car, my room with 4 beds, two on each side, which not only shows the beds, but where the electrical plugs are, the switches, the area to put your bags and even the foot handles to help you climb up to the top bunks. The bathroom is also shown, the hot water dispenser, and a very short clip of the adjoining hard sleeper car. {more}

I am not really sure what it is, but I have a bad habit of loosing it when I get close to the end of my trips. I am less than two weeks from heading home and today I finally blew up on a poor cab driver. In my defense, I had been playing it cool for what I consider far too long when it comes to cab drivers trying to rip me off... {more}

One of the nicest places to visit in China, that I unfortunately have not had a chance to write about yet, is the West Lake in Hangzhou. I have actually been there a couple of times now and still have not had a chance to see all the nice areas surrounding the lake. Good food, nice people, blue skies, great scenery and a beautiful lake make this place a must-visit in China. {more}

Actually, this game... Frogger... a classic that I grew up with, is a great training tool to get you use to crossing major streets in practically any third world country. If you plan to come to China, definitely brush up on this game. You may not need it if you plan to only stay in big cities such as Beijing or Shanghai, however, if you plan to set foot in any of the smaller towns, then you should consider some training. {more}

Maybe it is just me, but trying all of the wonderful and delicious types of food there are around the world is absolutely one of the greatest excuses to travel. It isn't just eating the food though that satisfies you, sometimes, its the reaction you get from those around you. Take this lady in the picture for example. I wish I could have had a video camera to show you how excited she was to cook, for the first time, for an American. She even went and put on her nice coat for the picture. Or tonight, the excitement on the young cook's face while he was staring at me eat his cooking. And how proud he was when I said his food was delicious (in Chinese) in front of his regular customers. {more}

Here is a quick video shot walking mainly down Fuxing Lu in the old city of Dali, in Yunnan Province, China. {more}

The other day, I was talking to my mom on the telephone and she asked me about the food. She asked what I was having for breakfast. I told her that a very common breakfast food was noodles. Her Italian upbringing led her to reply, "Noodles! For breakfast! What do you have for dinner... Eggs and Pancakes!" I couldn't help but laugh. That night, I had left a bar with a friend and stopped to have the eggs filled crepe-style pancake pictured below. I know it seems a bit backwards but it sure does hit the spot. By the way, the noodles pictured here are the world famous Guilin Rice Noodles. I had this bowl while in Yangshuo. Normally, there aren't so many peppers but I've gotten use to heating things up a bit. {more}

A fews days ago, my scheduled plan changed unexpectedly and since I had a few extra days to kill, I thought I would come on down to Kunming in Yunnan province. Although it has a famous reputation, the cold weather up north was a major factor in my decision to come down to the south. When I went out for my first meal, I was reminded at how great eating can be here in China. Not just because you get to try great food, like my meal of the famous Yunnan fried rice and some delicious steamed pork dumplings, but also because of the satisfaction that follows when the bill comes out to less than a dollar, including a drink! {more}

I know that I knocked Guilin in a previous post, so I just wanted to take a minute to share with you a few pictures of one of my favorite places to enjoy abeautiful evening stroll and possibly an impromptu picnic... Rong Hu (Rong Lake), Guilin, China. Not only was it a very peaceful walk but there were inspiring views at every turn. Although you could walk right through this park in 15 minutes, it took me over an hour while taking these pictures and having my own impromptu picnic at the, what seemed to be built for me, gazebo-style lookout between the bridges. {more}

Here is a quick 360 degree video taken from the top of one of the sand dunes of Mingsha Shan, or Singing Sands Mountain, directly in front of the Crescent Moon Spring in Dunhuang, Gansu Province in China. The video was shot on February 26th, 2007, there is snow in many places and half the spring is frozen so you can just imagine how cold it is. However, when you're hiking up, you get so hot and sweaty that you convince yourself it is a good idea to take off your shoes so they don't get full of sand. When you finally calm down after reaching the top you start to realize how cold it is. {more}

It was quite an experience to wake up at 7 am this morning in Urumqi in Xinjiang province and have it still be dark. It was even stranger when 8 o'clock hit and it was still dark. Imagine my surprise when I waited all the way until past nine in the morning to be able to take a picture of the sunrise over Tian shan (Sky or Heaven, Mountain). For some reason, Beijing has decided that the entire country needs to use the same time zone that it does... even provinces that are thousands of kilometers away. Although this is quite confusing, it makes for an interesting time. {more}

Well, I survived! It has been another full month that I have spent in China making a total of three months since last summer when I visited for two months. Too tell you the truth, I am becoming very comfortable here and am much more able to get around on my own and deal with things. Surprisingly, in Beijing, I realized after the fact that I was so comfortable with this city that I would even leave the hotel without taking their namecards or even writing down the address; a first for me since coming to China. {more}

I arrived today to Urumqi (pronounced: Wulumuchee) and was welcomed by comfortable negative 6 degree celius weather, or about 21 degree farenheit for those in the states. Surprisingly, it is not as cold as I expected but I was a bit worried when I looked out the airplane window to see mountains covered in snow. Hopefully I will be able to handle it when I am out seeing the sights... first stop... Heavenly Lake tomorrow morning. {more}

I thought I would share with you something interesting I just found out today. Apparently, the winter sports we are so use to partaking in in the states and in Europe are beginning to grow in popularity here in China. As the disposible incomes of people continues to grow, they look for new ways to spend their newfound money. One of these ways is on the slopes. According to CCTV, attendees to snow resorts has been increasing by 20% each year for the last ten years. As new skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes, the landscape of the Chinese winter holiday is beginning to change from one where families traditionally stay at home, to one where they look for new ways of enjoying their time. {more}

Although it is the fifth day of the Spring Festival and I am in Urumqi, which is an autonomous region of China, there does not seem to be any letting up of the festivities. At least not when it comes to fireworks. They really must be cheap here because I find it amazing how many of them are constantly going off. When I buy fireworks in the states, I am lucky to get a good five minute show. This video is shot from the 7th floor of the Xin Rong Hotel between the hours of 9pm and midnight Beijing time and edited for the sake of your time. It kind of sucks because you hear them constantly but being in the hotel room, you can only see the ones right in front of you. By the way, here are a couple of interesting bits of information about travel during this time of year. Yesterday alone there were over 3.8 million people riding the rails and that number is expected to be 4 million riding the rails on Friday. In addition, there were 33 million people on the buses today! {more}

I found this video on YouTube of the fireworks going off on the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year 2007, taken from the 26th floor of an apartment building in the suburbs of Beijing. I think it compliments my video very well because it gives you a birds-eye view of what was happening all over the city (and the country for that matter). {more}

I wonder if we would eat so much meat if this is how it were presented to us. As you probably know, I'm about to wrap up my third month in China and one thing I find interesting is the presentation of the food. There seems to be quite a different attitude about how people see their food here. Seeing animals hanging from a restaurant window is extremely common, in fact, it seems to almost be a requirement. Feeling hungry yet? {more}

Here are some photos taken at the International Spring Carnival at Chaoyang Park in Beijing, China. I have been unable to find any sort parade like we are used to in the states. Instead I find plenty of these types of festivals. This one is different from the traditional ones because it has a much more international feel, but it is still pretty interesting. {more}

During the Spring Festival, people here in China pour into the streets, primarily at the Miao Hui's or temple fairs; however, there is only one Miao Hui that can say that it is still held in a temple. that is the Baiyunguan Temple Fair at the White Cloud Temple. The main reason for the visiting this temple is apparently for prayers and the wishing of good luck for the coming year as you can see from the videos and pictures I will be posting over the next few days. Here are some pictures and a video of one such good-luck-wishing event at the temple; throwing coins (50 coins for 10 yuan) at a bell on the Wo Feng Bridge. {more}

Another interesting thing people seem to do for good luck is rub this ornate pot at Baiyunguan (aka White Cloud Temple) here in Beijing. As I mentioned in previous posts, the miao hui (temple fair) held at this Taoist Temple is actually the only miao hui that is still held at in a temple. That seems to explain why the crowds lining up at the door here are primarily visiting to make prayers and to perform the many rituals for bringing good luck. I found this one interesting as it involves approaching the pot with your eyes closed. Everyone seems to have pretty good aim, and for the most part, they all hit it dead on... I wonder if anyone peeks? {more}

The miao hui at Ditan Park definitely seems to have been the most crowded one of all. The Beijing International Spring Carnival may have had more people but it was more spread out so I really couldn't say which was bigger. One thing I've noticed that these things is that food is huge. It seems to just be a place to eat a lot and then walk it off while doing a little shopping. It's pretty tough getting through the crowds. I always have a backpack with me wherever I go and I must say it was pretty difficult to get around with it on. Unless you really need something, I suggest leaving it at home or at your hotel. I hope you enjoy the video and this collection of pictures. It should give you a great idea of what a Spring Festival celebration is like in China. {more}

Although I accidentally deleted by favorite clip of the evening, I shot over an hour more of the celebrations that took place on the streets of Beijing near the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Wangfujing districts. Take a look at this 10 minute inside look at how China welcomed in 2007, the Year of the Pig, on the night of February 17th, the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year. {more}

During the Spring Festival there are many events that take place. Traditionally, Chinese people go to the miao hui, which means temple fair or market. The Beijing Chaoyang International Spring Carnival that took place on February 18th, 2007, the Chinese Lunar New Year, in Beijing Chaoyang Park is basically a much bigger and carnivally version of that. Although it is definitely not my style, I can see how it can be appealling to many people, especially expatriates or other foreigners staying long in Beijing away from home. Unlike other miao huis, which I hope to share with you as well, this one is chauk full of international entertainment. You will notice too how the crowds at the various gatherings is quite different. {more}

Here are a couple of videos taken from Moon Hill. The first one is from the Lookout at the official "top" of Moon Hill. You can see at the end of the first one where I climbed to in order to shoot the second video. I will be posting pictures later that will show how I got to the real top of Moon Hill, however, I was told that the various illegible signs said No Admittance. At that point there are no steps and only a harsh and difficult trail so I do not recommend the climb for everyone. You can hear from my panting in the second video too that i was pretty out of breath by the time I got up there. {more}

When traveling throughout China there is no way to avoid noticing the vast number of ethnic minority groups. Although the Han Chinese officially make up more than 90% of the population, there are 55 other ethnic groups officially recognized by the government. Here is a video clip of a tour guide in Yangshuo named Shirley who was nice enough to sing a song for us in her local Zhuang language. You may find this song familiar. I also used it on the bamboo rafting video I posted yesterday. If you have a chance to visit Guilin or Yangshuo, I would strongly recommend getting in touch with her as she is very nice and very helpful. She works at the travel desk in the lobby of the Yangshuo Regency Holiday Hotel on West Street (Xi Jie) or can also be reached on her cell phone at: 13457360321 {more}

Aside from bicycle riding to Dragon Bridge and Bamboo Rafting down the Yulong River, the next best thing to do in Yangshuo has got to be visiting Moon Hill and climbing to the top for a view of the amazing landscape all around you. Although there are many ways of getting there, I opted for the 1 hour bike ride. If you are short on time, there are mopeds, motorcycles, taxis and shuttle services available as well. Click here for some photos of some of the things you can expect to see along the way. By the way, the directions in Lonely Planet for how to get out there are pretty vague. The best way is just to go straight on the road you take to Yulong River (do NOT make a right before the bridge), pass over the bridge, go through the tunnel and make a right at the rotunda. You'll ride for about an half hour or so and cross a cool bridge before you see a sign saying Moon Hill (pictured here) on the right side of the street. Try not to get caught riding during rush hour because these are normal traffic streets and it can get pretty bad especially near the tunnel and rotunda. Once you get there, expect to stay between 30-120 minutes depending on far you like to climb and how much time you like to stay up there. {more}

Another, more popular way, of returning to Yangshuo after bicycle riding to the Yulong River is by Bamboo Raft. In fact, you can normally bamboo raft all the way back to Yangshuo from practically anywhere on the river. Unfortunately, because I came in the winter, the water levels were pretty low and we could not raft the entire normal route; there were also plenty of areas where it was a bit difficult to pass as it was, but overall, it was still a great experience. And in case you are wondering, YES, you can get wet so remember to keep your feet up if you don't want to. Things are safe though as long as you keep them well-elevated and off the raft itself. Click here for some pictures and video of the trip. {more}

Well, folks, the 3-part series of my bicycle ride from Yangshuo to the Yulong River, in Yangshuo, Guilin, China has been completed. You can see it here. Keep an eye out because next I will be adding some pictures and video of the bamboo rafting trip down the Yulong River back to Yangshuo. {more}

I arrived very late last night to Beijing and basically slept all morning. When I woke up, I thought I should go out and she what Valentines day looks like in Beijing, but where should I go? Well, Wangfujing of course! Wangfujing is a major shopping area of Beijing. It's not the street vendor stuff we're used to seeing in other parts of the country, but more the shopping center-style we are used to seeing back in the states. Rolex, Nike, Adidas and other name brand stores litter this area and provide Beijing with a very modern and high-priced shopping atmosphere. Perfect for Valentine's day.Click here to see photos of Valentines Day in the Wangfujing Shopping District of Beijing. {more}

Well, it was bound to happen someday, my first concussion in China. Now, I am not a doctor and I did not go to the hospital so I cannot say for sure that is what happened, but I have experienced a few of these in the past so based on what those felt like, I would say I had another, albeit a minor one, today. Although I am pretty beat up and my right hand is currently bandaged, I was very fortunate to have been with a quick thinker and everything turned out just fine. The worst thing about it is that I ruined my favorite, and only, pair of jeans here with me. But here is a lesson for you if you plan to come to China... {more}

Here is a short video clip taken from the top of Dragon Bridge on the Yulong River in Yangshuo, China. For more pictures from here, click here. {more}

Today I had the priviledge of experiencing one of the most amazing scenic activities one could possibly engage in, taking a bicycle ride from Yangshuo to the nearby Yulong River. A popular activity here is riding a bamboo raft down the Yulong River. Although I plan to do this as well, today I thought it would be best to get to know the terrain a bit and just ride as much as I could. Although I eventually made it to a very nice spot at the river, my desire to take the road less traveled got me lost many times through the fields of some of these small farm villages. {more}

What can I say about Yangshuo that has not already been said? Chinese writers and artists have been inspired by this place for thousands of years and after one second here you can see exactly why. Not too far south of Guilin, Yangshuo is definitely the place to visit in this area. I do not want to knock Guilin too much, but I will make a comparision to help you understand the difference between visiting these two areas; Considering they are so close and sit along the same river, they are very similar to each other both in terms of weather and geographical features. The main difference I see reminds me of the difference between... {more}

I can't believe it! I come all the way to China for a chance to see the Chinese New Year Parade and my own home town of Pasadena decides to put on a free parade of its own to welcome in the Year of the Boar (aka Year of the Pig). Anyway, Apl.de.Ap of Black Eyed Peas will preside as Grand Marshal with other prominent dignitaries, local news personalities, pageant queens and top name Asian American celebrities will be joining him; including, The cast of Justin Lin’s new movie, Finishing the Game, Heroes’ James Kyson Lee, Miss Universe 1997’s Brook Lee, Desperate Housewives’ Alec Mapa and That’s So Raven’s Amy Hill. At the Festival, entertainment includes South Border, JIN, Far*east Movement, Quest, Supe and a myriad of ethnic Asian dance troupes. Best of all, it's free!!! {more}

I was extemely lucky to have been visiting Baomo Park on the day that I did because they happened to be performing a rehearsal show of the Annual Spring Festival Show. The Guangdong TV station and various other reporters were also there to report on the event. It was definitely an interesting experience and quite the teaser for the up-and-coming New Years show. {more}

Here's Part Two of Baomo Park's Sneak Peak of their 2007 Chinese New Year Show. {more}

Due to popular demand, I post next a short video clip of a view of the world famous Bund in Shanghai taken from Pearl park in the new Pudong side of the Huangpu River, or Huangpu Jiang as it is known in Chinese. Shanghai, like any major city, is huge; not only in size but also in population reaching almost 10 million, so keep a look out for more videos from this city, its people and places. I will be returning here, what many call the Paris of the East and a city which is set to become a major global financial center, in March as well so I will have plenty to show you. As you can tell from this video clip, there is not much Chinese architecture here. In fact, all you really see on this strip of coastline are remanents of China's colonial rule and the days of British and French control in China trade and finance. {more}

Just 30 kilometers away from Suzhou, a place many refer to as Venice of the East, and a one-hour bus ride away from Shanghai, ZhuoZhuang is definitely a nice place to spend the day. Although I have more video I will be adding later, I thought I would share with you this quick two-minute clip of a small boat ride, gondola-style, taken through the canals of this ancient city. {more}

If I had to pick one thing that I think is on everyone’s minds when they think about China, I would have to say money. Whether it is that China is taking jobs/money, it is keeping its money artificially undervalued, it is attracting investment/money, or that it can help make you money, everyone is thinking about China and money. For that reason, I thought it would be a good idea that my first set of videos be about money. So, here it is, a collection of free videos explaining a few useful things about Chinese money; a must see for anyone thinking about spending money while in China. {more}

Well it is January 23rd here in China and I am back in Shanghai. As most of you may already know, after a few months back home I decided to return to China. This time around I promise I will be updating the blog more often and finally add those pictures and videos you guys have been asking for. I hope you enjoy them and be sure to check back often. In case anyone is wondering, it is about 40 degrees farenheit and currently raining. {more}

Well folks, on September 4th I arrived to Beijing and spent a couple of great days here seeing a few more things and wrapping up some loose ends before heading home. Tomorrow is the big day. After two full months in beautiful China, I will be flying home bright and early tomorrow. I have plenty of pictures and videos I hope to share with you soon. See you state-side! {more}

Yesterday I arrived to Xi'an in Shaanxi province from Zhangjiajie in the Hunan province, an absolutely amazingly beautiful natural environment in the southwest of China. I am now in one of the oldest cities in the world and am ready to head out on a full day of touring tomorrow. My days here are winding down with less than a week to go in my two-month journey. I have to say that I had an amazing time. I have had a chance to visit some small towns like Zhuzhou in Hunan province, big and new cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, the new capitalist city of Shenzhen, naturally beautiful cities such as Hangzhou and Zhangjiajie, and China's most ancient city, Xi'an. I know many of you are getting impatient with me for not posting pictures and videos and I apologize again. I will try to get to you soon. {more}

After leaving the beautiful island of Hainan in southern China, I decided to stop in Zhuzhou, Hunan where I was teaching English for a month. It is very nice to see some familiar faces, be in somewhat of a familar place.and to feel like a superstar for a while as foreigners are much less common in small towns such as this one. It is also a convenient stop considering my next destination is Zhangjiajie, an amazing natural reserve only a few hours west. It has been named a world heritage site by the U.N. so I am very excited to check it out. I am leaving tonight and should be arriving in the morning. I will try to post more from there when I get a chance. {more}

Well, as usual, I have not had much time to post to the blog lately. There is just so much to see and do that it has become very difficult. Considering that it has been over a week since I posted, I thought I would update you on what I have been doing. Since then, I have gone from Hangzhou to Schenzhen, to Guangzhou and now to Hainan, a beautiful island in the China sea. I think I will stay here a few more days and try to recoup some energy. As usual, I will wrap up this post by saying that I will try to write more soon. I hope I will be able to. Things here are at a slower pace so if I ever had the chance, now is it. {more}

Hello All, I arrived this morning to Hangzhou in the east of China from Beijing, the capital of China. This is an absolutely amazing city, not only at how modern it is but also how beautiful it is, especially the West Lake, its primary attraction. Hopefully I will be able to stay a couple of days here before moving onto my next destination. I will try to write more soon to keep you updated. Also, I would like to thank everyone who emailed me today to wish me a happy birthday. I really appreciate all of your best wishes tremendously. Thanks again. {more}

Hello all! I arrived to Beijing this morning at around 11:30 am. I have met up with a few of the other teachers that were on this same program with ACT and we are getting along great and ready to start touring this great city. I will try to post again soon and start showing you some photos. Thanks again to all of you well wishers. I hope you are all doing well. Please keep in touch and I will do the same. {more}

It is Sunday August 6th here in China, but Saturday the 5th at my home in the states. After one month, my teaching gig here in Zhuzhou, Hunan has ended. I am a bit saddened to be leaving as I have met so many wonderful people and have had such a great time. Between work here, work in the states, and school, I have been swamped and have not had much time to post to the blog. I hope this will change as I have soooo much to tell you about my experiences. I will be getting on a train within the next couple of hours for Beijing to start the rest of my touring of China. Wish me luck! I will try to post soon! {more}

Hello All, I just wanted to let everyone know that I have arrived safely to Shanghai. I will try to post more again later today, it is about 1 am here now so I am going to bed. {more}

Hi All, I just arrived to Tokyo on a layover. It is about 5 pm here and, if my clock is still correct, about 1 am in the states. In case you are wondering, YES, the flight was very long; about 11 hours in total. I will be here for a couple more hours before hopping on a plane for a 3 hour and 10 minute flight to Shanghai. Thanks everyone for the emails. I will post again as soon as I can after arriving to Shanghai. {more}

Well folks, it is official! I am leaving for China just after the 4th of July for two months! I just finalized most my plans and am wrapping up all the details. For those of you wondering, the answer is “yes,” I will be documenting and posting as much about my trip to china as possible. In fact, I have already registered the domain name GaryInChina.com so you can follow along. {more}

For those of you wondering what is the best way to contact me while I am in China, I have added this form to the web site. I will be keeping this form up-to-date so that it always forwards messages to the best emailbox available to me at the time. Please feel free to drop me a line at any time. {more}