China - Kosupa Travel

Post-COVID China Travel #1: Why Just Taking a Train or Ferry Can Be Surprisingly Challenging – Tips for Getting Around After Visa Restrictions Were Lifted

May 21, 2025

In winter 2024, I visited China after a long absence, embarking on a journey from Xiamen in Fujian Province to the Yongding Tulou Cluster and Gulangyu Island. Throughout this process, I acutely felt an unexpectedly large gap between China’s digitalized transportation system and myself as a foreign traveler. In this article, I’d like to share […]

China

“Achoo!” in Kung Fu Movies Means “I’ll Beat You” – Fun Chinese Language Trivia Most People Don’t Know

May 21, 2025

Anyone who has seen a kung fu movie has heard the distinctive battle cry “Achoo!” This unique exclamation has become synonymous with Hong Kong cinema and kung fu films. However, there’s a deeper meaning hidden behind this “Achoo” than just a simple battle cry. In fact, it comes from the Chinese phrase “Wǒ dǎ” (我打).

China, Shangahi

Hairy Crab Season in Shanghai! 5 Essential Tips to Pick the Best Crabs and Avoid Disappointment on Your China Food Trip

May 21, 2025

With the arrival of autumn, the season for “Da Zha Xie” (Shanghai hairy crab) has begun in Shanghai, China (although by the time this article is published, the peak season may have already passed). While Shanghai crabs are popular in many countries, choosing the wrong one can ruin your travel memories. Based on my personal

China, Fujian, Tulou

[Cultural Exchange] Staying in a Fujian Tulou (Part 6): Sharing Tea, Smoke and Stories with Hakka Locals

May 20, 2025

In the previous article, I shared my experiences with the daily living at Wenchang Lou. In this final installment, I’ll introduce my interactions with the people of Tianluokeng Tulou cluster, especially the heartwarming encounters through tea. Connections at the Tea Shop in Buyun Lou Visiting the tea shop inside Buyun Lou, the only square Tulou

China, Fujian, Tulou

[Living Hakka Style] 2 Days, 1 Night at Wenchang Lou – Experiencing Daily Life Inside a Fujian Tulou (Part 5)

May 20, 2025

In the previous article, I shared the magical nighttime view of the Tulou cluster from the observation deck. This time, I’ll go back a bit and report on my experience with food, accommodation, and daily life at Wenchang Lou, from dinner to the next morning. How close could I get to the everyday life of

China, Fujian, Tulou

[Fujian Tulou at Night] Midnight Stroll to a Scenic Viewpoint Overlooking Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster – Stay Experience Part 4

May 20, 2025

In the previous article, I shared my experience checking into Wenchang Lou in the UNESCO World Heritage Tianluokeng Tulou cluster and exploring the five Tulou buildings. Tonight, after a resident told me “the view from the observation deck is beautiful at night,” I decided to venture out for an evening stroll. Previous article The Path

China, Fujian, Tulou

[Exploring Fujian Tulou] Touring the Five Tulou of Tianluokeng Cluster – Staying Experience (Part 3)

May 17, 2025

Aerial view of Tianluokeng Tulou cluster. From bottom to top: Wenchang Lou, Zhenchang Lou, Buyun Lou, Duanyun Lou, and Hechang Lou. In the previous article, I shared my check-in experience and interior exploration of Wenchang Lou. This time, I’ll report on my tour of all five Tulou buildings in the Tianluokeng cluster, known as “Four

China, Fujian, Tulou

[Staying in a Fujian Tulou] What It’s Like Inside: Room Tour & Honest Review (Part 2)

May 17, 2025

In the previous article, I shared my experience booking a stay at Wenchang Lou in the Tianluokeng Tulou cluster through the Chinese booking site “Ctrip.” This time, I’ll report on the actual check-in experience. Previous article: Encountering Tulou Floating in the Mist The famous view from Tianluokeng Tulou Upper Observation Deck Our bus wound through

China, Fujian, Tulou

[Planning Your Trip] Staying in a Fujian Tulou: Homestay with a Hakka Family in the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster (Part 1)

May 17, 2025

My long-cherished dream of traveling to the Fujian Tulou has finally come true. I had almost given up due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but with China reopening tourist visas, I seized the opportunity. In this four-part series, I’ll share my experience staying at the UNESCO World Heritage Fujian Tulou. This first installment covers everything from

China, Fujian

[Myth Busted?] Is Leaving Food Really Polite in China? A Deep Dive into Modern Chinese Dining Etiquette

May 17, 2025

“In China, it’s polite to leave food on your plate”—Many people around the world have heard this “common knowledge” about Chinese dining etiquette. This conventional wisdom is often shared as essential travel advice for business trips or vacations to China, but it’s not entirely accurate. Through an experience in a provincial Chinese city, I’d like