History by rail
Beijing to Xi'an to Shanghai. Book the Forbidden City before you book the duck.
A field guide for visitors
China, close enough to smell the noodles.
Palaces, river fog, and a duck worth crossing the city for. Also squat toilets, trains that want your passport, and a power bank that security may take. This is the trip with both halves left in.
ToiletsSquat is the default.
Stations, parks, and older restaurants. Bring tissues.
FoodNo allergen labels.Menus will not warn you about peanut, sesame, or shellfish.
SecurityPower banks get taken.Domestic flights want a clear 3C mark. Trekking poles must be checked.
PayDownload TenPayGo.Its own page inside Payments: store links, email registration, and how to pay.
Six ways in
Cities worth the train.
String them together
Patterns, not a package.
Distances here are continental. Pick a thread and leave a spare afternoon for the station.
Before you romanticize it