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World Museum (Liverpool)

The World Cultures gallery showcases World Museum’s huge collections from Africa, The Americas, Asia and Oceania. Featuring more than 1,600 objects, the gallery explores the exchange of ideas and objects between Europe and the many cultures represented in the displays.

The Museum was a pleasant surprise, I loved the way it showcased the different cultures and also continued the conversation surrounding museums and their complicity within systems of oppression.

It’s also FREE, and you can donate what you see fit.

The ‘Black’ story is full of so much culture and richness and visiting off of the back of the Euros loss – it just felt so timely.

There is an Egyptian part of the museum, that has a mummy on display – so be prepared. I have many thoughts on this but we’ll keep them for another time…

I hope you enjoy x

Shots from the museum

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Beijing 101

We like to give some quick fire tips for visiting destinations we have visited, so here’s Beijing’s!

So you want to visit Beijing/mainland China 🇨🇳, here are some things to consider:

  • Check your route works with the transit visa, you don’t need to go through the costly Chinese visa process if you’re not in China for an extended time period. Luckily there has been a new 24/144 hour transit visa introduced; there are a few rules you and your itinerary need to follow to be eligible but all in all – it’s really straightforward 😁
  • Download a VPN. Download a VPN. Download a VPN. I think you get what you need to do…
  • Don’t be alarmed if you see bears sat a restaurant table – someone didn’t forget their teddy. The bears are put there so you don’t feel lonely if you’re sitting alone.
  • Learn a few phrases, hello or thank you.
  • Stay photo ready – if you’re black or have distinct features, local people will stop you for pictures and videos.  Sometimes without your permission (!)
  • Be prepared for whatever season you’re going. Beijing is very open air, so when it’s hot – you feel all the heat and its quite dry. Same way when its cold, you’ll feel all the cold.
  • You can use your travel card to make purchases and get around. Taking out cash isn’t necessary.
  • Watch your step. It’s quite common for local people to spit on the ground, so depending on the area you’re in, just look out.

If you’ve been to Beijing/China, what was something you had to bear in mind?

Save and share this if you found it useful. As always, keep up to date with us on @trippinwithsj x

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The Great Wall

Exploring the Great Wall was the main draw to visiting Beijing, because we love a UNESCO site and a world wonder; okay!

Visiting the attraction doesn’t have to be arduous or unattainable; keep reading for our tips.

Why was the Great Wall built?

  • The primary function of the wall was for protection from invasion by Mongolian and Manchu armies from the North.

How far is the Great Wall from Beijing:

  • Badaling is approximately 1.5 hours by car or about 2.5 hours by tour bus. 
  • Mutianyu is about 2 hours by car.

When to visit: Autumn or Spring

  • Autumn brings a different variety of colours to the leaves and greenery around the wall which makes for a pretty sight.
  • Spring brings awesome weather and less people.
  • Summer is still nice but it does get super hot.
  • Winter brings frost-covered scenes but the cold air will feel even colder due to the wind.

Do’s:

  • There is more than one entrance up to the Great Wall, so depending on what you’d like to see and how long you have – this could be a full day excursion.
  • We visited the Mutianyu part of the wall – it’s the most restored section of the wall and offers the best picturesque views.
  • You can hike to the top or you can get a cable car up and down.
  • If you are feeling adventurous – get a toboggan down!
  • Remember there is no shade for the majority of the walk; so sunscreen, water and flannel.
  • Be prepared for the elements in whichever season you go.
  • Book a tour guide with reviews online; they can offer you further insight into the history.
  • Try some local cuisine in the Great Wall park.

Top Tip: Avoid the Great Wall during Chinese holidays, or you may get caught up in the crowds.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t wear open-toed shoes; there are loose pieces of rock and insects. There have been sightings of snakes in the bush around!
  • Plan/try to camp on the wall.
  • Take pictures in precarious positions – it’s an ancient structure.
  • Be a litter bug!
  • Forget tissue if you’d like to use the toilet.
  • Run or walk too fast; seriously – there is loose rock everywhere.
  • Don’t climb on the windows of watchtowers, especially unrestored ones that might collapse.

We hope this answers some starter questions you have about visiting the Great Wall.

Stay up-to-date with us on: @trippinwithsj