2010 Backpacking to Tibet (30 days) 20 Mar to 18 April 2010 (Part 1 of 4)


L-R: Chew Siang Peng, Chew Leng Soon, Chan Meng Fai, Cindy Chong, See Beow Aun, Bernard Lee, Lily Yap, Sharon Tan, Ching Neng Bin, Choo Chiew Chin, Lim Kee Moon, Jayne Aw at Jiu Zhai Gou National Park

Part 1: K.L > Chengdu > Leshan Grand Buddha > Chengdu > JiuZhaiGou > JiuZhaiGou National Park > Songpan > Huanglong Valley > Chengdu

Day 1 (20.03.2010) Kuala Lumpur to Chengdu

Ni Hao! Greetings from Chengdu. After 4.5 hours (1764 km) flight by AirAsia flying at 575 mph, we arrived Chengdu Airport at 1.30pm. We took 2 vans (100Y each) to the city and checked in at Traffic Inn - 30Y pp. Alternatively, a airport taxi to city is 60Y or shuttle bus No.303 is 10Y pp. Had lunch in a coffee shop beside the Inn and then walked to the famous JinLi and Wuhou Temple area. Dinner in a Cantonese restaurant and evening was enjoying the local Black Drink - Guinea stout which taste like burnt coffee. Nice weather of about 25C during the day and evening was 18C. The elevation is 500m.

AirAsia D7-2622 is RM329 pp
China visa application is RM58
Bus from Ipoh to LCCT is RM42 pp
Airport van to city for 6 pax is 100Y
Sleeping - Traffic Inn, 6 Linjiang Road, Chengdu, Sichuan
Tel: 0086-(0)28-85451017 email:Master@traffic.com www.traffichotel.com
Std.room is 120Y for 3 person.
 

Traffic Inn is the best place to stay in Chengdu next to New Nanmen bus station. It has really nice clean dorm rooms at 30Y per person. It has kettle, TV, nice communal western toilets and hot shower and also a washing machine (10Y) and plenty of drying space on the balconies. Also its centralized location.


Jayne Aw at Traffic Inn's nice clean dorm rooms for 30Y per person. It has kettle, TV, nice communal western toilets and hot shower and also a washing machine (10Y) and plenty of drying space on the balconies. Also its centralized location.


We had lunch at a coffee shop beside Traffic Inn in Chengdu, Sichuan.


Jayne Aw and Sharon Tan at a flower garden in the middle of Chengdu City of 10 million people in the province of Sichuan.


Choo Chiew Chin enjoying a leg-wash at Jinjiang River waterfront in Chengdu.


Chew Siang Peng enjoying a shoulder massage at Jinjiang River waterfront in Chengdu.


The Jinjiang Bridges across the Jinjiang River in Chengdu City in the province of Sichuan.


We walked to the famous JinLi eating streets and Wuhou Temple area.


We walked to the famous JinLi eating streets and Wuhou Temple area.


Jin Li Street is 350m long, with construction style of ancient town in Central Chengdu. It integrates tourism, shopping, leisure and entertainments.


Sichuan snacks taste very good and also cheap.


Chengdu masks for sale at Jinli ancient street.


Dinner in a Cantonese restaurant in Chengdu.


Dinner in a Cantonese restaurant

Day 2 (21.03.2010) Chengdu (day trip to Leshan Grand Buddha)

Had breakfast in a shop behind our Inn for the famous 'pou' and hot soya drink. We also found the wine brewing jag in one of the shops here which we bought on the last day of our trip. We took 2 hours, 145km bus journey (44Y pp) at XinNanMen bus station (New South Gate) beside our Inn to Leshan Oriental Buddha park at 9.20am. At Leshan town we took another bus 13 (1Y pp) to the eastern Oriental Buddha park entrance. 30Y for park entrance and 90Y for the Grand Buddha fee each. We traveled back to Chengdu by the last bus (44Y pp) at 5.45pm.

Return bus ticket to Leshan is 88Y pp
Sleeping - Traffic Inn, Std.room is 120Y for 3 person.
 

The eastern Oriental Buddha park entrance to Leshan Grand Buddha. Oriental Buddha Park (Dongfang Fodu) holds more than 3000 Buddhist statues, including a 170 meter-long reclining Buddha, the largest in the world. The Mahaoya Tomb Mausoleum (Mahaoyamu Museum) is also located on the mountain.


At the eastern Oriental Buddha park entrance road to the 170m-long reclining Buddha on Lingyun Hill. Lingyun Mountain has been a Buddhist shrine since Tang Dynasty with numerous monasteries being built over the years.


The 170m-long reclining Buddha on Lingyun Hill.


The 170m-long reclining Buddha on Lingyun Hill.


Oriental Buddha Park, Leshan, Lingyun Shan Mountain, Sichuan.


Oriental Buddha Park, Leshan, Lingyun Shan Mountain, Sichuan


Stone carved bas-relief at Dongfang Fodu Gongyuan (Oriental Buddha Park), Leshan.


Stone carved bas-relief at entrance to Arhats cave at Dongfang Fodu Gongyuan (Oriental Buddha Park), Leshan.


Stone carved bas-relief in Arhats cave at Dongfang Fodu Gongyuan (Oriental Buddha Park), Leshan.


Stone carved bas-relief in Arhats cave at Dongfang Fodu Gongyuan (Oriental Buddha Park), Leshan.


Stone carved bas-relief at Dongfang Fodu Gongyuan (Oriental Buddha Park), Leshan.


The long steps up to a temple at Dongfang Fodu Gongyuan (Oriental Buddha Park).


The long steps up to a temple at Dongfang Fodu Gongyuan (Oriental Buddha Park).


Stone carved bas-relief at Dongfang Fodu Gongyuan (Oriental Buddha Park), Leshan.


Leshan Giant Buddha. The narrow plank road carved on the right cliff which allows you to walk down slowly to the bottom area of the Buddha to find a good location to take photo with the Buddha. Please note the plank road is one-way, you need to walk back to the top of the mountain from left side.


Leshan Giant Buddha. The narrow plank road carved on the right cliff which allows you to walk down slowly to the bottom area of the Buddha to find a good location to take photo with the Buddha. Please note the plank road is one-way, you need to walk back to the top of the mountain from left side.


The narrow plank road carved on the right cliff at Leshan Giant Buddha.


The Leshan Giant Buddha is a 71-metre tall stone statue, built between 713 and 803, depicting Maitreya. It is carved out of a cliff face of Cretaceous red bed sandstones that lies at the confluence of the Min River and Dadu River in the southern part of Sichuan province in China, near the city of Leshan.


The view of the Buddha's feet from the right cliff of Leshan Giant Buddha.


View of Leshan City and the confluence of Min River and Dadu River from the right cliff-top of Leshan Giant Buddha.


The view of Leshan Giant Buddha from the bottom of the cliff.


Ching Neng Bin at the bottom of the Giant Buddha cliff.

Day 3 (22.03.2010) Chengdu to JiuZhaiGou

We took the 8am bus (138Y) at XinNanMen bus station to JiuZhaiGou. It was a 9.5 hours, 421km pleasant bus journey which stopped every 2 hours for toilet and a lunch break at 1pm. This long journey passed through the countryside and some mountain ranges before we arrived at 5.30 pm. At the bus station, a tout recommended a new Tibetan Guesthouse in a village for 80Y a room for two which was good. The hotel manager brought us to a Tibetan restaurant for dinner inclusive of Tibetan singing and dance. Evening was whiskey in our room until midnight - bought by Chew Leng Soon at the airport. Cold weather of 12C.

Bus ticket to JiuZhaiGou is 138Y
Sleeping at a Tibetan Guesthouse for 80Y a room for 2
 

The beautiful flowering rapeseed fields on the road from Chengdu to JiuZhaiGou China.


The beautiful flowering rapeseed fields on the road from Chengdu to JiuZhaiGou China.


The long journey from Chengdu to JiuZhaiGou passed through the countryside and mountain ranges.


The long and winding road from Chengdu to JiuZhaiGou passed through the countryside and mountain ranges.


At a toilet stop, Ching Neng Bin was seen playing in a river of ice.


The long journey from Chengdu to JiuZhaiGou passed through the countryside villages and mountain ranges.


The long journey from Chengdu to JiuZhaiGou passed through the countryside towns, rivers and mountain ranges.


Our Tibetan Guesthouse in JiuZhaiGou.


Checking-in at our Tibetan Guesthouse in JiuZhaiGou for 80Y a room.


Colorful Tibetan ceiling design of our guesthouse in JiuZhaiGou.


Warmly welcomed by staff of a traditional Tibetan restaurant for dinner inclusive of Tibetan songs and folk dancing.


Enjoying authentic tibetan food of chebureki, cheser mog, chexo and drokpa katsa.


Ching Neng Bin, Chew Siang Peng, Chew Leng Soon at a Tibetan restaurant in JiuZhaiGou.


Tibetan bbq whole lamb for dinner at the Tibetan restaurant in JiuZhaiGou.


The traditional Tibetan restaurant for dinner inclusive of Tibetan songs and folk dancing.


The traditional Tibetan singing and folk dancing.


See Beow Aun and Bernard Lee doing the traditional Tibetan folk dancing.


Sleeping at a Tibetan Guesthouse for 80Y a room for 2pax
 
Day 4 (23.03.2010) JiuZhaiGou National Park

It was kind of the guesthouse manager to provide free transport to the National Park and back. The entrance fee is 80Y (winter low season) and the bus service is also 80Y which is compulsory. In normal season the cost of entry plus bus is 310Y. We visited the following places in the morning along the west road which has the best scenery - Arrow Bamboo Lake, Panda Lake, Five Flower Lake and Pearl Shoals Waterfall. 
 
Had buffet lunch (50Y per head) at the Tourist Centre. We then continued our sight seeing on the East road: NuoRiLang Waterfall, Rhinoceros Lake, Tiger Lake and finally the Tibetan Village beside ShuZheng Lake. Had dinner in town.

Park entrance fee plus bus is 160Y
Sleeping at a Tibetan Guesthouse for 80Y a room for 2pax
 

On the road to JiuZhaiGou National Park.


Ching Neng Bin, Chan Meng Fei and See Beow Aun at JiuZhaiGou National Park office.


Amygdalus tangutlca, called ‘wild peach tree’ by local people in Jiuzhai Valley, blooming in late March and Early April. If you come to Jiuzhai Valley during its flowering season, you will enjoy its romantic and fragrant embrace along the crystal and colorful river and lakes.


Spring plant pink flower blooming at JiuZhaiGou National Park.


JiuZhaiGou, meaning 'Nine Village Gully'


The Jiuzhaigou administration centre contains the ticket office and bus station.


L-R: Chew Siang Peng, Chew Leng Soon, Chan Meng Fai, Cindy Chong, Lily Yap, See Beow Aun, Bernard Lee, Sharon Tan, Ching Neng Bin, Choo Chiew Chin, Jayne Aw at Arrow Bamboo Lake (箭竹海, Jiànzhú Hǎi).


Arrow Bamboo Lake (箭竹海, Jiànzhú Hǎi), covering an area of 170,000 m2, is a shallow lake with a depth of 6m at an elevation of 2,618m.


Arrow Bamboo Lake (箭竹海, Jiànzhú Hǎi), covering an area of 170,000 m2, is a shallow lake with a depth of 6m at an elevation of 2,618m.


Panda Lake (熊猫海, Xióngmāo Hǎi) features curious color patterns of blue and green. Giant Pandas were said to have come to this lake to drink, though there have been no sightings for many years. The lake empties into the multi-stream, multi-level Panda Waterfalls, dropping 78m in three steps in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Panda Lake (熊猫海, Xióngmāo Hǎi) features curious color patterns of blue and green in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Panda Lake (熊猫海, Xióngmāo Hǎi) features curious color patterns of blue and green in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Tourist in traditional Tibetan costume at Panda Lake (熊猫海, Xióngmāo Hǎi) in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Five-Color Lake (五彩池, Wǔcǎi Chí) is one of the smallest bodies of water in Jiuzhaigou lakes. Despite its very modest dimensions and depth, it has a richly colored underwater landscape with some of the brightest and clearest waters in the area.


Five Flower Lake (五花海, Wǔhuā Hǎi) is a shallow multi-colored lake whose bottom is criss-crossed by ancient fallen tree trunks.


Five Flower Lake (五花海, Wǔhuā Hǎi). Stunning emerald blue and green lake water in Jiuzhaigou lakes.


Five Flower Lake (五花海, Wǔhuā Hǎi). Stunning emerald blue and green lake water in Jiuzhaigou lakes.


Five Flower Lake (五花海, Wǔhuā Hǎi). Stunning emerald blue and green lake water in Jiuzhaigou lakes.


Five Flower Lake (五花海, Wǔhuā Hǎi). Stunning emerald blue and green lake water in Jiuzhaigou lakes.


Five Flower Lake (五花海, Wǔhuā Hǎi). Stunning emerald blue and green lake water in Jiuzhaigou lakes.


The pride of Jiuzhai Valley, Five-Flower Lake lies at the end of the upper reach of Peacock River, 2,472 meters (about 8,110 feet) above the sea level and five meters (about 16 feet) in depth. Most of the colorful leaves are gathered in the lakefront and interlaced as brocades.


Bernard Lee and Ching Neng Bin at Five-Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou lakes.


Tourist in traditional Tibetan costume at Five-Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou lakes.


Malaysian backpackers at Five-Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou lakes.


Pearl Shoal (珍珠滩, Zhēnzhū Tān) is a wide, gently sloping area of active calcareous tufa deposition covered in a thin sheet of flowing water. It empties into the famous Pearl Waterfalls, where the shoal drops 28m in a 310-metre-wide broad curtain of water. A scene of the television adaptation of Journey to the West was filmed there.


Walking towards Pearl Shoals Falls in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Pearl Shoals Falls in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Pearl Shoals Falls in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Pearl Shoals Falls in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Pearl Shoals Falls in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Pearl Shoals Falls in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Long Lake (长海, Cháng Hǎi) is crescent-shaped and is the highest, largest and deepest lake in Jiuzhaigou, measuring 7.5km in length and up to 103m in depth. It reportedly has no outgoing waterways, getting its water from snowmelt and losing it from seepage. Local folklore features a monster in its depths.


Long Lake (长海, Cháng Hǎi) is crescent-shaped and is the highest, largest and deepest lake in Jiuzhaigou.


Long Lake (长海, Cháng Hǎi) is crescent-shaped and is the highest, largest and deepest lake in Jiuzhaigou.


Walking towards Five-Color Pond (五彩池, Wǔcǎi Chí) at Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Five-Color Pond (五彩池, Wǔcǎi Chí) is one of the smallest bodies of water in Jiuzhaigou lakes. Despite its very modest dimensions and depth, it has a richly colored underwater landscape with some of the brightest and clearest waters in the area. According to legend, the pond was where Goddess Semo washed her hair and God Dage came daily to bring her water.


Five-Color Pond (五彩池, Wǔcǎi Chí) is one of the smallest bodies of water in Jiuzhaigou lakes. Despite its very modest dimensions and depth, it has a richly colored underwater landscape with some of the brightest and clearest waters in the area. According to legend, the pond was where Goddess Semo washed her hair and God Dage came daily to bring her water.


L-R: Bernard Lee, See Beow Aun, Choo Chiew Chin, Lim Kee Moon, Chew Leng Soon, Chan Meng Fai, Ching Neng Bin, Sharon Tan, Lily Yap, Chew Siang Peng at Five-Color Pond (五彩池, Wǔcǎi Chí) in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Five-Color Pond (五彩池, Wǔcǎi Chí) in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Suddenly snow falling down on Cindy at Jiuzhaigou National Park. And it was the first time for Ching Neng Bin to witness snowing.


Nuorilang Waterfall at Jiuzhaigou National Park.


At an altitude of 2365 meters (7759 feet), it is one of the biggest Travertine waterfalls in China. With a height of 20 meters (66 feet) and a width of 270 meters (66 feet), Nuorilang Waterfall is the widest fall in China. A viewing platform built on the opposite side offers a full view of the Nuorilang Waterall.


At an altitude of 2365 meters (7759 feet), it is one of the biggest Travertine waterfalls in China. With a height of 20 meters (66 feet) and a width of 270 meters (66 feet), Nuorilang Waterfall is the widest fall in China.


Rhinoceros Lake is the second largest in Jiuzhai Valley after Long Lake. In spring and summer the dense woods and grasses are a lush green followed by autumn where the red, brown and green colours provide a stunning reflection in the lake's surface.


Rhinoceros Lake at Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Rhinoceros Lake at Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Rhinoceros Lake at Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Rhinoceros Lake at Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Rhinoceros Lake at Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Rhinoceros Lake at Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Rhinoceros Lake at Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Rhinoceros Lake at Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Rhinoceros Lake at Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Tiger Lake at Jiuzhaigou National Park. Tiger Lake was named for a number of different reasons. Firstly the Shuzheng Waterfalls at its northern end roars like a tiger. Also, when the leaves change color in the autumn the reflection is said to resemble a tiger’s pattern.


Shuzheng Waterfalls at its northern end roars like a tiger at Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Shuzheng Waterfalls at its northern end roars like a tiger at Jiuzhaigou National Park.


See Beow Aun, Cindy Chong, Lily Yap at Shuzheng Waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Walking to Shuzheng Village, the busiest Tibetan village in the valley in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Shuzheng Village, the busiest Tibetan village in the valley in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Shuzheng Village is one of the three Tibetan villages close to Shuzheng Lake that still remain in the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve today. Jiuzhaigou derives its name from the nine Tibetan hamlets that once ran along its length. Although only traces of these villages remain today, what remains has now been taken over by tourism.


Shuzheng Village, the busiest Tibetan village in the valley in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Shuzheng Village, the busiest Tibetan village in the valley in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Shuzheng Village, the busiest Tibetan village in the valley in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Shuzheng Village, the busiest Tibetan village in the valley in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Shuzheng Village, the busiest Tibetan village in the valley in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Shuzheng Village, the busiest Tibetan village in the valley in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Shuzheng Village, the busiest Tibetan village in the valley in Jiuzhaigou National Park.


Back to Jiuzhaigou town for dinner.


Back to Jiuzhaigou town for dinner.
 
Day 5 (24.03.2010) JiuZhaiGou to Songpan (day trip to Huanglong or Yellow Dragon)

Guesthouse manager sent us to the bus station to catch the bus (30Y) at 7.30am. A very pleasant 3 hours (144km) bus journey from Jiuzhaigou town to Songpan, driving through tick snow covered country side. Upon arrival at Songpan we checked in at Songzhou Hotel which is beside the main bus station - not as good, no heater. After a quick lunch at Emma's Kitchen Bar Restaurant, we booked a van (600Y) for 6 person to visit Huanglong Valley 56km away. The drive was very slow in view of the snow covered icy road, furthermore we have to stop every 15 minutes to adjust the loosen chain which was tied to both the back tyre to prevent skidding. Along the way there was a car in the drain and also witnessed with our own eyes a pickup truck spin two rounds in-front of us. After 3.5 hour drive, we arrived at the park. The entrance fee has been reduced to 60Y from 220Y in-view of the low season at this time of the year.

As we were short of time, Kee Moon and I decided to walk fast and managed to reach the Tibetan Temple at the top in 1.5 hour and walked back immediately after taking some photos. We departed at 6.30 pm from the park office and arrived at Emma's Kitchen by 9.30 pm for a sumptuous dinner ordered earlier by Bernard and Cindy. The return journey was very dangerous as the road became very icy and visibility was about only 25ft. Lily Yap had been praying for the safe journey which she did - many thanks to Lily Yap. Evening was supper and whiskey at Emma's Kitchen to celebrate our safe return.

Huanglong entrance fee is 60Y (220Y peak season from Apr to Nov)
Bus ticket to Songpan is 30Y pp
Songzhou Hotel is 20Y pp


A very pleasant 3 hours (144km) bus journey from Jiuzhaigou town to Songpan, driving through tick snow covered country side.


A very pleasant 3 hours (144km) bus journey from Jiuzhaigou town to Songpan, driving through tick snow covered country side.


A very pleasant 3 hours (144km) bus journey from Jiuzhaigou town to Songpan, driving through tick snow covered country side.


Upon arrival at Songpan we checked in at Songzhou Hotel which is beside the main bus station - not as good, no heater. The average temperature is 5C all year round


Heavy snow covered vehicles in Songpan, China.


Songpan is a county of northwestern Sichuan province, and is one of the 13 counties administered by the Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. It has an area of 8,486 square kilometres, and a population of approximately 68,000 composed of Tibetan, Qiang, Han and Hui populations.


The ancient city of Songpan is a city of 4 gates and walls that faces exactly the four directions of the wind. It is relatively clean and everywhere hangs red lanterns. Its elevation is 2,850m.

The ancient city of Songpan was built during Tang Dynsaty (618 – 907 AD.) and it was later rebuilt during Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Songpan was an important military post and economic and trading center for horse and tea exchange between Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai and Tibet. In 1935, led by Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, the retreating Chinese Communist Army marched through the plateau of Songpan to advance to the north western province.


Four ethnic groups are resident in Songpan including Tibetan, Qiang, Hui(Muslim) and Han (Mandarin). This contributes to the unique cultural style of this ancient town, Kangba Culture, a kind of multicultural medley of the four different cultural elements in this ancient historical town makes it a rare if not unique example of cultural history in China.


The ancient city of Songpan was built during Tang Dynsaty (618 – 907 AD).


Ching's name written on the heavy snow covered vehicles in Songpan, China.


After a quick lunch at Emma's Kitchen Bar Restaurant, we booked a van (600Y) for 6 person to visit Huanglong Scenic Valley or (Yellow Dragon Valley) 56km away. The drive was very slow in view of the snow covered icy road, furthermore we have to stop every 15 minutes to adjust the loosen chain which was tied to both the back tyre to prevent skidding.


On the road up to Huanglong Scenic Valley, we have to stop every 15 minutes to adjust the loosen chain which was tied to both the back tyre to prevent skidding.


On the road up to Huanglong Scenic Valley, there was a car in the drain and also witnessed a pickup truck spinning two rounds in-front of us.


The long and winding road up to Huanglong Scenic Valley.


We are crossing a mountain pass here on the road up to Huanglong Scenic Valley.


Along the road up to Huanglong Scenic Valley, we stopped to have some fun in snow throwing.


On the road up to Huanglong Scenic Valley, the driver and Ching Neng Bin prayed at a Tibetan shrine for safe journey


On the road up to Huanglong Scenic Valley.


On the road up to Huanglong Scenic Valley.


After 3.5 hour drive, we arrived at the Huanglong park office. The entrance fee has been reduced to 60Y from 220Y in-view of the low season at this time of the year.


Its a 6km walk from here to the end of this trek up Huanglong Scenic Valley. Huanglong is a scenic and historic interest area located in the southern part of the Minshan mountain range, 370km north-northwest of Chengdu.


Its a 6km walk to the end of this trek up Huanglong Scenic Valley.


Its a 6km walk to the end of this trek up Huanglong Scenic Valley.


The beautiful lakes, snow clad mountains, valleys and virgin forest of Huanglong Scenic Valley.


The beautiful lakes, snow clad mountains, valleys and virgin forest of Huanglong Scenic Valley.


The beautiful lakes, snow clad mountains, valleys and virgin forest of Huanglong Scenic Valley.


The beautiful lakes, snow clad mountains, valleys and virgin forest of Huanglong Scenic Valley.


The snow clad walking steps, valleys and virgin forest of Huanglong Scenic Valley.


Huanglong Middle Temple 黃龍中寺 (3470m).


Huanglong Middle Temple 黃龍中寺 (3470m). These temples were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and are not only the perfect combination of Taoism and Buddhism, but also a perfect blend of manmade buildings with the nature.


The main door of Huanglong Middle Temple 黃龍中寺 (3470m).


The prayer wheels of Huanglong Middle Temple 黃龍中寺 (3470m).


The last trek to Huanglong Ancient Temple 黃龍古寺 (3568m) at the top.


As we were short of time, Kee Moon and Ching Neng Bin decided to walk fast and managed to reach the Huanglong Ancient Temple 黃龍古寺 (3568m) at the top of the trek in 1.5 hour and walked back immediately after taking some photos.


Lim Kee Moon at the top of the Huanglong Scenic Valley (Yellow Dragon Valley) trek in 1.5 hour.


Lim Kee Moon at the top of the Huanglong Scenic Valley (Yellow Dragon Valley) trek in 1.5 hour.


We departed at 6.30pm from the park office and arrived at Emma's Kitchen by 9.30pm for a sumptuous dinner ordered earlier by Bernard Lee and Cindy Chong. The return journey was very dangerous as the road became very icy and visibility was about only 25ft. Lily Yap had been praying for the safe journey which she did - many thanks to Lily Yap. Evening was supper and whiskey at Emma's Kitchen (Emma second from left) to celebrate our safe return.

Day 6 (25.03.2010) Songpan to Chengdu

Today is the travelling journey all the way back to Chengdu. The bus (86Y) depart Songpan at 7am for 388km hellish journey to Chengdu. The first 147km bus journey from Songpan to Chengdu was very slow driving through dirt-road with countless traffic jam, the roads were all under maintenance and upgrading due to the Sichuan earthquake in 2008. And the rest of the journey was like in hell - the driver was speeding and not obeying any traffic rules - we all moved to the back seat in case of accident. We took a record 14 hours (normally 8 hrs) to arrive at Chengdu at 9pm.

Bus ticket to Chengdu is 86Y pp
Sleeping - Traffic Inn, Std.room is 120Y for 3 person.
 

The first 147km bus journey from Songpan to Chengdu was very slow driving through dirt-road with countless traffic jam, the roads were all under maintenance and upgrading due to the Sichuan earthquake in 2008 along the Min River.


The first 147km bus journey from Songpan to Chengdu was very slow driving through dirt-road with countless traffic jam, the roads were all under maintenance and upgrading due to the Sichuan earthquake in 2008.


The first 147km bus journey from Songpan to Chengdu was very slow driving through dirt-road with countless traffic jam, the roads were all under maintenance and upgrading due to the Sichuan earthquake in 2008 along the Min River.


The first 147km bus journey from Songpan to Chengdu was very slow driving through dirt-road with countless traffic jam, the roads were all under maintenance and upgrading due to the Sichuan earthquake in 2008.


The bus journey passing through villages from Songpan to Chengdu on dirt-road with countless traffic jam.


The tractor repairing dirt-road on the journey from Songpan to Chengdu.


The tractor repairing dirt-road on the journey from Songpan to Chengdu.


The tractor repairing dirt-road on the journey from Songpan to Chengdu.


The bus journey passing through villages from Songpan to Chengdu on dirt-road with countless traffic jam.


The bus journey from Songpan to Chengdu on dirt-road along the Min River.


The bus journey passing through villages from Songpan to Chengdu on dirt-road with countless traffic jam.


The bus journey from Songpan to Chengdu on dirt-road along the Min River.


The bus journey from Songpan to Chengdu on dirt-road along the Min River.


The bus journey from Songpan to Chengdu on dirt-road along the Min River.


The beautiful view of the Shanghaizi 上海子 Lake along the road from Songpan to Chengdu.


The beautiful view of the Shanghaizi 上海子 Lake along the road from Songpan to Chengdu.


The bus journey passing through villages from Songpan to Chengdu on dirt-road along the Min River.


The bus journey passing through villages from Songpan to Chengdu on dirt-road along the Min River.


It was moderately good road down the mountain to the Min River below. And the rest of the journey from here was like in hell - the driver was speeding and not obeying any traffic rules - we all moved to the back seat in case of accident. We took a record 14 hours (normally 8 hrs) to arrive at Chengdu by 9pm.

Please take note of this while travelling in China:
  1. To wear face mask in China as it is very dusty and smoky.
  2. Never ever pay any hotel booking deposit through a 3rd party.
  3. Never ever accept any deal as proposed by tout or individual acting as agent of hotel or travel agency at airport, bus or train stations and along the road. Always go to a reputable travel agency or in hotel.
 

30 comments:

  1. The yellow beautiful flowers in the
    photos are mustard flowers. You all should go to Lijiang and Shangrila next to see the yaks, snow mountain and llama temple!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Eddy Cheong15 June, 2010

    Wow Ching!
    Thank you very much indeed for sharing the great photos of yours with us! They are superb and I highly recommend to all our readers!

    I visited those incredible places myself and your photos made me feel nostalgic. Perhaps its time I pack my backs again.....!

    Warmest Regards,
    Eddy

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thomas Fong Choon Tuck15 June, 2010

    Ching,
    Thanks for sharing the AMAZING pictures.

    Thomas Fong
    GIOD IT,CIMB Group
    Tel : 603-20848914

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anuar Shahid15 June, 2010

    "Ching...Bravo !!..life's seem wonderful to you..you are just an ardent adventurer & a challenger..u just do what u want to & go where u want to..its an adventure & its just beautiful!..well.. wish u good health, good fortune & longevity.. and may u enjoy all your adventures to come.. "
    Regards
    Anuar
    Public Bank

    ReplyDelete
  5. Tan Leoung Kien15 June, 2010

    Hi Botak Ching and Cucumber Lim! Thanks for sharing. I am in UK now (Ulu Klang) but I still can't stand the summer 'cold' and need to wear thick clothing outdoor. Looking at your pics and 'play-play' with the snow, you and cucumber must be super fit. Hope time will permit me to join you in another new adventure.
    Regards
    Tan Sri Tan Leoung Kien
    (self proclaimed)

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  6. Great scenery and nice photos ching! Tks for sharing!

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  7. wow ...all photo post very nice ...
    i hope to go too :)
    fren recommend this blog to me ,tq

    my blog is http://keidou.multiply.com

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  8. Wow! What a beautiful journey ... the photos and memories are priceless :)

    Rgds,
    Poh Choo

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  9. Kelly Hoh16 June, 2010

    Hi Ching,
    Thanks for sharing these pix wt me. I really appreciate n enjoy viewing it. Cheers....
    Regards,
    Kelly

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  10. Hi Neng Bin, Thanks for sharing. The photos are so beautiful.
    Rgds
    Margaret

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  11. MOBYA Pg.16 June, 2010

    Hi Ching,
    Nice photos.
    Thanks for sharing.

    MOBYA Pg.

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  12. Josephine Tan16 June, 2010

    Hi Ching,
    Nice pics. Thanks for sharing. The scenery is really breathtaking. I hope to join you guys one day.
    Regards,
    Jo

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  13. Yeap Hock Hin16 June, 2010

    Woh, you have been to many interesting places while I just work, work and work. I also hope to travel like you when I retire. Maybe next time you arrange a trip like that and let me know, I see when me and my wife can join u. She also like to travel.

    Very nice pictures and friends.

    Yeap
    Public Bank

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  14. Ong Ming Teck16 June, 2010

    Mr Ching,
    Very nice of you to share your traveling experience ... hope to receive more. Keep it up ....
    and take care.
    Ong Ming Teck
    Public Bank

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  15. Ling Yoke Tek16 June, 2010

    Dear Ching,
    Many thanks for sharing your adventure with me, enjoyed the picture, only wish could join you one day. Pray thank you will enjoy good health so that you can really enjoy your retirement.
    God bless you.
    Regards
    Yoke Tek

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  16. Hi! Ching,

    Thanks a million for sharing your great photos. I really envy you.
    That is what I would say, living life to the fullest.

    Looking forward to more photos from your adventures to come... heehehe

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  17. Too Teng Hoong18 June, 2010

    Neng Bin,
    Wow, you have made so many dream trips all over. All well planned and off the beaten path. Wish l was part of it. Where are your forth-coming trips? Please enlighten me. Would like very much to join/participate. l have done some simple trips myself viz:
    Backpacking, PAC hiking, Driving, Sea visits to Sabah, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China{Guangxi Hainan Guangzhou Yunnan Huangshan Xian Shanghai Beijing } Japan, Tehran, Germany, France, GB, Mauritius, Australia, Canada, US, Ecuador & Galapagos island, . . .
    My contact is 6 012 4883903
    Rgds
    TH Too

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  18. Benny Tye18 June, 2010

    Hi Ching Neng Bin,
    Looks like its a great backpacking trip. Wish I could do that when in my retirement age!..ha..ha..ha...
    Loves all your shots taken.
    Enjoy while you can
    Cheers..
    Benny

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  19. Jane Wong18 June, 2010

    Thank you for sharing your adventure with me, and I am glad to see my friend Lily Yap in the team. The scenery is awesome!! How about making an adventure trip to Nepal...?
    Jane

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  20. Richard Teoh18 June, 2010

    Dear Ching,
    Thank you for updating me with all yr latest travel adventure. I really envy you. I was in china last year too on backpack again all by myself. i will be leaving again in august/sept this year but will likely be in the southern part of china to guilin, lijiang, dali n part of shangri-la. it will be for about 12-15 days.

    Hope to hear more from you about your next coming travel plans.

    Best regards.
    Richard.

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  21. Tan Choon Lay18 June, 2010

    I have just run through your photo in recent tour and accidentally I go back to your photo of 1976 with the PAC which show you with those Terry Khoo, Pasu, Ah Beng (the two brother) and I can only recall the handsome young guy in Public bank mixing with me and Ung Soon Wah(when we both work in MPPP) in the youth park course organised by then late Mr.Wee Theow Soon.I also realise you are also my same year schoolmate in Chung Ling. And if you still can't recall who i am, just think the twin brother with the style as you (botak head). I don't know whether you still can remember those members in HRL course or not, and I am glad to see our group in these days (at our age).

    from Tan Choon Lay,
    Penang (retired this month)

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  22. Ching
    Really enjoying life ah, hope to join you on yr next adventure.


    Best wishes

    Wai Hoong
    Public Bank
    Lao PDR

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  23. Hi Ching,

    Bernard Lee directed me to your blog.

    Nice pictures with good info for fellow travellers.

    Hope to join Bernard (or you) on your trips.

    I just came back on a 24 days backpack on the Silk Road all te way to Dunhuang.

    Pity we didnt get to Xinjang.

    Gan

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  24. Thanks for sharing, its wonderful, the scenery in Sungpan is unique, hope will follow you steps soon.

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  25. Thanks for sharing, its wonderful, the scenery in Sungpan is unique, hope will follow you steps soon.

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  26. Hai Ching,
    You sure had an awesome adventure! The information is helpful for my trip to Chengdu next April! thanks
    MGTeh
    24/12/2010

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  27. wow the picture speaks. so beautiful.

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  28. hi,ching nice pict & wonderful moment.

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  29. hi,ching very nice pict & wonderfull moment.

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  30. hello sir, i really like your article. all the information you shared in this article is really useful. i have shared this article with my friends who wants to go Tibet.

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