It was almost summer when we went, so flowers were abloom.
Flowers as far as the eyes could see.
And yes, they are giant roses!
It was a long but beautiful walk from the gate to the temple.
We passed through colorful corridors, groves of ancient trees,
and people just doing something wonderful.
A group of people playing beautiful music.
This is what I love about parks in China --
there are so many activities and people doing the things they love.
This is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest.
This is where the emperors used to sacrifice animals to the heavens
on the day of the Winter Solstice every year. It has 28 pillars:
four symbolizes four seasons of the year, 12 represents the 12 months,
12 represents the 12 Shichens.
Some things to remember:
- Listen to your guide when they tell you about historical facts about the place. Ask questions. Or if you are not hiring a guide, bring a guide book.
- Do not miss the Circular Mound Altar, the Echo Wall, the Imperial Vault of Heaven.
- Interact with the locals, stay awhile and observe.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Bring water.
Both locals and tourists linger here.
On our way out, we passed through this covered walkway.
And it was like walking into a storybook, a movie, or a play.
There were people playing board games, some were singing,
others were reading, and a few were just being still.
The locals are always kind enough to make you join them
or let you take pictures of them. That's my friend Chris interacting with a local.
This tour ended in this tea house.
A welcome treat after all the walking we did.
They introduced and let us try different kinds of tea.
They were selling, of course. I grabbed a can of green tea leaf
as pasalubong to CBB. He's a tea connoisseur and said that the
green tea I got him was really good.
The tea-tasting was a perfect, lovely ending to this tour.
. . . . .
Opening Hours
8:00 - 17:30 (March 1 - June 30)
8:00 - 18:00 (July 1 - October 31)
8:00 - 17:00 (November 1 - February 28)
Admission Fee
10 RMB | Entrance Fee (November 1 - March 31)
15 RMB | Entrance Fee (April 1 - October 31)
35 RMB | Combination Ticket (April 1 - October 31)
30 RMB | Combination Ticket (November 1 - March 31)
BUDGET
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.
(Philippine residents, 18 years old and above):
- Original NBI Clearance valid for travel abroad.
- Original Bank Certificate with receipt or updated passbook.
- If a company is sponsoring your trip, provide the company's Bank Certificate, letter of sponsorship,and the company's business registration.
- 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.
- For employed persons, submit Employment Certificate, company ID, SSS ID and contributions, TIN ID, and latest ITR.
- For students, provide school ID.
- For business owners, provide business registration of company, TIN ID and latest ITR.
- Personal appearance is required for those who are 16-21 years old.
- Emergency contact information at the back of your passport must be filled out and photocopied.
- Other documents required by visa officers if necessary.
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.
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.
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Beijing | The Olympic Venue
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Posts
Wow! what a share..thanks! It seems I've already visited Beijing! But you know what? Singapore is also a good place to visit. The city that never sleeps they say...And I think one of the restaurant to recommend is the (http://restaurant-match.com/) - here you can dine with the cuisine of your taste. I love their food..superb!
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