group photo

We joined this tour group in KL in April 2001. Tian Ann-men was The Forbidden City where the emperor of China once lived. On the first day, our tour leader advised us not to mention two subjects: the demonstration by the students at the square or the Fa-lun Gong cult. These were very sensitive topics with the authorities.

Tian-tan

The temple built especially for the emperor of China for his private worship of Shang-Ti

Summer Palace

The lake is man made. I love the Willows near the water's edge. The body of water created an airconditioning effect.

Inside the palace

This is deep within the walls of the Forbidden City where the emperor's harem of concubines once lived. No men are allowed here except the gong-gong or castrated Eunuchs. This area is now completely open to the tourists.

Chengdu

It was 6 degree C in the morning, in Chengdu. Some of our Malaysian tour group members did not even bring a jacket because they were told that it was warm in summer, no need lah! I was wearing 4 layers. It was very cold when there was wind at the lake side. I remember every one dancing and jumping just to keep warm when we were waiting for our boat ride by the lake.

mutan flower

The mu-tan is a unique flower found only in China. One year it was imported to NZ at the Ellerslie Flower show. They were selling like hot cakes among the Chinese immigrants. This was my first mu-tan. The others were seen on Chinese brush paintings which looked exactly like the real flower!

These mutan were cultivated on the South Island where the weather is cooler and more suitable. They were flown in just for the flower show at Ellerslie.

The Great Wall

Climbing the Great Wall is a must do for any visitor to China. Most parts have been rebuilt especially for the tourists. It was still a tough climb to the next guard house!

The Forbidden City

Tian Ann-men square, home of the emperor of China. This has become a very popular tourist destination. Standing there for the very first time in my life, I felt very close to my roots. My grand father was born in China. He went to Sabah to look for his fortune in 1908. My father was born in Malaysia and so was I. We have relatives in China; but we have lost all contacts with them. I took my family to live in NZ in 1995. Today my sons are living in Australia. Hakka ngin are not well known for staying in one place for too long!