HONGKONG-SHENZHEN-MACAU

HONGKONG-SHENZHEN-MACAU

I wanna go Hong Kong! Guess what – I was offered a tour which include Shenzhen (China), Macau and Hong Kong – a perfect combination of 3 in 1. Here, I go for a 5D4N – covering all the three places in one go, in 2005.

SHENZHEN WINDOW OF THE WORLD

DAY 1 & 2 - HONGKONG

Arrived in Hong Kong in Day 1 – free and easy – take a ride of The Peak Tram which is 100-year-old tramway excellence – is a double reversible funicular railway. The track is 1.4 km long with a gradient of between 4 – 27 degrees, rising from 28m to 396m above sea level, located in Central Hongkong.

 

REPULSE BAY

On Day 2 – there are a series of tight program awaiting us namely Repulse Bay, Aberdeen Fishing Village, Golden Bauhinia Square, Temple of Che-Kung, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Ocean Park and Middle Kingdom.

ABERDEEN BAY

Start off with the Che Kung Temple located at the New Territory is an archaic temple dedicated to Che Kung (General Che) who achieved fame putting down a rebellion in south China during the Sung Dynasty period. After his death, people worshiped his courage and bravery and a temple was built to commemorate the hero.

OCEAN PARK

Next, is the Ocean Park is one of the Southeast Asia's largest ocenaria and theme parks. Here, there are fun rides, Adventure Land rides, cable cars and dolphin and sea lion show. There is also an Underwater World showcasing 2000 fishes, including a 1.8m long giant grouper, and its astounding atoll reef.

MIDDLE KINGDOM

Check out the Aberdeen Harbour, Repulse Bay and the Middle Kingdom for the different side of Hong Kong.

AVENUE OF STARS

Aberdeen Harbour is the choice for visitors who wish to look into the life of the fishing community here, join the water-taxi cruise costs HJK30 per person for a 30-minute ride along Aberdeen River. An optional sampan ride at your own expense can be arranged by tour leader.

ABERDEEN BAY SAMPAN RIDE

In contrast to life by the river, is the colonial-style Repulse Bay is home to designer shops, award-winning restaurants and luxury hotels. Here, one can also find the residents of most of the Hong Kong movie stars residing at Repulse Bay. This area is one of the most expensive residential areas in Hong Kong. One can visit the “Longevity Bridge of Kwun Yam Shrine, Repulse to admire the traditional Chinese architecture dominates with swirling dragons, deities, Guan Yin and animal figurines across Repulse Bay.

REPULSE BAY

Not to be missed is of course Hong Kong's Night Life which is non stop sizzling and among the places to visit are Avenue of Stars followed with Lam Kwai Fong Nite Spot for some great entertainment.

LAM KWAI FONG NIGHT LIFE

DAY 3 – SHENZHEN, CHINA

A 45-minute Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) train ride from Hong Kong will take you to Shenzhen, China.

Shenzhen is also named “City of Century and Window of China” that stands towering before the people from all over the world.

WINDOW OF THE WORLD - SPLENDID CHINA

Here, a must visit is the Window of The World – I really love this place – it is really wonder of the world when it comes to capturing the photographs with replica places of the world. Window of the World spans 480,000 square metres – comprises the World Square, Area of Asia, Area of Ocenia, Area of Europe, Area of Africa, Area of America, Area of Eygpt, Area of United Kingdom, World Sculpture Park and the Jurassic Park. Some of the world icons can be seen here as replicas of the Leaning Tower of Piza, Great Wall of China, Pyramids in Eygpt, Grand Canyon USA, Niagara Falls in Canada, Kew Garden in UK and Pagoda in China, among others.

WINDOW OF THE WORLD

At the area of Splendid China, is where you can see all the famous historic sites and spots of China created in miniature in one park. There are more than 80 miniature spots positioned on a giant map of China. It is surely one of the best ways for tourists to get a glimpse of China in terms of geography, history, culture and places of interest.

WINDOW OF WORLD - JAPAN

 

WINDOW OF THE WORLD - PARIS

By night, we were served at a renowned restaurants. After dinner, the highlights to enjoy the “Dancing with Dragon and Phoenix” open air show that showcase a 5000 years of Chinese performing art in dance, acrobatics and opera.

DANCING WITH DRAGON & PHOENIX

DAY 4 – MACAU

A slow coach ride from Shenzhen to Macau takes one hour. Macau is dubbed the “island of casinos” and it is hard to resist the temptation to try your luck especially at the popular casinos such as Casino Lisboa, Casino Jinsha, Casino Sand.

CASINO

Unlike the glitzy Hong Kong or the 'worldly' Shenzhen, Macau is more relaxed and laidback place with a European flavor and a place rich of history of both the Chinese and Portuguese.

Macau, a former Portuguese colony, famous for its unique amalgamation of picturesque Portuguese landmarks, and cobblestone streets, ancient Chinese traditions and Las Vegas style entertainment.

RUINS OF ST PAUL CATHEDRAL CHURCH

Obviously, Macau is incomplete without visiting the Ruins of St Paul's Cathedral Church was designed by a father of Italian nationality. Construction was completed by the Japanese in 1637 but the church caught fire in 1853. Miraculously, fine carvings and statues can be seen the surviving facade. Now only the front wall remains intact.

GODDESS A-MA TEMPLE

The Goddess A-Ma at a height of 20 metres is visible from far out in the South China Sea. The statue, built in the 16^th century, sits on the 170-metre high Coloane Peak, a boulder-strew hill. A-Ma, one of the most important temples in Macau is tagged to an interesting tale.

A contemporary landmark is none other than the 338-metre Macau Tower where you can engage in adrenaline-pumping activities such as mast climbing and sky walking.

The coach en-route a city tour around Macau – by passing the Casino King Stanley's resident and the Kun Iam Statue which is one of Macau popular landmark.

DAY 5 – BACK TO HONG KONG – DEPART FOR KLIA

A brief shopping spree at Lou Yang Kai (Ladies Street), before waving farewell to Hong Kong.

LADIES ROAD

 

OCTOBER 14 – 18, 2005

BEIJING

BEIJING – CAPITAL OF CHINA

It was a friend's company trip, and my mother and me were cordially invited to join them for a 6D5N tour to Beijing, in 2005.

ICON OF CHINA - GREAT WALL OF CHINA

TIANANMEN SQUARE

TIANANMEN SQUARE – is the largest public square in the world and is considered a symbol of the People's Republic of China. The square is surrounded b a cluster of buildings including Tiananmen Gate, The Forbidden City, the Great Wall of the People, The Monument of the People's Heroes and the Mao Zedong Mausoleum. Tiananmen attracts thousands of visitors every year due to its political and historical significance. The square was renovated for the celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

FORBIDDEN CITY

FORBIDDEN CITY also known as Former Palace was the imperial residence of the Ming (1368 – 1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties. The complex has 70 structures and more than 9,000 rooms. It is surrounded by a high wall and encircled by a moat. It is turned into a museum in the early 20^th century, it houses a collection of fine treasures. The National Party took a large number of these treasures to Taiwan in 1949, but 900,000 relics remain. There is a royal garden at the back of the palace.

SUMMER PALACE

SUMMER PALACE – The Summer Palace was the royal summer residence during the Qing Dynasty. The palace grounds cover an area of 290 hectares, ¾ of which is Kunming Lake. Within the grounds there is a diverse collection of gardens that form a overall harmony. During summer, this attraction offers a number of pleasant respites from Urban Beijing including walks along the West Bank or through the elaborate Xie Qu Garden. The Summer Palace is known for its 17-arch bridge, and the long corridor decorated with brightly-colored paintings.

TEMPLE OF HEAVEN

TEMPLE OF HEAVEN – The stunning temple park was built between 1406 – 1420, situated at the south of the City. Here, the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties prayed, through an elaborate ritual, to the Gods for good rains and harvests. There are 4 main areas – Round Altar, Echo Wall, Vault of Heaven and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a symbol of Beijing, and a whisper at any point on the echo wall can be heard anywhere else along its length.

GREAT WALL OF CHINA

GREAT WALL OF CHINA – stretches east to west for more than 5000 km. Its origins can be traced to the 7^th BC century, when independent kingdoms constructed separate walls to keep out marauding nomads. China's first emperor linked many of these during the Qing Dynasty (221-207 BC). It was renovated several times in later centuries. Built along the rolling ridges of steep mountains, it offers spectacular awe-inspiring views. After walking at least to the middle of the wall, I feel that I have achieved something – an additional visited place for the Wonders of the World – where the Great Wall of China is in the list.

GREAT WALL OF CHINA

 QIANMEN TOWER (QIANMENJIANLOU)- was built during the Ming Dynasty and has nine city gates one of which is the Gate of Victory. The emperor was the only person allowed to enter through the gate. Today, visitors can visit the tower and the 'feng shui museum' located on the tower ground.

QIANMEN TOWER

UNDERGROUND CITY – was opened in 2000. It was once a tunnel used between 1969 and 1979 to protect the people during a war between China and Russia. In the tunnel, there is a meeting room, soldier room, hospital, arsenal, military factory and even a silk factory. 

UNDERGROUND CITY

SHOPPING – for those who cannot do without shopping, go to Liu Li Chang cultural street or the antiques street, Wan Fu Jing Shopping Area similar to Singapore's Orchard Road, Want Fu Jing Night Market, Jade Factor (Jin Siwei Yuqilin Shopping Centre), Pearl Factory (Jinbaotang Jewellery Centre), Porcelain Factory (Beijing Enamel Factory), Beijing Baoshutang Pharmacertical Company and Crystal Factory (Shui Yang Trading Centre).

LEGEND OF KUNG FU AT RED THEATRE

SHOW TIME – a must see Acrobatic Tiantan and Legend of Kung Fu at the Red Theatre. For a more sizzling experience – take a peek into Beijing's nightlife at the city's Red Light District, Gay Bars and the Hard Rock Cafe.

HARBIN REPLICA - to see the beautiful statue and landscape that can be found in Harbin, China - coupled with snow.

HARBIN REPLICA

ONE FOR THE ALBUM

MARCH 2 – 7, 2005

CHINA & VIETNAM

NANNING-GUILIN-YANGSHAO-HEZHOU-LIPU-HALONG BAY-HANOI

One of the most rewarding China package tour, at a low price of only RM3000, one gets to see eight district (places) including Vietnam.

The 9D8N tour include Detian-Nanning-Guiling-Yangshao-Hezhou-Lipu-HaLong Bay-Hanoi, from December 5-13, 2004.

It almost cover 1/4 of China and 1/3 of Vietnam. This is the first and last time for the tour agent to arrange ground tour involving China and Vietnam hand in hand, as it is difficult and time consuming at the Immigration Clearance at the Vietnam 

border.

DETIAN TRANSNATIONAL WATERFALL, NANNING

DAY 1

Upon reaching Nanning, the bus took us to the scenic Detian Transnational Waterfall, and detour the Nanning City.The Detian Waterfall is located 140km from the town centre, a perfecture at the border between China and Vietnam. The waterfalls are formed from a river called “Guichun” which is a branch of the Zuojiang River. The borderline is fixed in the middle of Guichun River where the waterfalls are split into two parts: one part belongs to Vietnam and the other side, China. Detian Waterfalls are a national pride of utmost beauty where many film-makers have capture the beautiful scenes, here.

DETIAN WATERFALL, NANNING

DAY 2

Moving from Nanning City to Yangshuo – transfer to Zhujian River on board the Li River Cruise. The journey starts from LiJiang to Gui Lin about 83km, takes about 7 hours cruise - where visitors indulge in beautiful scenes along the journey - to see the rock formations such as 8 Goddess, Camel, Hamburger, Five Fingers, Wishing Mountain and Tortoise. The Li River cruise become one of China's top tourist destination. 

FIVE FINGERS MOUNTAIN

The enchanting fairyland of Yangshuo is renowned as the best in Guilin. The town is very small – west street in the town lies the western cafes, restaurants and hotels. Take close-up exploration to the country villages and taste of the rural life – where one can visit the artists at work, pottery and handicraft, here.

LI JIANG CRUISE, GUILIN

At night, we were entertained with the Liu San Jie Concert or the Dream of LiJiang a Chinese Folk Song drama, held at Liu San Jie Park. The Park has become a flourishing star of Gui Lin tourism industry – it focusses on culture of Third Sister Liu combining performances, ethnic architecture, entertainment programs of four main ethnic minorities like Miao Dong GuanXi Shuang Authomous Region.

POSING WITH THE LOCALS, AT GUILIN, WITH MY COUSIN KAREN (L)

DAY 3

A full-day of detour in Guilin – visit the Fu Bo Hill and Fish Peak Hill.

Fu Bo Hill – the name derived from General Fubo, who practice sword skill in the park, located at northeast Guilin. One can spend hours at the Garden Terrace and Play Pearl Cave where one can see intricately carved figurines in the garden, Buddha Cliff, a Big Bell structure and thousands of pot and the sword testing column.

FU BO HILL

Elephant Hill Park – resembling a elephant leisurely sucking water from the river with its long trunk, located southeast Guilin. The most impressive is said to be the water reflection of a moon-like cave when the moonlight sprinkles over the river, hence the name “Moon over the Water”.

FISH PEAK HILL

Next, is to visit the Yee San Park (Fish Peak Hill) – covers 18.87 hectares of the park. Fish Peak Hill scenic spot – comprises of Laughing Buddha, Pizo, vase carvings, tortoise Statue of Yee San the advisor of the King. He became jealous of the King, and turned cunning, and led King into a hold. Before the King died, King sit and pray in an “upright position” as shown in the statue. There is also the Ninth Heaven Arch – implication of descendants and the Dragon Wall. A touch on the dragon wall mouth may probe a pearl – a touch will bless you!

 

TOUCH DRAGON MOUTH FOR LUCK

 

FISH PEAK LANDSCAPE

DAY 4 - Guilin to Hezhou

The Seven Star Park is the biggest natural park in Guilin – popular for its 19 quaint bridges. The sprawling park overlooks the huge Bayan Lake that flows into Southern Vietnam. It can take an entire day to stroll through this beautiful park with weeping willow trees and structures such as the Crescent Mansion and the Tree Tower apart from the bridges. The park also boast its Ku Nan Door built 800-year-ago, to protect the Chinese from attacks of the Mongolian. Many of its bridges here, resemble the “London Bridge”, “San Francisco Bridge”, “Paris Arc D'Triomphe” and China's original “Flower Bridge Moon over the Water Bridge”.

SEVEN STAR PARK

REPLICA OF SAN FRANCISCO BRIDGE

CEDAR LAKE

DAY 5 - Hezhou to Lipo

Visit the Silver Cave – open in 1998, the cave has turn color to grey due to 'too much' carbon monoxide. Cave structures include – Mother Love, Mini Great Wall China, Golden Basin, key, diamond, art gallery, solitary pillar, Buddha teaching scripture, Emperor taking bath in pond, Adam & Eve and Lonji Terrace Field. The Silver Cave is a storied cave penetrated through 12 hills. Nowadays, 2km of the cave has been presented to tourists. It consists of three parts - the lower cave, grand hall and the upper cave. It collects stalactites and stalagmites, a remarkable scenic spots namely Screen of Music, Deep Moon Palace and Waterfalls on Snow Hill.

By evening, we were transferred from Lipo to Guilin.

SILVER CAVE

DAY 6 – Guilin – Tong Hin – Mou Cai 

MOU CAI

Reach Mou Chai – China and Vietnam border. Check into Halong Bay's Bach Dang Hotel, at Hanoi. Go for a Halong Bay Cruise. The Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam's most impressive scenic sights. This exciting cruise will provide visitors a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending sky and some 3000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Seafood lunch on board.

SCENIC HALONG BAY

HALONG BAY'S ROCK FORMATION

READY TO GO FOR HA LONG CRUISE

DAY 7 – Hanoi

Enjoy a half-day city tour stating with the Ho Chi Minh Complex – containing the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts. The complex comprises of the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi. 

HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM

The President Palace is where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked from late 1954 to his last day Sept 1969, is now the Memorial site about the life and revolutionary work of the leader of the Vietnamese working class and people, a national liberation hero. A visit to the President Palace - will teach us more about the President simplicity and modesty – cover President Palace where President Ho held Government Council and received guests; The study in the lower part of bungalow; Bedroom in upper part of bungalow fishing pool and mango alley.

PRESIDENT PALACE

After lunch - spend about 2 hours – exploring the busy motorcycle town of Hanoi, coupled with a walk in the Pak Lin Supermarket, in Hanoi.

VIETNAMESE

DAY 8 - DEPARTURE FROM HA LONG BAY – CHINA – KLIA

DECEMBER 5 – 13, 2004