It was not very many years ago that my knowledge of China extended no further than my regular order at the local Chinese restaurant. If there’s anything that I’ve learned since my immersion in the Chinese language and culture, it’s that it’s addictive. And no, that’s not just limited to the food. It was at the age of 8 that I can first recall properly considering the value of China and the opportunities which lay within it. We were eating dinner as a family, and my Dad was ex

One of the immensely rewarding aspects of building bridges between China and the world - one of Sino-Immersions' great strengths - is seeing the manner in which people engage in what is often a unique experience for them. Sino-Immersions has led many groups of educators and students around disparate parts of China and its always fascinating noticing the manner in which the teachers will observe classrooms and students, and students will observe and interact with their peers.

Anyone who studies Mandarin or another Chinese language is eventually asked the question by family and friends: "Why study Chinese?" (The unspoken assumption is that it is 'too hard' for foreigners. ??) The question is often asked and it led one of the early professors of Chinese studies at the ANU, C.P. Fitzgerald, to entitle his memoir, ironically, "Why China?" Now that our March "Immersed in China's Iconic Beauty" tour has been successfully and happily completed, we begin

It is amazing the places that passion and curiosity can take you. As a young man fresh out of high school I made the decision to move to Hangzhou, China, to take on an intensive course in Chinese Mandarin at Zhejiang University. I loved studying Chinese language and culture in high school and coming to Hangzhou has definitely already gifted me with many fascinating experiences. My first week in Hangzhou has consisted of moving into my student dormitory, feasting on incredi

Tianzifang (田子坊) is a popular shopping district, full of boutique stores and bars. It consists of a network of alleyways and small houses that have been converted into inviting shops full of jewellery, clothing, leatherwork, mementos, local delicacies and some genuinely world-class art works. One of my favourite shops consists of all manner of photos from around old Shanghai, especially of places that have disappeared now in new developments. There is also a small studio and

There can be no denying that when the smog lies heavy on China's cities - as sadly it often can - then no matter how historic or how important the site, the view can be miserable and bleak. Yet on those days when the sky is blue and the sun is out, the scenery and street scapes can be simply stunning. We were lucky enough on day 1 of our Immersed in China's Iconic Beauty tour to have a ripper of a day. In the shade the temperature was a cooler 13 degrees (55 degrees Fahrenhei

People respond to Shanghai in so many ways, given how evocative the city has been throughout its rich history. First-timers get blown away by the neon lights, the bustle of pedestrians along Nanjing Rd (南京路) and the sheer energy of the place. I love to leave Pudong Airport by the Maglev train and then the metro, reminding people that for all the history and the culture of nostalgia, Shanghai is one highpaced city: we got up to 301 km/h. #SinoImmersions #SeeChinaWithUs