Just grab some instant hotpot seasoning packets and call it a day [wink]

Isn't it our side (mainland China) that isn't issuing the travel endorsements for Taiwan?

Good to know.

I've lost my drive. When I first came to Shenzhen, in my first year, everything felt so new and exciting. Now, in my third year, all I feel is exhaustion from work.

This is exactly why I'm hesitant to book homestays. They can be such a rip-off.

Alright, no problem! Let me break it down for you in simpler terms:

• As for Guangzhou, it seems like it is a bit of a stretch compared to the idea of an "international metropolis" I once had.

  • Perhaps I didn't go to the right places? Like Zhuhai or Shenzhen? (People say these two cities are where all the skyscrapers and advanced technologies are located.)

    • For our foreign friends: Shenzhen and Zhuhai were among the earliest "economic special zones" of China's reform and opening-up. Thus, their development has been particularly rapid and their cityscapes have transformed remarkably. Guangzhou, on the other hand, is an established commercial city, with significantly richer historical legacies than those "overnight rise" cities like Shenzhen.

• If we compare Guangzhou with Shanghai... Well, Guangzhou does seem to be a little less impressive on that front. (Please don't let my Guangzhou buddies hear this though, I might get hit, hahaha!)

• Upon further reflection, the region encompassing Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai appears to be an excellent alternative.

  • Extra point: This area is one of the most economically developed and prosperous regions in China, with a fairly high overall standard of urban construction and living convenience.

It's the 'Flower City' (Huacheng), so naturally, you go to see the flowers!

To continue—yes, compared to other places, Beijing can feel somewhat lifeless and dull. Maybe that's the 'low energy' you're talking about? Without a strong culture of leisure and entertainment, life can lose some of its spark. As a multi-generational Beijinger, I find that, compared to southern cities, Beijing doesn't offer much of a 'lifestyle.' It's a true cultural hub, but a bit of a lifestyle desert. However, for an artist who is self-sufficient, enjoys their own company, and isn't materialistic, Beijing can be a pretty good place.

My friend isn't the best at taking photos, but I'm really satisfied with this makeup.

So I was shocked to see comments like, 'Why is the Hangzhou subway so expensive?' and 'If it weren't for the convention (CO), who would even come to Hangzhou?'

The national all-in-one transportation card is very convenient.

Most Suzhou locals wouldn't choose to use the South Station.

Haha, Suzhou cuisine is definitely on the sweeter side! But sweetie, if you're not used to it after giving it a try, next time you visit, just go for what you like. I'm sure you'll find something!

If you're not planning to pray, there's no need to go into Lingyin Temple. The real highlight is Feilai Peak.

There are plenty of restrooms, and they're pretty clean too.

Tokyo's high-rise density is actually quite impressive too, but Shanghai definitely has a more imposing feel.

We bought VIP tickets that day and were right in front of the performers – the view was fantastic! My husband even got pulled up on stage to join the show. The only downside was that the tickets were painfully expensive.

People don't steal kids, but they will steal: Taiwanese fried chicken off your scooter, cleaning rags, umbrellas left outside, or even a watermelon and drinks from your basket.

Well, before I ventured to Taiwan, I came across several descriptions of how cities there appear.

• My first impression was that the buildings would be quite old and somewhat dilapidated, reminiscent of small, underdeveloped cities on the mainland.

• Conversely, another viewpoint suggested, due to Japan's historical rule (1895 to 1945), architecture in Taiwan may closely resemble that of Japan.

I hail from one such underdeveloped city on the mainland and have resided and studied in Japan. Having explored Taichung, New Taipei, and Taipei, my observation is that the cities carry their own distinct character.

• The only moment when Japan truly resonated was a drizzly night by Danshui Station (that's picture 2). Other times, it felt like an eclectic blend, complex and difficult to label definitively.

I noticed some architectural styles:

• Shophouse (骑楼): These structures feature covered walkways on the street level, a common sight on sidewalks. Originally, the lower floor is extended slightly backward, creating a protected pathway for pedestrians as the upper floors protrude over this passageway – that's the "shophouse" origin. My first encounter was in Taiwan as I've not traveled to the Southern regions of China, like Guangdong or Fujian, where shophouses are prevalent. A significant portion of older buildings in Taiwan feature this design.

  • Initially, I was puzzled regarding legality of shops occupying the entire sidewalk (illustrative picture). Later, I discovered that the canopy area is genuinely owned by the shops, though the government mandates pedestrian access through a wide walkway. It remains uncertain if mainland China operates similarly with Shophouse properties.

• Modern apartment buildings: The multi-story residences are akin to widespread ones in mainland China but Japan does not typically contain high-rise residential buildings.

• Historic Japanese architecture: This section shows the former Taichung railway station: similar structures can be found in other cities within "Manchukuo", northeast China during the Japanese colonial era.

  • With the passage of time, determining whether this construction exemplifies the 'Japanese architectural style' or 'former colonized region' becomes an ambiguity.

• Temples: Taoist temples in Taiwan are highly colourful, possessing flamboyant decorations. Giant sculptures of deities are also present. While riding a tram in Taichung, the view out the window revealed a huge statue of Guan Gong (depicted in this image), a revered historic figure among the Chinese populace.

They were probably controlling the crowd out of fear of a stampede. I was able to get in when I went in the afternoon.