Today's plan was to visit the Yonghe Lama Temple, one of Beijing's most significant Buddhist temple. Met up with the tour group at 8:30 to check out of the hotel and walk to the Beijing Metro Station. Took us about 20-30 minutes to get there.

Yonghe Lama Temple was built back in the Qing Dynasty as the home of Prince Yong, then it was converted into a lamasery several decades later. The temple was one of those things that somehow survived the Cultural Revolution. Here we could see an 18-meter high Buddha, carved from sandalwood which was pretty cool but photos were not allowed. However, what I found most impressive was sand art done by the monks. I kept thinking, "How did they make all those little details?" and "I really want a picture!" As we went along, Jenny also pointed out that the architecture of this temple reflected both Tibetan and Han Chinese religious influences, in addition to some minor Manchurian and Mongolian characteristics. All four languages on the temple signs are supposed to encourage harmony and respect for each others cultures, at least that's what Jenny said.

After we finished looking at the temple at 1, we were given free time until 9 to wander around Beijing. Emery and I decided to make another trip to Wang Fu Jing (Gotta love this place--it's like Beijing's version of Shinjuku). We had lunch and dinner at the mall, eating at both Japanese restaurants, Ajisen Ramen and Asabu Jyuban Sabo. The food was just so good and cheap to boot. We ordered gyuudon, fruit salad, chicken cold noodle/salad dish and small fried fish, and gyoza.

Finally went up to the 3rd floor of Wang Fu Jing Bookstore on our 2nd return and bought armfuls of translated texts on Eastern philosophy and folklore as well as Chinese learning materials. I knew it all wasn't going to fit into my suitcase but I felt no regret about buying so much. I planned on shipping it all back home.

Later that night, the tour group boarded the sleeper train off to Datong. My suitcase was already unbearably heavy so it was absolute torture hauling it around until we actually got on the train. We had an hour wait at the station before getting on so Jenny and some people from the tour group killed time by playing Chinese hackysack with another willing stranger. Their skills drew an audience and amused many curious observers.

The sleeper train cabins turned out to be more narrow than I had anticipated but surprisingly, there was room for everything and I even slept well. I'm glad I didn't have to use the bathroom the whole time I was on it.. I had a glance at the squat toilets while boarding and all I can say is YUCK. Overall, my experience on the trains weren't bad at all.



Shared Expenses
cab fare back from the Yonghe Lama Temple 30Y
Name stamp at the temple 40Y
Tour guide tip 300Y (150Y each)
Wang Fu Jing Bookstore 247Y
Ole 77Y
Chamate 55Y
Ajisen Ramen 77Y
Asabu Jyuban Sobu 55Y
face masks and adapter 26Y

total = 907Y approx. $133US

* The dates I may update this blog may be irregular so I will start posting the actual date I wrote the post here: Monday, April 27, 2009