Xi'an 西安 - the ancient capital of China

It has always been a fascinating place, and I finally got the opportunity to be there one winter. Xi'an is the ancient national capital and home to the famous Terracotta Army, the Ancient City Wall, Huaqing Hot Springs, and Qianling Mausoleum.... just to name a few, is enough to attract visitors.

The picture on the right is the Bell Tower, it marks the center of the city. This well-preserved wooden tower is probably the largest in China and definitely worth a visit. The sub-zero temperature that evening had surely shorten our outdoor activities. The next day, we decided to hire a taxi and planned the trips with help of the driver. Below were some of the places and pictures we have taken during the day long journey...........

The Terracotta Army needs no introduction....was discovered in the spring of 1974 by a local farmer named Yang, who sits in the museum most of the days signing autograph for tourists. The thousands of life-size terracotta warriors in battle formation were meant to accompany its emperor (First emperor) into immortality....awesome!


Huaqing Hot Springs 'Huaqing Chi' is situated about 30km North from Xi'an City, Huaqing Hot Spring was built for a concubine Yang Guifei in the Tang Dynasty. Talking about modern day spa, this hot spring garden was built to pamper, and provide utmost luxury to the privilege few. Besides the breathe taking scenery, put on your imagination, and this place can certainly provide a glimpse of the rich and famous.


Tomb of First Emperor (Qin Shihuang) offers an unique landscape for sightseeing. In addition to the Terracotta Army, there are more near-by vaults containing other relics being discovered each day. No excavation was done to this Tomb as yet, I can only imagine the mystery within....


Whether you are in Xi'an for leisure or business, there are so much the ancient capital can offer. Any mode of transportation can get you there conveniently....just have to remember one thing, pick the right season to go. Spring and Autumn will be the best time to visit this place, nevertheless, it's also the peak sessions.

Dairy Farm Park in Singapore

For the nature enthusiasts, this is one place you need to explore. .this park is accessible to those who drive, families that simply want to spend the weekend relaxing in nature, smell of fresh air, or check out the butterflies, birds and plants.

Amatuer like me will like this place, it is next to the famous Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, however a stone throw from the food and shopping malls. That is exactly the point, if you intend to spend the morning there, have a good breakfast before commencing your comfortable stroll towards the quarry, and enjoy its magnificent view.

It is not just for nature lovers, this Park also provides mountain bikers trails, catering to different level of expertise. There are also couple of Birds enthusiasts, equiped with expensive gears, ready to capture the next spectacular move.... as I was told, those equipment easily cost above $20k. That is a serious hobby :)

Thinking of spending some time to relax this weekend? Why not get down to the Dairy Farm Park? Best time to visit the park is either morning or late afternoon. Personally I prefer to the latter, the Sun provides the best lighting for photography.

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.