China Unpacked

Tibetan Opera! One of my favourite films yet and certainly my favourite opening scene. This new year take a moment to watch this film, learn about something very few people get to see and give me a like and a follow to make my year. Thank you 谢谢

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 6

China Unpacked

The colouful lantern museum of China is in the city of Zigong in Sichuan province. It’s a fantastic museum with lots to see, but really it’s just a showcase of what the festival offers. Every year around Chinese new year the city of Zigong hosts a HUGE lantern festival where millions come to see the show. It’s one of the most fantastic spectacles and every year they are made new from scratch. Well, well worth a visit!

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4 5

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 36

China Unpacked

Did you know the global Christmas vibe is basically Made in China? 🎄

I just came across the 2024 export data for Christmas decorations and it blew my mind. China absolutely dominates the world market with $5.9 billion in exports — miles ahead of the second‑place Netherlands at just $248 million. That’s not even close.

From artificial Christmas trees to ornaments, festive figurines, and all the little holiday details… China is literally supplying the world’s Christmas atmosphere.

India, Cambodia, Poland and the rest combined don’t even come close. Chinese manufacturing really doesn’t know how to stay low‑key 😎

Top Christmas Decoration Exporters in 2024:

1. China — $5.9B
2. Netherlands — $248M
3. India — $117M
4. Cambodia — $103M
5. Poland — $92M
6. Germany — $77M
7. USA — $60M
8. Mexico — $32M
9. France — $30M
10. Denmark — $30M


#ChristmasFacts #MadeInChina #HolidayTrivia #GlobalTrade #ChristmasDecor

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 25

China Unpacked

援藏 And the Doctors of Tibet. New Film out Now.

1 month ago | [YT] | 4

China Unpacked

Interesting Tibet Fact:
In China, there’s a system called 援藏, which literally means “supporting Tibet.” Provinces and major cities across the country take turns helping Tibet develop—through infrastructure, education, medicine, technology, and more. It’s not just financial support; they also send teachers, doctors, engineers, and administrators to work here for at least a year at a time.

Over the past few weeks in Shigatse, which is paired with Shanghai, I’ve seen this up close. Doctors from top Shanghai hospitals not only treat patients and perform surgeries, but also research local health issues and train Tibetan medical staff.

The new Shigatse People’s Hospital was fully funded by the Shanghai municipal government, and right now 24 doctors from Shanghai are stationed here. Meeting doctors like Dr. Zhai and Dr. Wang, and seeing how hard they work to raise the level of healthcare for local Tibetans, has genuinely been an honour. They deserve enormous respect.

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4

1 month ago | [YT] | 30

China Unpacked

After a month travelling across Tibet — from high-altitude cities to tiny mountain villages, monasteries at sunrise, and long roads with no one else around — I’m finally back and ready to share what I’ve been filming.

Tibet wasn’t just a trip. It was one of the most fascinating and eye-opening experiences I’ve had in China. I learnt so much about Tibetan history, daily life, religion, and the people who live in these incredible landscapes. And I brought the camera everywhere.

Today, I’ve uploaded the first video from the journey: a look inside Tashilhunpo Monastery, the home of the Panchen Lama in Shigatse. There’s a lot more to come from this trip — stories, places, and moments I never expected to witness — but this is where it begins.

If you’re curious about Tibet, culture, monasteries, or exploring parts of China that most visitors never see, this new series might be for you.

👉 Watch the first episode here:
Tashilhunpo: The Panchen Lama's Monastery In Shigatse, Tibet
https://youtu.be/ztim4ULWNu8

Thanks for sticking around — and I’m excited to share the rest of the trip with you.

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4 5

1 month ago | [YT] | 35

China Unpacked

Interesting Tibet Fact #No.1
Kidney Stones are a major problem in Tibet even for children. The youngest I’ve seen was a boy of 10 months that needed an operation. The boy in the picture was a such a happy child and couldn’t stop smiling even before I bought him a toy car. He is 9 years old but is very small for his age. After a successful operation he is recovering in the Shigatse People’s Hospital, thanks to the brilliant work of Dr Wang and the mix of Shanghai and local doctors and nurses.
Why are Kidney Stones such a big problem here? Two of the main reasons are that the air is so dry you need to drink more water than you would normally do at lower altitudes and the other reason is that most Tibetans don’t drink enough filtered or boiled water. They tend to drink salty or sweet tea or naturally occurring water (not the same as spring or mineral water)

2 months ago | [YT] | 33

China Unpacked

Sorry! For not uploading much recently. I’ve been super busy with building the website (more info to follow) and preparing for this trip.

I’ve finally made it to Tibet! From a trip that was first planned for July to finally getting here in November it’s been a long road, but we have made it!

Unlikely to get many long format videos out for at least a couple of weeks but I’ll try to get some shorts done and post them as we go along.

We plan to travel in and around the city of Xigarze, hoping to learn a bit more about traditional Tibetan medicine and some of the local traditions and customs around the arts (music and drama especially). Appreciate all the support for the channel and stay tuned for some great Tibetan content coming soon. x

2 months ago | [YT] | 21

China Unpacked

Sometimes you Just Have to Laugh. True or not. I love the irony.

2 months ago | [YT] | 25

China Unpacked

Very fortunate to be invited to present the Mid-Autumn Festival TV show this Year for CCTV4! If you get a chance do try ZhongnJiang’s famous noodles. Some of the thinnest in the world and they still make them the same way they have for over a 1000 years! #中江挂面

3 months ago | [YT] | 21