THE SMILING STAFF OF YANGSHUO MOUNTAIN RETREAT are always genuinely willing to help. The guesthouse costs more than hotels found on West Street, it is not easy to travel by foot to any of the attractions, and there are no views of the Li River. However, the beauty of this guesthouse is its authentic countryside…Read more [Yangshuo, Xingping] The hills are alive

THE SMALL TOWN OF YANGSHUO IS NOT AS SMALL AS I THINK IT WOULD BE. I came to realize that subjective measurement standards differ across countries and cultures. The low-key rustic charms stereotypical Yangshuo appeared to be a commercialized downtown with more traffic than the Dalin township back in Taiwan. When I arrived last night, the streets were…Read more [YangShuo] Ways to be aloof

THE BEAUTY OF TRAVEL is how a dull long journey can turn into a pleasant surprise. It started out as an uneventful breakfast buffet back at the hotel. It was my first morning in Guangzhou and I was determined not to be put down by the uninspiring choices of cheap coffee and tasteless buns. I…Read more [Guilin] Making a guest feel at home