Beijing Adventure - Day 1: Summer Palace [Part 1]

 

     One thing's for sure.  Beijing is not for the lazy and the impatient; you really, really need to use the body God has given you.  You must walk, walk, and walk.  Endure.  Beijing's beautiful tourist destinations are huge; they really do cover a vast track of land.  So, it's a relief that we were in Beijing during the last days of fall and early days of winter.  There was no heat to complain of.

     And so, we arrived at the Summer Palace late noon, and the guide ushered us to a map and told us where we were going.  She said that we'll only have little time to spend inside the Summer Palace since we still have to go to the Beijing Zoo's panda section later in the afternoon and to catch an acrobat show at night.

    We entered the Summer Palace through this inconspicuous gate:

     We climbed up and down a small but beautiful bridge and walked towards the marble boat.  There were not so many tourists around and so taking pictures without people walking in front of the camera was hassle-free.  

     Mind you, we only saw a teeny, tiny portion of the Summer Palace; our tour was so expedited.  Our guide said you need two days to fully explore at a leisurely pace the palace grounds and do all picture-snapping to your heart's content.

     At least, we saw the Marble Boat.  It just sits there majestically at the lake, so calm, so serene.  The guide pointed to us that there are big mirrors on the two floors.  What for? I don't know.  Perhaps to catch all the beautiful rays of the sun?  Or for the Empress to gaze at her own reflection?  For sure, it reflects Empress Cixi's caprice, vanity and unnecessary extravagance.  But because of that, we have something to marvel at:  The marble boat's a masterpiece.

     Before we reached the Marble Boat, we came upon an interesting bridge, and the harsh mid-day sun prevented me from taking its picture without being bathed in shadows.  Please be reminded that this bridge is near a rest room, in case you have to go.

     After taking quite a number of pictures of the marble boat, the guide ushered us to the Long Corridor, and indeed, it was really long.  Again, I was mesmerized by the detailed paintings on the beams; I ended up not paying attention our guide but I heard that the long corridor was built for the emperor's mother (didn't heard which emperor, though).  On one side of the corridor is a paved pathway traversing the edge of the Kunming Lake.  The pathway is fully tree-lined, and the strong winds just add to the Summer Palace's charm: the leaves and branched were swaying, the water on the lake gently lapping.  On the left side of the corridor is a structure, apparently, it's a restaurant of some sort but I could not be certain as I was not really paying attention to the vital information relayed to us by the guide.  I guess, it's my fault to have such a short attention span.  I mean, how can you blame me? I am happiest gazing at the beauty of nature and marveling at the skills of craftsmen and artists.  I just happen to love the beauty that surrounds me.

     The structure on the upper right is the Hall of Listening to the Orioles.  It used to be a theater, now it's a restaurant, presumably one of the best in China, or something.  And this is the pathway I'm talking about:

     Guess we were not the only ones who enjoyed a walk in the palace grounds:

Beijing Adventures - Day 1: Buffet Lunch at Tai Yi Chun

  

     One thing I love about China tours are the lunch and dinner included in the package.  I mean, China tours are by no means cheap [we had to pay a handsome sum of USD 420.00+ per person for a three-day tour and 6 days, 5 nights accommodation, which excludes the airfare and tips].  However, if you factor in the lunch and dinner they provide, plus refreshments at times, and the transportation, you'd realize that you don't have to spend for anything during the trip.  After all, the lunch and dinner are so filling and delicious that you won't feel hunger pangs at any given time during the tour.  And, since it isn't summer, the need for water isn't that compelling.  I couldn't remember a day when I had to drink water, tea or soda while on tour, except when dining.

   
     For the first day of tour, we had lunch at Tai Yi Restaurant, and it was buffet!  I wasn't hungry at all because we had buffet breakfast at the hotel, but well, I had to eat because we still have a long day ahead of us.  The food was really yummy, especially the kung pao chicken (it was spicy but I ate a spoonful), and the sweet and sour pork.

     We had a late lunch; and surprisingly, some of the westerners we saw at the Forbidden City come in to the restaurant after we did (they're part of a large tour group).  Small world, eh.   Good thing we got there first; the line at the buffet table suddenly got long.

     This is where we ate, somewhere near this street: Xinjiangongmen Road, not too far away from the Summer Palace.

 

 
     The restaurant has a huge lawn with trees...it was kinda romantic outside, really.  Maybe because I love trees.

      Right after lunch, we went to the Summer Palace. Yipee!

Beijing Adventures: Day 1 - Forbidden City

     So, after taking our time walking in Tiananmen Square, we went down to an underpass to reach the gate of the Forbidden City.  The underpass has strict security, too.  When we reached the other side, the water fountains came to life one by one and the cutest rainbow was formed; it's backdrop was the sky's vivid blues.  Again, thanks for the strong, chilly winds.  I gushed and clapped happily like a child.  Who wouldn't?  However, the fountains were spraying water like rain and reluctantly, we marched toward the gate, lest we get a cold.

        There were a lot of people entering the gates, but I guess not as much people as in summer, so the crowd was bearable.  Besides, it was cold, so I wasn't concerned about the heat (I perspire easily, that is why).  So, as we near the gate, Chairman Mao's painting at the gate looks gargantuan, and in fact, it is.  It is so huge that it seems bigger, if not really bigger, than the gate itself.

 

      After entering the gate, you must walk through a small courtyard of some sorts with vendors and shops and a small parking lot.  At the end, is the gate where tickets are needed.  When we were there, for some reason, the police or guards of some sort were congregated in that place and they were posted everywhere at the parking lot every two meters or so.    

     And so, we finally entered, and what we saw was simply astonishing.  The details, the gleaming roofs, the ancient silk tapestry, the craftsmanship...all these were so beautiful.  No wonder people were concentrated on the doors of the famous halls, trying to get a peek into the lives of the emperors, empresses, courtesans, court officials and everybody else who lived inside the Forbidden City.  It was really fascinating.  I could have learned more had I listened to our tour guide.  But I was so busy marveling at everything that I didn't pay attention to what the guide was telling us.  My bad.

 

         

     After an endless hall-hopping, we finally came towards the end.   By the way, the Forbidden City's huge!  My friend was constantly asking, "are we near the exit?"  When we're finally near the exit, we thought that there's nothing more to see but to our surprise, a huge tree with branches that look intertwined in an embrace was stealing the show.  Or, is it a couple tree, meaning, it's composed of two trees?  I'm not so sure because I wasn't paying attention to the tour guide.  [Folk, pay attention to your guide.  Don't follow my lead].  A lot of people, couples, especially, were having their pictures taken; apparently, if you're with your beloved, you'd have a long and lasting relationship or something.  We didn't have significant others in our lives but that didn't deter us from having our photos taken.

     Wow, I never thought I had this many pictures taken.  I still have a lot which I didn't include here.  I guess, I was too shutter-happy.  After visiting the Forbidden City, we headed straight for lunch, and afterwards, we went to the Summer Palace and the Beijing Zoo's panda section; the details of which will be blogged in the coming days (hopefully!).

     Time really flies and it's an hour before Christmas Eve.  It's time to thank all the readers of this blog.  Thank you for taking time to view my posts, and I hope to help anyway I could.   Merry Christmas, everybody! 

Beijing Adventures: Day 1 - Tiananmen Square

 

     Honestly, our first day in Beijing was a rather long one.  We arrived in Beijing past 12 MN, and we headed out into the city by 9 a.m.  We had a full day.  First, we went to the Tiananmen Square and then to the Forbidden City.  After which, we had a buffet lunch at a restaurant, visited a jade factory (it was included in our tour package), went to the Summer Palace and to the Zoo to see the pandas.  We wrapped up our day by eating dinner at another Chinese restaurant.   Whew!

     So, our tour guide and driver picked us up at the hotel and we went straight to Tiananmen Square.  Mind you, it was my first time to visit a foreign country during the early days of winter and I was literally fascinated by the throngs of people wearing their full winter gears: caps or ear muffs, neck scarves, mittens/gloves, bubble jackets and trench coats.  I was just wearing a scarf, summer cotton shirt, a cotton camisole, stockings and leggings underneath my trench coat: all of which I wear during summer except the trench.  But it was really, really cold.  The weather per se was bearable, but the strong winds were a killer.  But, thank God for those winds; we had majestic blue skies.

     So, the Tiananmen Square is such a huge place, a vast track of concrete surface.  There were a lot of tourists but the square was not crowded.  There was a long lcd screen which, according to the tour guide, was used to show the Olympic games.  On one side of the square, there was a very long line of people.  Apparently, it was for the mausoleum of Mao Zedong.   We didn't queue for that, perhaps because we're not Chinese, or maybe because we had a full-day schedule to follow.

      Aside from the apparent flatness in front of our eyes, the Monument to the People's Heroes stood impressively, while the Great Hall of the People can be seen on one side.  Of course, Chairman Mao's mausoleum stood nearby with a huge sculpture were people were queued.

     And of course, at the end of the Square, in front of the Forbidden City,  is the Chinese national flag fluttering mightily and proudly, guarded by guards standing on glass or transparent boxes/podiums.

     Interesting facts:

     1.  Before you could enter the Square, one has to pass through a security tent with x-ray scanners for your belongings.  I felt so secured. 

     2.  Hungry? Thristy? There are food stalls inside the Square (see the last pic above, lower right part)


     3.  Did you forget your camera?  There are photographers milling around the square (they give you a developed pic for a fee).

     4.  There are roving patrol cars in the square.

     5.  There are guards scattered all around, with stationary posts but they move a quarter turn every so often.

Beijing Adventure: Day 1 - From Manila to Beijing

   

Beijing Terminal 2's luggage conveyor.

The only photo I have of the airport upon arrival.

      I'm back!

     After a week's hiatus (I was so swamped with work), I'm finally blogging again!  And, I'm really excited for this new series of posts involving my travel adventures in Beijing, China.  It almost seems a daunting task to do, after all, there are a lot of pictures to sort out, but I'll try my best to wrap up my travel adventures before the year ends.

     DAY 1 - Airport to Airport

     Honestly, nothing much happened.  Our flight via Cebu Pacific 5J 672 was scheduled for departure around 7:30 p.m., so I had time to go to work then leave early for check-in.  I went to the airport wearing my uniform.  Yup, pencil skirt and garish blouse.  And I didn't even change.  I mean, what for?  By the time we arrive in Beijing, it'd be past 12:00 in the morning.  We'd just go straight to the hotel, then go to bed. So, no need for a cute outfit.

     Well, my outfit was getting its fair share of puzzled looks from people, especially  when we arrived in Beijing's Terminal 2 airport.  Well, let's say it was freaking cold and my clothes were too thin for the weather.  I didn't give a hoot abut the temperature; I was feeling cold but it wasn't too much.  Besides, I had a trench dress waiting to be worn over my uniform.  I only wore it, though, after we retrieved our luggage, just before heading towards the exit. 

     Our transfer service was waiting for us when we arrived, and when we came out of the terminal, cold, dry winds greeted us.  And, I couldn't see clearly because my glasses broke during the flight and also due to the fog.  Needless to say, I didn't see anything interesting during the transfer; Beijing was a blur in my eyes without my spectacles.

     After around 40 minutes or so, we finally reached our hotel, the Marriot Courtyard at Chongwenmen.  We settled in, I took a quick, warm shower, and fell asleep.  I had no hard time falling asleep even though I already slept for most of the 5-hour flight to Beijing.  Guess, I was just so tired.  Besides, we had word that our tour guide would pick us up around 9:00 a.m. the same morning. So, to wake up early, we needed to sleep right there and then.

     Some  Observations

     1.  The immigration officials at the airport were very prompt, courteous and nice.  And, their booths have a small machine which allows the persons they're serving to give feedback on their service by pushing a button which may be for very satisfied, satisfied,, or dissatisfied; something like that.  Of course, we choose very satisfied.  We had no reason not to.

     2.  It was really cold when we arrived, freezing cold, in fact, but tolerable, if you at least have a coat.

     3.  Our room was comfortably warm at first, but I woke up with sweat on my back.  We didn't know how to tamper with the  heater.

     4.  I've read on different forums that there's a slight sewer-like smells even in hotel bathrooms.  We didn't notice such a thing. 

     5.  Getting picked-up by coach at the airport is really convenient.  And I'm so getting used to it.

 We only slept upon arriving at the hotel past midnight.

So, not much photos, really.

Beijing - Last Day

     It's our last day in Beijing, and for now, I'll leave a photo that I took at the Temple of Heaven.

  

Beijing - Panda Humping

     Good morning!  Still here in Beijing, just woke up.  We'll be visiting the Old Summer Palace today.  And I will leave a picture of some pandas who seem to be humping while I'm out for the day.  This was taken at the Beijing Zoo's panda section the other day.  We were lucky enough to see them running, playing and climbing in their playground.

     Till then!

Ni hao! I'm in Beijing!

     Finally, there's a free internet connection!  I'm blogging from Beijing, China, as to how, I'll tell you later.  I was even able to make my friend log in with her Facebook account.  

     Anyway, we just checked-in at our second hotel for our 6D5N trip, at Hotel Kapok in Wangfujing.  It's smaller than our room at the Marriott Courtyard, but it's quieter, more serene, and there's free internet.  That matters a lot.

     We'll be going to the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube later, and then we'll go shopping in Wangfujing.  I'll update later when we get back to the hotel.  I'll post some pictures, too.

Thoughts: Approved Visa to China

     Finally, I got word from my travel agent that my visa to China has been approved, for 30 days! Yay!  It'll be delivered to me later.  I can finally go to China.  I'll be leaving the country tomorrow and will arrive in Beijing past midnight, 24 November 2010.

     See, I'm so happy considering that my visa was applied for just last week.  Certain circumstances led to the late filing of my visa but all's well.  And I got a 30-day visa at that.  See, I could even stay longer than I wanted in China, not that I'm planning to do so.  Well, who knows if some guy falls madly in love with me and begs me to stay longer.  Not that it'll happen, or that I'll allow that to happen.  But still...it's the thought that I could choose to maximize my stay that counts, right? 

     I don't know if I could blog in China; perhaps not.  I'm sure that there's no Facebook access, but I don't have a Facebook account so it doesn't matter.  So, probably, you'll hear from me when I return back on the 29th.

     Wish me luck!

Thoughts: Visa Application to China

     I still don't have a visa to China, and I am supposed to leave on the 23rd of November.  I have submitted my requirements already, though.  However, there is this probability that my application might be denied; apparently, the embassy's so strict in processing visas.  And if that happens, I will bid adieu to my plane tickets (no refund; bought them on sale), and to the fees I paid for visa processing, including agency fees.

     I earnestly hope that I get a visa; after all, I'm not an undesirable alien with no money to spend.  Neither do I have an intention to work in China as an illegal alien. I have complete documents, and I have been to China just last September, though on a group visa to Shenzhen.  Besides, I already bought some autumn/winter clothing already.  So, I'm really really hoping that I'd get a visa.

     I'm crossing my fingers for luck!  Wishing for all the best!

Live-blogging the Hidden Cities - Beijing

     So, the show officially starts now!

     10:03     Underground city

     Okay, so the Chinese built underground shelter in case of nuclear attack. No. 46 Fang Jia Hutong has a bomb shelter?! Hey, can we come and go there?  Woah! It's huge and vast! There was a restaurant, office, machine room and even an elevator shaft.

     10:07     Tunnel in the underground city

     So narrow!  Not for the claustrophobic as it gets narrower. They call it the underground Great Wall.  It was built in the 1950s to the 1960s.

     10:09     Construction of the underground city: Narrative account from an officer involved.

     300,000 people built it; half a square meter allocated per person inside the bunkers.  As long as there is nuclear power, the officer says the bunker will always be relevant.

     10:12     Commercial

     So, No. 46 Fang Jia Hutong, I'm looking at you now.

     10:14     Some bomb shelters have been destroyed

     Oh, a cute Chinese journalist.  They'll go into one of the bunkers again.  Another hutong (Nanluoguxiang), another bomb shelter.  The cute journalist who accompanies the host says some people does not even know that there are shelters underneath.  Oh, they went into another tunnel.  It looks creepy, like straight from a horror movie.

      There are even exit signs, men's toilet signs, even no smoking signs.  They say some have been converted into subterranean hotels before for budget travelers and migrants, but not anymore because of safety concerns.

     10:21    Oh crap, the History Channel's having signal problems.

     10:21    Old Summer Palace

     Five times the size of the Forbidden City.  The host is talking about the looting and destruction of the Old Summer Palace.  Experts are attempting to recreate it in 3d.  And it's commercial break.

     This is one place that I'd really love to visit, I just don't know if I could cajole my friends to do so.

     10:25    Tsinghua University's attempt to recreate the Old Summer Palace in 3d

     Old Summer Palace is huge; 8x the size of Vatican City.  They've completed the western section, the palace where Qianlong Emperor lived.

     They're now in Haiyan Pavillon, now in ruins.  They'll conduct a laser scan, with the professor and two of her assistants.

     Back at the University.  Holy crap! 3d images, of even complex buildings!

     10:31     Tian Yi Tombs

   

     Eunuchs' history.  Important eunuchs were likewise rewarded with massive tombs, such as Tian Yi, and they're visiting his tomb.  The tomb is circular with a dome roof.  Going underneath the tomb now.  Tomb split in two sections, one like a courtyard.  Looters have been inside the tomb.  And, it's commercial break.

     10:40     Religious sites: Beijing a religious hub

     Fayuan Temple, a Buddhist temple.  Then a mosque, Niujie mosque, built in the 10th century.  It's a traditional Chinese structure.  They're showing the cleansing ritual, then to the main prayer room.  Oh, Arabic calligraphy in gold.  The oldest section is built a thousand years ago and it's well preserved.

     10:48     Dining with a Chinese muslim family

     Lively dinner with delectable meal.  And there are 20 million muslim in China.

     10:52     Relic hunting in Bao Guo Temple

     Thursdays and Saturdays have more relics for sale.  The host calls it a glorified garage sale.  95% are newly manufactured.  Few antiques are far and between.  Replicas are mostly from Henan.  They make it look really old.

     Relic hunting in demolished hutongs.

 

     10:57  Beijing recap

     The end.

     The episode was very entertaining and informative.  Hope I could visit some of these places as well.  Learn from the episode: antiques are now far and between, so be cautious.  And, we should try to visit the hutongs before they disappear.

History Channel's Hidden City: First Epidode - Beijing

N.B. I live-blogged the episode HERE.

     The only channel I like in our cable provider is the History Channel.  And, just imagine my jubilation when I saw an advertisement for their new show, The Hidden City, to be aired today at 10:00 p.m. (GMT +8).  The show will feature Beijing in China, Penang, Ipoh and Kedang in Malaysia, Java in Indonesia and Taiwan in four different episodes.

     This is the show's synopsis culled from the show's official site, http://hiddencities.historyasia.com/ -

      In and around Asia's most bustling cities lay hidden worlds filled with forgotten palaces and temples, abandoned towns and disused underground fortresses that shelter unbelievable relics and untold stories.


     With the help of local experts that will include writers, historians, archaeologists and scientists, presenter Anthony Morse attempts to investigate and unearth these places, and reveal the tales they have hidden for so long.


     Over four episodes, Anthony will travel to Beijing in China, the northwest states of Penang, Ipoh and Kedah in Malaysia, Java in Indonesia and to the island of Taiwan.

      For their premiere episode today, host Anthony Morse will commence his journey in Beijing, China, coincidentally the city we're going to visit next month.  I can't wait to see the places Anthony will explore, and most probably, if it's not in our itinerary, then, we'll just have to include those places.

     Also, the show would also feature Taiwan, one of my favorite places to visit.

     The host also has a blog on his adventures in Asia's hidden cities.  Do check it out, very informative and entertaining.

     As for me, I'll definitely watch the show for my Beijing travel research.  And, they have a contest where you could win a camcorder, a dslr or a trip to one of the featured cities.

Planning for an Adventure in Beijing, China: Part 2 - Visa Requirements

     Yes, we haven't even started compiling the requirements for our travel adventure to Beijing, China, and there are a lot of documents required.  We're applying for a tourist (L) visa, so apparently, these are the requirements taken from the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines:

I.     Tourist /Family visit Visa (L)

L Visa is issued to a person who comes to China for sightseeing, visiting relatives, or private matters. Documents to be included with application:

1.         Applicant's passport with blank pages and at least 6 months validity left before expiration.

2.          A truly and completely filled application form affixed with one passport-size or 2x2 colored photo, with white background, full-face front view, and no hat.  Photo must be glued on the application form. Stapled pictures will not be accepted. Scanned photos will also not be accepted

           U.S. passport holders must submit two application forms with two photos

3.          A copy of the round-trip plane ticket

4.          Hotel reservation / invitation letter with a copy of the inviter's valid chinese residence visa and passport information page of inviter's or Chinese national identity card.

5.          Previously used China visa in old or new passport (Only visa stickers will be accepted.  Those with stamped visas must submit additional documents for first time China visa applicants. Please refer to the list below)

6.           For first time applicants to China (Philippine passport holders, 18 years old and above), they are required to provide the following

              a)  original NBI clearance valid for travel abroad

              b)  original bank certificate with receipt or original passbook, updated within the month that you are applying or....

                                 - If a company will sponsor the trip, provide the company's bank certificate, sponsorship letter from the company and the company's business registration.  

                              - If an individual will sponsor the trip, provide his bank certificate, sponsorship and invitation letter, copy of sponsor's valid residence visa and passport information page or Chinese national ID. 

             c)  for employed persons, also provide an employment certificate, company ID, SSS ID and contributions, TIN ID and latest ITR

             d)  for students, provide school ID

             e)  for businessmen, provide business registration of company, TIN ID and latest ITR

 

             f)  Personal appearance is required for those who are 16-21 years old.

7.         The emergency contact information page in the applicant's passport should be filled out and photocopied

8.        Other documents required by the visa officers if necessary.

      Well, it isn't much different from the Taiwan visa requirements, except for the NBI clearance, the ITR, the TIN ID, and SSS ID and contributions.  I really think that these are needed if only to show that the person applying for a tourist visa is not an undesirable alien who wants to escape litigation in the Philippines (NBI clearance valid for travel abroad), or who wants to illegally gain employment in China or overstay in order to find work, hence the need for the employment certificate, company ID, ITR, TIN ID and even SSS ID.  These are all proof that one is employed in the Philippines and that the tourist has work to return to.

      I am baffled, though.  I have read at the PinoyExchange forums that the applicant needs at least Php 50,000.00 in the bank in order to get an approved visa, but it is nowhere in the list of requirements.  Is this a new requirement?  But there isn't any other updates from the Chinese embassy website.  Hmm...I think, regardless of the status of my bank account (which is nearly depleted because of successive travel expenses and payments made for unnecessary stuff I bought), I'll still obtain a visa because I am sufficiently and gainfully employed.  I'll let you know if I get an approved visa with less than Php 50,000.00 in the bank, if ever I don't obtain that money by the time that I apply for a visa.

     I think I'm going to have a problem with the NBI clearance because I am too lazy to fall in line.  The last time I had a clearance, which was a year ago, I had to pull some strings so I'd be done in record time.  I don't think I could pull off that stunt again.  So I really have to go and fall in line like a dutiful citizen.

     Also, it is not my first time to travel to mainland China since I've just been to Shenzhen last month.  However, my passport does not bear a stamp that I went in and out of Shenzhen and besides, the requirement states that only visa stickers will be accepted, so I still have to provide all the documents required for first-time China tourists.  

     The question now is, where do I submit these documents?  In here? 

Consular Section

The World Center, 330 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City. 

Visa section: 0063-2-8482386 

(Fax)0063-2-8482395 (Inquiry,3pm-5pm)

     Processing time is four (4) days, and the fee for a single entry visa is Php 1,400.00.

     Good luck to me!

Planning for an Adventure in Beijing, China - Part 1

     Now that I've chronicled my Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China, adventures, I'll make entries for my Baguio, Philippines, and Bangkok, Thailand, trips earlier this year, but not extensively.  I will be focusing heavily on planning my Beijing, China, trip for November, like planning where to stay, where to go, how to get there, where to dine and shop, and visa application, among others.

     For starters, I bought a Fodor's Beijing 2009 guide which I saw at National Bookstore on sale for Php 200.00 (around USD 5.00); original price was Php 799.00 (around USD 19.00).  I've read most of the book and I still crave for information.  I think, though, that the book would have its purpose when I get around Beijing as it contains a Mandarin translation of places, sites, useful phrases, tips and so on.

 
     I've also started reading the Beijing forum at PinoyExchange, and honestly, I've found loads of information suited for the Filipino traveler there.  Very informative indeed, with beautiful pictures!

     For now, I'm determined to visit the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall of China, preferably in Mutianyu, and the Olympic Village.  I think I might need to cajole my companions to go to Jingshan Hill, the Summer Palace and the Yuanmingyuan, the Bell and Drum Towers and its neighboring hutong, and a day trip to Tianjin City.  Apparently, there's a European concessionaire area in Tianjin.  I might not be able to go to Europe; unlike my friends, I'm not rich.  So I'd be more than happy to settle for Tianjin, at least for now.

 This makes me all the more excited to go to Tianjin.

TIANJIN EYE

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gizmore/2940819141/

How can I not resist going to Tianjin?

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/chineseemma319/4997945660/in/pool-677593@N20/

Great Wall in Mutianyu

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/franck-chilli/3882326984/

Bird's Nest

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/franck-chilli/3882326984/

 The Grand National Theater

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alianto/2954379015/

Yuanmingyuan

http://flic.kr/p/5VnbR7

Summer Palace

http://flic.kr/p/4xUWgg

     I wish I could take great photos such as these ones.  The photos above are all from Flickr, and really, these make me want to go Beijing and Tianjin all the more. 

Beijing Adventures - Shopping in Beijing

  Astroboy at a mall in Wangfujing.

   It took me so long before I had the time to blog again.  I was hoping to wrap-up my Beijing Adventures before February but certain circumstances didn't allow me to do so.  I was so busy with work (I do have a day job which pays not only for my basic needs, but also for my wants and caprices, including my travels).  And I was sick the past two weeks (allergies; cough and cold).  Really.  I mean it.  Well, okay, let's just say that there's a little procrastination thrown in...little is relative, though.  Heehee.

     I think, this is going to be my last post about my travel adventures in Beijing, and it's about shopping in Beijing! 

     To tell the truth, there is not a day when my friends and I didn't go shopping in Bejiing; at least, window shopping.  Well, it's really inevitable. First, The Courtyard by the Marriott adjoins the New World Shopping Center, which is just one of the many shopping buildings in Chongwenmen.  So, every night, after our tour, we'd roam around Chongwenmen and shop for anything.  We scoured the aisles at the grocery in the basement of the New World Shopping Center, and it was glorious!  There were a lot of candies, like White Rabbit and Nougat which we used to eat when we were children back home.  We bought some, and I added some facial cleansers, Mentholatum, a brand I discovered in Taiwan (also available in HK) and which I actually adore.  Plus, it's cheap, too.  I was supposed to buy a set of Tsubaki by Shiseido shampoo and conditioner but it's way expensive in China.  The fun in shopping for food items in Chinese groceries?  Not knowing what they are made of.  Heehee.  So, caveat emptor.

     There are four malls at each corner of the intersection in Chongwenmen near our hotel.  One's the New World, one which I forgot the name, one with an H&M inside and Soshow.  We entered all the malls but I think we found our mecca in Soshow.   For one, it's just like a more organized 168 Shopping Mall.  I think, we went there thrice.  Also, you can haggle, and even if you walk away, the store keeper wouldn't call you back, unlike in the Pearl Market.  I wanted to buy a pair of Ugg-like boots which sells for just RMB 100, but it was one size smaller.  My friend bought a winter coat for like RMB 150.00; a bargain because it's of great quality, plus it's colorful and unique and it stands out in the sea of solid colored winter clothes.  I think the shop keeper would have given a lower price if my friend insisted because we were the first customer for the day (we bought the item immediately after opening hour).

Bread shop like Bread Talk.

     I think, there was more than 6 floors of shopping levels in Soshow; each level for a different department; ladies wear, accessories, men's wear, toys, etc.  As I said, it's like 168, but thinking about it, stock-wise, it's like Platinum Plaza in Bangkok.  The clothes are more fashionable, and younger.  First floor has a bread shop, like Bread Talk...well, it's almost a rip-off of Bread Talk, or if the said bread shop came first into existence, then Bread Talk ripped it off.  The breads are almost identical, but Soshow's breads are cheaper.  I forgot the name of the bread shop, but I have photos of it [see pics above].

     Considering that it was late autumn/early winter when we were in Beijing, a lot of shops were selling winter clothing of all colors imaginable!  The only colors I saw being sold in the Philippines were the basic black, blue, brown, red, gray.  In Soshow, there were coats in hues of pink, green, lavender...so glorious!  Plus, the designs were really girly and cute.  Some of the clothing at the other malls are like those, too.

      On the upper floors, we saw rows of stalls selling cute accessories and some stalls were selling anime figures and plushies and house slippers and winter booties for kids.  I even saw a Totoro plushie of some sort.  I was able to buy a set plushies of the famous Plants vs. Zombies characters, including the Zombie, of course!

     If you're wondering what treats or souvenirs to buy for your friends and family back home, why not try circling the local malls and supermarkets?  That is what we did.  We bought those vacuum-packed Peking duck, which, although cheaper, are not as great tasting as the duck from Quanjude.  A duck at the grocery costs around RMB 40 up if I remember correctly.  Then there are also assorted Chinese sweets, like sugared plums, etc., on sale by the package, or you could just pick whatever candy you may want.  We also bought some tea, loose-leaf and in teabags.  They're cheap, and teabags are dirt cheap.  You can try the flavor and scent of the teas in the different stalls inside the grocery or the mall.

     Then, if you're in the Pearl Market, do pick-up those "I Love Beijing" t-shirts, especially the ones which says, "I Love BJ," and believe me, if you give this to your Filipino guy friend or relative, his reaction upon seeing the shirt would be priceless.  There are also those Chairman Mao shirts and caps, too, as well as the "I Climbed the Great Wall" shirts.  Although you need to haggle really good with the shopkeeper at the Pearl Market.  It's for tourists, so expect the prices to be highly inflated.  I didn't buy a shirt because I was thinking I could find it anywhere in Beijing, but I was wrong.  I was not able to find those in other places.  Perhaps, I didn't try hard enough.

     Locals and tourists alike also buy souvenirs from those thrift stores, just like the 100 yen stores in Japan, only, it costs 10RMB.  Some items are cheaper than 10RMB per piece, some higher than 10RMB.  You could buy a dozen of decorative chopsticks, or pocket mirrors for the ladies.  Purses and figurines, too, can be bought from the store.

     Animal hats are also everywhere in Beijing, and selling like hotcakes is the panda hat, of course. But it's only good for use in the winter, so it's probably only sold during winter/autumn.  Funny thing, though.  I wasn't able to buy anything to remind me of a panda.   Sadness! 

 

     So, one thing I learned cool about Beijing, aside from all those culture stuff, is that there's an abundance of malls, and there are lots of shopping places.  You'll be the one to say you're tired because the choices are endless.  In Wangfujing alone, the malls are side by side and the mall strip stretches quite long.  Have a fun time shopping!