XiTang - The Water Town

Xitang, a place made popular by a Hollywood block buster ... thanks to Mission Impossible 3, Tom Cruise ran the alleys of this ancient water town in the south of the Yangtze River. There is certain romance at night while walking by ancient houses, tiny shops, accomodations and tea house where time has stood still ....

I spend quite a while walking around, standing on Xitang famous ancient bridges watching the boats passing by and simply admiring the scenery. Its serenity is something city life will never able to offer. Taking a deep breathe and thinking to myself, this is how life should be....a perfect place to escape from the hussle and bussle of life.

In the day, Xitang is bussling with life. Besides the locals going about their ways of life, there are visitors coming from all corners of the world, enjoying a slide of the tranquility, including myself.

Tourist waiting for their turn to get up the boat for a ride along the river. Aspired artist, patiently capturing the scenery, I believe she has sat on the same spot for hours.

How to get there?
The most economical way is to arrange thru a local tour agency; that is ...if you speak Mandarin. It is approximately 3 hours away from Shanghai. Take the morning coach, and you will reach there before lunch. I would highly recommend you stay a night with their local accommodation that look something like this....

This is one place worth a visit...at anytime of the year!

Beijing in Spring - Part One

Beijing is renowned for its palaces, temples, huge stone walls and majestic gates. I have been to Beijing numerous times, and I must say, Spring time is the best moment to be there....with the unusual blue sky, fresh air and exceptionally beautiful bloom of flowers in every garden, this is what I call, right time, right place!

Took the opportunity to visit the great wall this time. And the most economical way to reach this destination is by coach, booked thru a local tour agent. Below are some of the photos taken during the trip.



The temple of heaven complex (天坛)was visited by the Emperors for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest....now accessible by every common man. This is my third visit, and I'm still mesmerize by its architecture.



If you have walked the street at dusk along Tiananmen Square, your eyes will be immediately captured by the majestic huge entrance to the forbidden city. The most beautiful part is dark blue sky forming the backdrop, creating the contrast between the structure and the sky above. Remember, Beijing in spring can be chilling at night, bring lightweight clothing plus jackets and/or sweaters.

Another thing you should do in this city is to try the exortic food...care for a Starfish, Seahorse, Scorpion or anything that crawl, anything that is not in your usual dinner list?



A city where the old meets new, a place that is changing at break-neck speed. There is so much to offer .... from hútòng (alleys) to huge underground shelters formed during the paranoid 70s. In my opinion, there’s more substance here than in any other China’s cities. This is certainly a city with character!

How to get around?
Take the subway to beat the traffic jams. The train network will bring you to most of the attractions.

Harbin - The land of Ice and Snow

Last December we made a trip to Harbin (哈尔滨), and it was certainly a memorable one. If you are planning on a trip to China this winter, Harbin is a good option, especially if you are one of those that enjoy extreme cold weather.

Some interesting facts about Harbin.... the capital of Heilongjiang province in the northeast China, because of its close proximity to Russia, it is well-known for its unique, Russian and European-influenced architecture.
Historically separate from China, Manchuria took power when the Manchus invaded China, eventually becoming the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

A word of advice...before the trip, learn the rich history of this city...and you will appreciate the journey much better.

Each year, Harbin attracts millions to its Ice and Snow Festival....huge sculptures of famous monument and places. Here are some photo I have taken during the trip.

Fancy swimming at -20C, this is the opportunity! The locals faced minus temperatures to jump into a pool carved out of ice. According to them, it is believed to improve circulation and benefit health and overall feeling of well-being. I can only say thanks...but no thanks :)

What about a Steamboat dinner at -20C in an iglo? An experience of a lifetime....a must do when you are there!

And finally, a word of warning...bring ample of warm clothing, appropriate footware, and a camera that can withstand the extreme cold. It may refuse to operate in such temperature...it happened to my tour mates.

Stop! And admire nature beauty

I remember one business trip to New Zealand. In a flight, an elderly lady that sat beside given me an important advice, "In the midst of your hectic life, remember to smell the roses, and spend time with your family"..... Simple and yet profound words, have always been in my mind since.

I love nature photography. Especially on flowers and insects. I guess the important thing is really to enjoy what you are doing, and that alone make all the different in whatever you embark on. Besides, when we stop and smell the roses, we're reminded of God's blessings. We think about the good things God is doing in our lives, rather than our troubles. All of sudden, your perspective of life changes.

I do know there is a world of difference between a great photograph and a mediocre snapshot. I'm still far from being an expert in this area, however I certainly aspire to improve on my skill.

Here are some flower shots I have taken recently at Botanic Garden in Singapore. I'm sure with some patient and more practices, I can make it better :)