Beijing Trip Day 5 - Ancient Cultural Street and NanShi Food Market

 This is our last day in China and we spent it in Tianjin. The night was spent at the Zhengda Hotel and we all had to check out as early as 8:00 am. Why? Because there were two more places to visit before going to the airport.

My comment on the Zhengda Hotel? Clean, spacious, much, way much better than the HuiDu hotel back in Beijing, but the the toilet in our room had some problems flushing. LOL.

First stop of the day was the Ancient Cultural Street of Tianjin. There were a lot of colorful buildings there and sellers of all kinds of merchandise. I was almost tempted to buy the leather wallets there that costs about RMB 35. But didn't, sigh.

A group picture, from left - CEO, Fie, staff 1, staff 2, Ms Lili, staff 3,
ME holding on to Akmal, the CEO's son. (Pic by Fie)

I didn't get the names of the other people in our group as we were the odd couple out while the others were on a company trip. LOL. Sorryyyyyy! Since we had a very tight trip schedule, I did manage to have small talk with some of them.

Various pictures in the Ancient Cultural Street.

We didn't go in through the front gate so there's no picture of it. Hehe. But the first thing we saw when entering was people selling antic merchandise on the floor of the streets.

Among being sold were old coins, old postcards etc.

The CEO's wife had a thing with ancient looking flutes and tried giving out a tune but to no success. Hehe.

"Pruhhhhhh! Pruhhhhh!" 

Haha. The seller said you have to practice more because no sound was coming out except the huffing and puffing of your breath.

After the cultural street, we stopped by the NanShi food market. Since it was obviously non-Halal, we only stopped for a quick look only.

Also sold here were souvenirs in the form of key-chains and such. 

Oh... and remember my post on the "boyfriend"? Some asked for a clearer picture of him.. hahaha. So here it goes!

Fie, the "boyfriend" and me! (pic credit to Fie)

OK, please don't look at the picture too long. Might lose your eye sight. LOL. 

We had our lunch and prayed at the same place before heading to the airport. It was sad to leave China but overall I'm glad to have joined this Muslim tour. This is my first time in doing so and might do so again in the future to other destinations.

Just need to find myself a travel partner.

=)

I guess this is my last post on Beijing Trip. Phewww... finally!!!

Signing off, thank you for reading!

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Beijing Trip Day 4 - Shopping Spree at the Yashow Market, Sanlitun

After several excruciating hours at the "second" Jade factory that afternoon, we finally reached the shopping area at around 4 PM. Ms Lili gave us only 3 hours to shop for our things and by the expressions of some of the people in the group, I knew it wasn't enough. All I could think of was buying stuff asked by friends back in Malaysia and it was quite a longgggg list. Sigh.

Sanlitun Yashow Market was the shopping center recommended by Ms Lili and it stood five storeys tall. Each storey is dedicated to different sections such as one storey for clothing, another for bags and shoes, one storey for electronics and accessories, etc.

As soon as you enter the building, you'll be greeted with the view below.

An escalator to any floor you desire.

The public toilet is just on the second floor if I'm not mistaken.  My first stop was to find cheap winter coats. I was able to bargain a hooded D & G winter coat for about RMB 200. If I bought two the price could be lesser. =)

Resorted to buying coats near the escalator to save time.

Some of the sellers know some basic Malay such as "murah! murah!" which means CHEAP in English. Hahaha.

Next on my shopping list was finding cheap replica bags for a guy and girl respectively. I'm not into replicas as the quality was questionable but my friend's wish is my command.

I found lots of Prada and Balengcia replicas. All at RMB 100 if you bargain hard enough. LOL.

As another blogger smartly put it, all of these are USELESS but highly desirable junk!!! HAHAHA!

LVs and HERMES were also sold in abundance!

I bought a HERMES replica for RMB 100 and also a Coach Men's Slingback for the same price. Hehehe. So far nothing was for me.

Later, as the spree was coming to an end, (the time to gather at the required place was nearing...) i went to the fifth floor to find an 8 inch PC tablet cover for my dad. I've searched everywhere in Kuala Lumpur but none was found. Fortunately,  you could basically find everything under this one roof! 

Tip of the Day: Never buy fridge magnets at the places you visit as it costs about RMB 10 per piece. No bargaining there! Whereas at Yashow market (here), you can get it at RMB 3 per piece!!!

After buying everything on my shopping list, I headed down the escalator.

Fake shoes were also sold in abundance. Name the brand, it's ALL HERE!

Glancing a bit before exiting.

The other people in the group obviously had a great time shopping. Some even came put of the building with very big bags filled with bought items! 

And out the building we went and across the street to the waiting bus.

We were on the way to Tianjin for the night. It took about 2 hours and a half to get there from Beijing. As usual I was asleep along the way but managed to notice that the driver had difficulties locating our hotel there. He stopped the bus several times to ask for directions. =)

Next entry will be my last one on this Beijing trip. The last day was spent at Tianjin before we were sent to the airport.

Until then, thank you for reading!

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Beijing Trip Day 4 - JingShan Park

We headed to JingShan Park just before lunch. We were given less then an hour there to do some sightseeing. But nothing was worth seeing if you didn't climb the many steps up hill to the Wanchun Pavillion (All Time Spring Pavillion) and that's exactly what Fie and I did. Unfortunately, the other tourists in the group didn't pursue this. =)

"Climb Fie! Climb! You can do it!"

To me, the climb wasn't half as bad like Great Wall of China. Fie became my willing photography model as we rushed to get to the top and then climb down in less then an hour. Fuhhhhhhhhhhh!

Clockwise from upper left: Fie at the first pavillion we reached at, Fie in front of the second,
antique picture of important ppl in front of the same pavillion at the back,
golden buddha in the Wanchun Pavillion.

It's not about the buildings that we purposely climbed all the stairs to the top. JingShan Park is famous for being strategically located just above the Forbidden City as seen in the map below.

Jingshan Park is a park full of hills.

And once we finally reached the top, LO AND BEHOLD!!!

We could see the WHOLE Forbidden City from the top! OMG!!!

I know the picture doesn't show much because I don't have powerful camera lenses yet. But through the naked eye, the view was MARVELOUS!!! It kinda knocked the breath out of us.

The view of the lake at the east side.

Ohhhh.... we definitely became the envy of our group when we climbed down breathlessly. This place is a must-go when you come visit Beijing anytime soon. It marvels me that I've been inside the Forbidden City before I saw it in whole on top of a hill. =)

Next stop is foot massage, lunch, another Jade Factory and finally a three hour shopping spree at Beijing's open market!! All in the next entry! I am sorry for the delay of the entries as I was pretty much preoccupied these past few days.

Oh and did you know?

I won the Malaysia International Tourism Travel Blog Award!!!  Thanks to all who supported and voted for me! Love you muchhhhhhhhhh!!!

Muahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Until next time, thank you for reading!

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Beijing Trip day 4 - The Temple of Heaven

Moving to day four in Beijing. Second stop of the day after visiting the oldest mosque in Beijing was the Temple of Heaven. This temple was built in 1420 to be the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worship Heaven and offer sacrifices. In return they want more harvests and favorable rain.

Most of the structures were constructed in the Qing Dynasty in compliance with the layout system set in Jiajing's reign of the Ming DYnasty. It is built so that the compound wall done in a semi-circle in the north and a square in the south. Surrounded by double annular walls, the temple is divided into an inner part and an outer part.

The whole area is 273 hectares.

Ancient architectural complexes stand in the inner part including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the Circular Mound Altar etc while the outer part lies Divine Music Office to rehearse ritual music for ceremonies. (source is from the information board found at the temple)

As usual, we had to wait for Ms Lili to get our tickets. No tourist place is free to enter without a ticket.

I wonder how foreigners gonna understand the writings above the counter?

It was just a brief walk down the aisle and upwards to the Temple of Heaven. Many people were present during that time. Some were there to hang-out with fellow friends and I noticed the majority of the local visitors were elderly people!

Clockwise from upper left: Temple from afar, Temple from the side, Fie on the stairs,
and Fie and I at the front of the temple.

This my friend, is the great Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Built in 1420 and originally rectangular in shape was used to worship both Earth and Heaven. Rebuilt in 1545 into a round hall with a triple-eaved roof, each covered with blue, yello and green glazed tiles respectively, symbolizes Heaven., Earth and the mortal world. The hall is supported by immense pillar which symbolizes the four seasons, the 12 months of the year, the 12 time divisions of the day and night and all the constellations. It is the only existing example of the ancient architectural style of Mingdang. (info from the information boards at the building)

Jianxi, a popular game among the Beijing people at the park. See the "ball"?

On our way out, we walked through a wide pathway where it's crowded with people playing Jianzi. A traditional Asian game in which players aim to keep a heavily weighted shuttlecock in the air using their feet and other parts of the body except their hands. It was interesting to watch them play. Hehe.

Next stop is Jingshan Park! -- next entry.

Thank you for reading!

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Beijing Trip day 4 - The "Boyfriend"

I was one happy tourist. Sitting at the front of the bus. Having the double seat all by myself. Even dozing off and playing games on my ipad by making stupid faces during the horrid traffic jams through Beijing. Fie and I made quite a reputation to being the first to hop off the bus and also the first to hop on. Hehe. We were called the "ideal tourists" by Ms Lili.

It was on this fourth day that I was questioned by the tourist guide on my status and other personal questions. I felt uncomfortable at first and so did she. She said  she was afraid I'd be offended by her questions. But being curious on how offensive her questions were, I encouraged her to ask.

What caught me off guard was that the questions were asked by the bus driver who unfortunately doesn't know  how to speak in English. The dialogue as I recall it began like below while waiting for the others to finish their zuhur prayers at a mosque. I finished early. We were sitting on the second row seats of the bus as our bags and luggage were stored on the first row. The driver was sitting on the steps waiting for Ms. Lili to ask me the questions. I was sitting near the window and only saw his eyes above the seats.

Ms Lili: The driver says he has a question to ask you. But I'm shy to ask. Scared you get angry.
Me: Eh.. No lah. You can ask me anything. (*I smiled)
Ms. Lili: He wonders why you cover your hair.
Me: (lauging) Well, it's simple actually. First to show that I'm a Muslim. Second... (pausing a long while), is keeping myself for the husband. Only him can see what's beneath. (*practically blushing by then, don't know why. Reflexes)

Ms Lili looked me over and smiled.

Ms Lili: OK. Hold on. Let me explain to the driver. (and she translated to the driver in the Chinese language)

A few minutes later. She was laughing  about something and looked back to me.

Ms Lili: I like your answer. It's very good.
Me: Thanks.
Ms Lili: He also wants to know, how come it's legal that Muslim men can have four wives?
Me: He can IF he is rich enough to take care all of his wives. Marrying four women is a luxury not all men can have. (Ms Lili nodded and explained to the driver.)
Ms Lili: Can Malaysian girls marry Chinese men? (Her question seemed fishy at the time)
Me: Sure. Fie has a Chinese boyfriend. 
Ms. Lili: Owh, and how about you? Can you consider marrying a Chinese man?
Me: I have no problem with that. Why?

Ms Lili began talking to the driver and then she looked at me.

Ms Lili: The driver is interested. Can you take him as a boyfriend?
Me: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA... Isn't he married?
Ms Lili: So can?
Me: If he's a muslim.
Ms. Lili: Oh! 

She explained the situation to the driver. I looked at him when she did this and I said "Sorry" over the seats when our eyes met. By then the bus was filling up with the other tourists and the driver moved back to his driver's seat.

The "boyfriend" in blue

Ms. Lili stood up and began announcing to them all in a cheerful voice, "Hey all, the driver wants to be Jard's boyfriend!" 

Voices at the back began cheering and saying, "Yes, we'll support them"

And my face went red as a beet! From that moment on, Ms. Lili kept giving out remarks from the front saying that I should sit in front with the "boyfriend" or saying he can't see my face through the rear mirror because of the bags in front.

I managed to avoid crossing paths with the driver most of time until the very last day. The drive to the airport.

Ms Lili: How about you bringing your boyfriend to Malaysia?
Me: No money! Haha.
Ms Lili: Is it easy for him to find jobs in Malaysia?
Me: You gotta ask the CEO at the back for the job.
Ms Lili: So, don't want to marry him?
Me: He has to convert to Muslim first.

Ms Lili explained my answers to the driver before coming back to me laughing like mad.

Ms Lili: OK, he says if he converts to Muslim, will you let him have four wives?

I began laughing like a mule at this question and answered as politely as I can. My answer? Let me and the people on the bus know and you to find out. =p

The farewell at the airport was brief. The driver stayed on the bus while we whisked our bags away. Just before entering the departure hall, I looked back at him and waved. He gave me the biggest grin that I've ever seen and he waved cheerfully back.

Guess that's the last time I'll see him. Hehe. Wanting four wives konon! Hurmphhhhhhhh!

 OK, will continuing my Beijing travelog soon. Thank you for reading!
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Beijing Trip Day 3 - Dr Tea and Kungfu Panda Show

I guess I was lucky to not buy anything from the factories that Ms. Lily brought us to, with the exception of the Bian Stone bracelet (for health reasons) and silk pillow/blanket convertible (innovative!). Other then that, my money was pretty much in tact for our shopping session on the fourth day. =)

Tea Tasting Session at Dr. Tea outlet.


I'm not a tea person. I'm a MILO with ICE person which isn't exactly healthy. Dr. Tea is one of those shopping places that we get to taste some good tea and then are persuaded to buy em.

I loved the tea tasting session, not so the persuading "please buy" part. =)

Dr. Tea's outlet from the outside.

Not much activity from the outside. You'd never expect what's gonna greet you inside. Hehehe.

Clockwise from upper left : Building, entrance, Tea lady, and the tea tasting room.
VIP room uols!

We get to taste four types of tea in small tiny cups. The expensive Pu'er Tea, Flower Tea and two others which I can't remember. I read this blogger's experience with Dr. Tea and it was hilarious!

But I gotta praise the interior design. So clean and spacious!

Lovely! Just plain lovely!

And thus the tea tasting session began.

Clockwise from upper left : color changing tea set, demonstrating tea making,
tea leaves, and finally the tea!

Say to the least, after I came back to Malaysia from Beijing, I came to enjoy tea much more! Even-though it's not Chinese tea. LOL.

From left: Customers bargaining with the prices and tea sets for sale.

The prices range from RMB 300 per tea box and if buy more will get discounts. If you're not careful, you'll most probably be spending at least RM500 at this place just for dried leaves. LOL. We actually got chased down to the bus by the tea lady because she wanted us to buy more for her to have enough sales' points. (whaddaa!!!!!@%$^?????)

Me?

I'm SAVED! hahaha. 

Next on the schedule....

Kungfu Panda Theater.

We arrived late as the show started at 7:30 pm. And our seats were at the second floor of the theater, so pictures weren't many. Heee...=p

Clockwise from upper left : Outside the theater, closing act,
view from second floor seats, and one of the acts.

It wasn't really REAL pandas. Just people in panda costumes displaying some sort of martial arts. Cool... but I was a bit too tired to enjoy much of the show. 

Heck... I just came back from the Great Wall of China! Hehehe.

And thus ends my adventure on Day 3. Tomorrow is another adventure.

Thanks for reading and don't forget to vote for my blog!!! (Links on the right sidebar)

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Beijing Trip Day 3 - Donghuamen Food Night Market

We went to a tea tasting session and then to a Kungfu Panda Live show before heading here. I guess I'll blog about that later depends on my mood though. Hehe.

Donghuamen Night Market is known to open only at nights and closes around 10pm. It is located in the northern end of China's most famous shopping street - Wangfujin, in Beijing.

When Fie and I showed up here, men wearing red caps were calling us saying "Halal food! Halal food!" Since it wasn't nice to simply ignore them, I came by to say hello and took a picture of them. Unfortunately for them, I left my wallet in the bus. LOL.

The ONLY halal food at the night market. 

I walked down the street and observed the various foods and delicacies being sold there. And to my delight and shock.... I found these exotic food being sold.

Clockwise from upper left - Fried centipedes, silkworms, water beetles,
snakes, sheep penis (whaddahel?), and longhorns.

The stall owner kept hitting me with a stick because I was taking photos of the dishes with no intention of buying. HAHA.

The price? It ranges from RMB 15 to RMB 50 with the below as the most expensive food ever.

Oh-Em-Geeeeeeeee!!! Fried KING SPIDERS anyone?

I believe the picture below is the most popular dish around because only 8 left before close-up. LOL. Must be tasty. Lalala...

Full of protein, I reckon.

Thank god I already had my dinner because after feasting my eyes on these types of food would've caused lost of appetite. =)

Pic credit to Fie as testimony that I've been here!

I don't take much pictures of myself so most of my pictures were taken by Fie's camera. Since she's super busy, she managed to post only one blogpost on our Beijing trip. Do read her post. =)

Thankyou for reading and don't forget to vote for my blog in the Malaysia International Tourism Bloggers Award. 

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Beijing Trip Day 3 - Great Wall of China

We're finally here!!! After waiting for months for this particular day... I finally set eyes on the one of the seven great wonders of the world.... I was ecstatic baby!

Even on the way there which took about 2 hours from Beijing, I was hyperventilating. OK.. that's a bit exaggerated. But the driver took notice how I was squirming in my seat, impatient to get out. LOL.

A cute bus driver for that.

I believe there are many entrances to the Great Wall. We just happened to enter through the JuYong Pass.

JuYong Pass of the Great Wall. Forgot to ask the price. =p

I read from the information bulletin, that Juyongguan (Juyong Pass) is a famous ancient pass of the Great Wall in north Beijing as depicted on the below map.

The Badaling Pass is just below Juyong Pass. (source for map)

That's only the UPPER half of the wall. The whole Great Wall of China could be illustrated below.

JuYong is depicted in the BLUE ARROW. (Source of map)

See how extensive the Great Wall of China!! I think I should come again just to explore the whole wall. Wouldn't that be great? Alas, we were given only 2 hours at JuYong Pass. I didn't even try to reach the second tower. Uwekkk.. uwekkk..

Jundu Mountain? Hehe.

It lies in the Jundu Mountains, the ending section of the Taihang Mountains.

At the base of JuYong pass.

There are lots of merchandise being sold here. My advise: DON'T BUY!!! It's damn expensive! Better buy at the open market back in Beijing. But the small stuffed panda magnet is found there. Kinda regret not buying it. LOL.

Love locks. People tend to leave their locks there as sign of everlasting love. 

I started my way upwards with Fie. And reached the first tower. Went up a flight of stairs... and walla!

Whadda?! Got another two three towers before reaching the top?! LOL

I honestly thought I've reached the highest tower. But the view from the back proved likewise. Hehehe. So being discouraged and knowing that time is running out, I stopped climbing and went back down.

The way down.

The stairs were uniquely narrow and steep. One person at a time.

Going down.

And on our way down, we expressed our excitement for being there by....

.... yes. Jumping!!! 

Thanks Fie for the picture below. =)

Am soooooo HAPPY to step foot at the Great Wall of China! Hoorayyyyyy!!!

Moving downwards, we chanced upon a stack of weaponry.

I think its for the Oriental Picture service where ppl get to wear costumes. RMB 50 per pic.

We went downwards and decided to pee-pee. =p

Nice restroom eh?

Guess it is always easier going down then going upwards, right? I felt the time spent there wasn't enough and plan to come again in the future. Who wants to follow me? 

When all the 12 people gathered near the exit, we then headed to Beijing to visit the famous Dong Hua Men Night Market. Hope you can stomach some fried scorpions on sticks for the next blogpost. Ihikzz..

Thankyou for reading! And don't forget to vote for my blog in the running for the "Tourism Travel Blog" award! (Link on the right sidebar)

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Beijing Trip Day 3 - The Jade Factory

On the THIRD day in Beijing, before heading to the Great Wall of China, the tour guide brought us to the Jade factory instead. I knew by then, that every item we bought from any factory she has brought us to, will reward her in commissions.

It's OK for me just as long the things sold are practical. In this case... I'm no fan of jades. So I didn't buy anything. But learning about them was great fun though!

The jade factory that we went to is shown below. I have no idea what it's name. Can anyone translate Chinese for me?

And in we go!

The visit started with showing types of raw stones or slabs of jades found in different parts of the world. Mostly from China. Jade can come in many colors but differ in quality. The high-quality jades are Jadeite which are very expensive while the lesser quality jades are called Nephrite (source). Don't go asking me how to differentiate them 'coz I have no idea. LOL.

Slabs of Jade to be carved!

Inside the factory, we watched a man carving into the hard jade. He was pretty serious in his job and practically ignored our camera flashes. Hehe. Then we entered a room where a guide told us the stages of making a Happiness Ball. One of the most famous jade designs in China.

From Left: Guy carving into a Jade, Woman explaining a Happiness Ball

Yes a happiness ball. Wonder if there's a sadness ball. LOL. They didn't ask us to buy anything, just released us to view the jades on display, free to buy or browse anything we like.

Me? Browse only maa! Hehe.

Clockwise from upper left: Laughing Buddha, men doing something, Buddha on dragon,
Chinese Cabbage, Happiness Ball, dragons

What you guys might not know is that each design of jade has a meaning to the Chinese community. Here are some explanations on desirable jade designs in China:

• Happiness Ball - Also called "lucky ball", "family ball", or "generation ball". From 3 layers to 13 layers, one layer stands for one generation. Just like an extended family, it can bless people with happiness and reunion. There are 12 holes on a layer, symbolizing 12 months, may bless a family with happiness, harmony and good luck in a year. The dragon and phoenix stands for the emperor and queen respectively. 
• Laughing Buddha - Also called "Maitreya", "happiness Buddha, " or "smelling Buddha". It is characterized by broad mind and big smile. It is said if you touch his belly, you can get good luck and successes, helps you overcome all your difficulties and frustrations easily. If you touch his ears, you can get happiness. if you touch his head, you'll become very intelligent and knowledgeable. There are five popular Buddhas in China, the laughing Buddha, goddess of mercy, god of longevity, god of wealth, and god of happiness.
• Jade Chinese Cabbage - shares the same pronunciation with Bai Cai (wealth) in Chinese, can bless people with a lot of money. The placement of the cabbage in your homes are important. No matter where you put it, you should ALWAYS place the "root end" inside and the other side facing the door, so that it can bring the owner lots of money. According to traditional custom, Northerner of china like storing a lot of green cabbages for winter that symbolizes they can store a lot of money. When choosing a jade Chinese cabbage, find one with long root and large vegetable leaf.

It was fun learning the meanings of the jade designs. Now I know why the Chinese community back in Malaysia are keen with these symbols. =)

RMB 225 per piece? You gotta be kiddin' me!

But getting myself any sort of jade for my own personal collection needs much thought and a bigger wallet. Hehehe. Later I found a jade bracelet in the open market for only RMB 10, most probably fake or just cheap Nephrites. =)

Next stop is THE GREAT WALL of CHINA!! -- next entry.

Before ending, again I'd like to say thank you for voting and supporting my blog in the "Tourism Travel Blog" Category. Voting period is until 1st of May 2012. So still hoping to garner enough votes to stay on top. =)

OH ya, if you haven't voted yet, hope you don't mind voting for me here.. THANKS!

And thankyou for reading! ^^
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