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 - 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 - 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.

  

Shenzhen Adventure (Part III) - Splendid China and the Dragon and Phoenix Show (with videos)

     

     After going to two factories, the guide told us that she'll accompany us for some shopping.  We told her that we'd like to avail of their services for Splendid China so we'd see the performances later at night.  Touring with them wouldn't be cheap.  They charged us RMB 280 per person inclusive of the ticket for the show.  I know that the entrance is RMB 120, so, assuming the show is RMB 50 for VIP seats, the tour company raked in around RMB 110 per pax.  We'll I don't know if our tickets were VIP because, if not, general admission tickets should have been free. But we're in the middle section, very near the stage, and it was reserved by our guide beforehand, so what do we know? 

     Anyway, what matters is that we had a tour guide who led us to significant places to visit during our short period of roaming around the park.  And we had a chauffeur-driven van.

     According to our guide, the park is divided into two: the wonders of China (I made that description, I forgot how she said it), and the ethnic tribes of China.  We can only choose one because each part would take two hours to visit, and it was 4:00 p.m. already.  We chose the wonders of China.

     Having a tour guide really helps.  They know where to take you the easiest way possible.  We had an expedited wonders of China tour, and she said it was only a third of it.  We got to see the Potala Palace, the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Xian warriors, and many, many more.  The tour guide told us  the names of each sight we visited but I wasn't paying attention, so there. 

     I know, I know.  I'll be in Beijing in two months' time for a six-day trip.  Yup, I'll get the chance to see the Forbidden Palace, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and of course, the Great Wall of China, among others, for real. But it's still a treat to see these sites' mini-me versions, reminds me of  the former Nayong Pilipino  near the NAIA terminal 1 airport my family used to visit when I was just a little girl.

 

 

     It was nearly nightfall and our much-anticipated activity was about to start.  The highlight of the day: the Dancing of the Dragon and Phoenix performance.  The outdoor theater was packed with Japanese and Indonesian tourists; the stage was huge, and so was the video screen.  We settled in our seats early, and there were security people present to usher guests to their seats.  The video screen was playing snippets of the parks three performances: the Oriental Apparel (or something), the Horse-back Battle, and the Dragon and Phoenix  Show.  I have a video of the Horse-back Battle below (people around us were noisy):

   

     The Dragon and Phoenix Show? It was spectacular!  It had everything: comedy, dancing, folklore, customs and traditions, acrobatics, beautiful people and colorful costumes, fire, water, lanterns, flowers, dragon dance, battle scenes, weddings, feasts, horse-back riding, sheeps, and of course, magnificent fireworks, among others.  For one hour, I was transfixed by the show.  Suddenly, I felt that my RMB 280 was worth it.

    An excerpt from the show:

Shenzhen Adventure (Part I) - Half Day Trip from Hong Kong

     We boarded a train going to the Lowu border.  Keep in mind that the East Rail station services both the Lowu and the Lok Ma Chau borders, so before you hop on that train, make sure it is the correct one.  There are 12 stations in all from Hung Hom to either Lowu or Lok Ma Chau, so it's quite a ride, around 30 minutes or so.  And unlike the MTR, the train runs above ground so there's plenty to see.

     Really, if I could just press my nose against the window, I would.  Though it might be unsanitary, it'll be worth it as the view from the train is really nice: mountains, grass, flowers, buildings, and the vast expanse of  sky.  Besides, I really love trains and train tracks.  It fascinates me.  Yup, maybe because I'm just a crazy girl.

     When the train stopped at the Lowu Station, I felt my anticipation rising.  Really.  I was just a few steps away from Mainland China.  Yipee.  My companions and I walked going to the immigration area which was not hard to find.  Just follow the signs and you'll definitely see it.  On a busy day, our tour guide told us  about the horde of people we'd see, so we should just keep on walking; don't stop along the way lest you get swarmed by fast-moving people.  For non-HK and mainland tourists, keep to your left.  The center sign says for "Hong Kong residents" and the right side for "Mainland Chinese visitors." Then, we finally reached the turnstiles!  It was a good thing that we came on a weekday.  It was not as busy as expected.

     By this time, we've seen the China Immigration sign and we met our tour guide at the immigration counter and she handed our group visa, which was merely a printed document with our names on it and some other details.  We were asked to line up according to the list on our group visa.  And guess what? There were no stamps on our passports that we entered Shenzhen.  We only had a stamp beforehand that we left Hong Kong.  The Shenzhen arrival stamp was placed on the group visa.

     And, we've officially reached Shenzhen!  Once you step into Shenzhen, Lowu becomes Luohu!  Ni hao, Shenzhen!

Hong Kong Adventure: Day 3 - City Tour from the Avenue of Stars to Aberdeen

     This is the day we'd waited for, a tour in Shenzhen, China!  Yipee!  But first things first. We had a morning city tour of Hong Kong and this was the second time I joined this tour.  It was a repeat of last year's tour, but one stop was new: picture-taking at the tail-end of the Avenue of Stars, or something.  As always, I was not paying attention to our tour guide when he spoke about the place.  Heehee.  Nonetheless, we had a very picturesque view of the harbor bathed in mid-morning light.  However, the dark, ominous clouds were foreboding; I thought it was going to rain but the temperature remained hot.

     We proceeded to Aberdeen pier, and we had the option to ride a boat going around the harbor to see sampans floating, but the fare was relatively high.  We just took pictures around and the colorful boat stations were striking.  I was thirsty and I saw a vending machine but dang it, it only accepts coins, which I didn't have at the time.

      Of course, we were shuffled to a jewelry factory.  The tour was non-compulsory, so the agency had to make some money, right?  Well, it'll not take long, around 30 minutes,  if no one from your group window shops or panic buys.

     Then, off we go to Hung Hom Station, gateway to Shenzhen, China!  The tour guide led us to the station, bought our one-way ticket to the Lowu border costing HKD 33.00 per person.  The guide made sure we were safely through the turnstiles before bidding us adieu.  And we hopped on to the train!

     Up next, Shenzhen, China adventures!

    
Credits:  I used the Painterly Effect 2 for the texture in "Postcard perfect memories."  Most webframes on this blog were from The Coffeeshop Blog.

Taiwan Travel Adventure: Day 3 - Yangmingshan National Park

     This was my last day in Taipei, and incidentally, this tour was just a waste of money. I should have traveled to Yangmingshan myself.  I felt cheated, really.  Not because of Yangminshan; you see, it's absolutely gorgeous and serene.  Rather, because of the tour guide who didn't show us much around the huge park.  I think we only stayed in the park for less than an hour, and the tour was supposed to be four hours! Sheesh!

     This time around, we had a new tour guide, who was also the driver, and he had a lady companion with him.  There were only three of us in the tour, a kid about 9 years old and her aunt, from Sabah, Indonesia, since the other tourists cancelled their trip.

     When we left the city, it was raining; but the rain hadn't caught up yet in the mountains.  However, the guide was so uninspired and our tour was so short, almost a rip-off.  Ah, and I wanted to visit Yangmingshan and explore those paths; I wanted to see silver grass gently swaying with the wind.  I wanted to do more...not just climb some steps and circle the park within less than a 500-meter radius.  Argh!  How I wish I had my previous tour guide with me.  And the new guide wasn't informative.  Not at all.  Well, he's kind and all, but must he wait for my tour companion to ask me if I wanted my picture taken before he shapes up and offers to take mine?  At least my aunt-and-nephew companions were pretty cool and nice; and they even pity me because I could not speak Mandarin and they could, and they knew I could not get lost by myself.

      Well, I paid more for this tour than the city tour because it came with a hot springs bath.  And the choice of hot springs was very cheap.  It was old and it was not pretty to look at in or outside, compared to its neighboring hot springs.  Again, we felt short-changed.  Then the tour guide dropped me the bomb:  I was supposed to go to the public hot springs while my companions get a private one for themselves since they're family and one's just a kid who needs adult supervision.  Gasp! Me, inside a public bath?  Yes, I love animes and such and I've always wondered how it'd feel like bathing in a public bath, but to do it?  Ha! I needed all the courage I could muster.  I was really shy.  I mean, I don't care if my boobies flash once in a while but naked? Yeah, right.  However, if I don't go inside the public bath, then my money would really come to waste.  So, I decided to make a go at it.

      I felt my hair was raising and my heartbeat rising...but when I got to the women's bath, there was only one person inside, an older lady around 40's, already washing and finishing up.  I was so happy that we're the only ones inside.  I asked her which dispenser has shampoo, and she helped me.  Thank God for helpful Taiwanese.  After 5 minutes, the lady left and I had the bath all to myself.  There were three baths of varying temperatures; two which are hot and one which has cold water.  And the water reeks of spoiled eggs because of the sulfur. Haha!  I dipped in the hot water for 15 minutes and then I'd dash for the cold water bath to tighten my skin.  I did this routine for three times or so.  We had less than an hour to take our bath.

     As for the experience, let's just say that it wasn't much different from what I usually see from animes and Japanese tv series; only the bath house was older and it looked so tired.  If I had more time, I would have opted to go to Villa 32, a hot springs resort in Beitou, reputedly one of the best in Taiwan.  I read about it in a New York Times article.

     After the bath, I saw the boy and his aunt waiting outside and we chatted for a while, and we all felt that the public bath house was not so good aesthetically.  From the deck, we could see its neighboring bath house which looked so Japanese with the wooden walls and floors, plus the decor, too.  And, the younger people were there.  We should have gone there.  I think only housewives and older people go to our bath house.  It was almost deserted.  Nonetheless, it was still an experience, right?

     Then after a while, the aunt started complaining that we've been waiting for so long already, like for almost 30 minutes now and the guide was nowhere to be found.  See, we wasted time, really.  When he came back, it was past 4:30 p.m., and we had to head back to the city.  Then it started raining.  I asked the tour guide if he could drop me off somewhere at the Taipei Main Station instead of the hotel since I wanted to buy some things from the nearby mall.  The rain was pouring hard by then and the guide felt really sorry for me, saying, oh you poor girl, over and over again.  For them, it was odd that a single lady like me would be travelling alone, and they thought I was a little young to be travelling by myself.  They thought I was around 25, tops.  You see, it's good to be taken for younger than my real age, but it's not so great to be called, poor girl.  Makes me want to feel helpless myself.  Hey, I'm much, much stronger you know.