China - Suzhou the city of Gardens

Amidst the current development of this beauty city, Suzhou still retains the charm of its ancient past. Take a stroll along the streets, one can feel and view landscape that remind us of its long history.

Suzhou is well known for its gardens, in my opinion, these gardens are the best and most well kept in China...Matter of fact, some has been listed in the World Heritage list. These gardens were constructed to withstand the test of time, and each has its natural beauty and unique attractions. Go to any travel site, and you will get loans of information pertaining to the famous classical gardens and exquisite water townships.

Here are some photos I have taken in Suzhou one autumn. One has to be there to experience the beautiful scenery and fresh air. Ideally, get a guide to explain the elaborate thought process behind the traditional architectural. Every structure was built according to the Chinese Feng Shui 風水, harmonizing nature and man.




Just outside the gardens, the streets are bustling with activities. What caught my eyes was an adorable little girl, standing outside her shop as if waiting for us to come.

How to get there?
Suzhou is accessible by all mode of transportation. We took a day trip that include tasting of local cuisines. If time permits, spend a few days to enjoy the serenity of this city...enjoy it while sipping a cup of tea at any teahouse.

Japan in Autumn - Tokyo

Tokyo is a city that needs no introduction... well known for its great shopping at Ginza, electronics at Akihabara, as well as the famous Tsukiji fish market. There was one place that capture our attention that Autumn, it was the Sensoji Temple(浅草寺). The crowd was enormous...I believe there were more locals than tourists, all fervently offering their prayers for blessing. One interesting gesture I observed... Everyone was surrounding the burning incense, using both hands sweeping the smoke towards them.

There was absolutely no lack of activities in the premises, with long stretch of shops on both sides of the walk way, and busking going on.... enough to keep the crowd occupied.



Without a doubt, the highlight of the day was the appearance of the Geisha, dressed in their impeccable kimono in accordance with the seasons. They really look a princess and attracted so much attention and so many camera snapping away, their reputation certainly precede.

The Geisha were kind enough to post and we had the pleasure of taking couple of close up shots with them....what an opportunity for an amateur. :)

Tokyo has a fascinating mix of the traditional and the modern. A city that embrace the latest technology and yet keeping the ancient shrines, temples and traditional practices.

Thinking of a holiday? My recommendation, April and November are the best time to visit Tokyo, both for the pleasant weather and stunning scenery.....In spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and in autumn, the colored leaves are spectacular.

Japan in Autumn - Kyoto

The viewing of autumn leaves has been a popular activity in Japan and it has attracted large numbers of visitors each year to famous koyo (colorful leaves) spots. We had the opportunity to visit Kyoto (京都) during autumn, and the scenery is awesome!

Kiyomizu Temple is the one of most famous temples in Kyoto, which is about a 1000 year old, rebuilt in 1633. The breathe taking view is beyond words. Not surprising, most reviews have lots of pictures to show, but with little write up. On hindsight, I should have brought my tripod along, and create a panoramic shot, that will be impressive.

Talking about a colorful world, every corner you turn during that time of the year, there is no short of spectacular sight.... In my view, no man-made icon can come close to what nature can offer.



The next day, we were at Kenroku-en Garden (兼六園) for lunch. It is one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, planted with a variety of trees and flowers. Starting in Autumn, care takers would rope the trees in conical manner to protect them from damages when the snow falls.

Whatever the season, the Kenroku-en garden is the place to visit....in spring, cherry blossom trees; in summer, the greenery become an ideal escape from the heat. In autumn, Japan's famous colorful leaves on full display. And in winter, the garden is blanket in white.



How to get there?
Japan is an expensive place ....with Yen ¥ at its all time high, the economical way is to take a tour package. If needed, extend couple more days to explore around. Remember to bring along your best camera! :)

Beijing in Spring - Part Two

Beihai Park (北海公园) was an imperial garden in Beijing. The lake covers about half of the entire Park, frozen in Winter ...thick enough for ducks to stand on it. I have been there twice, and spring is the best time to stroll and enjoy the fresh air and flowers. And listen to the burshing leaves of the "Liu" tree (柳树).

There are lots of activities in the morning, and I'm sure it will be more crowded on weekends. Locals and visitors alike, the very intention of being there is to relax and spend some quality time with family, interest groups or friends. Mostly in their 50s, everyone would dance to the rhythm as the music played. And I'm sure it was a good time for wedding photos as well :)




Truely, Winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers have already appeared in the land; The time has arrived for flowers and trees to give forth their fragrance.....One could easily spend a day simply strolling this huge premises.

How to go Beihai?
Take a taxi....by the time you complete exploring the park, it's time to rest your feets. You will be in no mood to squeeze the Subway. By the way, the entrance fee depends on season, cheaper in Winter for obvious reason...freezing cold.

Hangzhou in Autumn

Hangzhou is renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful cities in China. I'm just hoping they will retains its historical and cultural heritage, despite all the recent urban developments. If you expect to see pagodas, beautiful lake and hills, this is the place. Took this shot while walking on the bridge, in a nice Autumn night.

We had the opportunity to enjoy an unique outdoor performance entitled "Impression West Lake" 印象西湖. It has become a major tourist attraction every night in this city. Directed by China renowned director Zhang Yimou, the performace captivate the charm of West Lake with songs and tranditional Chinese dances. A few photos certainly do no justice, you need to be there to experience the performance....This is a must see!

Check out Youtube for the video clip of the performance and song sang by Jane Zhang http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5MKMLJlFfk&feature=related

There are obviously lots to see and experience in Hangzhou. You will probably need at least 2 days to get around, and information are readily available. In this trip, the highlight is really the performance! I'm just very impressed by the scale of it.

How to get around the city?

Well, let's talk about getting there....the best way is to take the express train from Shanghai. The 2+ hr ride will get you there in time for lunch. We stayed at their local 4-star hotel, pretty decent and serve a sumptuous breakfast. Make use of taxi to bring you around, most of the attractions circle around the West Lake.