Beijing | Beihai Park.

Legend has it that Beihai Park was built to resemble the three magic mountains Penglai, Yingzhou, and Fangzhang. It is believed that the gods who lived in these mountains have the potion for immortal life. Emperors looked for these magical mountains but failed. So instead, they laid out the Beihai Park the way it is told in the legend -- a lake with three hills surrounding it.

We went to Beihai Park right after shopping at the Antique Market. Like most of Beijing's parks, this one was also bursting with life and energy. At every corner, there were people dancing, singing, playing an instrument, reading a paper, taking pictures, or just having conversations. It was an incredible sight. And quite inspiring, too.

Tourists are welcome to join in the dancing or whatever activity the locals are doing. Beijingers are actually quite friendly.

Beihai Park has beautiful gardens, temples, and pavilions. It has a lot of charming little corners, too.

The park is about 69 hectares, so be prepared to walk. Wear your most comfortable shoes, bring water and food.

What to see in Beihai Park:

• White Dagoba
• Haopujian Garden
• Quiet Heart Studio
• Nine Dragon Screen
• Qionghua Isle
• Five Dragon Pavilions

Locals and tourists visit Beihai Park all year round. It is a retreat from the heat during summer and a skating rink in winter. In the spring, people enjoy the burst of colors when flowers bloom. And in Autumn, they enjoy the clear blue skies.

The best time of day to visit is usually in the mornings. It is in the mornings that you can see the locals exercise, dance, sing, or do art. It takes about two (2) hours to go around the park.

Opening Time
6:00am - 8:30pm (April, May, September, October)
6:00am - 10:00pm (June, July, August)
6:00am - 8:00pm (January, February, March, November, December)

Admission Fee

General Admission
5 RMB | November 1 to March 31
10 RMB | April 1 to October 31

RMB 10 | Qionghua Isle

RMB 50/hour (RMB200 deposit) | Battery Boat
RMB 30/hour (RMB200 deposit) | Pedal Boat
RMB 20/hour (RMB200 deposit) | Hand Boat
RMB 100/hour (RMB300 deposit) | Family Leisure Boat


And that's us -- Me, Edeena, Bambi, and Chris.
The white Dagoba on the background.

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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 tour 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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