Lijiang is the most iconic of China’s ancient towns. In many ways, it set the standard for China’s modern ancient-town tourism boom. I’ve wanted to go to Lijiang for ages. In 2025, I finally planned a trip to Yunnan and made my dream a reality. After spending three days in Shanghai, with day trip to ... Read more The post 15 Things to Do in Lijiang + Itinerary & Day Trip Ideas appeared first on Nickkembel Travels.| Nickkembel Travels
Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you. The Pisac ruins are some of the most important Incan ruins in Peru’s Cusco region and the Sacred Valley, along with the ruins at Ollantaytambo and more remote Huchuy Qosqo. They are a ... Read more| Nickkembel Travels
A super detailed guide to making a day trip from Shanghai to Zhujiajiao Water Town, with pro tips such as how to get in for free.| Nickkembel Travels
A detailed guide to visiting Longjing tea village in Hangzhou, China, including how to get there, places to visit, and how to buy tea there.| Nickkembel Travels
Shanghai has long been a bucket list destination for me. In the last couple decades, I’ve been to China multiple times (read about my visit to Taishan and Qufu) and even taught English there for a while. Somehow I had never made it to Shanghai, so it was time to change that! In my travels, ... Read more The post A Realistic 3-Day Shanghai Itinerary from a Seasoned Traveler appeared first on Nickkembel Travels.| Nickkembel Travels
When planning my recent trip to China (with stops in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La, and remote Yubeng village), one of my biggest worries was staying connected. You pretty much cannot survive in China today without a phone and Internet connection. In China travel forums, I saw the same questions over and over: ... Read more The post Using a Holafly eSIM in China: My Honest Experience (2025 Trip) appeared first on Nickkembel Travels.| Nickkembel Travels
On my recent three-day stay in Shanghai, I dedicated one of those days to a Hangzhou day-trip. Rather than trying to squeeze in every major attraction Hangzhou has to offer, my day trip was specifically focused on two things: gazing upon West Lake and going to Longjing village to buy some of China’s most famous ... Read more The post How I Planned an Awesome Day Trip to Hangzhou from Shanghai appeared first on Nickkembel Travels.| Nickkembel Travels
A recently researched guide to Xiaoliuqiu (Lambai Island) in Southern Taiwan, including things to do, snorkelling with sea turtles, and more!| Nickkembel Travels
A super detailed account of visiting Tashirojima Cat Island with two cat-obsessed kids, including the daily cat feeding with 100+ cats!| Spiritual Travels
Taiwanese cuisine is characterized by some of the best street food in the world. Here are 101 Taiwanese foods you MUST try!| Spiritual Travels
Wondering where to eat in Taipei? Here are the best restaurants in Taipei, including Taiwanese, sushi, vegetarian, buffet, seafood, and more!| Spiritual Travels
This guide covers everything about tea in Taiwan, from how to buy or order tea from Taiwan, types of Taiwanese tea, tea attractions in Taiwan, and more!| Nickkembel Travels
A super detailed guide to where to eat in Ximending Taipei, including the best breakfast, street food, bars, restaurants, and more!| Spiritual Travels
Heading to Taiwan? Here's the ultimate bucket list of places to visit in Taiwan, from popular to off-the-beaten-track, by a 10+ year resident!| Spiritual Travels
Uncover loads of things to do in Tainan, the ancient capital of Taiwan, including the best temples, night markets, and other attractions!| Spiritual Travels
A guide to the best sights, attractions, and other things to do in Kaohsiung, the largest port city and street art center in Taiwan!| Spiritual Travels
Wondering what to do in Hualien on the wildly scenic east coast of Taiwan? Find more than enough ideas for planning the perfect Hualien trip!| Spiritual Travels
Loads of information about traveling in Taiwan by Taiwan travel expert & author Nick Kembel, based on 10+ years of living there!| Spiritual Travels
A continuously updated guide to current travel/entry/border restrictions, how to book a quarantine hotel, and other COVID policies in Taiwan.| Spiritual Travels
The best activities, playcenters, and other things to do in Taipei with kids, from a family that lives in Taipei!| Spiritual Travels
What are the best night markets in Taichung, Taiwan? And what are the best food stalls at each one? Find out with this super detailed guide!| Spiritual Travels
All the details for visiting Gaomei Wetland in Taichung, Taiwan, including how to get there, things to do, cycling routes and more!| Spiritual Travels
Wondering when to visit Taipei,Taiwan? I will help you uncover the best season and month to visit Taipei, based on my 10+ years of living there.| Spiritual Travels
Did you know that cat cafes started in Taipei, Taiwan? Find out the best cat cafes in Taipei and across Taiwan, all personally visited!| Spiritual Travels
Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you. I will start this article by admitting that we didn’t choose Hokkaido specifically for our kids. It was my wife and I who wanted to go there. Badly. In the past, we had ... Read more| Spiritual Travels
Find out how to plan an epic road trip in Hokkaido, with all the details of our 7 day itinerary across the island!| Spiritual Travels
Yong Kang Street Taipei is famous for mango shaved ice, teahouses, and more. Join me on this self-guided foodie tour of Yongkang Street!| Spiritual Travels
A detailed list of things to do in Keelung, Taiwan's second largest port city, including night market, temples, beaches, port views and more!| Spiritual Travels
Tainan has more temples than any other city in Taiwan. This guide introduces the 20 most important Buddhist and Taoist temples in Tainan!| Nickkembel Travels
Wondering what do to in Taichung, Taiwan? Here's a guide to the best things to do in Taichung, including some quirky attractions!| Nickkembel Travels
The most recent and detailed online guide to Orchid Island (Lanyu) Taiwan and the Flying Fish Festival, with best hotels, how to get there and more!| Nickkembel Travels
A guide to the different areas of Pier 2 Art Center in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, including things to see, what to eat, and more!| Nickkembel Travels
A guide to the best hostels and hotels in Kaohsiung city by area, including budget, mid-range, and luxury options for each.| Nickkembel Travels
A detailed walking tour of Dadaocheng and Dihua street, Taipei's gorgeous historical neighborhood, including best restaurants, hotels, and a temple guide.| Nickkembel Travels
Maid cafes, amazing street art, claw machine shops–here's a list of quirky and outright weird things to do in Ximending, Taipei, 2023 updated!| Nickkembel Travels
With over 30 night markets in Taipei, how can you decide? This guide covers the best night markets in Taipei and the most famous foods in each one.| Nickkembel Travels
Whether you're seeking autumn foliage, pleasant whether, or low crowds, Taiwan in autumn is arguably the best season. Click to find out why!| Nickkembel Travels
The best available guide to hiking and staying overnight at Lion's Head Mountain, Taiwan and visiting the relaxed village of Nanzhuang, Miaoli.| Nickkembel Travels
Tai'an is one of our go-to hot springs in Taiwan for a quiet escape in the hills of Miaoli. Find out why we love it so much!| Nickkembel Travels
Visiting a strawberry farm in Taiwan is a super fun experience. Read about our visit to a Dahu strawberry farm in Miaoli, Taiwan!| Nickkembel Travels
An extremely detailed guide to Alishan National Scenic Area, including the best hikes, sunrise spots, tea farms, restaurants, and hotels!| Nickkembel Travels
Find out how to get to Alishan from anywhere in Taiwan, how to buy Alishan railway tickets online, and all the bus and train times to Alishan.| Nickkembel Travels
A super detailed guide to Tamsui (Danshui) in New Taipei City, famous for Tamsui Old Street, San Domingo Fort, and Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf.| Nickkembel Travels
Taiwanese temples are a riot of color, detail, and activity. Discover the 30 best temples in Taipei and Northern Taiwan in this comprehensive post.| Nickkembel Travels
Wondering whether to visit this tourist magnet in Taiwan? Find out the answer plus all the details you need for a trip to Sun Moon Lake!| Nickkembel Travels
A detailed Taroko Gorge guide covering all the hikes, sights, and things to do in Taroko National Park.| Nickkembel Travels
A super detailed guide to Wulai Hot Spring in New Taipei City, Taiwan, including the best hot spring hotels, where to eat, and river tracing in Wulai!| Nickkembel Travels
A super detailed guide to Beitou Hot Spring and Beitou Thermal Valley, including the best spas, bathhouses, restaurants, historic sights, and more!| Nickkembel Travels
Personal recommendations on where to stay in Taipei, Taiwan from someone who lives there, including the best hostels, mid-range and luxury hotels!| Nickkembel Travels
Find the best beaches, sights, and activities in Kenting National Park at the southern tip of Taiwan, by a Taiwan travel expert!| Nickkembel Travels
Wondering what to eat at Feng Chia Night Market in Taichung, Taiwan? Find out with this detailed Fengchia Night Market guide and map!| Nickkembel Travels
Wondering what to do in Taipei? This Taipei guide includes 50 ideas for things to do in the bustling, vivacious capital of Taiwan!| Nickkembel Travels
Wondering what to do in Fort McMurray, Alberta? In this detailed guide, you'll find loads of fun things to do in Fort McMurray, Canada's oil boomtown!| Nickkembel Travels
Rainbow Village in Taichung, Taiwan is a historic and artistic masterpiece. Find out everything you need to know in this detailed guide!| Nickkembel Travels
A guide to traveling during the Lunar New Year in Taiwan, things to do during Chinese New Year in Taipei, and the best/worst days to travel!| Nickkembel Travels
Drumheller, Alberta is a paradise for dinosaur-loving kids and toddlers. Find out the best kid-friendly activites to do in town!| Nickkembel Travels
A super detailed guide to the islands of Penghu county in Taiwan by someone who has visited them three times!| Nickkembel Travels
Wondering what to do in Taipei when it rains? Find loads of indoor activities in Taipei for a rainy day and other tips for the rainy season!| Nickkembel Travels
A super detailed guide to Yilan, Taiwan, a fun-filled county in northwestern Taiwan, with 40 ideas for fun things to do and family-friendly activities.| Nickkembel Travels
