XING JI
Simple. Local. Genuine Travel.
TOC
Who Am I?
My name is Adrian and I was born and raised in Toronto. Having lived in Canada my whole life, yet desiring to learn more about my roots and the outside world, in my last semester of university I packed my bags and set out on an adventure to Asia. I first set foot in Singapore, wrapping up my last semester of school, and then headed to Taipei, where I lived for half a year. After Taipei, I found employment in Hong Kong, and have been in Hong Kong ever since. It's hard to believe that it's already been 3 years since I left home! Whilst living in these 3 cities in Asia, there’s been pockets of vacations and short term stays. I was able to live a month in Osaka, make a couple of day trips to Macao, and experience a two week tour in Thailand and Malaysia. Having experienced so many different places, I’ve been fortunate to have met many local friends who have generously shared their favorite spots and insider tips with me. As a traveler who has personally explored these recommended places, I’d love to pass them on to you so that you can incorporate these hidden gems into your itinerary.
Simple, Genuine, Authentic Travel experiences are what I hope to to share.
What Inspired this Space?
I’ve come to realize that I’ve been incredibly fortunate and blessed by God to have lived in so many different places. Along the way, I’ve met local people and friends in each destination who have generously shared their favorite spots and insider tips. As a traveler who has personally explored these recommended places, I’d love to pass them on to you. If you are someone who prefers to relax or enjoys luxurious getaways, this might not be the right place for you. But if you’re like me, seeking authentic and local experiences during your travels, then you’ve come to the right place.Rating Methadology
The more I travel, the more I recognize that the best experiences typically shine in three areas: Cost, Accessibility, and Uniqueness.
Cost
Traveling like a local, to me, means staying on budget. The more affordable a destination is, the more I can explore without constraints. While low cost doesn’t always guarantee quality, keeping things within a budget ensures I look for authentic, everyday experiences that is accessible to the locals.
Accessibility
The more accessible a place is, whether through public transport, bikes lanes, or walkable routes, the more freely I can explore without relying on expensive or complicated logistics. Since many authentic local spots are often located away from city centers, I always consider how easy it is to get there as a way to assess the accessibility of the destination. Accessibility of the attraction opens the door to deeper, more genuine travel experiences.
Uniqueness
With travel becoming increasingly common, travelers often seek destinations that offer unique and unforgettable experiences—those that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. What sets these destinations apart are often their distinctive elements that have evolved over time, such as culture, cuisine, and deeply rooted traditions. Drawing from my firsthand experiences, I assess my experience with other travel destinations I have been to, to come to an overall decision on the uniqueness.
Rating Scale
The three criteria are all evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 representing the highest rating. As an example, in the Cost category, a score of 1 indicates that the price paid was not at all justified by the experience provided, whereas a 5 signifies exceptional value for money.