3rd june 2010 Beijing, China

3rd June 2010
7th Day

Yuan Ming Yuan (Y$25)
A totally ruin ancient city
You might not appreciate this place because there isn't much to see unless scenery and rumbles are your kind.
From personal perspective, I like to imagine how magnificient it was. From parts of the rumbles , you can see the carvings which are my favourite.

This pic was taken by an uncle that I befriended. He's a photographer.
It was great having someone to take a picture for me.
I think I should invest in buying a lightweight tripod.

The main attraction of Yuan Ming Yuan is this maze.
It was quite fun trying to figure out how to get to the tower.
Some people just gave up and climbed over which I think just cause damage to the maze wall.
Amazing that you during 'whichever dynasty before China fallen' time, western culture had infiltrated into the royals.
I always thought the West came during the opium time but this is interesting as it was way earlier than that.. is it??!!

Old Summer Palace (Y$30)
Back again, trying to finish the other parts of the palace.
This side is the garden and the lake.


Interesting street caligraphy
I didn't get to see it the other day. Lucky!


Have a short tea time at this cafe nearby the guesthouse.
There were many people in and out of this tiny place.
A little bit run down from the exterior but the interior was simple but cozy.
No doubt, the cake and drink were good...the prices were slightly higher...well cater to tourists.
But the taste was better than our exaggerated secret recipe cakes.




Time for window shopping.
The best part of GulouDajie is this place

Here you get to shop for souvenirs..
About few minutes walk from the backpacker.
So basically, I spent most of my nights here onwards.