Travel stories from Asia

3 minutes in Mangshi - Hidden gem of Yunnan, China - Mangshi things to do


Sat 26 Oct 2024 - John Nayler
#chinatravelguide #travel #travelvlog #travelchina

If you've never heard of Mangshi then we would not be surprised. Three weeks ago we had not either! On the latest road trip the plan was to hire  ... [more]




Ora Black Cat - Is this cheap Chinese EV car worth it? Extended Test

Sat 19 Oct 2024
We take the ORA Black Cat for a spin on the last trip to China. You might think we're joking but it's serious for the most part :) We thought it might be a bit of a joke too when we first stepped behi ... [more]


Rehai Thermal Park, Tengchong, Yunnan, China

Wed 16 Oct 2024
Take a tour with us around the Rehai Thermal Park, China. Located near Tengchong. The thermal park is 50RMB to enter. It's a nice, easy walk through some thermal hot springs and fishes up the hill to  ... [more]


Xiaomi SU7 - They must have cheated! Extended test and review

Tue 15 Oct 2024 - John Nayler
How could they have produced a car this good the first time around. The Xiaomi SU7 IS THE FIRST EVER CAR FROM Xiaomi and they got it so right... Did they just reverse engineer Tesla. What they did do  ... [more]


Old Dali Town B&B Style Accommodation, Northwest Dali, Yunnan

Mon 14 Oct 2024
Chinese accommodation comes in many different styles. Example is a small family owned B&B style accommodation which is built into a larger townhouse complex. Access is easy as it's not gated and it is ... [more]


Xiaomi SU7 - Where's the spare tire tyre?

Mon 14 Oct 2024
Remember a time before frunks! That's right! You had an engine up the front of the car and as crazy as that seems, once you've got used to electric vehicles you realise that it's a lot of space.

I ... [more]


Zhonghe Executive Apartments in Fukuda, Shenzhen - Room Walkthru

Mon 14 Oct 2024
When staying in Shenzhen, I was delighted to find Zhonghe Executive Apartments hotel after staying somewhere really awful the first night. The other place was full of smoke smells and a mouldy roof... ... [more]


Xiaomi SU7 Driving Modes: Explained on the Highway

Sun 13 Oct 2024
Check out this video of the Xiaomi SU7 doing its thing on the highway. The vehicle has three driving modes and you can pre-select one before setting off.

The modes include:
- Cruise Control
- La ... [more]


Property development in China News - It's not all doom and gloom

Sun 13 Oct 2024
There are certainly a lot of questionable economic news coming out of China at the moment. With their property market appearing to be in somewhat of a crisis, major developments are sitting idle in ma ... [more]


Art City Hotel, Yuanmou, Yunnan Province China

Sun 13 Oct 2024
If you are looking for accommodation in Yuanmou, then you might want to try the Art City Hotel.

It's not the most amazing hotel I've ever stayed in and someone was hammering for hours in the night ... [more]


Heijing Ancient Town, Lufeng County, Yunnan - China's salt history

Sun 13 Oct 2024
When I made this video, I was not informed about China and its history with salt. Turns out that it's been a big business since ancient times. So much so that it was a major commodity at various times ... [more]


The Xiaomi SU7 Self Park - it makes it look easy!

Sat 12 Oct 2024
While self parking has become commonplace in modern cars and particularly in higher-end Chinese made EVS, we are still amazed and sometimes shy about letting the vehicle park itself.

Auto / Self p ... [more]


Room in Mangshi, Yunnan - Ancient Town Impression Hotel

Fri 11 Oct 2024
Mangshi is a surprisingly interesting place and does not feature in the Lonely Planet.

The Ancient Town Impression Hotel is located in a recently redeveloped part of Mangshi comes into awareness fo ... [more]


HOT TRAVEL TIP: Take a Coffee Plunger to China

Fri 11 Oct 2024
If you are like me, then you can't start the day without a decent cup of coffee. Unfortunately in China there are some significant challenges in getting a decent type of coffee in the morning. They do ... [more]


Things to Do - Check out the new Dehong Prefectural Museum - Mangshi, Yunnan

Fri 11 Oct 2024
If you're planning to spend some time in Mangshi, Yunnan province in China, then you will definitely want to drop by and see the new Dehong Prefectural Museum. There are many things to do in Mangshi a ... [more]


Tengchong Jinyue Hotel Room Inspection in Tengchong, Yunnan, China

Fri 11 Oct 2024
If you're looking for a high quality cheap room in Tengchong, then look no further than the Tengchong Jinyue Hotel.

This is a modern hotel located just off a main street of Tengchong right behind a ... [more]


Xiaomi SU7 Phone App and Lightshow Showcase

Fri 11 Oct 2024
Check out the phone app and light show on this Xiaomi SU7. Not only is this brand new electric vehicle taking China by storm but it's also a showcase of the best technology available from the Xiaomi C ... [more]


Get Onto a Toll Road in China: How to use the toll roads in China

Fri 11 Oct 2024
As a visitor to China and driving around you will want to use their Toll Road system. The roads are frequently new, or well maintained, fast and rarely have many other vehicles on them.

Depending o ... [more]


Zeekr 001 - Step aside Tesla Y, your old

Thu 10 Oct 2024
Just had a drive around China in the Zeekr 001. I would definitely take this vehicle over a Tesla Model Y any day! While a Tesla Model Y has a fabulous array of technology and much loved around the wo ... [more]


How to Get Off a Toll Road in China: How to use the Toll Roads in China

Thu 10 Oct 2024
Once people get themselves onto a Toll road for the first time in China, they might have trouble getting in the right lane to get off.

The first problem is that the automated system for Tolls in Ch ... [more]


Dai Pai Dang cheap meals in China - Save money and avoid eating weird stuff

Thu 10 Oct 2024
I am always hearing from people that they are worried about eating in China and going to restaurants as they fear eating awful, liver, brain and other animal innards. Easy way to avoid this is to eat  ... [more]


Xiaomi SU7 is always watching you with 10 cameras - Check them out!

Thu 10 Oct 2024
Are you worried that these advanced cars are watching you?
Worried about your privacy?
Worried about tight parking situations?

The Xiaomi SU7 has ten cameras located all around the vehicle - so  ... [more]


How to get a driver's licence in China - It's easy!

Wed 09 Oct 2024
A lot of people would tell you that it's hard to get a driver's licence in China. To get a full driver's licence in China is actually quite hard and you have to be a local or resident to be able.... B ... [more]


Xpeng G6 relaxing by the water under a tree

Xpeng G6 Road Test Review - Tesla model Y NOT!

Sat 05 Oct 2024 - John Nayler
If you were looking at the Xpeng G6 as a Tesla model Y rival alternative then it is not. I recently drove the Xpeng G6 for a week in the Yunnan province, China in a variety of driving conditions, High ... [more]


Xiaomi SU7 looks better than a Porsche Taycan - Don't you think?

Thu 03 Oct 2024
The Xiaomi SU7 looks better than a Porsche Taycan don't you think? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but there is no question that the Xiaomi SU7 is a great looking car. Don't you agree? By compari ... [more]


Yang Wang U8 review

Yang Wang U8 Test Drive in Shenzhen, China

Thu 03 Oct 2024
If I had told you that vehicle technology had advanced as far as having a 4x4 SUV that quite literally weighs 3.5 tonnes that can float and even swim for 30 minutes, you would tell me that I was crazy ... [more]

Chinese round house on the Fujian coast

Discover a Traditional Chinese Round House in Fujian's South Coast

Thu 15 Aug 2024
July is not really the best time to be visiting Xiamen's coastline. It's hot and steamy and the locals don't go out during the daytime unless they have to. While pondering that it might have not been  ... [more]

Chinese temporary drivers licence

Getting a Temporary Chinese Driver's Licence

Mon 05 Aug 2024
This process was undertaken aided by a bilingual Chinese guide. She facilitated the communications through the steps in this process and helped to locate the places where we needed to go. With ... [more]

Ganden Sumtseling temple complex and town, Shangri-La, China

The best tourist plan for Shangri-La, Yunnan Province, China - This is what I did!

Wed 31 Jul 2024

If you have dreamt of travelling independently in China or inspired by this story, please check at the end for information about our virtual guide service making your dream China adventure possibl ... [more]


3 Pagados Buddhist grounds NW of Dali, Yunnan Province

High Country Road tripping Dali to Shangri-la, Yunnan, China

Fri 05 Jul 2024

If you have dreamt of travelling independently in China or inspired by this story, please check at the end for information about our virtual guide service making your dream China adventure possibl ... [more]


Kunming Food markets, Yunnan, China

Sightseeing in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China - Top tourist stops

Mon 01 Jul 2024
If you have dreamt of travelling independently in China or inspired by this story, please check at the end for information about our virtual guide service making your dreamed China adventure possible. ... [more]

Hydrofoil ferry in front of Hong Kong

10 Reasons To Visit Hong Kong

Thu 06 Mar 2014 - John Nayler
Take a look at this list of reasons that make Hong Kong a great place to visit.





Okinawa beach front resort

Okinawa - Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef, Japan

Sat 31 Aug 2013 - John Nayler
I imagine that I am like most people who would be surprised to find out that there is a coral reef destination in Japan. Indeed, Okinawa is exactly that. A group of small islands created by tectonic p ... [more]


Internet access in Japan with Rental 3G WIFI

Thu 15 Aug 2013 - John Nayler
Travelling Japan with mobile WIFI Internet made easy






Shanghai 72

Mon 10 Jun 2013 - Adrian Cahill



Freedom Bar, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Wed 24 Nov 2010 - Adrian Cahill
Adrian Cahill reports his personal experiences of Chiang Mai and how to make the most of basing yourself out of the Giant House, Chiang Mai, Thailand
How to use DiDi in China ytthumbHow to DIDI in China. How to get a taxi in China. Step by step instructions - There is no Uber
Sat 26 Oct 2024 - John Nayler
How do I get a taxi in China? How do I get a Didi in China? FAQ How to Uber in China? There i
How to get the subway in Beijing, China. How to get the Metro in Shanghai, China
Wed 23 Oct 2024
Today we are getting a Chinese subway or Chinese Metro for the first time and it is easy. You nee
Ora Black Cat - Is this cheap Chinese EV car worth it? Extended Test
Sat 19 Oct 2024
We take the ORA Black Cat for a spin on the last trip to China. You might think we're joking but it'
Rehai Thermal Park, Tengchong, Yunnan, China
Wed 16 Oct 2024
Take a tour with us around the Rehai Thermal Park, China. Located near Tengchong. The thermal park i
Old Dali Town B&B Style Accommodation, Northwest Dali, Yunnan
Mon 14 Oct 2024
Chinese accommodation comes in many different styles. Example is a small family owned B&B style acco
Xiaomi SU7 - Where's the spare tire tyre?
Mon 14 Oct 2024
Remember a time before frunks! That's right! You had an engine up the front of the car and as crazy
Xiaomi SU7 - Can it's Autonomous Driving be trusted? - The car says NO!
Mon 14 Oct 2024
Glad you think it's crazy that semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicles allow you to drive them witho
Zhonghe Executive Apartments in Fukuda, Shenzhen - Room Walkthru
Mon 14 Oct 2024
When staying in Shenzhen, I was delighted to find Zhonghe Executive Apartments hotel after staying s
Xiaomi SU7 Driving Modes: Explained on the Highway
Sun 13 Oct 2024
Check out this video of the Xiaomi SU7 doing its thing on the highway. The vehicle has three driving
Property development in China News - It's not all doom and gloom
Sun 13 Oct 2024
There are certainly a lot of questionable economic news coming out of China at the moment. With thei
Art City Hotel, Yuanmou, Yunnan Province China
Sun 13 Oct 2024
If you are looking for accommodation in Yuanmou, then you might want to try the Art City Hotel.
Heijing Ancient Town, Lufeng County, Yunnan - China's salt history
Sun 13 Oct 2024
When I made this video, I was not informed about China and its history with salt. Turns out that it'
EV Charging is Everywhere in China - Check out this one in the middle of nowhere
Sun 13 Oct 2024
If you're troubled in your country by locating EV chargers and this is perhaps a concern that you ha
Park Hotel (Fortune Plaza) in Ruili, Yunnan, China - Accommodation near the Myanmar border
Sat 12 Oct 2024
The Park Hotel Ruili is not a park interestingly, it's in a central shop street uptown in Ruili - a
Who cares about the max charge rates for the EVs? - You rarely have chargers that go that fast!
Sat 12 Oct 2024
I know this might be a bit controversial, but I don't really care what a EV car maker says about the
The Xiaomi SU7 Self Park - it makes it look easy!
Sat 12 Oct 2024
While self parking has become commonplace in modern cars and particularly in higher-end Chinese made
Room in Mangshi, Yunnan - Ancient Town Impression Hotel
Fri 11 Oct 2024
Mangshi is a surprisingly interesting place and does not feature in the Lonely Planet. The Ancien
HOT TRAVEL TIP: Take a Coffee Plunger to China
Fri 11 Oct 2024
If you are like me, then you can't start the day without a decent cup of coffee. Unfortunately in Ch
Get Onto a Toll Road in China: How to use the toll roads in China
Fri 11 Oct 2024
As a visitor to China and driving around you will want to use their Toll Road system. The roads are
Tengchong Jinyue Hotel Room Inspection in Tengchong, Yunnan, China
Fri 11 Oct 2024
If you're looking for a high quality cheap room in Tengchong, then look no further than the Tengchon
Xiaomi SU7 Phone App and Lightshow Showcase
Fri 11 Oct 2024
Check out the phone app and light show on this Xiaomi SU7. Not only is this brand new electric vehic
Things to Do - Check out the new Dehong Prefectural Museum - Mangshi, Yunnan
Fri 11 Oct 2024
If you're planning to spend some time in Mangshi, Yunnan province in China, then you will definitely
Dai Pai Dang cheap meals in China - Save money and avoid eating weird stuff
Thu 10 Oct 2024
I am always hearing from people that they are worried about eating in China and going to restaurants
Earth Forest, Yunnan Province, China - A mini grand canyon 3 million years in the making
Thu 10 Oct 2024
If you've been to the Grand Canyon, then you are sure to have been wowed by the magnificence, size a
Xiaomi SU7 is always watching you with 10 cameras - Check them out!
Thu 10 Oct 2024
Are you worried that these advanced cars are watching you? Worried about your privacy? Worried abo
Lavande Hotel (Kunming Railway Station), Kunming - Where to stay in China
Thu 10 Oct 2024
After staying at 3 different hotels in Kunming, I will be going back to Lavande Hotel (Kunming Railw
How to Get Off a Toll Road in China: How to use the Toll Roads in China
Thu 10 Oct 2024
Once people get themselves onto a Toll road for the first time in China, they might have trouble get
One Village and Two Countries: Town that is in Myanmar and China, separated by a border fence
Thu 10 Oct 2024
"Yi Zhai Liang Guo" is One Village and Two Countries located just to the West of the center of t
How to get a driver's licence in China - It's easy!
Wed 09 Oct 2024
A lot of people would tell you that it's hard to get a driver's licence in China. To get a full driv
Xiaomi SU7 looks better than a Porsche Taycan - Don't you think?
Thu 03 Oct 2024
The Xiaomi SU7 looks better than a Porsche Taycan don't you think? Beauty is in the eye of the behol
Internet access in Japan with Rental 3G WIFI
Thu 15 Aug 2013 - John Nayler
Travelling Japan with mobile WIFI Internet made easy
Freedom Bar, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Wed 24 Nov 2010 - Adrian Cahill
Adrian Cahill reports his personal experiences of Chiang Mai and how to make the most of basing your