Beijing Daily Photos

2006-11-01T01:04:00.000+08:00

:: Drum Performance at Drum Tower

I and my other friends were so lucky that we actually had a chance to enjoy such an impressive performance. Even more special that we could actually see it inside the famous Drum Tower itself. A beautiful combination between drum beats, dance and other kind of music instruments. It was a jaw-dropping show!

The Drum Tower, first built in 1380 and located in city central. Along with its other alike tower, Bell Tower, these two towers have a very interesting stories behind them. For the locals, these two towers are very important, not as just an ordinary landmark, but they also rely on them for their correct times during their daily lives.

Photos of the those towers are coming soon...

2006-10-31T16:48:00.000+08:00

:: XiAn City Wall

Unlike other city I've ever been to, Xi'An has impressed me the very first time I stepped my feet outside the railway station. This city is so special, you will be able to see the City Wall that encircles the whole city of Xi'An. This genuine landmark was first built in 14th century, with 11.9 kms length and divided into 4 main doors; east, south, west and north. For defencing purpose in past dynasties, the wall has been well equiped with 5,984 arrows-shooting holes and 98 ramparts.

Until this very moment, Xi'An Wall is still the biggest and best preserved city wall of ancient China.

2006-10-30T22:23:00.000+08:00

:: HuaQing Hot Spring, Xi An

What could I say about this beautiful and remarkable place called HuaQing Palace. It is one of my favourite spot in Xian. This place has allured many kings and emperors for the past 3000 years ago. After several destruction and rebuilt times, until this very moment, the beauty of HuaQing never fails to allure many people of this era.

There are several interesting stories behind this special place. You might want to check here or here for stories :)

2006-10-27T16:03:00.000+08:00

:: Beijing West Railway Station

My trip to Xi An was all started from here. Beijing West Railway Station, is one of the main train stations in Beijing (South, East and North).

2006-10-26T23:19:00.000+08:00

:: Another Find!

I didn't eat this one. Really. For me it's hard to believe that some people can eat this kind of thing. I guess I'll have some other better option for dinner...

ps: I don't what's happening with my internet network, but since this morning I can't open -even a single- blogspot site! But quite weird for me, I still can post! Ha.

And another thing is I'll be off from this site during weekend cuz' I'll be on a trip to Xi An. I'll be back to Beijing on Monday morning, of course, with pictures *wink wink*. And excuse my early greetings: "Have A Nice Weekend, Everyone...See You on Monday!"

2006-10-25T23:06:00.000+08:00

:: This Bridge..You'll Always Find In China

Most of gardens in China have this kind of bridge somewhere inside them. Even we have one inside our university. Somehow, for me it kinda looks like a 'landmark' of how bridges look like in this country. Nonetheless, it's very beautiful. Hen piao liang..that's how we say it in Chinese :)

2006-10-24T21:41:00.000+08:00

:: Taking Measurement of Great Wall

During the trip, I found some students were busy taking measurement of particular part of the wall. I didn't exactly know what was going on or what was the actual part of the building they took measurement of. But one thing I sincerely hoped, they were not attempting to measure the Wall with that measurement tape! If that case happened, I wish them luck!

2006-10-23T21:14:00.000+08:00

:: Souvenirs For Sale

Shopping tips: Keep your adamant attitude! To bargain is allowed, hence please do so depending on your own buying power. However, when the seller opens with a ridiculous price for particular items, you might want to start bargaining from one fifth of the original price you were first offered. *somehow* it sometimes works!

2006-10-22T13:35:00.000+08:00

:: ...and we'd cheated all the way down...

In our efforts to reduce the possibility of temporary foot ache or what so ever, we decided NOT to go down by walk, ever, again. And we were left with couple of options, whether to take cable car/chairlift, which is very convinience and the scenary from up there is marvelous...or the 2nd option is sliding all the way down on Toboggan.

...and we chose the later option. In the picture, the toboggan track is the silver one..and it goes all the way down. I remember I and my friend also once took this kind of ride when I was in Sentosa Island, Singapore couple months ago. * What a happy coincidence, Raymond has just put the photo of Luge in SingaporeDP yesterday.* I had big fun while was riding the Luge, so I was expecting the same excitement while riding Toboggan in Great Wall.

My expectation turned out to be good! I really had fun while riding it...I went down almost in high speed everytime I could..hehe. Lucky me not so many people were before or after my toboggan, so I took my own time and speed freely. hehe. Ooh, forget about taking picture, I was way too excited ;)

I found this cool site of a traveller who took some photos of toboggan's track! Please take your time and have a look :)

2006-10-21T09:25:00.001+08:00

:: It's A Long Way To Go, Baby...

I swear, climbing Great Wall is trully pain in the ass! While I and my friends were trying really really hard to get to the top, we practically had break every couple of minutes! Xiu xi, xiu xi! FYI, there's only for the opened section of Mutianyu Great Walll, apart from the Great Wall itself.

Although it was a quite exhaustive trip, we all agreed that Great Wall is really worth of our times, worth of our energy, after all it's really a worth it trip. It wasn't a skimpy building we were looking at, but it is both gigantic and colossal bulding.

You may want to know why we called this trip, a very exhaustive one. ahh, you should have known...and here is what we've found:

"The total length of the openend section is 3000 metres. There are 26 towers, platforms, and garrison castles in all. "

Even the fittest student in class, swore under his breath every minutes during the walk. hehe..

2006-10-20T21:36:00.000+08:00

:: Hidden Treasure Behind The Window

Today, I just came back from a trip with my school to Mutianyu Great Wall. We went there by bus, all together with my classmates and teachers. It was fun and Great Wall is trully amazing.

Unlike some other Medieval Wonders of the World, this one doesn't show any signs of depriving. Even more, I can still feel the 'ancient' athmosphere while unable to stop wondering, how on earth, the most incredible-man-made and yet the longest defensive wall ever built was made purely by human endeavour?

Not to mention the view. The scenary is very beautiful. It really has plenty of reasons why I should had brought some spare batteries for my camera so I could took more pictures. *sigh* This picture was taken while I was inside one of the defensive tower, which overlooks towards this wonderful scenary.

2006-10-19T13:57:00.000+08:00

:: Local Fruit

Jing, I need your help! :D

I know it might sound silly, but I kinda like this local fruits but yet I don't know what it's usually called :p The only thing I know is this fruit is soo tasty, you won't get enough of its crunchy bites.

It's so addicting..hehe... I almost always have it beside my laptop for quick grab during surfing. ;p *d'oh..isn't that so obvious?*

..and Jing, thanks in advanced :)

2006-10-18T08:25:00.000+08:00

:: Tian An Men

Another post of Tian An Men from a far.

2006-10-17T20:14:00.000+08:00

:: Public Art Statue

Somehow, the art statue is very touching. For me, looking at this statue, it feels like looking at real men. While the hairdresser *well, frankly i'm not really sure what I should call that kind of job those days in the past*, but this statue clearly shows his true passion for the job he's doing. Amazing!

2006-10-16T23:58:00.000+08:00

:: One Sunny Afternoon

After 10 days off from Beijing, I realized this city has become cooler and a lot better than before I left this city for my graduation in Melbourne.

We've entered Autumn season of this year. As my lao shi (means= teacher) said, time like this is the best time to visit Beijing. And I completely agree. The weather is nice, it isn't too cold but yet not too hot. The sun shines perfectly in the morning and its breezing afternoon is just right.

Anyone interested to come? ;)

2006-10-15T22:34:00.000+08:00

:: They Grow Beautifully

For you. Have a good day :)

2006-10-15T12:22:00.000+08:00

:: Love Is In The Air

2006-10-14T10:13:00.000+08:00

:: After A Hard Day Work..

2006-10-13T00:30:00.000+08:00

:: Life isn't Always Bed on Roses

2006-10-12T00:01:00.000+08:00

:: Sweets

I agree with so many friends who left me comments, China is indeed beautiful and colourful. Again, fromWang Fu Jiang area, the only place in Beijing that offers China exotic and traditional foods, here is the traditional sweets.

I'd never knew how it tasted before I came to this city. I saw it so many times in movies before, and as it looks like, they taste so yummy. Sweet, sour and fruity :)

2006-10-10T22:02:00.000+08:00

:: Again, About the Brand

Looks familiar??? ;)

2006-10-10T00:19:00.000+08:00

:: Confusious

The first time I stepped my feet at my new school, I was silently astonished by this great statue of Confucius, read Kong Fuzi or K'ung-fu-tzu in Chinese. I took a while to stop and secretely gave my silent honour to this great man of all times.

Because, he was really great. Nobody doesn't know about him. His great philosophy and thoughts have been a phenomenal foundation for centuries. His humble and positive attitude has brought a true impact, not only for Chinese people, but for many people around the world.

More interesting stories about him, click here.

2006-10-09T11:55:00.000+08:00

:: A Picture
Just love this moment :)

2006-10-08T20:31:00.000+08:00

:: Jia Nen

I'd never thought studying Chinese is a real pain in the ass before I came here myself. Different characters and different pronounciation even totally different words for international brand such as the picture shown above.

Jia Nen, is how you pronounce Canon *camera brand* in Chinese. And yes, they still do have more. Jia Le Fu for Carefour *well known hypermarket*, Xing Ba Ke for Starbucks, and so much more. Whoaa...I guess I still need to learn more. *sigh*

2006-10-07T07:18:00.000+08:00

:: Evening Exercise

From so many activities available in my school, i think the most popular one is either wushu or tai chi. In this picture you see some women practising wushu using *i dont know if it's real or not* swords to spend their evening. A healthy choice indeed.

Wushu is a traditional Chinese Material Art originally created in People's republic of China after 1949. Wushu has been fancied by people around the world and has apparently become so attractive for many international students who study in China.

According to Wikipedia, contemporary wushu is both an exhibition and a full-contact sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts. It is composed of two disciplines: taolu (forms) and sanda(sparring). Taolu forms are similar to and involve martial art patterns and maneuvers.

So, if someday you meet one of the ladies above, don't ever make a mess with her. hehe

2006-10-05T23:26:00.000+08:00

:: Hawker Foods.

Around my dormitory, there are lots of seller offering cheap foods such as this. Like this guy, he sells satay for only 1 yuan = 0.07 AUD. They have many ranges for satay such as chicken, beef, lamb, fish, etc. Their appliances are so simple. You see they simply use charcoal to roast the meat. The seller usually sit on a very small chair, as well as the customers. It is indeed one of our cheap options to have a dinner.

No wonder, I got chubbier ;)

2006-10-04T16:38:00.000+08:00

:: Look at What I've Found Today!

Okay. I was completely speechless this time.

I ate scorpion, I ate cocoons. But not this one, puahleassee.

Starfish is just too cute. And the idea to eat them is kinda freaky.

Nuff' said!

2006-10-03T19:21:00.000+08:00

:: Welcome to Beijing!

This is may be a late introduction posting, but anyway it's better late than never :)

First thing I'd like to say it is such a privilege to finally get involved in such an awesome community. I've always been a big fan of daily city photos, and i think the idea behind this community is great. And i'm glad that now i'm part of it.

And now this is time to know a lil bit about me :) My name is Fivin, currently resides in Beijing (well, obviously!), China. I was born in Jakarta, Indonesia so I'm originally an Indonesian. In 2002, I went to Melbourne, Australia for my further study and had lived there for four years. Melbourne has always become my beloved city and will always get a special place in my heart.

In June 2006, I finished my Postgraduate program from Monash University. I left Melbourne for good on 25th August 2006. It was such an emotional day for me, being detached from such a wonderful city and friends :(

However, life goes on. I decided to take language course in Beijing and currently study at Bei Jing Yu Yuan Da Xue. I love to learn other languages, especially Asian's. I like it when I have to learn characters, and being able to read those characters and to understand what they're trying to say. It feels like breaking mysterious codes! :D

Talking about photography, I'm a completely amateur. I don't have a SLR camera or anything professional, although I'm dying to get one :p Even so, I love to take picture of everything and sharing them. I enjoy taking pictures of things I consider special, unique and bizzare. And this city is just too interesting to be missed...

I arrived at Beijing on 11th September, so I'm quite a newbie. Until now, I still speak completely broken Chinese and have not much knowledge about this city. Although now I'm learning and trying my best to understand and to get adapted in this city. And by becoming a Beijing Daily Photo's contributor, is really a special challenge for me. I'm learning something while I'm posting...

I also would like to say thank you for so many friendly welcome and comments from blogger fellows worldwide. It is so great knowing that you are warmly welcomed and to know that our contributions are well acknowleged. Thank you so much.

Hope you enjoy the photos, as I enjoy posting them :)

2006-10-03T00:24:00.000+08:00

:: Bike Parking Lot

When I used to live in Melbourne, public transportation is very convinient and has become better option for many commuters who live in suburb and work in the city. It think it is a good idea that many councils provide those commuters with car paking lot close to the train station for easier access by their own cars.

However, in Beijing and I believe most cities in China as well, bike is more popular vehicle for transportation. It's pollution free, non-fuel and can be considered as economical and affordable. The idea of bike parking lot is actually same idea as cars. The picture above is bike parking lot closed to Wu Dao Kou subway station, 10 minutes away from my dormitary.

2006-10-02T09:01:00.000+08:00

:: Today's Daily Photo Theme: Taxi

Today People's Republic of China is celebrating its big National Day. In the town, since last week people started to put so many fancy decorations especially flowers and big banners. Colorful flowers are everywhere and they meticulously formed those flowers into some special chinese characters.

Anyway, since today's theme is taxi, let's talk about it :) Actually there are many colours for different taxi companies in Beijing. The interesting thing is most of the taxis here have those bars inside the vehicle. I'm not really sure what it is for, but I guess it's kind of a protection for the driver to avoid dangerous passengers.

Well, Chinese people will have a full week off, by the way. The bad news is, Beijing is gonna be full packed with people from other cities and foreigners cuz they want to visit either Tian An Men or Forbidden City in honour of today's National Day. This is gonna be a long long weekend here...

2006-10-01T02:45:00.000+08:00

:: 'Gourmet' Foods

This famous area in Beijing called Wang Fu Jing. Best known for its famous shopping centres, entertainment and 'special foods' along the streets :)

Looking at the picture above, you can see that along the street there are so many food stalls offer you great variety of foods. When I'm talking about great, it means GREAT. Some examples such as cocoon and scorpion satay are just few names. If you carefully look at the picture, you'll see a those big scorpion satays, cocoons and locust. *or if you're interested to look at closer picture of these foods, leave me message and I'll post the pics*

Even though i don't think it would make you guys droll :p

2006-09-29T22:41:00.000+08:00

:: Forbidden City

What is so 'forbidden' about this city?

Since China was ruled by the third Ming Emperor, Forbidden City has served an exclusive seat of government where neither ordinary citizens or foreigners weren't allowed to go in. They believed that the rule of Emperor was legitimized as Mandate of Heaven, therefore the Emperor, as long as they were in line with the 'will of heaven', deserved to the exclusionary and privileged life of the Emperor behind the walls of the luxurious Forbidden City.

Forbidden City there are reputed to be 9,999.5 rooms; half a room short of 10,000 which, it is said, is what the original Jade Emperor possesses in his Heavenly Palace.

For source and more information, click here.

2006-09-27T23:40:00.000+08:00

Tian An Men Gate

The picture you see above is called Tian An Men Gate, one of the famous places of interest in Beijing. I believe most people know that this place was once happened to be 'square massacre' in 1989 and currently has become China icon for modernity. The picture of the former chairman of China named Mao Ze Dong are grandly displayed in front of the gate. He was the one who ascended Tian An Men Gate to proclaim the founding of People's Republic of China on 1st October 1949.

Click here for source.