Easen Chen at Raffles City, Beijing

Right before we left for the airport, we actually spent a few hours just wandering around Beijing. The last place before the airport was actually Raffles City Beijing, which was developed by Capitaland. A Singaporean company.

When we entered, there was such a huge queue! And for what, you may ask, Easen Chen was coming to town! Honestly, I had no idea who Easen Chen was. But that didn't stop me for getting into the hype of waiting for the singer to make his appearance.

So, Jimmy and I hurdled with a big group of people at one of the car park entrances where Easen is supposedly entering from. Here's a special shout out to Jimmy for his patience! We waited for an hour. I also had to pee urgently, but nonetheless, we waited it out to see Easen! 

That's the guard that, well, guards, the entrance of Easen Chen to Raffles City Beijing. As we were waiting for Easen, Jimmy gave me a crash course on Easen's most famous song and his Chinese name, which I kept on repeating, just in case I got it wrong.

I was so bored that I began chat up this girl named Christina. She's a student from Northern China, currently studying in one of Beijing's universities. She even brought her dog along to wait with her. Her dog's name is Nu-Nu (Girl-girl, in mandarin).

Look at that crowd!

After an hour, this was the best photo of Easen I got. Yes, he's the one with the green shirt, and black and purple culy hair. Was it worth it? Maybe not. Waiting an hour for a singer that I don't really know. Sorry, Easen, I don't listen to Mandarin songs. But hey, it was certainly fun!

Here's a better shot of him at the autograph-signing ceremony. He's the one in light green.

With that, I left Beijing with a smile and such a sense of accomplishment. Not because of Easen, but because of the amount of experience I gained within my short time spent there. I, once again, counted my blessings.

Education, Hospitality and Wine in Beijing, China.

We started the day to New Oriental. China's number 1 private education provider. They have classes mainly on the English language. You can sit for TOEFL, IELTS and many other international English examinations through New Oriental. New Oriental brands themselves as someone who can help Chinese students pursue their education overseas.

With Mr. Kong (left), one of the top people of New Oriental.

Us, at the New Oriental office in Zhongguancun (the Chinese equilavent to America's Silicon Valley).

Next, we had the opportunity to visit Crowne Plaza Zhongguancun, Beijing. As Beijing is so huge, they actually have several Crowne Plaza's scattered around China's capital. Crowne Plaza's presentation was interesting. The HR Manager was engaging and personal when she tried to reach out to us. It was quite queer sensing like she was trying to recruit us to join her hotel though.

Oh, by the way, did you know Christmas is not celebrated in China? 25 December is not a public holiday.

The HR Manager, standing next to me. She started as a receptionist, and in 3+ years, climbed her way to the top as HR Manager.

Lastly, we visited Dragon Seal Wine Company. They are one of China's top winery. Their wine has a French influence and is surprisingly very specialize. The staff that briefed us, Jason, was very knowledgeable on his subject matter of expertise. And that, was very impressive. I'm also happy that he stayed in Kuala Lumpur when her was pursuing his higher education at Taylor's Subang. Isn't the World so small?!

 

There we are. Outside of Dragon Seal.

It was the last company of our visit and really signalled an end to our corporate trip. It was hard to believe that 9 days just flew by like that. However, I am glad to say that I have learnt so much on the trip and realize that I have loads of growing up to do. I know I may be young, but why start later when you can start now?

Tiananmen Square, Beijing

We also had the opportunity to visit Tianenmen Square. It is the World's largest square, and it's smack in the middle of Beijing, China. It has frequently been the centre of demonstrations in China.

I would just like to point out that it really is cute seeing how Tianenmen Square has a 4-star rated toilet. Issued by the Beijing Tourism Administration. And don't worry, it really is a quality Chinese toilet. So, when you need to take a leak while taking a stroll in the square, fear not! They have clean toilets at your disposal.

I also realized that this is the first time that I am travelling overseas alone. It really is different than travelling with my family. However, I've decided that travelling with friends and family is the way to go for me. I can't imagine taking photos of myself at top destinations all over the World like the below photo.

Did you know that below Tianenmen Square are thousands of layers of bricks? That's why it's probably the safest place in Beijing, in event of an earthquake.

 

I took a photo with a Chinese guard, despite his protests! Well, not really. It was just a quick camwhore moment. But I'm glad it came out well. Check out the infamous green uniform!

 

By the way, Tianenmen Square becomes very quiet after 2.30pm. It really is a great time to take all the photos your heart desires. Also, you don't need to keep asking people to move out of your photo frame.

Beijing Hyundai and Hai Di Lao Steamboat

The only automotive company we visited in China was Beijing Hyundai Motors Company. It was a 2 hour drive from our hotel. So, it was a good time to rest, as we were having heated discussions the night before.

In general, Beijing Hyundai was yet another company that was very deligent in making sure that all their products were of top-grade quality. In fact, in their factory, they had 3 lines of conveyor belts just for testing the vehicle for perfect performance and any manufactural defects. I think by this time, it really busted my own myth that China has many profucts of low quality. China does have many high quality product, but the mass media does not highlight them. In this way, we are 'manipulated' in thinking that China only had low quality products.

 

The above photo above is us eating at this famous steamboat franchise store called Hai Di Lao. It is relatively new to the F&B industry, being only 2 years old. However, it is the fastest growing local franchise restaurant in China. Now, what's so special about Hai Di Lao? Honestly, the food is a 3.5 out of 5. But what really won our hearts was their customer service.

 

While we waited our food to be served, or after we were done eating, we can use all the restaurant's services, free of charge. For example, you can get your nails done, or get your shoes shined! And yes, it is absolutely complimentary. All you have to do is line up, or leave your name and number, so that they can call you when your turn is up.

Imagine, there is also someone situated in the toilet's basin area to pass you a hand towel for you to wipe your hands. My gosh, this is what I call great customer service. 

Shopping in Beijing, China

Ironic, isn't it? First, they complain it's cold. The next thing you know, they're buying gelato. This is why the China group is just so fun!



As many of us know, China is famous for their array of weird things to eat. Even if it's not so commonly eaten. I saw snakes, scorpions, worms, cockroaches, beetles and such. Jimmy adventurously attempted to try the scorpions. It was too funny watching him walk around helplessly trying to finish what he had bought. And no, I did not try the scorpions. Maybe, next time.

Wang Fu Jing is a famous shopping haven in Beijing. It has up-market brands housed in the shopping malls that line the street. All the way from Armani to Zara. But in between these shopping malls, there are small street markets that are just dying to be explored. I really enjoyed shopping here and am guilty of buying quite a number of items from the area.

Up-market.

The night market.

The above photo is a man that works in the night market. He carves names onto small little stamps. And you can put your Chinese or English name. It is usually stamped in red. I bought 4 from him, each for every family member. I think it's cool that every Chinese should have one for themself. For some reason, it gives me a sense of pride. Maybe you would like one too?

The Great Wall of China in Winter

I believe any trip to China is incomplete without visiting the Great Wall. So, on one of our free and easy days, I suggested to our group that we should go to the Great Wall. Some were reluctant because this part of China can be terribly cold during this time of the year. However, after much persuasion, we gathered 7 out of 13 members to our Great Wall adventure.



It took us 2 hours via bus from our hotel in Beijing to the Great Wall. Throughout, I accummulated my much needed energy for conquering the great wall, i.e. I slept the whole way. But when we arrived, I was bouncing with so much energy and excitement for the Great Wall!

As you can tell, I was ecstatic! Did you know the Great Wall is the World's longest wall and the biggest ancient architecture? I mean, the Great Wall was over 6,000km long! The purpose of building the Great Wall was actually to defend the Chinese empire from Mongolian and Manchu enemies to the north.

We took one hour to reach Beacon Tower No. 9 if I am not mistaken, which is at a length (from our starting point), of 888 metres. Not bad in one hour, I think. But at 888m, you'll be surprised that there's little people around. So, we actually had the chance to take many photos and even, plank. It was hilarious but such a fond memory!

On our way down, we saw some monks. I decided to approach them to get my photo taken with them. They obliged quite happily, although they requested that all who took photos with them have to kneel/squat. I did think this was a little odd. I found out that these monks were from Thailand.

Anyways, I would like to end this post by saying that the Great Wall is a must-see for all visitors of China! You're only exempted if you've been there before and had a good feel of ancient China.

Peking University and Chao Yang Theatre

We were all pretty eager to meet with the students of Peking University (PKU), which is one of the top universities in China. We had the oppurtunity to be hosted by the students of the Guanghua School of Management. All our hosts were from the Business Asia club. 

The photo below was our discussion group. But Jimmy is missing! We discussed about the property bubble in China, Chinese culture, typical Chinese stereotypes, life as PKU students, where do Chinese youths hang out on weekends and everything else under the sun!



This is Xiao Qiang. We have the same birthday!

Same year. Same month. Same day.

But, different time!

PKU is blessed with an incredibly beautiful campus. It is also huge! To a point where most students need a bicycle to travel around campus. One of the students told us then when winter fully kicks in, the lake will turn into ice, and everyone will use it as an ice skating rink!

They also have a variety of restaurants around campus, and we spent lunch with the Chinese students while we exchanged more laughter and stories.

After we said our goodbyes to the PKU students, we headed to Beijing Chaoyang theatre in the evening. It was built in 1984 and specializes in the art of Chinese acrobatics and was chosen as one of the best Chinese cultural centres in 2001.

 The men that jumped through the hoops was so entertaining!

The girls on bicycle was very impressive!

They also had a globe where some motorcyclists went in and drove around in circles. It was an interesting twist to the general performance.

The entire cast.

Like, any other weeked, Andy suggested another way to unwind. Next to our KTV club, we went to play pool. However, we left early because some of us had plans to climb the great wall the next day!