Travel can be vastly different for everyone, but it can never hurt to draw inspiration from others. Below, I list some of my favorite foods, sites, and shopping districts/experiences while in China and Hong Kong. Also, check out this video from my trip.

Shanghai: First, you better erase the idea from your head that Chinese food in America is anything like authentic Chinese food. 

Food: My friends and I didn’t have any guidance when it came to the food-scene in Shanghai, so we decided to take the spontaneous route and aimlessly wander until we found a restaurant that looked appealing.

While passing a seemingly low-key restaurant, and to our dismay, a local woman, who was with her 3-year-old daughter, asked if she could treat us to dinner. She wanted to practice her English and show us some of her favorite foods. I can only help but think that we must have looked extremely lost.  One of the dishes she ordered us looked like egg-drop soup, only on a plate. She explained that it was “egg and chive.” While I’m not the biggest egg or chive person, I was a huge fan of this dish. Engage with the locals. Hear their stories, ask them questions. You will be glad that you did!

Sites: Oriental Pearl Tower (pictured below), The Bund (a waterway district, beautiful at night), and Yu Garden.

Shopping: The most popular street for shopping in Shanghai is known as Nanjing Road. Those of you with more expensive taste and a slim wallet, you better hit the Black Market. While it’s not entitled “The Black Market,” it’s also not difficult to find.

Beijing: If you choose to go in February, as I did, do whatever you deem necessary to deny the weather from hindering your learning experience. I would recommend hiring a tour guide to take you around the major sites and LISTEN. You will be amazed by the history these landmarks hold. 

Food: Try everything. From the shrimp dishes Near the ticket-booth, at the entrance of the Great Wall, there are a number of authentic restaurants. I was with a large group, thus got to taste-test a little of everything. Since I haven’t been able to eat State College’s sesame chicken the same.

Sites: While in Beijing, you have to tour Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. You’ll be amazed to learn about everything from past-emperors to the current regime. It’s possible to tour both sites on the same day as visiting The Great Wall of China. I wish I could put into words how breathtaking the wall was, but it looks like you’ll have to see for yourself. If you choose to make the trip without a tour-guide, definitely make sure you know some of the histories before exploring. I would recommend taking a “toboggan” on the way down and making sure to put down your phone to allow yourself a moment of reflection. You’ll be standing atop a world wonder!

Shopping: As we were only in Beijing for one night, we kept the shopping to a minimum and our touring to a maximum. When in doubt, always turn to Wiki Travels.

Hong Kong: Before flying to Hong Kong, I had heard that it was similar to New York City in its prices and Westernization. I was ready to find out for myself. 

Food: Din Tai Fung (commonly known by its abbreviation of DTF) will show you what real dumplings should taste like (pictured below). While it is a bit pricey, I can confidently attest to the quality. If you’re willing to spend a bit more money, you must go to Ozone, the highest bar in the world (and I’d argue, the most expensive). Ozone is located on the 118th floor of the Ritz Carlton Hotel.

Sites: Victoria Peak is HK’s main tourist attraction. Equipped with telescopes and glass lookouts, you can overlook the entire city, which is incredible. As for nightlife, Dragon Eye is known to be a really hip club full of people from all over the world. I ran into people I knew from my study-abroad program, while simultaneously meeting locals and tourists from neighboring countries.

Shopping: As if the similarities between HK and NYC were not already uncanny, Time’s Square Mall further draws parallels. For all my sneaker-heads out there, make a stop at Fa Yuen Street, which is quite literally referred to as “sneaker street.” Whereas if you’re into collecting antiques, I’d recommend strolling down Cat Street. The list pertaining to shopping in HK goes on and on and there are definitely some gems.