Before my trip to China, I can’t say my experience with Chinese food in the US had been a good one. For me, Chinese food evoked images of strong-smelling takeout, wok stir-fries, and too-sticky chicken. Needless to say, my view of Chinese food was drastically limited, and, as a result, I was worried about what I’d eat when I actually visited China. Fortunately, my experience with food in the Middle Kingdom was nothing short of amazing. From cheap yet tasty street food to full-blown restaurant meals, I was wowed by the variety of cuisine China has to offer. To celebrate the unique delicacies of this special country, I’ve compiled a list of 11 things you need to try based on my gastro-adventures through China. Continue reading “The Real Deal on Chinese Food: 11 Things You Need to Try”
Xi’an: A Chinese Cultural Treasure
This past fall, I embarked on a whirlwind, seven-week journey through mainland China. This entire trip was a tremendous experience for me, whether I was downing soup dumplings in cosmopolitan Shanghai, roaming the streets of ancient Pingyao, climbing the hills of sacred Wutai Shan, exploring Buddhist cave art outside Datong, or gaping at the beauty of the Summer Palace in Beijing. However, I must say that Xi’an won a special place in my heart as one of my favorite stops on the trip. Continue reading “Xi’an: A Chinese Cultural Treasure”