How did I discover the 4 Catholic Churches in Beijing?

According to my research, there are 4 Catholic Churches in BEIJING; The EAST, WEST, SOUTH, and WEST CATHEDRALS.

Actually, I had an extremely difficult time in finding the 4 Catholic Churches in Beijing because of the lack of information from the internet and even from the people in Beijing. 

I utilized my "explorer's sense" to locate these 4 Churches. Considering that it was winter season when I had the luxury of time to roam around, the extreme cold and also the language barrier (Most of the locals cannot understand English. On the other hand, I can only understand few Mandarin words) added to the challenging journey. But due to my persistence, I found all of them!!!

It was an exhilarating feeling every time I discovered the churches one by one....all by myself!!!

1. EAST CATHEDRAL

The first Catholic church that I visited is the EAST CATHEDRAL or ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH along WANGFUJING ST. It is the second oldest catholic church in BEIJING. It is also called WANGFUJING CHURCH because of its location.

It can be reached by taking the Subway Line 1 or Subway Line 5. 

For Subway Line 1, get off at WANGFUJING STATION, then exit at C2. Take a long walk heading north along WANGFUJING ST.

For Subway Line 5, get off at DENSHIKOU STATION, then walk along CYPRESS HUTONG for about 300 meters.

Mass in English is being held JUST once a week, every 4 of Sunday afternoon.

Eastern Cathedral or Wangfujing Church

2. SOUTH CATHEDRAL

The second church that I visited is the SOUTH CATHEDRAL OF CATHOLIC, which is considered the oldest Catholic Church in BEIJING. 

It is also called XUANWUMEN CHURCH. It is conveniently located close to the XUANWUMEN SUBWAY STATION especially at GATE B1 or B2. (XUANWUMEN SUBWAY STATION is the intersection or transfer station of LINE 2 and LINE 4).

Mass in English is being held every Sunday only. One in the morning at 10:30 and another in the afternoon at 3pm.

Southern Cathedral or Xuanwumen Church

3. NORTH CATHEDRAL

It is interesting to note that I reached this Church, the third Catholic Church that I visited in BEIJING, on the exact day that I turned 3 months of stay in CHINA. The NORTH CATHEDRAL is the biggest Catholic Church in Beijing. It is also called XISHIKU CHURCH because of its location. It is situated along Xishiku St., at Xicheng District.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the Church is by SUBWAY TRAIN. Take the SUBWAY line 4, then alight at XISI station then head south along XISINANLU then turn left at XIAMEN DAJIE, then turn left again at XISHIKU st. 

North Cathedral or Xishiku Church

4. WESTERN CHURCH

The WESTERN CHURCH is the youngest of the 4 Catholic Churches in BEIJING. It is located XIZHIMENNEINAN DAJIE that why it is called "XIZHIMEN CHURCH"

To reach the Church, take the SUBWAY LINE 4 then get off at XINJIEKOU and exit at D.

Western Cathedral or Xizhimen Street

THANKS GOD for the guidance and protection throughout my JOURNEY in finding HIS 4 "HOMES" in BEIJING...

GOD BLESS MY JOURNEY IN BEIJING...

Summer Palace: Largest Royal Park in China

SUMMER PALACE is the largest and most well-preserved royal park in CHINA. It is also called “THE MUSEUM OF ROYAL GARDENS”. 

SUMMER PALACE was constructed in 1750 as a luxurious royal garden for royal families to rest and for entertainment. It later became the main residence of royal members in the end of the QING DYNASTY. Its original name is QINGYI GARDEN. 

SUMMER PALACE is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. It is located in the capital city of BEIJING.

inside the SUMMER PALACE! 

It has four parts: COURT AREA, FRONT HILL AREA, REAR HILL AREA, LAKE AREA.

The best time to visit the place is during the summer time because most of the areas are outdoors. It is also very advisable to come to the place early in the morning to enjoy and maximize the whole day because of its very vast area. It covers more than 300 hectares. There are more than 3,000 man-made ancient structures which count more than 70,000 square meters including pavilions, towers, bridges, and corridors. It is located at the North West 15 kilometers away from central Beijing.

How to reach SUMMER PALACE?

By BUS, you can avail the BUS with number 74, 374, 952, and 437 alight at LIULANGZHUANG XILOU bus stop, cross the KUNMINGHU RD at the pedestrian lane, walk going south along KUNMINGHU EAST  and after about 300 meters, you will find the SOUTH GATE of the SUMMER PALACE. Or alight at the next bus stop, cross the KUNMINGHU RD at the PEDESTRIAN CROSSING, you will find the EAST GATE of the SUMMER PALACE.

By SUBWAY, take LINE 4, alight at BEIGONGMEN station, enter the NORTH GATE of the SUMMER PALACE.

By TAXI, just tell the driver to bring you to the nearest gate of the SUMMER PALACE.

How much does it cost to visit SUMMER PALACE?

The ENTRANCE FEE is 20 YUANS (RMB) from April 1 to October 31 while 30 YUANS (RMB) from November 1 to March 31. If you want to have access to all areas including Dehe Garden, Tower of Buddhist Incense etc., the total is 60 YUANS from April 1 to October 31 while 50 YUANS from November 1 to March 31. 1 YUAN is about 7 Philippine Pesos.

You can also boat rides but with additional cost.

There are food shops inside where you can buy some snacks.

There are also souvenir shops where you can buy shirts ranging from 25 YUANS (for kids) to 35 YUANS (for adults). 

CIGARETTE SMOKING is strictly prohibited inside the whole compound.

There are numerous toilets strategically and conspicuously located within the whole area.

There are also benches and places where you can sit while resting your legs after a long walk or where you savor the beautiful scenic spots together with your loved ones.

Do not forget to have fully-charged batteries for your cellphones and cameras because certainly you will take more pictures than you expected because of the numerous excellent places for picture taking perfect for your profile picture.

It is also advisable to wear mask because there are times when the presence of SMOG is to much especially if you have weak lungs or respiratory system.

Ensure also that you are in good physical condition when visiting the place because you will need considerable amount of energy to enjoy SUMMER PALACE.

ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY IN SUMMER PALACE!

Top 10 Most Interesting Places in Beijing

GREAT WALL is the most famous landmark in CHINA. I was not aware that there are other numerous significant and interesting landmarks in the most populous country in the world.

I was lucky to be selected for another schooling abroad, this time in CHINA. Since my arrival coincided with one of the longest holidays in CHINA, I was able to explore some of the tourist spots within the Capital City. BEIJING is the second largest city in the country in terms of population, next to SHANGHAI.

To discover and explore significant and interesting places became one of my main objectives while in China for 10 months. Traveling to different places is an essential step to widen my perspectives in life. It is my fulfillment to be able to impart the lessons of my journey that will serve as guide for those who will be traveling to the places that I had been to.

Some of my classmates in China jokingly called me "THE EXPLORER". I acted as their "TRAVEL CONSULTANT" whenever they wanted to explore. I provided them necessary information about the significant and interesting places in China especially in Beijing.

This time, I want to share with you my TOP 10 most interesting places in BEIJING:

1. GREAT WALL OF CHINA

The GREAT WALL OF CHINA is called "CHANGCHENG" (literally means LONG WALLS) in Chinese. It is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, generally built along east to west line across the historical northern borders of China to protect the Chinese states and empires against the raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups of the Eurasian steppe. Another reason why it was built is to PROTECT SILK ROAD TRADE. The length of entire wall is 21,196 kilometers or 13,171 miles.

GREAT WALL OF CHINA
One of the NEW 7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD

2. TIAN'ANMEN SQUARE AND FORBIDDEN CITY

TIANANMEN SQUARE 
AND FORBIDDEN CITY
Located exactly at the CENTER of BEIJING,
One of the Largest City Complex in the WORLD

3. BEIJING WORLD PARK

Many people wanted to travel around the world to witness amazing tourist spots. However, there are several hindrances to do that. Two of the top reasons are availability of resources and time constraints.

But if ever opportunity makes it happen, if you are in Beijing (the Capital of China), or nearby areas, you can have a glimpse of about 100 natural and cultural attractions from about 50 countries at the BEIJING WORLD PARK. But be physically prepared to explore and enjoy the visit to the park with 46.7 land area.

Some of the amazing attractions at the BEIJING WORLD PARK are the Great Pyrmaids, Great Phinx, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Taj Mahal, Leaning Tower, Chinese Garden, Imperial Village, Great Wall, Mogao Grottoes, Maori huts, Sahara Desert, African Tribes, St. Sophia Cathedral, Athen's Aeropolis, Rome's Colosseum, German Castle, Lincoln Memorial Hall, Washington Monument, The Capitol, The White House, Statue of Liberty, The Golden Gate Bridge, Grand Canyon of Colorado among others. 

The BEIJING WORLD PARK is very accessible by public transportation. The most convenient and economical way is by subway train. The park can be reached by BEIJING SUBWAY LINE at FANGSHAN LINE, get off at  DABAOTAI Station, exit at Gate A or by Subway line 9, get off at Gougongzhung Station, Exit at Gate D. The following bus numbers can also be used: T7, 477, 480, 692, 967, 969, 840, 913 and 959. Taxi is another good option to reach the place.

BEIJING WORLD PARK
100 tourist attractions from 50 countries in one venue

4.  TEMPLE OF HEAVEN

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.

TEMPLE OF HEAVEN
The largest architectural complex in the World. 

5. SUMMER PALACE

SUMMER PALACE is the largest and most well-preserved royal park in CHINA. It is also called “THE MUSEUM OF ROYAL GARDENS”. 

SUMMER PALACE was constructed in 1750 as a luxurious royal garden for royal families to rest and for entertainment. It later became the main residence of royal members in the end of the QING DYNASTY. Its original name is QINGYI GARDEN. 

It is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE.

SUMMER PALACE
The Largest Royal Park in CHINA

6. OLYMPIC SPORTS CENTER

OLYMPIC SPORTS CENTER
Venue of 2008 Beijing Olympics

7. WANGFUJING STREET

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" by many bloggers. 

WANGFUJING STREET
The Busiest Commercial Street in Beijing

8. BEHAI PARK

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"

BEHAI PARK
The Center of Ecological and Natural Beauty in Beijing

9. BEIJING ZOO

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. It is actually the easiest way to see this gentle giant. CHENGDU CITY which is quiet far from the Capital City is where you can see many Giant Pandas because it is the location of the breeding center of Giant Pandas in China. So, Beijing Zoo is the perfect place to witness cute Giant Pandas while they are either eating bamboos or sleeping. 

BEIJING ZOO
The Largest Zoo in China

10. QIANMEN STREET

QIANMEN STREET
The Oldest and Most Famous Ancient Street in Beijing

ABOUT THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IN BEIJING

One of the most interesting things for me in BEIJING is the presence of about 17 lines of SUBWAY. It makes traveling enjoyable, convenient, fast, and cost effective. Majority of the tourist attractions are reachable by public transportation especially subway trains. The SUBWAY CARD (like the MRT or LRT CARD in the PHILIPPINES) can be used both for the subway train and the bus. Yes, buses in BEIJING have electronic machine just like that in the SUBWAY. Another proof of the effectiveness of the well-planned transportation system is the presence of connectivity among SUBWAY LINES. When transferring from one line to another (just like from MRT to LRT or another LRT line in the PHILIPPINES), there is no need to exit from the station and line-up again to enter because of said connectivity. Buses  pick-up and unload passengers at the designated bus stops only.

THE "GREAT FIREWALL" OR THE SOCIAL MEDIA BAN

One of the biggest challenges of being in CHINA as an EXPAT is the language barrier. You have to be good in sign language to be able to buy something or derive an information. Another challenge also is the ban of social media like FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and YOUTUBE. 

But those challenges are also opportunities for me to learn something new like the language and culture, to adapt to a different environment and maximize my time both in studying and making new friends with my classmates from more than 30 countries from ASIA, AFRICA, EUROPE, NORTH AMERICA and SOUTH AMERICA.

CURRENCY

The CURRENCY in CHINA is YUAN or RMB. 1 yuan is equivalent to about 7 pesos in the PHILIPPINES. There are numerous banks in Beijing where you can change any foreign currency.

ENJOY YOUR EXPLORATION OF THE CAPITAL CITY OF CHINA...

If you have any questions about the details on how to explore BEIJING, please add your questions below. 

Xiexie nin...