Shanghai has a scintillating skyline, a thriving economy verging on capitalism, and a nouveau-riche citizenry that dresses in the most fashionable attire and owns the latest electronic gadgets, but to a large degree it has lost its Chinese soul. Except for the thousands of Chinese who choke its streets and sidewalks, Shanghai could be a … Read more

Though my original plans called for me to take the night train from Shanghai to Beijing to meet up with my cousins in preparation for sleeping on the Great Wall of China, it was just not meant to be. For two days I schlepped back and forth between my hostel and three different train station … Read more