Korea Trip: Annyeonghaseyo!

Little I know about Korean traditional culture as to compare with Chinese. My knowledge on Korean culture is rather limited to their entertainment industry. Who can deny the wave of KPop and KDrama, where one can be so fanatic and the other end shall utterly reject. Me myself is quite a fan of their music too, even though I have no idea what they are singing about. (Confession: I'm a SONE). I guess there is something about their music that get me hooked. Other than that, what inspires me for this trip is my personal bucket list to travel to the oriental countries.

No visa is required for visiting South Korea. The currency that is used in Korea is won. 10,000 won is approximately equal to 30 MYR. The notes come in 1000, 5000, 10000 and 50000. During our trip it was end of March, the end of Summer and the beginning of Spring. Sakura (or Cherry Blossom) which is more famously known in Japan can be sighted in Korea as well. Even so, the weather was still rather chilly at that point of time, around 20 degree Celcius during day time and falls below 10 degree as the night falls. Jacket is necessary if you decided to visit at this time frame. The time in Korea is one hour ahead of that in Malaysia.

Sakura spotted at Jeju Island

Our trip lasted for 8 days which covers three cities in Korea: 4 days in Seoul, 2 days in Jeju Island and 2 days in Busan. It takes 6 hours of flight to reach Seoul from Kuala Lumpur. Using midnight flight from KLIA2, we kicked off our trip in the city right after settling down at our hostel. All parts of the city are easily reached via subway, including trains to and fro airports and famous theme park that is 2 hours away from Seoul. There are two airports serves Seoul: Incheon International Airport (most international flights transit here) and Gimpo International Airport (mostly for domestic flights and with limited international flight routes). We traveled to Jeju Island and Busan via Air Busan,  one of the local airlines. Other options include Jeju Air to travel across Korea. Early booking may permit cheap fares for both airlines. It is recommended to rent a car in Jeju Island for its public transport is limited to buses and taxis, considering the location among places of interest are rather distant from one another to save time. Busan, being the second largest city, is fully equipped with extensive subway network as well which makes commuting very convenient.

Me and the famous Metasequoia footpath at Nami Island

It will be best if you can pick up some Korean language before coming to Korea although most of the locals can understand English. Language is one thing, Hangul is another.  Hangul is basically Korean alphabets in which I believe it is easier to learn compared to the language itself (regret didn't do that earlier) as most of the signage is in Hangul. You may not understand what it means but at least you get to know what it says, especially the name of the places. Anyway, our trip is pretty enjoyable with this limitation. 

Korea Trip Journey:

1. Seoul - The Culture Capital

2. Jeju Island - The Island of Romance

3. Busan - The City of Beaches

Beijing Trip (Final Chapter): Gastronomical Hunt

Beijing is rather famous for its choices of exotic food. During my trip, I can't help but to encounter shops that sell dog and donkey meat (there is even a stall selling solely donkey meat), in which are too exotic for me. Insects are rather common in other parts of south east Asia though, so I wasn't taken by surprise when they have scorpions and such on the street.

Scorpions at Wangfujing Snack Street (and you can see starfish next to it)

I believe when people talk about Beijing food, the first thing that comes to mind must be the Peking Duck. I didn't get to try due to its serving size and the cheapest I could find was RMB98, which could be a bit much. I didn't leave Beijing with regret for not trying the famous dish but I did have a quite less than exotic yet interesting food hunt.

Zhajiangmian @ Wangfujing Snack Street

Literally means fried sauce noodle, basically a mix of soybean paste and noodle. The serving is pretty dry and the one I had was pretty salty. Not a fan of this one. Perhaps I picked up the wrong place to try.

Suan Nai  (Sour milk).

Afraid not, just because it tastes sour doesn't mean they are spoilt. (I don't think Chinese are that extreme).  In fact, this one is mixed with honey flavour so it is rather sweet. You can see them selling these everywhere. My favourite drink to quench my thirst. Most shops/stalls didn't allow you to take away the bottles though. So you must finish drinking it on the spot before you can leave. (or need to pay extra for take away, I can't remember but usually you will see a lot of leftover bottles at the place selling them).

Cao Gan (Bao Zi on the left) @  Yao Ji Cao Gan 

Located nearby Bell & Drum Tower, I love this one at my first taste of it. I'm not really a fan of liver due to the distinctive taste but in this dish it is compensated by the thick meaty gravy. Kind of reminding me the gravy of Loh Mee in Malaysia.

Bao Zi @ Bao Zi Pu

This one full basket of bun is suffice to recover all that energy lost after strolling along Nanluoguxiang.

Zhaguan Chang and Dalian Huoshao @ Zuo Lin You She

Walkable distance from National Art Museum, this top choice eatery  is located at the North-East of Forbidden City. It is very famous for the finger-shaped dumplings. I noticed the locals ordered half to one dozen per person. Judging by the size, I dare not to try that much since I wasn't sure if I'm going to like it. You are encouraged to order by the serving of 3 or 6 and so forth. I ordered one with pork-filling and it was very satisfying. I also had crispy deep friend garlic crackers to top my lunch. Noticed the bowl of yellow liquid in the photo? That is not for dipping. It's plain corn drink, which is rather bland, good enough to neutralize the taste of the meals.

Bing Tang Hu Lu @ Donghuamen

I heard of this sweet often from Chinese Series. It is sweet, very and sticky. Not the kind of sweet you can munch from one to another.

This post concluded my entries for 9-day trip in Beijing. I underestimated its size (may be due to I relied mostly on public transport) and it remains one of the most bitter-sweet adventure I ever had this date, exposure to its culture and people.

   

Beijing Trip Journey:

1. Beginning of Maternal Ancestral Journey

2. Trespassing The Forbidden City

3. A Summer Escapade

4. A Great Scam at the Wall
5. Mao's Legacy
6. Temples Hopping
7. Walks in the Parks
8.  Gastronomical Hunt

Next adventure: Annyeonghaseyo!

Beijing Trip: Walks in the Parks

We have been to palaces, temples and walls. If you have been doing researches on traveling in Beijing, I believe you will come across a lot of parks to visit. A lot. Even without these parks, major tourist sites in Beijing are surrounded by parks. These parks, nonetheless, are still distinctive in their own ways. Some parks are accessible with fee.

Jingshan Park

Direct translated to "Golden Hill Park", this man-made-hill park is located right behind Forbidden City which is immediately accessible after exiting the palace museum at the north gate. From top of the hill, you can have an overview of Forbidden City. 

Pavilion at one of the peaks at the park

Can't help but to be amazed by the symmetrical structure of the city.

This park is also known as the place where the last emperor of Ming Dynasty, Chongzhen committed suicide by hanging himself at one of the trees.

Entrance fee to the park is RMB2. It was only my first day in Beijing when I visited the park (right after touring the Forbidden City) and I came across the rudeness (which didn't came as a surprise as my friends have warned me) of the local worker when she was yelling at the tourists in front of me while I was entering the park.

 Olympic Park

I bet no one could forget the grand Olympics opening and closing ceremonies that was held in Beijing back in 2008. This park can be reached using Line 8 to stop at Olympic Green station, The two iconic buildings, Bird's Nest and Water Cube are located within vicinity from each other.

Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest)

Bird's Nest by night

Olympic Torch

Ling Long Pagoda

Beijing National Aquatics Centre (Water Cube)

It's free to view these sites from the outside. Fee is imposed to enter these buildings.

Beihai Park

"Northen Sea Park" was once one of the imperial gardens (I have to say, there are plenty of imperial palaces back in the ancient days). It is believed to imitate the scenic spots outside of Beijing. The major landmark at this park is the White Pagoda which is located on top of Jade Flower Island. Entrance fee is RMB20. The park is located on the left side of Jingshan Park. Nearest subway station is Beihai North Station on line 6.

You can see the peak of Jingshan Park from here.

Houhai Park

Not to say a real park per se but the lake is surrounded by hutongs. Apparently it is famous for nightlife with all the bars and cafes. This lake is located further north of Beihai Park, after Qianhai Lake. No entrance fee required. Didn't enjoy any beer here but had a quiet time at Starbucks after a long walk for the day.

Sacred Way and Ming Tombs

I am going to be honest about this site. It is one of the places I don't find it's worth going if you cannot appreciate the history.(Or may be because I have been to too many parks prior to this trip). Not to mention it is quite a distance from the city. No subway that can lead you here. Taxi aside, you can use bus to get here with a fare of 6RMB in which you can hop on from Deshengmen Station on line 2. It was quite a scenic place, nevertheless.

This path is known as Sacred Way, the path where Emperor came to Earth from heaven, the same way they used when they returned. That explains the 13 tombs that are scattered at further north of this Divine Road.

There are a number of tombs you could visit in which all are mausoleums of Emperors from Ming Dynasty. I visited Chang Ling with a fee of RMB50. Ding Ling comes with underground chamber, in which I missed that.

Beijing Trip Journey:

1. Beginning of Maternal Ancestral Journey

2. Trespassing The Forbidden City

3. A Summer Escapade

4. A Great Scam at the Wall
5. Mao's Legacy
6. Temples Hopping
7. Walks in the Parks
8.  Gastronomical Hunt

Beijing Trip: Temples Hopping

Buddhism is one of the major religions in China and it is not surprising to observe the abundance of temples in Beijing. Another famous teaching or philosophy is Confucianism in which its legacy (and practice) still persists today. 

Temple of Heaven is the place where the emperors - sons of Heaven came to pray to Heaven for great harvest, and hence the name. The temple is believed to be Confucian in function and that may explain hardly seeing anyone offer their prayers here (other than emperors in ancient days).

Walking along this pathway to get to our destination...

Hall of Prayers for Good Harvests

This hall is the most famous landmark in the temple - covered with purple tiles and brightly coloured pillars on the outside which signify 12 months in a year with 4 major pillars within the hall represents four seasons. The hall is built on a three-level marble terrace.

Going beyond the hall will lead you the echo wall.

The entrance to echo wall

It is believed that you can have conversation with another person facing the other side of the wall. Look at the crowd, the experiment already fails before it even begins.

View of Hall of Good Prayers for Good Harvests and Echo Wall from Round Altar

These buildings are surrounded by well-maintained and lush green park. Just like any other parks in China (which is to be covered in next chapter), you will see a lot of locals spending time here leisurely. I'm not sure if they are granted with free access since the entrance fee is RMB35.

Couples playing I-have-no-idea-what-sport-is-that.

Twin pavilions at one of the sections of the park.

Temple of Heaven can be reached via Subway Line 5, Tiantandongmen Station. As the temple is quite huge, I spend my time there first thing in the morning at the park till noon. 

Bidding farewell to heaven and proceeding to next temple: Lama Temple, using the same line to stop at Yonghegong Station.

Also known as Yonghe Gong, Lama Temple is a Tibetan temple and is one of its kind to be outside Tibet. Little I know about Buddhism or temples but I'm still amazed with its bright colour-themed architecture. The last hall in this temple houses a 18-m tall (about 7-storey high) Buddha statue which makes me wonder which come first: the hall or the statue? Entrance fee: RMB25.

Locals can be seen offering their prayers at this temple

A little walk from Lama Temple will get you to Confucius Temple.

White marble Confucius shall greet you upon entering the temple

The temple is relatively smaller than the other two temples but feature distinguishable landmarks in which it is worth a visit if you have spare time. The temple is less crowded and more peaceful. The temple is accessible at the cost of RMB30.

These might appear like gravestones but apparently, many scholars of ancient China would be thrilled to have their names engraved on them

There is a museum within the compound which exhibits history of Chinese culture.

Do these figures look familiar? If you have paid attention to the roofs of ancient building in China, you will always see these guardians.

Adjacent to the temple is the Imperial College (Guo Zi Jian). It was the supreme academy during Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasty.

The hall where emperor seated explaining Confucian classics to thousands of scholars and professors kneeling outside.

Another statue of Confucius and surrounded by paintings of him.

Beijing Trip Journey:

1. Beginning of Maternal Ancestral Journey

2. Trespassing The Forbidden City

3. A Summer Escapade

4. A Great Scam at the Wall
5. Mao's Legacy
6. Temples Hopping
7. Walks in the Parks
8.  Gastronomical Hunt

Beijing Trip: Mao's Legacy

The significance of Tunku Abdul Rahman to all Malaysians is equivalent to Mao Zedong as the founding father of today's People's Republic of China. In Malaysia we have Dataran Merdeka, in China, they have Tiananmen Square. The square is best known for the protest in 1989, where army forced out pro-democracy demonstrators out of the square. Mao's legacy is depicted enormously by this largest square in the world. I wouldn't say the square is a must-see if you are on a short trip in Beijing but if you could spare extra time, you can spend it at the square. Be warned, it's pretty large.

View of Tiananmen Square from Tiananmen Gate

Tiananmen Square is located at the southern of Forbidden City, separated by Tiananmen Gate. The gate is one of the famous landmarks where Mao's portrait is hung. The nearest subway stations are either Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West on Line 1. In spite of the free entrance, the square is heavily secured: fenced and guarded where you need to go through security check (just like any other huge attraction sites in China). It's advisable to bring your passport along with you in case the guards asking for it (for not looking like Chinese).

Tiananmen Gate by day

Tiananmen Gate by night

I believe you could walk up to top of Tiananmen Gate with a fee, in which I opt that out during my visit. I proceed to the square itself in which it is enclosing Mausoleum of Mao ZeDong, the place where Mao's body is preserved and open to public (0800 - 1130 hours, 1400 - 1600 hours). 

From the left: Monument to the People's Heroes, Mausoleum of Mao ZeDong, surrounded by Tiananmen Square with its flowery landscape

It is free to enter the hall but you are not allowed to bring any sorts of rucksack in. If you are travelling in group, I would suggest you to take turn to go in to take care of one another's bag. Otherwise, you can choose to rent a locker at the cost of 17 RMB in which you need cross the street (in which I don't think find it's worth it). There is signage to lead you there. Obviously, you can't take photos inside the hall. The body is kept in a glass box which extended up to the ceiling. I have to be honest, I'm not sure if the body is real as it appears more like a wax figure to me. The local Chinese, I noticed, would pay respect as they pass by. You won't be able to halt in the hall as everyone needs to move continuously. Exiting the hall at the back and you shall see a monument.

To the east of square, there lies National Museum of China. Again, with passport in your hand, you can enter the museum for free. The place displays various exhibitions that tell the stories since ancient times until modern days. My knowledge on China history is rather limited but there are some parts of the displays you can appreciate and along the way, learn more on those days (like the Nanjing massacre). There is one particular section I spend most time is the one that exhibit the gift exchange between China and foreign countries.

National Museum of China

These are the ones provided by Malaysian Government to China

This pair of porcelain swans is my personal favourite.

Beijing Trip Journey:

1. Beginning of Maternal Ancestral Journey

2. Trespassing The Forbidden City

3. A Summer Escapade

4. A Great Scam at the Wall
5. Mao's Legacy
6. Temples Hopping
7. Walks in the Parks
8.  Gastronomical Hunt