Hongqiao Pearl Market: More than Just a Pearl Market

When I came across the name of the market, I was thinking that everything that could be found there is all about PEARLS or products related to pearls. 

Since it is my habit to conduct thorough research on a certain place before I visit it, it came to me that the market is not only about pearls. 

To satisfy my curiosity, I visited the HONGQIAO PEARL MARKET one Saturday. 

During my visit and exploration, I was able to confirm that HONGQIAO PEARL MARKET is certainly more than just a PEARL MARKET, it is a market where you can find and buy almost anything.

HONGIAO PEARL MARKET is located in DONGCHENG DISTRICT at the Southeast of CENTRAL BEIJING. It is situated near the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN. 

The HONGQIAO PEARL MARKET

How to reach the HONGQIAO PEARL MARKET?

SUBWAY train is the easiest and convenient way, alight at TIANTANDONGMEN STATION of SUBWAY LINE 5, exit at Gate A. Then look for the building with picture above. The market opens at 9:30am daily.

The landmark infront of the HONGQIAO PEARL MARKET

The market is more than a PEARL because you can find anything you need, from electronic gadgets, clothing, bags, souvenir items, and of course, the pearls and jewelries. 

Majority of the shoppers are foreigners so the sellers know how to speak English fluently. It is easier to buy something in this market. Unlike in other markets or malls that I visited in BEIJING where it is very hard to buy something because of the language barrier.

At the BASEMENT, you will find the food court. You can choose from among the familiar fastfood chains and restaurants like KFC, MC DONALDS, PIZZA HUT and many more. 

The first floor is devoted for the stalls selling ELECTRONICS items.

The FIRST FLOOR  contains the ELECTRONICS including mobile phones, watches, and many others.

 The second floor is for stalls selling shirts, jackets, shoes, bags, suitcases, scarfs, and many others. This is where the TOILET is also located. I mentioned TOILET because in China due to extreme cold weather especially from September to March, you have to go to the toilet to urinate frequently. The problem with some malls are the confusing signage to locate the toilet. Just like in this mall or market, the toilet is difficult to find because of the unclear directional information. But the good news is majority people in this mall understand English very well so you can ask them where is the toilet.

at the SECOND FLOOR of the HONGQIAO MARKET...

Although the products in this mall are not the authentic brands, but for me they are still good quality items. The most important to take note here is to ask for big discount from the original price. 

The technique is pick up something you like then ask for the price. If the seller says for example 500 YUANS, bargain for about 100 YUANS. If the seller says NO, turn your back and attempt to walk away. Wait for the seller to call you and says "Ok sir or ma'am, 100 YUANS."  You have the power to do that because the sellers know that there are many other stalls selling the similar items. They have to survive competition within the mall. In this way, you can get what you want at your budget.
NOTE: 1 YUAN is equivalent to about 7.20 Philippine Pesos.

at the THIRD FLOOR, where PEARLS and JEWELRIES can be found...

 One tip that I can give is DO NOT BRING TOO MUCH MONEY when going to this market because the tendency is for you to be spending more than your budget due to the wide variety of items that can be found that you can avail at amazingly low prices. 

Another advise is do not the ask for the price of something that you do not really need or do not have any intention to buy because of two possible scenarios. First, you will end up buying the product due to the big discount that will be given  just to convince you to buy it. Second, there are also  not so polite sellers who will tell you some not so good remarks like "do not ask for the price if you will not buy it." But majority of the sellers are polite and will just smile when you say that you will just come back.

HAPPY SHOPPING!

DON'T FORGET TO BARGAIN DOWN TO AS LOW AS 20% OF THE ORIGINAL PRICE!!!

DO NOT JUDGE THE MALL BY ITS NAME!!!

Beijing Zoo: Forest in the City

BEIJING ZOO is initially established in 1906 during the GUANGXU REGIME of QING DYNASTY. It was named as " WANSHENG GARDEN" (Ten Thousand Animal Garden), and officially renamed as BEIJING ZOO in 1955.

BEIJING ZOO covers an area of 86 hectares breeding over 5,000 animals with more than 450 species. Visiting this zoo entails couple of hours to see all the animals and to completely explore the refreshing environs. There are many parts of the zoo where one can take a seat and rest while enjoying the scenery. You can also bring your books to read while unwinding in the serene atmosphere near the lake or put your earphones savoring favorite music while continuously walking in the vast paradise.

GIANT PANDA is one of the major attractions in Beijing Zoo. A visit to this zoo is actually the easiest way to see this gentle giant. Majority of Giant Pandas can be found at the Southwest Region of the country, particularly in CHENGDU CITY. However, it is quiet far from Beijing. But good thing, we will be having an educational tour there.

 So for now, Beijing Zoo is the perfect place to witness cute Giant Pandas. Most of the time, they are either eating or sleeping. 

One of the GIANT PANDAS at the BEIJING ZOO

One of the entrance gates of the BEIJING ZOO

BEIJING ZOO insists on philosophy of education and protection and stress both security and service.

 How to reach BEIJING ZOO?

SUBWAY is the most convenient way to reach BEIJING ZOO, alight at the SUBWAY with the same name, at the BEIJING ZOO SUBWAY STATION at LINE 4.

BEIJING ZOO is located at the XICHENG DISTRICT, which is situated at the northwest part of Central BEIJING. 

How much does it cost?

The entrance fee including the access to see the GIANT PANDA is only 20 YUANS (RMB). The equivalent in Philippine currency of 20 YUANS is about 140 pesos. Reasonable enough for a big way to unwind.

This lake offers an overflowing relaxing view reinforced by the presence of alluring swimming creatures.

The river is another good venue to relax your tired and stressed mind inside the ZOO. The boat is also available for river cruising. Although I was not able to try it, I can see many people lining up to avail the relaxing ride.

Aside from animals, there are also numerous remarkable man-made structures inside the zoo. 

It is always nice to visit ZOO because it will not only provide us the knowledge about animals but also information on how we can save or protect them from harm and even from extinction. In this way, we are also saving the world and the humanity.

Harmony amid Diversity: United by One Noble Goal, Comprehensive Education!

It is amazing to see numerous individuals coming from 28 different countries in one classroom attending lectures, participating in discussions and conducting presentations. 

It is even more mesmerizing to meet individuals from 44 different countries  in one dining area sharing the same kind of food, and staying in one building for 10 months.

As a background, I was lucky to be selected in various capacities participating in activities involving participants from other countries. The attendance with continuously increasing number of participants from other countries with decreasing number of Filipino. 
An inversely proportional phenomenon.

When I became a cadet at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), I have one classmate from another country, SINGAPORE. We are about more than 300 Filipinos.

When I was selected to attend the Master in Management (MM) at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in 2011, I had classmates from 2 other countries, INDIA and MALAYSIA. We are 14 from the PHILIPPINES.

When I was selected to attend the United Nation Staff Officer Course (UNSOC) in 2014 in Malaysia, I had classmates from 8 other countries, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Tonga.


At present, I am attending the Command and Staff Course in Beijing, China. I have classmates from 27 other countries: China (9 members), Pakistan (5 members), Sri Lanka (4 members), Indonesia (3 members),  2 members each from Malaysia, Venezuela, Namibia, Myanmar, and Saudi Arabia, and 1 member each from Uganda, Singapore, South Korea, Egypt, Burundi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Bulgaria, Botswana, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Guyana, Cubao, Brazil, Lesotho, Bangladesh, and Mongolia. I am the only Filipino!

Acquaintance Party for 17th Command and Staff Course
at Air Force Command College

The comprehensive education and training equipped me not only extensive knowledge and realizations but also provided me valuable insights about the different cultures, languages, human behaviors, and factors concerning other countries.

I was born on the same day several years after the UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION was founded. Yes, I was born on October 24. The celebration of my special day this year was even more made special by this momentous event of celebrating it together with individuals from different countries united by ONE GOAL and situated in ONE VENUE. 

The cake provided by the COLLEGE symbolizes "HARMONY AMID DIVERSITY". It was crafted using various ingredients yet harmoniously produce a CAKE, not only delightful to look at but obviously delicious to taste. Just like the different individuals from various countries united by one common goal, EDUCATION and FRIENDSHIP, will result into successful achievement of common noble objectives.

This blog justifies that EDUCATION is the best unifying factor on EARTH!

It further proves that EDUCATION is the BEST SOLUTION to attain PEACE and PROGRESS!!!

We should celebrate LIFE! 
We must build bride towards UNITY and PEACE in this WORLD!!!

Beihai Park: Center of Ecological and Natural Beauty in Beijing

BEIHAI PARK is strategically located at the heart of CENTRAL BEIJING just beside other important tourist destinations in BEIJING like the FORBIDDEN CITY and TIANANMEN SQUARE. 

The park is also considered as the center of history and culture in BEIJING. 

"BEIHAI" literally means "NORTHERN SEA"

It is regarded as the small version of the SUMMER PALACE (another tourist spot in Beijing). It covers about 60 hectares or 171 acres. More than half of BEIHAI PARK is occupied by lake. Some of the beautiful structures inside the PARK are the Fire Dragon Pavilion, Nine Dragon Screen and Circular City. In the middle of the lake is the Jade Flowery Islet topped by imposing white DAGOBA which is the landmark of the BEIHAI PARK.

The park is composed of man-made structures based on traditional Chinese legend. The story about the 3 magical mountains located at the east of BOHAI BAY (east of CHINA). Those mountains are believed to have medicinal plant that would help human to gain immortality. Many emperors in the FEUDAL AGE of China looked for those mountains for them to have eternal life. But they all failed that prompted them to dig large pool and piled those hills to imitate the circumstances described in the legend. BEHAI PARK was created. In 1925, it was opened to the public as a park.

BEHAI PARK has four main scenic spots: Eastern Shore area, Northern Shore area, Botanical Garden and Circular City.

How to reach BEHAI PARK?

By SUBWAY, take LINE 4 alight at PING'ANLI STATION, exit at the Southeast exit and walk along DIANMEN XI DAJIE to the east for about 20 minutes and enter the NORTH GATE.

By bus, ride bus number 5, 101, 103, 109, 124, 685, and alight at BEIHAI BUS STOP or ride bus number 3, 13, 42, 107, 111, 118, 612, 701 and alight at BEIHAI BEIMEN bus stop.

How much does it cost?

The entrance fee is 20 YUANS for the period from April 1 to October 31while 15 YUANS from November 1 to March 31. 

20 YUANS is about 140 Philippines Pesos or 3.5 US Dollars. 

15 YUANS is about 105 Philippines Pesos or 2.5 US Dollars.

Other activities in the BEIHAI PARK are boat riding or paddling but with additional cost. It will be best enjoyed with your family members, loved ones, and friends.

There are food stalls in the park where you can buy your snacks and meals.  

BEIHAI PARK is open from 6:30am to 9pm during April 1 to October 31 while from 6:30am to 8pm during November 1 to March 31.

The park is perfect for picture taking, unwinding, and to consume your leisure hours together with your loved ones. Bring your camera and cellphones with fully-loaded batteries to maximize picture taking and capture moments.

If you have weak lungs or respiratory system, it is advisable to wear mask when visiting BEIHAI PARK to protect you from the occasional SMOG in the central BEIJING. 

Be prepared also to be in good physical condition to totally explore the large area. Personal necessities are not a problem because of the presence of toilets strategically located within the park. 

Be reminded that CIGARETTE SMOKING is strictly prohibited inside the whole compound of the PARK.

ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY 

INSIDE BEIHAI PARK!

Yonghegong Lama Temple: The Biggest Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Beijing

It is also called " PALACE OF PEACE AND HARMONY". 

The refreshing walkway from the entrance gate going to the beautiful structures.

It was built in 1694 as residence of Prince Yong of the QING DYNASTY. When he became EMPEROR in 1725, he converted his residence into a temporray dwelling palace called "YONGHEGONG".

Some of the beautiful structures inside the compound are the PAVILION OF TEN THOUSAND HAPPINESS which houses the 18 meters high statue of the MAITREYA BUDDHA carved from a single piece of white sandalwood and the HALL OF HARMONY and PEACE which is the main building of the TEMPLE which has the 3 bronze statues of the BUDDHA of 3 ages.

How much does it cost?

The entrance fee for the YONGHEGONG LAMA TEMPLE is 25 YUANS or that is approximately equivalent to about 175 Philippine pesos or about 4 US dollars. It is reasonable to have a glimpse of TIBET while in BEIJING. A once in a lifetime chance for many people like me.

How to reach YONGHEGONG LAMA TEMPLE?

SUBWAY is the best and fastest way to go to YONGHEGONG LAMA TEMPLE, alight at YONGHEGONG SUBWAY STATION at LINE 5.

YONGHEGONG LAMA TEMPLE is located at DONGCHENG DISTRICT, northeast of CENTRAL BEIJING.

Its is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world.

Enjoy the remarkable environs and be acquainted to the rituals by the believers. That was an amazing JOURNEY for me inside the complex for about an hour. The memories will forever be embedded in me.

I am highly recommending this place to visit when you are in BEIJING.

HAVE A WONDERFUL JOURNEY IN BEIJING...

Pagjiayuan Flea Market: The Largest Market in China

It is the largest, most complete, cheapest, and most popular market selling second hand goods and curios in CHINA.

@ THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE PAGJIAYUAN FLEA MARKET

You can see and buy many things at PAGJIAYUAN FLEA MARKET. It is a heaven for buying and appreciating antiques, crafts, collectibles and decorations. You can find jewels and jades, pearl, coral, turquoise, diamonds, ornamental stones, crystals, porcelain, traditional Chinese musical instruments, ancient furniture, calligraphy, paintings, ivory carvings and many others.

One of the most visited MARKETS and also as attractions in Beijing for tourists both from different parts of China and from other countries.  It is open from 8:30AM to 4:30pm during weekdays and from 4:30am to 4:30pm during weekends.

How to get there?

PAGJIAYUAN MARKET is located at CHAOYANG DISTRICT, SOUTHEAST portion of the CENTRAL BEIJING near East, 3rd Ring Road South.

SUBWAY is the fastest way of reaching PAGJIAYUAN FLEA MARKET. Alight at PAGJIAYUAN SUBWAY STATION LINE 10 and look for the PAGJIAYUAN BRIDGE as the landmark. Beside the bridge is the FLEA MARKET.

BUS is also a good option to reach PAGJIAYUAN FLEA MARKET. Take the BUS with numbers 36, 51, 802, 674, 28, 368, 99 .

In order to enjoy your visit and make sure that you buy authentic and high quality products, you can request your Chinese friends to accompany you or if not ask for some tips about the items that you are interested to buy and how much are the standard or reasonable prices. 

It is also advisable to bring magnifying glass to look at the items closely.

During my visit, I inquired for the same item from different sellers and they gave me different prices. It is a must that you should canvass first and look closely at the quality of the items before buying. It is very big market so there are plenty of same items from different sellers for you choose from. You should have adequate time to be able to devote considerable period to canvass and choose carefully.

If you have vacant time, come during weekdays and ordinary days because the market is very crowded during weekends and holidays.

ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY AND SHOPPING!

Why Wangfujing is the Busiest Street in Beijing?

WANGFUJING, which literally means " PRINCE'S MANSION WELL" based on old story, is visited by about 600,000 people both local and foreigners on ordinary days and about 1.2 million people during weekends and holidays.

WANGFUJING is being compared to "NEW YORK'S FIFTH AVENUE", "CHAMPS-ELYSEES OF PARIS", and "GINZA OF TOKYO". 

@ WANGFUJING "OPEN MARKET"

It is located at the DONCHENG DISTRICT, which is situated in CENTRAL BEIJING. Motor vehicles are prohibited from entering main part of WANGFUJING making it the largest pedestrian street in the capital city. WANGFUJING SNACK STREET is also located adjacent to the main street where exotic foods like fried scorpion and snake kebobs to less exotic foods are available. There are also several restaurants along the street and food stalls. There are also restaurants serving ROAST DUCK. But if you do not like local foods, you can go to MC DONALDS or KFC.

Souvenir Center at Wangfujing Street

WANGFUJING is perfect for shopping. You can buy souvenir items like paintings and traditional Chinese arts and crafts. The are MALLS where you can buy branded items at fixed prices while there are also "open market" stores where you can bargain for lower prices. 

Along the Main Street of Wangfujing Street

The APM mall is the biggest mall in WANGFUJING. It has 7 floors. At the BASEMENT, there are stores for branded products like ADIDAS, NIKE among others. At 6th floor, there are numerous local restaurants with reasonable prices. The CINEMA is also located at the 6th floor. But the movie in BEIJING is too costly. You need 80 RMB (Yuan) to watch a movie. That is equivalent to almost 600 Philippine Pesos.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES BOOKSTORE
along WANGFUJING MAIN STREET

ORIENTAL PLAZA and BEIJING HOTEL are located at the southern part of  WANGFUJING. Then along the way going north are the WANGFUJING STORE, the BEIJING DEPARTMENT STORE, BEIJING FOREIGN LANGUAGES BOOKSTORE and numerous SOUVENIR SHOPS.  At the northern part are the SUN DONG AN PLAZA and the ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH.

a STORE along WANGFUJING main street

 The best way to reach WANGFUJING STREET is by SUBWAY, alight at the WANGFUJING SUBWAY STATION in LINE 1 and EXIT at Gate C2.

along WANGFUJING SNACK STREET

ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY at WANGFUJING!!!

Temple of Heaven: Heavenly Destination in Beijing

Another interesting tourist destination in BEIJING, the capital of CHINA, is the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN which is considered the "THE LARGEST ARCHITECTURAL COMPLEX IN THE WORLD."

It was during my first week in Beijing when I did the comprehensive research about the best destinations to visit. My arrival in Beijing coincided with a long holiday, almost one week of no classes. Since the 10-month course just started so there was no assignment to accomplish or no presentation to prepare yet. The given opportunity to explore was even more fueled by the fact that it was my first time in CHINA. One of the tourist destinations that caught my attention is the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN.

TEMPLE OF HEAVEN is located Southeast of Central Beijing.

According to my online research, the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN was built in 1420 during the MING DYNASTY. It covers 273 hectares and considered as THE MOST HOLY OF BEIJING'S IMPERIAL TEMPLES. It is purposely built to WORSHIP HEAVEN and TO SOLEMNLY PRAY FOR GOOD HARVEST.

TEMPLE OF HEAVEN is a UNESCO WORLD CULTURAL RELICS. It is described as "MASTERPIECE OF ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN".

Some of the interesting attractions at the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN COMPLEX are the HALL OF PRAYER FOR GOOD HARVEST, CIRCULAR ALTAR, ECHO WALL, HALL OF CEREMONIAL MUSIC, and PALACE OF ABSTINENCE.

At the HALL OF PRAYER FOR GOOD HARVEST

Another center of attraction at the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN is the 500 year old tree.

the 500 YEAR OLD tree

THE CIRCULAR MOUND ALTAR

How to go to TEMPLE OF HEAVEN?

SUBWAY is the most convenient, efficient and fastest way to visit TEMPLE OF HEAVEN.

Take SUBWAY LINE 5, alight at TIANTANDONGMEN Station, Exit at Gate A, then turn right to enter EAST GATE.

TEMPLE OF HEAVEN is open from 8AM TO 6PM daily.

How much does it cost?

Pay 35 YUANS (RMB) to have access to all attractions.

THE DANDI BRIDGE

SOME TIPS TO ENJOY YOUR VISIT:

1. Have a good PHYSICAL CONDITION because it will require considerable amount of energy to walk and explore the very large complex.

2. Have a fully charged batteries for your CELLPHONE and CAMERA to capture all the magical moments and the beautiful scenic spots.

3. Go together with your family.

4. It is advisable to visit the place the whole day. Come in the morning and spend the rest of your day in the complex to maximize and savor the beautiful environment.

5. Bring some extra money (YUANS) to buy some souvenir items and for some snacks. There are numerous shops inside the complex where you can buy souvenir and food items.

IMPERIAL VAULT OF HEAVEN

This blog emphasizes that TEMPLE OF HEAVEN is worth of your visit and every single amount of your TIME, EFFORT, and MONEY.

ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY TO THE TEMPLE OF HEAVEN!!!