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Quanzhou: East Lake Park N Qingyuan Mountain'
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Hey Hey and a Big G´Day to ya
Mate I had such an awesome day today. Last night my feet were telling me that after nearing two weeks walking it was time for a rest. Now sadly they are calling me a complete bastard and that they aren't going anywhere tomorrow.
Little do they know I am taking them to the Ancient City of Chongwu!
Today I made my way to the other side of the city. First stop was the East Lake Park which is found on the corner of Wenlin Road and Dong 333/Hu Street. It cost only 3 Yuan to enter and it was a pleasant hour or twos walk. It's made up mostly of water, hence the name of the park. The walking paths are quiet and on my rounds I met a Chinese Uni student who told me that several couples have their wedding photos taken there every day or two.
Today I got to see three lovely brides.
I didn't bother entering the zoo and continued my adventure with the ducks, swans, birds and brides instead. Each lake has its own set of paddle boats and one even has a Ghost Ship that I actually wanted to take a walk through as corny as it would have been. I gave up when the lady selling tickets changed the price three times, higher each time!
From the East Lake Park I headed across to Shao Lin Road where I had an awesome noodle soup amongst the plumbing and fruit shops. Shao Lin Road turns into Cheng Bei Road, then to head to the mountain at the end of town turn right into Quanshan Road.
Or if you´re a freak you could catch Bus No: 15 from the bus station!
It´s the only bus that will take you the entire way, even through the large stone archway.
Anyhow, if you´re 'normal' like me and are walking (har har), when you see the large stone archway walk on through and wave to everyone on Bus No: 15 like I did. You will make the entire bus giggle like school children.
This is where things got confusing. Locating the mountain was fine, it´s when I reached the ticket booth that that I got confused, even though there was English. There were three types of tickets available. I wanted to see 'The Old man Statue of Taoism' along with many other sites.
So the 1st ticket was to see the big guy statue - 15 Yuan
The 2nd was to see 'All the Main Sites' - 30 Yuan
and the 3rd was to see all the sites 'A Collective of All' - 50 Yuan
I pointed to the entire mountain and all the sites and the girl at the counter smiled and insisted that I purchase only the 15 Yuan 'Old Man' ticket. I pointed to the entire mountain again and she gave me the 15 Yuan ticket and my change. She pointed to the 'Old Man' on the map and then walked her fingers towards the mountain.
So what the 'Main Sites' and the 'Collective Sites' are I really have no idea. Maybe I missed a heap of great stuff somewhere on the mountain but I covered it pretty well so maybe they weren't actually on the mountain but below.
I spent the entire afternoon roaming the mountain. I reached the top and made my way all the way across to the `Grotto Reuxiang Of Hill Qingyuan Mountain´, or I think it was anyhow. By the time I reached the bottom of the mountain I had no idea where I actually was. I could see the mountain I climbed in the distance to my left so I then had to walk for forty five minutes back to the stone archway. By the time I reached it it was completely dark and I was glad I was off the country roads.
I followed my feet and mazed my way through the city until I finally reached Nanjun Road. I passed the ancient mosque, the temple and finally I reached my hotel. After a shower and a rest I headed out for some dinner and a few beers.
So there you have it, another day spent walking the city streets and 'The Main National Scenic Spot of Qingyuan Mountain'. Today I spent under 30 Yuan and in two days I have covered almost all of the entire city of Quanzhou. Not counting the outer city.
Your feet are your greatest asset, use them and you'll see so much more of the real everyday stuff you never thought you would see or didn't know existed.
Seriously, you don't have to be a freak like me and walk six to eight hours each day your away. Instead of catching public transport simply walk. Don't use the main roads head down little alleys and zig zag. Remember that you can't get lost as each block is surrounded my main roads and you will always reach a main road. If you think your lost produce your map and someone will always have a giggle at the freaky foreigner who is lost on a main street. HAR HAR!
Anyhow, it´s time for some Noodles & Beers to ya
The soundtracks to this entry:
The Cat Stevens album `Tea for the Tillerman´
I read somewhere that the Cat is back and has released his first
mainstream album in thrity years under the name Cat Stevens!
And secondly a most awesome band called the Daglo Abortions
The album is called `Feed us fetus´.
Unfreakinbelievable!
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| 221. | Quanzhou: East Lake Park N Qingyuan Mountain' - Quanzhou, China Feb 11, 2007 (  34 ) |
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