CHINA TRIP ITINERARY

KLIA-LCCT
A review I had a good experience staying at this airport. Being a first timer at this, I had very low expectations airports are meant for you to depart from and arrive to not as temporary forms of accommodation especially not for an unseasoned traveller. However, everything I needed was available and the time I spent in transit was very comfortable. Remember that there are two international airports in KL: The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and the KL Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT). I landed at the LCCT and based on the sleepinginairports.net reviews, took a shuttle to KLIA as there was about 28 hours till my next flight out of the country. Shuttle fare (the green bus with yellow strips if in doubt, ask) costs only 2.50 RM about 78 cents USD. There are three main food areas. The largest one is called Food Garden on the second floor with many options, cuisines and price ranges. Theres one eatery on the fourth floor with the airline offices. All the fast food outlets and cafes are on the fifth. There is also a water fountain on the fourth floor to refill your water bottle. A convenient store is located on the ground floor and theres also a health/natural remedies store on the fifth floor for any last minute non-prescriptions. Internet is the fastest on the fifth floor particularly around caf Old Town White Coffee in between KFC and McDonalds. Power points are mainly around the eateries in the fifth floor. I slept on the long seats at the back of the fifth floor. Some are positioned facing the glass wall and away from the airline counters, giving you some privacy. Otherwise, you can move the seat rows around. There were a few people doing the same so it was very safe. I recommend using a sleeping mask to block out the LED lights above (though they are dimmed when late). I also had earphones to drown flight announcements (with the ipod underneath my jumper!), neck pillow and my own travel blanket. Others around me slept with coats/clothes over their bodies. There is also the less known seating area on the fourth floor, opposite the eatery where there are long, padded leather couches, which you can stretch out on. I would have slept there for the night had I known because its more private, comfy, the internet connection is fast and power points & restrooms are in close proximity. Bathroom facilities are fantastic they have cleaners in there all the time so its always very clean and safe. Also, there IS a shower (cold-water) for free public access. I found it - after asking, on the fourth floor near the prayer room in the airline offices corridor. Any issues ask the very friendly airport staff!

A few hours before my flight, I took the shuttle bus back to LCCT. In total, I spent 52 RM or 16 USD including shuttle fare and 5 shared meals drinks. Couldnt have asked for more. The last review for this airport was in 2011. Have you been there recently? Tell us about it! >>>Read All Kuala Lumpur Airport Reviews Update this Airport Guide

Kuala Lumpur Airport Guide

Airport Lounges

Plaza Premium offers 5 hours of free food, drinks, internet, massage chair, showers, free local calls, reading material, comfortable armchairs. KLIA has two lounge locations:

Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) - landside, opposite Departure Gate T1, open Satellite Building - airside, near Gate C11-17, open 24 hours

24 hours

Airlines with lounges: Malaysian Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines,

Emirates Airlines, China Airlines

Airport WiFi / Internet

Free wireless internet access is available at KLIA Airport. WiFi is available in the Satellite Building, Contact Pier, and arrival and departure halls. A reader tells us that the Internet is available in 3 hour blocks free, just relogin at the end of each block.

Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the Kuala Lumpur Airport does not appeal to you, there are hotels near the airport....

Airside Transit Hotel - located inside the airport at Satellite A. Day rooms are available in Pan Pacific Hotel - adjacent to airport terminal. You can check-in at Baggage Claim Concorde Inn - 3 minutes from the airport. Free airport shuttle. Tune Hotel - located 7 minute walk from the LCCT. 24 hour Shuttle is available.

6 and 12 hour blocks. (Caroussel F). Day rooms are available for 3, 5 or 7 hour stays.

More Services, Facilities & Things to Do at the Airport

hours. FOOD / DINING Many options available. At the moment, I do not know which (if any) concessions are open 24

BAGGAGE STORAGE / LOCKERS

Baggage Storage are available 24 hours per day. Location: Main Terminal Building, Departure Level, P2. Lockers can be found in ther Satellite Building, Passenger Level, P8. A reader tells us he saw them in the LCCT.

SHOWERS

Showers are available at the Airside Transit Hotel. Rate: RM 20.00 per person includes towel, soap and shampoo. Free cold water showers are availableon the 4th floor, past the eateries.

ATMS / CASH MACHINES

Locations: Airside and Landside in the Main Terminal Building. Available in the Satellite Building, but the locations are unknown.

GYM

A gym is available at the Airside Transit Hotel. Rate: RM 30.00 per person includes towel, soap and shampoo

CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA & NURSERIES

The Children's Play room is located Airside, Main Terminal Building, Level 5. Nurseries are located in the Main Terminal Building, International and Domestic Contact Piers, and the Satellite Building.

REFLEXOLOGY & MASSAGE CENTRE

Location: Lot SATP B1, Passenger Level, Satellite Building, KLIA (leading to gates C1-C5, next to smoking room). Hours: 7am - 12am. Rates: vary according to service.

OBSERVATION DECK VISITOR SERVICE CENTER

Location: Airside, Main Terminal Building Location: 3rd Floor, Main terminal Building, near the baggage reclaim area. Open: 24 hours. Information Desks are also available in the Main Terminal Building (Departure and Arrivals Hall), Contact Pier and Satellite Building.

TV LOUNGES TROLLEYS SMOKING LOUNGES

Locations: airside and landside throughout the airport Available for free in the baggage reclaim area Locations: Contact Pier, Domestic Level, near Gate B2 and Satellite Building, Mezzanine Level, near Gate C11 and C31

PRAYER AND SILENT ROOMS

A Silent room is available in the Main Terminal Building, Level 5, Departure Hall. Prayer rooms for Muslim visitors and travellers are located in three locations:

Main Terminal Building (on all levels) Contact Pier: near the entrance to Gates B2-B10(international flights) and next to Satellite Building: at the Mezzanine Level, Gates C11-C17 and Gates C21-C27

transfer counters (domestic flights)

CAR RENTALS

Kasina Baru Hertz Pantas Mayflower Orix Insas Avis. Offices are located in the Main Terminal Building, Arrival Halls C and B

Transportation: Getting Around

Unless you are going to pay for the Plaza Premium Lounge, the LCCT Terminal will be a boring nightmare for you. Take the airport shuttle to the Main Terminal Bulding. A reader tells us the cost is approx, 2.50 RM about 78 cents USD.

AIRPORT SHUTTLE KLIA-LCCT

KLIA To LCCT
Service Provider
Nadi KLIA Nadi KLIA KR Travel Airport Liner Airport Liner City Liner

From
Platform No #8, KLIA LCCT KLIA Bus Station KLIA Kawasan Quarters KLIA KLIA LCCT

To

First Trip
5:30 am 5:55 am 5:00 am

Last Trip
12:10 am 12:35 am 12:30 am

Fa

1.50

KLIA Bus Station LCCT LCCT LCCT LCCT

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

Note: Frequency for Nadi KLIA feeder bus is every 20 minutes. The feeder buses will wait at the curbside at the LCCT. The transfer time from / to KLIA - LCCT is approximately 15 minutes.

DAY 1 (SATURDAY, MARCH 31 2012) KUALA LUMPUR -HANOI 1. Airport to Hotel Airport to Hanoi by van operated by Vietnam Airlines. Go to vietnam airline office (find the name sign board) and get on ford transit in front of the place. One hour ride to 2 quan trung street, VA office. Quan trung, south Han kiem lake, walk to the north (right), walk until you are in the intersection, in front should be Thu Vien Quoc Gia (National Library) . Turn right at Trang Thi ( a big street), walk along the street ,and take the second left turn to Le Thai To just before the lake, you can see the landmark, hoan kiem district police. Walk along Le Thai To until, the street ends and becomes two after passing Air Asia Sales Office. Take the one on the right, it will keep you on the street. Keep walking on the street until the end of the lake. Go pass Mai Dza Hotel and ANZ bank after the previous street branching. Pass the left turn to Bao Khan Sreet, keep walking on Le Thai To, passing Ngan Hang Bao Viet (Baoviet Bank), until you see a left(almost located in front of you, not really left) turn, landmark KFC on your right. Take the left turn, it puts you on Luong Van Can. Walk along the street. Cross the intersection between Luong Van Can and Hang Gai. Keep walking on Luong Van Can. Pass Van Art Gallery on the left and and Sinh Caf on the right. Pass the left turn to Hang Quat Street, and pass the Non Viet Hotel (Hanoi Youth) on the left right after intersection. Keep walking on the street and pass Hanoi Centre Hotel. Youll find another intersection between Luong Van Can and Hang Bo. Cross the intersection. Keep walking straight. You are now on Hang Can Street. Pass Rainbow Hanoi. Hoan Kiem Grand Hotel is at the end of the street before the intersection (Hang Can No 20). Hotel includes breakfast.

Cost: 50,000 for the van/mini bus or2 dollars.

2.

City Tour

Visit Ba Dinh Square to see Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Then, the Flag Tower.

Return to the hotel by taxi. At night. Walk on the other side of the Hoan Kiem Lake, near old quarter. Airport Taxi (873 3333) Hanoi Taxi (853 5353)Mai Linh Taxi (822 2666) Taxi CP (824 1999)
Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/hanoi/transport/getting-around#ixzz1pSuIAEnW

Cost: Flag fall 15,000 then 8,000/km. Around 300,000 (for 35 km) or 15 dollars. Per person: around 100,000

DAY 2 (SUNDAY, APRIL 1 2012) Make arrangement with the hotel find the cheapest deal for Halong Bay tour. AT night find cheap hotel or negotiate with the hotel for an extension of 12 hours. Cost: 25 dollars. DAY 3 (MONDAY, APRIL 2 2012) to DAY 4 (TUESDAY, APRIL 3 2012) HANOI NANNING-GUILIN After breakfast, do some shopping or sightseeing around old quarter. Then check out, take a taxi to Hanoi Railway . Take Taxi named: CP taxi, Mailinh Taxi, Hanoi Taxi, Hanoitourist taxi . Bargain first then getting on, don`t take the other taxis to avoid any scams. Journey time 15 minutes. Cost: approximately VND 60,000 (roughly USD3). Total cost in Vietnam per person: Hotel: 2 nights (17 dollars or 350,000 dong); 2 ,5 nights around 20 dollars or 420,000 dong. Taxi: Around 200,000 dong or 10 dollars. Tour: 25 dollars Food: Around 200,000 dong. Total: Around 820,000 dong (40 dollars) and 25 dollars for Halong Bay Tour.
Hanoi to Nanning by Train We bought the train ticket from a Travel Agency in Ma May Street the train station, on the north part of town is a fair way out so its probably worth paying the extra service charge for them to sort the ticket out for you. There are 2 ticket options; hard sleeper or soft sleeper. A $10 fee separates the two seating classes. We opted for soft, which cost $34 The train departs at dead on 21.40, and our travel agent recommended we got to the train station 45 minutes prior to departure. We got a taxi from our hotel in the Old Quarter, which took around 20 minutes and cost 65,000 Dong. The taxi driver dropped us off at the wrong terminal (the one on the right side of the road) so we were made to carry our bags 500 meters or so up a hill to the terminal on the left hand side of the road., called Ga Gia Lam. This could have easily been avoided if we had shown the taxi driver our tickets. The terminal has 3 rooms. One room is dedicated to the Hanoi to Nanning journey around this time of day. There are a few shop houses opposite the terminal selling snacks, cans of pop, beer and water. Its worth noting that there are no opportunities to buy any water or snakes along the 12 journey, so its worth stocking up here. We boarded the train at around 21.20 and were lead to a different carriage to the rest of the travelers. I later figured out it was because one carriage was for hard sleeper and the other for soft sleeper. As we boarded the train and was taken to our room, I was surprised how small it was. It was just about right for the 2 of us, however if the other 2 beds would have been sold, I think the journey would have been very unpleasant. Luckily for us, we were the only customers in the whole carriage, let along a single room.

The first 20 minutes was fun. Listening to the roaring horn go off every 30 seconds or so, while looking at of the window at the passing traffic. After some beers, chit chat and a read, we tried to get some sleep. It soon came apparent that with the train horn going off every minute and the rough train tracks, a deep sleep was not on the cards.

At 2.30 we were woken up by a knock on the door by a guard letting us know we had arrived at the Vietnamese boarder. We were asked to take all our belongings over the train tracks, and into the Vietnamese immigration building. We gave them our passports, sat down for 10 minutes and were then given our passports back which had us stamped out of the country. We then boarded the train again, using the same room as we had before.

Around 20 minutes later, we arrived at the Chinese boarder. A Chinese immigration official came to our room, asked us to fill in an entry card and started to ask us some questions like where we were going and how long we were planning to stay in China. She took our passports away and within a few minutes later we were instructed to take our belongings over to the immigration building. Our bags went through the x-ray machine and 5 minutes later we were back on the train. After waiting for 30 minutes or so, we were given our passports back which had us stamped into China. Easy peasy, lemon sqeezy.

A few hours later, after some much needed shut-eye, we arrived in Nangning, China. It was a pleasant surprise to see no touts or people offering to carry our bags for a fee as we jumped out of the train. All in all, the whole process was extremely easy. As I mentioned above, before I left I was searching for the answers to the following questions. Ill answer them quickly just in case anyone finds the info useful. 1. Was the train station in Hanoi going to be hectic and disorganised? No, other than the fact we were dropped off at the wrong terminal. The train station is extremely organised and had at least 2 members of staff that spoke reasonable English. 2. What were the seating/sleeping arrangements? 4 bunk beds to one room. I highly recommend buying a ticket for the bottom bunk, as you can also use it as a seat, whereas the top you couldnt. 3. Is there a restaurant/bar on the train? No Stock up before you leave. 4. What happens when you go through immigration? I had read online that the Chinese immigration were a pain in the arse, but that was not the case in my experience. The lady we dealt with was friendly and spoke very good English. 5. Do I change trains at all? No, you stay on the same train, in the same bed/room from the beginning to the end.

Leaving Hanoi to Nanning on Monday, April 2 2012 at 21.40 by train; arriving in Nanning at 10.00 AM. Leaving for Guilin at 10.30 and arriving in Guilin at 15.29. (Very much depending on the train schedule). Cost: 64 Y (Nanning to Guilin) From Guilin train station, Both stations are within 300m distance, on Zhongshan South Road . Walk to the right on Zhongshan, take the first right ( Shanghai Road ) and go under the bridge. At the crossroads turn left Huancheng Xi 1 Road. Go straight for about 300m. On the left you will see a gate with two stone lions (across the street from the gate you will see a big shopping mall). Go through the gate, and you will find Wada Hostel.

Place of Stay: Wada Hostel, No.212 Huanchengxi 1 Road Guilin (Reservation under the name: Ade Ary Simatupang) Cost: Train: 64 Y Hotel: 7.5 dollars or 48 Y Food: 63 Y DAY 5 (WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4 2012) GUILIN-YANGSHUO After breakfast, take the tour provided by the hostel 180 RMB per person to Yangshuo. Stay in Yangshuo for the night . Place of stay: West Lily Hotel, #49 Billian Lane, Yangshuo (Reservation under the name: Ade Ary Simatupang) Cost: tour :180 Y Hotel: 5 dollars or 32 Y Food: 63 Y DAY 6 (THURSDAY, APRIL 5 2012) YANGSHUO-GUILIN Leaving for Guilin after breakfast. Go to Yangshuo terminal. Arriving in Guilin and checking in to the hotel. Rent a bike or walk to nearest places of interest for free. Cost : Bus :18 Y Hotel: 48 Y Food: 63 Y Place of Stay: Wada Hostel, No.212 Huanchengxi 1 Road Guilin (Reservation under the name: Ade Ary Simatupang) Total Cost in Guilin and Yangshuo per person Tour: 180 Y Food: 189 Y Bus: 18 Y Hotel: 128 Y Total: 515 Y or 82 dollars

Guilin shopping what to buy where to go?

What To Buy in Guilin? Shopping is always an exciting part of a Guilin tour. Shopping in Guilin is a little different compared with in big Chinese cities. There are something unique in this beautiful region and worthwhile to bring home as souvenirs. South Sea Pearls The South Sea Pearls in China have been well known all around the world for their fine quality and long-lasting luster. Hepu in Guangxi province produces the finest South Sea Pearls in China. Located in the North Guangxi province close to Hepu, Guilin is an ideal place to buy South Sea Pearls if you are not visiting Hepu. Chinese Landscape Ink Paintings Famed as the "most scenic place under Heaven", Guilin's landscape has been the subject of Chinese artists for thousands of years. In order to capture inspirations and get close to the natural beauty, many ink painting artists

and institutions have settled down in Guilin. This makes Guilin an excellent place to buy fine ink painting works at inexpensive prices. Minority Handicrafts Guilin is rich in minority cultures with 28 ethnic groups living in the area. These ethnic people are still producing their traditional costumes' and handicrafts in the old fashion way. Among them, costumes and headdress of Zhang and Yao ethnic groups are most attractive. Real handmade minority handicrafts are expensive however they are truly valuable souvenirs to bring home. Guilin Local Specialties The most famous local specialties in Guilin include Dry Sweet Osmanthus Flowers, Sugar Sweet Osmanthus, Dried Longan, Luo-Han-Guo Fruit. They are nutritious and healthy. Locals often use them as sweetener in cooking, or to make healthy drink or desserts. The most famous local fruit is Sha-Tian Grapefruit. It is kind of big fruit with soft, thick, and rough yellow skin matured during autumn. Its meat taste sweet with special fragrance. Where to Go Shopping in Guilin? Shoppers in Guilin can purchase anything from tea and clothing. There three major shopping districts in Guilin City: Zhong Shan Road and Zheng Yang Pedestrian Street (Walking Street) located in the city's center, and Wa Yao Wholesale Shopping District in south Guilin. West Street in Yangshuo County offers some unique items that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Zhong Shan Road Zhong Shan Road is the longest commercial street in Guilin City with many big department stores in the street, as well as many boutique stores including some famous brands. NiKo-NiKo-Do Plaza () Address: 37 Zhongshan Middle Road Business Hours: 9:00 am 10:00 pm, Monday Sunday Price Negotiable: No Niko-Niko-Do Plaza is one of the best shopping malls, and may be the most popular one in Guilin. If you are looking for quality clothing, shoes, electronics, and cosmetics, it is a right place to go. There are some fine restaurants on the top floor and a KFC outlet on the ground floor facing the main street. NikoNiko-Do Plaza has an under group food supermarket, where you can purchase local specialties. Dream Island Department Store () Address: 20 Zhongshan Middle Road Business Hours: 9:00 am 10:00 pm, Monday Sunday Price Negotiable: No Similar to Niko-Niko-Do Plaza, Dream Island Department Store is another place to go for quality brand goods. There is also a KFC outlet on the ground floor facing the main street. B Gu D Sh (Osmanthus Shopping Plaza ) Address: 47 Zhongshan Middle Road Business Hours: 9:00 am 9:30 pm, Monday Sunday Price Negotiable: Yes There are many clothing and shoe stores in this shopping plaza, where you can bargain the prices. The prices in most stores are inexpensive, and the quality is reasonable. You could either get deals or ripped off when shopping in here, so also ways remember to bargain. Guilin Tourism and Entertainment Area (the former Guilin Night Market ) Address: a special tourist section bordered by Wumei Road in the north, Nanhuan Road in the south, Zhongshan Road in the east and Chongshan Road in the west. Business Hours: after 7:00 pm, Monday Sunday Price Negotiable: Yes Each evening from 7:00 pm until midnight in a vast area specially arranged for tourists and entertainment fonders. It is a bustling night market. Stalls here mostly sell souvenirs and knick-knacks from all parts of China and they sell mostly the same kind of goods too. Shopping at the street-side stalls are fun, but be sure to bargain. Zheng Yang Pedestrian Street (Walking Street) Zhang Yang Pedestrian Street locates in downtown Guilin paralleled the Zhong Shan Road. The main entrance to Zheng Yang Pedestrian Street is opposite to the entrance of the ancient Ming Dynasty princes' palace. This walking street is Guilin's most hip and popular shopping district that consists of many fashion boutiques, bars, nightclubs, high-end hair salons, and restaurants. No vehicles are allowed to enter the streets. It is the best place in Guilin to find fashion clothing and places to hang out. It is where to see and be seen in Guilin. Wa Yao Tour Products Wholesale Market - bargainer's paradise The Wa Yao Wholesale Market is made up of several 6 storey buildings. Wa Yao is where individual shoppers and buyers from other shops go for their needs. This market sells everything from clothing and house wares, to

antiques and art. The Wa Yao Tour Products Shopping District is organized into categorized sections, so finding things is fairly easy. As it is mainly a wholesale market, you can get lower prices in here than the normal retailing prices. Be aware, if you are looking for high quality brands, this is not the right place to go. But this is an excellent place to collect local crafts. Shopping at West Street in Yangshuo The West Street in Yangshuo is well-known for its unique cultural ambience. It is also a nice shopping location for unique cultural stuffs. Big fans, really big to catch your eyes, Yangshuo Big Fans are great for decorations. The painted fan undergoes a series of processes including dyeing, mounting and painting with lacquer or water color paint before it is ready for retail. You can always find the backdrops of the fans are depicting birds, bamboos, flowers, insects and traditional, beautiful Chinese girls. West Street is also a place to find qualityminority costumes and handicrafts. These are great souvenirs to bring home. Items soled in west street are negotiable, be sure to bargain.

DAY 7 (FRIDAY, APRIL 6 2012) GUILIN-XIAN Check out other places in Guilin after breakfast. Take the plane to Xian. Take the bus at Civil Aviation Mansion at 18 Shanghai Road from 06:30 to 20:00 from the downtown area to the airport. The buses will depart every 30 minutes and the cost is about CNY20 per person. Or Taxi for around 60 Y. Arriving at Xianyang International Airport at 12.10 (around noon). Checking in to Han Tang Inn. Buy ticket to Beijing. At night, walk around muslim quarter

forfree.

Take the airport shuttle bus. From the airport, take airport shuttle bus, and get off at the Melody Hotel(Bell tower stop),
walk toward Bell Tower by undergrand tunnel to go to the XiYi Lu in north streetand turn right XiYiLu ,frist cross road turn left(),and then along right side go straight ,frist lanego straight 200meters (there are 2 warries shand up in front of our hostel) .you will find our hostel!

Cost: Taxi to airport: 20 Y Shuttle Bus: 26 Y Food: 63 Y Hotel:70 Y

Place of stay: Han Tang Inn, 7nan Changxiang (South of Xin Chang Square), Xian. (Reservation under the name: Ade Ary Simatupang) FREE BREAKFAST DAY 8 (SATURDAY, APRIL 7 2012) XIAN Leaving hotel after breakfast to the bus to the Terracota Warrior Museum and Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum.( I just wanted to give an update about the Green 306 bus from Xian train
station to the Terracotta Soldiers. You catch the bus at the east side of the train station (just to the right when looking directly at the train station). It costs 7 yuan per person each way and I couldn't imagine an easier way to get to see the sight unless you book a private taxi if you have the money to spend. It's a very nice tourist bus and it leaves every ten minutes or however long it takes to fill up (everyone gets a seat). For us, the bus left less than 2 minutes after we got on. There is no ticket booth. The bus "assistant" comes and collect the 7 yuan from you once you are on the road. You get on the same number bus for the return trip at the same place you get dropped off. The bus also makes other stops like the Tombs- all very quick drops. Terracotta Soldier's is the last and final stop. You will not miss it. Approximately 70 minute ride. Be careful when you return from Terracotta, there are other 'look alike' green bus which is closer to the exit, they also charge 7 yuan, and will gesture you to go to their bus, but those are local bus, they go thru local roads and takes a long long time to go back to the city. So, my advise is, when you take the real green bus to go to Terracotta, remember where you got dropped off, remember the bus, and take the same bus back. The other nice thing about the 306 bus is that you have the option of stopping at one of the other attractions along the way (the Warriors being the final stop). So if you have time, you can visit the spa's, or a couple of the tombs. If I had more time, I definitely would have done this.I believe the first bus leaves at 0800 so I would recommend grabbing the first or second one and getting there before the mobs of tour groups.)

This was definitely the cheapest way to go and extremely convenient. You're not on a tour and have to go by someone else's schedule. If you want to hire a guide for the sight, there will be many there. They will come to you. Features: The museum site is divided into three parts where one can view the three pits where ongoing reconstruction of the army is taking place. Pit 1 Pit 1 is the first site discovered and the largest one of the three pits. This rectangular pit covers an area of 14,260 square meters (3.5 acres), measuring 230 meters (251.5 yards) long, 62 meters (67.8 yards) wide and about 5 meters (16.4 feet) deep. The pit features infantry regiments and chariots. It has five inclining approaches in the east and west end, and is partitioned by ten compacted-earth walls. In the front of the pit stand three rows terracotta warriors, seventy warriors being lined up in a row. They are supposed to be the vanguard of the whole infantry. Each row has a commander dressed in armor and the rest wear short suits, with their legs in puttees, which seems they are ready to start on a mission. Behind the three rows is the main body of the troop. 6000 warriors in armors and 35 chariots are lined up in eleven passages. 38 columns of the infantry are in neat lineup, and in each column there are horses and chariots. Pit 2 Pit 2 contains more than one thousand warriors which are the backbone of the whole underground army. It features a mixed force consisting of infantries, cavalries and chariots. The arrangement of the troop is permeated with great pomp. The pit is in the form of the letter L and has an area of 6,000 square meters (1.5 acres). The pit is now still under excavation and it is estimated that the pit has over 1,300 pieces of warriors and horses, more than 80 chariots, and tens of thousands of weapons. In the exhibition hall, some warriors and horses unearthed are displayed in glass cases, which grants its visitors a close insight. These figures are very life-like and represent different kinds of warrior. Exhibited is the cavalryman with his saddled war-horse, officer, general, kneeling archer, standing archer and others, and each has its own story. Pit 3 Pit 3 is considered to be the command post of the underground terrace cotta army. It is the smallest pit of the three pits and the layout accords with the Chinese character ''. It measures 17.6 meters (19.2 yards) wide and 21.4 meters (23.4 yards) long. In the east there is a leaning long gateway and in the west lie three chambers, central chamber, northern chamber and southern chamber. In the central chamber, four horses, remains of a chariot and four warriors could be seen. Excavated from the pit is one chariot remains, 4 horses and 68 warriors, and the arrangement of warriors are different from those of Pit 1 and Pit 2. The warriors in the other two are disposed in battle formation while the warriors here are lining the corridor. In the north chamber, there are the remains of deer's horn, the door and broken warriors. Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall The exhibition hall is located in the northeast corner of the museum. Some precious cultural relics unearthed from the pits are displayed in the hall. There are ancient swords, different kinds of bronze weapons and other articles, among which two sets of bronze chariot and horses are the most valuable. The two sets of bronze chariot and horses are the most delicate bronze ware unearthed in China and are the biggest bronze in the world. They were discovered 20 meters (21.9 yards) west to the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang

in 1980. They were found broken into pieces in a collapsed coffin, but attain their original glamour after the restoration. The two chariots are named Bronze Chariot and Horses No. 1 and Bronze Chariot and Horses No. 2 by their excavation order. The Chariot No. 1 is placed ahead to safeguard the Chariot No. 2, and each chariot is drawn by four horses, with a single shaft. The Chariot No. 1 is equipped with bows, crossbows, arrow heads and shields, and its diver wears an officer's cap. The Chariot No. 2 has separate front room and back room, and is fitted out with over 1500 pieces of ornaments made of golden, silver and other material. Don't buy your copies of the terracotta warriors on the way in! You'll have to lug them around, so buy them on the way out. There will be hawkers willing to make you a good deal. You can buy books about history and discovery of the terracotta army in the museum bookstore. Usually one of the farmers who was digging the well on that fateful day in 1974 is there signing books. Websites quote it is not possile to take photos but we had no trouble during our visit. Just remember not to use the flash.

Returning to the hotel in the afternoon. Go to the Tourism Office Center (which is situated near the Bell Tower) and ask for a free map of the city, with the buses' lines on it, for next day trip.
Cost: Bus to terracotta: 14 Y (return) Admission fee: 150 Y Food: 63 Y Hotel:70 Y

Place of stay: Han Tang Inn, 7nan Changxiang (South of Xin Chang Square), Xian. (Reservation under the name: Ade Ary Simatupang)

DAY 9 (SUNDAY, APRIL 8 2012) XIAN Visiting Xian City Wall, Bell Tower, Forest of Stone Steles Museum and going to the Great Mosque and Muslim Market in the afternoon. In Xian City, ten tourist special bus lines are opened, supplying convenient transportation for local residents and travelers. Most of the tour destinations in the urban area, such as the Bell Tower, the Shaanxi History Museum and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, are easily linked by the tour lines. On the other hand, the transportation to those destinations located in the suburb, such as the Mt. Huashan and the Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, can be totally dependant on the reliable city-buses. Usually, these buses can be easily recognized by their numbers marked with the character '' (You) which means 'Tourist'. Generally, the ten tourist buses can be divided into two categories: Tourist Line 1 (You 1), Tourist Line 2 (You 2), Tourist Line 3 (You 3), Tourist Line 4 (You 4), Tourist Line 5 (You 5) and Tourist Line 9 (You 9) these buses run between the downtown area and the famous attractions around Xian City. Except of Tourist Line 4 and Tourist Line 9, all of them can be taken from the East Square of Xian Railway Station.

Tourist Line 6 (You 6), Tourist Line 7 (You 7), Tourist Line 8 (You 8) and Tourist Line 10 (You 10) these four lines mainly serve the urban area of Xian City. With the help of these, the numerous tour destinations are linked together methodically. Tourist Line 1: the East Square of Xian Railway Station Mt. Huashan Ticket Fare: CNY22 per person Operating Time: 08:00 at Xian Railway Station; 17:00 at Mt. Huashan Duration: 3 hours Tips: During the National Day Holiday (October 1st-7th), more buses are put on to this line. So, you don't have to worry about missing the bus. Tourist Line 2: the East Square of Xian Railway Station Famen Temple Taibai Mountain National Forest Park Ticket Fare: CNY22 per person to Taibai Mountain; CNY25 to Famen Temple Operating Time: 08:00 at Xian Railway Station 15:00 return from Famen Temple 16:00 return from Taibai Mountain Duration: 2.5 hours Tips: During the National Day Holiday (October 1st-7th), more buses are put on to this line. Tourist Line 3: The East Square of Xian Railway Station Qianling Mausoleum Ticket Fare: CNY18 per person Operating Time: 08:00 at Xian Railway Station; 15:00 at Qianling Mausoleum Duration: 2 hours Tips: During the National Day Holiday (October 1st-7th), more buses are put on to this line.

Tourist Line 4: Zhangjiabu Mausoleum of Western Han Emperor Liu Qi Passing by: Liangcun Ticket Fare: CNY2 for the whole journey Operating Time: 08:00~17:30 at Zhangjiabu; 08:30~18:30 at the Mausoleum of Western Han Emperor Liu Qi Tourist Line 4 (sectional): the South Gate of Tang Paradise - Yahe City Garden Passing by: Tang Paradisethe Big Wild Goose PagodaSaige Computer CityNorth Street Zhangjiabu Ticket Fare: CNY1~CNY3 Operating Time: 06:30~19:30 Tourist Line 5 (306): the East Square of Xian Railway Station the Museum of Qin Terra Cotta Warriors and Horse Passing by: the north end of Kangfu LuLintong Campus of Xian Polytechnic University Lintong Campus of Xian University of Science and TechnologyShiliu Yuan (Pomegranate Garden)Nursing Home of Xinjiang Military AreaNursing Home of Land Forces tramway of the Lishan MountainHuaqing Hot Springsthe Lintong Museumthe Underground Palace of Mausoleum of the First Qin EmperorMausoleum of the First Qin Emperor Ticket Fare: CNY7 for the whole journey Operating Time: 07:00~19:00 with an interval of about 15 minutes

Duration: about 40 minutes Tips: 1. Besides a busy tour line, Tourist Line 5 is also frequently used by local citizens and the universities' students daily. Therefore, you may found it is difficult to take the buses in Xian at the weekends. In order to release the pressure, travelers are suggested to take the suburban lines of No.914 and No.915 also at the East Square of Xian Railway Station. 2. During the national holidays of May Day and National Day, more buses will be put into use. So, it is easier for travelers to take buses with an interval of around 5 minutes. However, the ticket fare during these holidays may be increased by CNY1 to CNY2. 3. After arriving at the railway station, you may find that some people recommend their tour buses or ask whether you need a bus to the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horse. They are some private tour guides of good faith, but please don't show any interest in them! You should keep away from them or say 'No!' loudly. Tourist Line 6: Xian Railway Station Tangyuan Passing by: MinleyuanSouth GateChang'an Overpass/Xian Conservatory of Music Shaanxi History MuseumBig Wild Goose PagodaGuanyin TempleTielu Temple Green Dragon TempleQujiang campus of Xian University of Technology Ticket Fare: CNY0.5 for the first three stops and then CNY0.5 for every additional four stops Operating Time: 06:40~19:30 Tourist Line 7: Xian Railway Station Xian College of Career and Technology Passing by: Xincheng Square/Shaanxi Provincial People's GovernmentBell TowerSouth Gatethe Small Wild Goose PagodaXian MuseumShaanxi StadiumXian Talent MarketXidian UniversityXian International University Ticket Fare: CNY0.5 for the first three stops and then CNY0.5 for every additional four stops Operating Time: 06:40~19:30 Tourist Line 8 (610): Zhaocun the south gate of Tang Paradise Passing by: Xian Railway StationRevolution ParkBell TowerDrum TowerZhuque MenSmall Wild Goose PagodaChang'an Overpass/ Xian Conservatory of MusicShaanxi History MuseumBig Wild Goose PagodaTang PardiseQujiang Ocean World Ticket Fare: CNY1 (with conductor) Operating Time: 06:30~20:00 Tourist Line 9 (320): Jinhua Bei Lu Qinling Zoological Park Passing by: Huzhulu OverpassSaige Computer CityBig Wild Goose PagodaShaanxi Provincial Shooting GalleryXian International Conference CenterXian TV Towerthe south campus of Northwest University of Politics & Lawthe south campus of Xian Institute of Post & TelecommunicationsXian United University Ticket Fare: The whole journey is CNY4 and CNY5 for the air-conditioned bus. Operating Time: 06:00~20:00 Tourist Line 10: Xian City Sports Park Huaqing Cun Passing by: Xian City LibraryYahe GardenNorth Gatethe east of Xian Railway Station Ticket Fare: CNY0.5 for the first three stops and then CNY0.5 for every additional four stops Operating Time: 06:20~19:30 Place of stay: Han Tang Inn, 7nan Changxiang (South of Xin Chang Square), Xian. (Reservation under the name: Ade Ary Simatupang)
Cost: Bus: around 20 Y

Admission: around 100 Y Food: 63 Y Hotel:70 Y

DAY 10 (MONDAY, APRIL 9 2012) XIAN-BEIJING Doing some shopping around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and in Xiaozhai area. Returning to the hotel and getting ready to take the Z20 Train to Beijing. Place of stay: Han Tang Inn, 7nan Changxiang (South of Xin Chang Square), Xian. (Reservation under the name: Ade Ary Simatupang)
Cost: Bus: 20 Y Food: 63 Y Train: (T232 or Z20) 417 Y Total Cost in Xian Taxi to Guilin airport: 20 Y Bus/Transportation: 80 Y Food:232 Y Hotel: 210 Y Admission: 250 Train: 417 Y Total: 1020 Y

DAY 8 (TUESDAY, APRIL 10 2012) XIAN-BEIJING Arriving at the Beijing West Railway Station at 7.20 in the morning. Checking in to Fly By Knight Courtyard. Leaving the hostel after breakfast to Tiananmen Square and then to see the Forbidden City. Returning to the hostel.

Directions: From Beijing Airport: 1. Easiest but less economical (Total cost around 100RMB/15USD/10EUR, 40min): Take a taxi from the airport queue, and make sure the driver uses the meter, it should cost about 100RMB. Do not take any private car offerings, as they can charge you over 500RMB. Also, you can ask the driver for a receipt when you arrive to our hostel that will be printed out from the meter, and it will contain the driver's information in case he or she gives you any trouble. Furthermore you can write down the driver's license number or license plate number if necessary. Show the taxi driver the following address or the map on the site: "- 6 " or you can try to speak Chinese to the taxi driver: "beijing shi dongcheng qu dong si nan da jie deng cao hutong liu hao, xiexie" 2.Time saving and economical (Total cost around 50RMB/7USD/5EUR, 60min): Take the airport express train to Dongzhimen station (), then take a taxi. The taxi from here should cost around 20RMB, make sure the driver uses a meter, it is illegal for them not to use it! "- 6 " or you can try to speak Chinese to the taxi driver: "beijing shi dongcheng qu dong si nan da jie deng cao hutong liu hao, xiexie" 3. Economical but requires more travel time (Total cost around 30RMB/4.5USD/3EUR, 90min): Take the airport express train to Dongzhimen station (), then change to subway line 2, go to Lama temple station(), switch to subway line 5 to Dongsi station (), leave from exit C, turn left immediately after the exit, walk straight, you will see a sign of the intersection street '/Dongsi south street ", turn left on this street (south direction, as it will be pointed out byS). until you see "Dengcao hutong() on your left hand side, enter the small street, keep walking to the end of this small street, you will find yourself in a Tintersection, turn left, you will see a public bathroom on your right hand side with a small parking area, walk into the parking area, you will see a big red door with the sign "Fly by Knight Hostel." *Please note, if you arrive in Beijing at late night, we suggest taking the taxi, as public transportation in Beijing may stop running after hours. From anywhere in Beijing: The easiest way to reach the hostel is by taking Beijing Subway line 5 to DongSi Station(). When you get off the subway, take 'exit C' turn left immediately after the exit, walk straight, you will see a sign of the intersection street '/Dongsi south street", turn left on this street (south direction, as it will be pointed out by S). until you see "Dengcao hutong() on your left hand side, enter the small street, keep walking to the end of this small street, you will find yourself in a T-intersection, turn left, you will see a public bathroom on your right hand side with a small parking area, walk into the parking area, you will see a big red door with the sign "Fly by Knight Hostel."
SUBWAY

The price of the subway is CNY2 regardless the distance and transfers between lines. A Transportation Smart Cardis available. The stops are announced in both Chinese and English. Passengers can query the subway staff to avoid going in the wrong direction and wasting time. While Beijing subways are not as good as those in Shanghai and Guangzhou; compared with the congested road network, they are a far better choice for getting around the city. Line 1 (East-West Line): Sihuidong Pingguoyuan Full Length: 31 kilometers (19 miles) Main Stops: Wukesong, Gongzhufen, Military Museum, Xidan, Tiananmen, Wangfujing, Jianguomen, Yonganli, Guomao Line 2 (Circle Line): (it is a line running beneath the 2nd Ring Road.) Full Length: 23 kilometers (14 miles) Main Stops: Xizhimen, Drum Tower, Dongzhimen, Chaoyangmen, Jianguomen, Beijing Railway Station, Qianmen, Xuanwumen, Fuxingmen, Fuchengmen

Line 4: Anhe Qiao North Gongyixiqiao Full Length: 28.14 kilometers (17.5 miles) Main Stops: Yuanmingyuan, Beijing University East Gate, Zhonguancun, Renmin University, National Library, Beijing Zoo, Xizhimen, Xinjiekou, Xisi, Xidan, Xuanwumen, Caishikou, South Railway Station, Majiabao Line 5: Taipingzhuang Beizhan Songjiazhuang (north to south) Full Length: 27.6 kilometers (17 miles) Main Stops: Taipingzhuang, Huixin Xiqiao, Yonghe Palace, Dongsi, Dengshikou, Dongdan, CHongwenmen, Temple of Heaven (east entrance) Line 6: (Under Construction) Wulu - Dongxiaoying (west to east) Full Length: 41.74 kilometers (29.29 miles) Main Stops: Sidaokou, Chegongzhuang, Ping'anli, Di'anmen, Dongsi, Chaoyangmen, Hujialou, Future World Line 7: (Under Construction) Beijing West Railway Station - Jiaohuachang Full Length: 23.9 kilometers (14.85 miles) Line 8 Main Stops: Olympic Park, Olympic Sports Center Stadium Line 9 Beijing West Railway Station Guogongzhuang Main Stops: Beijing West Railway Station, Liuliqiao, Fengtai Nan Lu Line 10: Bagou Jinsong (first phrase of the whole project) Full Length: 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) Main Stops: Suzhou Jie, Haidianhuangzhuang, Zhichunli, Shaoyaoju, Liangmaqiao, Jinsong Line 13 (Light Rail): Xizhimen Dongzhimen Full Length: 41kilometers (25.5 miles) Main Stops: Xizhimen, Wudaokou, Huilongguan, Beiyuan, Shaoyaoju, Dongzhimen Line 15: Fengbo Wangjing West Full Length: 20 kilometers (12 miles) Main Stops: New CIEC, Wangjing Batong Line (Light Rail): Sihui Tuqiao Full Length: 19 kilometers (12 miles) Main Stops: Sihui, Communication University of China, Baliqiao, Guoyuan, Jiukeshu, Tuqiao Daxing Line: Gongyi Xiqiao Tiangongyuan Full Length: 22 kilometers (14 miles) Yizhuang Line: Songjiazhuang- Yizhuang Train Station

Full Length: 23 kilometers (14 miles) Changping Line: Xierqi Nanshao Full Length: 21 kilometers (13 miles) Fangshan Line: Guogongzhuang - Suzhuang Full Length: 25 kilometers (16 miles) Airport Express Train: Dongzhimen Beijing Capital International Airport (T2, T3) Full Length: 27.3 kilometers (17 miles) Main Stops: Dongzhimen, Sanyuanqiao, Capital Airport Travel Tips on taking subway in Beijing: 1. Commonly, there are four entrances in four directions for each stop. So, you should make sure which one to take when getting out of the station or you will probably get lost. You can find signs with the main destinations at crossings of the passageway. 2. The subway stations are clean and have English signs directing tourists to the exits and nearby places that you are likely trying to find. 3. In Beijing the subway stations are marked with a blue sign with letter D inside a circle on it. 4. A child shorter than 1.2 meters (3.93 feet) cannot ride the subway alone. If an adult takes one child below 1.2 meters high on the subway, the child is free of charge; if two, one of the children is free of charge. 5. Tickets are issued for one-day use only. 6. Passengers can find toilets on the platform level or in the ticket hall of each stop. 7. Take good care of your personal things as the crowded carriages have one or two pickpockets on peak hours now and then. 8. No pets can be taken on the subway. 9. Please keep out the yellow line when you are waiting for the subway. 10. There are many attractions worth visiting along the Subway Line 2. Gulou Stop: Bell and Drum Towers, Beijing's Hutong and Courtyard Yonghegong Stop: Yonghe Lamasery, Guozijian, Temple of Confucius, Ditan Park Jianguomen Stop: Ancient Observatory, Xiushui Market Qianmen Stop: Tiananmen Square, Dashanlan
FORBIDDEN CITY History: The third Ming emperor, Yongle, constructed the Forbidden City from 1406 to 1420, as he moved his capital from Nanjing to Beijing. Twenty-four successive Ming and Qing emperors ruled from the palace until 1911 when the Qing dynasty fell. Puyi, the last emperor, was allowed to live inside the inner court until his expulsion in 1924. A committee then took charge of the palace, and, after organizing over a million treasures, the committee opened the Palace Museum to the public on October 10, 1925. Features: Surrounded by 10m high walls and a 52m wide moat

Measures 961m from north to south and 753k from east to west, covering 720,000 square meters Each side has one gate. Tourists today enter through the southern Meridian Gate (Wu men) and exit through the northern Gate of Spiritual Valor (Shenwu men). 70 halls and palaces, totaling 9,999 rooms comprise the palace which spans a north-south axis Multiple galleries displaying portions of the imperial treasure trove

Services:

Audio guides in multiple languages are available at the Meridian Gate (Wu men) and the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu men). Rental is 40rmb + deposit of 100rmb which you get back when you turn in our audio guide at the exit. Bag check at Meridian gate, Wumen Gift shops, bookstores, snacks (yes, there's even a Starbucks, located in the southeastern corner of the Hall of Preserving Harmony) Information Center in the Archery Pavilion (Jian ting)

Getting there: Public buses that stop at the Forbidden City: 1, 4, 20, 52, 57, 101, 103, 109, 111

Metro stops: Tian'anmenxi or Tian'anmendong on the East-West line

Essentials: Admission fee: 40rmb Nov 1 - Mar 31, 60rmb Apr 1 - Oct 31 20rmb for students with student ID card

Children under 120cm free Opening hours: Daily all year. Oct 16 - Apr 15 8:30am - 4:30pm Apr 16 - Oct 15 8:30am - 5:00pm

Place of stay: Fly By Knight Courtyard No.6 Dengcao Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing. (Reservation under the name: Ade Ary Simatupang) Cost: Food: 63 Y Hotel : 152 Y Admission Fee: 60 Y DAY 9 (WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 2012) BEIJING Leaving for the Badaling Great Wall and returning to Beijing in the afternoon. Doing some shopping in Silk Market before returning to the hostel.
(Trains leave from Beijing North train station at 0608, 0726, 0933, 1020, 1108, 1152, 1319, 1405, 1501, 1554, 1815, 1932 and 2020. Fare is 19/23 RMB for 2nd/1st-class seats. Journey time is around 1 hour.)

Name Simplified Chinese: Traditional Chinese: Chinese pinyin: Bdlng Chngchng English: Badaling Great Wall / Great Wall of Badaling Section Admission Fee: CNY 45 (Apr. 1 to Oct.31); CNY 40 (Nov.1 to Mar.31) Cable Car: CNY 40 (single way); CNY 60 (round trip) Opening Hours: 06:40 to 18:30 Entrance Fees: RMB40 (Nov. 1 to Mar. 31); RMB 45 (Apr. 1 to Oct. 31) Visited time needed: 1 and half hours Location of Badaling Great Wall Badaling Great Wall is located in Yanqing County, 70 km north of Beijing city. In ancient time, Badaling Great Wall is a very important pass to protect Beijing City on the north side, with the name of "the Key to the North Gate of Beijing city. Terrain Badaling Great Wall winds its way among the undulating high peaks north of Beijing City. The Wall consists of two pass cities: Ju Yong Wai Zheng (Juyong Outer Town) in the east and Bei Men Suo Yao (the Lock and Key of the Northern

Gate) in the west. The pass was built in 1505. Juyongguan Great Wall is located around 20 km south of Badaling Great Wall. Badaling Great Wall is in the same valley (Guan Valley) with Juyongguan Great Wall. Badaling Great Wall is on the upper end of the valley; while Juyongguan is on the other lower end. In the past, Badaling was the gateway to Juyongguan Great Wall. Badaling commands the highest point of the valley. This Great Wall was attached with great military importance. An old Chinese saying tells the crucial position of Badaling: if one man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot get through. The highest point of Badaling Great Wall is Beibalou Chinese: ), approximately 1,015 m above sea level. Traffic of Badaling Great Wall This part of Wall got the name Badaling (Eight Prominent Peaks) because the traffic of Badaling Great Wall is very easy and convenient. In Chinese, 'Bada' means 'giving access to all direction'. The name suggests its strategic importance and convenient traffic. Now, new completed Badaling Expressway connects Badaling with central Beijing. It makes Badaling Great Wall tour very convenient. It needs only one hour from Beijing city to reach Badaling Great Wall. And there is cable car to help travelers to climb the Great Wall. Bus to Badaling Great Wall: Public Bus 919. Tourist bus No. 1 at Qianmen; Tourist bus No. 2 at Beijing Train Station; Tourist bus No. 3 at East Bridge; Tourist bus No. 4 at Xizhimen Gate; History of Badaling Great Wall The start of building Great Wall is from Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC - 476 BC). During the early period of Ming Dynasty (1368 1644), the government moved its capital from Nanjing to Beijing. Afterwards the emperor Zhudi attached great importance to the rebuilding of the Great wall as a key defense project against the northern invaders. One of the famous generals QiJiGuang was named as supervisor general for the construction of Badaling Great Wall project. General QiJiGuang was known for the leadership in the battle against Japanese pirates in East China Sea. Ming government spent eight years in building the Great Wall. Function Great Wall is Chinese ancient defence project. It is a wall to ward city and country. Badaling Great Wall is built to protect Beijing City on the north side. Fire or smoke will be used as Signal when find invader. Signal can be sent to other parts via Great Wall. This military information will be transferred to the general and emperor at rapid speed. Fires were lit on the beacon towers in the evening and the smoke during daytime. The number of the fires or smoke columns represent the numbers of enemies. Since 1466, cannon were added to the fire and smoke. For example, one fire of the cannon and a smoke column represented 100 enemy soldiers; two fires of cannon plus two smoke columns signified 500 enemy soldiers, and three fires of cannon plus three smoke columns meant that over 1,000 enemy soldiers. This ancient communication warning system had already been applied in China since over 2700 years ago. When seeing the smoke or fire, other soldiers will start another smoke or fire. This signal

will be finally reached the capital and the whole country will get ready for the war. Contruction of Badaling Great Wall The Great Wall was initially built in the Spring and Autumn Period; the construction, connection and restoration of the wall had never ceased in the following 2000 years. Badaling Great Wall is the highlight and the most excellent section of Great Walls built in Ming Dynasty. It is also the best preserved part of Great Wall. The Wall of Badaling section is composed of Guan city and its affiliated walls. The walls were constructed by bar stones and bricks along the top of mountains. At the strategic points,there are city platforms, wall platforms and watching towers. The wall averages 7.8 metres high, 6.5 metres wide of the base, and 5.8 metres on the top. The highest section is 15 meters high. The wall was designed to allow five horse or ten soldiers to march on the wall. The outer side of the wall is topped with crenellated battlements, which are about 2 meters high. There are square hole on the outside wall for shooting arrows through and for keeping watch over the enemy. The flights of stairs up to the outer wall are fairely widely spaced. The inner side wall is only 1 meter high, which are also called daughter wall. The bottom of Badaling Great Wall is laid up with big stone blocks while the upper part were built with large pieces of rectangular shaped bricks. Steps were built on the steep slope and paved with huge stone blocks. Some of the huge stone blocks are two meters in length and hundreds of kilograms in weight. City Dais City Dais, also called wall dais, is a platform with battlements on the top. In ancient time, soldiers not only patrol on it but also took it as a defense work in the battle. The platform on the top of the Pass City Gate is a typical city dais. Watchtower Watchtower is usually a rectangular two storied structures built on the top of the wall. The ground floor of a watchtower was the storeroom of weapons and has a number of small windows for archers. The upper floor contains battlements, peepholes and apertures for archers as well as beacon facilities for sending Signal. Badaling Great Wall was regarded the strongest section of the Ming Great Wall. You can see a watchtower every few hundred metres. The wall of Badaling section was faced with giant rocks and bricks; the inside was filled with earth. Beacon Tower Beacon tower is an independent blockhouse located at peak of mountain, which is convenient to watch the enemy. As a crucial part of Great Wall, a beacon tower is built every 2 to 5 kilometer. There are normally five beacon pillars (for sending signals) on the beacon tower. Important things on Badaling Great Wall The first China emperor (Qingshihuang) passed the place when he went to Jieshi in the east and returned to his capital Xianyang in the west. The first emperor of the Yuan Dynasty brought his savage horsemen tried to take this place one the way to central china from the north. Ming emperors gathered troops there before went out of the Great Wall to attack the enemy in the north. The peasant rebellion leader Li Zhichen broke into Beijing and overthrown the Ming empire via this place. The first railway (Jingzhang Railway, Beijing to Zhangjiakou) designed and built by the Chinese engineer Zhantianyou Railway came by Badaling.

Cost: Food: 63 Y Hotel : 152 Y Admission Fee: 45 Y Train: 55 Y (Return) inclusive subway. Place of stay: Fly By Knight Courtyard No.6 Dengcao Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing. (Reservation under the name: Ade Ary Simatupang) DAY 10 (THURSDAY, APRIL 12 2012) BEIJING Visiting the Temple of Heaven (Tiantan Park) and then, go to Summer Palace. Beijing Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven ( Tiantan ) is located in the southern part of Beijing, and has been one of the most holy places for the whole country for more than five centuries. It used as a complex of sacrificial buildings for the Ming and Qing emperors, and is the largest one in Beijing among several royal altars to Heaven, Earth, the Sun, the Moon and other deities or symbolic forces of Nature. The Temple of Heaven was originally constructed in the eighteenth year of Ming Yong LE(1420). It was rebuilt and reconstructed during the period of Emperor Jiajing In Ming Dynasty and Emperor Qianlong in Qing Dyansty. The building is magnificent and environment is solemn and respectful. It was the place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped Heaven and prayed for good harvests. The north part of the temple looks like a roundness and the south is like a square. Surrounded by an outer wall of 5 km, it covers an area of 273 hectares, thrice the size of the Forbidden City. It is divided into the Inner Temple (Neitan) and the Outer Temple (Waitan) by a double wall. Main buildings assemble in the inner part, including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests(Qiniandian), the Hall of Imperial Zenity (Huangqiandian), the Circular Mound (Huanqiu) the Imperial Vault of Heaven (Huangqiongyu), the Palace of Abstinence (Zhaigong), Beamless Hall (Wuliangdian), Long Corridor (Changlang) etc. There is also the Echo Wall (Huiyinbi), Triple-sound Stone (Sanyinshi), Seven Star Ston (Qixingshi) etc. Temple of Heaven combines the architecture technology of Ming and Qing Dynasties together. It is rare Chinese ancient architecture and the largest sacrifice complex in the world. In 1998, the United Nations Educational Scientiffic and Culture Organzation listed it into the "Dirctory of World Heritage". If you go to the Temple of Heaven in the early morning, you can see groups of people practicing all types of kung fu and taiji. You can lso practice with them if you are so inclined. This is another good activity for the jetlagged. Add: on the east of Tianqiao, Chongwen District 67018866 Open Time: 6:00-21:00 Take 6, 20, 39 Buses

Travel Time: 1.5 hours Entrance Fee: RMB 35

SUMMER PALACE
(Just back from Beijing. Did you know that you can now take the metro right to the Summer Palace now? This new line has just opened I think. And it only costs 2 RMB for the trip! May be quicker than taxi if the traffic is heavy. You take Line 4 and get off at Belgongmen and then follow the signs. After a busy day and lots of walking at the beautiful Summe Palace we caught a taxi back into the city. The trains are spotlessly clean and a great way to relate to the locals. I will admit that we were there during the public holidays in early October so don't know how busy the metro would be at other times. Maybe avoid peak times? Anyone else know? Thanks Caro. Yes line 4 is brand new - it only opened in September. That RMB2 also gives you unlimited transfers! You can change onto line 4 from lines 1, 2, 10 or 13.How long did it take you to walk from Belgongmen to the Summer Palace and what entrance did you use? Mmm good questions. From memory only a minute or two to the entrance to the Summer Palace from the metro. We ended up in the entrance near Suzhou Street (the shopping street/canal) where you then climb up the hill that looks down over the lake. Different entrance from last time I went. I think it depends which exit you take from the metro maybe. The line had only been open a few days when we were there. I reckon it's a great option for getting out there. Hi Caro

Here are all the stops on the new line 4 incase anyone needs them. * Anheqiao North * Beigongmen or a Yihe Yuan (summer palace) * Xiyuan * Yuanmingyuan Park (Old Summer Palace) * East Gate of Peking University * Zhongguancun * Haidian Huangzhuang (Line 10) * Renmin University

* Weigongcun * National Library of China * Beijing Zoo * Xizhimen (Line 2 & Line 13) * Xinjiekou * Ping'anli * Xisi * Lingjing Hutong * Xidan (Line 1) * Xuanwumen (Line 2) * Caishikou * Taoranting * Beijing South Railway Station * Majiapu * Jiaomen West (Line 10) * Gongyixiqiao I went to the Summer Palace by subway today. There are 2 subways stops nearby, both at the same distance from the Palace. Xiyuan (exit C2) is about 500 meters from the east gate. Beigongmen (as the name says) is near the north gate, also about 500 meters.)

The Summer Palace: A Brief Introduction

Summer Palace landscape, dominated mainly by Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, covers an area of 2.9 square kilometers, three quarters of which is under water. Its 70,000 square meters of building space features a variety of palaces, gardens and other ancient-style architectural structures. Well known for its large and priceless collection of cultural relics, it was among the first group of historical and cultural heritage sites in China to be placed under special state protection. The Summer Palace, originally named Qingyi Yuan or the Garden of Clear Ripples, was first constructed in 1750. It was razed to the ground by the Anglo-French Allied Forces in 1860. The Government of the Qing Dynasty started to rebuild it in 1886 with funds that it had misappropriated from the Imperial Navy and other sources. Renamed two years later as Yihe Yuan or the Garden of Health and Harmony, it was supposed to serve as a summer resort for the Empress DowagerCixi. Known also as the Summer Palace, it was ravaged by the Allied Forces of the Eight Powers that invaded China in 1900. The damage was repaired in 1902. Since the founding of the Peoples Republic of China, the Summer Palace has undergone several major renovations. Its major attractions such as the Four Great Regions, Suzhou Street, the Pavilion of Bright Scenery, the Hall of Serenity, the WenchangGalleries and the Plowing and Weaving Scenery Area have been successiv- ely restored. The Summer Palace is a monument to classical Chinese architecture, in terms of both garden design and construction. Borrowing scenes from surrounding landscapes, it radiates not only the grandeur of animperial garden but also the beauty of nature in aseamless combinationthat best illustrates the guiding principle of traditional Chinese garden design: The works of men should match the works of Heaven. In December 1998, UNE- SCO included the Summer Palace on its World Heritage List with the following comments: 1) The Summer Palace inBeijing is an outstanding expression of the creative art of Chinese landscape garden design, incorporating the works of humankind and nature in a harmonious whole; 2) The Summer Palace epitomizes the philosophy and practice of Chinese garden design, which played a key role in the developm- ent of this cultural form throughout the east; 3) The imperialChinese garden, illustrated by the Summer Palace, is a potent symbol of one of the major world civilizations.

Palace and Life

Archway of Modesty:Built in 1750,the Archway of Modesty, is a structure with four pillars. Each side of its stone lintel is inscribed with two ......

Long Corridor (Chang Lang)

The Long Corridor was originally built in the 15th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign (1750) and then rebuilt in the 12th year of Emperor Guangxu's......

WanShouShan Qianshan Jingqu

Longevity Hill, 58.59 meters high, is an offshoot of the Yan Mountain range. Legend has it that an old man found a stone jar while chiseling at the hill .....

WanShouShan Houshan Jingqu

The Garden of Harmonious Pleasures was first built in the 16th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign (1751). Modeled on the famous Jichang ......

WanShouShan Houhu Jingqu

Also known as the "Building for Watching the Temple Fair", the hall was

built during Emperor Guangxu's reign (1875-1908)......

WanShouShan Xibu Jingqu

Initially called the Marble Boat, it was built in the 20th year of Emperor Qianlongs reign (1755). The 36-meter boat was carved out of huge rocks ......

WanShouShan Dianjing Qu

A Buddhist temple named the Nightblooming Cereus Building stood here when the Summer Palace was called the Garden of Clear Ripples ......

Kunming Lake

Built in the 15th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign (1750), this 150-meter bridge links the east bank and the South Lake Island. It is the longest ...... Cost: Food: 63 Y Hotel : 152 Y Admission Fee: 60 Y Train: 10 Y (Return) . DAY 11 (FRIDAY, APRIL 13 2012) BEIJING-KUALA LUMPUR After breakfast, visiting some shops around Wangfujing Street. Returning to the hotel to check out and taking the train to Binhai International Airport to board the plane to Kuala Lumpur at 15.50.
Binhai Airport Tianjin City By Airport Shuttle Bus Routes Operating Time Pick Up Points Ticket Fare Duration

AirportTianjin Railway Station

6:00-19:30, every 30 minutes 6:00-19:30, every 30 minutes 19:30-the last flight, every 30 minutes

Gate 2 of Domestic Exit

CNY10

1520mins.

Tianjin Railway StationAirport

North Exit of Railway Station, near the Post Office

CNY10

1520mins.

AirportTianjin Railway StationNanjing Lu

Gate 2 of Domestic Exit

CNY10

--

10:15AirportNanjing 19:15, Lu every 30 minutes

Gate 2 of Domestic Exit

CNY10

--

Nanjing Lu Airport

5:50, 09:15, 11:15, 12:15, Champagne Village Hotel 14:15, 16:15

CNY10

--

Note: Airport Shuttle Bus to Nanjing Lu stops at Zhongshanmen Light Rail Station, Wanlong Building on Shiyijing Lu and the crossing of Shanxi Lu and Nanjing Lu.

Cost: Food: 63 Y Train to Tianjin (from Beijing West): 55Y Airport shuttle bus: 10 Y

Total Cost in Beijing Cost: Food: 252Y Hotel: 456 Y Admission fee: 165 Y Transport: 130 Y Total: 1003 Y Total (exclusive plane ticket Guilin-Xian): Dong: 820,000 Rp. 358,750 CNY: 2,565 Rp 3,692,000 Dollar: 25 Rp 227,500 GRAND TOTAL : Rp 4,278,250

Money to change: Rp 400,000 to dong Rp 3,600,000 to CNY