Once the itinerary is decided, I started researching online and decided to stay at a small chic hotel away from the Central Business District called Modena. It has a metro station within 3 mins walk. At Hangzhou, it was Hobson's choice, if you wish to stay by the lake, good old Shangrila meets my requirement as I wanted to see the night extravaganza on the lake by Zhang Yimou which takes place within 5 mins walk from the hotel. So I had booked the hotels and even the bullet train tickets online before going there. That's the way I like it, sort out the cumbersome part first, have it prepaid so that I need not have to worry about the big ticket items when holidaying.
My quick getaway starts on 1.12.17 and ends on 5.12.17. Only Valen came along on this holiday as my other two sons have work commitments.
Valen at the Plaza Lounge after checking in at KLIA.
Our plane landed late and when we got into our hotel, we hit the sack immediately.
The hotel is really comfortable, nice soft bed with air condition working. Most hotels in China tend to switch off the air conditioner during winter months. It can get stuffy without proper ventilation.
The two bedded room at Modena.
It comes complete with a nice kitchenette.
Valen had a quick shower first thing in the morning.
Room at the top of the stairs.
Shower room tastefully design.
Small, but well design room. Do not feel being squeezed in.
The temperature outside is cooling.
The brown building is Modena, just next to the shopping mall. On the left is Renaissance and immediately left of Renaissance is the Langao Road, subway station.
People's Park.
At the entrance.
One of our favourite is to visit the parks in China on a weekend. It is always full of activity. This one, we saw a lot of umbrellas and was wondering what's this about?
Can you read this ?
Yes, in a thriving hi-tech city like Shanghai, the traditional way of match making is still very much alive, albeit in different form.
I'm not sure if this is with the children's consent which I suspect it's not. In a still conservative Chinese society, the parents take it upon themselves to find a mate for their children.
There are hundreds of umbrellas lining along the walkways in the park. If you have difficulty finding a soul mate, come here!
Walking along old Shanghai.
After the park, we headed out towards the Bund. Along the way, we passed by small shops and saw one which seems popular.
It is an eatery specialising in dumplings. Since it is lunch time, we tried it out and was not disappointed.
Outside the shop at the older part of Shanghai.
Dried food stuff being sold at one of the shops, just like any town in China.
Shop selling lamb meat. This is a Muslim shop.
This is now very common all over China. Bicycles for rent at every street in the city. It is cheap and very convenient. The locals just use their phone to transact on the spot and use it. No kiosk or attendant is needed.
Older side of the city.
Not sure what the shade can do for this motor bike.
Old Shanghai.
We have just eaten, otherwise it would be good to try this eatery as well.
Mailbox still survives against lightning speed emails and WeChat.
A section of the old buildings.
Alleyways are still alive but hidden from most of the modern high rise buildings.
Old Shanghai avenue.
Shanghai Bund.
Taking a rest at the Bund after a long walk here.
The river curve towards right at the far end.
The Bund is active with tourist.
Shanghai Bund.
The new Shanghai at the other side of Huangpu River stood in contrast.
The colonial buildings are on the left hand side of this picture whilst the modern high rise are on the the right. It is a must visit area for all tourist to Shanghai.
Cruise boats berth along the river.
The skyline marks the great stride made in Shanghai from the time when it was brought down to it's knees by foreign powers at the close of 19th Century. It was forced to sign the one sided Treaty of Nanking that allows Britain, US, France, Italy, Russia, Germany, Japan, Netherlands and Belgium to set up trading houses right here along this river.
Yu Yuan Garden
We took a 15 mins walk towards Yu Yuan Garden.
Upon reaching there, we could see the place is packed with tourists.
This is just near the tea house and we decided not to enter the garden due to the crowd.
Outside at the souvenir stalls are teeming with people.
We took a look inside the building housing shops that sells all touristy paraphernalia.
Yvonne have to pop into one of those shops to check out some Chinese wears.
Outside the main shopping area, we passed some shops and this one caught our eye.
There were some pretty scarves which we wanted to buy for some friends. The lady owner gave us a good bargain and we bought 20 pieces from her.
Cruising the Huangpu River.
We got into the cruise at the lower deck where the dining tables are.
At the upper deck, the view of the lighted buildings are just awesome.
The deck is filled with camera toting tourist like us.
The view of the Bund from the boat.
Valen with the background of the buildings on the Bund side.
The Bund side is not so well illuminated.
But the other side which has more modern high rise is brightly lighted.
One lone skyscrapper stands out with its Christmas tree lighting on the entire building.
After a while, it's back to the cosy lower deck for some warmth.
We disembark the cruise after it docked.
As we were walking out, the spectacular skyline is simply too beautiful to walk pass.
We couldn't resist taking another picture here.
We have been out walking most of the day. My iwatch indicated that we've walked 15 kilometers today and burnt more than 800 calories.
Bullet train to Hangzhou.
I had reserved the train tickets online before coming here. You can pick up the tickets at any train station but all foreigners have to show their passport.
We took the subway which connects directly to the High Speed Railway Station at Hongqiao Railway Station.
Waiting at Changsa Station to connect Line 10.
It's 11 stops from Changsa to Hongqiao which takes about half an hour to reach.
Here we are at the Hongqiao Railway Station, all modern, neat and tidy.
It's bustling with commuters and there are numerous trains to various towns and cities outside Shanghai.
The HSR ticket; The Name and passport number is indicated. Our train is G7349, platform is at Gate 9B, which will depart at 9.10 am. Our coach is No.4 and this seat is 5D. All the signage are on display at the station, very orderly. G train are the fastest going at 300kmph.
We had picked up our tickets and still have enough time for breakfast.
Our train soon arrives at platform 9B and in less than five minutes, it leaves at 9.10am sharp.
We took Class 2 which is a row of five arranged in three adjoining seats and two adjoining seats.
After pulling out of the city, the train hits 305kmph and yet we do not feel any shaking. It was a smooth ride.
We arrive at Hangzhou East Station after an hour.
There are options of subway, bus and cabs or even Uber from this station. We opt to take the cab for convenience. At the taxi bay, the taxis are waiting in line and a minder directs each passenger to the waiting cab in an orderly manner.
We showed our google map address to the metered taxi driver to show them where our hotel is. It is a subtle way of letting them know we know the route via GPS just in case they take us on a "merry go round" to rack up the meter charge.
Robert Kuok is a pioneer at the time when China open up. He has the great foresight to invest here to ride on the boom he foresaw in China more than 30 years ago. He built Shangrila Hotel at the West Lake in 1984 and is one of the first foreign owned hotel in China. It is this grand old hotel that we are staying the night. Last year during the G20 Summit that was held in Hangzhou, Shangrila Hotel played host to all the Presidents and Prime Ministers of the G20 countries. Their photos proudly adorned the walls of the hotel.
The West Lake.
We arrived early and checked in early and were eager to check out the West Lake. The best way is to take one of the slow boat at the lake and criss cross the lake and stopping in one of the islands. We got our tickets which shows the path that they take on the reverse side.
We did not waste any time and was on the boat that ply the lake. This lake that influenced poets and painters throughout Chinese history for its natural beauty and history relics and has inspire Chinese gardens designers for centuries. It was made a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2011.
Passing by an islet.
The weather was perfect, it was not overly cold at the back of the boat.
As it was early, there are not many tourist on board the boat.
Selfies are everywhere and this is common sight.
We alighted at Xiaoying Island.
Despite it being a small island, the setting here transport you to another world.
The walk around this small island is soothing. The entire park like place is traditional Chinese landscape garden.
Every pace is a good photo opportunity.
The pavilion at the background is three sided.
Nice view of the willow trees at the background.
The pavilion is triangular.
The same view with the pavilion as frame.
Valen with the nine lion rockery.
It's just a design as part of the landscape.
Strolling past the bamboo lined walkway.
On our way back, we pass by a nice cruise boat that is completely Chinese design.
Back on the mainland.
The street along the lakeside.
Walking along the lakeside.
Qiu Jin was a poet, a feminine heroine and a revolutionary at the end of Qing Dynasty. She was executed at age 30 and her body was buried here next to Xiling Bridge as she had desired.
This picture is taken from Xiling Bridge.
Small garden at one of the entrance.
During the day, this is a car park.
By nightfall, it is turn into a seating gallery for an open door stage. The performance is staged over the West Lake and it'll be one of the largest spectacle you'll ever see.
This is is a beautiful view of the lake with a pavilion over a bridge at background during day time.
This is what is has been transformed to during the show at night.
Enduring Memories of Hangzhou.
We took our seats 20 minutes before the show starts. All the seats are numbered.
It used to be called "Impression of Hanzhou", a Zhang Yimou's production.
The show starts with the spectacular lighting that transform the entire lake into a fairyland.
The magic begins when a large cast of background casts appear into the landscape seemingly walking on the lake.
This is Act 1 which is titled " Spring River in the Flower Moon Night" originated from a poem during the Tang Dynasty.
The next act had a sudden burst of yellow light that engulfed the entire night sky in front of you.
It's the "Dance of Picking Tea Leaves" of which Hangzhou is well known for.
A tea lover would have heard about the 'dragon well tea" that originates from Hangzhou.
One of the most popular folklore of the West Lake is the "Tale of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yintai", which is Act 3.
This is the tragic tale of the Chinese Romeo and Juliet, a love forbidden by their families. They died and their spirits turn into beautiful butterflies to be together forever.
The show is made mysterious and charming by the moon light mirroring the lake.
The huge colourful fan like reflection over the lake is mesmerising.
The classical Chinese music " High Mountains ans Flowing Waters" has deeper meanings beyond natural landscape.
It's a metaphor for ancient Chinese literati to denote friendship. This Act was incorporated last year for the G20 audience, a hint of friendship between Hangzhou and the rest of the world.
Act 6 is Ballet Swan Lake, from the famous Russian Ballet Swan Lake.
The dancers are hologram conbined with live ballet dancers.
Act 7 is a patriotic song " My Counrty and I" that expresses love for my hometown, my country.
It was also performed for the G20 audience last year.
The popular Chinese folk song the world over is Act 8, " The Unforgettable Jasmine Flower".
The song was created during the Qianlong era and there are several regional versions of the song.
The song perfomed here obviously is the Zhejiang version which is also one of the more popular one.
It was used as a national anthem in Europe by the Qing officials.
Finally, the show climax to to the last act.
It is of all choice, a piece from the west.
The Beethoven "Ode to Joy" was the last act.
It is a fitting finale, albeit not with a Chinese tune.
The spectacular one hour show left an appreciative audience mesmerised.
We are glad to have witness the spectacle.
The next day, we woke up to a cold temperature of 10 degree.
Scene like this is still common sight in progressive China.
Just before going back to Shanghai, we want to have one more look at the West Lake.
And so in the morning, we took a walk along the lakeside.
Despite the cold, the body warms up to it after walking some distance.
You don't really need the added layer if you constantly walk around.
Just sitting and looking out into the lake is therapeutic.
Not many people are up yet and that's why it's peaceful and nice.
We spotted an old man playing flute here.
The tree with red leaves is a beautiful sight.
There is a mofern coffee outlet that is already opened for business.
Good coffee is what we need after so many days of Chinese tea.
It's coffee with cheeses cake and another snack.
Yvonne just love to take as many photos here as possible.
What do you do when you see a circular doorway ?
It's another photo opportunity of course.
Walking back and crossing Xiling Bridge towards our hotel.
After an hour walk, we have to leave and did not venture far to the Broken Bridge where many legends are created there. But one thing for sure is, you can keep on coming back to West Lake to enjoy the beautiful and peaceful place. For me, I would like to come back during a winter time for a different feel of the place.
We got back to the train station and took the bullet train back to Shanghai
Qibao Ancient Town.
On our last day, we decided to visit the ancient town of Qibao.
Qibao id abot 25 kilometer from our hotel and all we need to do was to take the subway.
It is the only ancient town within greater Shanghai area and deviod of crowds.
Most of the tourist would opt to visit one of the many water towns that is located outside Shanghai which would take a whole day.
We came here at the recommendation of of our hotel reception staff.
It turn out to be a good choice due to proximity, no entrance fee and not crowded.
It has the same charm as any water town with a 1000 year old history!
Alongside the river that run pass the middle of the town.
It's nice just to sit here enjoying the weather and the antiquity.
Some of the shops are occupied by modern establishments and non Chinese in nature, like coffee outlet.
This is the only river in the town, unlike other water towns where a few streams crissed cross the town.
It is dinner time and there are plentiful of snack stalls. This one has the popular "Xiu long pao".
There are a few shops like this selling pork.
Traditional Chinese snacks.
Another shop selling stewed pork.
Chinese buns.
More snacks.
The signage says it all.
Grilled stuff.
We ate a bit of everything, well a few.
They tasted all right to good. That's what we had for dinner, light and easy.
After dinner, we continued strolling around stopping to buy some Chinese clothes.
It is a living town that was built during the Northern Song Dynasty ( 960Ad to 1126 AD ). It grew in prosperity during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
At night, the lighting brings out a different ambiance to the town.
I would imagine that during it's early years, it has not so much lighting.
It is certainly more beautiful with modern lighting.
Credit to the authorities for preserving a big part of people's history.
We left the place after almost 3 hours there. One last look at the Bell Tower at the entrance before we make our way out.
We're on the train back to our hotel.
The temperature that night had dropped to 7 degree.
In this very short trip, we had covered what we set out to do except to shop using e wallet especially at Hema Supermarket operated by Alibaba. This is simply because I could not activate WeChat Pay or Alipay as I do not have a China account. Holidaying in China would be much more fun if a foreigner can have the ease of paying through phone just like the locals for almost everything. Otherwise, the Shanghai quick getaway was a refreshing break from the normal routine.
Bullet train to Hangzhou.
I had reserved the train tickets online before coming here. You can pick up the tickets at any train station but all foreigners have to show their passport.
There are options of subway, bus and cabs or even Uber from this station. We opt to take the cab for convenience. At the taxi bay, the taxis are waiting in line and a minder directs each passenger to the waiting cab in an orderly manner.
The West Lake.
We're on this island.
Enduring Memories of Hangzhou.
We got our tickets from the DIY kiosk nearby. The three tickest costs us RMB 930.00 in total.
Qibao Ancient Town.
