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

Beijing Trip: A Great Scam at the Wall

"不到长城非好汉"

Didn't make it to the Great Wall are not considered man.

The Great Wall is never a continuous structure and its estimated length is about 8851km despite of the literal meaning of the chinese name is The Long City of Ten Thousand Miles. It is believed that the construction began back in 221 BC during Qin Dynasty, when China was unified for very first time. The work continues through Han Dynasty, Jin Dynasty and Ming Dynasty marks the final construction phase. It seems that the wall didn't prove to be a reliable military defence due to the gaps among the structure. Fall of Ming Dynasty was due to the traitor opening up the gate though which lead the invasion of Machus which spelt the birth of Qing Dynasty. It serves as a good highway for transportation of human and equipments. Today, it is recognised as one of the wonders of the world.

On the day that I knew that I will be visiting the Great Wall, I can't help but to feel very excited. Forbidden City is one of the major reasons that triggers my motivation to visit Beijing but there is no way in the world I would opt out the Great Wall of my must-see list. There are quite a number of sections that you could pay a visit. The most famous one is Badaling (of course, most crowded) and most parts at this section are rebuilt, and hence I feel it makes it less authentic than the real great wall. Regardless, it is popular as it is the nearest to Beijing city and there is frequent bus schedule for you to visit Badaling. For my own visit, I went with my hostelmates and we decided to hire a private taxi as we chose to visit Jinshanling, which is about 142km away from the city.

Had an early start and we arrived at the place around 9am. For the first time I was in China, I could see clear blue sky. The air was definitely fresher there, to be surrounded by the green rather than concrete jungle. Entrance fee at this section of the wall is RMB65.

Entrance of Jinshanling

I remember you need to walk for quite a distance from the gate before reaching the bottom of the wall. Slowly, the great wall came to sight and I never stop to feel amazed. Until today it is still feel like a dream. About less than half an hour later, I believe we went up to the rebuilt section of the wall that lead us up to the tower. The ascent began.

Commencement of our climb at Jinshanling 

Most of the first part of the climb are mostly restored/rebuilt. The climb was rather easy at this point of time as the steps are consistent from one to another. I would like to point out that for the first time also, I didn't see many tourists at this place, which makes my trip a little more peaceful than the first 2 days. I could enjoy the view better. I can't lie, the view at the wall is just so magnificent. You will be always in awe wherever you go.

 One of the towers, I believe but the pathway is nowhere to be seen. Should be buried by the earth over the years.

 This path is prominently restored compared to later section. You can almost imagine yourself at the old days when this structure was at its prime glory

At this section you could see the bushes of green on the walkway. Extra precaution is needed at this place because you can actually walk off the wall at the side as the barrier is gone

 Look out from one tower to another

 Look at that stretch of wall! How can you not be amazed by that? On the other note, I can think that how far that we need to go.

 Rest be assured it was an up and down journey. Just be prepared for it.

 My hostelmates that tagged along during my climb: Kiwi, Swiss (Mathias) and German (Gregor). Being the only guy who can converse in Mandarin, I was mistaken as the tour guide by the local merchants.

"Cold water. Cold water. Beer. Beer."

This path is rather steep and there is no steps as you can see from the photo. It is not so much about going up. It's the matter of not sliding down when returning to the gate. 

 Some of the steps gap is really huge..

 My hostelmates decided that this tower at this peak should be our final stop before detouring

A picture of me with Great Wall before heading back

I didn't bring any lotion to the trip in which I thought I could sustain the heat from the climb. Only to find out that I had sunburn when returning to the hostel. (My hostelmates did bring theirs but I didn't accept their offer.)

Some of you might wonder what's with the title of this post. It might not be a scam, really. It's more like my pure innocence (or kindness) towards strangers. At one of the towers, as I was walking around, an old lady approached me saying about the view is nicer if I get to top of the tower and so I did. As I left the tower, the lady followed us. I didn't notice it at first but I realised she followed our pace. We walked, she walked. We stopped, she stopped. In my mind I was like, "Shit, really?" Nightmare came true when she asked whether we want to buy souvenirs. My hostelmates were adamant of not buying any. Being able to speak in Mandarin (it felt like a curse at that point of time), she told me that she would stop following us if I buy stuff from her. In the end, I bought an overpriced shirt (Never in my life I bargain at that point of time). Feel cheated for a while but looking at the other side of coin, the old lady could make good use of the money to sustain her living. 

Great Wall of China, you are missed by yours truly.

It was Moon Cake Festival on the day of our climb. There was nothing much going on in the town. I was speaking with one of the locals at my hostel and she said usually Chinese stay at home on that very day, spending time with their family. I was expecting "tanglung" parade or some sort. There was a place I intended to visit which is "Marco Polo" brige but to rely on public transport (subway, I mean) deemed not practical because it is quite a distant from the city and I was still tired after a long day at the wall. In the end, I enjoy the brightly-lit moon at Wangfujing street.

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: A Summer Escapade

Aside from Forbidden City and Great Wall of China, Summer Palace is one of the places that one should visit in Beijing. This site may not be depicted extensively as much as Forbidden City in popular culture, this palace does have its charm of its own time. Summer Palace (its original name was Garden of Clear Ripples) was created by Emperor Qian Long which was used as escapade site during summer. Despite of the Second Opium War in 1860 and Boxer Rebellion in 1900, pretty much of the sites are well-preserved and restored, from the way I look at it it is. Summer Palace is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1998.

"Yi He Yuan" is quite a distance from Beijing City and you should use Beijing Subway to get there, using Line 4 stops at Beigongmen (literally means North Palace Gate). I bought combination entrance ticket at 60 RMB which inclusive  access to Suzhou Street, Tower of Buddhist Incense, Dehe Hall and Wenchang Hall. These entrance tickets can be bought at separate time if you couldn't make your mind earlier.

Suzhou Street is one the first sites that you could pay a visit which is optional. It is excluded from Summer Palace entrance ticket package.

Suzhou Street

One-way street by the river, you could stroll along the shops like an ancient Chinese man. You could buy souvenirs and there are food stalls available too (I didn't buy nor eat any). 

Exiting from Suzhou Street, there are two ways to go; ahead is hiking up to Longevity Hill or turn right and follow the pathway heading to Kunming Lake.  I went for second alternative.

Kunming Lake

Kunming Lake occupies around three quarters of Summer Palace. The lake is so huge that you will require quite sometime to walk around it. Think twice before you go for it if you don't feel like detouring afterwards. As you can see from the photo above, you can opt for a boat ride across the lake. Continue to walk along and you shall arrive at Long Corridor.

Long Corridor

The 700m roofed pathway was built for the emperors to be shielded from external elements. There were four pavilions along the way and the ceilings are decorated with paintings and as far as I remember, there is no repeating patterns. I was rather amazed with the persistence of ancient Chinese artist to actually paint the whole corridor.

Tower of Buddhist Incense

One of the sights that you cannot miss is the Tower of Buddhist Incense, which is at top of Longevity Hill. Walking up the hill and a number of pavilions shall come to sight. You will be able to have a view of Kunming Lake as you reach the peak.

View of Kunming Lake (the weather is not really favourable)

My entrance inclusive of access to Dehe Garden in which it has a big stage there. When I passed by the place I was just in time for 30-minute show. I was expecting there would be Chinese Opera. Instead, I was entertained by Chinese orchestra, Chinese dance and the show concluded with Face Changing performance.

The Great Stage

Theatre-Box Corridors, where the royals sit to watch the performance

Moving on and I arrived at Hall of Benevolence & Longevity. It is the main building at the ground level with a great courtyard. You shall see a bronze animal statue.

"Qilin", a mythical hybrid animal that appeared on earth only at times of harmony

I continued to walk along the lake and I reach 17-arch bridge that connects to South Lake Island. You should be able to count the number of arch in the photo below.

17-Arch Bridge

I continued to stroll around Kunming Lake and South Lake to return to North Palace Gate. I couldn't recall how long the walk was but I remembered it was around 3pm when I ended my visit at Summer Palace (I started at 10am.) It would be quite a walk to surround the lake and you can choose to turn back after visiting South Lake Island.

This view of Marble Boat on the left and Tower of Buddhist Incense on the right completed my visit at Summer Palace.

My agenda of the day is yet to complete as my next stop is Old Summer Palace (Yuanming Yuan). Using the same subway line, Yuanming Yuan is just 2 stops away from Beigongmen. This royal park looked rather different due to its European style, which incorporates fountains and baroque statuary. Due to the opium war in 1860, most of the structures in the park were destroyed except for European palace buildings which are made of stone. 

Broken-Arch Bridge

Looking at these ruins reminded me a little of Acropolis back in Greece.

Great Fountain Ruins (Dashuifa)

Dashuifa is one of the best preserved (most famous) relics in the park. Opposite of the fountain are 5 large stone screens embellished with European carvings of military flags, armour, swords and guns. (additional entrance fee is required to view this section of the park.)

Guanshuifa

As the sun started to set, I was in the park for 2 hours and began my journey returning to hostel after a long day. Before I call it a day, there was a Black Swan lake in the park in which I sighted a number of swans there.

Black Swan Lake at Yuanming Yuan

Summer Palace and Yuanming Yuan pretty much concluded my palace visit for this trip.

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