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Shanghai, Nanjing & Harbin Trip
Again I have chosen China as my destination for backpacking trip, but this time I went to 3 beautiful cities in China, which were Shanghai, Nanjing and Harbin.
Usually people will buy online flight tickets but, when I bought the flight tickets, I actually went myself to the Eastern China Airlines office in Plaza OSK at Jalan Ampang (next to Ampang Park) this was because I want to ensure that will be served with Halal Food on the Flight during the journey. I confirmed the seats locations and got their advice for the best flight offer for the lowest tickets price.
China Eastern Airlines has Shanghai Airport as its headquarter, it connects Kuala Lumpur International KLIA directly with Shanghai. Shanghai Airport operating center is connected with other destination cities in China. Therefore, I took the opportunity to spend time to visit Shanghai and its neighbouring city Nanjing for a few days and then, get on flight again to continue my journey to Harbin and spend time for about a week in Harbin.
Travel Visas have to be prepared prior to entry into China. Got this done and raring (very eager) to go.
14 Jan THURSDAY
Its Thursday and we went to office to work on this day but left office on time and hurried home for final packing, making sure we will bring everything required for our travel. Of all the travel blogs I have read, I think none ever mentioned about the electrical socket adapter. Malaysia using United Kingdom type of electrical socket plug and will require an adapter to use our electrical appliances such as phones, cameras, computers etc.
I brought the same electrical adapter that I used in Australia. Australia and China using similar type of electrical power connection.
We made our move after Maghrib Prayer and drove from our house in Ampang to Ampang Park LRT Station. We kissed the children and said, "Jumpa Lagi dan Doakan semuanya selamat" and got off from the car. My wife's brother drove the car back.
Got on the LRT to get to KL Sentral.
Once arrived in KL Sentral, bought the tickets for ERL (Express Rail Link). KLIA Ekspres is the premium non-stop high-speed train service that connects KL International Airport.
Get off at KLIA. The ERL continued its journey to KLIA2 ..without us of course (since we had alighted - got down from this train.)
KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT KLIA
Still early. We had dinner at this Airport on 2nd Floor.
Food Garden food court on Level 2 of Terminal 1 the best place to get a reasonable priced meal before the flight.
We looked for seats at waiting area on Level 5 of the Airport. I kept an eye on our luggage while my wife taking her turn to perform Isha Prayer at Anjung Tinjau located on the same floor (5 Floor). Then it was my turn.
11.30 pm Flight Check-in at KLIA. The counter located at Row J for Shanghai Airlines checking-in.
Checking-in was very fast since they opened 4 counters at Row J. Once checked-in we walked to the departure hall and Immigration Counters.
There was no hurry since the flight departure time at past midnight.
FLIGHT CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES MU9862 OPERATED BY SHANGHAI AIRLINES
Boeing 737-800
2:10 am Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Shanghai (PVG) 7:30 am
Flight Duration 5h 20m
15 Jan FRIDAY (DAY 1)
02.10 Morning Flight departed from KLIA
07.30 Arrived in Shanghai Pudong Airport Terminal 1
Nihao Shanghai, going to enjoy my time in Shanghai, Nanjing and Harbin. Pray to God everthing will turn-out OK and will get back to KL (Kuala Lumpur) safely, when its time to get back to KL, Insya'Allah.
Yesterday was history, Tomorrow is a mystery, and they call Today.......... the present.
Jom jalan tengok negara orang....tentu lain dari kebiasaannya yang dapat kita lihat berbanding di negara sendiri. It would definitely be an adventure.
I just want to take photos capturing every moment I spent in China. That’s the most important thing when going out of our own country. Taking photos when travelling in a different country.
Ar-Rum ayat 22
وَمِنْ آَيَاتِهِ خَلْقُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافُ أَلْسِنَتِكُمْ وَأَلْوَانِكُمْ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآَيَاتٍ لِلْعَالِمِينَ
Dan di antara tanda-tanda kekuasaan-Nya ialah menciptakan langit dan bumi dan berlain-lainan bahasamu dan warna kulitmu....
SHANGHAI PUDONG AIRPORT
Maglev Train from Pudong Airport to Longyang Maglev Station. The Shanghai Maglev Train, also known as the Transrapid, is World's fastest commercial train.
Bought round-trip tickets Wǎngfǎn yù shòu quàn (Ticket fare 80元) for journey by Maglev Train.
8.30 am Got on Maglev Train "Shànghǎi cífú shìfàn yùnyíng xiàn" at Shanghai Pudong International Airport
8.40 am Arrived at Maglev Longyang Road Station and walk to Longyang Subway station to Shanghai Metro line 2 "Shànghǎi dìtiě èr hào xiàn"
Bought Metro tickets in Shanghai using the Vending Machine. An "Apek Tua" assisted us to use the machine. This lǎo rén 老人 was very friendly and even shared with us how Shanghai locals would say, "Liǎng zhāng"...he said "Liǎng zháng". You can realize that "zhang"pronounced as second tone as used by him. I rephrased after him... "Liǎng zháng"...and we all laughed. What the use of pronouncing the correct chinese, when in Shanghai, speak as the Shanghainese do. This was perhaps the influence of Shanghainese, also known as the Shanghai or Wú yǔ dialect. This was the fun of going to China, learn the dialect and not necessary to speak pǔtōnghuà 普通话 (speech of the Official Chinese language). 吴语, Wú yǔ, Wu dialects (spoken primarily in Shanghai and surrounding areas).
zhāng 张 is a measure word used in Chinese for counting pieces of objects made of paper, objects with a flat object such as paper, tickets, beds, table, mouths (一张纸; 一张票; 一张桌子; 一张床)
9.20 am Get on subway line 2 at Longyang Subway station → East Nanjing Road Station.
East Nanjing Road Station was an interchange with Metro Line 10.
Once arrived in East Nanjing Road Station, get interchanged at this station with Shanghai Metro Line 10 (don't need to exit this station). From Line 2, look at the signboard at the station and follow the sign. Just walk in the direction according to the sign to get to Metro Line 10.
Got on Metro line 10 at East Nanjing Road Station and got off when it arrived at North Sichuan Road Subway Station.
HANTING HOTEL
10.15 am Check in at Hanting Hotel, 27 Luofu Road, Hongkou, Shanghai, China located near North Sichuan Road Subway Station.
I have no communication problem here, but like (almost) everywhere else in China, a "non-Chinese speaker" will find communication a bit difficult, but be brave, use the "phone a Chinese speaking friend" system and it will be OK.
The more important thing that the hotelier is friendly and helpful. Perhaps instead, the hotelier could call his Chinese friend that could speak English to speak with you. So, communication problem can be solved.
XIAOTAOYUAN MOSQUE
Its Friday and thought that I could grab a bite of Lamb Kebab (called here as Yangrou Chuan), so looked for Lamb Kebab seller in front of the mosque but not so lucky since today was his day-off.
Surfed the net and found on other website, mymiee.blogspot.my wrote, "Antara yang paling saya nak cari di sini ialah sate kambing seperti yang di ceritakan oleh blogger Nota Kembara. Gerai ini hanya ada pada hari Jumaat sahaja dan kami dah set untuk ke sini pada hari tersebut. Memang tak sia-sia kami ke sini. Cuma sate yang dijual agak terhad dan ramai yang menunggu. Kami cuma dapat 10 cucuk sahaja. Rasanya memang sangat sedap. Daging kambingnya pun lembut dan aromanya sukar digambarkan. Tak perlu kuah macam sate di tempat kita."
mymiee.blogspot.my described the above, how he was enjoying a succulent bit of the grilled meats-on-sticks, that was referring to Kebab (or in this case, Sate, which this cuisine is called in Malaysia), originally Arab originated dishes.
RESTAURANT XIBEI NIUROUMIAN
Lunch at Xibei Niuroumian 西北牛肉面, 525 Henan South Road 河南南路. Exactly located across the road in front of Xiaotaoyuan Mosque.
YU GARDEN
Locally known as Yuyuan.
Most people say that if you have never been to Yu Garden, it means that you have never been to Shanghai.
The construction of Yu yuan Garden took place in 1577 by the initiative of Pan Yunduan, a government officer during the rule of Ming Dynasty.
Yu in Chinese means pleasing and satisfying, and this garden was specially built for Pan’s parents as a place for them to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age.
A peaceful, relaxing place, see an old-aged garden with very antique buildings located in the southeast of Shanghai, with a history of more than 400 years. The Garden features more than 30 halls and pavilions such as Spring Hall, Chamber for Gathering the Rain and Pavilion for viewing Frolicking Fish. Visitors could appreciate the view of pools filled with multicolored carp and lotus, artificial but climbable mountains, a Grand Rockery, dragon-shaped walls and winding corridors.
SHANGHAI FUYOU ROAD MOSQUE
To perform Solat 祈祷 Qídǎo in chinese language (Eid Prayer is called Kāizhāi jié qí dǎo 开斋节祈祷, on 1st Syawal and 10 Dzulhijjah every year)
Gerai saudara muslim kita yang terdapat di luar pintu Masjid Fuyou...kami membeli roti dan air tebu...betul-betul sedap... I find that the Uighur bread is delicious, it taste something like Pizzahut Garlic Bread ..... Uighur bread terbaik.
Locally known as Shanghai Lao Jie 上海老街.
Shanghai Old Street originally named Fangbang Middle Road, Shanghai Old Street portrayed the city’s past. There were many antique shops, jewelry shops, restaurants, theaters, and other venues along this stretch of street.
3.40 pm Get on subway line 2 at East Nanjing Road → People Square
3.50 pm To use exit 19 and cross Xizang Middle Rd to get to Shimao International Plaza (shànghǎi shìmào guójì guǎngchǎng)
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DINNER AT YERSHARI RESTAURANT
Shimao International Plaza (shànghǎi shìmào guójì guǎngchǎng), we took the elevator to 7 floor to have Dinner at Yershari "Yé lǐ xià lì xīyù cāntīng"
Surfed the net and found on other website, lot16kamponghilir@blogspot.com wrote, "..yershari xinjiang food restaurant at level 7 brilliance shimao international plaza, 819, nanjing east road shanghai...halal dan terbaik.". I agree with this.
7.00 pm Get on subway at People's Square Subway Station → Nanjing East Road Subway Station
NANJING ROAD AND THE BUND
There is a stretch of road in Shanghai called "Nanjing Road".
Nanjing Road is one of the most important commercial and tourist streets in Shanghai, which stretches from The People’s Park to The Bund.
From Nanjing East Road Subway Station use Exit 7. Waited at Bus Stop Nánjīng Dōnglù Jiāngxī Zhōnglù Zhàn. Got on Bus 37 and got off at the next stop, that is Zhōng Shāndōng Yīlù Nánjīng Dōnglù Zhàn (In English it says, Zhongshan East 1st Road). We have arrived at The Bund.
The phrase "sick man of Asia" or "sick man of East Asia" originally referred to China in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the countries of great military powers of that time had taken China by force. This was portrayed by various designs of Western Culture Buildings on the Bund area on west side of Huangpu River Bank. The most famous and attractive sight which are the 26 various buildings of different styles including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism and European Renaissance architectural design of buildings around the Bund (Waitan).
The most iconic would be the formerly HSBC Building and the People's Government of the Municipality of Shanghai Building that was built in the style of neo-classicism architectural design. This building is now occupied (resided) by Shanghai Pudong Development Bank.
We took a stroll along Huangpu Riverbank, that part of area here known as The Bund. The ticket counter for the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel was in the vicinity of this area.
BUND SIGHTSEEING TUNNEL
Locally known as Wàitān guānguāng suìdào 外滩观光隧道
The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel provides a memorable experience of the special multimedia lighting effects. The sightseeing maglev train coaches are completely transparent giving 360 degree view. It goes underneath the Huangpu River connecting the Bund and Lujiazui Area of Pudong District. We got in the tunnel ride at the station in front of American International Assurance Co.,Ltd. Shanghai Branch just across Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu. This underground tunnel coach brought us to the other side of Huangpu river. We arrived at the other end of Waitan Sightseeing Tunnel Station on Fenghe Road, Pudong.
We walked to Shanghai Pearl Tower that was just nearby.
ORIENTAL PEARL TV TOWER (DŌNGFĀNGMÍNGZHŪ DIÀNSHÌ TǍ)
We took photos from outside the tower. We didn't go in because it was late and we arrived in Shanghai just this morning and definitely very tired. We need to have a rest since tomorrow's journey to Nanjing will be about 295 km travel distance by High Speed "Type G" Bullet Train.
Got on Subway Line 2 at LujiaZui Station. Entered the Subway Entrance 1. Chéngzuò dìtiě èr hào xiàn dào lùjiāzuǐ zhàn xià chē. 1 Hào kǒu chū zhàn jí shì dōngfāngmíngzhū dā.
Got back to hotel. Packed our bags to get ready for tomorrow's day trip to Nanjing. We felt very excited. We have been to Beijing (the North Capital) before and now we are going to Nanjing (the South Capital).
16 Jan SATURDAY (DAY 2)
Rise and shine. Took bath, clean-up and Prayer. Get out of the hotel and walked to the nearest Metro Station.
6 am Get on subway line 10 at North Sichuan Subway station → Shanghai Hongqiao Station.
HONGQIAO TRAIN STATION
Tickets to get on board G212 Bullet Train.
"Liǎng zhāng èr děng piào qù Nánjīng Nán huǒchē zhàn" 两张二等票去南京南火车站. Two tickets please!
Fare is 134.5元 for second class seat, from Shanghai Hongqiao to Nanjing Nan.
NANJING NAN TRAIN STATION
10:23 Arrived in Nanjing
Exit from Train station and walked to nearby Nanjing Line 1 Subway (Metro) Station.
2.00 pm Get on subway Line 1 at Nanjing South Railway Station and get off at Hongshan Zoo Station
2.00 pm Hongshan Zoo Station use exit 2 and walk to Hóngshān Zhàn Bus Stop 红山站 that was located nearby
2.05 Waited at Hóngshān Zhàn Bus Stop. Got on Bus 54 and put the bus fare 2元 in the box. Similar system as rapidkl bus.
I said to the bus driver the destination I was going, so that he could give me a yell once reached there, "Dào zhàn de shíhòu nín néng gàosù wǒ yīxià ma? " (到站的时候您能告诉我一下吗?)
"Quèqiè de shuō, dào de shíhòu wǒ huì dàshēng hǎn de. Qǐng wǎng qián zǒu, nín dǎngzhùle qítā de chéngkè." (确切的说，到的时候我会大声喊的。请往前走，您挡住了其他的乘客。 ), He replied and asked me to move along towards the back, in order to make room for other people on the bus .
The bus then moved on. Bus journey took quite a while until he looked at me and gave me the gesture with his hand as a signal that we have arrived. I got off at Xīngzhōngmén Bus Stop 兴中门 that was the 11th stop.
Onward by foot to Yuejiang Tower some 100m away from Bus Stop. We are able to see Yifengmen City Gate, nice view when we see the bus and other traffic went through the gate.
NANJING YUEJIANG TOWER 阅江楼 and YÍ FÈNG MÉN 仪凤门
zakisawie.blog.com called this building "Menara Tinjau Nanjing" - lookout point for the best views of Nanjing City.
Nanjing Yuejiang top floor building was Nanjing Skyline Vista Point. This building was very near to an ancient city gate wall that was called Yifengmen. In year 1928, Yífèngmén was renamed to Xīngzhōngmén. 1928年，仪凤门改名兴中门。
Yifeng Men (仪凤门) was connected with Yuejiang Tower. on the North-West side of Nanjing city. There was an entrance that would enable tourist to walk on top of this gate wall.
NANJING YANGTZE RIVER BRIDGE
"A Bridge Too Far.......Book writer Richard Attenborough's 1977 retelling of the failed Operation Market Garden. Operation Market Garden was a daring attempt by allied forces to push into northern Germany in 1944. Led by Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, it planned to drop paratroopers in the German-occupied Netherlands, seize bridges behind enemy lines, and make way for a full invasion. In the event, the Germans managed to delay the allied advance by blowing up one bridge at Son, and defending another at Arnhem during a prolonged battle."
......Yangtze Bridge was nearby.
The third longest river in the world is the Yangtze – or as it's known in China, the Chang Jiang River.
3.05 pm Walk to Sìpíng lù guǎngchǎng nán Bus stop 四平路广场南 that is nearby and get on Bus 583. This Bus took us across Yangzi River via Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, really nice view along the bridge.
Got off the Bus once arrived at Taishan Xincun Bus Stop.
3.20 pm walked to Taishan Xincun Subway Station. Get on Nanjing Subway Line S8 at Taishan Xincun Subway station and get off at Taifenglu Subway Station and to change to Subway Line 3 and get off at Nanjing Railway Station.
Got on Nanjing Subway Line 1 at Nanjing Railway station and got off at Sanshanjie Station.
QIFANGGE HALAL RESTAURANT
A lot of eating places nearby Mosque.
Qifangge Halal Restaurant, Qí fāng gé qīngzhēn cāntīng 奇芳阁, 清真餐厅
30 Shengzhou Rd, Nanjing
Today Qifangge Restaurant was closed.
RESTAURANT LANZHOU LAMIAN 兰州拉面
Restaurant Lanzhou Lamian was located at 16, Fuxi Street 府西街
正宗兰州拉面(府西街店)位于秦淮区府西街16号 Zhèngzōng lánzhōu lāmiàn (fǔ xī jiē diàn) wèiyú qínhuái qū fǔ xī jiē 16 hào.
We had lunch in this restaurant. A common meal was around 10元 to 15元 per person, had Molihua Tea for drink.
JINGJUE MOSQUE 净觉寺
Jingjue Mosque located at 28 Shengzhou Road (升州路28号) very near to Sanshan Subway Station
SHIZIQIAO PEDESTRIAN STREET
3.45 pm Got out using Exit 2 and wait by roadside at Bus stand "Fuqiao Xi Zhan" to board Bus no. 95路. Got off at Xuanwumen Subway Station at 7th stop.
4.00 pm Walk to Shiziqiao Pedestrian Street that is nearby.
A street named Shiziqiao Pedestrian Street 狮子桥步行街 which there are a lot of restaurants and food stalls represent all kind of food in China. Lucky we managed to find an Indian Cuisine Restaurant here.
4.45 pm Walked to Hunan Road towards Xuanwumen Subway Station
Hunan Road 湖南路 located near Xuanwu Lake Park. Hunan Road also one of attractions in Nanjing. If you are interested in fashion this is place where may describe as the latest fashion of China.
It was 5.30 pm that we started walking towards our next destination.
MING DYNASTY WALL PARK 明城墙遗址公园 (Xuanwu Lake Park)
6.00 pm Walk to Xuanwuhu Park that is nearby and get on the city wall and walk on the city wall towards south-east until reaching Taicheng Park. Here is Nanjing Taicheng City Wall, the part of the City Wall on the west side of Xuanwu Lake.
Xuanwu open daily from 6 am – 8 pm and the admission fee is free.
BACK TO NANJING NAN TRAIN STATION (ZÀIJIÀN NANJING - SEE YOU AGAIN)
6.45 pm Get on subway Line 3 at Kazimen Station and get off at Nanjing South Railway Station.
7.21 pm Get on Train G225 at Nanjing South Train Station 南京南 at 7.21 pm reach Shanghai Hongqiao Train Station 上海虹桥 at 8.45 pm evening.
Arrived in Shanghai and used the Metro Line 10 and got off at North Sichuan Road Station. Walked back to the hotel.
We packed our bags to get ready for tomorrow's departure. Make sure nothing was left behind. Zaijian Shanghai for now, since we will return for transit in Shanghai before departure to KL.
17 Jan SUNDAY (DAY 3)
Rise and shine. Took bath, clean-up and Prayer. Checked-out of the hotel and walked to the nearest Metro Station.
6 am Get on subway line 10 at North Sichuan Subway station → Shanghai Pudong Airport Station. Interchanged at Nanjing East Metro Station and got on Line 2 destined for Longyang Metro Station.
Arrived at Longyang Metro Station and use Exit 3 to get to Maglev Longyang Road Station. Maglev return tickets were useful. Got on Maglev Train coach and got seats next to a guy of Huízú ethnic 回族. I greeted him with Salam السلام عليكم , "Assalammualaikum". He replied my Salam.
Bro Huizu ini ada iras-iras macam Ustaz Azhar Idrus.
Harbin, Mu Tunggu Aku Datang!
Arrived at Shanghai Pudong Airport Metro Station and checked-in at Shanghai Pudong Airport at counter C for China Eastern Airline Flight.
Flight to Harbin
MU9173 China Eastern Airline. Departs Shanghai 10:40 am and Arrives Harbin 1:40 pm. Flight duration: 2h 55m
HARBIN TAIPING INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Hā'ěrbīn Tàipíng Guójì Jīchǎng 哈尔滨太平国际机场
1:40 pm Arrived in Harbin
Kept my eyes peeled to look out for the Bus ticket booth. The ticket booth was located near to Harbin Airport east exit.
"San hào xiàn", Telling the Shoupiaoyuan that I want get on Bus Route 3. She again asked me where I was going.
"Taipingqiao" I said. She replied back, "San hào xiàn". As what I requested earlier.
Bought the Bus Tickets before we got on the Bus. It was minus 30 deg. C outside. Chilled to the bone.
The Bus made several stops until it reached Taipingqiao. The location of this stop was in front of 7Days Inn, exactly across Dongzhi Road (7天酒店 - 哈尔滨太平桥店位于哈尔滨道外区东直路173号).
I asked the Shīfu 师傅 (Shifu is the calling for Bus Driver / Chef etc) where I can take the Airport Bus on the day to return to Airport. He said that at the back of that building and pointing his finger to the location. Ehem .... Keep on reading and I will tell you more of the location of ticket booth to buy Bus ticket to Airport.
I could say that Harbin greeted us with snow on slippery and icy roadside walking path. From that location where Airport Bus dropped us off, we struggled to walk on the frozen iced roadside pavement carrying the luggage, to Harbin Taipingqiao Metro Station where we will take Subway Metro to Bowuguan Metro Station. The location of the hotel was near Bowuguan Metro Station. Then, we need to walk from Bowuguan Metro Station to the hotel.
TRAVELLER COFFEE HOTEL
Checked-in at Traveller Coffee Hotel.
Booking.com stated this hotel as Walker Coffee Hotel, even Google Map identify this hotel as, Harbin Walker Coffee Hotel, No.52 He Gou Street, Harbin.
Perhaps in China, traveller or walker doesn't make any difference.
CARREFOUR
Jialefu 家樂福 is what they call Carrefour Hypermarket in China. When you say, "Carrefour" - they may reply, "No English", but for sure when you say, Jiālèfú, they will point to Carrefour.
The nearest Carrefour to the hotel we were staying, located on the intersection of Xidazhi Street and Beijing Street.
RESTAURANT XIBEI DIYIJIA LAMIANGUAN
Dinner at Xīběi Dìyījiā Lāmiànguǎn 西北第一家拉面馆 (交通街20号) located at 20 Jiaotong Street.
This restaurant was operated by a Huízú family. I heard the name Talhah, with his father, the food was prepared by Fatimah.
I asked Talhah what time the restaurant usually opens and He replied, "Kāimén cóng zǎo shang qī diǎn dào wǎnshàng bā diǎn yǐhòu. 开门从早响七点到晚上八点以后。" 7 morning until after 8 in the evening.
Nice family friendly and helpful. The food was delicious.
18 Jan MONDAY (DAY 4)
Breakfast at Restaurant Xīběi Dìyījiā Lāmiànguǎn.
DAOWAI MOSQUE
That morning, we made our move for Daowai Mosque. The mosque located in the district of Daowai, on Shisidao Street, Harbin.
Took bus 120 from a Bus stop in front of Carrefour on Xidazhi Street to go to Arab Square (Alabo Guangchang) where Daowai Mosque was located. The bus fare was 1元 flat rate, regardless of distance. There was a box next to the driver where I put money in it.
The bus then travelled through the town streets that were shrouded in snow, making short stops along the way for passengers to get on or off the bus. Harbin was busy, crowded with traffic on the road with regular traffic noise cars honking etc.
We relied on the bus announcement - Voice Annunciation System pre-recorded announcement that call-out the name of the bus stop it arrived, also telling the name of next bus stop. The journey by bus went on and at last, we could see the Mosque Minarets on left side of the bus, meaning we have reached destination and its time to get off the bus.
HAHUI QINGXIANG CUN CAKE HOUSE AND BAKERY SHOP
Bought Bread At Hahui Qingxiang Cun Cake House And Bakery Shop (Hahui Qingxiang Cun Gaodian Mianbaofang)
FLEA MARKET ON YUMIN STREET
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MAKEWEI SHOES CITY 玛克威
Bought Shoes at Makewei Shoes City (Shopping Complex) located 168 Jingyu Street, very near to Daowai Mosque.
Got on Bus 205 to get to Taipingqiao, for taking another Bus to go to Tiger Park.
SIBERIAN TIGER PARK
Got on Bus 35 From Taipingqiao Bus Stop 太平桥 LOCATED at the junction (road intersection) of XĪN BĪN JIĒ STREET 新滨街 AND DŌNG DÀ ZHÍ JIĒ STREET 东大直街 TO GO TO SIBERIAN TIGER PARK
Got off the bus and walked to the Siberian Tiger Park.
Arrived there and bought the entrance tickets.
Visitors taking the tour of Siberian Tiger Park by bus ride, protected by strong wire mesh cage, visitors can see the tigers walking around freely. If you are brave enough, you can buy live animals to feed to the tigers, including chickens and even cows.
The Siberian Tigers were the main attraction, in addition there were white tigers, leopards and several other big cat types can be found in the park.
19 Jan TUESDAY (DAY 5)
Early morning, we went to Harbin East Train Station but it turned out that all tickets to Yabuli South Train Station were finished even for sleeper berth coaches (bed coach) for today and tomorrow.
Train going to Yabuli Town today's tickets were sold out, only tomorrow's tickets going to Yabuli Town were still available. We managed to buy tomorrow's seats.
Therefore today we went strolling in Harbin City instead.
ST SOPHIA CATHEDRAL HARBIN
From the bus stop near Carrefour to get to St Sophia Cathedral take bus either bus No 16 or bus No 118 get off at Hayibai Bus Stop located on Shangzhi Street.
The name of the cathedral taken from Saint Sophia the Martyr.
ZHONGYANG STREET
Zhongyang Street was built in 1898, called China Avenue at that time. It has got its present name “Zhongyang Street” since 1925. Now, it is the most prosperous street in Harbin. The north end of this street is Flood Control Monument and south end is Jingwei Street. It stretches for 1,450 meters, fascinating people for its special European buildings, exquisite department stores, numerous shopping malls and colorful cultures. Stones paved on the street are unique. European style buildings like Baroque style, eclecticism style and Art Nouveau style buildings are the highlights of this street and essence of Western architecture art. The whole stretch of Zhongyang Street can be considered as Art Gallery.
When we walk along Zhongyang Street we can see the ice sculptures on display at the roadside. Moreover, here we do not require to pay for entrance.
FLOOD MONUMENT - FANGHONG JINIAN TA
防洪纪念塔
HARBIN ICE & SNOW WORLD
Locally known as Bingxue da shijie 哈尔滨冰雪大世界
2016 is the 17th Harbin Ice & Snow World and is themed as "Ice Sets Silk Road, Snow Shines Dragon River". “冰筑丝路，雪耀龙江”, “冰筑丝路 雪耀龙疆”为主题
Every year hundreds of thousands of people have travelled to the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in northeast China to witness spectacular works of ice architecture. Ice blocks were brought in from the frozen Songhua River and molded by talented sculptors into art work exhibits, which are placed throughout the city.
Master Craftsmen & Skilled Artisans from all parts of China (Shaanxi, Henan, Hubei, Shandong & Shanxi Provinces) that were previously recruited to make Qinshihuang's Terra Cotta Warriors & Horses.....errr..I mean their great great great great grandchildren's grandchildren perhaps were involved in contributing their skills into the construction the ice exhibits....err...I guess.
Masterpiece artists changing below-zero chill temperature into incredible pieces of ice architecture. The world's coldest corners to build large buildings and interiors made of ice and snow. During nighttime these buildings were outstandingly filled with colourful and attractive light decorations. Shiny, shiny.
I like shiny things! My preciouses!...... Oh...Smeagol....come and get it
Electronic devices such as cameras, handphones don't work well in extremely hot weather and extremely cold weather because of the battery limited capability of withstanding extreme temperatures. I had fully charged my camera when I was at the hotel earlier but alhamdulillah I only face this problem when I was about done with taking photos here.
20 Jan WEDNESDAY (DAY 6)
THE DISAPPOINTING SKIING TRIP
TRAIN K7047 FROM HARBIN EAST TRAIN STATION (哈尔滨东 Hā'ěrbīn Dōng)
Hā'ěrbīn Dōng (07:17 a.m.) - Yu Quan 玉泉 (08:01 a.m.) - Maoer mountain 帽儿山 (08:30 a.m.) - Yabuli 亚布力 217 km (09:48 a.m.) - Hailin 海林 338 km (11:21 a.m.)
Reference: http://qq.ip138.com/train/K7047.htm
Misinformation.Synonymous as mislead, misdirect.
We were given incorrect information about the name of the train station we have arrived at, during the journey by K7047 Train, that was why we didn't get off the train when it arrived in Yabuli. We got off the next train station.
We were so frustrated that we straight away bought the tickets at that Train Station where we got off, to return to Harbin. Were not succesful in going to Yabuli for the skiing trip. Very disappointed.
Got on T18 Train Hailin 海林 15:41 and arrived in Harbin 哈尔滨 20:58
"Best Day of My Life" is a song by American indie rock band American Authors....... Perhaps not on this day. Perhaps tomorrow would turn out to be a better day (of my life).
21 Jan THURSDAY (DAY 7)
SUN ISLAND
The sculptors transform snow into a winter wonderland. Some snow art exhibits are as big as 5 storey building.
POLARLAND
Harbin Polarland offers visitors the opportunity to see all sorts of animals living in cold climate areas near artic and antartic.
22 Jan FRIDAY (DAY 8)
XIANGFANG MOSQUE
Xiang Fang Mosque location: 4 songshan road, Harbin. 香坊清真寺_地址:南岗区嵩山路附4号
Xiāng fāng qīngzhēnsì_dìzhǐ: Nángǎng qū sōngshān lù fù 4 hào
AIRPORT BUS TICKET BOOTH (TAIPINGQIAO)
At last we found the Airport Bus Ticket Counter as mentioned earlier when we first arrived in Harbin City Centre by bus.
We arrived to this location after asking the people around.
The exact location was at the junction of Hongqi Street and Mingde Street.
QIULIN COMPANY SHOPPING MALL
Qiulin Company is one of famous tourist attractions and landmarks around Harbin.
MINMAODA
Zhōngwài Mínmàodà Shìchǎng 中外民贸大市场 address: 29 Jianshe Street Nangang, Harbin. If you come to Harbin and want to bring back souvenirs for friends can come here. Telescope, doll like a small souvenir are cheaper than Zhongyang Street.
Moreover, this souvenirs marketplace was quite near to the hotel we are staying.
23 Jan SATURDAY (DAY 9)
Birds, they all go back to the nest, at some point in time.
After spending six days holiday in Harbin, it’s time for me to return home.
Went to the reception counter to check out from hotel and the girl at the reception counter returned to us the 300元 deposit amount.
HARBIN TAIPING INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
MU9172 China Eastern Airlines; Departs Harbin 11:45 am, Arrival Shanghai, Pudong (PVG) Terminal 1 at 14:55 pm ; Flight duration 3h 10m. Boeing 737-800
Take return flight Harbin → Kuala Lumpur, with stoppover in Shanghai
2h 10m stop in Shanghai Airport (PVG)
SHANGHAI PUDONG AIRPORT
Had lunch at Yurenwan Halal Restaurant Location: Pudong Airport T1 Third floor on the public area, near the entrance to departure hall.
渔人湾清真餐厅位置：浦东机场T1航站楼3楼 出发公众区国内安检入口附近 Yú rén wān qīngzhēn cāntīng wèizhì: Pǔdōng jīchǎng T1 háng zhàn lóu 3 lóu chūfā gōngzhòng qū guónèi ānjiǎn rùkǒu fùjìn
China Eastern Airlines MU9861 operated by Shanghai Airlines
Boeing 737-800
20:10 Shanghai (PVG) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) 1:10
Flight Duration 5h Overnight · Arrived in KLIA past midnight
