Eighth Destination - Szechuan, China

Click Here to Listen to our Eighth Destination - Szechuan, China

你好 (NiHao)

On previous episodes, we took you to the fabulous modern cities. This time, we are taking you guys to enjoy the natural scenery and play with cute animals. Welcome to Panda's Hometown - Szechuan, China!

Do you love animal? Do You want to give a hug with lovely Panda? If the answer is YES. Then this is a place you can never miss.

++  Wolong National Nature Reserve ++

Wolong contains lush deciduous and evergreen temperate forests and high, ice-covered mountains.

It is one of the last protected homes of the giant panda, red panda, takin, and golden snub-nose monkey. You can have close contact with adorable pandas and give a hug with them, only need to pay $30 for small one and $15 for big one.

Panda!!!  What a cutie!!  I wish I could hug them!!

++ Jiuzhaigou Valley ++

Szechuan is also famous for its wonderful natural scenery

It is a place recognized as Heaven on earth. Jiuzhaigou Valley is a gift bestowed by nature, it is known for its gorgeous karst land and spectacular waterfalls and lakes. The colorful and marvelous scenery found here has earned it the reputation of "a world of fairy tales".

I know this picture looks unreal, believe me, it is REALLY taken in Jiuzhaigou Valley.

++ Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area ++

It is inside the Jiuzhaigou Valley, also it is a World Heritage Site. It is famed for its outstanding travertine formations. With the virgin forest as its backdrop, the travertine scenery holds colorful ponds, beaches, lakes, springs, waterfalls, caves, etc. The travertine formations scenery is No.1 in China.

How many color can you see in the Colorful Pool?

++ Huanglong Mountain ++

If you Love Climbing Mountains, Szechuan is definitely a great place for you.

It is also inside the Jiuzhaigou Valley. The view is so spectacular, however, the altitude of the mountain is really high, so be cautious, if you want to climb this mountain, remember to prepare a small bottle of oxygen.

Look at those brave people climbing the Huanglong Mountain.

++ Mount Emei++

It is one of the four famous Buddhism Mountains in China. The mountain is famed for the ancient grand temples, monkey reserves, and the natural wonders: sunrise, sea of clouds, Buddhist lights and sacred lamp, and so on.

Mount Emei is a MUST go!!  One of the 4 famous Buddhism Mountains in China.

++ Kung Pao Chicken ++
If you love spicy food, then Szechuan is absolutely a heaven for you.

Kung Pao chicken is a spicy stir fry dish made with chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers. The dish exists in both traditional Sichuan and Westernized versions, The most important component of the dish is handfuls of Sichuan peppercorns. It is these peppercorns that give authentic Kung Pao chicken its distinctive numbing flavor.

Wei-Chen:  Kung Pao Chicken taste more spicy in Szechuan than in here ><

++ Szechuan Hot Pot ++

It is a spicy hot pot with a bright red color, with a steaming vat of chili oil, chili peppers and hua jiao - a unique mouth-numbing pepper from the western mountains of Sichuan. You can feel your mouth is numbing after you try the Sichuan hot pot, it's highly recommended for the spicy lover.

Zhijun's favorite!!!  I love hot pot!

++ Dan dan noodles ++

Don' worry if you cannot Handle too spicy food, you can try the Dan dan noodles. It is a classic dish of Chinese Sichuan cuisine. It consists of a spicy sauce containing preserved vegetables, chili oil, ground pork, and scallions served over noodles. it’s medium spicy food among the Szechuan cuisine. In the United States, to cater to conservative taste, dan dan noodles are often prepared more sweet than spicy.

Lingling:  I don't like too spicy.

This is all about our trip in Szechuan, and I am so sad to tell you that this is also our LAST destination. Hope you like our trips, since Summer is coming, wish all of you have wonderful summer, if you have time, please go to visit the destinations we introduce. 

Thank You! Mahalo!


BYE---------

Seventh Destination - Macau, China

Click Here to Listen to our Seventh Destination - Macau, China

你好(Nei Ho)

Hello, everybody. Hope you guys enjoy the fabulous night-view in Hong Kong. We are going to take ferry to our next destination, Las Vegas in Asia: Macau.

Take the ferry from Hongkong to Macau, Go Go Go!

Speaking of Macau, first thing comes out our mind must be Gambling. We gonna take you guys to two wonderful casino hotels to experience the most exciting event: gambling.

++  Casino Lisboa ++

It is the most representative casino hotel in Macau. It is known for its distinctive architectural design showcasing a lavish blend of Portuguese and Chinese décor with dazzling chandeliers and glittering mosaics, the hotel is an icon set within the heart of Macau. Casino Lisboa Macau is definitely one of the largest in the city. Besides the excellent gaming facilities, what adds more charm to the Casino Lisboa is its location. Right in the central business district of the city, the casino is easily accessed from all directions.



Casino Lisboa before expansion, full of Purtugal style.

The right hand side is the expansion of Casino Lisboa done in 2010.

++ Venetian Casino Hotel ++

Don't have time go to Venice pity. You can feel authentic Venice scenery at Venetian Casino Hotel. The Venetian hotel has been pursued by multiple business philosophy of the resort with three thousand the luxurious rooms and a large-scale gaming, convention, shopping, sports, variety and leisure facilities, etc., which covers an area of ​​110,000 square meters of exhibition space.

Guess where are we? Venice? 



I am in Vennce!!!

Walk in the street of Macau,  you feel like being in a familiar Asian city, but because Macau was colonized by portugueses, so you can also find an European style. There are many Heritage sites and tour destinations you cannot miss. 

++ Senado Square ++

Senado Square has been Macau's urban center for centuries, and is still the most popular venue for public events and celebrations today. The square is surrounded by pastel coloured neo-classical buildings, creating a consistent and harmonious Mediterranean atmosphere.

Senado Square is not only a place for seeing the Porgutal style building, also a place to shop!!!!

++ Ruins of St. Paul's ++

Ruins of St. Paul's which refers to the ruins of a 16th century complex in Macau including of what was originally St Paul’s College and the Cathedral of St. Paul. Today, the ruins are one of Macau’s most famous landmarks. It is so central that you probably pass it several times if you go to explore Macau on foot.

Ruins of St. Paul's is the #1 must go attraction in Macau, don't missed it. 

++ Macau Tower ++

The Macau Tower is a multi-purpose tourist, convention, and entertainment facility.  It is also an important landmark of Macau. There is an observation deck at the top where visitors can enjoy panoramic views. It also has the world's highest Bungy Jump which will take its guests on a free fall at a speed of up to 200 kilometer per hour for the ultimate extreme journey!



Do you want to try the Bungy Jump from the Macau tower? 

Beside sign-seeing and gaming, Macau is also famous for the delicious cuisine. 

++ Portugese Egg Tart ++

#1 recommendation!!!!! It tastes very good, not too sweet, had caramel glaze on top. Pastry crunchier than normal puff pastry while custard denser than usual. Kept two pieces extra to see how it is after ten hours and still felt fresh crunchy pastry. Completely different from what we eat normally.

Portugese Egg Tart~ My favorite food!!  I have to eat it everytime when I go to Macau!!  Tips: eat it when it's hot, delicious!

++ Stir Fried Curry Crab ++

This is also one of the most popular Macau food, usually monster sized whole crabs baked in their shells in a curry sauce and served with stir fried vegetables.

Portugese style curry crab, Yummy!

++ Pork chop bun ++
It is the Macanese version of a hamburger, the name pretty much says it all: it's a slice of freshly fried pork (often with a few chunks of bone left) with a dash of pepper placed inside a freshly baked bun.

Another Must TRY in Macau!

Wish you guys have great time staying in Macau, also, hope you guys don't contribute too much money to Casino. 


Next stop, we are going to take you to Panda's Hometown - Szechuan, Please keep following us.

Sixth Destination - Hong Kong, China

 Click Here to Listen to our Sixth Destination - Hong Kong, China

你好 (Nei Ho)

Hello Everyone, hope you guys have great time time on Taipei. If you think the trip is too short, don't worry, we are taking you to another wonderful destination, where is famous for delicious food, beautiful view and modern life style. That is shopper's paradise - Hong Kong.

++ Yum Cha ( 飲茶) ++

It is a Chinese style morning or afternoon tea, which involves drinking Chinese tea and eating dim sum dishes.  Dim sum is a varied range of small dishes which may constitute or replace breakfast, brunch or afternoon tea. Dishes are usually steamed or fried and may be savoury or sweet. There are many creative cook in Hong Kong,  they always have some new dishes  beside the traditional dim sum.

Delicious DimSum

++ Street Food ++

Enjoy street food is one way to appreciate Hong Kong local culture. There are many yummy street food that you cannot miss, such as Double Layer Steamed Milk, Curry Fish Ball, Egg Waffle, Fake Shark Fin Soup, Bowl Pudding, Three Stuffed Treasure, Cart Noodles, and much more.

Wei-Chen is ready to have a feast!!! Yummy!

Don't forget to try the curry fish ball, highly recommend!  My favorite!

++ Mong Kok (旺角) ++

It was the smallest district in Hong Kong, with the highest population density, where is the perfect shopping destination. There is street called Ladies’ street (女人街), This market specializes in women's clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and so on. It  opens daily from noon to midnight. I know a lot of men don't like to shop, so i recommend them go to Ho King Shopping Centre (好景商場), In this plaza, you can find many products having to do with computer and video games. They are sold for relatively low prices compared with other shops. 

++ Causeway Bay (銅鑼灣 Tung Lo Wan)  ++

Causeway Bay is one of Hong Kong's major shopping districts. It includes the 13-storey Japanese department store Sogo and Times Square, an indoor shopping complex. Causeway Bay is one of the most crowded areas in Hong Kong since it contains many trendy shops carrying both locally made fashion and products from Japan, Europe and the United States. As such, it is a popular social spot for young people.Many shops are open until well after midnight.

Causeway Bay is always busy and crowded!!!

++ Tsim Sha Tsui (尖沙咀) ++

Tsim Sha Tsui is a concentration of stores, shopping malls, restaurants and office buildings. Whenever you walk in the street, you will be confronted by heavy traffic and the crowd of citizens and tourist. But everything is very orderly. Many international brands are grouped in those streets. young people like to roam there to buy some fashionable clothes. This is a place where will bring us a lot of surprise.

I am at Tsim Sha Tsui, Shopping Go Go Go!!

++ Avenue of Star (星光大道) ++

It is located along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui (尖沙咀), Hong Kong. It honours celebrities of the Hong Kong film industry, which is really similar to the Walk of Fame in LA.

The begging of Avenue of Star.

++ Victoria Harbour (維多利亞港) ++

Victoria Harbour is one of Hong Kong's greatest assets, a jewel that people marvel at, no matter how many times they visit the city. People come from all over the world to see and admire it. 

Super foggy!!

Avenue of Star is along the seaside Victoria Harbour!!!

++ A Symphony of Lights (幻彩詠香江) ++

An must-see event on any visit to Hong Kong! The show creates an all-round vision of colored lights, laser beams and searchlights performing an unforgettable spectacle synchronized to music and narration which has been further expanded to include more than 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour.

Yeah~totally looks different at the night time!!! So beautiful!!

++ Victoria Peak (太平山) ++

The Peak is one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong: It is absolutely incredible! Looking down from The Peak you'll be amazed by the spectacular view of the surrounding city skyline, the world-famous Victoria Harbor, towering skyscrapers and peaceful green hillsides. 

Tip: Seat on the right side of the Peak Tramway to get a better view!!

++ Madame Tussauds Wax Museum (杜莎夫人蠟像館) ++

It is a museum exhibiting the wax likenesses of world famous people. Since its opening, it has drawn the attention of numerous visitors. Don't forget to take pictures with your famous stars when you go there.

Guess who is the real person? XD

Hope you guys have wonderful time. However, Don't spent all you money, next stop, we are going to take you to another fabulous Destination - Macau. 

Fifth Destination - Taipei, Taiwan

Click Here to Listen to our Fifth Destination - Taipei, Taiwan

你好 (Nihao) 

Hello, Everybody! Welcome to Wei-Chen's hometown, Taiwan, Taipei.This time Weichen will be our personal tour guide, taking us to explore beautiful tour destinations and enjoy delicious Taiwanese cuisine by using MRT (Metro Rail Transit), which is very convenience and cheap, it is perfect for us.  Let's go!!

++ 台北101 (Taipei 101) ++

MRT: Take Bannan Line to Taipei City Hall Station, Exit 2. 

It is the tallest building in Taipei, and comprises 101 floors above ground and 5 floors underground.  The building includes shopping mall, bookstore, office, and restaurants, etc. There is an indoor observatory on the 89th floor.  They have a special mailbox on this floor called “ Greeting from Sky” so don’t forget to send the best wishes to your families, lovers, or friends! Also, there is outdoor observatory on 91st floor, but be sure to check before you go, because they only open on certain occasions and weather permitted. During every Chinese New Year Eve, people will gather around Taipei 101 to enjoy the wonderful firework show.

Taipei 101                                            Greeting from Sky

Firework at Taipei 101

++ 五分埔 (Wufenpu) ++

MRT: Take Bannan Line to Houshanpi Station, Exit 4. 
The market is a five-minute walk from the station. 

It’s a premier shopping area for clothes and accessories located in the North side of Xinyi District. It is one of the largest fashion markets in Taipei with many items priced less than $20 US dollars. The ready-made clothes distribution zone is a paradise for those who are looking for fashion at a fair or even cheap price. The shops keep on changing their stuff every week, so you'll never find the same thing twice. 

**Reminder: Visit Wufenpu at the late evening because none of the shops open yet in Wufenpu during the noon.

 

Wufenpu always have the latest fashion item!!

Pretty Rain-boot

++ Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) ++

MRT: Take Danshui Line to Jiantan Station, Exit 1.

It is one of the biggest night market in Taipei. Shilin Night Market covers a large area. When one walks in the turning lanes and alleys, he (she) would often find something unexpected. The night market is packed with many people. Many visitors have come to Shilin Night Market to enjoy the delicious foods, shopping and play games. There is one game called fishing. In other words, people catch the goldfish by using a paper net, but they must be careful because the paper net tears easily. In addition, water balloon shooting is also very fun. Depending on how many balloons you shot, the award is usually from candy to a doll. It is very challenging and interesting. In the night market, You can taste the delicious snacks around the country.

 ++ 珍珠奶茶 (Bubble Tea) ++

It’s originally from Taiwan. But the price is much cheaper in Night Market. You can get one cup for one dollar!!!

My favorite drink, Bubble Tea!!

Taiwan Beverage Store, you can find it anytime and everywhere!!!

++ 蚵仔煎 (Oyster Omelet) ++

Even though it looks a little bit gross, it’s the number one snack among the foreigners. The ingredients are oyster, egg, and vegetable.

++ 臭豆腐 (Stinky Tofu) ++

Stinky tofu is known for its smell and taste. Some people are afraid to eat it because its smell is so bad. However, once you try to put in your mouth, it tastes really delicious.

++ 小籠包 (Steamed Stuffed Bun - xiao long bao) ++

A ball-shaped dumpling with a whorl-like pattern on the top, stuffed with a variety of fillings, including pork and vegetables, steamed by small bamboo food steamer. The famous restaurant selling 小籠包 (Xiao Long Bao) is called 鼎泰豐 (Din Tai Fung), many celebrities go there when they visit Taiwan.

Cooks are making bun. 

Food from Din Tai Fung!!!

Wei-Chen is eating her dessert~Mesona vanilla ice cream, yummy!!

Are you hungry? Which one is your favorite?