Day 3: Fuzhou, China

Visited some tourist attractions in Fuzhou, one of which is the Lin Zeshu Memorial Hall. 

"Lin Zexu (1785-1850), a native of Fuzhou City, was a national hero in modern times. Since childhood, his diligence led to his success to become a candidate in the imperial examination. In his forty years’ career as an official, he obtained great achievements, such as the reduction of crop taxes, harness of the Yellow River, the build-up of the coast defense and stationing troops to reclaim wasteland." 

 Spot the photo bomber Jen:)) I've mentioned her on my previous posts, she speaks mandarin really really really well that she inspired/motivated me to strive even more to learn and practice my mandarin language. 

 with my super sweet brother :)

 "The most outstanding of Lin Zeshu's deed was his resolute elimination of the opium trade in 1939, when he was acting as an imperial envoy to Guangdong on the mission, and had 1,185,000 kilograms of opium destroyed at Humen beach, thus greatly inspiring the Chinese people throughout the country and fiercely discouraging the American and English opium traders."

lin Zeshu's clothing 

streets of Fuzhou

Dried uhm, lizard? (not sure what creature are those on top) and seahorse as chinese medicine.

 saw this cute little chinese boy throwing coins in the wishing well

Proceeded to the Chongwu ancient city after visiting the memorial hall. Chongwu Ancient City is a special tourist attraction which gathers coastal scenery, historical relics and folk custom together. It is the only well-preserved stone city in China. 

went up to take photos with Buddha

White and black cat. I should be the white one haha

 Fresh air and clean waters of Fuzhou

 Bro: Gusto ko magpicture dun sa bench for profile pic HAHAHA *vain*

Mas magaling pa siya magpose kaysa sakin </3 HAHAHA

 another 3-hour ride to Xiamen, stop over at a coffee shop for 15 minutes then headed to the hotel.

 Stayed here for our last 2 nights :)

 Our really nice room :)

Night lights :)

Less detailed

Earlier on my blog post, I told you that I was too shy to ask big bro to take details of my outfit, he might get pissed. hihi So most of the time, you'll see me in my whole body shots. 

 Thrifted dress | Jacket from Strings Manila | Melissa shoes | Longchamp bag | Rayban eyewear (borrowed from brother)

hand-me-down Guess watch from my sister | thrifted bangle | Necklace from Dollhouse Shoppe (check out their site, they have the cheapest accessories I swear!)

 Wore a dress as my outfit for this day since our head told us that we would be invited to a "formal" dinner when we get to the hotel so as to make this outfit a little less formal during the tour, I wore this givency-inspired bomber jacket that I got from Strings Manila , just in time with the cool weather:) and since we had lots of walking to do, I brought with me the comfiest shoes in my closet. Yes! these Melissa flats again, which you've seen in my blog for the nth time I guess hihi

Sadly, when we reached the hotel we were given a common shirt to wear and I had to change our outfits. Too bad weren't able to flaunt my dress haha nonetheless, didn't regret wearing this. Since restrooms in China requires you to squat, I didn't have a hard time pulling down my pants or shorts or whatsoever before I could pee. Made the right choice still! 

Day 2: Tour around Quanzhou

First stop: Kaiyuan Temple

 Kaiyuan Temple, the largest temple of the Fujian Province. "One of the most interesting sites of this ancient port, the temple, first constructed in 686, was originally named the Lotus Flower Temple. The temple was later renamed several times until finally in 738, the Tang Emperor Xuan Zong, a devout Buddhist, ordered every large town in China to name one of its temples Kaiyuan, the title of his reign. The temple has since been known as Kaiyuan Temple."

took a photo with the daughter of our group leader :)

 a perfect moment for bonding with ahya :)

                  Funny :)) photo bomber uncle doing his exercise with eyes closed HAHA

 met new friends :) L-R: Janica, Jennifer (roommate), yours truly and Sheree :)

 Next stop: China Museum for Fujian-Taiwan Kinship

 horizon :)

L-R: Janica, Marvin and Jen-Jen

A national museum established in 2004, explains the historical relationship between the mainland province of Fujian and the island of Taiwan. Also, serves as a national education base for youngsters. The museum has seven exhibit halls which tells the geographical, historical, cultural and commercial relationship between Fujian and Taiwan. 

In the front atrium of the museum lies this huge tree painting which was made partly by exploding gun powder. Beautiful and unique! Cheers to the person/persons? who did this! 

Saw this when I got out of the museum! So cute :) We have to have this in the Philippines so that whoever passes by wouldn't resist throwing their wastes on its proper place. What do you think? Good idea?

photo by Janica Buera 

Spot me! :p

 Went straight ahead to the Shao Lin Shi, a private school in China, to watch the students do various chinese martial arts (kung fu, wu shu and muay thai )

 These kids were so disciplined. They were sitting up straight, feet on the ground and they clap in chorus.

They were so great that I wanted to learn martial arts too HAHA

photo by Janica Buera

Spot me again! :p

Last stop: Luo Yang Bridge

One of the most famous bridges of Quanzhou, together with Anping and Dongguan Bridge. 

The very down-to-earth, Mr. Wilson Flores-Lee, columnist of the Philippine Star newspaper :) It was a pleasure and a great opportunity meeting him in person.

The background statue is Cai Xiang, the ruler who had Luoyang bridge, the first stone bridge, built across the mouth of the river of Luoyang.

Had a formal dinner with our heads and presented a quick sing and dance program :)