China

Shanghai’s western buiilding traditions continued in the years before WW2 with many art deco influenced builldings constructed in the 1930s.

After the completion of the Grand Canal during the Sui Dynasty, Suzhou found itself as one of the major trading centres of world. As a result of all the wealth being poured into the city, by the 12th century Suzhou had established itself as the leader in silk production and hundreds of gardens were built to serve as private retreats for the new wealthy upper class. 

The minute you step foot into this laid-back village, you will feel as if you have been transported to the lands of tropical Southeast Asia. This provincial capital is surrounded by jungles teaming with diverse varieties of wildlife, contributing to the humid temperatures of the region. 

An anomaly in the southwest of China, Yangshou serves as a welcome treat to western visitors travelling through this region. Almost everyone speaks some level of English and the main tourist strip of West Street spills over with hotels and restaurants serving western food or showing Hollywood movies.