Beijing | Summer Palace.

It was a foggy, cold morning when our guide Jamie took us to the Summer Palace. The moment I saw Kunming Lake and the Longevity Hill, I was in awe. Trees everywhere, bridges crossing ponds, flowers in charming little corners -- if only there weren't any tourists there, the entire place would look like a dream. But everyday, thousands upon thousands visit this tourist spot.

The Summer Palace is considered the biggest and the most well-preserved park in China. The entire park holds palaces, temples, pavilions, halls, bridges, and well-designed gardens. It occupies a little more than 300 hectares.

I love gardens. It is great joy for me to be surrounded by flowers and trees. So I was automatically happy when I got to the Summer Palace. I was incredibly astounded by its grandeur, awestruck at the exquisite artistry of its structures and paintings, and marveled at the beauty of the garden landscape.

And like most parks in Beijing, locals come here in droves -- to dance, to play cards, to read, to just while away time.

In 1998, UNESCO declared the Summer Palace among its World Heritage Sites.


We took this dragon tourist boat to go to the other side of the garden through the Kunming Lake.


Inside our dragon boat with fellow tourists.


The Palace was opened to the public in 1924.


Tourists and locals could rent paddle boats and enjoy the scenery.


The Seventeen Arch Bridge connects the eastern shore of Kunming Lake and Nanhu Island.
There are about 30 bridges in the Summer Palace, but this is said to be the largest one.


The marble boat is 36 meters long and sits immobile at the northwestern shore of Kunming Lake.


Another one of the many bridges around Kunming Lake. Charming.


The Kunming Lake overlooks the Longevity Hill and the Tower of Buddhist Incense.


There are many pavilions around the garden.


The Long Corridor, the longest in the world, features 14,000 paintings on its beams and ceilings.


So many things to see and touch. So many charming little corners, too.

. . . .

When you decide to visit the Summer Palace, spend at least three (3) hours there.

Entrance Fee
Nov 1 - March 31 | 20RMB
April 1 - October 31 | 30RMB

Combination Ticket
(Entrance Fee + Tower of Buddhist Incense, Wenchang Hall, Suzhou Street & Danning Hall, Dehe Garden)
Nov 1 - March 31 | 50RMB
April 1 - October 31 | 60RMB

Opening Hours
Nov 1 - March 31 | 7:00am - 5:00pm
April 1 - October 31 | 6:30am - 6:00pm

. . . . .

BUDGET  (six days in Beijing):
Hotel: Days Inn Tiananmen Square with breakfast
Tour Guide + Transpo + Lunch
Airfare: Cebu Pacific
Pocket Money

more or less $1,200/person

. . . . .

Our guide Jamie Wang speaks english
and is knowledgeable about China's history and tourist spots.
He was very helpful and nice and honest.
If you plan to visit Beijing and would need a guide,
email him at jamiewglory@hotmail.com

. . . . .

Chinese Visa Application
Tourist/Family Visit Visa Requirements:

• Valid passport.
• Completed Application Form.
• One (1) passport or 2x2 photo glued on the application form. (Do not staple. Stapled photos will not be accepted). Photo must be colored, white background, front view, no hat.
• U.S. Passport-holders must submit two (2) duly-accomplished application forms & two (2) photos
• Invitation letter with your host's valid Chinese residence visa and passport information page or Chinese national identity card.

Additional requirements for first time visa applicants
(Philippine residents, 18 years old and above):

1. Original NBI Clearance valid for travel abroad.
2. Original Bank Certificate with receipt or updated passbook.
3. If a company is sponsoring your trip, provide the company's Bank Certificate, letter of sponsorship,and the company's business registration.
4. If an individual is sponsoring your trip, provide that person's Bank Certificate, letter of sponsorship & invitation, copy of that person's valid residence visa, passport information page or Chinese national identity card.
5. For employed persons, submit Employment Certificate, company ID, SSS ID and contributions, TIN ID, and latest ITR.
6. For students, provide school ID.
7. For business owners, provide business registration of company, TIN ID and latest ITR.
8. Personal appearance is required for those who are 16-21 years old.
9. Emergency contact information at the back of your passport must be filled out and photocopied.
10. Other documents required by visa officers if necessary.

For second-time visa applicants:

Submit filled out application form with 2x2 photo and a valid passport.

Visa Fees:

Philippine Passport
Single Entry: Php1400 | Double Entry: Php2100 | Multiple Entry (6 months): Php2800 |
Multiple Entry (12 months): Php4200

US Passport
Single Entry or Multiple Entry: Php6500

All other foreign passports
Single Entry: Php1700 | Double Entry: Php2550 | Multiple Entry (6 months): Php3400 |
Multiple Entry (12 months): Php5100

Processing Time:

• Four working days.
• You can request a one day processing for an additional Php1700 fee.
• Or a three-day processing for an additional Php1100 fee.

How to Apply:

Bring complete requirements to the Consular Office or you can send a travel agent to act on your behalf.
Your representative must bring an authorization letter and a valid ID.

2nd & 3rd Floor,
The World Center
330 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue,
Makati City

Visa Section:
Fax: 632 8482386
Inquiry: 632 8482395 (Weekdays 08:30-10:30 | 14:00-16:00)
Email: chinavisamanila@yahoo.com

Visa Exemptions:

• Holders of Diplomatic or Government/Official passports entering/exiting for a period not exceeding 30 days.
• Passport holders from Singapore, Brunei, and Japan visiting China (sightseeing, business, transit) for up to 15 days.
• Anyone holding a booked seat at an international airline flying directly to China, transiting less than 24 hours without leaving the airport.
• Passport holders from the following countries -- transiting through Pudong Airport or Hongqaio airport provided they have booked seats, confirmed flights to their final destination, valid visas to other countries they are visiting, and only stay in Shanghai for 48 hours -- Republic of Korea, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Austria, Greece.
• Passport holders of the following countries joining a tour group to Hainan Province (staying not more than 15 days): Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Germany, Great Britain, France, Austria, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Netherlands, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

All information were grabbed from the Chinese Embassy's official WEBSITE. Go visit!


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