🌏 Epic 15-Day Travel Odyssey: China & Hong Kong

The Trip That Changed Everything

Before we arrived in China, we’ll admit—we had some reservations. Growing up in the U.S., you’re bombarded with headlines, stereotypes, and political narratives that paint the country in a narrow light. Words like “controlled,” “polluted,” and “intimidating” were echoed around us. But as seasoned travelers who’ve visited over 70 countries, we’ve learned to keep our minds open—though even we weren’t prepared for what we discovered.

What we found was not what we’d been told.

Instead of tension, we found kindness. Instead of rigidity, we found culture, complexity, and beauty. We were welcomed by people who were curious, generous, and deeply proud of their heritage. We were stunned by the sheer natural grandeur of Zhangjiajie, the spiritual richness of Tibet, the quiet elegance of Lhasa’s temples, and the thrilling pulse of Shanghai’s skyline. The food—especially as vegans—was diverse, creative, and absolutely delicious. And the infrastructure? Efficient, clean, and futuristic in ways the U.S. hasn’t caught up with.

China didn’t just surprise us—it floored us.

In fact, out of all the countries we’ve traveled to—and there have been many—China quickly became one of our absolute favorites. This wasn’t just another trip. It was a recalibration of assumptions, a breaking of boundaries, and a reaffirmation of why we travel in the first place: to see the world as it is, not as we’ve been told.

This 15-day journey through China and Hong Kong took us across ancient empires, gravity-defying landscapes, spiritual landmarks, and electric cities. It challenged us, transformed us, and gave us stories we’ll be telling for the rest of our lives.

Below is the day-by-day diary of our unforgettable adventure—full of unexpected delights, dizzying views, sacred silence, chaotic markets, and the kind of magic you can’t plan for.

Welcome to the real China. It’s not what you think.

It’s better.

A journey through chaos, culture, flavor, and the extraordinary

From the bright chaos of Beijing to the sacred heights of Tibet, from the gravity-defying peaks of Zhangjiajie to the shimmering skyline of Hong Kong—this wasn’t just a trip; it was a soul-shaking, mind-opening, laugh-filled adventure across the heart of Asia.

🇨🇳 Day 1: Travel Hell & Airport Magic

What began as a seemingly direct flight from NYC to Beijing turned into a full-blown travel saga. Everyone goes through delays no matter how many flights you take – this is a stressor of flying that we just have to deal with. Sometimes you change your itinerary, or sometimes you just push yourself twice as hard to finish everything to make up for it! (Haha – as you will come to know us, this is usually how we respond). Somewhere over the Pacific, we were rerouted to Osaka for a fuel stop, then rerouted again through Taiwan. By the time we reached Taipei’s Taoyuan Airport, we had missed our connecting flight and lost our first planned day in China.

But Taoyuan Airport was a small miracle. Picture this: elegant, clean terminals filled with designer stores, tranquil lounges, and a hidden gem of a vegan noodle bar tucked behind a sleepy gate. We slurped steaming broth with soy meat and fresh herbs that tasted like it came from a five-star restaurant, not an airport.

I took a hot shower in their airport spa—yes, a real, full shower—and emerged reborn. They even had massage stations, though we didn’t partake. Jesse didn’t sleep much, but I managed a few solid hours in flight, and by the time we arrived in Beijing around 7:50 p.m., we were dazed but ready.

The ride to the hotel was quiet, city lights flickering past like distant dreams. We both fell asleep instantly, wrapped in exhaustion and expectation.

Tip: Pack a mini shower kit in your carry-on—Asian airports like Taipei often have showers, and nothing resets your body clock like a hot rinse between flights.

🏯 Day 2: Great Wall Majesty, Designer Fiascos & Tofu Surprises

With the sun rising and jet lag mostly conquered, we met our guide, Cindy. She was a whirlwind of facts, legends, and insider tips—part tour guide, part gossip queen. We adored her.

Our first real destination? The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, the less-crowded, more scenic alternative to Badaling – this was recommended by our tour guide so just know there are multiple sections to the wall with different difficulty of hiking and scenery so do some research before. We drove there in a sleek Tesla Model X, during the ride we learned about where to get the best fake designer shops and a secret number to call, and how the cars on the road were limited based on their license plate. Green license and electric cars could drive every day, whereas if you did not have this, you were limited to certain days you could drive in order to cut down on traffic.

We reached the Great Wall and took a cable car ride; it was like entering another dimension. Fog curled over the hills like silk ribbons, and then—there it was. The Wall.

We climbed watchtowers, paused to catch our breath in the thin air, and stared into the horizon where history stretched endlessly. And then, you’ll never guess, but we tobogganed down—yes, tobogganed!—laughing like kids. I thought about how surreal it was to finally see the last of the Seven Wonders with my partner. It felt full-circle.

Tip: If you can hire a private tour guide for the Great Wall the benefits area – come and go as you please, the tour car drove us right up to the wall – otherwise we would have had to take a public bus from the parking lot which can get crowded, and most importantly, you have a photographer who can take all your pics!

Next stop: Lama Temple. Smoke swirled from incense coils, monks chanted in soft tones, and statues of Buddha towered over us, golden and serene. We lit incense for the Three Jewels—Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha—and breathed in the calm. They offered free incense everywhere for guests to pray.

Later, Cindy took us into the secret underbelly of Beijing shopping: the knockoff designer market. We met the guy in a parking lot and then had to follow him to an abandoned building. Talk about a scene from a horror movie! Behind a locked door was a trove of fakes – but sadly these were not good replicas and we politely asked to leave empty-handed. Real talk, we went with half a suitcase empty because we thought this is the counterfeit capital of the world! We were expecting basically the same exact items we see in store – especially after all those Tik Tok scandals!

Finally it was time to eat, but in China, you don’t just get on Google and search for “vegan near me”. Because this is exactly what we did – and we spent almost an hour walking around in circles trying to find a place which we later found out – did not exist! In China, they use AMAPS and this is a much better for finding real-time locations. S So as we were starving to death and had nearly given up hope, a glorious accident: we found a grimy hole in the wall where we entered and simply said “tofu?!” And boom they had 5 or 6 dishes that we could choose from – we were shocked – this wasn’t even on the map. We had sizzling tofu hot pot, garlic-slicked eggplant with green beans, and a mystery dish that arrived flaming. It was divine.

Tip 1: The toboggan at Mutianyu is worth it. Don’t miss it. Also, never judge a restaurant by its cover—China’s best meals often come from the sketchiest-looking kitchens.

Tip 2: You must use AMAP in addition to Google if you are choosing to use this for directions and to confirm stores or restaurants actually exist!

🐲 Day 3: Forbidden City Thrills, Spy-Level Shopping & Sunset Reverence

The Forbidden City felt like stepping into a history book mid-sentence. We joined a guided tour with travelers from Greece, Australia, and France. Our guide was brilliant—spinning stories of empresses who ruled behind curtains, eunuch spies, and imperial birthdays where elders were awarded gold. This tour was extra special because for the first time EVER they had brought up ancient furniture and thrones of past dynasties from the miles of hidden rooms UNDER the city to be displayed. If you enter the city it is in a museum building on your left – almost no one of the hundreds of thousands of visitors per day go into this room the tour guide said.

The buildings were painted in deep reds and gilded golds, dragons coiled over every roof, and legends practically pulsed from the walls. We learned about the infamous Empress Dowager Cixi, Dragon Lady, who ruled China from behind a silk curtain while pretending to be a regent. She once spent a tenth of China’s GDP on her own birthday.

We hiked up Jingshan Park afterward. At the top, the city stretched endlessly, old rooftops colliding with modern towers. It was a moment of clarity—the quiet kind that travel gifts you when you’re not expecting it. Here you must go see the temple of heaven. Don’t get confused because it lies way at the back of the park – we almost missed it!

After our let-down the day before with counterfeit items, we decided to try one more time but with reserved hope. We went to the Silk Market, a chaotic, hilarious experience. This time we were not wasting time or playing games. The store clerks stand in the hallway anxiously awaiting you – I had compiled pictures of what I wanted and immediately showed each picture “you have?” She grabbed my hand and lead me into the back of the store. My heart was racing. She closed the curtain and then with a magnetic key fob against the back of a shelf of ordinary crappy bags, she OPENED UP THE WALL, and behind it was a treasure trove of Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada you name it! And with MUCH BETTER quality than we saw before! Some were better than others so you should always have an idea of what the real thing looks and feels like. Jesse wanted a souvenir from here so he found himself a cute little day bag just for the trip. NOW, the Hard part – getting out of there – we weren’t sure on the bag so asked to leave to see other bags – she would not let us leave that room “how much you pay” “no I have the best quality don’t look any where else” She held Chris’s arm so hard she hurt him! She said this bag cost $400. I was like, gurl I ain’t spending that. Neither of us are good at bargaining but somehow, I got this woman to come down to $80 from $400 and she was pissed but immediately laughed at the end – and said “you a good bargainer.” This is another cultural thing – they love to bargain so you better be well seasoned!

Tip 1: BARGAINING – do your research before and have a MAX price in mind before you go in. They accept card so, no need for cash but either go in and say “This is all I have and will pay” or else have a max price in mind and simply WALK AWAY when they don’t go to that price – we saw multiple times when someone did this – they immediately came down to that price. Tip 2 is not all fakes are alike – go see the real thing maybe first or have pics so you don’t end up with a cruddy one.

Dinner at The Veggie Table was nourishing in every way. We devoured shepherd’s pie and fragrant curries in a cozy candlelit nook. The city buzzed outside, but inside we felt held.

We ended the day standing in Tiananmen Square as the sun dipped low, washing the world in gold. It was quiet. Heavy. Sacred.

Tip 2: Want the best knockoffs? Go to the floor with either bags or shoes or clothes of whatever you want – have pics – and ask the associate if they have – they often have it hidden and not on the floor! And go to SILK MARKET for the best.

🏔️ Day 4: To Tibet – Lake Peace, Lhasa’s Quiet Pulse

The next stop of our trip is so VIP, even Ana Delvey could not! YES, I know, WE GOT APPROVED TO GO INTO TIBET! This visa process was long and arduous and people RARELY get approved.

We woke before the sun. By 3:45 a.m., we were checked out and headed to the airport. Flying into Lhasa felt surreal—mountains scraped the sky, clouds drifted like spirits.

Upon landing, our Tibetan guide welcomed us with traditional white scarves called khatas—symbols of purity and goodwill. He handed us bottled water, smiling, and told us to take it easy. The altitude was already making itself known.

We drove to Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. Its water shimmered turquoise, ringed by snow-capped peaks. We stood at the edge of the world, our breath shallow, our hearts full. Lunch was at a small roadside café—bok choy and rice with a warmth that reached the soul. The tour guide ate yak meat and milk which is a specialty here.

That evening we checked into Thangka Hotel, a modest, charming base in Lhasa’s Old Town. Dinner at DK Café was a mix of vegan Vietnamese, falafel, and Tibetan teas. We wandered through cobblestone streets after, buying Buddhist charms under hanging prayer flags. Jesse got a bad headache which is a first sign of altitude sickness but apparently a mild one – but be prepared with oxygen,

Tip: Avoid alcohol on your first day in Tibet. Your body needs oxygen, water, and warmth. Get an oxygen tank and make sure you have ibuprofen or Tylenol for any headaches. Altitude sickness is no joke.

🕉️ Day 5: Potala’s Power & Barkhor’s Living Blessings

The Potala Palace rises like a fortress from another era. White walls. Golden spires. Over 1,000 steps led us into its heart, where tombs of Dalai Lamas rest behind jeweled doors.

We learned how the 14th Dalai Lama fled in exile, and how the palace now stands as both a museum and a living symbol of Tibet’s endurance. The narrow corridors, the incense, the intensity was profound. I found it deeply spiritual.

Next, we visited Jokhang Temple, the holiest site in Tibet. Pilgrims prostrated themselves in the courtyard, their devotion etched into the stone. We learned some of the pilgrim come from their home village ALL the way to this temple in Tibet doing the same prayer – Standing pray to your mind, then your mouth, then your body, and then you slide onto the floor almost like fully lying down chest to floor, get up and do it all over again! This was very humbling to watch- often times, people in tattered clothing, putting their whole life and devotion to this prayer and to this lifestyle. And then there’s a woman across the world who spends her day at Saks Fifth Avenue and Gucci and thinks that what bag she is going to get next is the most important thing. It was truly humbling to see and taught a great lesson on GRATITUDE.

Inside, monks chanted under butter-lamp light. We spun prayer wheels and lingered in Barkhor Street’s vortex of color and noise.

Dinner at LK Vegetarian was our best meal in Tibet—dry pots with spice that numbed and ignited, stir-fried green beans with eggplant, and mock meat that tasted like it belonged in a temple kitchen.

We even found a westernized mall with a huge supermarket with anything you could desire EVEN peanut butter!!

We bartered for meditation beads and found a small carved Buddha statue—perfect in form and price.

Tip: Most markets in Lhasa actually accept Alipay so you don’t need cash. You can also do some bargaining here as well

✈️ Day 6: Airport Laughter, Ticket Mishaps & Transit Tales

Our Tibetan guide walked us straight to the Lhasa airport check-in counter—service so warm it felt like a send-off from family. Security, though? Less kind. One of my power banks caused a 15-minute delay while three agents examined it under an x-ray scanner like it was alien tech. They finally let us through, but not without side-eyes and sighs.

Tip: Research TSA regulations in the country for power banks – they are becoming more strict and yours might get confiscated

The flight was smooth, serene. We sat surrounded by monks, their crimson robes tucked under airplane seatbelts, prayer beads wrapped around silent fingers. Somewhere over the clouds, flight attendants served a mysterious “tea” that tasted oddly like flat blueberry soda.

Upon landing in Guangzhou for our transfer to Xi’an, disaster struck: Jesse’s boarding pass had a typo. His first name plus middle initial was mistaken as his full first name – causing an issue with exact match and Chinese domestic airlines don’t play. They said I would have to remain in the airport for our 5 hour layover instead of venturing out to explore becuase they might not let him back in.

We skipped Xi’an entirely and pivoted. Back in the airport, we bought two knockoff t-shirts and a surprisingly decent vegan meal: tofu, kelp, mushrooms, and what the menu called “fungus stew.” Jesse asked them to spice it up, and they misunderstood and thought he said make it thermally hot- haha. They reheated it to lava-like temperatures and added enough chili to cause a full-body sweat.

By the time we boarded our flight to Zhangjiajie, we were deliriously tired—but laughing. Especially when Jesse discovered our new hotel had whole wheat toilet paper. Who knew luxury came in cellulose?

Tip: Triple-check your name on Chinese domestic tickets and when transferring from American passport if your middle initial appears within your first name you may have to include it. A missing letter can derail your entire itinerary.

🏞️ Day 7: Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Reality & Nighttime Glow

Waking up in Zhangjiajie felt like we’d landed on another planet—lush, vertical, primordial. Our guide Wendy, cheerful and razor-sharp, took us on a private tour through Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the inspiration for Avatar’s floating mountains.

We started with the Bailong Elevator, the tallest outdoor elevator in the world, built onto the side of a cliff. My stomach did a somersault as we shot up hundreds of feet, the ground vanishing below.

Tip: YOU SHOULD buy the VIP ticket – it costs maybe $13 per person BUT you skip the whole line, which looked like a couple hours long, AND you get to stand at the front of the glass elevator. Ticket can be purchased day of right in front of the elevator.

Then came the glass bridge—a see-through walkway suspended high above the canyon. My feet froze at the edge. Jesse coaxed me forward. We crossed together, breathless, clutching hands, hearts pounding.

A man bungee-jumped right off the bridge. We clapped and gasped. He screamed into silence.

We barely ate. The landscape fed us. Towering stone pillars rose like ancient gods from the mist. Birds soared in and out of view like spirits.

Dinner surprised us. We found a small eatery across the street with many tofu dishes. This was some of the best food we had had – so different, so delicious, I wish we knew the name of the restaurant! We ordered mapo tofu, sizzling iron-plate Japanese tofu, and garlicky bok choy. The flavor stunned us. This dingy spot served one of the best meals of our trip.

Then came magic. We wandered to 72 Qilou Street, an old-world lane lit by lanterns and swirled in mist. This is a HUGE light up structure that you can see for miles at nighttime. You have to pay to enter – which we recommend as it was cheap and they have food, and performances inside. You can also choose to watch the lights from across the street if you don’t want to pay. We met two university students who introduced themselves in English and chatted with us like old friends. We bought a bag of dried blueberry tea under the golden glow of shopfronts.

We stood still, breathing in a street that felt frozen in time.

Tip: 72 Qilou Street is a must at night—bring a camera, but don’t forget to stand still and just feel it.

⛰️ Day 8: Tianmen Mountain – Heaven’s Gate & Cloudwalking

If yesterday felt alien, today felt divine.

We woke early to tackle Tianmen Mountain. There are different “loops” you can buy for this mountain and be sure to book in advance – we took the loop where you start on a bus up to the base of the mountain, followed by a large group cable car all before reaching the bottom of the steps! We did the legendary climb up 999 stone steps to reach Heaven’s Gate, a massive natural arch carved into the mountain. The climb was brutal. Our legs screamed. But reaching the top felt like a rebirth.

Inside the mountain? Escalators. Seven of them. Built like secret passageways into the Earth’s core. It was like something out of a Miyazaki film. Bringing you to the tip top of this gianourmous mountain! The USA would NEVER have something like this – it was so easy and accessible. You can choose to walk around the whole mountain or just come down. We did another glass walk along the side of the mountain which was much cooler and scarier than the bridge because the glass was clearer.

At the summit, after snapping some pics, we took the Tianmen cable car—the world’s longest—and descended slowly, gliding over sharp ridges, misty forests, and winding cliff roads. It was quiet. Ethereal. The kind of ride where time disappears. It took 28 minutes! One of the longest and most beautiful rides we ever have been on and you just cannot believe the work to create this miraculous vehicle that got you from the top of a 131mile high mountain!

Jesse bought a strawberry ice cream at the summit as his reward. I stuck with water and altitude joy.

That night, we went back to our favorite local restaurant and ordered the mapo tofu in spicy broth and another dish. They provided us absolutely delectable dishes once again. We left feeling satisfied once again!

As we dined, we made up the “Moo Goo Gai Pan” song. It was both absurd and perfect.

Tip: Tianmen escalators are surprisingly accessible, but still bring water and wear shoes with grip. It’s humid, steep, and unforgettable.

🏙️ Day 9: Shanghai – Sky Rush & Garden Stillness

After a quick morning flight, Shanghai welcomed us with neon edges and architectural theater. We dropped our bags and headed straight to Shanghai Tower, the world’s second-tallest building.

The elevator? Mind-bending. 55 seconds to the top. Your ears pop halfway. At the observatory, we looked down on the city like gods. The Bund, Huangpu River, and futuristic skyline all shimmering like steel and glass origami.

After smoothies from a nearby café, we stumbled into Ru Pure Vegan, a soothing plant-based oasis. We devoured smoothie bowls, tofu nuggets, and hot miso-mushroom soup. Three coffees deep, we floated on energy.

Next stop: Yu Garden, a haven of curved rooftops, koi ponds, and peaceful walkways. We wandered through the pavilions slowly, grateful for shade and silence.

As the day dimmed, we stood on the Bund, where Shanghai glows brightest. The skyline across the river burst into light, and the energy of the city crackled around us.

Dinner at Vegetarian Lifestyle sealed the day. We had curry “chicken” tofu skins, gingko mushroom soup, and laughed over the Dubai chocolate we brought with us—which was beautiful but bitter in the middle.

Tip: Wear comfy shoes in Shanghai—you’ll walk for hours without realizing. And always try three different coffees—it’s cultural immersion.

🖼️ Day 10: Museum Bumbles, Bargain Battles & Sunset Closure

We set out to see the Shanghai Museum, but most exhibits were closed. The few we visited were mobbed. Still, the ceramics room offered serenity—pale celadon, delicate brushwork, and porcelain so thin it whispered.

Someone dressed as an Arabian sheik took selfies in front of the Egyptian exhibit. It was… confusing and hysterical.

We walked to Shanghai Museum East, only to find similar closures. But the modern building and porcelain exhibit made up for it.

We needed a win—so we went to AP Plaza, Shanghai’s famous underground market. It felt like a spy movie: whispered invitations, secret rooms, fluorescent-lit chaos. We bargained for a Loewe shirt and paid just 40 RMB. Triumph.

That evening we wandered a small park near the Science & Tech Museum, then had our final Shanghai dinner—another comforting round at Vegetarian Lifestyle. We ordered all new dishes and talked about how this city, though frustrating at times, had given us some of our richest memories.

We ended with one last moonlit walk along the Bund.

Tip: AP Plaza is fun but overwhelming. Know what you want, inspect items carefully, and always haggle. And expect a ghost restaurant or two—apps lie.

🇭🇰 Day 11: Arrival in Hong Kong – Urban Steam & Sore Throats

We left early for the airport, fearing traffic—but made it in under an hour. Security was smooth. Jesse found designer shoes. I bought sunglasses. The Gucci haul was officially complete.

By the time we landed in Hong Kong, the tropical humidity hit like a brick wall. My throat burned. I feared I was getting sick.

We checked into the Renaissance Harbour View, a breezy hotel with skyline views. Dinner at a local vegan spot gave us temporary reprieve, but I went to bed early, hoping the sore throat would fade.

Tip: Hong Kong traffic is unpredictable—build in a 2-hour cushion. Also: always have throat lozenges in your bag.

🌆 Day 12: Repulse Bay Blues & Root Vegan Redemption

We woke to a bright, sweaty Hong Kong morning and decided to visit Repulse Bay, supposedly one of the city’s nicest beaches. It wasn’t.

Trash floated in the water. The sand was rough. The vibe felt… odd.

Then our cab driver pretended he didn’t accept Alipay and made us stop at an ATM—classic tourist trap. He overcharged us $10. We let it go.

Dinner saved the day. Root Vegan was a revelation: jackfruit satay skewers, coconut curry, cauliflower in sweet chili. Fresh juices and compassion in every bite.

We strolled a nearby market but were shocked by the prices—snacks were triple the mainland cost. We retreated to our hotel with a few overpriced drinks and slept early.

Tip: Hong Kong is expensive—budget for it. And when in doubt, always go back to Root Vegan.

🌄 Day 13: Peak Tram Chaos, Salads & Quiet Magic

We started the day with ambition—and a hiccup. We had booked the Peak Tram, but the ticket email vanished into the ether. After a brief panic and some tech-fueled detective work, we got help from the ticket counter and were finally allowed to board.

The ride up to Victoria Peak felt like scaling a skyscraper on rails. The incline was so steep we were nearly reclining in our seats. But then—the view. Hong Kong opened up beneath us like a 3D map: gleaming towers, harbor traffic, the mountains beyond. A misty, cinematic masterpiece.

We chose to walk down from the peak through Hong Kong Park, a gentle descent past fountains, ponds, and even a mini aviary. The city noise faded behind us. It was one of those unexpected moments of peace amid a city that rarely stops buzzing.

Lunch at Treehouse was bright and satisfying—tempeh-laced salads, roasted tofu, and fresh juices. We’d underestimated how hot and sticky Hong Kong would be in late summer, and by mid-afternoon we were drenched, sluggish, and dehydrated. We headed back to the hotel for showers and recovery.

Dinner that night was at Veggie Kingdom, an elegant Cantonese-style vegan restaurant. We were seated in a private room for most of the meal and felt like royalty. We sipped green tea, laughed quietly, and tried two different tofu dishes—one braised, one stir-fried with Sichuan peppercorns. The spice was subtle but intense.

On the walk home, we grabbed a few drinks and snacks from 7-Eleven—one of our favorite guilty pleasures on the road. Back at the hotel, we decompressed over stock talk and dreams of future travels.

Tip: For the Peak Tram, print or screenshot your confirmation. Also, always walk down from the peak if you can—it’s shaded, peaceful, and rewarding.

🕉️ Day 14: Buddha’s Silence, Rainy Tea Houses & Twilight Markets

I woke up with my throat raging—clearly viral pharyngitis. But I wasn’t about to miss Tian Tan Buddha.

We Ubered to the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, a glass-bottomed pod that glides silently above rolling green hills and fishing villages. Despite my discomfort, the ride was one of the most serene moments of the trip.

Arriving at Lantau Island, we slowly climbed the 268 steps to the Buddha. My throat felt like it was on fire, but the solemnity of the site numbed the discomfort. The statue was massive and tranquil, flanked by offerings and monks in prayer. A swastika on its chest—an ancient Buddhist symbol for eternity—reminded us how sacred symbols are often misunderstood through Western lenses.

We walked the grounds of Po Lin Monastery, letting incense drift into our clothes and skin. Nearby, we found a Starbucks (because of course there is) and rested for a moment of cold drinks and cloud-watching.

As we returned to central Hong Kong, the sky opened up in a torrential downpour. We ducked into Lokcha Teahouse in Hong Kong Park—dim, cozy, old-world. We ordered four vegan dim sum dishes. The tea was delicate, but the food, while elegant, wasn’t particularly memorable.

Later, we took the MTR to Mong Kok and braved the chaos of the Ladies Market—a labyrinth of stalls selling fake designer bags, USB fans, anime socks, jade trinkets, and fruit snacks. We didn’t buy much but soaked in the experience.

Dinner was at Woodlands, a humble vegetarian Indian restaurant. Their dosas, lentils, and fried cauliflower were warm and comforting—everything my sick body craved.

That night, we walked the harborfront. The skyline reflected like stars in water. Despite the aching throat, I felt full—of emotion, light, gratitude.

Tip: Bring an umbrella to Hong Kong every day. Even if it doesn’t rain, the shade is worth it. And don’t skip Woodlands—it’s affordable, authentic, and nourishing.

🛫 Day 15: Airport Goodbyes & Looking Backward While Moving Forward

I slept nearly 9 hours and woke up feeling… not great, but stable. My sore throat still lingered, but I was no longer panicking.

We packed slowly, savoring our last few hours in Asia. We arrived at Hong Kong International Airport early enough to browse Moncler, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci—though after our China spree, there wasn’t much more we needed. Jesse found shoes. I bought a final pair of sunglasses.

The flight home was uneventful, which was exactly what we needed. Smooth skies. Decent meals. One good documentary, and hours of reflection.

As we flew over the Pacific, I scrolled through our photos—over 1,200 moments frozen in time. From laughing in Taiwanese airports to gasping on glass walkways, to walking through temples, hiking peaks, sipping tea, haggling for fakes, and praying to stone Buddhas—this trip had it all.

We arrived in New York physically tired but emotionally full.

Tip: Always leave a little room in your suitcase and your heart—because travel will give you more than you expected.

✳️ Final Takeaways: Travel Wisdom from 15 Days in China & Hong Kong

Altitude sickness is real in Tibet.

Prepare with hydration, rest, and patience in Tibet.

Google Maps doesn’t work well in China.

If you have an international plan you DO NOT need an e-sim. You need a VPN if you plan to use WiFi and go on sites like Facebook, Google, Instagram, etc.

Use WeChat, Amap, and Baidu.

Always carry snacks.

Vegan options can be hard to find mid-transit.

Don’t skip the weird stuff. Glass bridges, flaming tofu, blueberry airplane tea—it’s all part of the adventure.

Designer fakes? Haggle. If it’s more than 30% of the “real” price, walk away.

Museum closures and ghost restaurants happen. Flexibility is your greatest asset.

Pack meds. Lozenges, ibuprofen, nasal spray—be your own pharmacy. But make sure your medications are allowed in China.

Journal nightly. You’ll forget the little things if you don’t write them down.

📸 Final Thought

We came to see the world—but the world also saw us. It met us in our exhaustion, our awe, our curiosity, and our hunger. It shaped us. It slowed us down. It asked us to surrender, to laugh, to trust.

We came home changed. Not by temples or markets or mountains—but by the spaces between them.

15 days. 6 cities. 1,200 photos. And a million reasons to go back.