Monday, December 16, 2013

China: Shanghai in day

Nanjing Road Shanghai China
Nihao, Shanghai! Now if you've only got a day to explore the city, what should you do? Hop-on hop-off tourist buses are usually very convenient when you have less than twenty four hours to explore a city, especially since they stop right at the doorsteps of major attractions. Shanghai is one of those cities with hop-on hop-off buses.

Since the bus was recommended by expats in Shanghai, I decided to try it out. I paid RMB100 (US$16.50) for a 24-hour pass (but that's only good for 8 hours of operation) on three routes. I took the bus from the Shanghai People's Square (Exit 7). There were over twenty available stops, including a route that takes you around Pudong. But I decided to narrow down my choices due to lack of time.

The Bund, Shanghai's historical waterfront along the banks of the Huangpu River, was the first stop on my list. It should be! The one-mile stretch is a showcase of architecture from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the buildings are in the Art Deco style.

The Bund Shanghai China
That morning I went around Shanghai was extra foggy (or should I say smoggy). Visibility was very low. But that did not stop me from enjoying the grand architecture of the Bund.

Pudong Shanghai China
Unfortunately, I could not see much across the Huangpu River. When I visited seven years ago, bright blue skies were the backdrop of Pudong's skyline. Much has changed since 2006. But it was obvious I could not make a before and after shot with all that smog!

In downtown Shanghai is a well-preserved traditional Chinese garden with over 400 years of history known as Yu Garden. Despite its modernity, this cosmopolitan city has been able to preserve small pockets of its past.

Xiao Long Bao Shanghai China Yu Garden
Before reaching the garden is one of Shanghai's popular tourist shopping areas known as the Yu Bazaar. This is where you can find most of the local souvenirs a tourist tends to take home. But it's also a place to find local cuisine. Yes, people line up for Xiao Long Bao here! Just find the long line and you'll know you're in the right place.

I actually spent quite some time walking around Yu Bazaar. Waiting for the Xiao Long Bao can take between 25 to 45 minutes. I spent RMB25 for a serving of these popular steamed buns (they're considered buns and not dumplings because of how they are pinched). Plus I made sure to walk around to find the best prices for souvenirs (fridge magnets are sold at RMB5, but other shops will try to sell them to you for RMB20 each).

Yu Garden Shanghai China
After looking for the right route, I finally entered the gate of the garden. There's an entrance fee of RMB30, but worth it. Yu Garden is tranquil and serene, beautifully landscaped with plants, trees, rocks and ponds filled with koi, highlighted by traditional pavilions and towers.

Xintiandi Shanghai China
On the way back to People's Square, the bus stopped at Xintiandi, a pedestrianized area of traditional shikumen or stonegate houses. It's a fantastic example of adaptive reuse and how one can preserve the character of a city by keeping its heritage intact in a modern environment. I walked around and actually had quite a number of drinks the night before in one of the popular bars of Xintiandi, so I stayed on the bus. But if you haven't seen it, better get off and walk around.

Jing'an Temple Shanghai China
Jing'an Temple Shanghai China
I changed buses at People's Square to explore another route which would take me to Jing'an Temple and the Jade Buddha Temple. Jing'an Temple, a very popular Shanghai landmark, was built even before Shanghai as a city existed. But constant restoration (plus so much gold) makes it seem the temple was built yesterday. Entrance fee was RMB50 which I felt was a bit pricey.

Jing'an Temple Shanghai China
Nanjing Road Shanghai China
The Jade Buddha Temple unfortunately closes by 4:30 p.m. And they don't let people in by 4 p.m. I was told. So there was no more time to visit which I regret much. I spent the rest of the afternoon sitting through Shanghai traffic as the bus made its way back to People's Square. I took some photos in Nanjing Road before rushing back to the hotel to get my things and catch my evening flight out.

Nanjing Road Shanghai China
Smog stories
Getting to Shanghai, China last weekend was a really big challenge. My trip primarily was to attend the Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit 2013 in Zhenjiang. I had to deal with two flight cancellations due to Shanghai's smog problem forcing me to miss the first day. On the first day, we had already left the gate only to return and deplane after they canceled our flight. On the second night, I had already checked in when they announced the cancelation. I made a spur of the moment decision to catch the flight to Xiamen; and bought a ticket from Xiamen to Shanghai hoping to arrive in the morning.

Xiamen Airport was another story. I was hoping to stay in the terminal and wait for my morning flight. But at 3 a.m., I was surprised they were kicking people out of the terminal. It turns out, they close the airport for two hours and you have to wait outside until it opens. I started to laugh when they turned off the lights of the driveway area where I was seated. Good thing it wasn't too cold and the free WiFi was still running.

They boarded on time, but we didn't take off until and hour and a half later due to the same smog problem. I arrived in Shanghai right before lunch and took a bullet train for the 237km journey from Shanghai Hongquiao to Zhenjiang. But to make the long story short, I made it to the Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit.

Back in Shanghai, I had a pleasant stay at the Hua Ting Hotel and Towers which was conveniently located in front of the Shanghai Indoor Stadium Station (Line 1 and 4).

Thursday, November 21, 2013

China: Applying for a Chinese visa in the Philippines

Applying for a Chinese visa in the Philippines is very straightforward. It's a matter of completing all the requirements and submitting them to the Chinese Embassy Consular Section (2/F The World Center with entrances along Buendia/Gil Puyat Avenue or H.V. dela Costa). Here are things you need to prepare before proceeding to the embassy:

1. Passport that is valid for at least six (6) months with at least one blank visa page. Note that you will need to photocopy both the front and back pages of your passport, meaning the passport's information or photo page and emergency contact page which you can find at the back. Make sure the blanks of the emergency contact information is filled out before you photocopy.
2. Visa Application Form which you can download here. Note that you should not leave any field blank and write "N/A" if the question does not apply to you.
3. One (1) colored Passport Photo (48mm x 33mm) affixed to the Visa Application Form (note that it has to be glued; photos that are stapled, taped, clipped, detached, etc. will not be accepted). The photo should be recent, front view, white background, without head covering.
4. Travel itinerary
5. Round-trip airline ticket
6. Hotel reservation
7. Invitation letters from China (if applicable). Invitation letters must contain the full name, gender, date of birth and passport number of applicant; purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures; and name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative of inviting entity or the inviting individual. The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout, but the consular officer may require the applicant to submit the original of the invitation letter.
8. If you have been previously issued a visa, photocopies of the issued visas, and old passport(s) if the visa(s) are in your old passport(s).

For first time visa applicants, you will also need to submit the following:
9. Bank certificate of deposit balance
10. Bank statement showing the past 6 months history of your bank account (at least Php100,000 average daily balance)
11. Receipt for payment for the certificates (issued by the bank)
12. BIR-stamped income tax return form
13. Letter from your employer detailing your salary and the length of your employment (for employees)
14. Business registration certificate (for business owners)
15. Professional ID (for professionals)
16. Certificate of enrollment (for students)
17. A letter of explanation if you could not provide the above-mentioned documents

If you are visiting Tibet, you will need a special permit. Submit a letter from an Authorized Travel Agency in China (which you can get from your local travel agent if they have a partner in China) if you plan to join a tour. But if you are going on your own, you will need to contact the Tourism Administration of the Tibet Autonomous Region (Telephone No. +86 891-6834313; Fax No. +86 891-6834632) in advance and provide a Visa Notification issued by them.

How to submit visa applications
Once you complete all your requirements, proceed to the Consular Section of the Chinese Embassy (location map of The World Center here) anytime between 9 to 11 a.m. from Monday to Friday. No appointment is required. You may ask another person or a travel agency to submit on your behalf, but with an authorization letter. Messengers should have an authorization letter on company letterhead. Note that you may be required to go to the Consular Section for an interview if necessary. Address of the Consular Section is 2/F The World Center, 330 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City.

Visa fee is Php1,400 for a single entry visa, Php2,100 for double entry, Php2,800 for six months multiple entry and Php4,200 one (1) year multiple entry. The regular processing time is four (4) working days. But visas may be expedited with extra fees: Php1,100 pesos for three (3) working days and Php1,700 for two (2) working days. Visa fees are paid (cash only) when you claim your passport.

For information on requirements for other visa types, visit the Chinese Embassy website.

Thursday, November 07, 2013

India: Exploring Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir

Shikara around Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir
At the heart of Srinagar, Kashmir's capital, is Dal Lake, which many call the jewel in the crown of Kashmir. Srinagar was built around it. And today, it's bustling with life with its floating communities and many houseboats with the tourism economy they create.

Shikara around Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir
Shikara around Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir
Hiring a shikara (traditional boat) and exploring Dal Lake should be in your bucketlist when visiting Srinagar. It's best to do it in the morning or late in the afternoon. The lake is quite big so you won't be able to explore all of it. Our shikara ride took us around the vicinity of our houseboat.

Shikara around Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir
Shikara around Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir
It's quite interesting observing the daily life in Dal Lake as locals make their way around on their boats, going about their business, meeting with friends or selling souvenirs to tourists. Yes, some persistent merchants pursue tourist boats and try to sell you everything under the sun from flowers, seeds and spices (such as saffron) to shawls, clothing and jewelry.

Shikara around Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir
Shikara around Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir
There are also shops which sell necessities such as a medicine, food (dried fruits and nuts are quite popular here) and things you'd see in a regular market. And of course, there are also shops for tourists.

Shikara around Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir
Shikara around Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir
You'll see families with children on their way to school on the mainland or locals boating to the port to proceed to work.

Birds around Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir
But it's just not people which make life on Dal Lake interesting. There are many species of birds and other wildlife and interesting flora.

Shikara around Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir
A visit to Kashmir would not be complete without noticing military and police presence. It may be scary at first. But you realize they keep the area stable and safe. I actually felt secure while I was in Kashmir, seeing them all over the place.

Shikara around Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir
After our shikara ride, we were off to the airport to catch our Jet Airways flight back to Delhi. Goodbye Kashmir! It was a pleasant and interesting visit indeed!

Jet Airways flies daily to Srinagar!
Jet Airways has twice daily flights from Delhi (DEL) to Srinagar (SXR). Jet Airways also connects to Delhi from Manila via Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong at least twice daily!

Wednesday, November 06, 2013

India: Pony ride to the Himalayan glaciers of Kashmir Valley in Sonamarg

Sonamarg: Himalayan glaciers of Kashmir Valley
A popular day-trip from Srinagar is a visit to the Himalayan glaciers of Kashmir Valley in Sonamarg. For our last full day in Kashmir, we drove to Sonamarg to enjoy the cold weather and majestic views of the glaciers.

Sonamarg: Himalayan glaciers of Kashmir Valley
Sonamarg: Himalayan glaciers of Kashmir Valley
Along the way, we passed through small towns, busy markets and beautiful valleys and mountain scenery. We were lucky to drop by a souvenir store along the way where I bought colorful lacquer-painted trinket boxes with intricate designs, a popular Kashmiri craft. They came in various shapes such as regular boxes and animals including ducks, roosters and turtles.

Sonamarg: Himalayan glaciers of Kashmir Valley
We were on the road for three hours. I dozed off for most of the trip. Arriving at Sonamarg, you immediately notice the pleasant weather and fresh air!

A herd of sheep and goats welcomed us, making its way up the hills for greener pasture. As we observed and explored the vicinity, our coordinator arranged for our pony ride and guides. You can actually walk if you want to. It's about 7 kilometers from the main road to the jump-off point for the glaciers.

Sonamarg: Himalayan glaciers of Kashmir Valley
Sonamarg: Pony ride to Himalayan glaciers of Kashmir Valley
Many of us could say that among the activities we did in Kashmir, this was probably the best! It was a slow-paced ride that gave us fantastic views of Kashmir Valley. The pony ride takes 45 minutes per way.

Sonamarg: Himalayan glaciers of Kashmir Valley
Sonamarg: Pony ride to Himalayan glaciers of Kashmir Valley
At the end of the ride is a small camp where makeshift stalls selling snacks and drinks have been set-up. If you don't mind the garbage left by some visitors in the camp (not that much but still noticeable), the scenery was magnificent and perfect for a cup of coffee or a hot bowl of instant noodles which you can buy at the stalls.

Sonamarg: Pony ride to Himalayan glaciers of Kashmir Valley
About an hour after we arrived, we had to make our way back since it was way past lunch time! Everyone was hungry and we had to return to the main road and drive to the center of town where a sumptuous (but very late) lunch was waiting for us at a local inn.

We rushed back to Srinagar as soon as lunch was done since we wanted to visit the local market before flying back to Delhi the next day.

Sonamarg: Pony ride to Himalayan glaciers of Kashmir Valley
Jet Airways flies daily to Srinagar!
Jet Airways has twice daily flights from Delhi (DEL) to Srinagar (SXR). Jet Airways also connects to Delhi from Manila via Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong at least twice daily!

Tuesday, November 05, 2013

India: Houseboat accommodation in Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir

Srinagar houseboat accommodation
We've all experienced different kinds of accommodation from luxury resorts and hotels to inns and hostels. They're all available in Srinagar in Kashmir, India as well. But if you want a more authentic experience in Srinagar, you have to stay at a houseboat.

Previous entry: Jamia Masjid & the Nishat Bagh Mughal garden in Srinagar, Kashmir

Houseboats are part of the history and cultural landscape of Srinagar. There are hundreds of them, moored by the shores of Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake. Some historical accounts say these houseboats date back to English colonial rule in India since foreigners were not allowed to own land in Kashmir. And therefore they circumvented this rule by building floating houses on the lakes of Srinagar.

Srinagar houseboat accommodation
And just like hotels, the quality also varies from budget to the luxurious. I had no idea what to expect.

Srinagar houseboat accommodation shikara
Our van parked at a small dock on one side of Dal Lake where shikaras (traditional boats) were waiting to take us and our luggage to the houseboats where we would be checking-in. We slowly made our way through the floating community complete with shops, specialty stores and services. The front of most of the houseboats had intricately-carved designs.

Srinagar houseboat accommodation
The shikara docked beside a cluster of houseboats which I would later learn belonged to a single family. This allows them to welcome large groups, since a houseboat usually has four rooms each.

Srinagar houseboat accommodation
I was floored when I entered our houseboat. The living room was a showcase of Kashmiri carpets and embroidery, with large chandeliers and massive wooden furniture. Beside it is a dining room where you are served your meals, usually part of the package since you can't find your own food here unless you hire a shikara and explore the lake.

Srinagar houseboat accommodation
Srinagar houseboat accommodation
A carpeted hallway connects the four rooms, each with fabulous Kashmiri carpets, intricately-carved wooden beds, cabinets, wall details and ceilings, colorful embroidered curtains and linens (another Kashmiri tradition), chandeliers, and a bathroom with amenities one would expect from a hotel. No air-conditioning, but the cool weather and fans will ensure you sleep in complete comfort.

Srinagar houseboat accommodation
We were served a sumptuous Kashmiri dinner shortly after we arrived.

Srinagar houseboat accommodation
And since it's difficult to shop without a shikara, the vendors usually visit the houseboats at night, with large bags containing really good quality cashmere shawls, pashmina and silk scarves, leather clothing and accessories, and Kashmiri gems and jewelry among many others.

Srinagar houseboat accommodation Dal Lake
Srinagar houseboat accommodation
In the morning, you can catch the sunrise and watch locals begin their day as they move about in their boats. I'll talk about the vibrant floating community of Dal Lake in another post. The houseboat experience was definitely a pleasant surprise!

Srinagar houseboat accommodation
P.S. Each houseboat has a name, they can be anything under the sun from local names and foreign cities or countries to imitations and spoofs. Yes, they've got the Holiday Inn, the Kashmir Hilton, and even H.B. Manila and New Manila!

Srinagar houseboat accommodation
Jet Airways flies daily to Srinagar!
Jet Airways has twice daily flights from Delhi (DEL) to Srinagar (SXR). Jet Airways also connects to Delhi from Manila via Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong at least twice daily!

Monday, November 04, 2013

India: Jamia Masjid & the Nishat Bagh Mughal garden in Srinagar, Kashmir

Nishat Bagh Mughal garden in Srinagar, Kashmir, India
Srinagar, a city of ancient Mughal gardens, picturesque lakes and floating villages, is the capital of Kashmir, India. After enjoying the cool weather and majestic mountain views of Gulmarg, we made our way back to Srinagar to experience the city.

Previous entry: Picturesque views in Gulmarg, Kashmir

Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, Kashmir, India
Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, Kashmir, India
We went straight to the Jamia Masjid, the grand mosque of Kashmir in its old city built by Sultan Sikandar Shah Kashmiri and completed in 1402AD. The mosque was destroyed several times by fire. And the current one, inspired by Indo-Saracenic architecture, is a quadrangle with a charming courtyard garden and four minarets with pyramidal roofs.

Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, Kashmir, India
Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, Kashmir, India
From the courtyard, you can see the old Durrani Fort built on top of Hari Parbat Hill. We drove close to the fort as me made our way around Dal Lake. There were interesting mosques at the foot of the hill which I wish we had time to explore.

Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir, India
Just looking outside the van window kept us busy as we observed interesting facets of local life in Srinagar.

Our next stop was Nishat Bagh, a terraced Mughal garden built in 1633AD. We visited just at the right time as the late afternoon sun highlighted the vibrant colors of this ancient garden. Behind the garden are the Zabarwan Mountains.

Nishat Bagh Mughal garden in Srinagar, Kashmir, India
Nishat Bagh Mughal garden in Srinagar, Kashmir, India
Many locals visit the garden to relax and enjoy the beautiful flora. It's not uncommon to see groups seated together in colorful dresses.

View from Vivanta by Taj in Srinagar, Kashmir, India
Before proceeding to the house boats on Dal Lake where we were to stay for the next two nights, we had tea while watching the sunset at Vivanta by Taj, a charming resort build on top of a hill with grand views of Dal Lake and the communities around it.

View of Dal Lake from Vivanta by Taj in Srinagar, Kashmir, India
Jet Airways flies daily to Srinagar!
Jet Airways has twice daily flights from Delhi (DEL) to Srinagar (SXR). Jet Airways also connects to Delhi from Manila via Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong at least twice daily!



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