About Us

Hello, I’m Julian — a quiet explorer, a lover of graceful cities, and someone who finds meaning in the subtle details of life. Currently, I’m on a professional assignment in Shanghai, a city that has enchanted me with its unique blend of Eastern elegance and Western charm. Although my work keeps me grounded in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities, my spirit often wanders — seeking the hidden corners of culture, nature, and human experience across the region.

I’ve always believed that travel is not about ticking places off a list; it’s about listening — listening to the stories told by a city's architecture, the rhythm of its streets, the flavors of its food, and the conversations with its people. In Shanghai, I’ve found a place that speaks gently yet profoundly to the soul. Its sophistication doesn’t shout; it whispers through tree-lined avenues, Art Deco façades, and the poetic flow of the Huangpu River at dusk.

Life in Shanghai: Between Energy and Elegance

Shanghai, to me, is a city of contrasts — and that’s precisely what makes it so fascinating. It’s a place where centuries-old water towns exist just a metro ride away from glittering towers that light up the skyline. My daily life here is a dance between modernity and nostalgia: I might spend my morning attending meetings in glass-walled high-rises, and my evening sipping tea in a restored lilong courtyard tucked away in the French Concession.

Unlike the loud rhythm of other mega cities, Shanghai moves with a kind of grace. Its beauty lies not only in grand landmarks but also in the small, quiet details — a cat sunbathing on a stone bench in Jing’an Park, a violinist playing at dusk on the Bund, the gentle hush of a rainy afternoon in Xintiandi. These are the moments that make me fall in love with the city again and again.

Escaping into the Surrounding Serenity

Though I treasure the city’s elegance, I often feel the need to step out of its rhythm and into nature. Fortunately, Shanghai is beautifully positioned, with some of eastern China’s most charming destinations just a short journey away. One of my favorite weekend getaways is Zhujiajiao, a peaceful water town where narrow canals wind through centuries-old buildings. I enjoy sitting by the water with a book or simply walking its stone bridges at sunset, letting time slow down.

Another place I often retreat to is Moganshan, a lush, bamboo-covered mountain area known for its peaceful atmosphere and old villas built by foreign missionaries in the 1920s. The air there is cool and clean — a refreshing contrast to the city — and the quiet trails give me time to reflect. Sometimes I bring my journal and write while overlooking the rolling hills, capturing the thoughts that only seem to surface when I’m surrounded by green.

Then there’s Hangzhou, with its poetic West Lake, and Suzhou, a city of classical gardens and silk. These destinations are not just beautiful but deeply rooted in the cultural heart of China. I’ve found that traveling to these nearby places not only restores my energy but also deepens my understanding of this country’s layered heritage.

Work with Purpose, Travel with Intention

In my professional life, I work in the corporate services sector, where communication, attention to detail, and cultural sensitivity are essential. Working in Shanghai has been a rewarding experience — not only for the career opportunities it provides but also for the global perspective it fosters. The city draws people from all over the world, and every interaction offers a chance to learn something new.

But outside the office, I turn into a quiet traveler. I rarely follow guidebooks or crowded tours. Instead, I prefer to explore slowly, often on foot or by bike, following my intuition rather than a map. I find joy in visiting small local museums, reading plaques on the walls, observing the lives of residents going about their day. These moments — though modest — are the ones that stay with me long after the trip is over.

My Travel Philosophy: Gentle Exploration

Travel, for me, is a gentle act of discovery. It’s not about adrenaline or adventure in the traditional sense, but about connection — with places, with people, and with oneself. It’s about noticing — how the light falls on an old wall in Wuzhen, how morning mist curls over Taihu Lake, how a grandmother in a suburban dumpling shop folds dough with the same rhythm she has known for decades.

I often think of travel as a way to cultivate stillness, to be present, and to develop a sense of gratitude. I believe that every destination, no matter how near or far, holds something valuable if we approach it with sincerity and openness.

Through this blog, I hope to share not just travel tips but personal reflections and emotional impressions. If you’re someone who prefers slow travel, who finds beauty in everyday moments, and who enjoys the quiet charm of places like Shanghai and its surroundings, I think we’ll get along just fine.

Thank you for stopping by and letting me share a little piece of my journey. I hope my stories inspire you to see travel not just as a way to go farther, but also as a way to go deeper — into the world, and into yourself.