We went in mid March and there were almost no tourists. There was a bit of rain, but the fog was perfect and made the hills look like they were floating in the clouds
(Be prepared to climb a looooot of stairs if you ever plan to travel to Zhangjiajie.)
We stayed near the South Gate, which we probably wouldn’t choose again. It’s much quieter than Wulingyuan East Gate, but if you’re looking for a smaller and more local area, it’s actually a great spot to stay. The city center is on the other side.
Getting around is easy with DiDi, just don’t get tricked by scammers by getting into random cars. Always book through the app. We got scammed once and later realized we paid triple the actual price🥲
Spent 4 nights in Zhangjiajie, and tianmen mountain was my absolute favvv!! The real highlight was not the 1000 steps to heavens gate, the actual attraction came after the 7 escalators they built INSIDE A MOUNTAIN!! (Isn’t that insane?)
I definitely did not expect a full hiking day after those stairs, but it was worth it! The views were breathtaking, and the glass bridges were so much fun. Random Chinese girls scared the shit out of my boyfriend 💀
During my 2-week trip through China, I spent four nights in Chongqing. Here are my top experiences💓
1. Chongqing 1949 Theater
Don’t Mix Up the Location!
This incredible 360° immersive show tells the story of liberation from a communist perspective. Important: there are TWO “Grand Theaters” in the city—and it’s very easy to confuse them (we even missed our first show because of it!). Make sure you go to the Chongqing 1949 Grand Theater😂
2. Chongqing Science & Technology Museum
Free & Fun for Everyone
One of the best free things to do in the city! Super interactive and engaging for both kids and adults. You can easily spend hours here discovering and playing with science.
3. 24h Spa Experience
Swimming, saunas, hammam, massages (extra but very affordable), plus free snacks, drinks, and fruits. There are also fun activities like PlayStation, chess, music, and PC gaming.
We stayed 8 hours and paid only around €30 total—such a great deal! Warm meals cost extra, but were also cheap and tasty. Everything was super clean and felt luxurious. Tip: go in the morning, it’s quiet then. It gets busy in the evening. (We went to golden lakeside)
4. Laojundong Temple Hike
A moderately challenging hike with beautiful views—but not easy to find, as most signs are in Chinese. Along the way, you’ll find cute tea spots and lots of stairs, so come prepared!
Lunar new year steht vor der Tür. Passend dazu gibt es ein richtig leckeres und einfaches Rezept von mir 💓 enjoy xx
Kantonesischer gedämpfter Fisch (清蒸鱼)
Traditionell wird ein ganzer, frischer Fisch verwendet – z. B. Dorade, Wolfsbarsch oder Tilapia.
Zutaten (für 2–3 Personen) • 1 ganze Dorade (ca. 600–800 g), ausgenommen und geschuppt • 20 g Ingwer (ca. daumengroßes Stück) • 3 Lauchzwiebeln • 2–3 EL helle Sojasoße • 3 EL neutrales Pflanzenöl • Frischer Koriander (optional) • 1 TL Maggi (optional, nicht traditionell) • Optional: 1 TL Reiswein (Shaoxing)
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Zubereitung
1. Fisch vorbereiten
Fisch gründlich waschen und trocken tupfen.
Auf beiden Seiten jeweils 2–3 leichte Einschnitte machen.
Optional: Mit 1 TL Reiswein einreiben.
2. Aromaten vorbereiten
Ingwer in feine Julienne schneiden.
2 Lauchzwiebeln ebenfalls in feine Streifen schneiden.
3. Dämpfen
Ingwer und Lauchzwiebeln in den Bauch und auf den Fisch legen.
Den Fisch auf einen hitzebeständigen Teller legen.
Im Dampfgarer oder in einem großen Topf mit Dampfeinsatz bei stark kochendem Wasser 10–12 Minuten dämpfen (bei 600–800 g).
Faustregel: ca. 8 Minuten pro 500 g Fisch.
Der Fisch ist fertig, wenn das Fleisch milchig-weiß ist und sich leicht von der Mittelgräte löst.
4. Flüssigkeit abgießen
Den Fisch herausnehmen und die entstandene Dämpfflüssigkeit vom Teller abgießen.
Die alten Ingwer- und Lauchzwiebelstücke können entfernt werden (optional).
5. Finale Aromaschicht
Die letzte Lauchzwiebel in sehr feine Streifen schneiden.
Koriander grob hacken.
Beides auf den heißen Fisch legen.
Sojasoße (und optional Maggi) gleichmäßig über den Fisch träufeln.
6. Heißes Öl
Pflanzenöl in einem kleinen Topf stark erhitzen, bis es leicht raucht (ca. 180 °C).
Das heiße Öl direkt über die Frühlingszwiebeln und Kräuter gießen.
Es sollte hörbar zischen – dadurch entfalten sich die Aromen.
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You’ll find the English version in the comments xx
A LOT of people asked me which studios I can recommend in Hamburg. Currently I am at @chamotte_hamburg which I really enjoy. I also loved the courses @annamorgadoceramics
