3 . Take A Scenic Ride On The World’s Steepest Railway For Passengers—If You Dare!

Originally built for mining in 1878, the Scenic Railway is now a tourist ride that can take your breath away! In the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia, the former mining railway became a tourist attraction in 1945. It currently holds the Guinness World Records as the steepest passenger train with the steepest railway gradient (坡度).

The gradient of 52 degrees is comfortably viewed from inside an 84-seat, glass-enclosed carriage car. The passenger car travels along on a cable-driven system of rails as it navigates the steep terrain. During the tour, passengers will see the train travel through sandstone cliffs and a rock tunnel next to Orphan Rock.

Orphan Rock was once available for trail climbing. Following rock slides in the 1950s, the trail was partially closed. The trail access was completely closed in 1974 and never reopened due to potential risks.

On the Scenic Railway, you will see stunning views from a slightly different angle than Orphan Rock. The railway is open every day of the year, making the trip along the rails every ten minutes.

Sight-seeing passengers can ride the steepest railway up from the Jamison Valley or travel on the cable car. Either option affords incredible scenic views of the Blue Mountains. The glass roof in the passenger cars allows for a fantastic view from every seat on the train.

Just take a look for yourself!

4 . Top Wonders of the World

From India to Rome, these sights will inspire your next historical vacation.

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Constructed from 1632 to 1648, the property covers 42 acres, including its beautiful gardens.

Best time to go: Late spring and early summer in this part of India has often severe heat. Then come monsoons. November to February is your best chance for pleasant weather. The sunrises here are highly admired.

The Great Wall

The Great Wall of China is the world’s longest wall and one of the most famous landmarks in China. Dating back to about 700 BCE, it stretches over 13,000 miles and was designed to protect the country from invaders.

Best time to go: Plan for a spring or fall trip when the weather is nicer and fewer people visit. Summertime is often hot and crowded, and winter can be extremely cold in northern China.

Petra

Located in the Kingdom of Jordan, Petra was built directly into the cliffside around 312 BCE by the Nabataeans. The city includes temples, tombs, and its most well-known building — the Treasury.

Best time to go: Summer can get very hot in Jordan, and winter is much colder than you may realize. Weatherwise, aim for spring or fall.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum remains Rome’s top attraction. Built in the first century by Emperor Vespasian, the massive theater spans 620 by 513 feet, which would hold 80,000 people.

Best time to go: You’ll find fewer tourists there during Rome’s low season (winter), weekdays and during the opening hour or near closing time. If you show up in summer at midday, it’s going to be hot!

6 . When I first arrived in Costa Rica, I always heard people saying, “pura vida”. Translated from Spanish, it means “pure lie”. It’s used as a greeting and to describe how things are going. It can describe a person or life in general. It’s usually said with a big smile, meaning everything is good. And I heartily agree.

I consider Costa Rica to be my second home. I first went there in 2005 to help start a small family business, and to this day I return often. It’s hard not to fall in love with this country. I see beautiful beaches, wild forests and breathtaking views everywhere. The wildlife is especially amazing! I never know what I’ll see right from the window of my guesthouse. It’s a country that helps me see the good in everything.

When I’m in Costa Rica, I live in Montezuma, which is on the ocean near Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. This little town is an out-of-the way tourist destination. Getting there can be an adventure, but it’s all pura vida !

People often ask when they should visit Costa Rica. I always answer, “Do you want to come during the dry season or the green season?” The dry Season starts in December and is the perfect time to enjoy blue waters and sandy beaches. However, the sun is very strong, so use lots of sunscreen.

When the rains return in May, the green season begins. It’s the perfect time to see wildlife and so much more. I love watching wildlife so the green season is my personal favorite.

Keep an eye out at the beach. Several species of turtles (海龟) live on Costae Rica’s beaches. I suggest supporting the organizations that are working to protect by taking a tour of their nesting sites.

No matter when you visit, a trip to Costa Rica is truly pura vida!

8 . When it comes to my fathering lessons, few adventures compare to the motorcycle trips I’ve shared with my daughter, Ewa.

Our first_______, in August 2017, was a winding (蜿蜒的) ride around the Catskills and Finger Lake districts of New York state. We _______ big highways and spent the week on_______ scenic back roads. At one point, I found myself _______along a Catskills meadow (草地) not far from Woodstock, keeping pace with a deer and shouting, “Go Bambi, go!”

On our second day, we _______ in a small town for ice cream. I asked the woman at the picnic table next to us: “What’s the_______ of this town?” “Interlaken,” she answered.“Where are you trying to get to?”

Me: “We don’t know. ”

It _______ to me then that I’d always wanted to do this no-schedule kind of trip, when you ride just for riding. Ask any middle-aged _______: We’ve all dreamed about doing the Easy Rider (逍遥骑士) thing, throwing our wristwatches into the ditch and heading toward the horizon without a_______. Now, travelling with no plan became a________ of my rides with Ewa.

Since we almost ________ knew where we were going, we were almost never ________ when we arrived, pulling ________ the road at the end of each day with satisfaction. The reason to celebrate? We________! The truth is that life on a motorbike is one close call (死里逃生) after another. On the way, riders must stay ________ 100 percent of the time. A tiny stone can be deadly. I used to be nervous, but Ewa had a different take: “To me, motorcycling is like meditation(冥想). ”

9 . The Season for Festive Eyes

The holiday season is upon us and the folks at Strip & Browhaus can’t wait! With all the parties coming up, they finally have a chance to get dressed up and celebrate again, to make a big New Year make-up statement: sparkles and vibrant colors to ring in the festivities! For SmartShanghai users, they are giving 50% OFF for first-timers only, starting from 150rmb. Your choice of treatment may be redeemed any time before March 31, 2023.

Date: Jan 24, 2022 to Feb 28, 2023

Venue: Strip & Browhaus

Click “Full Listing” to see 4 locations

Meet Van Gogh — Immersive Light Art Exhibition

The 600 m² immersive art exhibition about one of the greatest geniuses in the history of human art is finally in China for the first time, with Shanghai being the first stop. Immerse in the picture of color, music and light and shadow. Explore Van Gogh’s passionate, romantic and poetic inner world.

Date: Apr 2, 2023 to Jul 9, 2023

Venue: Meet You Museum

210 Wenshui Lu, near Wanrong Lu

TAO Dance Theater: 13 & 14

The TAO Dance Theater, awarded the 2023 Silver Lion Award at Venice Biennale, will present two new shows: 13 & 14-choreographic works which carry on the sequence of the Numerical Series which launched them on the international scene. A unique and evolutionary dance genre has enraptured people with its mesmeric and minimalist force. It will premiere at Shanghai Culture Square on July 4th.

Date: Jul 4, 2023 to Jul 5, 2023

Venue: Shanghai Culture Square

225 Shanxi Nan Lu, near Fuxing Zhong Lu Taxi Printout

Jinmao Tower Sky Walk

You can walk around the outside of the Jinmao Tower 340m above the streets below. Located on the 88th floor of one of Lujiazui’s most iconic buildings, the Jinmao skywalk is a platform 1. 2 meters wide, which you can strap in and walk along with the help of trained professionals. It’s also the highest sky walk in the world. And not only does Jinmao provide a panoramic view of Shanghai featuring both sides of the Huangpu River, floors 56-88 also hold the world’s highest atrium at 152m. You must weigh between 30kg-100kg, and be at least 1. 4m-2m tall to do the sky walk.

Date: Jul 1, 2021 to Dec 31, 2023

Venue: Jinmao Tower Observation Deck and Sky Walk

88/F, 88 Shiji Dadao, near Dongtai Lu