Just like Hong Kong, Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China which means it enjoys “one country, two systems” policy enabling it to have its own set of laws apart from Mainland China. In 1999 the former Portuguese colony was returned to China but its 100-year-old colonial past can still be spotted everywhere, from downtown district to semi remote mountain top.

This photo was taken on August 17, 2011 at 6:07pm at Guia Fortress. The beautiful establishment was built in 1637-38 on the top of Guia Hill, the highest point of Macau, to defend the city from attack from the sea after an unsuccessful attempt by the Netherlands to capture Macau from Portugal. You can still see remains of cannons, barracks and a chapel here today, along with a magnificent view of the city.

This lighthouse stands 91 meters tall and was the first western style lighthouse in East Asia. The best time to view this is late afternoon when the sun is about to set. But remember the place is scheduled to close at 6pm everyday although you might get lucky to sneak in around the closure time like I did.

Download Wallpaper : 1920 X 1200 ( For Desktop ) | 1024 X 640 ( For Ipad / Iphone )

Nanjing used to be the pride of the Chinese nation because of its prominent role in culture and politics since ancient China. But ever since the Second World War, the city had taken on a more gloomy role and permanently become part of the darker history of modern China.

A walk in the city brought me back to thousands of years of Chinese history that began from its past glory as the center of the middle kingdom and all the way to the tragedy the city endured in the Second World War.

A City That Makes You At Ease

When you compare Nanjing to other major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, you probably would notice that the city is less crowded, more laid-back and the people are general more easy going. It is hard to believe that this is one of the most prominent cities that had served as the capital of a number of Chinese dynasties and the very first republic of modern China. The environment here can just make you at ease.

The area I settled in was just a little walk away from Nanjing University. The atmosphere was very relax and filled with sense of serenity, as oppose to the busy streets and skyscrapers I used to come across in Shanghai and Beijing. And the people were more friendly when asked for direction. They spoke with a lower volume and appeared to be less aggressive on public transit and on the road.

It really amazed me because the city was just one and half hours train ride away from Shanghai and the way the people acted could be so different. I was also pleased to notice that I felt more safe in Nanjing than another city I’d ever visited in China.

Cultural Center

Along the famous Qin Huai River had been the cultural center of ancient China and is home to some of the must-see sights in Nanjing.

Despite its laid-back atmosphere, Nanjing still had those prominent elements of a capital city. When you stroll down the Confucius Temple area at night, other than the plethora of stores and restaurants, you would come across a number of must-see sights along the famous Qin Huai River, the breeding ground of scholars and home to influential and wealthy people.

The Confucius Temple or Fuzi Miao had been a sacred place to honor the Great Saint Confucius by government officials and civilians alike. A few minutes walk away from the temple was the Jiangnan Examination School which had been the very venue to hold the most important public examinations in all of China for hundreds of years.

The public examinations were the major method for the government to select the best talents from all over China. Many people endure years of hardship to take the examinations because it was a once-in-a-life-time chance to fame and success. In reality, many prominent poets and politicians came to power and fame precisely by overcoming trials and trials of preparation and exams.

Preferred Capital

Sun Yat-sen, father of modern China spoke highly of Nanjing and made it the capital of the Republic of China.

Although Nanjing’s history dated back to around 1100 B.C., the first city (served as a fort) was not built until 472 BC when the State of Yue defeated the State of Wu. And then not until hundreds of years later, had Nanjing (then Jingye) first become a capital city. It was made the capital of the Wu kingdom in 229 CE. Then in various stages of the Chinese history, the city had served as the preferred capital of different dynasties and regimes, most notably the capital of the Ming dynasty and the capital of the Republic of China.

Sun Yat-sen, father of modern China, commented that Nanjing was located in a very good plot of land with high mountains, deep waters and great plains, which were rarely found in one place. When you stroll around the city, you can see all the elements Sun mentioned. High mountains are found in the east and the west of the city and the beautiful Purple Mountain is just located in the outskirt of the city that’s only a half hour bus ride away. Of course there’s also the great Yangtze River surrounding Nanjing making it one of the most important water transportation hubs in China.

A Nation’s Tragedy

Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall documented the bloodiest tragedy of modern China.

One of the reasons I wanted to visited Nanjing was that I wanted to understand what it was like during those difficult war times I was told over and over again in my childhood and in those history lessons. Although I knew I would never truly comprehend the magnitude of the agony our people endured, I still felt that I had an obligation to see and to learn that through my bare eyes.

Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall is the place to visit if you want to truly learn about the tragedy and the victims. The museum documented one of the most bloodiest episodes and gruesomest atrocities in human history. Just like the times I visited a concentration camp in Germany and the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, I felt no hatred but sorrow. The very existence of these memorials reminds us not to repeat our old mistakes, that are often times the result of hatred and blatant disregard of our own humanity.

A walk in the museum might bring you deep sorrow and leave you in a gloomy mood. But just like any other part of the world, you’ll never really know a country until you visit the darker part of its history.

The footprints of the survivors of the atrocity remind us of their heart-wrenching past.

Inner Mongolia is the third largest subdivision of China, after Xinjiang and Tibet. Located in China’s Northern border, the autonomous region covers a vast piece of land with landforms ranging from deserts and grasslands to forests and mountains.

Of all the landforms, grassland is probably the most famous and sought after among local and foreign travelers. Many visitors came to have a taste of what it was like to ride on the vast grasslands like the great Genghis Khan because it was believed that what made the Mongol Empire nearly invincible was their exceptional riding skills.

I also had a chance to ride on one of the great grasslands but I didn’t quite feel like a great warrior to be honest. In fact the Mongolian way of riding was probably too advance to me and my companions that many of us were too busy maintaining balance than enjoying the ride.

For those who were not keen on athletic activities, strolling down the grasslands and watching herds of sheep grazing would be safer and just as rewarding. I was told that there’s not a lot of nomads left who still relied on raising their herds and many of the semi-nomads we encountered had to rely on tourism and other form of trade for incomes.

At the current rate of industrialization in China today, how much longer do we have until all the nomads turned to tradesmen and merchants?

Download Wallpaper : 1920 X 1200 ( For Desktop ) | 1024 X 640 ( For Ipad / Iphone )

Pak Nai is probably one of the most visited spots for photo enthusiasts and for those who want to enjoy a romantic sunset in Hong Kong. The area is blessed with rich habitat of mangroves shrubs that are commonly found in northwestern Hong Kong and across the waters you may find a number of cranes that produce a unique view of beautiful silhouette.

This photo was taken on July 1, 2010 at 5:17pm. The best time to take sunset photo here is from 5pm to 7pm. If you decide to visit here during weekends, make sure you arrange your time accordingly in order to get here on time for the sunset and plenty of time to leave after the sunset as the traffic can become very congested.

Download Wallpaper : 1920 X 1200 ( For Desktop ) | 1024 X 640 ( For Ipad / Iphone )

Here is a brief Hong Kong shopping guide covering some of the must-see shopping places. If you’re in town for a few days, don’t miss the chance to explore what the “shopping paradise” looks like.

Newest Electronics and Street Markets – Mongkok

Neon lights characterize the popular Sai Yeung Choi Street and many other streets in the district. (Photo credit: flickr user dreistreifen)

Mongkok is probably the most visited shopping district in the entire city. You can find the most variety of electronics (digital cameras, computers, cellphones, etc.), clothing and local food stalls here. The price range here is generally low to medium. Most of the time you can bargain with street vendors but not in chain stores. If you’re lucky and have the skills, you can probably knock off the price by half.

The place is easy to navigate as most shops are concentrated along four parallel streets: Nathan Road, Sai Yeung Choi Street, Tung Choi Street (Ladies’ Market) and Fa Yuen Street. Yes, the streets can get very crowded at nights and during weekends but guess what, strolling in a crowded street is part of the must-see experience in Hong Kong. Just be careful with your belongings as there’re still some pickpocket incidents in the streets and in public transits.

• How to get there: MTR Mongkok Station or MTR Mongkok East Station
• Points of interest: Sai Yeung Choi Street, Tung Choi Street, Fa Yuen Street, Dundas Street, Temple Street (at night), Langhai Place

Bargain Clothing, Computers and Secondhand Goods – Sham Shui Po

The computer malls here not only sell computer components but also video games and secondhand goods. (Photo credit: flickr user ittsai)

For vintage lovers, Apliu Street is probably your best bet to discover some long-forgotten memories. There are a number of second hand shops selling used electronics equipments including radios, hi-fi components, torches and even musical instruments.

There are also three computer shopping centers conveniently clustered together on the other side of Cheung Sha Wan Road: Golden Computer Centre, Golden Computer Arcade and New Capital Computer Plaza. These computer centers are probably the most visited and popular computer shops among local people that whenever people talk about buying computer components, they refer to the shops in “Golden” in general. The competition among shops here are often fierce so the prices are generally cheaper than what you find in Mongkok and Wanchai.

Right by the computer centers are several blocks of streets filled with various shops selling textile goods, fabrics and accessories. You might also land on some super bargains in the wholesale stores if you try your luck.

• How to get there: MTR Sham Shui Po Station
• Points of interest: Apliu Street, Golden Computer Centre/Arcade

Upscale and Trendy Shoppes – Tsim Shai Tsui and Causeway Bay

Causeway Bag is probably the most popular place for young people and trend seekers. (Photo credit: flickr user antwerpenR)

Okay, if you’re in for some trendy shopping experience, these two districts simply cannot be missed. You can find a number of shopping centers right outside of the MTR stations that are catered to more upscale and trendsetting shoppers. Yes the prices here are not as bargain friendly as the previous two districts but as an old saying goes, you get what you paid for. Who knows you also might be able to find yourself some new insights here simply by window shopping or people watching.

Rest assured, there are some smaller shops and chic boutiques off the major roads selling uniquely designed goods and collectibles that are reasonably priced. Most goods here are imported from Japan, Korea and Europe and many are locally designed and made. Invest your time strolling inside some smaller malls and streets like Paterson Street, Sharp Street and Granville Road might grant you some unexpected rewards.

• How to get there: MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station or MTR Tsim Sha Tsui East Station, MTR Kowloon Station, MTR Causeway Bay Station
• Points of interest: Harbour City (TST), Elements (TST), Granville Road (TST), Times Square (CWB), Sogo (CWB), Lee Gardens (CWB), Jardine’s Crescent (CWB)

Located in the beautiful resort town of Shirahama, the 50-meter tall and 2km wide Sandanbeki is a breathtaking cliff popular among anglers and tourists.

The rocky cliff was once a look-out point for spotting fish and passing boats and the cave under the steep cliff was thought to be the hiding place of the ancient Kumano pirates of the Heian period (794-1185).

This photo was taken on April 8, 2010 at 9:33am at the tallest part of the cliff. Touring around the rocky cliff takes about 1-2 hours and after that you can visit the nearby Senjojiki which is just 1km away. But seeing the cave needs extra time as well as 1,200 yen entrance fee.

Download Wallpaper : 1920 X 1200 ( For Desktop ) | 1024 X 640 ( For Ipad / Iphone )

Depending on your needs, you may choose a compressible and packable daypack which you can stuff inside your main backpack when you’re on the go. Or you can choose one that has more pockets and even comes with a padded laptop sleeve and pockets if you need the extra organization or protection for your gadgets.

Note: There are links on this page leading to affiliate websites.

For Absolute Minimalist – Sea to Summit TravellingLight Daypack, Arcteryx Cierzo 18

Sea to Summit TravellingLight

Arcteryx Cierzo 18

For absolute minimalists who want to squeeze their daypacks into nothing more than the size of their fists, the Sea to Summit TravellingLight Daypack is undoubtedly the best choice.

Weighing only 2.4 oz and compressed into the size of a keychain, the 20L daypack is more like a rucksack than a full-fledged backpack. But it’s by no means flimsy given the minimalist and ultra lightweight design because the siliconized cordura fabric is amazingly durable and tear resistant.

The Arcteryx Cierzo 18 weighs a little bit more than the Sea to Summit pack but it’s by no means heavy. It weighs remarkably at just 9 oz which can still be considered as featherweight and provides 18L of respectable storage space.

The pack also comes with a zipped front pocket for extra organization and the entire pack can be stowed inside this packet for easy carrying. Both minimalist backpacks do not come with much padding or support on the shoulder straps and the back panel. It’s perfect for those who carry lightweight belongings and need the freedom of a packable daypack with ultra portable footprint.

Sea to Summit TravellingLight Daypack

• Extremely light and packable, surprisingly durable for the weight
• Weight and volume: 2.4 oz, 20L | See Price

Arcteryx Cierzo 18

• Watertight external zippers, entire pack can be stowed inside the front pocket
• Weight and volume: 9 oz, 18L | See Price

For Lightweight Active Pursuit – Arcteryx Aerios 14, Osprey Talon 11

Arcteryx Aerios 14

Osprey Talon 11

For outdoor sports junkies who expect more features and support from their daypacks, the Arcteryx Aerios 14 and Osprey Talon 11 are among the best the market has to offer.

Both packs come with well padded and ventilated shoulder straps and back panels for extra comfort while carrying during active pursuit such as biking and trekking. There is also an internal hydration pocket for storing hydration bladder and external bungee cords for carrying your bike helmet or rain jackets on the go.

With all the features, these packs are still surprisingly light and remarkably packable. The Aerios weighs just 19 oz providing 14L of storage space while the Talon weighs 23 oz providing 11L of storage space. Although both packs are less compressible than the ultra light daypacks, they can still be stored nicely inside your main backpack and provide more organization and comfort for carrying heavier load.

Arcteryx Aerios 14

• U zipper opens all the way for easy access
• Weight and volume: 19 oz, 14L | See Price

Osprey Talon 11

• Padded hipbelt pockets and side pockets for more storage space
• Weight and volume: 23 oz, 11L | See Price

For Gadget Junkies on the Go – Osprey Axis, Arcteryx Blade 15

Osprey Axis

Arcteryx Blade 15

Gadget Junkies need more protection for their mp3 player, laptop and other electronic devices. So the daypacks have to be more well padded with more organization and space.

The Osprey Axis is perfect for a day hike around town carrying your gadgets and necessities. The pack weighs just 23 oz providing 18L of storage space, including an internal laptop sleeves and an mp3 pocket. The padding on the shoulder straps and the back panel is comfortable enough for urban pursuit and protective enough for your gear.

If you want even more organization and protection, the virtually indestructible Arcteryx Blade 15 is the better, albeit a heavier (36 oz) and pricier choice. The material used on the Blade is top notch and there’s even an aluminum stray for durable support that keeps the pack in shape.

Other than the shoulder straps and back panel, there are extra padding on the side and the bottom along with the internal padded laptop compartment, mp3 and cellphone pockets. The hidden passport security pocket concealed in the back panel is probably the most loved part for frequent travelers.

Osprey Axis

• Affordable, ideal for commuters and urban hikers
• Weight and volume: 23 oz, 18L | See Price

Arcteryx Blade 15

• Super durable, extra padding and protection for gadgets, smartly designed pockets
• Weight and volume: 36 oz, 15L | See Price

Named one of the 50 places of a lifetime by the National Geographic Traveler and topped the “Top 10 Most Exciting Ferry Rides” poll by the Society of American Travel Writers, the Star Ferry is not only famous for the fun and excitement it brings but also acclaimed for its ridiculously low fares.

Costing as low as HK$2 (US$0.25) per ride, the Star Ferry probably provides the best bang for the buck sightseeing trip on the entire planet. The whole trip from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central (or vice versa) takes about 10 minutes and brings you the best scenic view of both side of the Victoria Harbor.

Despite fares have gone up rapidly for other means of transportation, the Star Ferry has yet to raise the fares to catch up with the rest of the market and remains the most affordable means of transportation in Hong Kong.

Download Wallpaper : 1920 X 1200 ( For Desktop ) | 1024 X 640 ( For Ipad / Iphone )

Situated in the middle of Nanjing by the famous Qinhuai River, Nanjing Confucius Temple and several nearby buildings have been the historical and cultural center of the Chinese civilization since the Middle Age period.

The original temple was built during the Song Dynasty in 1034 and was used as a worship site for Confucius. The complex was later expanded with additional buildings to house imperial examinations to select the best talents from all over the country.

This photo was taken on August 4, 2010 at 7:04pm in the courtyard of the Confucius Temple. The current temple was rebuilt in 1986 reusing as much of the original stonework as possible after the Japanese sack of Nanjing in 1937.

Visiting the temple can be accompanied by a leisure stroll along the cozy Qinhuai River. The area is best viewed at sunset and at night as well as during the famous Qinhuai Lantern Fair.

Although the area has become more commercialized in recent years, the historical and cultural significance behind these buildings is too much to be missed for any visitor. A nostalgic walk in the ancient sites may give you a clue or two on the bittersweet past of the city and the people.

Download Wallpaper : 1920 X 1200 ( For Desktop ) | 1024 X 640 ( For Ipad / Iphone )

Located on the western coast of Wakayama prefecture, the resort town is surrounded by water on three sides with waves from the Pacific Ocean shaping the rocks and cliffs for thousands of years, creating the magnificent work of nature along the shoreline.

It takes about two and a half hours JR ride from Shin-Osaka Station to Shirahama Station (JR Kinokuni Line) or three and a half hours bus ride from Osaka Station to Shirahama Station. The best way to enjoy the town is to stay a few days visiting the natural scenery and indulging in the different onsen (both free and paid) or participating in the surfing and firework festivities if you visit in summer.

(Click on each photo to enlarge)