Where to travel in East Asia and what to beware of
East Asia and the Far East in general have always been shrouded in a degree of mystery and fascination when observed from the West. I guess that which we don’t understand will always be shelved in the “mysterious and foreboding” category in our minds. Are these lands in the East as mystical as we imagine and could they represent a danger to us when we travel through them?
I think it is accurate to suggest that our media with TV series and movies, imprints stereotypes of criminals, deadly Triads and evil looking Orientals in on our minds. We walk away with a notion that this is a dark place in which we could well lose our lives.
Obviously, this is not true. What is true is that some areas in East Asia are responsible for human right abuses on their own people and, depending where you are as a foreigner. you could get yourself in trouble with the authorities if you do something silly. But that applies to anyplace in the world you choose to visit.
Crime and punishment
Being politically active and vocal against the government of a country you may visit is a sure way to get yourself into serious trouble. Naturally, carrying or transporting drugs is another direct access to major difficulties in your life. But, overall, you are reasonably safe in most of the places you would travel in the East Asia.
Petty crime and standard scam operations are, sadly, prolific worldwide. Exercising standard travel precautions is the best way to avoid any issues. As far as East Asia being mysterious and mystic. It can be considered as both. The ancient traditions of healing and Buddhism do blend into a fascinating mix of intrigue and the unknown. The journey into this world can be emphatically spiritual if you are that way inclined.
The China Experience - First Impressions
Culturally, you will find yourself in overwhelm state. Especially in the busy cities. You will have to adjust to the noise, the air pollution and that sense of crowded space. The challenge of street food will be an issue for the more selective palette. You cannot always be sure of what you’re eating.
The Chinese are less inhibited than Westerners. Bodily functions are not taboo. You may be shocked by the actions of some who find no problem in blowing their nose freely without a tissue or spitting on the sidewalk. In fact, there may be a few things you will have to accept that you would not accept back home. The sight of a full, complete fish on your plate or dead livestock hanging up may be a shock. You will also most likely be stared at…a lot. Such is East Asia
But not all Chinese are the same, just as not all Westerners are the same. All of this is not a judgement. It is merely an observation. The besmirch on an entire ancient culture because their norms are not a Westerners is unfair and ungracious. A sobering fact is that you may be equally offensive to them. This is the alien aspect of East Asia.
Best way to deal with the cultural differences
My suggestion is try and remove your judgments, accept that there are those Chinese main-landers who have a perception of us as much as we do of them. Rudeness is a perception. If it is different to the way we would do things, we would consider it rude. I got by telling myself all that was different or mildly offensive to me was a cultural issue. I refused to take a value system into a place that was so very foreign. Stripping myself of the social etiquette of the Western expectations, I dealt with things way better.
That said, there will be cities that strike you as very First World. Many are very clean and have a great infrastructure. Transport and train stations are pretty good as well. Of course this is the place where you find the worlds second fastest bullt train – the Maglev. China, as you will discover, is an economic and technological powerhouse. The bigger cities will seem 20 years ahead of what you are accustomed to. They have embraced technology and use it with almost everything.
When to visit?
It is always a good time of the year to visit China. This enormous country has something for everyone and it is possible to spend one’s entire life traveling China without sampling even a fraction of what it has to offer. In fact, a China travel experience should usually be focused on a particular region and, thanks to an advanced transportation system, it is easy to move to the next city by train if you run out of things to see and do at one particular spot.
China has it all. If you are interested in history, there are amazing museums and ancient cities and monuments built by this ancient civilization. If you love nature, there are breathtaking views and scenery all around the country. Those just wanting to have a relaxing vacation without any activities will find numerous spas, hotels, and beaches perfect for any China travel experience.
The great thing about touring East Asia is that there is always something new to experience. China is in third place in the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, only topped by Spain and Italy; it is an enormous country with plenty to see and do.
China travel experiences
How safe is China?
China provides the tourist with a good sense of stability and safety. In China, crime is low and the fact you are a foreigner is a plus. Why? The Chinese government would not take well to any local assaulting a foreigner for fear of bad publicity for their world reputation and tourist industry. Criminals know this. The Draconian punishments are a very good deterrent.
However, you still need to have good awareness. The one thing you will immediately notice, especially in public transport or busy cities, is that the Asians have a different view on spatial awareness. There is none. You will find yourself in very close proximity to others and this, of course, is a pickpockets pleasure ground. The pushing and shoving is normal practice, so a thieving hand would be hard to decipher in the melee.
Watch out for the scams
Counterfeit money is another thing to be aware of in China. Don’t carry large bills and when possible, make sure you have exact change. Taxi scams are rampant – particularly in Beijing and more so, at the international airport. Don’t go following some guy who offers a taxi. Go to the official taxi rank and stand in line. Also, make sure that the driver switches on the meter. (This applies to almost every major center in the world).
Scamming tourists is international practice, not just in East Asia, unfortunately. Males need to be very cautious of the pretty girl scams. In Shanghai you can easily be led to an establishment, have a few drinks with a local woman and find that your bill is outrageously priced. No protection here – you’ll do well to pay and accept the loss. Best, consider the rule that if it seems too good to be true – it probably is. If gorgeous women are fawning over you, does that always happen at home? Probably not.
Watch the traffic
Finally, to ensure your personal safety in China, be a very cautious pedestrian. The lights that show green to walk does not guarantee you of anything. The motorists do jump the lights and turn on red. It is easy to lose concentration for a second and that’s all it takes.
Travel to East Asia goes beyond the iconic sightseeing attractions. Enter the spiritual...
While one cannot even begin to list everything there is to see in China, worthy of mention are some must-see destinations beyond the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. China is home to numerous Karst formations that are world famous.These kinds of limestone formations can be beautiful and a real treat to explore.
The most famous is the Stone Forest, in Yunnan. Spectacular examples of these stone formations can be found all over Guangxi and Guizhou. Various sacred sites, including the Five Great Mountains of Taoism, grottoes and caves with ancient Buddhist carvings and manuscripts are available as are the Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism and the holy sites associated with Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism.
There are several itineraries favored by travelers. Among easy travel options include itineraries near Hong Kong and among the great rivers in China. One particularly attractive China travel option is an overland trip to Tibet as well as the Yunnan tourist trail.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is everything you may imagine and so much more. It is alive and vibrant with so many choices to eat, to shop, to visit. In fact it is a city that will leave you breathless with excitement.
Hong Kong Fast Facts
- Hong Kong means Fragrant Harbor
- The city of Hong Kong has more Rolls Royce’s per person than any other city in the world.
- Eating noodles on one’s birthday is considered by the residents of Hong Kong to afford one a long and blessed life.
- Hong Kong is counted among the most densely populated areas of the world.
- In Hong Kong, architects take Feng Shui (wind/water elements) into consideration in the design and construction of buildings.
North Korea – The Forbidden Nation
I always wanted to go see North Korea for myself instead of seeing it through the lens of western media.
Sadly, after much research, I discovered the if you see anything of this highly secretive country, it will be minimal. A highly sanitized experience and not worth the money.
This is due to the fact all foreigners have to travel with a “minder”, a government official who will babysit you throughout, the North Korea you will see will be a fraction of what it is. You will visit the zoo, see parks, maybe see a military parade….frankly, nothing much. You also need to be very cautious with your respect of the country, the officials, the buildings and, of course, DO NOT try and take a propoganda poster home for a keepsake. I would keep away from this one.
You will also be “imprisoned” in your hotel, never permitted to leave without the tour official. The costs of these tours, just for a few days, range from 700-1400 Euros.
Visit Taiwan
Taiwan is a lot bigger than most people think. The total land area is about 14,400 square miles (36,000 square kilometers). Lying off the southeastern coast of the Asia, across the Taiwan Strait of China, Taiwan has the neighbors of Japan to the north and the Philippines to the south. It is a lush island situated on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean.
Taiwan is an island that dedicates itself to nature and the eco-tourism in this area is growing at a good pace. Home to rare or endangered species of wildlife on the island including the Formosan rock monkey, Mikado pheasant, Taiwan serow, the land-locked salmon, Hsuehshan grass lizard, Formosan black bear and blue magpie. The Taiwanese government has set up 9 national parks and 13 national scenic areas, preserving the natural ecology and cultural sites.
Food-wise
It was the beef noodle soup and dumplings with spicy pork bought from street vendors that saved my budget and going hungry, one of my mates said after his trip to Taiwan. Casual food that is not expensive is abundant in Taiwan . This is the case of most countries in East Asia. You can also go to the night markets and grab some ‘small eats’ known as xiaochi if budget is tight.
What to do in Taiwan
If you’re a nature lover, hiker or just simply love the great outdoors, then Taiwan is a place you really need to visit. With rolling hills, majestic peaks, basins, beautiful coastlines and plains, Taiwan travel is some of the most rewarding touring to be done in East Asia. Even though the country is relatively small, it does have 9 national parks.
Visit Tapei
Taipei is the country’s capital and worthy of some time spent there. It is an interesting duality of ancient tradition and 21st century advacement.Tradition is found easily. The Mengjia Longshan Temple is the locals go-to temple and is always crowded with the faithful seeking spiritual; guidance and good fortune. The temple was built in Taipei in 1738.
Memorial square is home to a fabulous concert hall and the city has many parks to escape to. If it’s museums you enjoy, then the National Palace Museum in Taipei is your goal. It houses a staggering repository of art work that spans 8000 years of history. The collection is truly staggering.
What was once the tallest building in the world, the Tapei101 World Trade Centre is a modern day marvel. Not only does it stand at a height 1,141 feet above the ground but the elevators will get you to the observation deck on the 89th floor observation deck in 37 seconds.
In conclusion..
Travel gets into your blood very quickly. It seems to raise your curiosity levels exponentially. The Asian continent, in my experience, is probably the most profound creator of wanderlust. It teases you with the unknown and the totally alien cultures and traditions. If you start your world travels in East Asia, I think you could be in for a lifetime affliction of the ‘travel bug’, blessed with an insatiable need for a new plan for travel and more exploration of far off lands to experience.