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Tag Archives: prc

Luoxiagou (Falling Clouds Ditch) & Dongchuan Redland – Yunnan Province – PRC – September 2018

19 Wednesday Dec 2018

Posted by SueT唐 梦 琇 in Travels inside China

≈ 36 Comments

Tags

Dongchuan Redland, Falling Clouds Ditch, Luoxiagou, prc, travelling with friends, Yunnan Province

The colourful terraces of China

fullsizeoutput_4b1In September this year my friend Jon and I travelled from Sichuan Province to Yunnan Province by bullet train and intended traveling around the province for about seven days.  Jon had never been to Yunnan so I wanted to show him around but decided not to re-visit places I had been to.  We didn’t want to stay very long in the capital so I arranged a tour guide and driver to take us to Dongchuan Redland which is about a four hour drive northeast of Kunming and has an altitude of around  1800 – 2600 metres. fullsizeoutput_4a9fullsizeoutput_4a6When we reached Dongchuan we stopped many times at Luoxiagou [Falling Cloud Ditch] to take photos of the beautiful landscape.  Luoxiagou is surrounded by mountains and is adorned with traditional local villages and colourful fields – absolutely stunning!fullsizeoutput_4a7fullsizeoutput_4abfullsizeoutput_4b0fullsizeoutput_4a8We arrived later in the afternoon which is said to be the best time for photography.
fullsizeoutput_4affullsizeoutput_4acfullsizeoutput_4aefullsizeoutput_4b4It was then time to drive to our hotel which was chosen by our tour guide.  This meant I had no idea what was in store apart from our guide was told we wanted four or five star!  But in China this could mean ‘China 4 star hard bed’ and not ‘Western 4 star comfy bed’…

We travelled down a very steep mountain which only allowed one car on the road at one time.  Lucky for us no other vehicles were on the road.  We then arrived at the most beautiful grounds surrounding a gorgeous hotel.  The first thing we did after we were shown our rooms was to take a walk around the gardens.  Lovely little bridges over small running streams, beautiful shrubs and trees, paved pathways and lush green grass.fullsizeoutput_4a2fullsizeoutput_4a1fullsizeoutput_49cfullsizeoutput_49aWe were the only guests at the hotel along with our driver and guide and the staff asked us to select our fresh vegetables and meat [for Jon] from a large selection in the kitchen.  Of course eggplant was selected for me and a local meat and vegetable dish for Jon.  I enjoyed a lovely pot of Chinese tea whilst Jon tasted the local beer.  Then it was time for bed.  My room was lovely with a nice ensuite…bed pretty comfy…yay!!fullsizeoutput_499The next morning, we enjoyed a pot of tea in the dining room after which we departed for Dongchuan Redland.  The Redland has high temperatures and abundant rainfall which makes the iron in the earth oxidised and together with different crops and unpredictable light it brings about fabulous coloured [and spectacular] scenery. fullsizeoutput_4b6fullsizeoutput_4b5fullsizeoutput_4c0Autumn in China (September to November) is a great time to visit and photograph the red fields or red earth.  Whilst I could see the red earth, our guide told us that it was a little late in the season to see the bright red colour.  He did say that the farmers turn over the fields for new crops including highland barley and wheat which add more colour to the landscape.

We also saw a few healthy cows on the hillside with a spectacular backdrop of coloured terraces.IMG_3372fullsizeoutput_4b9fullsizeoutput_4b7We stopped off at a lovely local restaurant for lunch.  Great views from here also and there was a walkway really high up across part of the river; there was no way [ever] I was walking on it…Jon did!

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IMG_3386IMG_3373Then it was time to drive four hours back to Kunming for an overnight stay before we departed for another road trip to see the Yuanyang Terraces but more on that later!

 

Stanley Beach (Chek Chue 赤柱) – Hong Kong Island – PRC – April 2018

19 Monday Nov 2018

Posted by SueT唐 梦 琇 in Travels inside China

≈ 16 Comments

Tags

Chek Chue, dining with friends, Hong Kong, Ma Hang Park, Murray House, prc, Repulse Bay, Stanley Beach, Stanley Main Street

A great day out with friends in Hong Kong

fullsizeoutput_435I have known my Hong Kong friend Irene and her family since 2008 so when I visited in April this year, I gave her notice and she arranged a full day and evening out so we could spend as much time as possible together.

Irene and her husband Ben picked up Naomi and I up from our hotel and we drove to Stanley which is a coastal town and located on a peninsular on Hong Kong Island.  I do love the drive down through Repulse Bay looking at all the very expensive homes and huge apartment blocks which are not as tall once you actually reach Stanley.stanley6fullsizeoutput_42efullsizeoutput_429Our first stop was the lovely little Stanley Post Office, a small temple then a walk through the markets which are an array of small indoor shops selling absolutely anything you might want.  I find them rather commercial now and a little bit expensive [for markets] but I did buy some lovely linen napkins.fullsizeoutput_420fullsizeoutput_424

fullsizeoutput_421 Stanley Main Street was our next port of call which is located on the waterfront with some great restaurants, bars and pubs and great views of Stanley Main Beach.  fullsizeoutput_42bfullsizeoutput_42aLots of people were out and about walking with their families which included their furry children; some paws I think have never touched the paths.fullsizeoutput_42dfullsizeoutput_428The waterfront is pretty special both from Stanley Main Street or from Ma Hong Park side.fullsizeoutput_41efullsizeoutput_433fullsizeoutput_42fMurray House is definitely worth a visit.  It’s a lovely 160-year old restored three-storey colonial building which was originally located in Central and reassembled to Stanley in early 2000’s. It is one of Hong Kong’s longest surviving buildings and has become an iconic landmark in Hong Kong which now houses a range of restaurants and shops.  Nice views from the archways too. out over the water.fullsizeoutput_432fullsizeoutput_430fullsizeoutput_431We then took a walk through Ma Hong Park and up to a small temple before heading back to Stanley Main Street.  We chose The Boathouse; a bright yellow three storey building overlooking Stanley Bay where we sat upstairs and enjoyed a plate of chips, calamari and glasses of wine.  Irene and Ben’s eldest daughter joined us and ordered a great looking chocolate dessert.

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fullsizeoutput_422fullsizeoutput_425By this time it was getting late so we left to make our way back to Wan Chai for a late dinner.fullsizeoutput_426Great day with so many laughs and lovely memories to bring back to Australia.

 

 

 

 

Sky100 Observation Deck – International Commerce Centre – Kowloon – Hong Kong – PRC – April 2018

07 Wednesday Nov 2018

Posted by SueT唐 梦 琇 in Travels inside China

≈ 25 Comments

Tags

drinks with friends, Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, International Finance Centre, Kowloon, prc, Ritz Carlton Hotel Hong Kong, Sky100 Observation Deck, Star Ferry

Drinks at Hong Kong’s tallest building

Image 7-11-18 at 17.56The International Commerce Centre (ICC) is a 118 storey commercial building in Hong Kong, and its tallest.  It does have two sister buildings over Victoria Harbour on Hong Kong Island ( the International Finance Centre) where one is the second tallest in HK but it was the ICC that I wanted to visit as had been told the views from the roof were amazing.fullsizeoutput_40bWhilst in Hong Kong earlier this year my Aussie friend Naomi and a HK friend and I went for drinks at the Ritz Carlton Hotel which is located on floors 102 to 118 of the ICC.  A cosy and dark [albeit extremely glamorous] lift took eighty-seconds to reach the 102nd floor which is the Ritz Carlton lobby.

I took a photo of the lift and sent to my brother as he cannot travel in lifts unless they have glass walls; makes him very anxious so our stays in hotels in the UK and UAE last year were very interesting for him; lots of fire-stairs and he would never have been able to travel in this one!!fecc87c5-0baa-4638-a238-b800415cb7d9The foyer has an amazing chandelier and a very large sparkly panda bear…38b6991b-2215-44d6-98e4-b61d8a40a048fullsizeoutput_402As we were about half hour early for the opening of the Sky100 bar, we decided to walk around the hotel.  I must say I have never seen anything so glamorous and to top it off spectacular views over the harbour and Hong Kong Island.fullsizeoutput_40bThe hotel has two Michelin-starred restaurants; Cantonese and Italian.  The Italian restaurant is beautiful; very modern with another amazing chandelier.  The floor to ceiling windows provide incredible views…shame we were not there for dinner! And the Cantonese restaurant is also beautiful; modern with a necessary Chinese feel.8d91e83a-2b39-4f02-bf25-69eb42ebd2d6RCHKKOW_00196.png-2I found the hallways leading to the private dining rooms magnificent; it was like walking through a Christmas wonderland…2431976b-48a5-42ea-b3c8-768d77ae37a0I did take a lot of photos of the dining rooms, restaurants and other areas but for some reason I cannot find any of my photos so all photos on this blog are courtesy of my friend Naomi [thank you].

The rooftop lounge and Sky100 bar is located three levels down in the ICC.  We took the glamorous elevator and stepped into the bar area which was something special; all modern, blue lighting with modern seating, great floors and a lowered ceiling.

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(this photo source: internet)

We ordered a bottle of champagne and the three of us realised we were rather hungry after a full day of sightseeing.  champersWe ordered some snacks; fries [no surprises there], spring rolls and couple of other things that I now can’t remember.  We enjoyed lovely views from our table and then as the sun was setting we had beautiful views of the harbour and over to Hong Kong Island.  Pretty special!!fullsizeoutput_412fullsizeoutput_41afullsizeoutput_41cIt was then time for Naomi and I to take the ferry back to Hong Kong Island to our hotel…I have such a soft spot for the gorgeous Star Ferry and every time I return to Hong Kong I always take the ride across the harbour!Image 171Image 237Image 239What an afternoon; what a night!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lavender Gardens – Chaoyang District – Beijing & Bullet Train to Shenyang – Liaoning Province – PRC – September 2018

10 Wednesday Oct 2018

Posted by SueT唐 梦 琇 in Travels inside China

≈ 39 Comments

Tags

beijing, Beijing Blues Lavender Manor, Bullet train, Chaoyang District, Lavender Gardens, Liaoning Province, prc, Shenyang

When is lavender not lavender!!!

fullsizeoutput_3bbBefore heading to China last month I read about places around Beijing that had the top lavender gardens.  I love brightly coloured fields so took down the details of the one I thought was the best (Beijing Blues Lavender Manor) and arranged a driver to take us there a couple of days after arriving.  It took us over an hour from our Airbnb and it really was out the back of no-where; a downtrodden old street with huge construction over the road and on each side of the entry gates.

This is what the gardens looked like on the internet …be assured they looked absolutely nothing like this.b41a0db18723d0d497766ee02f981530wKgB4lKe7xSAb6XqAA0Vh04Cj6o22We hesitated as we arrived at the front gate because we were greeted by these two ‘people’…mmm not a great start.fullsizeoutput_3b6But because we had driven so far we decided to pay our 20 RMB ($4 AUD) each to go inside as I really wanted to see the beautiful lavender fields.  We started walking around the paths and the first tree we see is one with fake orange leaves and cheap umbrellas around the trunk.  Second bad sign.fullsizeoutput_3b7And then we were welcomed by some unusual little rope people along the pathway but no lavender yet…fullsizeoutput_3b8Then…in the distance we see a small field of purple but it was not lavender; they were some sort of weed and as we walked alongside we saw a chair in the middle of the field – guess this is in case you get tired and need a rest? But the ‘lavender’ had grown over so we decided not to stop!!fullsizeoutput_3b9fullsizeoutput_3baAs can be seen, this small field looks absolutely nothing like the internet photos but to add to our amusement there were a few other ‘interesting’ garden ornaments.

A lovely swing with artificial flowers…fullsizeoutput_3beAn old stone carriage that was impossible to enter…fullsizeoutput_3c0An interesting structure which I said looked like an outdoor toilet complete with more artificial flowers but no toilet!fullsizeoutput_3bcAnd I have no idea why rope Sponge Bob Square Pants was there but he was as were some unusual signs.fullsizeoutput_3c1fullsizeoutput_3bdNo more ‘lavender’ but a farewell from some more rope people. fullsizeoutput_3c2We haven’t laughed so much and spoke of this experience during the next four weeks travelling around China!  Our next stop was Liaoning Province over north/east China and we caught the fabulous bullet train from Beijing but it was Golden Week (national holidays) which meant all Chinese are on holidays.  Most of them at the train station…fullsizeoutput_3c3fullsizeoutput_3c4What a great experience travelling in business class with huge chairs, complimentary snacks, water, Chinese tea and slippers…fullsizeoutput_3c6fullsizeoutput_3c7fullsizeoutput_3c5fullsizeoutput_3c8And travelling at speeds of over 300km/h checking out the cities and rapeseed fields along the way.fullsizeoutput_3c9fullsizeoutput_3cafullsizeoutput_3cb

 

 

Xilamuren Grasslands – Baotou City – Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region – PRC – September 2018

30 Sunday Sep 2018

Posted by SueT唐 梦 琇 in Travels inside China

≈ 23 Comments

Tags

Bautou City, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, Inner Mongolia Grasslands, prc, Xilamuren Grasslands

Another Chinese region visited…

fullsizeoutput_3a2When I lived in Beijing some years ago, I arranged to visit Inner Mongolia on two separate occasions but on both times my return flights were cancelled and I ended up cancelling the whole trip as I was very concerned I would get stuck there for nearly week; and really once you have seen the downtown/a museum/temples and the grasslands there is not that much to do because it’s either very hot or very cold!

But on this occasion our flights were not cancelled and we flew from north/east China to Hohhot the capital of Inner Mongolia.  I had arranged a tour guide and we were collected from the airport and taken for some lunch then to do some sightseeing (more on that later).  We arrived at a lovely series of buildings one containing our restaurant.fullsizeoutput_3b3fullsizeoutput_3b4The interior of the restaurant was quite interesting and I couldn’t work out if the artificial flowers were a regular feature or there was a special event [perhaps a wedding] later that afternoon.fullsizeoutput_3ae

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But the food was pretty good as I was concerned being a vegan in Inner Mongolia.  As the Mongols eat an incredible amount of mutton and drink Yaks milk, I thought I might have to eat  a lot of almonds that I had brought from Australia…but at this restaurant there were no issues.  I enjoyed ma po dofu [tofu cooked in a spicy chilli sauce], a fabulous noodle dish and the largest pile of bread I have seen in a while.  Lucky our guide was there to da bao [take the remaining food home].fullsizeoutput_3af

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On our second day we drove from Hohhot to the Xilamuren Grasslands in Baotou City which was about a four hour drive.  Our first stop was to be what I thought a wonderful cultural event.  How wrong was I!!  The place was old and unfortunately reminded me of a tacky theme park.fullsizeoutput_3a6We arrived in the middle of no-where to a [rather bored] locally dressed welcoming committee who gave us a local spirit to drink in a small silver bowl [tasted exactly like Chinese alcohol {bai jiu} which is definitely not on my favourite drinks list] and a blue nylon scarf [hada] was placed around our necks as a welcoming gift.

The area contained many yurts which is used as accommodation for those wishing to stay overnight.  I have no idea what you would do here for a few days.  We walked around a bit and went inside one to see what was inside the yurt.  It was pretty basic but clean and tidy.fullsizeoutput_3a0fullsizeoutput_3a3Our guide then took us to a large yurt where we had lunch and as it was 1230pm, the majority of Chinese visitors had finished and we were quite alone in this cavernous room.fullsizeoutput_3b5I mentioned before the lunch was good; so different on this day.  I was given a plate of cabbage in some yucky sauce and my friend Jon had mutton soup [which he said was disgusting – way too oily] and some mutton cut up.  Also said this was awful.  Even our guide apologised and said the food in the grasslands was not good and he disliked it.  But staff were very friendly so I just drank Chinese tea and omitted to take photos as food was not appealing even to look at.

Our guide then asked us if we wanted to see Mongolian wrestling and horseback riding which was an additional charge, following which we could take a horse ride.  Horse racing, wrestling and archery are the main sporting traditions of the Mongols but it was all a bit too commercialised for me and if the wrestlers and horseback riders were as excited as our welcoming committee, I knew we were not in for a treat.8523559147_11332f9d14_b(source: Wikipedia)

Also I dislike riding horses, so I asked if our guide could take us to the grasslands for us to walk around and take some photos.  He was very happy to do this and on our way out we saw Chinese visitors coming in with luggage [looking very happy to be there – guess its horses for courses] and some taking a horseback ride.fullsizeoutput_3a5We drove about ten minutes up a mountain and this enabled us to walk around for the next hour or so.  IMG_2865As it was September, the grasslands were not green but I still found them beautiful.  The sky was a gorgeous blue and cloud formation lovely.  I enjoyed breathing in the fresh air and taking in the sights.  This was definitely what I came to Inner Mongolia to do and see.IMG_2897IMG_2891For anyone who does not know, Inner Mongolia borders Russia and Outer Mongolia and is about 1000 metres above sea level.  It’s a pretty large land surrounded region, actually the widest in China covering 2,500 kilometres from west to east.  Our guide told us that the following week would be his last tour to the grasslands as the weather turns and becomes too cold for visiting.  I think I was therefore very lucky to be able to walk the area with a little bit of sunshine.fullsizeoutput_3aafullsizeoutput_3abfullsizeoutput_3aafullsizeoutput_3a4We finished our walk and headed back on our four hour drive to Hohhot.  Whilst we did have some laughs, I am incredibly happy I made the effort to go to Inner Mongolia as this was a pretty special day.

Tian’anmen Square & the Forbidden City – Beijing – PRC – September 2018

08 Saturday Sep 2018

Posted by SueT唐 梦 琇 in Travels inside China

≈ 31 Comments

Tags

beijing, Chinese cuisine, Eggplant, Forbidden City, GuGong, Lavender Gardens, People's Republic of China, prc, Tian'anmen Square

A great way to start my return to China

fullsizeoutput_33bI start off leaving from Canberra and arrive at Sydney Airport from Canberra for five weeks in the ‘Middle Kingdom’ and because this year [and last] I achieved Qantas Platinum Frequent Flyer Status I take my friend Jon and I into the First Class Lounge.  On our last occasion we saw a famous movie star so that was pretty cool and on previous occasions I really look forward to ordering scrambled eggs, hash browns and sourdough toast but since becoming a vegan, eggs are out so it was delicious sourdough, hash browns and avocado and…a glass of champagne!IMG_2456Before I leave for any overseas holiday, I do a lot of research about where I want to go and then type out a full itinerary which includes details of places to visit/who I will see/my driver [if there is one]/costs and accomodation details.  My friends who travel with me love it because all details are in one document and it might include a map and a link to the place we intend to visit.  However, I do always leave time for resting as that is just as important to me as sightseeing.  This time was no different…a complete itinerary.IMG_2510We arrive in Beijing nearing midnight and I had booked an Airbnb in Sanlitun [area that is know for the location of many embassies and lots of restaurants and bars].  Our accommodation was great and the weather was amazing the next day; skies were blue [surprisingly]…but so welcome as we had great views from our apartment.fullsizeoutput_33eOur first day and evening we went for a walk around the local area and saw some great buildings; some I had not seen before in the two years since I had been to Beijing.fullsizeoutput_33ffullsizeoutput_343fullsizeoutput_340IMG_2505Our second day, I had arranged a private driver, one I used when I lived in Beijing, to pick us up to take us to the Forbidden City.  Both Jon and I had been to there separately before, but I really wanted to go back and walk slowly through and see things I had not seen before.  It was worth it as we arrived early and our fabulous driver Mr Mike had already booked us tickets so there was no need to line up; just arrive show our passports and in we went and as can be seen from my photo so did thousands of other visitors.fullsizeoutput_354But before we arrived, cars are not allowed to stop on Chang ‘an Jie [street] alongside the Forbidden City or Tian’anmen Square so we parked some distance and after going through security screening (and seeing the long line of Chinese to visit the body of Chairman Mao at his Mausoleum) we entered Tian’anmen.

Looking across Chang’an towards the Forbidden City is the iconic painting of Chairman Mao and also the People’s Liberation Army guarding the Chinese national flag (the former paramilitary flag guards transferred to the PLA in January this year, having guarded the flag since 1982).fullsizeoutput_347fullsizeoutput_350So as I said, we entered the Forbidden City and walked about a couple of hours.  It is a former imperial palace; so impressive and really you could spend days there looking at the individual rooms containing jade, jewellery, wooden structures etc.  Or like me, just loving walking around the ancient buildings because it has such an incredible history having taken fourteen-years to complete by over fourteen-million workers and the fact ordinary people were not allowed to enter without permission! I love hearing the provincial Chinese talking when it is their first visit to such an amazing place they thought they would never access.fullsizeoutput_348fullsizeoutput_349And one of my favourite sites is the rooftops..fullsizeoutput_34aAfterwards we enjoyed a delicious Chinese lunch of eggplant [of course], sautéed cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, a tofu dish [that didn’t look all that good but was absolutely delicious], string beans and mushrooms and duck pancakes for Jon.  And a bottle of New Zealand white wine brought by a dear Chinese friend.fullsizeoutput_353

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fullsizeoutput_34eWhat a great way to start a five week holiday in the Middle Kingdom…so until next time!!fullsizeoutput_345

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tsz Shan Monastery – Hong Kong – PRC – April 2018

02 Thursday Aug 2018

Posted by SueT唐 梦 琇 in Travels inside China

≈ 24 Comments

Tags

Guanyin statue, Hong Kong, prc, Tai Po District, travelling with friends, Tsz Shan Monastery

A sight in Hong Kong – somewhere I hadn’t previously been!

fullsizeoutput_2aaIn 2008 I worked in Hong Kong and had a lovely boss who I have remained friends with albeit long distance.  So prior to arriving in HK, I contacted my friend Evelyn who said she would pick up Naomi and I up from our hotel and take us to a monastery I had not been to.  So off we went in her beautiful Mercedes Benz…what a car..she took us up to Tai Po District which is about a thirty-minute drive from HK Island.

We arrived at the Tsz Shan Monastery located in the hills with spectacular views of the sea and nearby cities.  Evelyn had kindly arranged a private tour for us but firstly we took in the fabulous views…Image 325Image 324fullsizeoutput_2b0Our elderly guide met us and we commenced our tour.  As soon as you arrive at the monastery, the first thing you see is an outdoor bronze statue (Guanyin) which is seventy-six metres high and said to the second highest in the world.  Guanyin is the six armed goddess of mercy and we were told has miraculous powers to assist all those who pray to her. fullsizeoutput_2b5fullsizeoutput_2bdSo because of those miraculous powers, we joined other visitors and walked up to Guanyin to make a water offering in the Thousand Wishes Pond where each of us made a wish.

Our guide had started to give us a complete history lesson of the monastery and Guanyin and because we only had one hour, I was trying to get him to walk and talk; to little avail!

He walked us around the grounds walking up the Compassion Path to the Grand Buddha Hall and the Universal Main Hall; all the while explaining (in incredible slow detail!) its history which I must admit mostly went over my head as words to describe buddhas like Sakyamuni and Bhaiṣajyaguru were hard to comprehend.

So mostly I enjoyed the beautiful scenery and serenity of the place.  fullsizeoutput_2b2Image 336fullsizeoutput_2b9I do remember a few things though.  One is that the monastery is a sanctuary for the purpose of spiritual purification.  Secondly it is open to the public who can attend various activities where compassion and wisdom are the main themes.  I think this would be a lovely thing to do.Image 332fullsizeoutput_2b8Our dear guide was told we only had a short time but because he wanted to ensure we were told everything about the history, Evelyn had to remind him of our time restraints – but that didn’t matter he kept on talking.  Very sweet man but boy could he talk!!

Finally we made it clear we really had to leave…our guide understood and after a quick look at these scary statues, we left.  It definitely was worth the visit but I don’t suggest a private tour unless you have many hours to spare.fullsizeoutput_2affullsizeoutput_2abfullsizeoutput_2acAnd the reason we had to leave is we were driving back to Kowloon [as this was our last evening in HK], to see the sun set from Ritz Carlton Ozone rooftop bar which is located in the International Commerce Centre, HK’s tallest building.  We definitely didn’t want to miss that…but more on that in another post.

 

 

 

 

Street Art and buildings – Hong Kong – PRC – April 2018

11 Monday Jun 2018

Posted by SueT唐 梦 琇 in Travels inside China

≈ 29 Comments

Tags

buildings in Hong Kong, Hong Kong, prc, Street Art, travelling with friends

More great things to see in Hong Kong

fullsizeoutput_240On a hot Saturday in Hong Kong, my friend Naomi and I took the free shuttle from our hotel to Central to meet another friend, Raegan who was coming in from Guangzhou on the train.  We found a nice little bar to grab a drink and get out of the heat which allowed us all to catch up especially with Raegan as I had not seen her for some time.fullsizeoutput_167We then decided to take a walk along Hollywood Road checking out some of the antiques (overpriced) and also some of the street art along the way.fullsizeoutput_166fullsizeoutput_16bfullsizeoutput_165Hong Kong has such lovely old streets and bars and we walked past one in particular with Chinese umbrellas hanging from the ceiling and waiters wearing traditional Chinese costumes.fullsizeoutput_241I was able to get a good shot of one of the waiters taking his break…fullsizeoutput_169We found a lovely little tapas restaurant for lunch where the food was really good. Lots of vegetarian options and both friends were happy to eat mostly vegetable dishes but I forgot to take photos.  After a fabulous afternoon we went back to Central to the shops before Raegan had to take the MTR over to Kowloon for the train back to Guangzhou.

I did take some photos though of the wonderful buildings of Hong Kong, on our way back to the hotel; some colourful, some with washing drying on a clothes line from a tiny balcony…fullsizeoutput_15ffullsizeoutput_164fullsizeoutput_244Some shiny and new…Image 224Some very old…P1010328And one particular building reminding me of the Flatiron building in New York.P1010321I will always love the busy streets of Hong Kong; stores open until late with Chinese signs selling everything from household goods to fresh vegetables and meat and dried seafood.fullsizeoutput_159fullsizeoutput_158Image 243And whilst not a building, there is also the Hong Kong Eye…smaller than some others and although we did not take a ride, I can imagine the views are spectacular.fullsizeoutput_24aAnother great day in Hong Kong.

 

 

Archways of China – PRC – 2010 – 2014

22 Thursday Jun 2017

Posted by SueT唐 梦 琇 in Travels inside China

≈ 24 Comments

Tags

Archways, china, prc

Through the eye of an archway!

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I must say I have always loved taking photos of doorways but I was having a look at my photos from my time in China and realised I clearly have a love of archways also, so I thought I would show some of my favourites from all around the country.  The Great Wall of China has lovely views from its many archways and they all located at different  parts of the Wall; I think they are definitely some of my favourites.

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All throughout the seasons you can find different views through an archway; snow laden parks in winter and people out enjoying themselves along the walkways of the Summer Palace.IMG_5808IMG_4169Monks can be seen through archways as well as a gardener along one of the corridors of the Forbidden City.IMG_3532IMG_5211There are branches falling over sandstone archways as well as glass archways on modern buildings in western China.IMG_3638IMG_5168There are archways on bridges in eastern China to hold the hundreds of thousands of visitors and a view of the beginning of the Ming Tombs from another.IMG_4349IMG_3546Repeating archways; some not for walking through at the Summer Palace in Chengde; others making it easy for visitors to reach the Lama Temple in Beijing.IMG_3587IMG_4178And then there are those archways that are known all throughout the world because they belong to the Forbidden City where the huge portrait of Chairman Mao sits.P1000054Some are just pretty…IMG_4008IMG_3880And others are not as pretty but still very interesting…IMG_3845IMG_4963All in all, some great archways leading to wonderful places in a fabulous country.IMG_5281IMG_4199And finally me on a bike tour with a background of archways at the Belltower in Beijing…IMG_3325

 

 

 

Qianmen Street & Capital M Restaurant – Beijing – PRC- 2010-2013

17 Friday Mar 2017

Posted by SueT唐 梦 琇 in Travels inside China

≈ 24 Comments

Tags

Aussie, beijig, Capital M Restaurant, prc

A western restaurant in Beijing owned by an Aussie from Melbourne

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Capital M Restaurant in Beijing is owned by Michelle Garnaut an Australian from Melbourne – it’s one place I used to take all my visitors so I  think I have been there about twenty times.  It has a sister restaurant in Shanghai called ‘M on the Bund’ again using the initial of the owner Michelle in its name.  I have been to the Shanghai restaurant but my preference is definitely Capital M in Beijing!

The Beijing restaurant is located on Qianmen (front gate) Street which is a famous pedestrian street that runs from the Archery Tower in the north (which can be seen from the restaurant’s terrace) and Tiantan Park in the south.

IMG_1948Qianmen is a lovely street to walk along prior to dining at Capital M as it has beautiful buildings/tea houses/shops and cafes on either side and the majority have been refurbished to resemble the style of the late Qing Dynasty.  The gate is situated to the south of Tian’anmen Square and once guarded the southern entry into the inner city.

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If you are dining at Capital M, it’s a good idea to get dropped off a little earlier at the southern end of Qianmen to enjoy a leisurely stroll or you can take the little tram from one end to the other.  There is also a little street that runs parallel to Qianmen and this one is ‘typical old Chinese’ in that it’s rather dirty and smelly and I just love it.

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The buildings are not refurbished like Qianmen Street which I think is wonderful, and there are  old Chinese men and women selling their wares sitting on dirty old plastic stools.  You can also pop into a typical old style restaurant or buy some of that awful smelling ‘stinky tofu’…but once you get past that smell, you can carry on shopping buying a huge range of incredibly cheap gifts and clothes.

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After a walk, it’s always time for a cocktail before a delicious dinner, so onto Capital M. If the weather is nice then it’s preferable to sit out on the terrace while taking in views of Tian’anmen Square and Mao’s mausoleum or just have a drink on the terrace and enjoy dinner inside.  Day time the views are great (without smog of course) and at dusk it’s spectacular.

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Dining inside is a very special experience with the signature parquet flooring and beautiful  lighting.  And the paintings on the walls are something you just have to see – it’s truly a gorgeous restaurant.

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It’s not just the ambience of this restaurant, the meals are pretty special too.  It’s well known for its crispy suckling pig which of course I would never eat but the Middle Eastern inspired vegetarian platters are great.  The menu changes pretty regularly but what doesn’t change is the famous Capital M pavolva or the equally delicious mille feuille.  Both are truly delicious but in my opinion the pavolva is the winner for sure!  It’s important to keep a small space to enjoy the dessert along with the complimentary sweets – chocolates/turkish delight and other treasures…yum!!

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A definite place to visit whilst in Beijing!

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